After Merlin and Aithusa took off from the lake they headed east it wasn't long before they crossed a large stretch of water and Merlin realised they were now flying over the homeland of the Franks. They flew for the whole day and as night began to fall they landed in a forest clearing well away from human habitation. Merlin really couldn't cope with people now. He set to and lit a fire and thought back to all the camp sites he had helped to set up during his early years in Camelot. Tears once more began to fall as he remembered all the happy times with his king and the knights now all gone. Aithusa nudged Merlin and he held onto her for comfort as they slept the through the night. The next morning Merlin collected berries and roots and made himself a meal leaving Aithusa to hunt her own food. Once they had both fed themselves Merlin poured water over the fire and filled his water skin then they set of once more. They continued this way for many days with the countryside changing under them keeping well away from any sign of settlements. Although Merlin had heard of many dragons that inhabited these areas they saw no sign of any. He knew they were persecuted and hunted down so was determined to continue.
Merlin had heard of a country far to the east where there were many dragons that were still accepted by people and wanted Aithusa to live in peace and have company with the chance of a mate. He wanted to find somewhere where he could keep away from people. Knowing you were immortal was scary he didn't want to have to keep losing the people he loved. He knew that that would drive him mad. He was hoping to find somewhere he could mix with people occasionally but at the same time keep away long enough to stop him becoming too attached to anyone while he awaited Arthurs return. Even though he had no idea how long he would have to wait he felt that somehow when that time came his magic would pull him back to where he was needed.
One morning they started to fly over a spectacular landscape of forested hills and valleys unlike anything before. The hills were steep sided and shaped like dragons' teeth and covered the area as far as he could see. Merlin was later to find out the area was called Guangxi in the country of China. Aithusa began to sense the presents of other dragons. She knew they were different than herself but they where dragons just the same. Changing course slightly she began to increase her speed and flew with more purpose.
"So Aithusa we have nearly reached our destination. I wonder if these dragons have Dragon lords as well. I hope they will like us both."
Aithusa hadn't thought that they would not be liked and it worried her. Feeling muscles tensing under him, Merlin patted the dragon's side.
"Don't worry, they will love you I am sure." He consoled.
"I hope they like us both. I will not stay I will not stay anywhere we aren't welcome" Aithusa huffed.
The couple decided to land and rest before going further. Finding a clearing in a valley they settled down, Merlin again went to find something to eat. Everything looked so different, but he was careful to check with his magic before trying anything. Aithusa went exploring in some caves nearby, she soon returned to the camp site looking very excited.
"I can smell dragons in the caves but there are none there at the moment, although the caves go back a long way," Aithusa was exited. She was getting tired of constantly flying.
"I'll come with you as soon as I have had something to eat and drink; if the caves are unused we can use one as a base." Merlin quickly sorted himself out, and then followed Aithusa up to the caves. He didn't know what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this; the caverns were huge and seemed to go back forever. There were tooth like structures made of rock hanging down from the roof. Merlin has amazed at their beauty. At first they found no sign of life but after looking in several caves, Merlin called out in dragon tongue in the hope it might attract one of the local dragons. To his surprise he was successful, but they both had a shock when the dragon appeared from one of the passages that opened out at the back of the cave.
The dragon was very different than Aithusa. It was about the same size but was a reddish brown in colour. What was surprising was the lack of wings and it appeared to be wet.
"Oh! How did that happen, poor thing" cried Aithusa.
Merlin looked carefully at the dragon talking in dragon tongue in a calm voice as he did so. The Chinese dragon had its head twisted to one side and was studying both Merlin and Aithusa. After a few moments Merlin could hear it speaking in his head. He was surprised as he expected to have trouble understanding dragon speak with a dragon so far from home.
Chapter one A&C 3
"Who are you and why are you here?" the dragon's voice was commanding, and Merlin felt this chest quiver slightly, although he had no reason to be afraid.
"My name in Merlin and this is Aithusa. We have travelled far to find the dragons of the east. We mean no harm but are looking for a place to stay and for Aithusa to find others of her kind."
"I have never seen such a dragon" the dragon turned to speak to Aithusa. "You have wings like a bat. Do you fly?"
"Yes I do. I thought you had been injured and had lost your wings… No disrespect but I have never heard of a dragon without wings before."
"Stay here I will get others to meet with you, do not go further into the caves until I return" with that the dragon turned and went further into the cave.