Chapter 1

Merlin stood by the ashes of the funeral pyre, the remains of the fire that burned her mother's remains. Hunith had died from an unknown disease, and Merlin just barely made it in time to see her.

~Flashback~

Merlin burst through the doors of her old home, her bag full of medicines from Gaius. As she reached her mother's bed, the older woman grabbed her hand.

"Merlin. Please… listen to me… your father…" her voice raspy and broken.

"I know mother. I met him… but… bandits killed him. I should have told you. I'm sorry." Tears ran down Merlins cheeks.

"I'm glad… you should know this… your father had a brother… in this country called… Alagaësia… his name is Brom… find him… he is your family."

"Yes, mother. I love you!" Hunith smiled at this.

"And I love you even more… my dear girl. I am proud of you… I will always be… I forgive you… for all mistakes… you have ever… made. Now… I can see my… dear Balinor again… thank you… my dear little Merlin." With that, Hunith released her last breath, and fell into eternal sleep with a smile on her face.

~Flashback over~

As Merlin arrived back in Camelot, her mind was already set. If her father had a brother, then maybe, just maybe, she wasn't the last of her kind. When she came into Gaius chambers, he was already waiting for her, with a bowl of stew in his hand. As they sat down, she could see that he knew what was on her mind. Well, almost.

"Did you get to see you mother?" he asked gently.

"Yes. I did. She told me that my father had a brother in another country. That he is my last family. I'm considering going to look for him. At least to tell him that his brother passed away." She said sadly.

"What country?"

"Alagaësia, where ever that is." He raised his eyebrows.

"Merlin you should know this; Alagaësia is a kingdom of magic. Dragons live there. The last King was a tyrant, and he only was overthrown about the same time Uther died. So if you do go, promise me to be careful."

"…"

"Merlin? Are you alright?" Gaius asked, concerned for his ward.

"I'm going."

Gaius was shocked to hear her decide so quickly. But she was Merlin after all.

"Not only do I have family, but I have Kin as well. And magic is not illegal. I have decided. I leave tomorrow night. Then I have time to say goodbye."