Hello all! Quick thanks to Charles Ceaser for the review you're awesome. Another quick thanks to .3 for following hope you are enjoying the story.

Gotta admit I really had to think here on the plot elements was putting in. Hope I got it right and it makes sense as you read more.

Anyway enjoy the chapter.

Ch. 12: It's Getting Hot In Here.

Merlin was not enjoying his evening.

While the banquet had not stretched long into the night, on account of the tourney still going on. It still meant long hours helping to clean up afterwards. Making his way down the corridors of the castle he had to stop as a sudden feeling crashes against his senses. Like water against a stone in the river, magic washed over Merlin.

Following the feeling down towards one of the many guest chambers, he chances on an open door. Peering through the opening he is greeted with the sight of knight Valiant, feeding rats to a trio of snakes.

That were coming from his shield.

The gasp escapes his lips before he can stop it and he is rushing down the halls of Camelot soon after.

Later that night Merlin lay in bed pondering Gaius's words.

To the Butcher King only someone of nobility had rights. Whether it be as simple as speaking their minds to something as grand as trying to change people's lives, for better or worse. It was maddening to think that Uther with nothing more than his words and sword arm could change the lives of thousands. While he himself, with the ability to bend time to his desire, could do nothing.

"I don't want you executed simply because you don't want to serve me."

The words came floating out of his memory unbidden by him and their context changed with his new revelation.

"Arthur is the Once and Future King."

Bloody Hell.

That old bastard of a dragon. He knew all along.

Yes, Merlin could change the lives of everyone around him. Not through magic, which was feared and hated, but through Arthur. Groaning into the palms of his hands Merlin knew what he had to do. Throwing on his clothes he snuck out of the physicians chambers to go visit the dragon.

The scaly bastard was waiting for him.

Merlin emerged from the tunnel to find the Great Dragon sitting on his outcropping staring in his direction. Allowing the fire ball in his hand to float out into the space between them he glared out at the beast.

"You knew."

The mythical creature cocked his head and spoke in the same whimsical manner as before, full of wisdom and power.

"I know a great many things Merlin."

"You knew Arthur was the Once and Future King not because of what he is but what he could be!" Merlin shouted in anger, what he was angry at well he was still deciding.

The dragon regardes him with a critical eye then dipped his head.

"There are many prophecies about the two of you Merlin. Just as you have the potential for great harm or good, so to does Arthur. Alone, you will fail, only together will the two of you unite Albion and bring magic back to the land."

Merlin let his rage boil as the dragon spoke, threatening to overwelm him. He didn't know why he was angry, perhaps it was the stress of the last few days or the hopelessness he felt being surrounded by those who hated him; maybe it stemmed from his sense of independence that was constantly stifled in Camelot. It didn't matter in the end. The dragon spoke of destiny as though he didn't have a choice in the matter, as though Merlin was merely a prisoner being lead to the gallows.

These thoughts and emotions fed his magic. The flame between the two magical beings flicked and grew and when the dragon finished speaking it grew still and small. When Merlin next spoke, it was quite and dangerous.

"I have no choice in the matter then? Protect Arthur or damn Albion?"

The Great Dragon either unknowing or uncaring of the warlock's mood brought his head in close to the young mage.

"Yes."

Fire explodes from the hovering flame, growing into a raging storm that battered the beast. Alas, he was a being of the inferno, fire was no foe to him. Merlin directs the flame with a wave, expressing his fury and anguish through the fire. The dragon said nothing as the warlock raged, letting him vent his pent up emotions.

Finally, after what seemed like days to the wizard in training, the flames diminished and darkness flooded the cavern. Together they sat in the dark as emotions bled dry and something of an understanding past between the two. When the silence was broken, it was by the warlock.

"I will not be a pawn in this game. Forbearnan."

Light blooms in Merlin's hand as he raises himself off the floor. Shadows danced across his face and behind him as a grim determination set itself upon his shoulders.

"I am Merlin, Son of Hunith, Emrys of the Druids. I can command the elements and bend Time to my will. If it is my destiny that should either doom or save this land then there is no choice. I will save Albion, I will return magic to the land and I will do it how I think is best."

The dragon gave a pensive look before answering.

"Very well young warlock, just remember that Fate is not so easily swayed."

"Then Fate can kiss my ass because I will not be swayed from doing what is right, damn the consequences."

With that, the warlock turned and left the cavern.

As Merlin climbed back to Camelot and his destiny, Kiligarah sat pensively in the dark of his cave.

He cast his Sight upon the paths of the future, watching as some fell away at the choices just made and new ones appear. Many of the futures were fraught with peril and danger. Casting his mind's eye upon the future he wished for and let out a sigh of relief.

It was still there, lessened but there. The warlock's trust was going to be difficult to earn but he could do it. He would fight for the future where he was no longer alone.

No matter what the cost.

Morgana hated this dream.

She watched as the little boy with dark hair, large ears and magic set about to free his friend from the cage. She watched as the man in black, a witchfinder she now knew, rose behind the child with magic.

For years she had, had this dream, usually in the days leading up to Samhain. She would see the boy with magic playing with his friend, then she would watch as he died trying to protect him.

She watches as the blade once more fell towards the young Emrys and wonders why the Gods hate her so much. This scene always broke her heart and hardens her resolve. It haunts her just like the ghost of the boy she was watching die once again.

She closes her eyes and wrenches herself into the world of the waking. Tears sprang to her eyes and she let them fall once again. This madness was killing her, slowly and surely. She tries her hardest to sway Uther, to end the war against innocents who are only trying to live their lives.

It's never enough, but she tries and will keep doing so till the madness consumes her.

It was all she could do.

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