A/N: You will notice that I've rearranged the cannon events somewhat for this chapter, but I just felt like it made more sense this way. The way in which I'm planning on writing Mordred's part goes better if a certain character shows up earlier than she does in the cannon.
Chapter 9 The Dragon Guardian
The next few months were rather uneventful. I still kept a close eye on Mordred, though. We had a few small quests, and a few "threats" of magic, but overall it was a rather peaceful time.
Morgana, however, was not granted such peace. She had dreams of Mordred's coming betrayal. Gwen and I did our best to comfort her, but there was not much we could do. Then, early one morning, Morgana burst in the physician's chambers. I woke up from the door banging open, and so did Gaius because I heard him gasp in alarm.
He called to her and tried to comfort her. She then frantically asked for me. I got up and came down the steps to the main chambers.
She ran to me, and I embraced her. "Oh, Merlin! It was terrible! Mordred killed him…both of them!" she cried. I just held her and whispered to her that we would not let either Uther or Arthur be killed.
I then looked up at Gaius he had a strange expression on his face. It was like he was shocked at Morgana's confiding in me, but at the same time he was realizing that a lot of recent events now made sense. Finally, he spoke. "Morgana, my dear, what do you know of magic?"
Morgana pulled out of my embrace, but still stood quite near me. "I know I am a High Priestess of the Old Religion, and that Merlin is the Great Sorcerer Emrys," she said. Gaius raised he eyebrows and looked at me. "I know you told me not to get involved, but I couldn't help it," I said apologetically. "She was so alone, and I couldn't leave her to be corrupted by Morgause."
Gaius sighed and nodded. "I suppose that, in this case, your interference was good. However, you should not make a habit of it, Merlin," he warned. I nodded and promised to be careful. Gaius then asked if Morgana knew anything about actually performing magic. She explained that she and I had been working together for the past few years now, and we had learned much together. He nodded again and was silent for a time.
Then, he said, "Is there anything I can do to help you, my lady?"
"Keep giving me the sleeping draughts. They only help sometimes, but I don't want anyone else to know that I have magic," she replied. Gaius nodded and agreed.
"Do you need one now?" he asked. She nodded and said that she had run out.
While Gaius was preparing the draught, she sat beside me on a bench and told me her dream. Mordred not only killed Uther and Arthur, but betrayed Arthur's trust on multiple occasions. "He is so like his father though," she moaned. "He is loath to see magic anywhere near home, and he only sees it when it attacks." I nodded and agreed that Arthur could be quite stubborn.
Gaius finished the sleeping draught, and then handed it to Morgana. She thanked him, and then after hugging me, she left. My guardian turned to me. "You care about her, don't you?" he asked.
"Of course!" I exclaimed.
"Are you in love with her?" he continued.
I drew in my breath and looked down. "Merlin, be careful. She is Uther's ward. If he so much as suspects there is any impropriety in your interactions with her, the dungeons would be the least of your worries."
"But she feels the same way," I protested.
"That would not make any difference. You being the servant would be the one to blame. Even if she stood up for you against Uther, the king would only see her as the victim, and would have you punished." I nodded. I knew Gaius was right.
"I promise to be careful, Gaius," I vowed. He nodded and then said it would be pointless to go back to sleep since I would have to get Arthur's breakfast in only an hour, so he gave me a list of chores to do. He began to prepare his bag for his daily rounds.
A few days later, a mysterious man showed up looking for something called the Triskelion. "Hello, Gaius. Surely you remember me?" an unfamiliar male voice called from the outer room. I had not yet fallen asleep, so I got up and listened at my door. "Only too well. Why are you here?" I could hear the annoyance and slight anger in Gaius' voice. "Please, I could do with drying myself by your fire," the man said.
"You have a nerve coming back here," Gaius responded. "You left me in a lot of trouble."
"Yeah. Yeah, sorry about that. What can I say? Execution…didn't really appeal to me. Don't pretend you supported Uther," he replied.
"Tell me why you are here," Gaius demanded.
There was a silence, then the man said, "Save your eyesight, Gaius. It's the Triskelion of Ashkanar." My guardian drew in his breath.
"You are sure?" he questioned.
"I'm certain," the man insisted.
"Let me see," Gaius asked.
Some shuffling, and then another silence. After a while, Gaius spoke. "It's in a druid tongue. The bind runes are in threes. That's rare."
"Oh, I can save you the trouble. They guide the bearer to the Tomb of Ashkanar. Yes, we both know the legend. We both know what he hid there."
"A dragon's egg, and you have come to steal it," Gaius accused.
I gasped and then put a hand over my mouth because I didn't want either to know I had been listening.
"I wouldn't say 'steal'," the man said.
"You're forgetting one thing, you're missing a part of the Triskelion," Gaius pointed out.
"Oh, no. I know where that bit is," the man insisted.
"Where?"
"In the vaults…beneath your feet."
"In Camelot?" Gaius exclaimed.
"Where it has lain safe and secure for the last four hundred years." I could hear the smile in the man's voice.
"And you want me to help you to get it." Gaius sounded doubtful.
"We could bring this noble creature back to life," the man insisted.
After another moment of silence, Gaius announced, "I want no part of your plan."
"You don't want to release the last living dragon?" he prompted.
"The old ways should be left to die," Gaius replied.
"Well, that's not what you taught me!" the man almost shouted.
I gasped. This man had been Gaius' student? "It's what I feel now," Gaius returned. "I believe in the king that Arthur will become and the future he will build."
"Think about it," the man pleaded.
"I've given you my answer. Now I think you should leave Camelot. Sooner rather than later. You risked much by coming here. Uther is still no friend of the old ways."
I then heard Gaius' footsteps, and the door open. "You'll find me in the tavern in the lower town. Take your time. Gaius, I know I caused you trouble before, but I'm a changed man, believe me," the man said.
I peeked out of my door just in time to see his face before he turned to leave. "Who was that?" I questioned, coming down the steps to my room. "Oh, doesn't matter," Gaius dismissed.
"Gaius," I said, giving him the look he gave me when I wasn't telling the whole truth. He sighed. "He was a pupil. His name is Julius Borden," Gaius explained.
"Why won't you help him?" I asked. "This is our one chance of saving the dragons, of helping Kilgharrah preserve his kind."
"Borden is not a man to be trusted."
"You don't think the Triskelion is real?"
"Of that I have no doubt."
"Then what?"
"His motives, Merlin. Even as a young man he was prone to dishonesty. Who knows what path he is on now."
"You want the egg to remain lost forever."
"I don't want it to get into Borden's hands! The Tomb of Ashkenar has lain untouched for more than four hundred years. It is my belief it should remain that way. Now let's get some sleep. We've got a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."
I furrowed my brow. What were we doing tomorrow that was going to make us so busy? Oh, well. I would obey Gaius now and then sneak out later to talk to Kilgharrah about all of this.
I ran on tiptoe down the corridor. Suddenly, I heard a voice call my name. I froze. "Merlin?" the voice came again. I turned and relaxed when I saw Morgana. I smiled at her. "What are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm going to see Kilgharrah, the Great Dragon," I replied. "What are you doing?"
"I had a nightmare, and I often take walks to calm back down," she replied. "Can I go with you to see Kilgharrah?" I smiled and nodded. Then, I grabbed her hand, and we ran out to the clearing where I often met Kilgharrah.
I called to the Dragon, and he landed in front of us within minutes. "Ah, the witch you have fallen in love with," he commented.
"She's not a witch and you know it!" I shouted. "She has been a great help to me, and to Camelot."
"But she is a witch, Merlin. But if you prefer, I will call her a sorceress. Either way, she has magic, and you must be careful," he replied.
"We know," I responded.
He took and deep breath and then asked, "So, what do you need my help with this time, young warlock?"
"Actually, I don't really need your help. I just have some news, and…well…okay…maybe I would like your advice on what to do about it." I then proceeded to explain all about the Triskelion and the Dragon's egg hidden in the Tomb of Ashkenar.
When I had finished, he laughed. "I never dared dream of such a moment, Merlin," he cried. Morgana and I laughed along with him. "Until now, I believed the egg would never be found, that I would be the last of my kind," he continued.
"So the legend is true?" I confirmed.
"This is a chance in a thousand, Merlin. You must retrieve the egg."
"I know," I said with a sigh.
"Then what is the matter?"
"Gaius has forbidden it," I sighed.
"And so do I!" Morgana put in.
I turned to her, furrowing my brow. "Why?" I questioned.
"My dream, Merlin," she answered. She squeezed my hand and then explained that in her dream she saw me chasing a strange man through the what she guessed was the Tomb of Ashkenar and then the tomb collapsed, leaving all inside of it dead.
I smiled encouragingly and embraced her. "Merlin! You are a Dragonlord!" Kilgharrah interrupted. "It is a gift passed down from your father. He gave up everything in his life to save me. What do you think he would say? The egg harbours the last of my kind. I beg you, Merlin. In your father's name, promise me that you will do everything in your power to rescue it." I turned to the Great Dragon. "You have my promise," I said.
"Merlin!" Morgana exclaimed, pulling away.
"I'm sorry," I replied. "But Kilgharrah is right. It is my duty as a Dragonlord to protect this egg."
"Then I'm coming with you," she insisted.
"I don't know if Uther…or Arthur…would allow that," I responded.
"Uther and Arthur will have to get over it! I'm not going to let you get crushed by a collapsing building!" I sighed and smiled.
"All right. I will be glad of your company. I always miss you when Arthur and I go on quests." She smiled, and dropped her eyes.
I tilted her head towards mine and kissed her. We only parted when Kilgharrah cleared his throat. We smiled sheepishly at him, and then he reminded me of my duty to protect the Dragon egg. I promised I would do everything in my power to protect it.
The next day, I went to find Borden. I found him at the tavern, just like he had said. However, our first meeting was not all that pleasant. I entered his room, and before I got a chance to introduce myself, he had me up against the wall with a dagger at my throat. (I really hate the fact that I am so weak without my magic.)
I drew in my breath shakily. "What do you want?" Borden demanded.
"To help you," I replied.
"Who are you?" he interrogated, not removing the dagger from my throat.
"A friend of Gaius," I choked.
He put away his dagger and stepped back. I coughed a little, and then said, "I heard what you told him. I want to see a Dragon's egg. I want to come with you."
"Did he send you?" Borden asked.
"No," I answered.
"No?" he questioned. He then opened the door and gestured. "Then get out."
"Please," I begged, "I know everything about dragons. I've read everything…?" That was close! I hope he doesn't figure out how I really know so much about Dragons.
"Not interested," he insisted. "Go away."
With that, he grabbed my shirt and shoved me out the door. "All right, but you won't get into the vaults without me," I mocked. He scoffed.
"And how's a boy like you gonna help?" he questioned.
"Because I'm the personal servant of Prince Arthur, and only the prince has the key to the vault," I smiled. He eyed me narrowly, but agreed to let me help him.
I hurried to the door in the outer wall. Getting the key had not been easy. I tried to just get it off Arthur's belt, by scooping the belt up in the laundry, but Arthur caught my actions and asked for the belt back. I sighed.
Then, after a few more unsuccessful attempts to get the key, including one in which I invented a new creature, woodworm, I did the only thing I could think of. I used magic. I admit, it could have been done with a bit more tact, but I was desperate. During a meeting, I used magic to loosen Arthur's belt, which made his pants fall down. I offered to help, but my real objective was to get the key. Needless to say, Arthur was not pleased, and he was rather embarrassed. However, I did manage to get the key.
Finally, however, I met Borden at the back gate to the outer wall. "I'm beginning to like you, Merlin," he commented. I smiled a little and then led him down the stairs toward the vaults.
I stopped just before the guard station. "This is as far as I go," I said. "And this key opens the last gate. But you have to get past the guards." He nodded and took the key. "That won't be a problem," he replied. I told him I would wait here for him. He nodded and hurried off toward the vaults.
A few minutes later, he returned with a completed Triskelion. Just then, we heard some guards. "Follow me," I whispered.
We ran quietly until we reached the gate to the outer wall. We hid until the guards passed. "Thanks," he said.
"Anytime," I replied.
"Tell me, Merlin, would you say you're a good liar?" he asked.
"Yeah, if I need to be," I answered. Borden then reached up and hit me hard on the head.
I woke some time later. My legs were hanging out of the wall, and my head was on the floor. I groaned as I realized what happened. This was going to be interesting to explain to Arthur. Nevertheless, I calmly stood up and grabbed the key. I locked the door and then hurried back to Arthur's room.
I tried to put the key back, but I ended up knocking a goblet off the table onto Arthur's bed. What's that doing here? I thought I put away all Arthur's dishes! I reached for the cup, but Arthur moved, causing the cup to roll away. It started to tip off the bed. I scrambled over Arthur and held out my hand. I whispered a word and the cup froze in mid-air. I grabbed it and then stood up again.
Just then, Arthur woke up and frowned at me. "Merlin? What are you doing?" he asked.
"Shh!" I replied, putting my finger to my lips. I put the goblet to the head board, and then my ear against it. "I'm listening for woodworm." I knew it was probably the lamest excuse ever, but I had used it before, so I had to keep up the pretense. "I'm getting slightly concerned about you," Arthur said.
Suddenly, the warning bells rang out, saving me from making a reply. "What the hell is that?" Arthur moaned, as he got out of bed and grabbed a shirt.
In the vault, Gaius and Uther were already inspecting the damage. "The lock hasn't been damaged, which would suggest whoever did it had a key," Uther commented. Gaius glanced toward me, and then said, "Strange."
"Of all the treasures in here, this is all they were interested in," Arthur said. He took the open box down from the shelf. "What was in here?" he inquired.
Gaius sighed. "I believe, sire, one third of a Triskelion, a type of key. A key that, according to legend, opens the ancient Tomb of Ashkanar.
"That tomb contained a dragon's egg!" Uther gasped.
"It has been said," Gaius replied.
"You don't believe it to be true?" Uther quizzed.
"Well, it is possible, sire. The wealth and wisdom of Ashkanar are without equal," my guardian consented.
"Is the egg still there?" Arthur questioned.
"I can't be certain," Gaius responded. "But, to my knowledge, no one has disturbed the tomb for more than four hundred years."
"But with this Triskelion, someone could," Uther pointed out.
"That is true," Gaius acknowledged.
"Can't a dragon's egg can live for a thousand years?" Uther questioned. Gaius nodded. "So, even today, it could still hatch, and another dragon would be born into this world." Gaius nodded again.
"All of our work to rid the world of these monsters would be undone," Uther exclaimed. Gaius just sighed. "Arthur, we have no choice. You must hunt down and destroy the egg."
"Yes, father," Arthur consented.
Gaius began to scold me. We were back in our chambers, and I was packing for the quest. "How could you be so stupid!? What were you thinking!?" my guardian shouted.
"I am a Dragonlord," I protested. "It is my sacred duty to protect the last of the dragons."
"The tomb could've remained closed for another four hundred years and the egg would've been completely safe!" Gaius countered. "Now Uther's intent on destroying it!"
"Then, we have to hope that Borden gets there first," I replied.
Gaius scoffed. "You trust Borden? You really think he's going to release that dragon? I fear to think what he intends for the poor creature. Why couldn't you leave things alone?!"
"Don't worry, Morgana is coming, too."
"What?!" Gaius exclaimed.
"I told her that I was going to go after the egg, and she said she was going to come."
The physician sighed heavily. "Be careful, Merlin. You know what would happen to you if she is harmed."
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," I smiled. With that, I grabbed my bag trotted out to prepare the horses.
We rode through the countryside, finding tracks, and signs of a fire, but nothing for certain. Morgana stayed close to me, but still kept a distance so that it wouldn't seem like she drew comfort from me. It also helped that I was sure to stick close to Arthur.
Finally, Arthur decided that it was no use to keep looking, as it was getting too dark to see anything. So, we made camp. Being the servant, I made supper, and cleaned up.
I laid down, but found I could not get to sleep. Everyone around me was sleeping, including Morgana. I was still in awe that Uther had allowed her to come. Of course, she had been very forceful of late, with the arranged marriage, and with her coming on this quest. It was almost as if she gave Uther no choice but to agree. I hoped she wasn't using magic on him. I would have to ask her about that, and remind her that such things were not acceptable for protectors of Camelot.
Just then, I heard a voice in my head. I startled. "Emrys. Emrys." I stood up and followed the voice. I heard it again. "Emrys." I continued to follow the sound of the voice through the woods.
Again, the voice, "Emrys."
"Where are you?" I asked, using my magic to talk telepathically, as the voice had done.
"Emrys," the voice called again.
I gasped, as I suddenly found myself in a circle of Druids. There were only a few, but it was enough to make a circle around me. "Do not be afraid," one said, lowering his hood. "We know of your quest."
"How?" I asked.
"The man you seek also stole from us," the Druid explained. "He passed through these woods not three hours before you."
"Which way did he go?" I inquired, hoping to be able to catch up to him and possibly figure out a way to keep Arthur and the knights from finding him.
"To the east," the Druid replied. "But you must beware, Emrys. The legends tell a tale that only the Druids know."
"What do they say?"
"Ashkanar was a wise man. He knew one day men would come seeking to disturb his rest. The Triskelion is not just a key. It is also a trap."
"What do you mean? What kind of trap?" I quizzed.
"I do not know," the Druid answered. I nodded. Typical Druid prophecy—they only know that it's going to be bad! "But the legends are very clear," he went on, "you must beware, Emrys."
I looked around, suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable among the Druids. It felt like they were staring holes in my soul. I nodded and promised to be careful. Then, I made my way back to camp. "Emrys," the Druid called again. I stopped and turned to face him. "There is one other thing the legends say. Only when the way ahead seems impossible will you have found it." I nodded, puzzled at what that could mean. Another thing about Druid legends—they're extremely vague. I turned back around, and fairly ran back toward camp.
After another meal, prepared by the only servant in the company, we began our search once again. This time, we were on foot. Arthur and the knights had their swords drawn. Even Morgana had hers drawn. I hated to admit it, but she was better with a sword than I was.
We found a campsite, but it was abandoned. "He must've left in the night," Arthur commented.
"No horse tracks," Mordred commented. I was rather surprised that Uther had allowed him to come since he was not officially a knight, yet, but I felt better having him where I could keep watch on him.
"He's covered them," Sir Leon replied.
"We had him. We were so close," I sighed angrily.
I walked a few paces eastward. "Where are you going?" Arthur questioned. "We don't even know which way he went."
"He's heading east," I replied.
"How do you know that?" Arthur quipped.
I was silent for a few seconds, trying to come up with a way, other than magic, that I knew. "Because…I can sense it," I replied.
"Sense is not a word I associate with you," Arthur replied, a slight mocking smile on his face. Morgana came up beside me and smiled reassuringly.
Just then, she bent down. "Wait," she said, standing up and briefly wrinkling her nose. "He's right," she said, pointing to the horse dung on the path leading east.
"He can't be," Arthur protested, coming near.
"Well done, Merlin," Sir Leon exclaimed. At least someone appreciated my skills.
"You ever heard of the word 'sorry'?" I quipped to Arthur.
"No," Arthur mocked, "is that another word you made up?" I just sighed and shook my head.
We came to a cave in the Forest of Balor. Everyone thought it was hopeless. I suggested that we go into the cave, but Arthur said we'd be wasting our time. It was only after a knight found a muddy footprint going into the cave that we actually went in. "Merlin, this is ridiculous," Arthur scoffed. "Where is he going?"
"There's light ahead," I simply replied.
Soon, we came to a waterfall. We all walked through it, and came out on the other side soaking wet, but able to see a tower in the distance. "No wonder no one's ever found it," a knight mused. Arthur then led us toward the tower. Morgana placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled. I smiled in return.
We continued walking toward the tower, and we found ourselves in a trench. Arthur forged onwards, and it was all we could do to keep up. Suddenly, Morgana cried out. I looked back to see her lean against the stone wall. "Take cover!" a knight shouted.
"Merlin, will she be all right?" Arthur called.
I knelt before Morgana. I grabbed the arrow and yanked it out. Morgana screamed. "She'll be fine," I called back. I took off my neckerchief and tied it tightly around the wound on her leg. We smiled at each other, and then I offered her a piggy back ride. She gratefully accepted.
We kept walking through the trench. Another arrow landed between Arthur's feet. Morgana squealed and ducked her head, as another arrow flew just over her head. "Where's he firing from?" he begged. Then, he turned to Leon. "I'll draw fire, get her to safety." Leon nodded.
Another arrow shot toward Arthur, but he dodged it. I then saw Borden move on the ridge. I set Morgana down and handed her off to Leon. I smiled reassuringly at her, and then hurried to Arthur. "Arthur," I whispered, pointing to where I saw Borden. Arthur got a glimpse of him, and then motioned a plan to the rest of the knights. As Arthur sprinted to the other side of the trench, I used magic to make the crossbow in Borden's hand fly out and crash against a tree. Borden startled and ran off.
Arthur finally reached the spot where Borden had been. "What happened? Where's he gone?" he questioned in frustration.
"Perhaps he ran out of bolts," I suggested.
Arthur continued toward the woods, and we followed. I returned to Morgana and carried her on my back once again. Leon smiled at us. My heart skipped a beat. I hopped he didn't suspect anything.
We stopped, but I kept sliding forward on the leaves. "Careful!" Arthur cried, as he pulled back on Morgana, who holding tightly to me. She slipped off my back, and we pressed ourselves against the wall. "Who knows what he's left lying in wait for us," Arthur whispered.
"We can go around that," I replied, stepping out.
"No," Arthur protested, pulling me back. "He knows we're coming."
"That's a risk we have to take," I protested. I was very eager to get to that dragon egg before it was too late, but I didn't want to look suspicious. "We'll make camp and continue at dawn," Arthur insisted. I sighed and agreed.
I made soup for everyone, and then properly attended to Morgana's wound. I wished I could use magic to heal her, but I knew that would look too suspicious.
When I finished, I got up to get the firewood, as Arthur had ordered. I returned to find that everyone was asleep. I sighed. Really? I haven't been gone that long! One of the knights was even snoring. I dropped the wood loudly, but only Morgana stirred. She sat up and asked what happened. "Sorry to wake you," I whispered. "Did you have anything to eat?" I added, crouching down to the soup bowl and seeing there was some left.
She shook her head. "I'm not hungry," she said. I nodded. Then, I let out a small gasp, as I found a poultice in the soup. I took it out and sniffed it. It didn't smell familiar. Just then, I heard someone gasping for breath.
I turned to see it was Arthur. I rushed over to check on him. The rest of the knights began to suffocate as well. "Help me!" I called to Morgana. She scrambled to her feet and knelt beside me. "Ic þe þurhhæle þin licsare!" I whispered.
Arthur breathed in deeply, and then he began to breath normally. She nodded and helped me cure the rest of the knights.
When everyone was sleeping naturally, she commented on the fact that it must have been a strong potion if Mordred fell under its power. I nodded and told her it was a good thing she had not eaten any of the soup. She smiled and nodded. I then told her that I was going after Borden. "I'm coming with you," she said.
"No," I replied. "No, it could be dangerous. Besides, someone needs to stay here and keep an eye on the clotpole and knights." She laughed and nodded. She hugged me tight. I returned her embrace, and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll be back, I promise," I said. She nodded and smiled at me.
I turned and ran in the direction of the tower. I stopped just before getting to the tower and I saw Borden climbing into it. I sighed and followed him. I made sure to stay far enough behind so that I could use my magic to help me climb.
I finally made it to the top and wound my way through the corridors. Finally, I found Borden. He put the key in the hole in the wall. "No!" I shouted.
The door opened, and Borden looked back at me before entering. Suddenly, smoke poured out of the gargoyle's mouths. I hadn't even noticed them sitting above the door until then. The smoke began to float my way. I covered my face with my jacket and held up my hand. "Þrosm tohweorfe!" I whispered. The smoke dissipated.
I hurried over to Borden. He was unconscious, so I picked up his torch and continued through the door. I walked up some steps to a great hall.
I grinned. There was the dragon egg. It was teardrop shaped object, sitting on a stone pedestal. The sun shone directly on it. I put down the torch and approached it. I gently touched it.
Suddenly, a voice behind me, shouted, "Give it to me!" I turned to see Borden walk up the steps. "It's not yours to take!" I shouted angrily. I suddenly felt very protective of this life yet to be born. "You give it to me and I will grant you a half-share, Merlin," he tried.
Half of a dragon? No, you don't even want the dragon! "No, it must go free," I responded.
"Don't be a fool! Think of the power it could bring us! The lands we can rule over, the riches," he tried again.
"I'm not interested in that," I countered.
"With this dragon at our command, we will live like kings. We will have the freedom and power to do as we wish!"
"Dragons cannot be used like that! They must be left unshackled, free to roam the earth," I protested.
"But this is your chance, Merlin. Your chance to escape your meaningless life, your worthless existence!"
"It's not my life that's pitiable, it's yours. Wasted…for nothing," I retorted.
At that, he grabbed the torch and threateningly approached me with it. "I pieced together the Triskellian. I found the path that led us here! The dragon belongs to me! Now, hand it over!"
"No." He was slowly backing me away from the egg. He swung the torch at me. "You are not gonna stop me, boy!" he threatened.
"Dragons are magical creatures! They belong to no man!" I shouted, as I tripped and fell backwards. "They are for the benefit of all!" I added. Borden scoffed.
"What do you know?" he mocked. "Huh? You are but a serving boy!"
"I am the last Dragonlord!" Borden's face betrayed his fear. "And I am warning you…leave this egg alone!" Borden glanced back at the egg. Then, he tried to strike me with the torch, but I thrust my hand forward, and sent him flying backwards. He hit the wall and fell unconscious to the ground.
I quickly got to my feet and grabbed the egg. Suddenly, the tower shook. Rocks and larger pieces of the building began to fall all around me. I sprinted out into the safety of the woods. I found my satchel and quickly put the egg in it. Arthur, Morgana, and the knights ran towards me. "What the hell happened?" Arthur questioned.
"The tomb is a trap. He set if off," I explained. "He never got out."
"What about the egg?" Arthur questioned.
I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders. "It would've perished with him," I said, still panting slightly from my hard run. "Are you sure? We need to be certain," Arthur insisted.
"Nothing would survive under all that," Leon insisted.
We all watched as the tower completely collapsed. I glanced down at the bag at my feet. Morgana caught my eye and smiled at me. I returned he secret smile.
When we returned to Camelot, I was glad Arthur dismissed me after I helped him with his armour. As my guardian and I sat at the supper table, Gaius commented, "Shame about the egg."
"Yes," I replied.
"You weren't able to save it?" he asked. I shook my head.
"No," I replied.
Gaius looked at me for a long time. I took another bite of soup, trying to keep a straight face. I looked up at my guardian. He tilted his head in question. Then, unable to stop myself, I started to grin. Gaius smiled, too. Then, we both laughed. I got up and fetched the egg. "All the jewels, all the treasures, Gaius, they don't compare," I mused.
I pulled it out of my satchel and handed it to him. "And it was nearly lost because of you," Gaius scolded.
"I'm sorry, Gaius. I was too quick to act," I responded seriously.
"You have to think things through. Remember, I said that in Morgana's case your interference was good, but that does not mean you should make it a habit. Ashkanar did think things through. He had the foresight to conceal this for more than four hundred years. And now it's down to you, Merlin." He handed the egg back to me. "For you to decide what you intend to do with it."
I nodded and smiled. "I thought about that. I'm going to make sure it goes back to where it belongs."
That night, I sneaked out of my chambers and down the hall. I rapped lightly on Morgana's door. I had promised her that she could come with me when I gave the egg to Kilgharrah.
She answered the door with a smile. She tied her cloak on, and held out her hand. I took it and we tiptoed out into the forest clearing.
I placed the egg on a tree stump. I called to Kilgharrah, and he soon landed in front of the egg. His happiness showed in his eyes and smile. "Is it still alive?" Morgana asked.
"It can live for more than a thousand years," Kilgharrah replied. Morgana and I smiled.
"So, you are no longer the last of your kind," I said, feeling happy for the Great Dragon.
"It would seem not," he smiled.
"When will it hatch?" I questioned.
"Young dragons were called into the world by the Dragonlords. Only they had the power to summon them from the egg. As the last Dragonlord, this solemn duty falls to you, Merlin."
"How do I summon it?" I questioned.
"You must give the dragon a name," Kilgharrah explained.
I thought for a moment. A dragon needed a noble name. Then, it came to me. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt Morgana take my hand. Then, I called out, "Aithusa."
I opened my eyes at the sound of cracking. Morgana let out a happy gasp. All three of us watched excitedly as the young dragon broke the egg and crawled out. Morgana grinned. "A white dragon is, indeed, a rare thing…and fitting. For in the dragon tongue, you named her after the light of the sun. No dragon birth is without meaning." I smiled as happy tears streamed down my cheeks.
The little dragon made tiny roars as it climbed about on the stump. "I never knew that a dragon could be so cute," Morgana commented, bending down to get a closer look. I smiled and looked up at Kilgharrah. He was obviously very pleased. "Sometimes the meaning is hard to see," he continued, "but this time I believe it is clear. The white dragon bodes well for Albion, for you and Arthur, and for the land that you will build together." I grinned.
I looked back down at Morgana. She was laughing as the little, white dragon was crawling up her arm. "It seems the dragon has a special connection with you, young sorceress," Kilgharrah commented. Morgana smiled up at him.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"It means that you will be her guardian. Merlin is the last Dragonlord, and he will be her ultimate protector, as he is mine, but she will listen to you like she would listen to a Dragonlord." Morgana grinned. I crouched beside her and stroked the baby dragon. She leaned into my touch and almost purred. I smiled.
Over the next few days, Morgana often visited the forest. Everyone else thought that she merely wanted to take advantage of the fine weather of late by spending it outside, but I knew she was really going to visit Aithusa. I was glad that Aithusa had taken to her. I had Kilgharrah as my magical creature companion, and now she had her own little dragon.