little short and not my best ch...

ohh and in case someone wants to know... Merlin is 23 in my story, now guess how old Arthur is..?^^

Thx again for all the great reviews, really appreciate it =)

Disclaimer: Don't own anyything

Chapter 9

After Merlin left Arthur's chambers he went to the library, where he could hear Geoffrey and Gaius talking about the black knight.

"...no one else ever used that crest." stated the genealogist.

"But that would mean..." Gaius started incredulously.

Merlin took that moment to make his entrance and continued the physician's sentence, "that he has risen from the dead. Yeah, that's what a wraith usually does." Startled, both men whirled around and faced the newcomer.

"So, who is it?" the young warlock asked. Gaius and Geoffrey hesitated for a moment before the latter pointed to the book in front of him, which was opened and showed the crest of the knight.

"Tristan de Blois. Who's that and why would someone bring him back?"

"Tristan was Queen Ygraine's father and when he died he vowed to come back for his revenge."

Merlin raised an eyebrow imitating the physician, who had spoken, and said, "Let me guess... he blamed the king for his daughter's death, most likely challenged him, lost and died." Confirming his theory with a nod the two men were slightly surprised that Merlin had come to the right conclusion right away, but before one of them could ask any questions Merlin waved and left the library.

Gaius, who had watched the druid closely since he had arrived, couldn't help but think that maybe the past was not as secret as the king would like it to be.

Merlin's next stop was Gwen's house, where he asked her father, the blacksmith, for the finest sword he had ever made. Tomas was a little reluctant to give away his best work, but when Merlin told him that it was for the prince he handed it over with pride.

After thanking Tomas and giving him a compensation for his work, Merlin could finally make his way to the woods. In the forest he walked until he reached a clearing, where he used his gift to call the great dragon. Sitting down in the grass he laid the sword next to him and to pass the time, he would have to wait; he let himself fall into a trance. While he kept a part of his consciousness alert and trained on his surroundings, Merlin immersed himself into the world around him.

During his training it had taken him months to learn this old method of meditation. The feeling of unity with the earth, the elements and the free flowing magic had been too much for him to take; he had passed out immediately the first hundred or so times after reaching this state. But now it was like coming home; the whispering of the wind, the murmuring of the trees and the flow of magic through his very core it was exhilarating and calming at the same time.

Hours later Merlin could feel the change in his trance; the wind announced his arrival and the magic got even stronger. Leaving his trance and opening his eyes, he stood and watched Kilgharrah descend from the sky.

Upon landing the dragon spoke, "You called, little one."

Merlin didn't waste time with small talk, as he knew the dragon wouldn't appreciate it and simply picked up the sword and let it float in front of the dragon.

"A wraith has come to Camelot and I need your help to defeat it."

Kilgharrah simply looked at his former student and then breathed fire on the sword, which changed its appearance and made it unique. Returning it to Merlin he made to leave, but turned around again and stated, "You know of the consequences, if this should fall into the wrong hands. I trust you have someone who is worthy of wielding it." Already taking off he added, "and Emrys... the time is drawing short... they're coming..."

'Yep, just wouldn't be him without a cryptic warning.'

In the morning Merlin woke the prince in a normal fashion for a change and played the perfect servant, which led to a very suspicious Arthur.

"Okay... who are you and what have you done to my idiot of a servant?"

Merlin chose to ignore his royal pratness and helped Arthur into his armor. After finishing that, he got the new sword and held it up. Mesmerized by the blade the blonde made to take it, but Merlin took it out of his reach.

"What…?"

"I just remembered, I was supposed to find someone worthy of it... that rules you out... pity." Ignoring the other Arthur grabbed the sword and examined it, unaware of the approval in the warlock's eyes.

As it was nearly noon the two of them left and headed for the arena, where Arthur ordered a reluctant Sir Owain to stand down. Arthur took his place in the battle, surprising not only Morgana and Gwen, but everyone in the stands.

The fight itself was over quickly as the prince soon landed a lethal blow with his new sword and sent the wraith back into his grave. While walking out of the arena under the cheers of his people Arthur turned to a smirking Merlin, who held his hands up to take the sword and said, "Forget it, I'm not giving it back... ever!"

Laughing out loud, Merlin simply followed his annoying master/friend.

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