Disclaimer: I don't... *sobs* I don't... *moresobbing* I don't own Merlin!
Merlin's next visit worried the Great Dragon. The boy was very pale (more so than usual) and he walking slowly, fatigue practically screaming its presence.
"What ails you, Young Warlock?" Kilgharrah asked as soon as the boy had sunk to the floor.
Merlin sighed heavily. "I came down here to avoid people asking me how I feel."
Kilgharrah narrowed his eyes at the boy before him. "Merlin."
"Fine, fine," Merlin said, flapping a hand dismissively in the dragon's direction. "I'm fine. I've been healed. I'll be completely back to normal in a few days."
"Good," Kligharrah said, irritated at Merlin's evasiveness. "What happened? I was unaware of a problem."
"Yeah," Merlin said, grimacing up at the dragon. "It happened a bit fast for me to ask for any adivce. It's okay though, Gaius figured it out. I guess I should start at the beginning. Do you know who Nimueh is?"
Nodding, Kilgharrah remembered, "High Priestess of the Old Religion, and a long time ago, close friend to Uther Pendragon and Queen Igraine."
Merlin looked a bit surprised at the last bit but continued anyway. "Well, she was the one who conjured the avanc in the water supply last month when I asked you about the elements and all. I think I made her a bit angry when Arthur and I foiled her plans. She disguised herself as a servant with King Bayard's company when he arrived in Camelot. Then she put poison in the ceremonial goblet that Bayard brought to give to Arthur. During the feast, she came to me and told me that she'd seen Bayard lacing Arthur's goblet with poison. I believed her when she said she was too scared to do anything about it, but no one believed me because I didn't divulge her name."
When Merlin paused, Kilgharrah easily filled in. "So you drank from the goblet. You were out of the way and there was war between Bayard and Uther."
Merlin nodded. Then he straightened up and said, "But she didn't count on Arthur."
Warmth filled Kilgharrah's heart as he saw Merlin's eyes light up with pride. The prophecies of Emrys and the Once and Future King were unfolding before his eyes.
"He saved me, Kilgharrah," Merlin said, smiling. "Uther forbade him to go after the antidote—the Morteaus flower. But he went anyway. For me. He saved my life."
"Do you believe in your destiny now, Young Warlock?" Kilgharrah asked with a smile. Merlin was realizing Arthur's worth and starting to believe that he would be the Once and Future King. Now all Merlin needed to do was realize his own importance.
Merlin's smile stretched into a grin. "Yes, Kilgharrah. And it wasn't just that Arthur's being less of a prat... you know, sort of, I'm still working on that. But I wanted to ask you about something. While I was unconscious, and dying, I preformed magic. Nimueh was waiting for Arthur at the caves of Balor and she led him into a trap. According to Gaius, I conjured a magic ball of light to guide Arthur through the dark caves and save his life. How could I do that, Kilgharrah?"
"This does not surprise me, Young Warlock," Kilgharrah said. "Your bond with Arthur is strong you could not let him die any more than he could sit by while you died."
"Yes, but how did I know," Merlin questioned, his fists clenching on his knees.
"Your magic is unlike any other in history, Merlin," Kilgharrah told him. "You have the power to do many things which you do not understand."
Frowning, Merlin said, "That doesn't tell me anything."
"Merlin," Kilgharrah began patiently. "You must learn for yourself the extent and limit of your own magic. I cannot simply tell you."
"Why not?" Merlin demanded. "How am I supposed to know how I did things if I wasn't even conscious? How can I learn this way?"
"I cannot just tell you everything you are capable of, Merlin," Kilgharrah reiterated. "For one, not even I know. Your power is very great, the greatest there will ever be. For all my knowledge, you are a being that has never existed in the flesh before. Also, you would never remember them if I listed off all your capabilities."
Merlin was scowling, but he made no attempt to disagree.
More gently, Kilgharrah continued, "Experience is a good teacher, Merlin. Do not abandon her for me so easily. You will learn much more from her than you would from me."
"She's also the hardest teacher," Merlin lamented, slumping forward and resting his elbows on his knees.
"Why do you say that?" Kilgharrah asked.
Grinning up at the dragon, Merlin said, "She tests you first and teaches you afterward."
Kilgharrah chuckled. "Wise words, Young Warlock."
"Could you teach me?" Merlin suddenly. "Magic, I mean."
"Why do you ask that of me?" Kilgharrah asked, surprised.
"Well," Merlin began. "I've been reading through and studying the book of magic that Gaius gave me but sometimes learning from a book just isn't enough. Like when Valiant came, I spent almost all night trying to get the pronunciation correct and I almost didn't save Arthur's life. It would be better if I had a teacher to help me with the details of spell-casting and things like that. That way, I won't be unable to save Arthur because I couldn't pronounce a word."
"While I don't think pronunciation will ever get in the way of saving Arthur's life where you are concerned, I believe you are right, Merlin," Kilgharrah agreed. "I can help you with a few things."
At the dragon's agreement Merlin grinned. "Great!"
"But not tonight, Young Warlock."
Merlin's face fell.
"It is getting late," Kilgharrah said. "Or early, however you look at it."
He sighed, knowing that Kilgharrah was right. "Okay," Merlin conceded, and then held up a finger. "But as soon as I come back!"
Kilgharrah smiled at his eagerness. "Indeed, Young Warlock. Until then."
Another chapter! I know there wasn't a whole lot to that one, but it will get more exciting! And angsty. There will be tears. *gasps* spoilers! And thank you beta FlowerofApril. Speaking of, I have a question for you guys. In the line where Kilgharrah gives Nimueh's credentials, April thinks 'Gharrah should say "A High Priestess..." and "a close friend." She believes this very strongly. I do not. What do you guys think?
Review?
Pretty please?
