Chapter 2 – What's Going On?

"Dragon!"

"Well, hello, young Warlock. What brings you here so early in the day?"

"I need help."

"When do you not need help? You do seem to get yourself into a lot of trouble, you know that don't you?"

Merlin sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Trouble finds me! I don't go and look for it."

The Dragon laughed. "I suppose you could say that. Now, what is it that you need of me, young warlock?"

"Something particular is happening to me. I woke drenched in sweat and I believe that I was dreaming of something, but what it was, I can't recall. Then right before coming here, I was struck with an intense headache and a since I had been there in my dream. What does it mean and how do I remember my dream?"

"What if you're not supposed to remember your dream? What happened in your dream world will be revealed to you in all due time. But, bear in mind this - a balance in this world must be kept. If the power becomes too great, you must prove yourself worthy. Now good day young warlock. I am sure you have much to do."

"Yeah. Thanks for all your help," Merlin mumbled as he trotted out of the caves and to the army. He looked at the dingy armor and then looked around the room. No one was there. He held out his hand. "Aethlo gnay," he whispered. Merlin's eyes flash gold, but nothing happens. He clears his throat and repeats the shining spell. Again, it doesn't work.

"Great! First I get that headache and now this. What else is going to happen," Merlin groaned as he shined the armor by hand. It took twice as long and didn't look nearly as good as it usually did, but it was presentable. "Now, the stalls and his horse," Merlin muttered as he went out to the stalls. "Morning, Johan!"

"Good mornin', Merlin. You don't look so good. Is anything wrong?"

Merlin shook his head. "No, nothing's wrong. I'm just tired – that's all," he replied as he started to clean out the stalls.

"I'm done with all me jobs. Do you need any help?"

"Would you mind preparing Prince Arthur's horse for a hunt? I'd be quite grateful if you did. I'm a bit behind."

"I don't mind at all. It'll be my pleasure," Johan said with a smile. He grabbed the reins of the majestic horse and led him outside to prepare him.

As usual, Merlin looked around to make sure there was no one around. There wasn't any person around and so, he held out his hand, and whispered, "Hevla torley."

Merlin backed up as the horse manure instead of levitating into the wheelbarrow (which was what was supposed to happen), it began to burn. Gulping, he held out his hand and nearly shouted, "Neh le ta ne!" It started raining inside the barn, but the fire was put out quickly and so, Merlin got to work manually mucking out the stall.

The best of the day was the hunting trip. Nothing bad happened – no evil fiends attacked, Merlin didn't disturb the animals, and Arthur seemed pleased because he actually caught a few beasts. "You go home, Merlin. You look beat."

"But, what about your supper, sire?"

"It's fine. I'll take care of it. Besides, I need you rested for tomorrow."

"What's happening tomorrow?"

"The King of Ireland is coming to try and talk peace. I need you in tip top shape!"

"Well, all right," Merlin said as he trudged off down the halls. He was struck again with the pain and he heard the words, 'He's hurt! Oh, Arthur, do something'

Merlin looked around, but there was no one around. "Something's not right," Merlin whispered. Shivering, he headed down the hall and to his home.

He plopped onto the bench and rubbed his face. Hearing Gaius clear his throat, Merlin looked up. "Oh hello, Gaius. Yes, I know I forgot to sweep the floors. I'll do it in the morning," Merlin said. His tone was flat and he sounded tired – which he was.

Gaius sat down beside Merlin. He looked him over. "What's the matter? You didn't seem well this morning and you aren't looking well right now either."

"It's nothing," Merlin whispered.

"It's not nothing, Merlin. You've been here for several months and by now, I know that expression. Tell me, what is troubling you?"

Merlin looked at Gaius. "It started this morning. I couldn't place why I woke in a jolt, but I think I had some dream. Then, twice today I had horrible headaches and my magic misfired. Once it didn't work and the other I about burned down the barn. What do you think it could be?"

"Hopefully it's nothing. You need to eat a quick bite and then get to bed," Gaius said as he pushed a bowel of stew in front of Merlin.

Merlin smiled as he ate the stew in haste. Standing, he bid his mentor good night and went to his bedroom. Stripping off his neckerchief and jacket, he fell into bed and into a light slumber. He woke a several hours later, sweating and breathing heavily. Merlin held tight to the blankets as he breathed in and out heavily. A girl's voice rang in his voice. She had screamed his name.