Year 492 A.D.

Uther Pendragon sat in his bed across from Merlin in his private quarters. He was wearing baggy white clothes and had a long beard that emphasized his age. He looked to be about fifty years old and truly tired from the look in his eyes. His height was roughly a hundred and fifty centimeters and his decrepit body made him look even shorter. Sickly could be used to describe him but it wouldn’t do enough justice. The wrinkles along his body showed the lack of muscle left on his bones. It was a miracle that he could even move.

Merlin on the other hand looked full of life and barely out of his twenties. He had shoulder length hazel hair and a chiseled clean shaven face. Unlike the king, he was wearing a loose fitted robe that would normally have been considered nightly attire. Uther gave him a wry smile before taking a weak sigh.

“How much longer do I have, Merlin?” Uther asked.

“About a month, my Lord.” Merlin replied solemnly.

“Then I want you to prepare my throne for the next heir. The day of my death, I would like you to hold a festival for any to partake in.” Uther said between breaths.

“It shall be done. Your son shall be a great king.”

“Ha, you humor me. You and I both know that child isn’t my son.”

“You would really deny him the throne? We have raised him for that purpose, even if he is not your son.” Merlin replied with concern written all over his face.

“You know that the only true blood I have left is with that Coven of Witches to the east. He shall be King.” Uther coughed out.

“Did you plan to do that from the beginning?”

“He will be a good King with a better understanding of our neighbors than I. Maybe he can achieve the peace I failed to create?” Uther stated with a smile.

“How will I bring this to the court? They would be furious if they found out I hid a bastard child from them, even if it was at your request!” Merlin complained.

“My sword… it was crafted by your wife for only one of my blood to carry and for you to transfer it if needed. The court knows this. If you were to hold a show of faith for the kingdom then my true son shall be named king. Please, do this, for me? Not as your King but as your friend.” Uther said as he grabbed Merlin’s hand firmly.

“I… Will make preparations.” Merlin replied before standing up and walking out of the King’s chambers.

Walking down the stone hallways that were dimly lit by torches along the walls, Merlin scowled at the King’s wish. He wasn’t against it, nor was he partially angry with his decision. Rather, he was annoyed that he left him to do it rather than doing it himself. The old man just had to die and leave behind all of his problems on him.

“That old fool. I hate that I can’t deny him his final wish. Why did I have to become his friend?” Merlin murmured to himself as he walked. He couldn’t help but smile though as he loved the fact that Uther always had a plan for something bigger. Merlin was just stuck in the moment so he was always glad when he was near people who could see beyond that.

“Bring me Uther’s sword!” Merlin yelled as he entered the throne room. A servant boy quickly ran off to fetch it as some of the members of the court began flocking near him to see why. The throne room was a large rectangular room with doors on every side. Two wooden thrones sat at the end of the room with several smaller wooden chairs beside them. A giant glass window was above the thrones giving a perfect view of the moon that illuminated the room. Along the walls were several tapestry banners that hung from the ceiling and displayed several different colors.

“What are you doing Merlin?” one of the older members of the court asked.

“Uther is dying. He has requested that his heir be chosen upon his death using his sword.” Merlin stated for them all to hear.

“But he only has one son! Choosing an heir will not be difficult.” one of the members of the court said.

“It was the will of the King! If you do not trust me then please discuss it with the King.” Merlin said as the servant brought the sword in its sheath.

“What are you planning on doing?” one of them asked.

“You will see once the King has passed on.” Merlin said as he drew the sword, Caliburn. Lightning emanated from the blade in small streaks that caused those around Merlin to become fearful for their lives. The blade shone a vibrant gold even in the moonlit room that would make you think it was meant to be carried by an angel.

“From this blade this whole Kingdom was created, so shall this blade be held by this Kingdom!” Merlin yelled as he stabbed the blade into a crack in the stone floor. The blade fused to the stone and a small inscription carved itself into the floor reading: “Whomever shall remove the sword from the stone shall be the true King of Camelot''

“Merlin, what have you done?” Much of the court asked in confusion.

“The true heir shall be chosen by the sword. This is the word of the King you have sworn to serve. If any deny this then they shall be named a traitor!” Merlin stated to the court. None of them said anything in response as they knew that the wrath of Merlin was not to be trifled with.

“We do as the King commands!” They all said in unison as they bowed down. Merlin couldn’t help but scoff at their lack of backbone.