Prologue

With the bare trees clashing their arms above his head, Merlin ran desperately through the forest. He knew he had not long before Arthur would notice his absence. She did not have long either. He could sense it. Tapping into his magic, he could feel her pain, her body weakening. Indeed, time was limited. He must act with haste.

Forcing his way towards the edge of the forest, Merlin found himself out in the open, the sun slowly on its way down. He pondered over exactly how he had to do this. He was a dragon lord so this should be simple. The young warlock closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind. He knew his magic might not be strong enough. Only one creature wielded the power he needed. Fortunately for him, he was just the one who can harvest this power as the one and only lord over these feared creatures, the dragons.

"Aithusa," Merlin breathed, his eyes sealed shut.

Once he opened his eyes, they fell upon the very creature he had rescued, the white dragon. Aithusa had grown since he and Merlin last met, now almost as tall as the wizard himself.

The dragon bowed. "What have you summoned me for, Master?"

Merlin took a moment to think of what he was doing. He thought of the people of Camelot who had recently suffered greatly. He thought of Arthur, and his newly crowned queen, Gwen, who still remained a dear friend of Merlin. What would they say if they saw him now and knew what he intended to do? They would see him as a traitor, but they did not understand. Even Merlin himself did not fully understand. His mind agreed with his king. His heart… it was his heart that said otherwise. Something inside him told Merlin that what he was about to do would be okay, even if it seemed wrong at the moment.

She is the darkness to your light, a voice reminded him.

Merlin shook his head. It did not matter now.

She is the hatred to your love.

It was not always like that. Merlin reflected to a time before.

"What is it you wish for me to do?" the little dragon asked once again.

Merlin looked in to the Aithusa's piercing eyes and took in a gulp. This was it. Once he uttered this command there would be no going back.

As the premature dragon continued to gaze upon his master, waiting for his command, Merlin took in a deep breath before letting out his hushed words, "Save her."