Author's note: Thank you to my brilliant beta, Willow1593 for her help recently.
Reviews / advice appreciated!
Chapter 14
Leon woke early. Turning, he saw his brother peaceful and quiet. He was pleased that at least one of them had slept well. His mind had been racing over the betrayal he felt towards both his birth parents and those who had turned out to be his adopted parents. Only Merlin had been truthful, but even then he had hidden the part about being magic. Leon, deep down, did not mind Merlin having magic but the side of him that was a Dragon Lord was a concern, even if the Dragon swore he could not lie to him. It wasn't Merlin having magic that was the issue, he knew Merlin was good, and he was so proud of him, but something gnawed inside that the Dragon was going to be involved in his life. From now on, he only wanted to deal with people who always told the truth. No more secrets.
What worried him even more than the Dragon part was the Lord part of M-bro's title. Merlin had a good, kind heart and was incredibly loyal. Leon recognised that, while being the manservant to the Prince of Camelot gave you a pretty good introduction of life at court, no matter how close you were to your master it was far different to being a noble yourself. Then Leon remembered that Merlin was no mere noble, but heir to a throne. Having watched Arthur grow up Leon had seen many sides to him, and lately he seemed almost ready to rule – apart from when he'd upset Merlin, that is. This new heir had grown up as a peasant in a single family. Leon knew he would have to help him, to guide him. Maybe that was the true meaning of being a Warlock Guide?
The idea that he had some form of magic himself was something Leon wanted to explore. Merlin had seemed pretty surprised by that revelation, while the Dragon seemed to imply he was wrapped up in the whole Arthur-Merlin-destiny thing. For the time being though, Merlin came first and if he was meant to save a Kingdom from the clutches of the Norsemen than he was going to need every ounce of Leon's support and concentration. Besides, considering Leon's run of bad luck at the moment, his magic would appear out of nowhere and run wild without any training or lessons. He reluctantly knew he had to wake Merlin up.
First Leon needed to put on the porridge. Merlin never ate enough. His brother had wondered whether Arthur was feeding him properly, and had made enquires to Gwen and Gaius. Gaius had said he was simply a growing lad and used up a lot of energy. Now Leon knew why.
"M-bro, M-bro." He shook Merlin lightly.
"Leon, what time is it?"
"Time to face destiny, Merlin"
"Seriously? You too?"
"The Dragon has a point here. You keep protecting Arthur, you fall out, something has happened to him and now you are heir to a rather large kingdom. Sounds like some of it has been planned to me."
"Yes, I'm always the last to know."
"I am too you know, you never said about your magic. And what about our family?"
"Curls, I wanted to tell you, I was scared."
"And are you scared now, with the next chapter to your story about to begin?"
"Not scared, just, apprehensive."
"Me too. Listen I think we need to go to Hibernia. Even if it is just to say hello and get some closure."
"I do too. I just needed some time." Merlin said, looking at his brother for support.
"I know, but if Killgarrah is correct we don't have much time. And we need to save Arthur."
"And we need to eat breakfast."
"One step ahead of you M-bro."
With that, Leon handed Merlin a bowl of porridge and watched him wolf it down.
"When we arrive Merlin I suspect a feast will be held in our honour. A good thing too, since you need to eat more."
"I get enough of that already from Arthur."
"I'm just looking out for you."
"I know. You always did"
"Always will do, too." Leon picked up the bowl and grasped Merlin's shoulder.
"Going to call the Dragon then?"
"OH Dragon, sinn a thabhairt chun Hibernia, mar beidh muid ag freastal ar ár teaghlaigh"
Killgarrah appeared almost out of nowhere Leon thought. Was he always going to be around? For the Dragon's part, he was delighted that Merlin was seeing sense for once and taking heed of his advice.
"So my Lord, you have decided to follow your destiny," a smiling Killgarrah said.
"Not quite, but we both deserve some answers."
"And you shall get them Merlin. If you do not I shall ensure that the truth will out. I will not interfere in family affairs unless I believe your life is under threat. I am sure your grandparents will clarify matters."
"How long will it take us to get to Hibernia?"
"Three hours, possibly four."
"Four hours?" Leon interrupted.
"Leon, I maybe magic but even I have some limits. It's not like I can take a break either. People tend not to like a Great Dragon suddenly landing in their farm lands."
"Won't we be spotted?"
"Merlin, if you would do the honours?"
Merlin turned to his brother, smiling and said "Curls, I can make us invisible. Well, not to each other but while on a Dragon my magic works with his to ensure that neither of us is seen. We protect each other."
"Ok then. Ready M-Bro?"
"As I'll ever be. I'll need to send a note to my mother first."
"What will you say? Can it be from both of us?"
Merlin smiled. "Are you sure?"
"I wasn't till I just asked but she has a right to know we are safe. Besides where you go, I go."
The Dragon chuckled "Oh my dear Lord Leon, how prophetic those words are."
"Killgarrah do me a favour and cut out the destiny for just one day will you?"
"I can, my Lord Merlin, but by the time the day is out, you will see that Destiny is an unpredictable mistress."
"And I don't doubt you will take great delight in all that occurs."
The Dragon couldn't help but laugh, "Well, you do keep me entertained young warlock. Busy, but entertained none the less."
"M-bro, when you and the Dragon have had your lovely conversation, we need to go. We can't stand
around all day gossiping."
"Arthur, Arthur, you are here after all!" Merlin couldn't resist teasing his big brother.
"Very funny, Merlin."
"Well if you sound like the Prat, I'll treat you like the Prat."
"And if you and that infernal beast don't get a move on you will see what it is like to be on the receiving end of my revenge when someone upsets you."
Merlin shuffled and looked down at his feet. "Ok, sorry. Ready now."
"Lord Leon, you are growing on me all the time. If you can get him to shut up all flight, then I'll grant you one wish."
Leon chuckled "Even with my supposed magic Dragon, I doubt I ever could manage such a spectacular feat."
Merlin squinted at him. "Now who is gossiping?"
"One more word, Merlin, and I'm tackling you to the floor."