What if Gaius never told Merlin that Balinor was his father – The Last Dragon Lord 2x13

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

Really not sure if I've done this chapter justice. I've never been brilliant as writing stories, but this idea was in my head and it wouldn't leave me alone. Constructive criticism is welcome.

You're my father – Chapter 3

"C'mon Merlin, we best get some sleep." said Arthur "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Merlin, Arthur and Balinor had set off early that morning, as soon as the sun had risen. They were now taking a break on their way back to Camelot, in a clearing on the border of Cenred's kingdom, sat by the fire keeping warm.

Arthur had been paying attention to their surroundings for the last few minutes. It was quiet, too quiet. He made his way over to Merlin and got his attention.

"Merlin!" he whispered "Cenred's men!" Arthur held his sword ready and Merlin quickly turned behind him and reached for the sword that was resting on the ground. Across from Merlin, around the other side of the fire, Balinor was doing the same.

All three rushed to their feet at the same moment when five men of Cenred's army came charging through the trees. Three of the men when straight for Arthur who they deemed to be more of a threat, whilst the remaining two went for Merlin and Balinor who were standing together ready to defend each other. They charged; their swords ready to strike.

Arthur took out the first man straight away, whilst Balinor parried his attacker as he stood protecting his son. Merlin stood ready and alert, watching both his father and Arthur intently in case his magic was needed.

By this time, Arthur had dealt with the second man of Cenred's army and was striking the third man to come at him. Balinor successfully killed his attacker with a stab to the stomach. However, the last man lunged at Merlin, separating him from both Arthur and his father. Merlin backed up and parried him the best he could, knowing his fighting skills were limited. Suddenly, he found himself without his sword with his opponent's sword coming at him.

"MERLIN!" Balinor yelled. But as Merlin jumped backwards to avoid the blow, Balinor flew in front of him and promptly landed on the floor. Merlin looked at his attacker, eyes wide and saw the sword his father had been using buried in the man's chest. Then he looked down and froze at Balinor, motionless, face down on the floor.

Arthur, who was now free from danger, made his way over to Merlin and looked at Balinor on the ground. "NO!" exclaimed Arthur.

This made Merlin leap into action. "Father! Father, no!" said Merlin and he turned Balinor over. He quickly searched his father for any sign of injury, looking everywhere, he was confused when he found no obvious sword wound. "Father?"

Balinor suddenly groaned and put his hand to his forehead "Agh, I hit my head!" he said His face screwed up in pain and a cut now visible where he had hit his head on a rock. Balinor quickly found himself enveloped in a hug and a sobbing son in his arms.

"I thought you were dead!" Merlin mumbled through his tears. "I was so scared I lost you."

Arthur watched the scene in relief now that he knew Balinor was alright. "Are you okay to still travel Balinor?" asked Arthur.

"Yes, I should think so." He replied as Merlin helped him to his feet. "We should get moving if we want to make it to Camelot before sun down."

"Are you sure you're alright?" asked Merlin who was worried. "You were out cold for a while."

"I'm fine son" Balinor said, giving his son a reassuring smile.

Arthur convinced decided to should move out "We should pack up and get going. Every moment here is another moment when the great dragon is attacking the people of Camelot."

Two hours later, Camelot came into view as the sun was nearing the horizon.

"It seems strange coming here again." said Balinor to Merlin. Arthur was walking way in front of the two, eager to get the message to his father that the dragonlord had arrived.

"It's home." said Merlin.

"You could always come back to Ealdor. Be with me and your mother"

"I can't." said Merlin sadly, "I miss my mother so much, but I have to stay here, in Camelot. To protect Arthur. He needs me." Merlin looked ahead towards Arthur. "I can't leave him."

"I understand" Balinor said knowingly. "But don't hesitate to visit"

"Don't worry. I won't " Merlin said with a smile.

"MERLIN!" yelled Arthur from up head.

"Destiny calls." Said Merlin and Balinor chuckled. What a weird relationship these two have.

Please review. I really want to know what you think.