A/N: Hey, guys! Sorry I'm a day late, again. Work is getting really hectic, so I will probably only update on my days off: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the weekends.
Anyway, here is the next chapter and surprise. Hope you like it. Sorry it's a little shorter than usual, but I would still like to hear your thoughts. PM me with any ideas you might have that could make this story any better, or if you find any mistakes. There shouldn't be, I'm very OCD when it comes to grammar. Enjoy!
Chapter 9: Let the Journey Begin!
By this time, Steven, Arthur, Kale, and Renee had gathered around us. Not they stood quietly, waiting for my father to answer.
"Of course I'm Merlin! Were you expecting anyone else to know that much about an herb found only in Avalon? And who else would survive trespassing on dragon turf uninvited, besides you, Rayleen?"
"Wait a minute," Kale said. "Dad and I thought you died."
"I almost did," Merlin replied. "When you couldn't find me on the battlefield, you thought I was dead. But two dragons came and took me to their cave and nursed me back to health. After my recovery was complete, I went north, keeping away from Camelot. I knew there were people who wanted to kill me, so I stayed away. I figured it was also a way to protect Arthur and Kale."
"Why didn't you tell me before?" I demanded. "Do you know how many opportunities you had to tell me? Did you even know it was me?"
"How could I forget?" my grandfather countered. "You're my own granddaughter! And you look exactly like your mother. As for not telling you, I knew Matroon was looking for you. Whenever I told anyone who I am, he always found me."
"So, now that you've told us . . .?" Steven started.
"It's only a matter of time before he finds me again," Merlin finished.
"Well, then." This came from Renee. It was the first time she'd spoken since saying goodnight earlier. "I suppose we should leave right away." She paused a moment. "I just can't believe it. I married Merlin. The Merlin!" She giggled. We all shared smiles.
"How are we going to travel?" Arthur questioned. "Car or plane?"
"A plane would probably be more reliable," Renee replied, "but they are easily tracked."
"It would take too long to travel by car." Merlin added. "And there are no trains near here. We can't travel by boat because Rayleen and I both get violently seasick."
"And we can't travel by magic," Kale interjected. "Rilan probably has another sorcerer on his side that can follow us that way."
"Well," I sighed, "I guess there's only one way to travel then." I paused to see if they knew what I was talking about. When I realized they didn't, I continued. "We'll have to use the dragons."
"You know where they are?!" Merlin exclaimed.
"I've known for a long time," I admitted. "They stayed one step behind us on our journey, keeping an eye on us and doing little things to help us when we were in a tight spot."
"Yes, I'm sure they did. They always would do anything to help their mistress," Merlin conceded. He looked meaningfully at me. Renee and Steven looked at me in amazement. "But do you know where they are now?"
"Of course I do. After all, as you pointed out, I am their mistress. They're only a short walk from here, in that old warehouse where Steven and I used to hang out with our friends.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Steven asked. "Let's go visit some fire-breathing lizards!"
"We will, we will!" Merlin said, laughing. "But first there are some rules to follow. First, don't call them lizards within earshot. They really don't like it. Two, don't insult them. Don't call them anything but the names Rayleen gives you. And finally, don't act threatening around them. They'll think you are going to attack, and then they'll burn us all to a crisp."
"Cool," Kale and Steven chorused.
"Boys," I scoffed, "like danger to much." They only grinned at me.
"All right, kids," Renee reprimanded. "Let's pack our backpacks and get out of here."
"Road trip!" Kale, Steven, and I shouted gleefully. We left within the hour and headed east.
