JG: Well...here's the next part of The Dragon's Call!

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Now with out further ado...Allons-y!

Disclaimer: JelloGirl323 does not own Merlin nor Doctor Who. *sigh*

Gaius sat down at his table heavily. He was deep in thought thinking of his sister and her son. Rubbing his eyes he looked again at the letter that was set in front of him. Wrinkled and ripped the letter had the well worn look of one that had been read again and again.
'Dear Gaius,
I'm sorry for bothering you, but I don't know who to turn to. You see something terrible has happened. My son, Merlin is gone. I don't have any idea where he has gone nor if he is safe. All I know is that one minute he was there, giggling and smiling at me all innocent and then he was surrounded by this golden glow. I nearly had time to scream before...before he just disappeared. I...my little baby is gone Gaius! Gone somewhere I cannot follow. I...I just don't know what to do. Help me Gaius, help me find my baby.
With love,
Hunith.

-:-

Merlin was still trying to find his dad, but as he had no clue where exactly to look, he ended up wandering around aimlessly. Consequently he didn't realize how dark it had become, nor how quiet also. He headed towards the gates but noticed that they were closed for the night. Biting his lip he looked around wondering what it was he could do. He couldn't just blast the doors open, as that would draw attention.
Feeling in his pockets he frowned when he noticed that he didn't have his sonic screwdriver with him.
Grumbling at his lack of preparedness, he ran a hand through his hair.

"Merlin? What are you doing here?" A voice brought him out of his musings. He jumped and looked over to find Gaius staring at him.

"Oh! Gaius, you startled me." Merlin said with a sheepish smile. "I was heading back to where we, that is my father and I, set up camp...but the gates are locked and it looks like I'm now stuck here."

"Well my boy," Gaius said after a moment's pause. "You can come and stay the night with me. I have an extra room that is currently not being used."

Merlin blinked then started to protest. "No, no I couldn't. I don't want to be a bother."

"Nonsense." Gaius smiled at him warmly. "It wouldn't be a bother at all."

Taking another look at the darkening skies Merlin bit his lip then nodded. "Well if you are sure..." He mumbled then followed the physician to his quarters.
Once there he looked around and noticed that the broken wood had been cleaned up and the bed put back into place. Smiling faintly at how 'homey' it was and thinking of what his father would say about humans and their habits he sat down on a bench by the table.
"Are you hungry?" Gaius asked walking around the small kitchen like area.

"Not really," Merlin said but then was betrayed by his stomach as it began to growl. Loudly. Blushing faintly at the look he got from the elderly physician he ducked his head. "Well...maybe a little."

"Here," Gaius said setting down a bowl of stew. "I've already eaten...So you don't need to worry about it."

Merlin nodded his thanks and then promptly started to eat. "This is good Gaius. Thank you."

Gaius just nodded and then sat down next to him. He was looking at him curiously, which was starting to make Merlin just a bit uncomfortable. Just as Merlin was about to ask what he was looking at Gaius spoke. "Merlin, you said that you didn't know your mother...and only knew your father is that correct?"

Swallowing the bit of soup that was in his mouth Merlin nodded. "Yeah, just me and dad. Traveling the universe. He told me that one day I just appeared on the TARDIS, with this strange glowing golden mist. And we've been inseparable ever since." He looked at Gaius who was silent and looking as if something that he had suspected was proven true. "Why? Do you think you know where my Mum is?"

Gaius frowned slightly. "I might, tell me Merlin. When your 'father' found you at what age would you say you were?"

Thinking back to what his father had told him Merlin shrugged. "I dunno, dad said I was somewhere 'round one or one and a half. Wasn't quite two yet. Why? Is it important?"

"Very," Gaius said nodding. "You see my sister, Hunith is her name, had a son. When he was around the age of one he disappeared one day in a swirl of golden mist." He looked up at the shocked youth in front of him. "Merlin, I think you might be her son."

Merlin blinked in shock. "Bu-But that w-w-would mean that I...I am your nephew. H-how is this...possible?"

Gaius shook his head. "I don't know my boy. I don't know how it is that disappeared...all I know is that you are here at last."

Merlin blinked again. "Wonder why though, why the TARDIS went all kooky and took us here." He muttered mostly to himself though.

"I'm sorry but what do you mean by 'TARDIS'?" Gaius asked a frown on his face.

"My dad's time machine...and space ship I guess. It's an acronym which stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space."

Looking more than slightly confused if not the least bit skeptical Gaius frowned. "What are you talking about Merlin? Don't be stupid, there is no such thing as time travel. It's impossible."

"No it's not. It's true. I've been to different worlds, times and galaxies." Merlin said in explanation.

"How is it possible then?" Gaius asked looking still skeptical. "Magic?"

"No," Merlin shook his head smiling at the thought of his dad's enthusiasm whenever anyone asked about the TARDIS and Time Lord technology. "It's not magic. It's science. Technology. More specifically Time Lord Technology."

"'Time Lord'?" Gaius asked one of his eyebrow rising slowly. "What is that?"

"A...alien race...I guess. Powerful beings that can control time. Well...not control time really. They just see time differently then we do. They live on a planet called Gallifrey...well used to live on Gallifrey." Merlin sighed thinking of all the sorrow his dad has gone through in his long life time. He usually tried to hide them from him but Merlin could always see when he was sad.

"Merlin," Gaius said gently bringing him back to the present. "What do you mean by 'used to'? What happened?"

"It's complicated...but now my father is the last of the Time Lords. Gallifrey was destroyed and my father was left alone."

-:-

The Doctor wasn't panicking. Nope not panicking, because the Doctor never panics. He was just...well...okay so he was panicking. But his only son was stuck in a city where the use of magic was punishable by death. He had a fair reason to panic. Sure he trusted Merlin to not do anything stupid that might get himself killed, he was his sonafter all, but well... Merlin could get a little carried away when he was angry or upset.

And to make matters worse he had left his sonic screwdriver on the consul of the TARDIS. The Doctor went over and picked it up. Grasping it tightly in worry he muttered. "Merlin, when you get home you are so grounded."

The TARDIS hummed soothingly trying to get the Time Lord to calm down. But needless to say it wasn't working very well. If anything it just made him more agitated.

"Just what do you mean by 'it's his destiny'? Where did you get that crazy notion?" The Doctor asked irritably.

More humming came from the TARDIS but this only caused him to frown in frustration. "You don't know? You take us to Camelot -a place where Merlin could very well meet his death- and you tell me it's his 'destiny' to bring balance to the world and yet you don't know how or why he was chosen for such a ridiculous notion? Well what good are you then?" The TARDIS hummed its protest loudly. The Doctor looked down sheepishly as the TARDIS berated him for his attitude. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried about Merlin."

-:-

Elsewhere deep in the woods in the dead of night there was a company of soldiers escorting Lady Helen of Mora. The most famous singer in all the five kingdoms. Lady Helen was sitting in her tent humming softly as she brushed her hair. Suddenly there was a crack of a twig near the tent making her gasp in fright. "Hello? Gregory?" She called out.

Gregory came in quickly looking at Lady Helen curiously. "Lady Helen?"

Looking up at him still nervous she asked "Is all well?"

Nodding Gregory elaborated. "Yes, ma'am. With luck, we should reach Camelot late tomorrow."

"That's good."

Gregory turned to go. "I'll be outside if you need me." After she nodded he went outside and continued to survey the camp. Hearing a slight rustle in the trees he got up and unsheathed his sword. "Who's there?" He asked gesturing for one of the other men to come and back him up as he investigated. "Who's there?" he asked again.

While the guards were preoccupied the old lady, mother of the poor boy who was executed earlier that same day snuck into the tent. 'Soon,' she thought smugly while pulling out a small straw poppet out of her pocket. 'Soon, I will avenge you my son. For I Mary Collins will make sure Uther suffered even as I did.'

"Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp." Mary Collins incanted as she stabbed the straw doll. Lady Helen gasped clutching at her heart where it felt like it was being stabbed. Again and again the feeling of being stabbed happened until she fell to the ground dead.

Smiling grimly the witch grasped a small crystal that hung around her neck. "Ghefrolinz grimpoxin kouata." She muttered and with the spell her appearance changed to look like the late Lady.

-:-

"Merlin..."

"Merlin..."

"Merlin..."

Merlin woke up abruptly. At first he thought it was the fact that he couldn't hear the soothing hum of the TARDIS but then he realized it wasn't that. It was a voice, calling him. Cracking his eyes open he wondered why his dad's voice changed...then he started to wonder why his room had gotten smaller. Blinking he shook his head and looked around his eyes widening in donning realization. 'Right, I'm not on the TARDIS, I'm in a small room in Camelot with my long lost uncle.' He thought getting out of bed and stretching.

After making sure his clothes were unruffled -having slept in them the night before- he went down the small flight of stairs and into the main chamber.

"Good morning Merlin," Gaius said smiling at his nephew. "I got you water. You didn't wash last night." He indicated the wooden bucket full of water sitting on the table.

Smiling sheepishly at his uncle Merlin said "Sorry."

"No matter, here...Help yourself to breakfast." Gaius said gesturing to the bowl of watery porridge. Merlin sat down and played around with it for a few seconds unenthusiastically. When he was occupied Gaius leaned forward casually and tipped the bucket off the table.

With out thinking Merlin stood up, his irises burning gold for a split second as he stopped the bucket. Looking up at Gaius when he gasped Merlin released his hold on the bucket and it crashed to the floor in the sudden silence.

"How did you do that?" Gaius asked looking at him in interest. "Did you incant a spell in your mind?"

"I don't know any spells."

Frowning in though Gaius looked at his nephew. "So what did you do? There must be something."

Shrugging slightly Merlin simply replied "It just happens." than walked over to grab the broom leaning against the wall.

"Well...you'd best stay out of trouble than." Gaius said looking at him sternly. Then he smiled "So what are you going to do today?"

"Oh I was just going to go back and meet my father; he must be worrying about me." Merlin said with a smile. "Why is there anything you need help with?"

"Well," Gaius said hesitantly. "I was going to ask you to take these remedies to people but if it will interfere with you meeting up with your father I can just do it."

"No, no I can do it." Merlin said smiling. "It's the least I can do for you letting me stay the night."

"Well...if you are sure." When Merlin nodded Gaius smiled and then set a small sack and bottle on the table. "Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once." He indicating which one was which.

"Okay," Merlin said brightly. He turned to go but then turned back when Gaius called to him.

"Here," Gaius said handing him a plate with a sandwich on it. Smiling in thanks Merlin took it and then turned to go. "Oh and Merlin, I should warn you. The use of Magic is not tolerated in Camelot. It is punishable by death."

Turning a bit green at that revelation Merlin nodded then headed out again vowing to not use magic if he could help it. Munching on his sandwich he walked down the stairs and across the hall before pausing. 'Uh-oh, Gaius didn't tell me where to go...' He thought looking around. Shrugging he stopped a nearby manservant. "Could you please tell me where the Noble's wing is?" He asked remembering the term from a book he read.

"It's on the other side of the square and down the first hall on your left. Sir." The servant replied after bowing slightly.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable at the thought of someone bowing to him Merlin nodded and the servant scurried away. Smiling he set off and after delivering the supplies to Lady Percival he walked up to the door of Sir Olwin.

"Erm, I brought you your medicine." Merlin said as a very elderly man answered squinting up at him. Sir Olwin stuck his hand out a few inches away from where Merlin was currently holding the bottle. Shaking his head slightly he guided the bottle into his hand and watched as the man uncorked it and started to chug it down. "Oh, and Gaius said don't drink it all at..." He stopped and stared wide-eyed as the lord finished the bottle. Biting his lip he muttered "I'm sure it's fine."

Then he set out again. Wincing at the thought of what his father would say at the fact that he had stayed out all night when he was told to stay back at the TARDIS, he cut across a drawbridge to go through the training grounds thinking it would be shorter.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard laughter. Looking up he saw a group of knights watching a poor serving boy intently.

"There, Sir?" The servant asked looking at the head knight.

The leader of the knights was of average height and had short blond hair. His blue eyes were taunting as he stared at the servant. He seemed to radiate arrogance with an underlining of power. "It's into the sun?"

'Yup, defiantly arrogant. Even his voice is full of it.' Merlin thought with a small smirk.

"But, it's not that bright." The servant reasoned.

"A bit like you, then?" The Knight said smirking. Merlin frowned. That was low.

Unfortunately it seemed the servant was used to this kind of treatment. "I'll put the target on the other end, shall I, Sir?" He said picking the target up and walking towards the desired place.

One of the knights muttered something making the head knight smirk. "This'll teach him." He said in a stage-whisper. Before promptly throwing a dagger at the target...while the servant was still holding it.

"Hey! Hang on!" The servant yelped.

"Don't stop!" The knight said still smirking.

Taking a few steps backwards the servant looked up at the knight "Here?"

"I told you to keep moving!" The knight said arrogantly. Shaking slightly the servant picked up the target and started to walk. Only to pause when another dagger thudded into the target. "Come on! Run!" Trying to comply to the order without tipping over under the rather large target he was holding the servant was awarded with more thuds as the knight kept throwing dagger after dagger at the poor boy. "Do you want some moving target practice?" The knight asked as he threw another dagger.

This seemed to be too much weight for the poor boy and the target fell from his grasp and rolled over to where Merlin was standing. Wanting to put an end to this poor lad's torture Merlin put his foot on the target to make sure the servant couldn't pick it up. He then looked at the group of knights nonplussed. "Hey, come on, that's enough."

"What?" The head knight asked looking amused.

"You've had your fun, my friend." Merlin said firmly.

"Do I know you?" The knight asked stalking forward looking less than amused now.

"Er, I'm Merlin." Merlin said sticking out his hand for the knight to shake.

Rising an eyebrow at the offered hand the knight just said "So I don't know you."

"No," Merlin said withdrawing his hand slowly.

"And yet you called me "friend."

Smirking faintly Merlin nodded. "Ah...yeah that was my mistake."

Now it was the knight's turn to smirk. "Yes, I think so."

With a slightly mocking wince Merlin continued. "Yeah. I'd never have a friend who could be such an ass." with that he started to walk away only to stop when the Knight scoffed

"Or I one who could be so stupid." Merlin turned to face the knight. Smirking the knight continued. "Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"

Feeling far less-than amused Merlin said "No."

"Would you like me to help you?"

Smirking slightly Merlin shook his head. "I wouldn't if I were you." He warned.

Chuckling the knight said "Why? What are you going to do to me?"

"You have no idea." Merlin said ominously.

"Be my guest! Come on! Come on! Come oooooon." The knight taunted.

Lost in his anger Merlin did something that was both really brave and really stupid. He took a swing at the knight only to have his arm twisted behind his back so he was facing the ground.

"Woah," The surrounding knights muttered.

"I'll have you thrown in jail for that." The knight said still holding Merlin down.

"What, who do you think you are? The King?" Merlin asked sarcastically.

"No. I'm his son, Arthur." With that Arthur kicked Merlin in the knees forcing him down.

Before he could even think of apologizing Merlin found himself being escorted to the dungeons by two very big soldiers. 'Well...that could've gone better.' He thought sarcastically as he was thrown down onto the straw covered floor.

JG:*snickers* The confrontation with Arthur and Merlin is SO my favorite part of that episode. :) Just gives me the warm fuzzies inside.