Merlin stood proud and tall as he made to his final destination before heading back home. He had promised his father he would stop and visit the physician Gaius who had saved his father's life. Merlin smiled and let out a breath as Camelot came into view. He could go home soon... when his mission was accomplished. Merlin had to admit Camelot was a beautiful place, a beautiful city. If it weren't for the band on magic he might think about actually staying. He entered the courtyard where Uther stood and addressed the people

"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is judged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass." Merlin almost laughed at the fact Uther thought himself as a fair and just king, because the treatments he had heard of did not give the air of fairness and justness. It was quiet but the beating of the drums. Merlin's heart started to beat faster as Uther signaled for the executioner to bring the ax down. Merlin couldn't help but to flinch back and look away.

"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin!" Uther continued. Well at least Merlin knew Kilgharrah was here, one good thing on this journey in Camelot so far. Merlin turned to walk away but a cry stopped him. There was an old woman in rags that stood in the center of the crowd "There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You killed my son! But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son." She shouted pointing up at Uther. "Seize her!" Uther shouted looking worried. The old woman grabbed her necklace and her voice screeched but he knew the words. His father had told him about such words before, words of the old religion. She disappeared in the air before the guards could have a chance to get near her. Moments later everyone was acting like nothing happened. Merlin walked up to a guard standing in-front of an entry way. "Excuse me where can I find Gaius, the- the court physician."Merlin asked the guard jerked his thumb behind him to a hallway. Merlin fixed his pack as he walked down the hall to a stairwell where a sign for the court physician pointed up the stairs. Merlin trudged up slowly and knocked on the door as he opened it slowly. "Hello? Gaius?" Merlin called out softly walking further in the room. "Hello?" Merlin called out as he walked around a few tables to the center of the room. He looked up and saw a man on a small balcony with a book shelf. "Gaius." He called out. The man obviously didn't hear him so he cleared his throat. The man looked over his shoulder and fell back wards the wooden railing braking. Before Merlin could think his magic surged through him and every thing fell in slow motion. Merlin lin looked around franticly for something to brace the man's fall. His eyes locked on a bed, it moved at his will under where the man would fall. Time speed up once again and the man fell on the bed. "Wh-What did you just do?" the man shouted as he sat up right. "Erm..." Merlin started trying to think of any excuse he could. "Tell me!" the man demanded. "I-I-I have no idea what happened." Merlin stuttered. "If anyone had seen that." The man started. "Oh no- no that had nothing to do with me... that was.." Merlin continued to stutter. His father had to be wrong he just had to, this could not be the Gaius he had talked about. "I know what it was. I just want to know where it was you learned it." the man stopped him. "I didn't not really." "What do you mean not really?" "My father taught me a few things just to keep from exploding but not much." "who's your father?" The man asked. "That's why I'm here. He wanted me to help you out for a bit be fore coming home." "Who?" "Balinor." there was silence. "I was born this way, magic I mean. I think he was hoping you might be able to tell him why I'm like this. He gave me a letter." "Who are you?" the man asked. "Merlin." "Please tell me Merlin, why is a prince traveling with no guards or horses?" Gaius asked. "I wanted to see the world meet the people see how they live what they like and don't like." "Well, Right, then. You better put your bag in there if you want to stay a while." "You- you won't say anything about, erm..." Merlin gestured to the bed. "No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you." Gaius said. Merlin smiled and walked into the other room which Gaius told him to put his things.

Gaius sent Merlin to bed later that evening. When he was sure Merlin was asleep he put his glasses on and took out the letter Merlin gave him before heading to bed.

"Dear Gaius,

Twenty years ago I had come to Camelot under invitation of Uther along with every other Dragonlord. He talked of friendship and peace. What none of us planed was what he really wanted. He had us call the dragons to Camelot where they were killed. He captured Kilgharrah in the cavern under the castle then threw the rest of us in his dungeons. You saved me from a gruesome fate. After escaping I fled to my home and fell in love. He came after me but was greeted by my father's knights who kindly escorted Uther back to his kingdom and kindly, or not so kindly told him that if he returned it would be a declaration of war. Two years later the love of my life gave birth to my son but died bringing him into this world. I have raised him not only to be a prince but to be a servant to the people. Merlin is my pride and joy. He decided to journey to learn more about the people, ours on the people of other nations. I gave him this letter to give to you when h is about to end his journey in Camelot. I was hoping you could answer an unsolved mystery. Merlin was born with magic. Not a week old his toys and other possessions could be found floating in his room. I only knew enough magic to teach him as a outlet, it consisted of being able to light and extinguish candles and small fires. I know not why or how he was given this gift but I beg you, while he is in your stay. Be a guide to him. Merlin tends to find trouble easily and without much knowledge about magic and not much physical talent, much to my dismay, he is easily targeted and easily hurt. Thank you Gaius for saving my life and for keeping an eye on my boy

forever indebted,

Balinor, king of Derimma