After a couple of days Merlin was released by Gaius and allowed to return to his tower. It was funny how quickly he had felt at home there. He loved being surrounded by all his magic books and not having to hide his magic anymore. Even having guards wasn't as much as a pain as he thought it would be. Mind you, he still gave them the slip sometimes, just to keep in practice. Now he didn't have to hide his talents he was getting stronger and more powerful by the day.

The time had come for him to help Aithusa; he had practiced the words of the spell so often he was sure it would work. So Merlin collected the artefact, the stone of dracan, from its hiding place and told Gwaine he was going to see Aithusa and didn't want company. Gwaine insisted on going with him the stair case, but promised to stay at the top so they could talk in privacy. Gwaine knew Merlin hated company when he was teaching Aithusa of dragon lore. What he didn't know, was what Merlin had planned. But then Merlin thought what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

The Warlock called Aithusa down from where she was perching, in the depths of the cave. She came down and joined him on the ledge where Kilgarrah used to sit, and sat with her head on his lap. She was getting better looking every day. He scales were in far better condition and becoming whiter.

"I have come to try to mend your twisted spine, and hope to make it better for you. I have found the stone of dracan, and the spell I need. So today is the day. Are you happy for me to try?"

Aithusa gave Merlin a version of a dragon smile. She stood up in excitement. Merlin stood beside her and took the stone from his pocket. He put his hand on her side and started to speak:

Ci ibatede gerihteu bansealfa ond handa efenhleoor apcs burnam dracan

Merlin repeated it three times each time his voice gained in strength and depth. Then there was a gold mist similar to the mist that occurred as Kilgarrah healed him at Camlann. As the mist cleared Merlin could see the change in Aithusa, she was a thing of beauty, and her body was straight and strong. She was fast asleep at his feet. Merlin shouted with joy, it had worked! He had done it. Merlin felt a wave of weakness hit him and he sank to his knees by Aithusa.

At the top of the stairs Gwaine heard Merlin shout and ran down the stairs. As he reached the platform edge, he stopped in wonder. He could see from there the difference in the dragon. He also saw Merlin, who by now was led over the still dragon. Gwaine made his way to their side and carefully picked up the Warlock. He was as always surprised at how thin his friend felt. As he removed Merlin from Aithusa she opened her eyes and looked at him.

In a clear, and strangely feminine voice, for such a creature she spoke for the first time "Protector, take care of my dragonlord and when he wakes thank him for me."

"I will little one, I will. You are beautiful now." He was still amazed at the transformation.

"You would even flirt with a dragon?" Aithusa chuckled.

"I'm not flirting it's the truth, Merlin has made you're beautiful."

Gwaine slowly made his way out of the cave and up the stairs, pausing at the top before taking Merlin back to the tower. When he got there he sent Sam to fetch Gaius. It was only a few moments later when the healer arrived and checked Merlin over. Gwaine explained what had happened.

"He's getting stronger in his magic, but that spell would have taken large amounts of energy from him. He needs rest, no more than that. I'll tell the King that Merlin won't be about for a time."

Within in half an hour both the King and Queen arrived to check on their friend. Gwaine explained what had happened and they both went down to the cave to see for themselves.

Now Aithusa was cured of her twisted body, she soon grew fast and needed more and more food. In the end Arthur agreed she could fly off by herself, as long as she kept to her promise not to harm people, or hunt domestic animals. It was glorious to see her fly; she was a thing of grace and beauty. The people soon got used to her flying over the citadel. As the land prospered they looked on her as a good luck symbol. Merlin and Aithusa became very close and as she grew they were often seen flying through the air together, Merlin sat on her back.

Due to the new found prosperity Arthur's was planning a meeting of all the rulers of Albion, and the surrounding kingdoms, to introduce them to the Court Warlock and to strengthen ties. He was working toward the united kingdom of Albion as mentioned in legend. With Merlin on this side he had no doubt it could be achieved.

The introducing Merlin part he deliberately missed out, when he told Merlin of his plans. He knew the warlock wouldn't want anything to do with it, and would make himself scarce if he knew. Arthur had already heard back from King Baynard of Mercia, Queen Annis of Caerlean, Lord Godwyn of Gavent, all of whom were attending. Arthur was now waiting to hear from King Lot of Essetir. King Lot was a bit put out with Arthur, who made Merlin's home village part of his territory when Cenred had been defeated.

Other kingdoms that had been invited were King Odin, Lord Rodor of Nemeth and Sarrum's son from Amata. It was to be the biggest and greatest meeting of rulers even held.

There would be a tournament for all the knights, and a huge fair was planned. Arthur had sent word out for entertainers to come from all over the kingdoms. Every room in the castle was being cleaned and made ready for all the guests, even those that hadn't be used for years. In the town every room that could be rented was identified, for all the retinues that would arrive. Each leader would want to ensure they were safe, with so many old enemies in the same place.

On the plains outside the citadel, a large town of tents and temporary dwellings would be created. The townspeople were excited; the gathering would allow for great business opportunities and work for everyone. The druids were setting up on the north side of the town, and would be offering their services as healers for the duration. There was no way that Gaius would be able to cope alone. It was expected the town would grow in population fourfold for the two weeks of the meeting.

Merlin was helping Gaius collect as many herbs as he could from the surrounding countryside, before all the visiting healers arrived to help themselves. He was also helping Arthur make plans. Gwen was having a field day having new clothes made for the King and herself as well as Merlin. The seamstresses were busy mending and replacing the linens and hangings in the castle. Never had Camelot seen so much activity.

The kitchens were busy making those items they could prepare in advance. Merlin had made a friend for life in Audrey the cook, when he put a spell on the large store room, which meant anything stored there would keep as fresh as when it was placed in there. All the staff were kept busy baking pies and cooking meat, the magic storeroom meant so much more could be done in advance. The knights were sent out when they had time, to hunt for as many deer and other game as they could. Cattle and pigs were purchased from the kingdoms villagers. There wasn't a peaceful place to be found. Merlin was helping the servants where he could, using his magic to clean the harder areas of the castle, so much so that he had to have a day off to sleep, he just couldn't keep his eyes open. Gwaine and Arthur told him off and threatened him but he said he couldn't let others struggle when he could help them. He was doing more than everyone else.

In the end he exhausted himself and Gwen made him rest and checked on him every couple of hours to ensure he did as she said. Strangely he seemed to take more notice of her than anyone. When Audrey, the cook, heard he was exhausted she sent up a regular supply of special treats for him. So Sam and Gwaine benefitted, as Audrey seemed to think Merlin had hollow legs.

Finally the day came when the first visitors were due to arrive.