A/N: It's been a long time; I finally had time to write again! I recently just stated watching Merlin from season 1 onwards and I can't stop watching it! So, here's my first attempt of writing again, hope you like it!

That morning, Merlin made up his mind to ask Balinor more about him and his family but he never got the chance, as soon as Arthur awoke and found out that the dragon lord didn't want to help he ordered Merlin to ready the horses so they can get back to Camelot at once.

Arthur and Merlin made camp a few hours later and as they were talking they heard footsteps coming toward them. They drew their swords and looked around.

"Careful boy, I thought you might need some help; this is a dangerous country" Balinor said as Merlin turned.

"So you will return to Camelot with us?" Arthur asked

"You were right Merlin, there are people in Camelot who were willing to lay down their life for me, I owe a debt that must be repaid" Balinor answered.

The 3 ate together and before nightfall, Balinor and Merlin went to collect firewood to be used during the night. They talked about what Balinor did for Arthur, about the old religion, about Ealdor and of course, his mother, Hunith. This was the opening Merlin had been waiting for since last night and so he asked,

"You mentioned, having children in Ealdor?"

"That was a long time ago" Balinor answered

"I grew up there" Merlin stated

"Ealdor?"

"Yes… you mentioned, a woman, Hunith? I know her, she's my mother" Merlin said his voice cracking a bit.

At that point, Balinor who was bending over to pick up a twig looked up at Merlin wide eyed. He then forgot about the wood he was carrying and made his way to Merlin, he was about to hug his son when Arthur walked past them.

Just as Merlin was about to say something they heard a woman scream. All 3 looked at each other before running towards the direction; they drew their swords as they made their way into the forest. As they neared, Arthur stopped them so he can assess the scene; there they saw a band of thieves harassing a young girl.

"Julie" Balinor whispered

"You know her?" Arthur asked

"She's my daughter" he answered looking passed Arthur to Merlin

Merlin understood, he nodded at his father. He then looked at Arthur and waited to give instructions.

"Balinor, you and I wil have to take care of the thieves; Merlin you get the girl and keep her safe. We'll meet you back at camp"

Merlin and Balinor gave a nod of agreement and they jumped out of their hiding place. They caught the thieves off guard and even though there were about 10- 15 men against Balinor and Arthur they were able to defeat them easily.

Merlin and the girl were safely back at the camp when Arthur and Balinor arrived a few minutes later.

"Father!" the girl cried as she got up and ran into Balinor's open arms. Then she turned around and thanked the other 2 men.

"Father, what are you doing here? Who are they?" she asked Balinor

"Julie, this is Arthur Pendragon and Merlin, they came from Camelot in search of me" He answered motioning to the two

"Pendragon?!" Julie cried in surprise looking at Arthur

Arthur made an attempt to say something but he was cut off by Balinor

"It's alright child, he didn't come to execute me. He came to ask for help"

"Help? What kind of help do they need? Surely you wouldn't help the son of the man who shun us!" she said with a huff looking at Arthur to Merlin and Arthur again. "And why did you leave without sending word to me?"

"Julie, if I knew you were coming back today I would've waited for you. But alas, the matter at Camelot cannot wait." Balinor explained to her daughter about Camelot's plight with Kilgharrah and about the people there who he owed his life to. Arthur and Merlin could hear her trying to convince her father it was a mistake helping Uther but after a few minutes, she gave in; she knew her father would not help a Pendragon without good reason, also, she could tell that her father had more to say but he couldn't say it in front of the others and so if there were any doubts left in Julie's mind she kept it to herself. She could ask him about it later tonight.