So here is the sequel, as promised. I had trouble finding a cut off point so sorry about the length. I just didn't want to jump into all the action just yet. Hope you enjoy!
Merlin was breathing heavily, sweat pouring down his face. The sun was high in the sky and beating down on his back. It was time to shift to the next lesson, but first he needed to finish this fight.
"Wow Merlin, you are really getting good at this." Arthur said.
"I know," he replied with a laugh. "I didn't think that it was possible either." He swung the sword at Arthur again. Arthur moved to parry the attack but Merlin changed the angle of his sword and brought it to Arthur's neck. He was ecstatic; after all it was the first time since his training had begun a month ago that he had managed to do it. Arthur however just looked irritated.
Merlin sheathed the sword and backed up. "What's the matter?"
Arthur shook his head. "You used magic."
"No I didn't!" The whole point of this training was that Merlin would be able to handle a sword without the use of magic.
Arthur sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Merlin, your eyes glowed."
"Oh." He thought back, trying to figure out what he had unconsciously done. "I think I might have slowed down time."
"Whatever, it's okay." Arthur said. "You can clearly handle yourself, even if you can't quite beat me yet.
"I never thought you would say those words about me with a sword." Merlin said, laughing.
Arthur chuckled. "I never thought I would either."
"It's your turn." Merlin said, glancing at the sun again for the time of day.
Arthur groaned. "Do I have to?" despite his words, he was smiling.
"Now Arthur, I know you don't like it but you must study your magic." Merlin, chastised, waging a finger at the king. He too was smiling though. Arthur loved the lessons Merlin was giving him on magic. He smiled a bit wider. He is going to love today's lesson. "Go saddle your horse Arthur. We are going into the forest today."
At this news Arthur's smile faded. "Not another lesson on herbs!"
Merlin scowled. "Do I look like Gaius to you? You will enjoy this, I promise."
Arthur perked up at this. "Good."
They walked to the stables to find two horses already prepared for the outing. Merlin had asked a servant to get them ready earlier but hadn't really expected it to be done. It had been a month since Camelot had found out who and what he was but he wasn't yet used to his increased stature and power.
They mounted the horses and rode out of the city. Merlin was half surprised that they were allowed to leave-the new king accompanied only by a powerful sorcerer. He found it hard to believe that he was trusted so, but Arthur had made sure that he was treated with respect.
Merlin led the way and ignored Arthur's questions about what they were going to do. Finally they reached the clearing he was looking for. "We're here," he announced.
Arthur glanced around than said "Wait, this is…"
He was cut off by the roar of words that came from Merlin's throat. He jumped in surprise and his skin crawled. Merlin finished and smiled at him.
"What…was that?"
"Today you will be learning about dragons and dragonlords." Merlin explained, still smiling.
"Than that was…"
"Me calling the dragon? Yes."
"That was creepy." Arthur said with a nervous smile.
Merlin looked sheepish. "Sorry."
There was a loud flapping of wings and the pair looked up to see the dragon approach and land in the clearing.
"Hello young warlock, young Pendragon." The dragon said in greeting.
Arthur had to resist the childish urge to jump up and down shouting "You can talk! You can talk!" You already knew that from last time. He reminded himself.
"It's good to see you Kilgarah, especially with how short our meeting was last time." Merlin smiled at the memory.
Kilgarah chuckled as well. "The looks on the witches' faces were quite humorous." He now turned his attention to Arthur. "So my king, are you ready to learn all about my kind?"
Arthur couldn't speak so he settled upon a nod.
"You had both best sit down. This will be a long story."
…
It was hours later when Kilgarah had decided they had heard enough for one day. "Before I leave do you have any questions young Pendragon?"
Arthur, who during the entire story had sat speechless in amazement, was staring at the ground like it was the most interesting thing he had ever seen. "I don't have any questions. However I do have a request…of both of you."
Merlin was curious. "What is it Arthur?"
"It's just…" he hesitated, "I have never seen a fight where both sides have magic. What happened a month ago with the attack on Camelot could hardly be called a fight, since you were so much stronger. I was wondering if you, if you don't mind, could fight so I could watch?"
Merlin smiled broadly. "I'm fine with it. It would give me some much needed practice. Kilgarah?"
In answer he stood up and breathed fire at Merlin. Merlin swung up a barrier just in time and jumped to the side to avoid the flames. He gave a smirk that on some level terrified Arthur, though he shoved the feeling down. "Now it's on!"