I decided to split Part 2 into 2 chapters. I added about 3K words to a story that was already over 5K words. The basis is The Last Dragonlord, but I did change almost all the dialog and added some. What's original is the personal insights and missing scenes/descriptions.. If you're familiar with my series of stories In Arthur's Head, this is similar, only with Merlin. It was harder because he's a lot more complex than the prince. I hope you enjoy! :)
Part 2, Father and Son
About twenty-one years later . . .
The second night of the dragon's attack. I knew this was going to happen, I knew it. I knew it even before I'd freed him. That lying, manipulative . . . After all I've done to save Camelot- all he's done –he was going to destroy it. What sleep I'd managed to get was full of fire- and rage-filled nightmares. I followed Arthur and his uninjured knights across the main square. People ran through the square screaming, surrounded by burning rubble. How many more deaths would be on my conscience after tonight?
Arthur rallied the knights as he ran. "I know you're exhausted, but make one last attempt for me! Every bolt must count!" It wouldn't make a difference, but I couldn't tell him that. I knew enough about dragons to get me into trouble, but not out of it.
We ran up the stairs to the battlements. The knights spread along the openings and Arthur walked along behind them. I followed him to the end of the line where he got into position and readied himself. "I'm sorry you have to do this," I told him. He wouldn't understand but I had to tell him.
"Why? You aren't to blame." If only he knew. The dungeon would be the kindest punishment I'd receive. Just then we spotted the treacherous dragon. "Flame up!" he yelled, and all the knights lit their bolts and took aim. I looked up and down the line a couple of times. How many of them would die tonight? "Keep strong! This isn't your night to die, I will ensure that! Hold firm! Hold! Hold! Now!"
The knights released their bolts right before the dragon flamed the battlements. I think everyone ducked in time. When he'd flown off, Arthur checked to make sure everyone was all right, then took off for the square again. He sure made it difficult to protect him. The knights followed, and I chased after them.
I got there in time to hear yelling and saw the dragon swoop down into the square. Was he going after Arthur? Why? Wasn't Arthur his chance for true freedom too?
I stopped and looked around desperately, because the dragon was diving again. I saw a spear and used a variation of the spell I'd used on the griffin. "Flieh! Gár!" then sent it flying at him with a yell. It glanced off his hide.
He hovered there, just glowering at me. "Do not think that your paltry magic can hurt me!" he growled and flew off. That made me feel less than worthless.
I yelled back in grief and anger, "Why do you do this?! You're murdering innocent people!" He just kept flying away; he had no remorse. I had to do something, but I had no idea what. If magic didn't work, what would? Maybe Gaius knew.
It looked like the beast was done for the night anyway, so I went inside, to the infirmary, to find Gaius. When I saw him I went straight over to him. "Are you harmed?" he asked.
I made sure no one was listening. "I can't do anything. My magic won't help. It doesn't work."
"Dragons aren't mere animals. They're creatures of magic and awe. You should know that they're unaffected by your powers."Great. What little hope I'd had left was shot down. Was there anything left to try?
Having nothing else to do, I helped him and Gwen treat the wounded. There should be another here helping us, but as far as I knew, she was dead. Another source of my nightmares. More guilt washed over me and I tried to bury it by throwing myself into the work. It helped. A while later, those of us still standing fell into bed for a couple hours of rest.
xxxXxxx
In the morning I rushed to Arthur's chambers to help him. The dragon had clipped him on the shoulder, but he insisted he was fine. Right, and I'm the King. I didn't say that to him—it just wasn't the time. I was honestly surprised he hadn't started sleeping in his chainmail. It must be tempting.
Shortly after he'd finished dressing, he was summoned to the war room. The King, his advisors and all the knights met daily now, to discuss cheerful things like the death toll and new damage. They were some of the most depressing meetings I'd ever witnessed. Uther asked Arthur for his report, and the Prince stepped forward to give it.
"The dead number forty-nine men, twenty-seven women, and eighteen women and children are unaccounted for. Almost all of last night's fires are doused. The palace walls, especially the western side, are close to collapsing, I could go on." I don't think he looked at his father once during that speech. Too painful.
"Do we have any idea yet on how the creature got out?" I did, but he was never gonna know.
Leon replied, "I'm sorry to say, Sire, we don't." I hoped I was good at acting by now.
"There has to be a means of ridding ourselves of this abnormality. Gaius?" Oh now he asks Gaius. Meh.
"We require a dragonlord, Sire." Arthur had wandered to a chair and dropped heavily into it, but he perked up at that. Dragon lord? What was that?
"You should know that's not possible," Uther replied, and turned away, hopeless again.
"Sire, what if . . . there was, in fact, one dragonlord left."
Uther turned again. "That's impossible."
"But if there was." Everyone was looking at Gaius now.
Uther started walking toward him. "Are you saying there is?"
"It might be just a rumor."
"Go on."
"I'm not completely sure, but I think he's called Balinor."
The King looked confused. "Balinor?"
"Where does he live?" Arthur asked. I could see he was getting an idea. Uther would hate it.
"He was formerly seen in Essetir, in the town of Enged, but that was several years ago," Gaius replied.
Arthur stood. "If this man's still alive, then it's our responsibility to find him."
Uther turned his head to look back at Arthur. "Our treaty with Cenred is invalid. We are at war. If they found you over their border, they would kill you." Let the father-son power struggle begin.
"I'll go by myself."
"No."
"I won't be detected that way."
"No, Arthur. It is too risky." He turned all the way around to face his son.
"More risky than remaining here? I won't sit around and watch my men die when I have the ability to save them."
"You have my orders."
"Don't turn this into a battle of wills, Father."
"I'm not speaking to you as your father; I'm speaking to you as your king!" Uther'd raised his voice; there was a tense pause as Arthur formed his reply.
"I'll go at once." He walked past the King, who had to turn again.
"My worry is for you."
"Mine is for Camelot. I'll get word to you when I've found him." He turned to me, "Ready the horses." I can't believe that worked. I bowed to Uther and followed Arthur out. I had another trip to prepare for.
xxxXxxx
After I'd finished preparing the horses, I went back to Gaius's to pack for myself. More than a few questions had come to mind while I was in the stables. I intended to pack for Arthur once my curiosity was satisfied. "Who were the dragonlords?" He didn't reply; he was pacing and must be lost in thought. "Gaius?"
He stopped and turned to me. "They were men who could speak to dragons, subdue them."
"What happened to them?" Were? Is that why he didn't say anything 'til this morning?
"Uther felt that the skill of the dragonlord was too similar to magic. So he had them all captured and murdered." What?!
"But one's still alive." Wait. "How did you know?"
"I helped him get away."
Whoa, that was impressive. "Gaius."
He came over to me and leaned on the table I was working at. "Merlin, have you ever heard the name 'Balinor?'"
"No."
"Your mother never talked about him?"
I stopped my preparation. Huh? "My mother?"
"She gave him shelter."
"She opposed Uther?"
"Yes."
Whoa. Who knew? "She had courage."
"Yes. When Uther found out where Balinor was, he sent knights to Ealdor to track him down. He was compelled to run."
This was a really great story, but I was puzzled. "Why didn't she explain any of this to me?"
He came around the table to stand in front of me. Uh oh. "Merlin, I swore I wouldn't ever talk about these things."
I was seriously confused now. "About what?"
"I've always considered you my son, but that isn't what you are. The man you are looking for is your father."
He'd completely blindsided me; I could feel about ten emotions right this moment. Shock hit first, and I took a couple of steps back. My mouth went so dry I could hardly reply. "My father?"
"Yes," he said quietly.
Now I wanted to cry. "He was a dragonlord?" Now anger. "Why didn't anyone ever tell me?!"
"I yearned to. Your mother felt it would be too risky." Gah!
Still angry. "I had a right to know!"
"She intended to keep you safe."
On some level, I understood that. I transitioned to a quiet fury, "No. I had a right to know." I turned and walked to my room, feigning a calm I didn't feel. Gaius wouldn't be fooled though. I closed the door behind me and climbed to the window. I spent what little time I had left trying to calm the anger and resentment swirling around inside me. Fortunately I had enough control over my magic now that it wouldn't just burst out, like Morgana's did. I forgot all about helping Arthur pack.
xxxXxxx
When I realized it was time to go, I jumped down and rushed out to get my bag. What I had packed would have to do. Gaius wasn't in the main chamber, which was good. I had calmed and was now really ashamed of how I'd treated him. I didn't know what I'd have said if he'd been there.
I left the castle and went to the stable to collect the horses. I led them into the cluttered square and waited for Arthur to show up. He'd probably yell, but I deserved it. I turned to look for him, but instead saw Gaius approaching me. Deep breath—calm.
"You have all you need?" he asked quietly.
I nodded without looking at him. I couldn't leave him like that. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to . . ."
"I know." He understood, like always.
"Come on, Merlin," Arthur said from the other side of the horses.
I walked around to look at him. Surprisingly, he was prepared. "You're ready?"
"No thanks to you." He mounted his horse and cringed, probably from his wound.
"You all right?" I asked, just to make sure. He looked okay, but he always downplayed his injuries.
"It's only a scrape," he replied, and trotted off.
Gaius walked forward to put his hands on my saddle. That drew my attention. "Merlin, whatever happens, don't tell Arthur who this man is. Uther would be deeply suspicious of the son of a dragonlord." I nodded and he nodded back. And with that, I rode off after Arthur.
xxxXxxx
After riding the rest of the day, Arthur stopped us at the top of a hill. We looked down on a village which I fervently hoped was Enged. Saddle sore was an understatement for how I felt right now.
"Here we are. One step and we're in Cenred's kingdom. This Balinor is hopefully worth the trouble." I looked sideways at him—I hoped so too, though for more reasons than he had.
By the time we reached the village and its tavern, it was not only dark but pouring rain. That had a negative effect on my mood, but didn't seem to affect Arthur's. We took care of the horses and entered the tavern. I guess visitors weren't normal; everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at us.
That didn't faze Arthur, Prince of Eternal Optimism. "Greetings!" An annoyed-looking man pulled a knife out of a table. Everyone went back to what they'd been doing, and we skirted around tables until we found one unoccupied. We sat down and ordered ale. When the innkeeper returned, he slammed the tankards down and slopped our drinks all over the table. Yikes. Arthur remained undeterred, "We seek a man called Balinor. I'm prepared to pay . . ." He set a bag of coins down in front of the innkeeper. ". . . generously."
The innkeeper looked around, nodded and leaned down to Arthur. "Haven't heard of him." The innkeeper took only the few coins Arthur had paid and left. Nice. Maybe they did hate visitors here.
"You think anyone here is Balinor?" I asked Arthur.
"I hope not." He finally sounded a little fazed.
"So do I." I looked around at the other patrons; none seemed inclined to befriend us.
After we had a warm stew for dinner, we hired a room and were led up to it. Now we could dry off and sleep in actual beds. A step up for me and a step down for His Highness.
We wasted no time preparing for bed. By the end of that miserable day I was ready for sleep to numb me. Or at least have a break from Arthur's prying glances so I could think alone. Alas not. He took off his shirt and I saw his bandages. He wasn't healing well.
"What's the matter with you today?" Arthur intruded into my thoughts anyway.
"What?"
"It hurts me to admit it, but I do enjoy your surly retorts. In fact, it's probably your only worthwhile characteristic." Surly?
"Thanks." I think. I attempted to turn away, hoping he'd get the hint.
"There are plenty of servants who can serve. So few are adept at making a total prat of themselves. What is it?" Unbelievable. I shook my head. I think you've got it backwards, prat.
"Nothing."
"It's something. Tell me." Nope, get the hint—here's some silence. "Alright, I know I'm a prince, so we can't be friends. But if I wasn't a prince . . ."
"What?" Honestly? He didn't get the hint.
"Well, then . . . I think we'd possibly get on." So . . . we haven't before?
"So?"
"So can you at least tell me?"
"Well, that's right. But you know, if you weren't a prince, I'd tell you to mind your own damn business."
"Merlin." You're exasperated? You're the one prying. Ugh. "Are you missing Gaius?" Now he's patronizing me. Great. I rolled my eyes.
"Something like that."
"Well, what is it, then?" He threw a pillow and hit me in the head. Nice.
"I'll tell you." You really want to know? Really?! No you don't. I was irritated enough to say it, but didn't. "I'm worried about everyone back in Camelot. I hope they're okay."
"So do I," he replied. Maybe he should know, but he couldn't. Not yet. He was silent after that, and we both fell asleep.
I don't know how long we'd been asleep when I felt something heavy compress my legs and startled awake. There was a strange man lying across my legs, and Arthur's arm held him there. His other hand held a knife to the man's chest. "What's happening?" I asked, still panicked. I quickly pulled my legs out from under the guy.
"Do you know what the penalty is for stealing?" Arthur was deadly calm.
"No, please. I have hungry children."
"Tell me where I can find Balinor."
"Balinor?"
"Do you know anything about him?"
"Not a thing. I . . ." Arthur pressed a bit harder with the knife.
"Do you want to live?"
"It's been several years since I last saw him!"
"Tell me where he dwells."
"You have to go through the Forest of Merendra to the base of Feorre Mountain. There you'll locate the cave where Balinor lives." A lead! Arthur released the man. "Just don't expect too much." What?
"Why?" I asked. I'd already started to get my hopes up.
"He won't be pleased. Balinor despises everyone and everything." What?! No! "A cave's the proper home for him." He scurried out of our room, but I barely noticed. I was depressed again, just like that. I really hoped he was lying; it seems I'd already built up expectations which could be dashed tomorrow.
xxxXxxx
We left fairly early in the morning. We were nearly through the Forest of Merendra now, and had to lead the horses over the very uneven ground. After a while, I heard Arthur stumble so I turned to look at him.
"It's okay," he said. Right.
"No, it's your 'scrape.' I'm taking a look." We tethered the horses in a copse of trees and Arthur balanced himself on a young tree. I pushed back his shirt and bandage; it still wasn't healing. Then we heard a branch snap and looked for the source. I ducked down behind a fallen tree; better safe than sorry. I whispered, "Get down! Get down!" I had to pull Arthur down. Not good. I peeked over the side of the tree and saw several soldiers pass by. I whispered again, "Arthur?" When he didn't reply, I shook him, "Arthur?" His eyes were closed and he was out cold. I knew he was downplaying that wound, grr!
I hauled the prat over to his horse and slung him over the side, face down. I may have used magic to help—muscles are heavy! I secured him to the horse so he wouldn't slide off, then tied his reins to my saddle. We went through the rest of the forest like this—he didn't regain consciousness once.
When we reached the foot of the mountain I dismounted and checked on Arthur. He was no better; I couldn't take him down to look around. I led the horses to a thicket and tied them there. Then I started down the hill to find the cave.
It didn't take long to get down to the cave by myself. It was weird not having Arthur around, stopping me from doing this or that. He'd probably tell me not to go into the cave without a lookout. But my lookout was asleep on a horse, so I followed a good-sized stream into the cave.
I was getting pretty desperate to find Balinor. I wasn't sure what else I could do for Arthur, and he was going downhill fast. When I got into the cave, I called out, "Hello?!" I walked further in, seeing several signs of habitation, but no dragonlord. Then I was grabbed from behind and too shocked to speak.
"What are you doing here, boy?" a deep voice growled behind me.
"My friend, he's ill! He needs treatment!" I yelled desperately. I was let go and shoved forward. I turned to look at my father. He was fairly tall, with long dark hair and beard that was graying a bit. It was too dark to see his eye color.
"Show me, boy." I didn't register his words at first; I was still taking him in. "Why are you standing around? Go get him!" He yelled the last bit, so I hurried past him to get Arthur.
I carefully led the horses part way down the hill. The less I had to carry Arthur, the better. I manhandled him into the cave, where Balinor met me and helped carry Arthur to a pallet of blankets. The Prince looked much worse than when I'd left him—he was running a fever.
I stood back and watched as Balinor took off Arthur's shirt and bandage. He cleaned the wound and examined it carefully. Then he muttered to himself a bit before getting up and tossing some herbs in a bowl with some water and dirt. Dirt? He mashed all these together then spread it over Arthur's wound. He held his hand over Arthur's head, then over the wound. Then he did something I didn't expect—"Ahlúttre þá séocnes. Þurhhæle bræd." He pronounced a healing spell. I couldn't see his eyes to be sure, but I knew the words. He looked at me, as if to see if I understood. I didn't give anything away, so he simply said, "He has to sleep."
"Will he be okay?" I asked.
"By morning," he replied, and walked past me.
I turned to say, "Thank you."
He put the bowl down and started preparing food. Ah, dinner. I started to ask if he wanted help, but he must have sensed my intent and shook his head. I sat down next to Arthur to wait.
It turned out to be a sort of thick stew. I knew it was done only when he stood up and picked up a pair of bowls and spoons from a nearby table. He ladled some into a bowl and motioned for me to sit by the fire. I hadn't presumed he'd share, but I was glad all the same. He handed me the bowl then ladled some for himself and started eating.
I looked at him, uncertain, but when our eyes met again, I felt reassured. "Smells good," I said, and took a bite. "How long have you been here?"
"Several winters," he replied. He seemed determined to keep his past to himself.
"That's got to be hard."
"Why are you here?" he asked abruptly. Uh oh.
"Just passing through." That was I all was going to say, but I couldn't just give up. "We're trying to find someone. I heard, well . . . they said that he lives around here somewhere. A man called Balinor. Have you ever heard of him? He was a dragonlord."
His expression didn't change. "He's moved on."
"You know him?"
"Who are you?!" He raised his voice again. Must tread lightly.
"I'm . . . Merlin." He didn't react to my name.
"And him?" He pointed at Arthur.
"He's my master."
"His name!"
"His name's Lancelot. He's a knight. A nice one." I wasn't ready to tell the truth yet, but I'd hesitated in my answer.
He'd noticed my hesitation. "His name is Arthur Pendragon. He's Uther's son." Oh no.
"Yes."
He talked over me. "This is Cenred's kingdom. He's inviting danger. Why are you looking for me?"
"Are you Balinor?" I asked, but he didn't answer. Well, if he wanted the truth, he was going to get it, completely unvarnished. "The Great Dragon is destroying Camelot."
"He's called Kilgharrah."
"Well, we can't make him stop. None but you, a dragonlord, can."
He nodded, like he'd anticipated my response. "He doesn't act without reason. He attacks for a purpose. Vengeance. This is Uther's fault."
I tried to get through to him. "But he's killing the innocent. Women and children."
I don't know if he was listening. "Uther hounded me! He tracked me like an animal!" He was angry, like he sided with the dragon.
"I know."
He stood up, still angry. "What do you know about anyone's life, boy?! Uther requested I use my power to call the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wished to make a truce with him, but he didn't! He deceived me! He stabbed me in the back! You ask me to defend this man?"
"I ask you to defend Camelot."
"He murdered all of my kin! Only I escaped!"
"Where did you run to?"
Strangely enough, my question seemed to calm him. "There's this village named Ealdor."
"Yes."
"I had a life there. A woman. A wonderful woman. Ealdor is outside Uther's kingdom, but he still hunted me. Why wouldn't he leave me alone? What did I do that he was determined to ruin the life I made, leave the woman I loved? He dispatched knights to murder me. I was compelled to move here, to this! So, I know how Kilgharrah feels. He's lost his entire race, all of his kin. You want to understand how that feels? Take a look, boy. Let Uther perish. Let Camelot die." He turned away from me.
"You think everyone in Camelot should die?"
He turned back. "What do I care?"
"And if your son lives there?"
"I have no son." That hurt a lot. But maybe he didn't know?
"What if I told you . . .?"
I didn't find out then because I didn't get to finish. As if he'd planned it, unconscious Arthur called out, "Merlin. Merlin." He concluded with a cough, but he'd effectively ended the conversation. Balinor walked away and I rubbed my forehead in sad frustration. So close.
A short while later, Balinor came back and went to where he'd set up some bedding. I found a flat spot close to Arthur and spread mine out. Without any further comment, he doused all the candles and we were plunged into darkness.
Thanks for reading! Second chapter coming soon. :)
