Took me too long to get this up considering it has been basically written since November.

Managed to finish the renovation on my bed room. All the painting is done, new window and floor is in, chandelier is up. My new beds is one of this hidden beds so it's a desk that folds down into a bed. Finished painting the deck and the new patio furniture is on it now. So basically I've just been doing home renovations.

Also i went to Disney World about two weeks ago. When I came back I had a job interview. Still waiting to hear back from them. I'll work on my fanfictions until then.

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Bird In A Cage

Dark Hate

o0o

They could hear the sound of footsteps above them signifying that nobles had started to fill the stands. The jingling of the keys announced Rowan's presence before his face appeared in the peek hole of the iron cell. The hinges squeaked as the door was opened. "It's show time boys."

The two sorcerers didn't move at the announcement. Merlin had been hoping that Arthur would have come for him by now. It was hard to believe that the time for the auction was already hear.

"Better make you two prettier." Rowan exclaimed after examining they disheveled appearances. Taking two bundles from a servant, he threw one at each of their feet. Their thread bare clothes would not show their best sides.

Curiously Merlin opened the bundle to see new clothes. It wasn't that surprising since Merlin was still wearing the white outfit from when he was going to be auctioned off as a sex slave. He had never bothered to change into the other blue sorcerer robes because the fabric seemed stiff. The white cloth was soft against his skin so Merlin had chosen comfort over fashion.

Mordred raised an eyebrow when he realized they had given him some leather armor. He guessed they were dressing them the way they wanted the audience to perceive them. Mordred had not used that much magic in their presence but he had presented his fighting skills while trying to escape. He was supposed to be a druid warrior while Emrys was to be an ancient powerful force.

Peeking over to see what Emrys received curiously. It was a deep royal blue with ruins stitched into the fabric. Recognizing them as ceremonial robes that used to be worn by priests of the old religion. It was meant to station Merlin as above the other sorcerer's in power level. Mordred wondered where the slavers had come across such a robe. They were very rare since the great purge.

With a snap of his fingers, Rowan signaled two female servants he had brought along to step forward.

Just as Merlin was going to swindle the robe over his clothes and be done with it; two women suddenly descended on him. One with a bucket of water and the other with a comb. His shirt disappeared quickly so they could scrub his chest and arms. At least he was allowed to keep his pants on this time. The water in the bucket was slowly turning brown. Merlin must have been dirtier than he thought.

Once he was properly groomed the inner lighter robe was draped over Merlin's body and tied intricately. The fabric was cool against his heated skin. Merlin swore it must have been made of silk. His arms were forced up once again so that they could slide the heavier top coat over top. A leather belt was secured around his waist to finish the assomble.

He thought that would be it when Merlin was forced into a chair behind him that appeared out of nowhere. The two women descended on him with powders and paints. He wasn't a women so Merlin didn't see the point of it. Merlin shut his eyes and wished it to just be over. After what seemed like an eternity but was really only five minutes, Merlin was finally released.

The two women collected their tools and left the way they came. Rowan nodded at both of them at a job well done. He had a smirk of amusement on his face at the dazed look on the warlock's face. Finally the boy actually looked like the prize he was meant to be.

Merlin felt like he had just been prepared to be sold into the sex slave again. He would never get used to others dressing him. At least there was no painful hair removal this time. Looking down at himself since he had no mirror to see what had been done to him. Merlin blushed when he realized why they had to wash his chest too.

Mordred had been left on his own to figure out how to put on the armor he had been supplied with. It took him a while to shift through his own bundle that held a dozen different pieces. He was successful with the first few layers but struggled with the smaller intricate parts. It was hard to reach a strap himself to secure his shoulder cover.

"Let me get that." Emrys appeared suddenly beside him. Mordred's eyes widened at the huge difference in the boys appearance. He had been so concentrated on getting into his own armor he hadn't been watching what had been applied to Emrys. The robe dipped almost to his navel. There was a dark coal painted around his eyes that made the blue pop, some rouge had been applied to his lips as well.

Since Merlin had been dressed by two professionals it had taken no time at all. Noticing the accessing look the Druid was shooting him Merlin blushed deeply. Quickly with nimble fingers he secured Mordred's armor into place. After years of helping Arthur it had become a mindless task. Stepping away quickly as soon as he was done.

"Perfect." Rowan smirked as he looked over the two slaves. They would make him a lot of money. Banging on the cell door he signaled they were ready. The door was opened by Axe who instructed some sell swords to safeguard the slaves.

Once they were over the thresh hold of the iron box Merlin felt an immediate difference. He wasn't sure if it was just because he was out of the oppressive environment or if it was actually because of the different ruins on the shackles. Mordred was searching his face for any reaction so Merlin shrugged to signal he wasn't sure yet.

The cheers of the crowds could be heard through the walls. Guards bracketed them in on both sides as they were steered through the halls. "Remember the plan." Mordred whispered to Merlin's ear as they were being led to the entrance to the arena.

.0.

They packed up camp not planning to spend another night there. Today they would be leaving Kelton hopefully with Merlin in tow. Arthur steered his small party towards the showground. It was easy to hide amongst the excited crowd. They couldn't wait any longer to make their move. It was cutting it too close as it is.

From the tree line they observed the outer entrance to the holding cells under the stands. There was no way they could slip through the entrance directly in the arena unnoticed. The other day they had scouted the area to figure out the layout. Then there had been about ten guards but now there were only two currently. All the others were spread out in the stadium area observing the nobles and peasants take their seats.

After Arthurs signal they made their move. Slipping out of the tree cover Arthur along with Fabian, Bayne, and Kayna to gain their attention. While the guard's eyes were still on the approaching party the knights approached from the side. Swiftly knocking them both out.

Gwaine stepped over the unconscious guards and tried the door. Surprisingly it wasn't locked and swung open without any squeaky hinge to give them away. "That was way too easy." Gwaine leaned in checking for a legion of guards to come pouring out. Surprisingly it looked empty.

"Don't look a gifted horse in the mouth." Arthur pushed past the knight. Checking himself just in case. It wouldn't be good to be caught off guard by an ambush just because he trusted someone else's word. They were in a small entry way with two hallways leading off it. He wasn't sure which way to turn. Straining his ears he could hear anything either way. They might have to split up. The other creeped in behind him. All the knights had their swords out prepared for a fight.

"Merlin!" Gwaine called tired of just standing there and doing nothing. If there was going to be a fight he wanted to do it already.

"Shh, you don't know who might hear you." Arthur admonished, throwing his hand over his loud mouth. He expected to hear the clinking of armor heading towards them but there was nothing of the sort. All the guards must be busy elsewhere.

"Over here." They could hear a distant voice yell. Since it was female it wasn't who they had hoped cautiously they moved down the hall to the right. When they entered another cell block, there was a cell full to the brim of people of all ages. "Thank god." A young women who was clutching the bars exclaimed with relief. She must be the one who had yelled.

"You're all druids?" Elyan exclaimed dropping his sword from its defensive position with a furrowed brow. The clothing and marking gave them away as such. He hadn't been expecting to see so many entrapped here.

"The slavers came to our camp in the night." A middle age women replied nodding her head.

Anxiously Arthur searched through the faces for his manservant. He wasn't there. It was stupid of him not to realize that when Merlin didn't loudly announce himself. "Does anyone know where they are keeping a boy named Merlin?"

"They have already taken Emrys out into the arena." An old man answered near the back. He seemed kind of familiar to Arthur for some reason. They must have crossed paths at one point in the past.

"Who's Emrys?" Gwaine asked confused. He had never heard the name before.

"It is young Merlin's Druid name." The old man replied. "He is destined to help bring magic back to the kingdom along with the Once and Future King."

"Okay." Arthur exclaimed since he didn't understand the rambling of the old man.

"Get us out of here." A young boy cried with a trembling lip.

Looking around for the keys they didn't see any. "We'll have to run back and fetch the keys from the guards."

They didn't have the time to spare to break all the captives out and get them away safely. Arthur couldn't risk his chance to rescue Merlin. Getting an idea in his head he turned to Bayn, Faber, and Kayna. "I'm leaving it up to you three to get the druids out of here."

"It was a pleasure to get to know you." Faber offered his hand in farewell.

"You too." Arthur shook hands with each of them. He never thought he would ever be saying that to any magic user. This experience had made him realize sorcerers were just like anyone else, just with supernatural powers.

"Just get Merlin out of here." Bayn squeezed his hand tightly.

"I plan to." Arthur shook his hand to get the feeling back into it. Turning around he signaled to the knights they should get going. As they walked through the hall they could hear Bayn announce "Everyone stand back." It was followed by a small explosion.

.0.

The guards had led them to their balcony. Morgana and her sister sat amongst king Cenred's men. Morgause pursed her lips as the king ran his hands over her knuckles. She allowed it because he was still useful to her. Morgana could see from her seat that the arena was quickly filling up. It seemed to be well planned down to the smallest detail. This was more than just a simple auction. It had turned into a show.

Morgana smirked as she spotted Uther in the stands only a few rows down and over. He paled a little at the sight of her. They hadn't seen each other since she had been chased out of Camelot after her failed takeover. There was a dark hate swirling in her belly.

For years she had to put up with Uther's hard hypocritical views on magic. While fearing for herself as her own powers started to develop. It wasn't until Morgause had found her and showed her the way. Her sister had taught her that magic could be a strong protector. Magic was a powerful weapon in its own right when used in the right way.

Trumpets sounded to alert the crowd that the auction would be starting. The slavers took to the stage dragging a slender figure in chains between them. He was wearing a rich blue robe that made him look regal despite the chains. The shackles and chains looked sturdy as the warlock struggled under their weight.

As soon as the warlock raised his head from looking at the ground Morgana's long nails dug deep into the skin of her palms. 'It couldn't be.' Morgana seethed in fury in her seat.

The invite had stated that it was a very powerful sorcerer but had never mentioned a name. She knew that slavers liked to think of their haul like cattle and number them off so that was no surprise. It was her half-brother's manservant standing up for auction. Morgana could never mistake those features for anyone but Merlin.

The slavers made no mistake Morgana was sure. They had ways to test power levels and would have checked multiple times before making such a big scene about it. She wanted to scream; clumsy innocent Merlin had been foiling her plans this whole time.

That only meant that Merlin was really the Legendary Emrys all along. He was only a manservant so Merlin had an excuse to stay by the prince of Camelot's side with no question asked. She knew Arthur couldn't have been able to escape all those treacherous situations without help.

Morgana should have suspected Merlin when he stopped her plans every time. How could Merlin have known Morgana was the power source for the knights of Essetir. He had no reason to suspect her as the culprit. Unless someone else told him.

Morgause clutched her arm to stop her from making a scene. Morgana was sure her sister must have realized the same thing.

.0.

Arthur moved along the edges of the ring with his knights. It appeared they had taken too long since the auction had already begun.

They could see Merlin standing on a podium on a stage. The robes they had given the servant made him seem ethereal and powerful. For the first time Arthur could actually believe that Merlin could be dangerous. Merlin held his head high as he stood above the slavers.

The crowd jostled around them as everyone tried to get a better look.

Most of the occupants were present out of curiosity. Rumors had spread around to the surrounding villages of the legendary warlock. The slavers had charged them a small fee to be able to observe the presentation of power. They were kept far from the royal boxes though.

Arthur wished they had made a mistake because nothing would ever be the same. They would no longer be master and servant. He was in total denial until Merlin's eyes glowed gold and mayhem ensued.

.0.

Merlin took a deep breath as he stood in the middle of the ring. He felt around for his magic to see if Mordred's plan was successful. Finding the familiar spark he concentrated on it. Fanning the flames of his powers.

The announcer's voice was like background noise. When it seemed appropriate n the dialogue; Merlin threw his head back and roared to the sky. The crowd all thought it was part of the demonstration but Jagger and Rowan frowned with worry.

He was commanded to throw a fire ball at the target next. Merlin felt his body reacting and the energy formed in his hands. With a lot of concentration he managed to change the trajectory at the last minute. The fire flew towards where the slavers were stationed. They just managed to jump out of the way.

The crowd scattered realizing the sorcerer wasn't fully under control. As everyone stampeded to the exit Morgana made her way down the stands. Pushing anyone who got in her way aside with her magic. Once she got to the edge Morgana jumped down from the stands realizing this was her chance.

As Merlin was climbing down from the podium he had to dodge Morgana's attack because he didn't have full control of his magic yet. He had to depend on normal reflexes. There would be no slowing down of time.

Mordred realized he was no use to Emrys without his magic. Tackling a near by sell sword with his bare hands, Mordred knocked the sword from his hands. Sneaking up from behind, he took the sword to Rowans neck and pressed threatening. "Release me." Mordred commanded threateningly holding one of his wrists in the mans face so he would get what he meant.

With only self-preservation on the mind Rowan signaled to his own kept sorcerer. Who with a flick of his wrist caused the collar and shackles to drop off. Taking the slavers sword Mordred pushed him away from himself. Rowan crawled out of harm's way like the coward he was.

Throwing up a shield Merlin blocked the sorceress's attacks. With only pure luck on his side he managed to step out of the way of an attack from the side. Turning he saw it was Morgause throwing spells from the edge of the stand. It was allot harder to keep his shield up with his attention divided.

Rushing to help Arthur pushed his way through the panicking crowd. Merlin needed his full concentration if he was going to defend against his sister. The knights attempted to follow but the crowd had grown too thick to easily be able to maneuver, the prince just managed to slip through. Once Arthur was in the open he unsheathed his sword.

Hearing approaching footsteps, Morgause just managed to pull out her own sword to stop the prince's swing just in time before it connected with her body. "I was wondering when you were going to pop up." She pushed the sword forward knocking the prince away from her. "You're like a shadow that follows Merlin around."

"I could say the same about you and Morgana." Arthur replied holding his sword up. Swishing her sword Morgause smirked victoriously like she had already won. Arthur blocked and parried. Not giving her time to stop cast any spells on him or Merlin.

Morgause gasped in pain when a sword pushed through her abdomen. The sorceress collapsed revealing Gwaine behind her with the most serious expression the prince had ever seen. "I didn't think this was a time to fight fair."

Casting one spell after another, Morgana managed to send an attack that finally clipped Merlin. Who had been quickly dodging everything she threw at him like time was slowed down. The warlock flew backwards in the air and rolled to a stop.

"Merlin!" Arthur cried when he saw his best friend fall. It was too high to jump from his position in the stands. Quickly he ran to the nearby stairs that led to the arena floor. As they descended they lost sight of the ring.

Morgana stalked over, like a cat with a mouse Morgana like to play with her food. She would not give Merlin a slow death. A blast landed in front of Morgana stopping her in her tracks. Looking up she narrowed her eyes at the teenager.

"That was a warning shot." Mordred maneuvered himself between the sorceress and the warlock as she examined him. Morgana had been so nice to him when he'd been a child. Mordred didn't want to have to kill her.

"Mordred, it is so nice to see you again." Morgana sneered with narrowed eyes that were measuring his worth to her.

"You don't want to do this." Mordred announced not dropping his defensive position. He tried to talk her down. "Emrys will bring magic back to Albion."

"That old prophesy." Morgana scorned with distain. "It will never come to be. Merlin has been in Camelot for years and he has never made any head way."

"Change takes time." Mordred replied, trying to talk her around. He had felt the same way all these years. It took him growing up to realize that you had to nurture an idea until it came to fruitation. Merlin had been molding Arthur into the king that Albion actually needed.

"After what Merlin did to me. He can't be allowed to live." Morgana used her powers to push him out of the way. Mordred fell heavily to the ground but was uninjured otherwise. Stalking by the sorceress grew closer to Emrys unconscious form.

Mordred realized there was nothing left of that smart young woman she had once been. She had been corrupted by hatred. It would be best if he put her out of her misery so she couldn't hurt anyone else. Hopefully she'd find peace in Avalon.

Climbing back to his feet. Mordred concentrated his power into one fingertip. Aiming Mordred shot it directly at Morgana. It went right through her back and into her heart to give Morgana a fast painless death.

Aim for the heart was what Aglain taught him. Mordred was sure that wasn't exactly what his mentor had meant. Emotions were people's greatest weakness. He'd never been the best Druid in that regard; not killing anyone when they were attacking you never made sense to him.

By the time the prince and his knights had reemerged it was all over.

-A distinct shadow flew over them. Mordred could hear wings beating. It couldn't be what he thought it was. Everyone in the middle of fleeing stopped to gawk at the mythical creature.

Suddenly a dragon swooped down from the sky and scooped Merlin up into its claws. Mordred watched wide eyed as the mystical creature made away with Emrys.

.0.

Arthur dashed out of the arena. He threw himself up onto his horse and galloped after the beast. He couldn't believe the dragon was still alive. It was another thing that Merlin had lied to him about. What else had happened that he'd been oblivious to?

The knights could see the shadow on the ground so they followed it. There was nothing else they could do. They had nothing to knock it from the sky.

The dragon landed in front of them. If Arthur didn't know better he'd say the beast had an amused expression.

"Young Prince-ling." The dragon's deep voice addressed him.

"You can talk." Arthur gasped in shock. Realizing that wasn't what was important hear. "What do you want with Merlin?"

"We are kin." Kilgharrah spoke. "It is in his blood. His father was a dragon lord and so he has followed." Placing the unconscious warlock before him. Arthur sighed in relief when he saw Merlin's chest steadily rising and falling. He was still alive.

-Mordred came galloping in on a horse he'd commandeered. Before it fully came to a stop he dismounted and ran over to Emrys unconscious form. A sword was placed to his neck before he could touch him, looking up he met the suspicious eyes of the prince of Camelot. "I'm just going to heal him."

"Do I know you?" Arthurs asked feeling a niggling of familiarity at the piercing blue eyes.

"Don't you recognize me Arthur?" Mordred asked with an amused smirk.

Arthur looked at the teen in confusion. The boy had black hair with pale skin and blue eyes. He looked like he could be Merlin's brother though he knew his manservant was an only child. A memory from long ago came back making a connection in his mind. The boy was part of the druids that had been captured. "Mordred?" His sword arm grew lax.

"Nice to see you too." Mordred pushed the sword away from him, the prince was shocked making his grip slack. "I've got to heal him." He lent over the warlock, pushing his clothes aside to reveal his chest. Checking the wound in his abdomen. It had been hot enough to cauterize the wound closed so Merlin wasn't bleeding much luckily. He was sure that Emery's had just passed out from the pain.

The knights all watch avidly, hissing in sympathy when they saw the wound from Morgana's attack. It was an ugly looking burn that covered the majority of Merlin's side. They watched as the druid waved a hand over the chest, mumbling his eyes turned gold. The palm hovered just above the skin and made its way upwards.

The skin knit itself back together leaving behind fresh new flesh behind. Mordred slumped in exhaustion not able to go on. It had been a large wound, there was a little left above Merlin's heart but it wasn't much. He was out of danger now.

Merlin's eyes cracked open. Looking up he met the eyes of all the relieved looks of the knights and Arthur. Sitting up he felt at his chest in amazement to not feel a hole in his body. It had certainly felt like one had been ripped in his body at the time. "What? Mordred…" he noticed the druid's crouched form beside him, realizing what happened. "You healed me?"

"I couldn't let the great Emery's die." Mordred exclaimed out of breath. The wind was knocked out of him as the older boy wrapped him in his arms enthusiastically.

"Thank you." Merlin whispered into the boy's ear. "I'm sorry how I was acting." Mordred hugged back signalling he accepted the apology.

"What no hugs for us?" Gwaine jested anxiously.

Merlin leaned back and looked around at every one. When his eyes met Arthurs a large smile broke across his face. Before Arthur knew it he had his arms full of warlock. He hugged back tightly like he was afraid that Merlin would be taken away from him again. Tucking his face into the slender neck.

"Stupid armor." Merlin mumbled dissatisfied. He couldn't feel Arthur's body through the metal. He would just have to be content in the knowledge that Arthur was underneath it all.

He felt another set of arms wrap around him from behind. Then a few more joined in. They were in the middle of a giant group hug. Their group was whole once again.

"Enough." Arthur broke the moment knowing they did not have that much time to spare. "Now we can all go back to Camelot and everything can go back to normal."

"It is too dangerous now for the young warlock to return with you." Kilgharrah announced.

"What!" Gwaine yelled whipping around to glare at the beast.

"Uther now knows of the warlock's powers and he would have him killed as soon as he steps back into the kingdom." Kilgharrah pointed out. Rolling his eyes at their stupidity.

"Kilgharrah is right." Merlin deflated. He had just been reunited with all his friends and now he was unable to return with them.

The prince grabbed his manservant's shoulders to look him in the eye to see if he was serious about not going back to Camelot. Now that he got a good look Arthur noticed something. "Are you wearing make up?"

Flushing deeply. "That isn't the point right now." Merlin had forgotten in all the excitement how he was dressed up like a prize to be won. Crossing his arms self-consciously to cover his exposed chest. His friends were used to seeing him with his brown jacket and neckerchief.

"You should dress like that more often." Gwaine alluded with appreciation.

"I never want to go through getting dressed by someone else again." Merlin exclaimed with exasperation at just the thought. "At least I'll make a good impression to the druids."

"So you are leaving?" Percival asked with understanding.

Lancelot tried to calm Arthur down before he knocked Merlin over the head and dragged him back to Camelot unconscious.

While the knights were all talking amongst each other Merlin took the chance to lead the teen away from the groups hearing rang. "I need you to do something for me?"

"What?" Mordred asked with trepidation. He had a feeling it wasn't going to be a simple task.

"Mordred, I need you to go with them." Merlin asked, knowing it was a big favor. He spoke over the young druid before he could deny his request. "Uther never saw you performing magic so you could be safe."

Mordred's mouth dropped open in shock.

"I need you to take my place in Camelot protecting Arthur. Please." Merlin was practically pleading with the youth. "He's defenseless against any magic attacks." He held the boys broad shoulders and looked beseechingly into his eyes.

Mordred sighed in defeat when he was on the other end of Emrys puppy eyed look. He could see how the people of Camelot had never suspected him of magic all these years, even if he told it straight to their faces. Magic was supposed to be evil but Merlin looked so harmless like he couldn't hurt a fly. "But what about the druids?" Mordred asked in worry. They were such peaceful people. He was usually the one who protected the camp from bandits or passing knights or nobles.

"I'll look after them." Merlin volunteered. He planned to spend some time with the Druid camp anyway. He wanted to take this time to explore his magic which Aglain could help him with. He was going to use the next few years to explore his magic.

"You'd really allow me to do that?" Mordred asked surly crossing his arms. Emrys had seemed mistrustful of him in the past. He was placing the whole future of Camelot in his hands.

"I trust you now." Merlin had realized that the way he had been treating Mordred with suspicion had just been pushing the Druid to perform his destiny to kill Arthur Pendragon. Without Morgana's influence it hopefully won't come to fruition.

"I was wrong about you young druid." Kilgharrah lowered his head to the ground so that they could look each other in the eye. He had been listening in on the whole conversation. "You have managed to change your destiny and make your own fate." He could sense that a fork had been taken that day. Everyone was traveling down a different path now.

"Druids have always respected dragons as the most ancient and wise creatures, but even the wisest make mistakes." Mordred tilted his head to the ancient creature. "You are forgiven."

Kilgharrah nodded to the druid in thanks. Standing up to his full height he looked back towards Kelton. "Young warlock we must be going. Uther is on your trail already." He warned looking into the distance.

Arthur stalked over and grabbed Merlin's sleeve. "Don't go." He pleaded with desperation in his voice. Lancelot had been trying to convince him that he had to let Merlin go, just for a little while.

"You aren't king yet." Merlin cupped the prince's cheek. "Uther still makes all the laws."

"You can't leave." Arthur wanted to be selfish. He wanted Merlin back in Camelot with him.

"I have to." Merlin pried the prince's fingers from his clothes and held his hand to his chest. "Mordred has promised me to go back to Camelot with you. Unlike me he knows how to use a sword as well as magic. You need to knight him, he'll protect you from any magical threats."

"I don't know how I'll get on without you. You're my best friend." Arthur stated with his emotions on display for once.

"You'll probably be glad to have a vacation from me." Merlin stated to make light of the situation. They could now hear the clumping of the horses' hoofs now. "I have to go now." He exclaimed, looking at the distance at the approaching knights who were decked out in red.

Arthur tugged Merlin into his arms and held him tightly. He kissed his cheek, then again. Not knowing if they would ever see each other again he took the chance and took his manservant's lips in his. He could feel the shock of his actions.

"I'll come back when your king Arthur." Merlin gasped out once his lips were released. "Until then I'll just protect you from the shadows." He said looking into his best friends eyes.

Uther's knights were practically on top of them then. They had used up their allotted time.

After Merlin was released he dashed towards the dragon who lowered one wing so he could easily clamber up. "Till then!" Merlin said from the back of a dragon.

Their clothes rustled in the wind when the beast took off. Dust flew in the air so they had to cover their eyes. By the time they could see again. Merlin on the back of Kilgharrah became a small speck in the sky until they looked like a bird. Uncaged and free to fly once more.

…TBC