A/N: So, I was doing research for future chapters when it occurred to me that my internet searches for this fic and Earnest Servant have probably gotten me put on some sort of list for possible murderers or something. No one around me is allowed to die under suspicious circumstances or someone's going to be knocking on my door.

Also, I created a Facebook account to play the Merlin game with so if anyone wants to play with me you can find the account under the pseudonym "Caldera Lake" with an avatar that says "Don't be Such a Clotpole". I'm also thinking about putting up little extras related to my fics on the page if people are interested (I already have the pics of my Sims up, for example, and I could also share spoilers/previews).

If this chapter confuses you: click back to chapter 14.

One more thing- Nance: Yes :)


"Would you take Ardale with you when you leave?"

"What?" Arthur asked, completely thrown by the unexpected request.

He looked over to Merlin, who seemed to be putting together some pieces, his gaze seeming far away.

Blurry shapes shifted around him as he woke slowly.
Blinking the sleep from his eyes he became aware of the sounds of violence.
Screams of pain and shouted spells assaulted his sensitive ears as he surged to his feet...
Glancing down he made sure it was still secured to his shirt and took off into the forest, intent on fulfilling the mission of his clan.
He had only been running for a short time before they caught up to him...

Shaking himself from the memory (vision?), the warlock whispered.
"Tiwaz."

"What?" Arthur asked again, brow wrinkling in confusion.

Lord Rasner and his son looked at the warlock with interest.
"You know something of this?" The noble inquired.

Fully pulling his attention back to the present, Merlin looked at the two men.
"Do you happen to be descended from druids?"

"There has been some speculation about my family, but the relevant connection is far more recent. You see, my wife is a druid."

"What?" This time Arthur all but leapt from his seat in disbelief.

"Oh sit down, Arthur. I hardly think he's talking about m'lady."

The lord looked a bit abashed.
"Ah, yes, sorry about that. I should have said 'my first wife'. Though she is still the only one in my heart."

Seeing the expressions on his guests' faces, he rushed to reassure them.
"She is not dead- at least, I do not believe so." He sighed.
"It is a bit of a long story, but I shall endeavor to explain the situation to you."

Arthur and Merlin made themselves comfortable as Lord Rasner told his tale.

Born the fifth son of a minor Camelotian noble family, few expectations had been placed on him in his youth and as such he had spent it mainly on scholarly pursuits.
Of particular interest to him was the druid culture.

In the days before the purge, Lord Rasner had made regular visits to a druid settlement near his family's estate; getting to know the people and learning their ways.
It was during these visits that he fell in love.

"Ellandra was so beautiful, so kind and gentle- and still is, I don't doubt."
Hazel eyes misted slightly as he spoke of his love.

His parents allowed the marriage, assuming he would not be needed to secure the family's name since his eldest brother was betrothed to a Lady of higher status and the other three served as knights at court.

And so they lived happily for a few years, having Ardale together and living in the forest with her people- until the Great Purge began.

Arthur looked grief-stricken. More lives torn apart by his father's intolerance.
Merlin shot him a comforting look and he relaxed slightly.

"There had long been a rumor that our family had been descended from druids, though it had never been proven- even our own personal records do not show any connection. But in those early days, a rumor was enough to condemn a man and all he loved."

The prince closed his eyes; resting his forehead against folded hands, elbows braced on his knees.
He had known the time shortly after his birth had been dark, but it was an entirely different thing hearing about it from a victim.

"My three brothers at court- the knights-" tears threatened to fall from his eyes and he took a moment to compose himself.

"They were all killed. My eldest brother, I believe, was protected by his new family which was much higher on the social ladder than ours. My parents feared for me, and told me to flee. They arranged the marriage to Lady Camille thinking noble status in another kingdom would be sufficient protection for me... I couldn't believe they expected me to leave them, to leave my wife. But Ellandra, she had the power of a Seer. She rarely Saw anything of importance, but at that time she had a vision and told me- told me I had to leave." His eyes were sparkling with moisture once more and Merlin looked away to give the man a moment.

"She said I needed to be here, in Cenred's kingdom; and that she needed to stay. Said it had something to do with Emrys and destiny."

Now it was Merlin's turn to flinch.
What kind of destiny was it that even ruined other people's lives?

"I didn't want to, of course, but her visions are always correct. She promised me we would meet again- after Emrys fulfilled his role."

Merlin stared at the floor.
No pressure then...

The Lord paused in front of the warlock, having been pacing for the past several moments.
A warm hand on his shoulder caused Merlin to look up into the man's earnest eyes.

"I tell you this not to make you feel guilty, merely to inform you."

The servant nodded mutely.

"And so I left, taking Ardale with me. A short time later I was informed of my parents' demise and their wealth passed to me."
He said the words matter-of-factly, though it was clear he still grieved.

"I have spent the time since in study- finding out all I could about Emrys and the prophecies surrounding him. I must say- I do not envy you."

Merlin gave him a sad half-smile.

"Everything I learned seemed to indicate that you would live and work in Camelot and, I confess, I was beginning to lose faith that I would ever meet you here in Cenred's kingdom. More than once I suspected Ellandra of inventing this vision of hers just to make sure we got out safely- my doubt was strong enough that I didn't tell Ardale about 'Emrys' even once he became old enough to understand..." he gazed at his son, silently communicating his apology; which was freely accepted without comment.

"I was born in this kingdom... in Ealdor, right on the border." Merlin confided, the corner of his lips still slightly upturned in a wry grin.

The lord looked startled for a moment, then gave a short bark of laughter.
"So near, all this time... so near and yet so far..."
He ran a hand down his face.

"But that's all in the past now."
He sat down heavily in a chair between his son and Merlin.

"Ardale holds an important post among the druids- or rather, he was next in line for that post and we believe his time for succession is near or perhaps has already come. That, young prince, is what the device on his tunic means."
He gestured to the upward-pointing arrow embroidered there.
"It is a rune called 'tiwaz': signifying leadership and authority, honor, justice, and victory- among other things."

Rasner took to his feet once more, apparently restless now that all was out in the open.
"I ask you again: will you take Ardale with you?"

Merlin looked over to the man who had been silent this entire time and saw the conflict in his eyes.
It was clear he did not want to leave his father, and yet he longed to return to his childhood home and take up his rightful place there.

Looking to Arthur, he saw the prince give him a nod of assent.

"Of course we will."
The warlock put a hand up to forestall Lord Rasner's thanks.
"And I fear you are all too correct about the need for his presence."

The noble stopped in his tracks, paling slightly.
"What do you mean?"

"Do you know the name of his predecessor?"

"Lochlin."

Merlin closed his eyes and blew out a loud breath before reopening them.
"Lochlin is dead."