I hated when they killed both Gwaine and Arthur in the last episode. It did not live up to my expectations of the series. Throughout Merlin, watchers worried over how Merlin's magic would be revealed, how Arthur would take it and whether or not magic would be legalized in Camelot. Though the series finale stands true to the original King Arthur stories, it was depressing and an utter let down. I think there should have been more conflict between Merlin and Arthur and Arthur should have lived. They cannot end the series by killing both of Merlin's best friends, it's not fulfilling. Therefore I am writing my own fan fiction with an alternate ending to the series starting with the round table discussion of what to do about Morgana's approaching army.

Gwaine

Gwaine's mind was troubled by a number of things as he made his way towards the Hall of the Round Table. For one, there was a sure battle looming on the horizon and he knew many lives would be lost.

Secondly, he had just left a heartbroken Eira In his rooms. The poor girl had just received news that her entire town had been mercilessly slaughtered by Morgana's forces and Gwaine wished he could have stayed longer to comfort her. He admired her courage, she had saved his life in the raid and she was also very beautiful.

Lastly, he had noticed something severely wrong with Merlin. While the boy tended Eira's wounds he had noticed him shivering, his skin also paler than usual, and the ever present light in Merlin's eyes was absent. Most people would have thought that Merlin was simply reacting poorly to the approaching danger and possibly the death of so many innocents but Gwaine knew better.

Though Merlin was a sensitive person, Gwaine had seen him stand strong in the face of a lot. This change in his best friend was not from the dangers that the others realized, it was deeper than that. When he had seen Merlin in the corridor, he had looked so lost and so hopeless that it chilled Gwaine to the bone. Many people counted on Merlin to be the cheery optimist in the face of everything and when Merlin looked lost Gwaine couldn't help the sense of foreboding that crept over his heart.

As Gwaine took his place at the round table he glanced again at his friend who stood away from the table but in easy hearing range. Merlin's skin has a slight sheen to it, and the already pale man had even less color in his cheeks. He shivered thought there was no chill in the air and a shiver ran down Gwaine's spine as he remembered the time when Merlin had fallen victim to the Dorocha. Though he was not a knight it annoyed Gwaine that Arthur did not include Merlin at the Round Table.

Though often viewed as an idiot, they all knew that at times Merlin could be oddly insightful and sometimes even wise. They also knew that the king and his manservant were best friends even if no one could ever get either to admit it.

When all of the knights, Guinevere, and Arthur were all assembled at the Round Table the king waved for Sir Leon to report and Gwaine was pulled out of his musings.

"A force of Saxons, sire." The eldest night reported, "They crossed our northern border last night and attacked the garrison at Stowell."

"They march under Morgana's command?" Arthur questioned. The king hid it well but Gwaine knew that his half sister's betrayal still pained him. Though the knight had not been around when Morgana had been Uther's loving ward, he knew from Merlin that Morgana had once had a good heart and that she and Arthur had acted as brother and sister long before either knew it to be true.

What puzzled Gwaine was that when he had criticized Morgana, Merlin had almost been defensive of her. Though he made it clear he was no longer a friend of Morgana, and did not condone her actions, he said that it was not completely her fault as to what she had become.

Gwaine, entered into the report. "We've no doubt about it sire," he said "It's not just men we faced, but sorcery." Out of the corner of his eye Gwaine saw Merlin flinch slightly at the word. Gwaine had his own theory as to why that was but did not voice his thoughts. He felt slightly bad for spitting out the word with such malice but Camelot's continued strife over magic enraged him; both because of the ban and the misuse of magic.

In his travels Gwaine had been many places and met many people. Though magic was outlawed and looked down upon in Camelot he had visited kingdoms in which it was often common practice alongside normal life.

"We shouldn't be surprised. She's been massing an army for weeks. Now with Stowell taken, she has a base on our northern border, which can only mean one thing."

Gwen nodded, catching on to her husband's line of thought "She means to take Camelot." Gwaine sighed inwardly, couldn't the witch think of something new to do? She could have easily taken over Cendred's kingdom but she had a very personal vendetta to make the people of Camelot miserable. Though the woman said that her war against Camelot was because of her illegitimate claim to the throne and the ban on magic, her motivation simply reeked of personal revenge and hatred. She may have started the war for the good of others but she had long since descended into madness.

Percival spoke "She's already made her first mistake." Gwaine liked the quiet knight. The two men had formed a bond since the time when Percival had first arrived with Lancelot to help take back Camelot the first time. Both, though loyal to Arthur, were foreigners and had traveled a great deal before coming to Camelot. Both had no living family.

However, Gwaine wasn't completely sure what mistake the man was referring to. Maybe the fact that the king now knew she was planning again? He didn't really think that Morgana cared whether they knew or not. He glanced again at Merlin as the boy shivered.

"We have sufficient time to prepare our defenses sire," Leon informed the king. "We can make our stand here. However great her army, the walls of Camelot will hold, the Citadel will not fall."

Looking at Arthur, Gwaine was infinitely grateful he was not king. "Perhaps. Perhaps not." Gwaine was not a leader. Before he had met Merlin and Arthur he had spent his life running from his own heritage. Even though he was now technically a noble man, he was a nobleman under Arthur, and that made all the difference. Gwaine was a man that you call a free spirit but he also needed a leader who would make decisions for the good of his people.

"We've already deserted Stowell; I will not forsake the people of this land while we take refuge here." Gwaine grimaced at the reminder of their failure to protest the people of Eira's home. There had been too many in Morgana's forces and though he regretted it he knew that if they had not retreated when they did they would not have survived the night.

Percival spoke up "But we can protect them here in Camelot itself."

It was clear that Arthur had already though a great deal about the options. He frowned "Some, but not all. Countless men, women, and children will be left behind. People I've vowed to protect."

Gwen put a comforting had on her husband's arm "You cannot save everyone Arthur. No matter how much we may wish it."

"There is a way," Arthur was using what Gwaine secretly called his daring voice because it meant they were going to do something both brave and with low chances of return. It was the tone of voice that usually made Gwaine want to jump up and down waving his hand yelling 'oh! Me, Pick me! Pick me!'. Now however, with the looming war and Merlin's 'face of impending doom' it made Gwaine want to shove everyone else in a cupboard while he defended them. "One way alone. We ensure that she never makes it this far."

For some odd reason today, Percival, of all people, seemed to be the voice of the rest of the round table. "We ride out and meet them?"

Arthur nodded solemnly and Merlin looked like a startled rabbit in the corner "Man to man."

Leon protested "But sire, Morgana commands an army of thousands." Gee, Leon, Gwaine thought we already knew that, thanks for being the voice of pessimism.

Arthur looked around the table and Gwaine knew what Arthur would do. "None the less, It is our duty as protectors of this land we cannot stand by and let our citizens be slaughtered. Those are not the values that Camelot was built on. Whatever the outcome of this battle, my sister cannot and will not desecrate those values. The war has begun."

In the council chambers Gwaine, Percival, Leon, Arthur, Gwen, and Gaius gather around a table while Merlin stands against one of the pillars. Gwaine peered along with the others at the maps on the table. He recognized the maps; they were of the White Mountains. Though he himself had avoided the barren ridges in his travels, Percival had pointed them out to him on a map when they were sharing stories and the quiet knight knew the slopes.

The king studied the maps "To reach Camelot Morgana will have no choice but to cross the White Mountains. Now, the only pass that gives passage to an army that size is here." He pointed.

Percival spoke up "I know it well, the path is surrounded by cliffs on either side."

"That's where we'll meet them. Now, we may be outnumbered but if we don't let them outflank us then we can hold the pass."

Leon was ever skeptical "How long? Morgana has no care for the lives of her men."

"She cannot supply for an army that size indefinitely. Not isolated by the mountains. If we can hold out long enough she'll be forced to retreat." Arthur looked up "Percival, at what point is the pass at its narrowest?"

Percival moved forward and pointed "Here, sire."

"What do you call this place?"

"Camlann, sire." Out of the corner of his eye Gwaine notice the small amount of color clinging to Merlin's features completely drain at the word. He was looking at Arthur like he was already dead and at his funeral. Gwaine's conclusion was that something was terribly wrong with Camlann and it would probably be better for the Princess if he never set foot there. But Gwaine also knew that there would be no swaying the king's decision.

"Then it is at Camlann that we make our stand."

Contrary to popular belief Gwaine was not unobservant. That is why when Merlin came asking for a favor he was not surprised nor did he hesitate to comply. He realized there was more on the line than even he knew and Merlin was his friend.

Merlin

Merlin paced Gaius's small chambers "I hoped never to here that name again."

"He cannot go Merlin. You will have to persuade him."

Merlin laughed ruefully "I know Arthur better than I know myself. He'll not listen."

Gaius was persistent. Merlin almost wanted to start yelling at this point and though he was usually helpful, Gaius was simply causing him more stress. "If Arthur goes to Camlann the prophecy will come true and he will die."

"This battle is the only way he knows to save his people if he's going to lose his life he'll still go."

"Then what are we to do?"

Suddenly Merlin had an idea. It was desperate but it could work and maybe he could still save Arthur. "If I can't prevent him from going then I must protect him the best I can."

"You can't protect him without your magic."

"Then I must regain my magic." Merlin felt a glimmer of hope now that he had a direction and a possibility that he may yet save his friend.

"I can't restore it. It is beyond my power." Gaius looked so sad that Merlin felt bad for him and put a comforting hand on his mentor's shoulder.

"I know. Perhaps it's beyond anyone's power. Well if there's an answer I must seek it elsewhere."

"But where?"

"The birth place of magic itself, the Crystal Cave."

"The valley of the fallen kings is crawling with bandits. Without your powers you wouldn't stand a chance," said Gaius his concern evident in his voice.

Merlin thought for a second before coming up with an answer to that problem. "Which… is why I won't be going alone."

Convincing Gwaine to accompany him to the Valley of Fallen Kings was fairly easy. Merlin's friend asked no questions though Merlin could tell he was curious. However, Merlin's mind was filled with how he was going to tell the king, his best friend, that he wasn't coming with him to Camlann. Merlin braced himself as he finished laying out all of Arthur's supplies on the table.

When the king entered Merlin stood back, hands clasped behind his back as Arthur surveyed his work.

"I think you'll find that's everything sire."

"Impressive. Very impressive, haven't seen the like before, not from you anyway." Arthur laughed slightly despite the looming danger and Merlin smiled.

"Thank you sire." Merlin rocked slightly on his heels nervously; he wasn't really sure how to tell his best friend that he wouldn't accompany him to the battle of Camlann.

"So, what're you after?" Arthur moved around the room gathering excess materials for the battle.

"After?"

"Come on Merlin you're the worst servant in the history of the world. Now suddenly this. Is it money?" He moved over to the chest by his window and riffled through the scrolls inside.

" No." Merlin shook his head looking sadly at the floor. He fought the urge to completely drop the subject but he needed to do this.

"Well it can't be that you've already won all of mine." Arthur grumbled referring to their earlier game of dice. "Time off?"

"Arthur-" the king walked back into the room and looked at Merlin holding the chosen scroll.

"No, it can't be that either you don't really do anything."

"I just wanted to make sure you had all you needed for your journey to Camlann," Arthur looked up noticing the clipped tone and use of the second person "the days ahead."

"Thank you….Merlin what do you mean my journey?"

Merlin turned to look at his king and best friend "I'm afraid I won't be coming with you…. Not his time. I'm sorry, I have an urgent errand to run for Gaius vital supplies that I cant obtain here." Merlin fought back the tears that were threatening to spill at the look of disappointment reflected in Arthur's eyes.

"Vital supplies?"

"Yes, something-"

"No, no it's fine, its fine I understand."

"Arthur-"

"You know Merlin all those jokes about you being a coward; I never really meant any of them. I always thought you were the bravest man I ever met… Guess I was wrong." Merlin felt as if he had been stabbed. He fled the room; knowing that if he stayed he would not be able to go through with the plan. Either one or both of them may die in the coming days and the last words exchanged between king and manservant would be calling Merlin a coward. Merlin dodged into an alcove as the dam finally broke and he sank to the floor silently sobbing.

Gwaine

Gwaine sat against a rock sharpening his sword for the coming battle. He was worried about Merlin. Everyone knew Merlin was rubbish with a sword but the boy had never really needed saving and almost always escaped every fight unscathed. That's why Merlin's fearful yell of his name from the grounds when they were attacked in the valley continued to haunt Gwaine. Merlin had sounded so panicked and shaken when Gwaine helped him off the ground.

That's why when Arthur advanced on the spot where Gaius and the Queen sat, Gwaine moved closer to listen to the conversation that followed. "Vital supplies."

Gaius looked up startled "Excuse me sire?"

"It's a shame Merlin didn't feel able to join us." Ah, so Gwaine was correct in his assumptions that Merlin hadn't told the king where he was going. Merlin really needed better cover stories; it was a wonder that Merlin was able to keep anything secret.

The old physician caught on to the conversation "I'm sorry sire for I must take the blame. But I cannot treat the wounded without sufficient medicine." It was obvious Gaius was covering for his ward and even Guinevere looked at the man disbelieving. "The timing is unfortunate I grant you."

"Yes, unfortunate as you say." As the king moved away Gwaine realized Arthur had come to the conclusion that his best friend had run from the fight. Gwaine started to get up to set this straight but paused when the Queen spoke.

"I'm not sure he believes you Gaius; I'm not sure I do either." She shook her head earnestly at Gaius. "I know how devoted Merlin is to Arthur; he would never leave him at a time like this. Not for a mere errand, not unless there was something else. Something he doesn't feel able to talk about."

Gaius looked in the direction Arthur had gone and leaned forward as did both Gwen and Gwaine "My lady there is something else. Something of the very greatest importance and I dearly wish I could tell you what it is, but I cannot for reasons that affect us all." Gwaine nodded. It was as he suspected. Merlin had said he was looking for something in the cave. He could only assume that he had told Gaius what it was.

"Then there is nothing more to be said, except whatever it is I wish him luck."

Gwaine was not surprised when later Arthur approached him. "Where did you take Merlin?" The king spoke with an air of indifference but Gwaine could hear the undertone of a command. He had obviously seen Gwaine and Merlin leaving the citadel on horseback and didn't believe the story Merlin had presented him with.

"The Valley of the Fallen Kings, sire." Arthur furrowed his brow.

"Why?" Gwaine paused. He wondered how much information he should disclose. He'd just repeat what Merlin had told him.

"He said he was looking for something. Something important." Gwaine decide to back up Merlin's story, "There are some plants in the valley that can't be found elsewhere." Arthur glared at Gwaine, catching on that he was purposely supporting Merlin. The king turned to go and Gwaine called after him "Merlin's no coward and you know it. He'd be here if he could."

Arthur turned back and for a second Gwaine caught a glimpse of vulnerability that was quickly wiped from the king's features. "Then why isn't he?"

"There's something at work here. That neither you nor I completely understand yet. Just… don't be so quick to judge Merlin. He's you're friend and loyal to the core."

Gwaine stared up at the jagged cliffs that surrounded the valley of rock and sand. Arthur gazed upon the valley clearly imagining the battle that would soon take place between the great slopes of rock. "This is it, Camlann. The fate of the kingdom will be decided here; we'll make camp take our positions."

"This is a death trap, sire." Gwaine had to agree with Leon. Sir Pessimist sure had a point; there was no way of escape, once in you had to win to get out.

"That's the idea."

"Morgana will have no means of escape, but neither will we." Gwaine needed a dose of Merlin's ever optimistic sunshine. The sense of dread was thick in the air and Gwaine knew he had had good reason to avoid this place.

"This is our only chance. It ends here Leon. Be it life or death; it ends here."

Merlin

Merlin's eyes fluttered. His whole body ached and he was covered in dust and his own blood. He had finally gotten to the Crystal Cave but where was he to go from here? Arthur was going to face his death in Camlann and at that moment Merlin would have done anything to be at his side.

A familiar vice startled Merlin out of his reverie "Merlin."

Merlin turned his head to gaze at the figure that had appeared in the cave. "Will?"

Merlin's childhood friend looked at down at him "Hey Merl."

"Are you here? Are you real?"

Will sat down next to him cross legged "Well I guess I'm dead…" He tried to poke Merlin and his hand went through him. "And I sure don't feel very alive, but yeah I guess I'm real." He frowned down at Merlin "What sort of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time? You look god awful!"

Merlin chuckled weakly but made no move to get up, he was pretty sure a couple of hs ribs were broken. "Do you remember Morgana?"

Will furrowed his brow "Yeah, really pretty, good with a sword, came with you from Camelot?"

"Yeah, her. I turned out she had magic and eventually she turned evil with hatred and started killing people to get the thrown of Camelot."

"Well that sucks." Will huffed.

"Tell me about it. Now she's waged war on Camelot and trapped me in this cave without my magic."

"Without Your Magic!" Will's eyes bulged "How the hell did she manage that!?"

"Some weird slug thing she put under my bed. Now she's going to win and kill Arthur."

"Merlin, are you listening to yourself?! I died for that guy and you would have given you're life for that prat and Camelot. Now you're just going to lie down and give up?!"

"Actually I passed out," Will looked at him incredulous.

"Merlin?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up."

"I have no reason to go on. The battle is already; over Morgana has won."

"Only if you accept defeat; but if you fight, if you let hope into your heart, Morgana cannot be victorious." The two boys looked at eachother.

"That was creepy. Don't try to be all philosophical."

"That's good with me." Will shrugged "But seriously Merlin? You're acting all mopey when you should be doing something about it.

"What hope is there without my magic?" Merlin felt the ache deep in his bones. A desperate need for something he had lost.

"Merl, You always knew that your magic what as a part of you as your inability to walk an a flat surface without tripping, you cannot lose what you are."

"But how do I find myself again?"

"Believe in yourself Merlin. Believe what your heart knows to be true." The words echoed in Merlin's memory. He was overcome by exhaustion and listened to his friend's words as he let himself drift off.

"Seriously? You just fainted like a little girl, Merl."

Arthur

Arthur's mind was plagued with worry as he sat contemplating the upcoming battle. Besides the battle he thought of Merlin. He knew Merlin had not gone to gather herbs for Gaius; in times past Merlin had shirked from all duties to be at Arthur's side. He had meant what he said; he had always believed Merlin to be brave despite berating him about being a coward. But now, when Arthur needed him most, Merlin had abandoned him. Merlin running from a fight went against everything Arthur had ever believed about his best friend. And yet he had run.

Arthur worried, If they, he made a mistake in this battle Morgana would cut his army down. He could fail, dooming all of Camelot to his half-sister's vindictive rule. Not only that, but the power of the two armies was unbalanced. Morgana's had sorcery on their side and that was sure to be and advantage. They could have made their stand from Camelot and the walls may have held. What if he had doomed his men and Camelot by taking the battle to Camlann.

Guinevere leant on the tent pole and smiled lovingly. Arthur looked at her and made an effort to return her smile but his stress and worry must have shown through because she moved closed concern etched in her face. "What is it?" she asked.

Arthur sighed "What if Sir Leon was right; perhaps we should have made our stand at Camelot."

Guinevere shook her head, "Your plan is brave, and bold, and our only chance at defeating Morgana once and for all. Yes, we could have held out in the citadel but for how long? And at what cost to the kingdom? I have never for a moment doubted the wisdom and valor of this choice."

However worried he was for her safety, Arthur was glad Guinevere had come with them. "If you do not doubt me Guinevere then I do not doubt myself." Arthur stood and left his papers and charts for the upcoming battle "That gives me a strength greater than any weapon." They shared a tender kiss and embrace.

"Come" she said quietly "we must rest while we can." Arthur swept his wife off the ground causing a quiet giggle and carried her to their bed.

Merlin

Merlin woke once more in the crystal cave. He felt refreshed and strong, filled with life and power. As he sat up he raised a hand to the bridge of his nose where a cut had been previously. The cut was healed and the blood gone.

Merlin knelt hope fluttering in his chest. Merlin whispered to his cupped hands, eyes flashing gold "Gewyrc an lif". Cautiously Merlin opened his hands and grinned as the turquoise butterfly escaped through his finders.

Will snorted "You always were a girl Merl. Seriously, you get back you magic and you make a butterfly?"

Merlin stuck his tongue out at his old friend. Will waved his hand at the crystals "Get on with it."

Merlin sprang to his feet and turned to a crystal. The images flashed unbidden before his eyes until, he got them under control. They showed a large group of Morgana's soldiers making their way towards Camelot's army's flank. "Arthur where are you?" He was finally able to focus on Arthur and Guinevere in their tent sound asleep.

He leant forward with new intensity and spoke to the sleeping figure on the bed. "Arthur. Arthur, I'm sorry I had to leave you, I didn't want to. I hope one day you'll understand why. Your plan is a good one and you may yet save this kingdom but you must beware your army's flank is vulnerable. There's an old path over the ridge of Camlann. Morgana knows of it; she means to trap you Arthur. Find the path or the battle will be over before its begun, find the path."

Arthur woke with a start. He lifted his head as what had been said came back to him.

His movements woke Gwen "What's the matter?"

"Merlin."

Gwen rubbed her husband's chest soothingly "It was a dream Arthur; just a dream."

"It didn't feel like a dream, it felt…" Arthur jumped out of bed changing quickly into his clothes and rushing out of the tent.

"Arthur!" Gwen yelled fearfully after him.

Leon noticed Arthur coming out of the tent "Sire! Our scouts report that Morgana's army is on the move."

"She'll attack before the night is done. Tell the men to prepare."

Leon nodded quickly "Yes sire."

"Percival! Gwaine! Take a patrol of men to the rear of us you're looking for a hidden bath leading into the mountains. She means to outflank us we must stop her now."

Arthur looked at the men he was leading into battle knowing many would never return home.

"Tonight...We do battle. Tonight we end this war. We end a war as old as the land itself; war against tyranny, greed, spite. Not all will greet the dawn, some will live, some will die; but each and every one of you fights with honor, and with pride. But not only do we fight for our lives, we fight for the future; the future of Camelot, the future of Albion. The future of the united kingdoms." Arthur raised Elixcabur above his head in a salute "For the love of Camelot!"

Camelot's army raised their swords in response to their king "FOR THE LOVE OF CAMELOT!"

Merlin pulled away from the crystal, pride in his eyes. He turned back to Will "Thanks Will. Thank you for everything you did for me. For being my friend and for saving Arthur. "

"I only helped a little. It was hard not to like the big eared kid you were back then. I always knew you'd grow up to do great things Merl. "

"I owe the person I have become to you and my mum. I would have crumbled without you."

Will assumed a 'wise' expression "Your journey has only just begun; you wield a power you cannot yet conceive of. The battle has yet to begin and you will be needed before it is through. There still may yet be a way to save your king but you must learn to trust Merlin. I must go now but heed what you have learned." He gazed into the heart of the Crystal Cave "Do not be afraid. Trust in what you are; trust in what will be." Will's serious facade broke and he howled with laughter. "I got to do the spooky voice thing!"

Will turned to leave "Bye Will."

Will paused and looked back at his friend "I'll always be around Merlin even when you can't see me. You carry the people you have lost in your heart." With those words Will turned and disappeared into the light of the Crystal Cave.

Merlin turned back towards the crystals; there was one more thing he needed. He needed to prevent a prophecy, the one way he could possibly think to do that would be to watch the moment beforehand and intervene at the last possible second. Merlin peered intently into the crystal and fast forwarded through the battle until he could see Mordred. He watched with apprehension as Mordred confronted Arthur before running him through while Arthur stood too stunned by the turn of events. It was the end of the battle and Arthur was struck down by one he had counted as a trusted friend.

Merlin pulled away, wiping away the tears that had sprung to his eyes as he viewed his best friends last moments. At that moment something caught Merlin's attention. In the heart of the crystal cave stood a staff. It was carved from what Merlin judged to be the same as that of the Tree of Life but radiated a different type of magic. In his heart Merlin knew that it had been made for one purpose, one battle, and one use: Camlann.

Pulling it from the earth, he realized it would also come in handy as a walking stick. He chanted the ageing spell, now familiar to his tongue, "Miht dagan, beþecce me. Adeadaþ þisne gast min freondum ond min feondum." He felt the spell take effect and, using the staff, made his way towards the exit.

Arthur

The battle raged on and Arthur grew tired. His men were dying around him and Morgana's army kept coming. They were severely outnumbered and as Arthur turned to face another row of Saxons he realized that without help they were going to fall at Camlann.

Just as Arthur was about to engage the oncoming Saxons there was a flash f light and they were thrown back. He turned to face a second row rushing at his back but they too, where thrown back with a flash of light and a sickening crack as they slammed into the ground.

Arthur paused in confusion and looked up. What he saw made him stare in awe and even more confusion. A man stood on the ridge holding a white staff; his white hair and red robe blowing in the wind around him. As Arthur paused to watch the man continued to destroy the Saxon army.

Morgana's scream of rage was heard "EMRYS"! With another thrust of the sorcerer's staff Morgana was thrown from her perch above the battlement and landed among the fallen.

A Fearsome roars shook the very earth and Arthur stared in dread as the white dragon dove towards his men spewing fire. No this can't be happening; Arthur thought the dragons are extinct. With a dragon on her side, Arthur knew that even the old stranger's odd interventions would not save them.

As the dragon turned to dive one more the old man turned towards it and roared out a strange language. Arthur gasped a dragon lord how was that even possible? The dragon stopped and an angry roar erupted from it as it was forced to fly away from the battle.

Arthur's warrior instincts kicked in and he turned and looked around. The Saxons were in retreat and with one last glance at the sorcerer, he raised his sword.

"On me!" he yelled and charged the fleeing army, his men following as the old man continued to take out foes.

Merlin

As the battle came to a close Merlin realized that the time of his vision would be soon. He climbed down the slope, picking his way among the dead as he searched for the location.

As he looked for survivors along the way, something caught his attention; or rather, someone. She lay in the dirt, he black dress covered in blood and dark hair matted and tangled. Her body was crumpled into an unnatural shape from her fall but her eyes showed awareness through the pain.

As he approached, she reached out a feeble hand, shaking with her whispered plea "Emrys…"

Merlin was overcome with grief. They were surrounded by death and destruction and Merlin grieved for the woman he had once known. He gestured to the bodies that surrounded them. "Is this really what you wanted Morgana? You chose a path of hate and death Morgana, when you could have chosen forgiveness and life." The tears welled in his eyes "I blame myself for what you have become but it was also you own doing. You sought to bring peace through war, life through death, even love through hate. You have no one Morgana and nothing to show for the life you could have had."

As Merlin looked down upon her broken, crumbled body he realized she truly was a pitiful sight. She was the broken shell of the brave, selfless woman she had once been. He knew that if she had not felt hated by all those she cared about she would not have turned to hatred herself. He wished she could start again; a second chance. That was it! With a jolt to his heart Merlin realized he could do that. He could give her a fresh start, a chance to love and be loved.

Morgana gasped in pain as he knelt and cradled her broken form in his old arms. He closed his eyes and began to chant "converterent annis restituere innocentiae quae amissa est answern fractos placito pro a Secundo casus non pro me sed pro quis fuerit amisit in tenebris Odii!" Morgana whimpered, sensing the web of magic being woven around them. Merlin opened his eyes as they flashed gold and a shiver ran through Morgana.

Merlin watched, hope blooming in his heart, as Morgana's bones knitted themselves back together as they shrank, her skin softening and her hair becoming shorter. Her eyes rolled back as the memories and darkness fled, leaving her with the innocence and unblemished purity of a child.

As Merlin held the baby in his arms he wept. The tears spilled from his eyes as Morgana was given a second chance; a chance to be loved.

Merlin staggered to his feet, clutching Morgana in one hand and staff in the other. He continued through the field of bodies, in his persistent search for his king.

Arthur

Arthur searched for life among the fallen. They had won the battle and were left baffled at the unexpected help they had received that had turned the tide of the fighting in their favor.

As s fallen knight raised his hand in a plea to his king Arthur rushed to his side. Arthur watched in pain as the man gasped one, final, shaking breath before going still. Arthur bowed his head in respect to his fallen comrade. Many good men had died but many more would be given the privilege to return to their homes and loved ones.

Arthur was pulled out of his reverie by a sound behind him. Arthur listened motionless with hunter's ears as the footsteps approached menacingly at his back. With disgust Arthur wondered what type of coward would pick off men who grieved the dead after the battle had been lost.

In one swift motion the king spun, springing to his feet, and clashing blades with his foe. As their swords crossed Arthur froze in trepidation; his attacker was Mordred.

Mordred, the young druid boy he had saved from the pyre, his former knight, and his friend.

The boy's eyes were filled with hate now, cold and dead, a hollow carcass of the bright child he had once been. Arthur had no time to react as Mordred plunged his sword towards the kings gut and knew he was about to die. He heard a shout, and a strong force smashed into his side, throwing him from the path of the sword.

Arthur looked up in horror at the man who stood in his place; the sword plunged in his midriff as Mordred gasped in astonishment "Emrys!"