Albion's Coin

Arthur Pendragon opened his eyes. Laying on a bed role, cushions were placed comfortably around him. Arthur stayed there for a few moments, feeling at peace. "Merlin!" Arthur quickly sat up as the word left his lips. Memory took hold of those last few days with the former manservant. Arthur inspected his surroundings. He was confined in a small tent, there were no other furnishings besides the pillows. Lastly, a simple white shirt hung loosely off him, with brown trousers instead of the armor he last wore. Looking about, Arthur was confined in a small tent. There were no other furnishings besides the pillows. Trying to figure out how he got there, a woman walked in, pushing aside the tent flap. She bowed in respect. "Welcome Arthur Pendragon. You have been asleep for a long time, Camelot will need your return." The woman had black hair that fell down to her shoulders, and held wise brown eyes. She wore a laced red dress that flowed gracefully when she walked. It seemed strangely familiar.

"Where am I?" Arthur asked her.

"This place, is called Avalon. You were gravely wounded by the druid Mordred. Very nearly beyond saving. This is the vail between the world of the living. and the dead. Arthur Pendragon, fate has chosen you to be the bringer of Albion. High ruler of the five kingdoms; united together for a time of peace, and prosperity. Alongside one other."

"Who?"

The woman smiled "can you not guess?" Arthur was about to respond no, when his eyes grew wide with realization. "Merlin?" She nodded in answer. "Yes. There is a great prophesy between you two. There will never be another king like you Arthur Pendragon. Merlin has been your protector ever since he set foot in Camelot. In attempt to achieve this future, Merlin has suffered greatly for your defense, and lost many loved ones." Arthur noticed her eyes growing burdened after that last statement. As quickly as it came, the women's eyes changed again, he could have imagined it. The only death Arthur knew Merlin suffered was of his childhood friend, Will. If there were others, Arthur felt saddened Merlin had not confided in him. Still, the unnamed women was asking something he could not give.

"If I allow magic to be used freely, it will be on rampage destroying the innocent" Arthur replied.

"That is your father speaking. You have only known magic as evil and corruptive. This is not true. Magic holds no evil, only in the hearts of men. Come, there is something I must show you."

"Wait!" Arthur exclaimed before she exited the tent. "I don't even know your name." The women turned back, a gentle smile across her face.

"Freya, my name is Freya."