A New Dawn
King Uther reflected silently as he lay there. The enemy is dead, my daughters are safe, and my granddaughter stands strong. Is this the moment to let go?
Just then, Lott reappeared before him. "I told you, my old father-in-law, don't leave the hard parts for your children!"
"Nonsense, I'm King Uther," he replied weakly, managing a smile at Lott's familiar jest.
"Yes, yes, you're King Uther," Lott echoed, returning the smile. Uther's time had come, and Lott knew there was no sorrow left to share.
"Yes, and it was I who defeated Vortigern," Uther emphasized again.
"It's me who brought him down!" Lott insisted, a playful spark in his eyes.
"Can you win without my daughter?" Uther countered, feigning offence.
"According to that logic, would Adam always win alongside Eve?" Lott shot back.
"...I'm dying here; can't you show a little sorrow?" Uther gritted his teeth, though a glimmer of amusement sparkled in his eyes.
"No, because you don't want me to!" Lott grinned.
"Haha, yes, the death of the victor is something to celebrate." Uther's voice softened. "When I'm gone, find me a place to rest. And please, just dig a hole for Vortigern—no coffins or ceremonies. I don't want to be close to him in the afterlife; I'd never hear the end of it."
With that, Uther closed his eyes, a smile lingering on his lips.
Lott's smile faded. "This old father-in-law…" he murmured, lifting Uther's body gently.
At that moment, Morgan stepped forward, her brow furrowed. "My dad was tough all his life; he wouldn't accept softness even in death," she said, joining Lott in carrying Uther.
"Let's go, Lott. We should honour his wishes," she said, resolutely.
"Okay." Lott nodded, glancing back at Vortigern, now a smouldering ruin. Two kings who had battled for decades departed this world on the same day. Britain was entering a new era.
As they prepared to lay Uther to rest, Merlin appeared before them, his expression serious.
"What are you doing?" Morgan frowned at him, irritation flickering in her eyes. Merlin had always been a shadow, appearing only when necessary.
"I'm here to give the king his last farewell," Merlin replied, seemingly oblivious to their frustration.
"Like the police in a movie, arriving just in time," Lott quipped, earning a reluctant chuckle from Morgan.
"I know, I know. But how was I supposed to know what was happening here?" Merlin spread his hands in mock helplessness. "Besides, what could I do? The king was clinging to life out of sheer will. Now that vengeance is served, there's no saving him."
"Understood," Lott nodded, accepting Merlin's explanation.
But then, Lott suddenly threw a punch, landing it squarely on Merlin's cheek. "I know what you said makes sense, but I still want to hit you. Just consider it me being unreasonable."
Merlin was taken aback, unsure how to respond to Lott's sudden aggression. After the blow, Lott flexed his hand. "Alright, I've vented. What's next?"
"Nothing. I just came to see the king off. My role remains unchanged," Merlin stated flatly.
"You still refuse to change?" Lott raised an eyebrow.
"Perhaps I'm the last remnant of the old era, witnessing King Uther's life, destined to write his epic," Merlin replied before turning to leave, his figure fading into the distance.
Lott watched him go, pondering Merlin's cryptic words. What else is he planning?
Morgan, too, was lost in thought. Lott noticed her distraction and reached out to pat her shoulder. "It's okay. As long as we look after Altria, that's what matters. Let's focus on the key things instead of getting lost in complications."
"Right," Morgan agreed, finally shaking off her thoughts. She took Lott's hand, and together they walked back to the battlefield where they had fought Vortigern.
The sky above them was darkening, and when they arrived, they were met by the sight of flickering flames.
"Is that…?" Lott began, squinting into the shadows.
"No way! Who would dare disturb us here?" Morgan wondered aloud.
As they approached, they discovered it was just Gawain, now not so little, tending to a barbecue. Her once-pale face was smudged with soot, and her bright smile showcased two blackened teeth.
Beside her, Altria had awoken and was trying her hand at skewering meat, though she seemed a bit overzealous, singeing more than she cooked.
"Take it easy, Altria! You're only making things worse!" Lott called out, shaking his head in amusement.
Gawain spotted them. "Dad!" she shouted, darting toward Lott.
Morgan quickly intervened, extending her hand to stop Gawain. "Wash your face first!"
Lott couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like you've been busy!"
With laughter filling the air, the tension of the recent battle began to dissipate. They were alive, together, and celebrating the victory, just as Uther would have wanted.