The sound of screams filled the air. People ran through the streets, braving the terror in order to fetch water and hopefully save their homes. Their efforts made little difference. For every fire that was extinguished, a dozen more appeared.
Arthur led Merlin and the knights onto the battlements, all carrying crossbows. "I'm sorry about all of this," Merlin said quietly.
"He gave you no choice," Arthur replied, equally quietly. They took up their positions by the cutaways on the top of the castle wall.
The dragon flew out from behind a cloud. "Flame up!" Arthur yelled. Each fighter drew a specially-crafted arrow, lit it on fire and loaded it into his bow.
"Stay strong!" Arthur continued. "For tonight is not your night to die, I will make sure of that!" The dragon flew closer. "Hold firm!" The dragon continued to fly directly at them. "Hold…hold…now!"
Everyone fired, but the arrows glanced harmlessly off the dragon's scales. He opened his maw and breathed fire. The fighters quickly ducked behind the wall to shelter from the flames. Clearly the flaming arrows were ineffective, just like every other tactic they had tried over the past three nights.
Once the dragon had turned his attention elsewhere, they all made their way back to the square. The dragon began swooping in for another attack just as they reached the courtyard. "Clear the square!" Arthur called.
Most people obediently dashed for the nearest door or gate, but a woman continued drawing water at the well. Arthur felt a jolt of panic when he recognized her. "Gwen!"
Gwen did not falter, and the dragon drew nearer.
"Guinevere!" Arthur yelled, increasingly frantic.
Finally, Gwen noticed the dragon. Arthur grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the edge of the square. Wings flapped behind them. Then something sharp tore a ragged gash in Arthur's shoulder, and both he and Gwen tumbled to the ground.
The dragon returned to the skies. Once he had flown high enough, Arthur and Gwen regained their feet and raced to the castle.
Merlin ran into the now-empty courtyard. Spotting a fallen spear, he enchanted it and sent it flying at the dragon. Like the arrows, it glanced off harmlessly.
The dragon glared at Merlin. "Do not imagine that your petty magic can harm me! Only your father can stop me now!"
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Merlin demanded. The dragon simply flew away.
Gwen tended Arthur's wound in the infirmary. "You shouldn't have risked your life," she fretted.
Arthur smiled at her. "I wasn't going to let anything happen to you."
After a moment, Gwen smiled back, still dabbing at his wound with a clean cloth. Arthur placed his hand over hers.
Meanwhile, Merlin walked over to Gaius and Will. "Are you hurt, Sire?" Gaius worried.
Merlin shook his head. "There's nothing I can do." He lowered his voice. "My magic is no good. It doesn't work."
"Dragons aren't monsters, they're creatures of wonder and magic," Gaius stated. "You must realize that they're immune to your powers."
"The dragon said that only my father could stop him," Merlin continued. Gaius's eyes widened. "What do you suppose he meant?"
"Did he say Uther's name, or did he simply say 'your father'?" Gaius asked warily.
"Just 'your father'," Merlin replied. "Why, what difference does it make?"
"Nothing," Gaius said quickly. Merlin didn't quite believe him, but he suspected that Gaius would not be volunteering any further information.
In the morning, the brothers made their report to Uther. Arthur spoke, his tone thoroughly exhausted. "The dead number forty-nine men, twenty-seven women, a further eighteen women and children are unaccounted for. Most of last night's fires are out. The castle walls, in particular the western section, are near to collapse. I could go on."
"Do we have any further idea on how the beast escaped?" Uther asked. Merlin flinched and bowed his head.
"I regret to say, Sire, we don't," Leon spoke up.
"There must be some way to rid ourselves of this…aberration," Uther muttered, walking over to a window. Arthur sighed and collapsed into a chair. Merlin leaned against the chair back, and Uther turned back to the room. "Gaius?"
Gaius took a deep breath. "We need a Dragonlord, Sire."
"You know very well that's not an option," Uther replied, sounding resigned.
"Sire…" Gaius began hesitantly. "I have heard rumors that there may, indeed, be one last Dragonlord left. I'm not exactly sure, but I think his name is Balinor." Gaius glanced at Merlin as he spoke.
"Balinor," Uther repeated, his expression unreadable.
"Where does he live?" Merlin asked.
"He was last seen in Cenred's kingdom, in the border town of Engerd, but that was many years ago."
Arthur stood up again. "If this man still exists, then it is our duty to find him."
"Our treaty with Cenred no longer holds, we are at war," Uther retorted. "If they discovered you beyond our border, they would kill you."
"We will go alone," Merlin suggested. "That way we will not be detected."
"No, Merlin, it's too dangerous!" Uther objected.
"More dangerous than staying here?" Arthur countered. "I'll not stand by and watch my men die when I have the chance to save them!"
"I have given you my orders!" Uther insisted.
Both brothers met Uther's gaze, completely calm. "Do not make this a test of wills, Father," Arthur said.
"I'm not talking to you as a father, I'm talking to you as a king!"
Arthur remained undeterred. "We will ride immediately."
"My concern is for you," Uther said anxiously.
"Ours is for Camelot," Merlin replied. "We will send word when we've found him." They headed to the door, passing Will on the way. "Prepare the horses," Merlin added to Will.
Merlin and Arthur went to Gaius's chambers in the hopes of learning a bit more about their quarry. "Hello, Sires," Gaius greeted. "What can I help you with?"
"Who were the Dragonlords?" Merlin asked without preamble.
Gaius adopted a distant look and did not immediately answer.
"…Gaius?"
Gaius snapped out of it. "There were once men who could talk to the dragons, tame them."
"What happened to them?" Arthur wondered.
"Uther believed that the art of the Dragonlord was too close to magic," Gaius explained. "So he had them all rounded up and killed."
"But one survived," Merlin noted. He paused, then frowned. "How did you know?"
"I helped him escape," Gaius confessed. He hesitated, then took a step forward. "You've never heard the name Balinor? Either of you?"
Both princes shook their heads. "Should we have?" Arthur queried.
Gaius shook his head. "No, I'm not surprised you haven't heard of him. It's been many years since he was in Camelot, and your father has likely discouraged mention of him."
"Did he know Father personally?" Merlin asked curiously.
"They met," Gaius said cryptically. "I imagine Will is done preparing your horses by now. You'd best be off."
"Of course," Merlin agreed. He and Arthur left.
Gaius watched them go. He wondered if he'd done the right thing by keeping Hunith's secret.
"Do you get the feeling there was something Gaius wasn't telling us?" Merlin asked as they reached the courtyard.
Arthur looked at Merlin in surprise. "Why would he do that? He knows how serious this is."
"Hmm," Merlin said noncommittally. They both mounted their horses, Arthur wincing as he did so. "You all right?"
"It's just a scratch," Arthur replied casually.
They arrived in Engerd that evening during a torrential downpour. The brothers quickly stabled their horses and entered the inn. It was full of thuggish-looking men, many of whom were laughing raucously. When Merlin closed the door behind him, the inn fell almost completely silent. Nearly every patron turned to stare at the undercover princes. They awkwardly stared back.
"Greetings!" Arthur said with false cheer, hoping to break the ice. A man drew a knife.
"Let's just get some supper," Merlin suggested quietly. He made a beeline for an empty table, followed closely by Arthur. They set out coin for their meal. The innkeeper soon walked over and set down two tankards of what looked like ale.
Arthur took a deep breath, forcing down his distaste. "We're looking for a man named Balinor. I'm willing to pay…" he set a small purse of coins on the table, "…handsomely."
The innkeeper put his hands on the table and leaned in closer. Both Merlin and Arthur looked at him expectantly. The innkeeper gave them both a very serious look, then sneered. "Never heard of him." He took payment for the drinks, leaving behind the purse.
Merlin took another look around the room. Every patron in sight looked distinctly unsavory. "You think one of these men is Balinor?"
"I hope not," Arthur said grimly.
"So do I," Merlin agreed.
They booked a room for the night. Thankfully, it was a private room. Merlin crawled straight into bed. Arthur stayed up, trying to stretch his shoulder enough to keep it limber but not enough to aggravate the wound.
Eventually, the silence began to unnerve Arthur. "What is wrong with you today?"
"What?" Merlin responded, somewhat dully.
"You've scarcely said a word since we left Camelot," Arthur observed. "You're never this quiet unless something's bothering you."
"Our kingdom's fate lies in the hands of a man whom no one has seen in years, isn't that bothersome enough?" Merlin retorted.
Arthur shook his head. "I know you, Merlin, it's more than that." Merlin rolled over and faced the wall. Arthur sighed. "All right, I know we don't normally talk about feelings and such, but—as much as it pains me to admit it—I'm worried about you."
"Thanks."
"So come on, spit it out."
"I don't want to talk about it," Merlin insisted, still facing away from Arthur.
"Merlin!" Arthur exclaimed, exasperated. Something occurred to him. "Is this about Morgana?"
Merlin shrugged.
"She's stronger than people give her credit for. She'll be all right, you'll see."
"I hope so," Merlin muttered.
Arthur regarded him in silence for a moment. "Or are you still blaming yourself for releasing the dragon? I told you before, a knight must always honor his word no matter what."
Merlin finally rolled over to look at Arthur. "I'm not a knight, and even if I were, would it really have been less honorable to break my word and save dozens of lives?"
"You couldn't have known what would happen," Arthur argued. Merlin simply turned to the wall again. Arthur gave up and blew out their candle.
A few hours later, the door creaked, waking Arthur. Footsteps inched toward his bed. He waited until the sound stopped, then he lashed out and grabbed the wrist of a man who had been reaching for his bag. Before the thief had a chance to react, Arthur shoved him against Merlin's bed and held a knife to his chest.
Merlin woke with a start. "What's going on?!"
Arthur ignored his brother, his focus on the thief. "Do you know what the punishment is for theft?"
"No, please, I've got children to feed!" the thief begged.
"Tell me where to find Balinor," Arthur commanded, unmoved.
"Balinor? I don't…"
"Do you value your life?" Arthur asked coldly, pressing the knife closer.
"It's been many years since I saw him!" the thief protested.
Arthur let his tone soften now. "Do you know where he lives?"
The thief took a few deep breaths before replying. "You must travel through the Forest of Merendra to the foot of Feorre Mountain. There, you will find the cave where Balinor dwells." Arthur finally released him. "But don't get your hopes up."
"Why?" Merlin demanded, curious and slightly worried.
"He will not welcome you," the thief explained scornfully. "Balinor hates everyone and everything. A cave's the best place for him." With that, the thief left the room.
Arthur and Merlin shared a look of trepidation. It was a few moments before Merlin broke the silence. "Well, I guess it's a good thing I didn't think to enchant our door."
Arthur did not smile. "Let's hope he was exaggerating about Balinor's attitude." He shut the door and climbed back into bed.
In the morning, the brothers led their horses on foot for a while. Arthur stumbled slightly. Merlin eyed him worriedly, and Arthur soon caught his brother looking. "It's all right," Arthur assured.
Merlin shook his head. "No, it's the wound. Let me have a look."
Arthur reluctantly led the horses off the trail and stopped to let Merlin examine his shoulder. Merlin carefully pulled aside Arthur's shirt and saw that blood was seeping through the bandage.
Suddenly, Merlin heard a noise in the trees. "Get down!" he hissed quietly, forcing Arthur down behind a log. He carefully looked over the log and watched several of Cenred's men walk past.
Once the soldiers were out of sight, Merlin ducked back down. "Arthur."
No response.
Merlin shook his brother. "Arthur!"
Still nothing. Arthur had passed out. Merlin hauled Arthur onto his horse, then tied the reins to the other saddle. That done, Merlin mounted his own horse and continued their journey. He frequently looked back, but Arthur remained unconscious. Not good.
A few hours later, they reached Feorre Mountain. To Merlin's increasing concern, Arthur still would not wake. Merlin left their horses hidden slightly off the trail, then made his way down to a nearby stream. The stream flowed into a cave at the foot of the mountain.
"Hello?" Merlin called, entering the cave. No one answered. A little ways further in, he spotted clear signs of human habitation.
Suddenly a man seized Merlin from behind, holding an arm around his neck. "What do you want here, boy?" the man hissed.
"My brother, he's sick, he needs help!" Merlin said quickly. The man released him and stepped back.
Merlin turned around to look at the man properly. The man was rather ragged, with shoulder-length black hair and a graying beard. Was this Balinor?
"Show me, boy," the man commanded. "Fetch him!"
"Right." Merlin hurried back to the entrance.
Once Merlin had brought Arthur into the cave, the man mixed up a poultice and applied it to Arthur's wound while Merlin hovered anxiously. Once the man was done with the poultice, he held a hand over Arthur and chanted in the Old Tongue. Then he stood up. "He needs rest."
"Will he be all right?" Merlin worried.
"By morning," the man promised. He walked away to a cauldron where he'd been making soup. He ladled out two bowls and passed one to Merlin.
"Thank you," Merlin said politely. The man did not reply, and awkward silence ensued. "How long have you lived here?"
"A few winters," the man replied curtly.
"Must be hard."
"Why are you here?" the man asked harshly.
"Just traveling." After another spoonful, Merlin took a deep breath. "We're looking for someone. I was told that he lived somewhere hereabouts. A man named Balinor."
The man paused at the sound of the name, then continued eating his soup.
"You've never heard of him?"
The man simply took another spoonful.
"He was a Dragonlord."
"He's passed on," the man said quietly.
Merlin didn't quite believe him, but decided to play along for now. "You knew him?"
"Who are you?" the man demanded aggressively.
"I'm…Will," Merlin improvised. He didn't want to give out their real names in case he was wrong about the man's identity.
"And your brother?" the man demanded, pointing at Arthur.
"He's Lancelot."
"His name is Arthur Pendragon," the man growled. "Which would make you Merlin Pendragon. You're Uther's sons. This is Cenred's kingdom, you're asking for trouble. What do you want from me?!"
"Are you Balinor?" Merlin asked quietly.
Balinor bowed his head and did not deny it.
"The Great Dragon is attacking Camelot," Merlin continued.
"His name is Kilgharrah," Balinor snapped.
"Well we can't stop him!" Merlin said worriedly. "Only you, a Dragonlord, can!"
"He doesn't act blindly," Balinor stated, unmoved. "He kills for a reason—vengeance. This is of your father's making."
"He's killing innocent people, women and children!" Merlin pressed, frustrated by Balinor's indifference.
"Uther pursued me!" Balinor exclaimed angrily. "He hunted me like an animal!"
"I know," Merlin said softly. "I'm not making excuses for him."
Balinor stood up. "What do you know about anybody's life, boy?! Uther asked me to use my power to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wanted to make peace with it, but he did not! He lied to me! He betrayed me! You expect me to protect this man?"
"I'm asking you to protect Camelot," Merlin corrected.
"He killed every one of my kind!" Balinor ranted. "I alone escaped! I found a place, a village called Ealdor." Merlin started. Balinor stared into the distance, slightly calmer. "I had a life there. A woman. A good woman." He looked at Merlin again. "Ealdor is beyond Uther's realm, but still he pursued me. Why would he not let me be? What was it that I had done, that he wanted to destroy the life I'd built, abandon the woman I loved? He personally led the knights sent to kill me!" Merlin's eyes widened. He recognized this story. "I was forced to come here, to this! So…I understand how Kilgharrah feels. He's lost every one of his kind, every one of his kin. You want to know how that feels? Look around, boy. Let Uther die. Let Camelot fall."
"When was this?" Merlin wondered.
"A little more than a year after the Purge began," Balinor replied. Merlin caught his breath, and Balinor narrowed his eyes at him. "You've heard this story before?"
Merlin nodded.
"I imagine your father told it quite differently," Balinor said bitterly.
Merlin shook his head. "It wasn't my father who told it to me." He was silent for a moment, then he looked up to meet Balinor's gaze again. "You would let everyone in Camelot die?"
"Why should I care?" Balinor retorted.
Merlin sighed, sensing a lost cause. Still…he'd never imagined he'd meet the sorcerer whose flight from Camelot had led to Merlin's conception.
In the morning, Merlin sat just outside the entrance of the cave, watching Balinor look at something upstream. Balinor had offered breakfast, but made it clear he had no further interest in conversation.
"I feel great!" Arthur announced cheerfully, emerging from the cave. "What the hell did you give me?"
"It was all down to Balinor," Merlin revealed, nodding at the Dragonlord.
Arthur climbed over the rocks toward his brother. "So we've found him, then? Thank heaven for that."
"Doesn't mean he's willing to help," Merlin said grimly.
"What?"
Merlin shook his head. "You won't persuade him."
"Does he know what's at stake?" Arthur demanded. Merlin nodded. "What kind of a man is he?"
"I don't know," Merlin mused. He glanced at Arthur and saw his brother staring at Balinor, an odd expression on his face. "What?"
Arthur shook himself out of his reverie. "Nothing. I was just thinking he looks kind of like you. I'll see if I can't persuade him." He walked downstream and approached Balinor.
Merlin frowned, lost in thought. A bizarre, impossible idea was beginning to take shape in his head.
A few minutes later, Arthur returned to Merlin, looking slightly tense. Merlin pushed aside his thoughts and looked up. "What did he say?"
"He'll change his mind," Arthur declared confidently.
"He told you that?" Merlin asked hopefully.
"Just…give him a moment."
Balinor walked back over to them. The group stood in awkward silence for nearly a full minute. "Farewell then," Balinor finally said, walking past them toward his cave.
"That's your decision?" Arthur demanded incredulously.
Balinor turned back around. "I will not help Uther," he hissed.
"Then the people of Camelot are damned!" Arthur exclaimed. "Have you no conscience?"
"You should ask that question of your father!" Balinor snapped.
"And you are no better than him!" Merlin retorted. "I know that my father has executed many people who committed no wrongdoing, whose only crime was to possess magic. And what are you doing now? Condemning people to die when their only crime is to live in Camelot?"
Arthur snorted bitterly. "Don't waste your time, Merlin."
Merlin stood up. "I know you had help when you escaped from Camelot. Would you see Gaius burnt?"
"Gaius?" Balinor repeated, sounding surprised. A faraway expression came over his face. "A good man."
"Better than you, it would seem," Merlin added, a bite in his tone. He turned around and marched away without another word. Arthur followed.
Near nightfall, the brothers set up camp. Arthur finished watering the horses and came back to find Merlin staring into the empty fire pit. "I think the fire pit is missing a little something," Arthur joked.
Merlin frowned. "Is it? What?"
Arthur stared at him. "…the fire?"
"Oh." Merlin muttered a spell. The dirt briefly caught fire, but quickly sputtered out.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Also missing the wood…" He shook his head and sighed. "You know, I always thought silence would be a blessing with you, but I find it just as irritating. You haven't argued with me all day. It's unnerving."
"Do you really think I look like him?" Merlin said suddenly.
Arthur shrugged. "Yeah, I suppose. A bit. Why?"
"Back in Camelot, the dragon said that only my father could stop him now," Merlin recalled. "I told Gaius, and he was very interested to hear that those were the dragon's exact words—not 'Uther' or 'the king', but 'your father'. Gaius denied that it meant anything to him, but I think he was lying."
"Hang on a minute!" Arthur exclaimed. "Are you actually saying what I think you're saying?"
"Last night, Balinor told me that he fled to Ealdor. That he fell in love with a woman there. And that this was a little more than a year after the Purge. The timing fits…and it could explain why I was born with magic…"
"Shh!" Arthur hissed. A twig snapped somewhere nearby.
Arthur picked up his sword and stalked toward the noise. Merlin picked up his own sword and followed. Then another twig snapped right behind them. Merlin whirled around and found that Balinor had followed them.
"Careful, boy," he warned, though he smiled good-naturedly. "I thought you might need some help. This is dangerous country."
"Will you return to Camelot with us?" Arthur asked hopefully.
Balinor looked at the younger prince. "You were right, Merlin. There are some in Camelot who risked their lives for me. I owe a debt that must be repaid."
"If you succeed in killing the dragon, you will not go unrewarded," Arthur promised.
Balinor shook his head. "I seek no reward."
Arthur shrugged and stabbed his sword into the ground. "Great! Let's eat."
Merlin and Balinor ventured into the surrounding woods to collect firewood together. Arthur stayed at the camp to watch their things.
Merlin wasn't sure where to begin. Finally, he settled on Balinor's apparent healing spell. "When you healed Arthur, I heard you mumble some words."
"An ancient prayer," Balinor replied somewhat stiffly. "The Old Religion can teach us many things, though I doubt your father has ever taught you any of them."
"No, but that doesn't mean I'm not curious," Merlin replied. "The Old Religion, is that something you were taught?"
"It's not something you can learn," Balinor said quietly. "Either it's a part of you, or it isn't. My father knew that, and his father before him."
"Were they also Dragonlords?"
Balinor bent to pick up another piece of wood. "We'll need some kindling."
Merlin took a deep breath. "Earlier, when you spoke of Ealdor…I told you I'd heard that story before, and not from my father. I heard it from my mother."
Balinor looked at Merlin in surprise. "I'd heard that your mother died when you were an infant."
Merlin shook his head. "That's what my father told the kingdom. It's what he told me, too. But I found out the truth. My mother is a peasant woman from Ealdor…named Hunith."
Balinor stared at Merlin, a very strange expression on his face. "She…and Uther…?"
"I don't know the details, and I wasn't particularly inclined to ask," Merlin admitted. "But the night before Arthur and I rode out to find you, the Great Dragon said something to me. He said that only my father could stop him now. At the time, I assumed he meant Fa—well, the king, but I'm beginning to wonder…who was the woman you fell in love with? Is there any possibility that you are my father?"
Balinor continued staring at Merlin, a thousand emotions racing across his face. Finally, he spoke. "Yes. It's very possible."
Merlin caught his breath and stumbled backwards, dropping the wood he'd collected. He hadn't really thought about what he would do if the answer was yes. "I…I don't…" He drew a deep, shuddering breath. "All these years…Arthur's always been so much like—well, like the king—a warrior at heart, and a short temper to boot…and that's just…that's never been me. I keep a cool head, and I try to resolve things peacefully. And…" Merlin's voice dropped to a whisper. "I was born with magic. Always thought that was the greatest irony in the world. Just didn't make sense." Merlin realized he was babbling and shut his mouth.
"I see Hunith in you," Balinor said softly. "You have her kindness."
"But do you see yourself at all?"
"Perhaps. I don't know," Balinor mused. "She's still alive? Hunith?" Merlin nodded. "When this is over, perhaps we can ask her."
Merlin was silent for a moment. "I don't think she's ever loved the king. She usually visits Gaius several times a year, so I have seen her throughout my life."
"And do you think she was happy?"
Merlin smiled sadly. "I think she longed for the family that could have been."
Arthur emerged from the trees. "Haven't you got enough firewood yet?" Both Merlin and Balinor jumped. Arthur frowned. "Have I interrupted something?"
"Remember what I was saying to you before?" Merlin asked quietly. "Balinor said it's entirely possible."
Arthur's jaw dropped. "Seriously?"
Merlin nodded.
Arthur picked up Merlin's fallen firewood. "Well, at least let's take the firewood back to camp. It's getting cold and we can talk there too."
Back at the firepit, Merlin glanced at Balinor before casting a spell. The wood instantly caught fire. Balinor did not so much as blink.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You told him?"
"I was in shock, I just sort of started saying whatever came to mind," Merlin muttered.
"I will not reveal him," Balinor promised. He picked up a piece of wood and began whittling.
Arthur frowned thoughtfully. "How did you become a Dragonlord? Is it something Merlin could learn too?"
Balinor shook his head. "You don't choose to become a Dragonlord. It's not something you're taught. It's a sacred gift. For thousands of years it's been handed down from father to son."
"So it is possible I could become one," Merlin concluded.
"Possibly," Balinor agreed. "Like all Dragonlords, you won't know for sure if you have that power until you face your first dragon." He blew some wood shavings off his carving. "We should get some food and rest. We've a big day ahead of us."
In the morning, Merlin woke to see a wooden carving of a dragon sitting on a log near his face. It took a moment for him to realize it must be the finished product of Balinor's whittling. Suddenly a hand slapped over Merlin's mouth and he was hauled upright. "Cenred's men," Arthur hissed quietly, letting go of Merlin.
Both princes drew their swords. Balinor cast a wary look around. After another few moments, two of Cenred's soldiers burst through the trees and attacked. Merlin and Arthur promptly engaged in battle while more soldiers poured from the trees. Merlin disarmed one and tossed the spare sword to Balinor.
The trio were vastly outnumbered, and Merlin began to fear that they would be overwhelmed. Then he remembered that both Arthur and Balinor already knew about his magic. He lowered his sword and recreated the magical whirlwind he had used on the quest to find Morgause. It was just as effective as before—all the attackers were hurled off their feet and did not get up.
Just like before, one soldier remained unscathed behind Merlin. "Look out!" Balinor yelled.
Merlin whirled around just in time to see Balinor move in front of him, catching a blow that was meant for Merlin. Merlin dropped his sword and caught the Dragonlord. He yelled wordlessly, sending the enemy soldier flying into a tree. Then he sank to the ground, still holding Balinor. Arthur kept back, horrified but not wanting to intrude.
"Merlin…" Balinor choked out.
"Please, no, please," Merlin begged. "I can save you."
"Listen to me," Balinor choked out. "When you face the dragon, remember: be strong. A dragon's heart is on its right side, not its left."
"We don't even know if I can do it!" Merlin protested.
"Listen to me!" Balinor repeated urgently. "You are my son. I've seen enough in you to be sure of that, and I could not be more proud."
Merlin nodded tearfully. Balinor reached up to brush away a tear, then he sagged back. His eyes turned glassy and he stopped breathing.
"No…please…" Merlin whispered. "Father…"
Arthur cautiously approached his grieving brother. "He's gone, Merlin." Arthur swallowed hard and glanced at the body. "Never imagined I'd say this, but let's hope he was your father. For all our sakes. Or Camelot is doomed."
Merlin nodded and stood up, wiping away his tears. "First Morgana, then the dragon attack, and now this…my life has been turned so thoroughly upside-down I hardly recognize it."
"Well, I'm still here," Arthur said bracingly. "We'll get through this."
They arrived back in Camelot late in the afternoon, and they went straight to report to the king. Uther was accompanied by Gaius, Will and a large group of knights.
"I'm sorry, Father, we have failed you," Arthur announced solemnly. "The last Dragonlord is dead." Gaius glanced at Merlin, who was just barely maintaining his composure.
"There were many years when I might have wished for that news," Uther said wearily.
"All is not lost, Father," Arthur vowed. "We have to fight the monster ourselves. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms. On open ground, on horseback, where we can maneuver better."
"There is no point," Uther argued, sounding thoroughly defeated.
"So what? We stand here and watch Camelot fall?"
After a few moments, Uther sighed and nodded. "You have my blessing."
Arthur was about to turn and leave, but Sir Leon stepped forward to stand by Merlin. He nodded at Arthur. "I wish to volunteer. I would defend Camelot to my last breath."
Sir Vidor stepped forward to stand by Leon. "As would I."
Sir Geraint joined them. "As would I."
One by one, every knight in the room stepped up, forming a circle around Arthur. He looked around at them, simultaneously touched and annoyed. He hadn't meant to call for volunteers—if Merlin was a Dragonlord, that was better kept secret. But he could hardly deny his knights after their heartwarming show of bravery and loyalty. "I'd be honored to fight beside you all."
Merlin stowed Balinor's dragon carving with his spellbook, then went to Gaius's chambers. Once inside, he closed the door.
"Sire…" Gaius began, but Merlin cut him off.
"Was Balinor my father?"
Will gaped. "What?!"
"Gaius! Was he my father?!" Merlin repeated pleadingly.
Gaius bowed his head. "Yes. He was."
"Why did you never tell me?" Merlin demanded. "Why did my mother never tell me?!"
"Because, in spite of your magic, you and Uther had a good relationship," Gaius explained wearily. "Your mother didn't want to jeopardize that, and she asked that I not jeopardize it either."
"And what of my—what of Uther? Does he know?"
Gaius shook his head. "He believes you are his son."
Merlin sank onto a chair. "It's all a lie. I'm no prince, I'm just the son of a peasant and a fugitive. By all rights, I don't even belong in Camelot!"
"So?" Will said quietly. "My parents weren't from Camelot and I grew up outside its borders, but I've lived here for eight years. Would you say that I don't belong in Camelot?"
"…no."
"You've lived here since before you can remember," Will pressed. "Uther raised you. You grew up alongside Arthur and Morgana. Does the fact that you don't share blood make you any less of a family? Do you care any less for your people now that you know you don't have royal blood?"
"…no."
Will nodded. "Exactly. You are Prince Merlin Pendragon, and you are going to find a way to stop that dragon."
Merlin shook his head. "Balinor said the Dragonlord's gift is passed from father to son. But when I faced the Great Dragon, my magic was useless."
Gaius sat down opposite Merlin. "Your father wasn't dead. It's only then you can inherit his powers."
Merlin took a deep breath, wiping tears from his eyes. "Do you think I'm strong enough to face him?"
"Only time will tell," Gaius replied.
On their way to the stables, Merlin spoke to Arthur in an undertone. "Gaius confirmed it. Balinor really was my father."
"So you could be a Dragonlord."
"Yes."
Arthur swallowed hard as something else occurred to him. "So we're not really brothers."
Merlin stopped short. "We grew up together, and—while I wouldn't normally say it out loud—we care about each other. Isn't that basically what brothers are?"
Arthur broke into a small smile. "I suppose so, brother." They resumed walking.
The knights and princes formed two lines in a moonlit clearing some ways outside the castle, though still within sight of its walls. Eventually, they heard the sound of the dragon approaching. "Hold firm," Arthur commanded as the dragon flew into view. "Hold…hold…hold…now!"
The knights charged forward, some with spears, others with crossbows. They encircled the dragon as he landed in the center of the clearing. The dragon lashed out with claws and tail, knocking half the knights off their horses. Merlin and Arthur were forcibly dismounted as well. The dragon then turned to the remaining knights and breathed fire, incinerating them.
"Stop!" Merlin yelled.
The dragon turned back to Merlin and Arthur, who appeared to be the only two who had not been killed or knocked out by their fall. The dragon advanced on Arthur.
"Come on, Merlin," Arthur muttered, hefting his spear. The dragon finally stopped and towered over the prince, regarding him contemplatively.
Merlin could swear he heard Balinor's voice in his head, guiding him. You're the last Dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself, you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share, for your soul and his are brothers. When you speak to him as kin, he must obey your will.
Merlin slowly walked toward Kilgharrah. Then he threw back his head and roared. "O dracan! Nán dyd ǽlc áciere miss! Eftsíðas eom ála cræt! Géate' stǽr ábære gárrǽs! Géate cyre. Mé tácen átende diegollice. Car grise áþes."
Kilgharrah bowed his head in deference, and Merlin picked up a fallen spear. "I am the last of my kind, Merlin," Kilgharrah stated, his voice full of sadness. "Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed."
Merlin lunged with the spear. Kilgharrah cringed, but Merlin stopped short without harming him. Now that he had found the connection between himself and Kilgharrah, he was loath to sever it—despite Kilgharrah's numerous misdeeds. "Go!" Merlin cried. "Leave, and never return! If you ever attack Camelot again, I will kill you!" Kilgharrah bowed his head once more, and Merlin tossed aside the spear. "I have shown you mercy, now you must do the same to others."
"Young warlock, what you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency." Kilgharrah turned to Arthur. "Young king. You would do well to heed your brother's example. Only then can Albion's golden age come about."
"What are you talking about?" Arthur demanded, bewildered. "I'm not a king, at least not yet."
"You are the Once and Future King," Kilgharrah replied. "Together, you and Merlin will unite the land of Albion and lead it to greatness. You are Merlin's destiny, as he is yours."
"And…what of Morgana?" Arthur asked hesitantly. "Does she have a role to play in this?"
"You will see her again," Kilgharrah said cryptically. With that, he spread his wings and flew away into the night sky.
Merlin watched him go, tears in his eyes. He didn't know if he could ever forgive the dragon, but Balinor was right—Merlin's soul and Kilgharrah's were brothers.
Arthur turned to Merlin. "You knew about this whole destiny thing already, didn't you?"
"Yes," Merlin confessed.
"Why did you never tell me?"
"You're already heir to the throne. I didn't want to put even more pressure on you."
Arthur shook his head. "I had a right to know."
Merlin bowed his head. "I'm sorry."
After a moment, Arthur sighed. "What are we going to tell Father?"
"We'll say I dealt him a mortal blow and he flew away to die," Merlin suggested. "Kilgharrah truly won't be bothering Camelot again."
As the brothers walked back into Camelot, Gwen ran out to meet them. Arthur had been busy looking up at the castle and didn't notice her until she flung her arms around him and held him tightly. "I thought I'd lost you," she whispered. Arthur smiled and returned the embrace.
Meanwhile, Merlin caught sight of Uther looking out of a window above them. His relief at their safe return was plain to see. Merlin broke into a small smile. Uther had raised him and loved him all his life—he might as well continue calling the man his father.
Morgana opened her eyes and found herself in a room she'd never seen before. The furnishings were of good quality, though sparse. Warily, Morgana climbed out of bed and went to the window. It looked out on unfamiliar countryside.
A noise behind her caused Morgana to whirl around. Morgause was standing in the doorway, smiling. "It's good to see you up and about, sister. Now, come with me. Together, we will make the Pendragons pay."
A/N: Once again I'm taking a week off between seasons, so see you in two weeks.