Merlin looked at the man he considered his father and gave a small nod then he flung himself into Arthur arms "I love you and mama I don't want to leave you…..and what about Hunith and the babies. Please Papa promise me I can stay"

Arthur hugged Merlin and rubbed his hand up and down the slender his back in comfort. "I promise you Merlin that you can decide what to do and whatever you decide we will still love you just as much." He made Merlin sit up "Now do you want to see him here or in the infirmary?"

Mithian spoke up "Merlin one of us will stay with you if you want you don't have to do this alone. We could both come but someone needs to be with Hunith"

Merlin looked at his mama "You stay with Hunith Mama, you need to rest".

Mithian smiled it was clear her son had been listening to his Papa about her resting, sometimes Merlin had such a wise head on his young shoulders "In that case Papa stays with you"

Merlin stood up and rubbed his sleeve over his eyes and disappeared into his room and came back with his birth mothers locket in his hand. He gave it to Arthur "So we can see if it is really him" he said solemnly.

Arthur opened the locket, it had been a long time since he had seen it, but he knew Merlin looked at it sometimes. As he looked he could see the younger Balinor staring out at him, he had no doubt. Holding out his hand he said "Shall we go then son?" handing back the locket.

Merlin seemed to pull himself up and although he looked scared he took his papa's hand "Better go" he said.

The walked into the cave and turned into the infirmary. Merlin stood slightly behind Arthur not quite hiding but clearly nervous. Balinor had been lying down but sat up as soon as he realised who had entered the room. Standing up he looked at the boy stood with Arthur.

"Hello Merlin, I don't suppose you remember me" he smiled and sat down again as id realising he might be less threatening that way "Can I see you properly please?"

Merlin came out from behind Arthur, he felt shy and awkward. Looking at the man in front of him he kept silent but opened the locket and looked at it. Balinor saw the locket and his eyes misted up "I gave that to you mother the day we married." He held out his arms "I'm sorry I wasn't with you both son, I came as soon as I could"

Merlin stepped hesitantly forward, but instead of going into his father's arms he handed him the locket. Then in a shaky voice asked "Why did you go away? Why did you leave us?"

Balinor reeled as if hit, then he said "I went on a business trip abroad, when I came back we were going to by a small farm and stay together all the time, but I…we needed the extra money. I would never have left you otherwise. I love you both very much Merlin and now I've lost your wonderful mother. I can see her in your eyes, you look like my Hunith" Balinor paused and handed Merlin back the locket "That's yours son, but look what I have" he put his hand inside his pocket and took out a box. Inside for protection was a photo clearly much loved, it showed Hunith with a small Merlin "Your mummy gave me that the day I left for Australia, to keep near my heart" he took out a folded piece of paper "And you gave me this" he handed Merlin a piece of paper with a childish drawing of three people and written underneath in childish handwriting was 'To Daddy love Merlin xxx' "Do you remember drawing this for me"

Merlin looked at it and recognition dawned in his eyes. Merlin pursed his lips, he was clearly fighting back tears. It was clear to both the men that Merlin did have memories of his father, Arthur squeezed Merlin's shoulder but kept quiet. Merlin looked at Arthur then at Balinor before saying in the defiant tone only a child his age could use "You might be my Daddy but I have a new Papa and Mama and a sister and I love them"

Balinor was clearly trying to hold back his emotions. "And I'm glad you have had someone to love and be loved by, but please son ….please hug your Dad I have missed you so much"

Arthur gave Merlin the slightest of push forward and bent an whispered to Merlin "Go on son, I will not be upset, he is your father and he has come a long way to find you"

Merlin stumbled forward and allowed Balinor to pull him into a hug. The big man had tears running down his face and he was shaking as slowly Merlin out his arms around him. Arthur sat down and allowed the two as much privacy as he could, but he had promised Merlin he would be there for him, so he was determined he would stay. After holding the hug for a time Merlin stepped back and looked at his Dad, his lower lip wobbling "I don't want to leave here"

Arthur spoke up at this point "Your Dad is welcome to stay here" then looking at Balinor he continued "We are a small community and everyone has to work the fields but you are welcome to join us"

Balinor looked at his son "I'd like that, we can get to know one another again, if you want me to that is"

Merlin nodded but looked unhappy "What's the matter Merlin?" Arthur asked

"Who do I belong with now?" he said sadly. "I mean I have to read Hunith her bedtime story and help look after mama"

Balinor looked at his conflicted son "Look Merlin I am not going to walk in here after all these years and make you leave your new family. You stay with them for now and we can get to know one another." He snorted self depreciatingly "I haven't been your father for a long time, but I love you and want you happy. Once we have got to know one another again we can all talk about your future then"

Arthur added clearly and deliberately "Like me and your Mama have told you Merlin the choice will be yours. Whatever happens we all love you and always will, So don't worry, after all you have two father's now instead of one, all the other children will be so jealous"