The tall figure was sitting on the bench, alone in the cold. With shining blue eyes, he looked out over the lake to the island in the middle. This is where he had been for the past 3,000 years and this is where he had always been. This is where he had lost his friend, and this is where he would wait until Arthur returned.

"Hello Merlin," the second tall figure said as he sat down.

"Doctor," Merlin responding, not even having to look at the man to know who he was. "It's been a long time."

"Yes, I suppose it has."

They sat together in companionable silence until Merlin said. "How can I help you?"

"Can't I just be here to visit an old friend."

At this, merlin turned a questioning face towards the TimeLord. The Doctor sighed.

"Can you still see the path ahead?"

"Yes."

"Am I going to die?" The Doctor started to sound scared and nervous.

"We all die in the end." Was the only response, "Even you. Even me."

"But is it going to be soon?" The Doctor clarified.

Merlin sighed and raised his hands towards the Doctor. His face was screwed in concentration and his eyes went in and out of focus.

"When you here him knock four times," He stated, his voice sounding eerie. "You will die and a new man will walk away."

He dropped his arms and his eyes snapped back to the Doctor.

"But you already knew that didn't you," the warlock observed.

The Doctor nodded solemnly. "Just wanted to make sure from a source I trusted."

Merlin didn't respond, but turned back to the lake.

"Can't you see when he will return?" the Doctor asked.

Merlin shook his head. "Doctor," he sounded old, frail, even though his body retained its youth. "I'm starting to loose hope. It's been 3,000 years and Arthur has not returned. I don't know what to do."

"He will return, it has been prophesized, " the Doctor replied. "Arthur is what you've been living for the past 3,000 years. Just find something to rejuvenate your hope."

"But what can do that?" Merlin was desperate. His voice cracked.

"Has the Pendragon line died out?"

"No."

"Then there's your hope. Your job, until Arthur returns, is to protect the Pendragon line. Make sure it continues."

"Thank you, Doctor." Merlin replied. For he had made a resolution: the very next day, he would visit the last Pendragon heir and protect her with his life.

"Her name is Amelia Pond," Merlin said a few moments later.

"Whose?"

"The last Pendragon heir," the DragonLord clarified, "Her name is Amelia Pond."