A/N Um there isn't much I can say about this really except I do hope you like. It's really only a short bridging chapter, but essential none the less.

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Keys to the past.

Chapter 10.

Where the hell had he gone?

He had been only minutes behind him and Arthur knew he could track anyone in the right conditions. Merlin had never been classed as stealthy. He had seen him walking across the courtyard toward the town gate just as his uncle had rounded the corner.

And though he had managed to throw off his uncle's solicitude it had been just enough to lose sight of the distinctive indigo shirt his manservant wore.

He had practically run after that. Spotting him every now and again through the shifting crowds around the market, striding down a side street, talking briefly to the guard on the gate and then out into the countryside. How had he moved so fast? Damn the protocols that said a prince should keep his dignity. This was entirely stupid having to come after his manservant in the first place. Merlin should know by now that he would only accept resignation of his post upon death. It's what Merlin had offered him after all.

No matter that it had been an entirely brainless thing for him to have said at the time, it had kept Arthur going through so many trials. Knowing there was one man out there at least that had so much faith in him, not the prince, but him, Arthur. It had made him feel like he was worth something more than just being heir to a kingdom. That he had value as a man. That he was worthy of true friendship, no matter that he would never openly admit it. It had been painful to see such a strong bond nearly at its breaking point and couldn't formulate any theory as to why it should have become so strained in so short a time.

What had happened? He needed to find his friend and figure out what was wrong, because a man did not just up and leave everything worthwhile in their life without any explanation at the drop of a hat. Now all he had to do was work out where he had hidden himself.

He stopped again sword out in case of sudden attack since despite multiple patrols and efforts to control them these woods swarmed with bandits and miscreants aplenty, even this close to the city.

All he could hear was the noise of birds and other small animals chittering in the trees, but the ground was slightly muddy from days of rain finally starting to dry out and the imprints of boots could be vaguely discerned here and there in the clear patches between the leaf litter. Well someone had passed through not too long ago.

And then the sounds of the forest quieted. An unnatural hush descended as if holding its breath, waiting. Until the unmistakeable sound of wing beats rent the air. Very large leathery wing beats that sent fear skittering up Arthur's throat and down his spine. Choking and paralysing him for agonising seconds. A sound he hadn't heard in nearly two years. He had thought they were dead. That he had killed the last. Obviously not. And the noise was heading in the direction of those footprints.

Arthur ran.

As noiselessly as he could. Hoping and praying he could be on time. Though what he thought he could do once he got there he had no clue. The last dragon he had fought had killed nine out of the dozen knights he had taken with him. And only Leon, Merlin, and himself had escaped serious injury. Though both he and Leon had been knocked out. It had been a standing joke that Merlin being the only one without armour had been the single survivor without a scratch. It was why they had started allowing Merlin on patrol with them. He was their lucky charm. It seemed his luck was about to run out. Arthur ran faster.

Until the sight of his manservant though the trees up ahead stopped him cold. He skidded in the mud and hoped the noise hadn't alerted the dragon of his presence. He couldn't see it from where he stood and hoped it didn't know Merlin was there. He wanted to try and collar his servant quietly and melt back into the bushes, make his way home and gather the necessary resources to kill it before it started going after the citizens. There was no way he would allow a repeat performance of last time.

…..

"How did this happen?"

"One of my pupils made a mistake, her magic spiralled out of control just on the stroke of midnight. There was something wrong with the veil. Then cailleach showed up told me there was a price and here I am."

"The cailleach? Mother winter. She is an aspect of the triple goddess."

"I know well who she is. I've had dealings with her before. I want to know why she would have sent me here. For what purpose? I did think you knew this might happen. That you knew what my destiny entailed. I'm glad to know you are as in the dark as I, and did not purposely keep this from me."

"I have always tried to help you, but no-one can see the future for a certainty. This is not something I have foreseen." The dragon was out of his depth and he knew it.

"But you knew that I was immortal?"

"It was a possibility though there were many theories on the interpretations of your name."

"You were right you know. About Morgana and Mordred. But it was as much my fault and yours as to what became of them." Merlin had been pacing restlessly but paused and looked up, at some far distant point in time. Pensive. "And Arthur."

"I am sorry Emrys."

"You haven't asked about Camlann. I take it you know the prophecy held by the Catha?"

"I do though only in the vaguest terms. I'm not entirely sure what you expect of me Emrys." Merlin narrowed his eyes at the dragon. He was being entirely too submissive. It wasn't like him.

"I don't think I've ever heard you so respectful before. What has gotten in to you?"

"As you say, you aren't the young warlock anymore. It is not often one gets to speak to the lord of all magic. What is it you want from me?"

"I don't entirely know. A sounding board? There is no-one here who could possibly understand except you. Even Aithusa is not an option." Khilgarrah started.

"Light of the sun. That is a name from the dragon tongue. Where did you encounter it?" Merlin waved him away lost in thought. This was getting frustrating and he wondered if Merlin had ever felt as perturbed with him as he now felt at the way this conversation was going. Emrys' thoughts seemed to be jumping all over the place. Not touching on anything for long enough to get a grasp of what he wanted.

…..

Back in the tree line Arthur Pendragon stood gaping rendered mute and immobile in shock.

He had moved forward fully intending to rescue his servant only to find he did not in fact need any rescue. The dragon was stood there compliant, relaxed. As Merlin strode up and down the clearing, Talking with the creature. And it was answering him! He could hear the rumble of voices but was too far away to distinguish exactly what was being said. Dragon's were intelligent? They were creatures of magic so it was entirely possible.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, the paralysis snapped. Rage consumed him. Had it enchanted Merlin? Is that why he had collapsed and was so different? This creature was controlling him? Or were they in league together? Since that dragon looked awfully familiar. As did the clearing when he took a closer look.

Had they been harbouring a murderous criminal all this time? Arthur had a hard time believing that. Merlin had been with him for a long time. Had never shown anything but loyalty and devotion. It was easier to believe that the dragon had recovered from the supposedly fatal wound and had come back for revenge (What did they know of dragon anatomy after all?) Using Merlin as a puppet rather than his being a traitor.

This would require some very delicate handling. And reinforcements.

As quietly as he could Arthur backed away, turned and made his way back to the city as fast as he could whilst maintaining the silence. One thought paramount. That Gaius would be devastated and the rest of the round table nearly as much.

At the Gate Arthur took one last look towards the forest, hating that he couldn't do anything just yet. The creature could hardly have an effective spy planted in their midst if he burned him to a crisp. They would rescue him. Come hell or high water they would get him back.