Chapter 3. Wanting Answers
That's when Arthur woke up. His eyes snapped open and shot up. He found his hand still reaching out. Arthur was in a cold sweat, breathing heavily, he lowered his arm back down. Quickly glancing at Gwenevere, he saw she was still asleep. Not sure if he cried out allowed as well.
The dream haunted him. Arthur's head turned to the next sleeping form on his left. Merlin was still a child. Arthur listened to his gentle breathing to help him calm down. After a few moments to gather himself. Arthur drew the covers back. Careful not to wake either Gwen or Merlin, Arthur went out of the tent. It was still dark out and the stars shone brightly. Arthur knew one of the knights were keeping watch, he didn't see which one because they were on the other side of the tents. Keeping his head down, Arthur went and sat on a large rock. Leaning down, he cupped his hand to the water, splashing the cooling liquid on his face. Cleansing himself of the sweat. Arthur stared at his reflection, hoping it would give him answers. What was that dream? Was it even a dream at all? Could it have been a vision? Arthur doubted that after he asked it. For one, Morgana was dead. Merlin killed her. But then again, Merlin had died as well. Arthur placed his head between his hands.
"What troubles you Pendragon?"
Arthur jumped at the voice. Looking towards his left, Arthur saw Aithusa. She was bigger than the last time he saw her. Not by much, but noticeable. The dragon was just above the beach. Laying on soft grass. "Aithusa, you startled me. I didn't expect to see you here." She lowered her head back down. Staring solemnly at the water.
"I often come here to pay respect to my dragon lord." She said sadly.
Arthur watched her for a few moments. Feeling guilty that she didn't get to say goodbye. Lifting her head again, she looked at him. "I ask again, what troubles you Arthur?"
"I had a dream."
Aithusa climbed off the bank and went over to him. Arthur quickly told her what he saw. Aithusa listened quietly until he spoke of Morgana. Her head reeled back in surprise. When Arthur finished, Aithusa didn't speak for a few moments. "That is disturbing. You say that Merlin is alive but without magic?"
Arthur nodded, "Yes, it was part of a prophecy that he would be born to Gwen."
"Humm. For that my heart is glad. Merlin would be an exceptional prince to Camelot. But for Morgana, that is deeply disturbing. I know I once served with her. For she was the only one who showed me what I thought was love. I'm afraid I do not know what this dream is Arthur. I am not as wise as Kilgharra was; for I am still young and inexperienced as he was. If someone is trying to resurrect Morgana, that would be very bad. Thank you for telling me this Arthur. If this dream is a vision, I will do my best to protect Merlin from her."
"Thank you Aithusa."
"Daddy?"
Arthur turned to see Merlin standing in his night clothes. His eyes were wide as he looked up to Aithusa. He didn't seem to be frightened, he only stared in wonder. Arthur smiled. "Come here Merlin," he said opening his arms. Merlin went to him. Arthur placed him on his knee. "There is someone I want you to meet. This is Aithusa."
Aithusa stretched her neck towards him. Merlin placed his small hand upon her nose. She smiled at him; careful not to show teeth as to not frighten him. "Hello Merlin, It is nice to meet you." Merlin smiled back. "You too." He said awed that she could speak. Merlin withdrew his hand to yawn.
"I should put him back to bed" Arthur said to her.
Aithusa smiled again. "Yes. Young ones need their sleep. Goodbye Merlin."
"Bye Aithoosa" Merlin said sleepily miss pronouncing the name.
Arthur held Merlin as he stood up. Saying his goodbye to the dragon, Arthur carried Merlin back to their tent. Merlin falling asleep on his father's shoulder.
So sorry about lateness again. I'm doing the best I can to not keep it too late. Hope these two chapters make up for that. Thank you to those who have favorite and are following. Stay tuned!