The wind pounded Merlin's ears as he held Arthur with his remaining strength onto the dragon. They finally landed. The dragon carried Arthur and Merlin to the island in the centre of the lake of Albion. The wind tore at their hair but Merlin, in amongst his tears held on. They were so close. When the mighty Kilgharrah landed, the ground thundered as he fell. Merlin dragged Arthur off and looked at the great dragon who said, 'My end is near, young warlock, but I will remain for this moment. What you are about to tamper with is beyond this world, it is the fabric of this earth but if needs be I may well be able to save you.'

Merlin stared at him in awe and whispered, 'Thank you,' the great dragon nodded and grunted as he rearranged his legs from his fall. Arthur was scarcely alive but Merlin shouted, 'Hello?' Just as he was about to shout again, a small, glowing golden orb came out of the water behind them. It was a spirit of some sort, that is all Merlin could tell. It murmured in a dreamy voice, 'Welcome young warlock, Once and Future King…Dragon,' Merlin was shocked at its lack of respect for Kilgharrah; he looked at the great dragon who just shook his head. The voice continued 'How may we help you?'

'Arthur…' To which the voice replied chuckling, 'Your King is nearly gone from us, but as you should remember, the price for a life is a life.' Merlin nodded, 'You offer yours?'

Weakly Arthur whispered, 'Don't….Merlin, 'wincing, 'don't…'. Merlin replied, 'It's alright Arthur, I must protect you.' Turning his attention to the orb he said, 'I gladly give my my-'but he was cut off by a growl.

All turned to look at the dragon, even Arthur attempted to turn. The dragon said with his voice full of history, 'No Merlin, let me give what is left of my life. It is almost at an end as it is so let it be a last gift ton you. For all the time's I owe you for helping me. For example if I had destroyed Camelot, I would have had to live in regret with the hate of my master. Please Merlin.'

Merlin was about to reply but Arthur pushed his words out first, 'Why dragon?'

'Why young King? For myself. So I can pass from this world knowing I could save Merlin's life and that I did. Make no mistake Arthur Pendragon; I do not do this for you. I cannot easily forgive the mistake of your father, he imprisoned me. I was blocked from the sky for 20 years. Though you are not your father, I cannot forgive your family for destroying my race.'

To which Arthur nodded, tears in his eyes. The orb said, 'Do you accept these terms?' Merlin looked at the dragon who nodded and said, 'My final gifts to you, Merlin, are these. My body is dying, my claws and teeth are no longer part of my.' The dragon used his paw to remove an already falling tooth and used his remaining teeth to pull out a claw. Both of which he placed on the ground.

'You will find very soon that a friend will need these. He has been injured by dark magic. As a dragon, I have fought against it before and these were what I used to defend myself. Place one in each had of his and say this…' Merlin repeated. 'Good now let me pass Merlin.'

'So be it' said the orb. It murmured a long, deep spell. Merlin felt the power; it was greater than anything he had imagined. Both Arthur and Kilgharrah became surrounded by a golden mist. It suddenly disappeared in a flash of light. The golden orb had gone.

Merlin turned to see the dragon mutter, 'Thank you.' With that his body disintegrated to golden dust which was carried away by the wind into the distance. Merlin chocked out, 'Goodbye'. He heard the wind whisper, 'Arthur,' it was the dragon's voice. Merlin couldn't help but smile and so he swept up the claw and tooth and ran over to Arthur. He was happier now, feeling that he hadn't completely lost the dragon.

'MERLIN!' Arthur yelled immediately sitting up, needlessly with Merlin so close. Arthur continued but weaker now, 'Merlin?' He was scared. How could he not be? He instantly relaxed when he heard a familiar voice say in his ear, 'It's alright Arthur.' After a few deep breaths Arthur said, 'Let's go Merlin…Thank you…again.' Merlin smiled and said, 'You're welcome prat but how about we wait until Camelot?'

'Of course.'

Merlin helped Arthur to the boat and, using magic, it moved forwards seemingly at its own accord. As they reached the main land Arthur said, 'Well that was great but riding the dragon was much more fun.' He looked at Merlin who was serious for a moment before his famous lop-0sided grin came out and they both ended up laughing.

Suddenly Arthur held up his hand as a signal for Merlin to stop. He did. There was rustling in the trees and then a large figure emerged. As it moved out into the moonlight, they were met by the innocent eyes of Sir Percival. Arthur began to chuckle, with Merlin joining in. With an innocent expression Percival said, 'What?' He couldn't help but smile. His King was alive, Gwaine had not failed… Gwaine. He continued, 'I found your horses, then Morgana and finally you. We were informed that you were injured at Camlynn?'

'I was but it's a long story that must wait for Camelot.'

Percival bowed and said, 'Of course sire, I brought the horses down, and Morgana, I did not think it wise to leave her about. There were strange tracks near her, I became concerned.'

'That will also be explained in due time. You did the right thing Percival. Now then, why are you out this far?'

'Gwaine,' came the reply,' He is dead.'