A/N Okay will nearly 3'500 words make up for how long this has taken to post? Huh. Thought not. I have nothing to say in my defence except writers block. And I hope you like because I don't know what I will do if you don't.
Even though I started writing this in April I still don't own Merlin, Why is it taking so looooonnnnngggggg?
…..
Chapter 51 After the fact.
Mordred could still vividly remember the last two occasions of his being in Camelot. Neither of which had been especially pleasant. The first he had lost his father and nearly lost his own life. The second time he had lost almost everyone else. Those left after the raid by Camelot's soldiers had joined Iseldir's camp as refugees and though they had been all that was welcoming and had been unstinting in their care. There had been a reluctance within the group with regards to himself. He had never understood it.
It was almost as if he had been caught in some misdemeanour but had never been told exactly what he had done or what the punishment would be. It kept him almost constantly on edge, and made him feel very isolated and alone. The only time it had ever stopped was when Iseldir had taken him out for private tutoring in his gifts. Even his aunt had been giving him sideways glances that made him feel like a particularly interesting beetle being studied.
He did not believe he had helped his case of fitting in when he had been so outspoken on the subject of Emrys as a precocious seven year old. He had not been complimentary when they had found he had met the man, being too resentful and disillusioned at what he had done. His hero turning out to be no more than a man as flawed as the rest of humanity despite being heralded as a legend. His magic was phenomenal there was no doubt of that. Even as a child he had felt the strength and purity of it but his blind faith in the larger than life character from the stories he had so loved as a youngster had been severely shaken. His anger had faded over the years between and now as an almost fifteen year old he could appreciate that things were not always simple black and white. He had also been at fault on the occasion of their second meeting, though he still wanted an explanation as to why he would go to such extreme measures against a gullible boy. Mordred grimaced slightly at just how naïve he had been back then. His belief in Alvarr as sadly misplaced as that of Emrys.
He hoped that as they had been invited into Camelot that some of his faith might be restored. He had heard of the pledge Arthur had given and his heart had leapt with joy at even this small measure of the prophecy being fulfilled. Perhaps his assessment of Merlin's capabilities as Emrys had been flawed. He would see. In any case he wanted to know what had happened to everyone else who had helped him all those years ago. He had heard Morgana had become opposed to Arthur's rule and though he sympathised with her on one level he couldn't help but think her methods just a little extreme, especially in light of the recent invitation. Gwen, Arthur and to some extent Gaius had all looked after him and helped him escape that first time and he wished to extend the thanks he was incapable of expressing on his first visit and apologise for his actions on his second.
And so it was as the white towers of Camelot came into view through the trees and the limestone walls loomed overhead that he strode forward with a renewed air of barely suppressed excitement and anticipation. This could be the start of something wonderful or an unmitigated disaster. Either way it would be the start of a new era, hopefully it would be the golden one of prophecy.
…..
The corridors were filled with mostly servants running here there and everywhere. A few of the citizens also walked the halls, mainly those who's homes had been damaged too badly to afford a quick repair, the nobles not inclined to help with the clean up effort kept to their chambers as was the usual response.
Merlin was bleary eyed from staying on the battlements until the wee hours, keeping Khilgarrah company till he felt steady enough to fly without the fear of immediately crashing upon take off. He only hoped Arthur would understand once he explained why he was late with breakfast this morning. At that Merlin had to smile to himself at least he didn't have to come up with some half baked excuse this time. Being able to tell him exactly what he had been up to without fear of his magic being discovered or sounding half deranged was liberating to say the least.
Liberating but with it's down side, he sighed once more as a servant he had known for years now and had always been greeted with a smile suddenly turned pale at the sight of him and put his head down shuffling off at the furthest edge of the corridor he could physically get without climbing the walls. The reactions to his magic were mixed to say the least. Some couldn't care less what he could do, going by what they had known of his manner before all the kerfuffle with Morgana and Odin. Some like the young lad hurriedly making his way out of the presence of the mighty sorcerer, became terrified and wouldn't even look at him for fear of drawing his attention and his wrath. He would laugh if it weren't so dratted wretched.
They needed time, and to see that just because his affinity for magic had come to light it made him no different than he had always been, just a little less useless looking. Still whilst he waited for them all to come around it was a mite uncomfortable and would continue to be so for some little while. At least no-one had actively sought to nullify the perceived danger his kind represented and that was all to the good. Fear he could deal with, outright anger and hostility would be a little harder to manage, since he didn't want to get into a fight with anyone. That would defeat the purpose of showing people that magic was more helpful than violent. Thankfully no-one had outright challenged him and common sense was prevailing for the moment. In all the situation could most assuredly be worse and all he now had to do was hang on until people could have a chance to really look at magic and it's users and realise they had only ever seen one side of the story. He just hoped the situation would continue if the druids decided to take up the invitation thrown at them so precipitately.
The kitchens were bustling as he made his way inside and started to gather the king and queens usual breakfast fare. Trying all the while not to notice the suddenly hushed atmosphere at his entrance. Agnes presided over the huge steaming vat of porridge, ladling it with expert precision into the small bowls lined ready for such offerings. The dazzling smile she turned on him as he sidled over to appropriate two bowls almost made up for the rather more frosty reception of the rest of the staff.
"A little late again Merlin?"
"Yeah I overslept." The sheepish expression and rueful grin made Agnes chuckle as usual. No stranger to Merlin's late arrivals.
"I think Arthur might overlook it this once. But just so you know George came by earlier asking if he was to serve breakfast. You might want to have a word there Merlin. I'm not sure he understands you still wanting to serve the king."
"Why wouldn't I? I'm Arthurs servant. I'm happy to serve. Arthur knows that."
"It's just there's a rumour floating round that you're a lord, and lords don't serve. Even without your magic thrown into the mix. I think they just thought you would be doing something other than picking up after the king." She looked at the warlock enquiringly, as if trying to see if he was one by his reaction alone. Good gods how did people find these things out? No-one knew his noble heritage except Arthur, Gwen, Gaius, Geoffrey and himself. He hadn't told anyone, He knew Arthur, Gwen and Gaius wouldn't without his permission and he really couldn't see Geoffrey indulging in gossip, he hardly ever left his precious books to eat let alone go traipsing off to find an amenable audience for tall tales. The only way to head this off was to give a partial truth and hope it would be enough to stem the tide.
"Even if I were a lord I would still serve Arthur with all I have in me and having magic doesn't change anything. I still have to eat and to do that I have to earn a wage, I trust you will tell the rumour mongers just that." At that a slow smile bloomed across the older cooks face, making her look less fierce than usual.
"Oh I will don't you worry none, I'll make sure of it."
…...
Arthur was awake but not dressed yet as Merlin knocked and entered the king's chambers, loaded tray in hand, a short while after leaving the stifling confines of the kitchen. Arthur stood by the window, arms crossed leaning against the drapery as he brooded. Something was wrong, Arthur staring at nothing from the windows was not a good sign.
"What's happened now? Has Odin done something? The lower town repairs going badly? What?" Arthur turned to him at the first question, looking unaccountably serious as Merlin lowered his tray to the table in the main room.
"You actually."
"Me? What about me? As far as I know nothing else has happened to me or am I missing a few more days?" Merlin's attempt at levity and idiocy to try and lift Arthur's mood fell flat when Arthur just kept staring steadily at him. Studying him, Merlin started feeling a little uncomfortable under his contemplative gaze.
"Do you know I have had no less than a dozen people since yesterday telling me that I am a fool to trust you? And another dozen telling me they always knew there was something odd about you and Magic makes so much sense. The worst of them are the fawning type who praise me to the skies for being intelligent enough to have you quietly training as a secret weapon. It's enough to make me sick the way people are using this as a political bargaining tool and seeing you as nothing more than a glorified crossbow, I just have to aim and let fly. I'm pretty sure you must be on the receiving end of quite a lot of flack from this and yet you're acting like nothing has changed." Ah that was what was bothering him. The reaction of the young servant from before came to mind.
"Arthur we knew this would happen. You cannot just sweep thirty years of prejudice under a rug and hope no-one notices. There was bound to be fall out from this and to be honest it's not as bad as I thought it would be. Yes it's not ideal, and yes it can be painful when those I have known for years won't even look at me, but I can't let it get to me and neither can you. Ignore it. Show by example not by words. People don't tend to believe so much in words when it's something so large anyway. If we carry on as if it's business as usual, very soon people will start to realise it is. I only hope it won't take another thirty years for the memories to fade. This cycle of hate is all some people have ever known, only the older generation know what it was like before the purge. Can you honestly say that had you not known me, and seen me stood by your side for all these years, you would have believed wholeheartedly in my character enough to overlook my magic?" The shake of the head was reluctant but honest at least. "Time is all we can give them and space enough to learn. We have to do this slowly or there will be panic and fear and revolt. It is the last thing I would ever want for this kingdom and I know it would be the last thing on your mind. Don't worry so much about me and other magic users. We know the day will come when we can walk proud and free. We just have to be patient. Freeing the druids was the first step, the treaty will be the second. After that it will be up to you to lead us as quick or as slow as you think the kingdom can handle. Just know I will always be here to lend a hand if you need me."
"And just who will be there to catch you if you fall, because lets be honest between your feet and your balance it will happen at some point?"
"Is that your way of saying you aren't going to be there right at the front of all my friends rushing to prop me up?" Expecting another joking reply he was deeply affected when Arthur just came over and squeezed his shoulder face serious.
"I will always try to be first in line, just as you always have for me. You are my brother Merlin. Part of the only family I have, worthy of the name. I am only sorry it took too long to see. Please don't keep me in the dark again?"
"I will try not to but…there are things I don't want to tell anyone…
thing's I haven't even told my own mother."
"Fair enough but, anything to do with the safety of this kingdom and I need to know it." His serious demeanour melted slightly and pure mischief took over. "Now as to your punishment for being late once again…"
"Prat! I was up late last night seeing to the needs of the kingdom if you must know, I didn't purposefully sleep in."
"Come on then what was it this time? A dearth of clean underwear for the knights? Gaius ran out of his favourite herbal tea?"
"How about a visit from a god?"
"You know I've come to the conclusion you are loving this. You seem entirely too smug lately that you can just shout about random magical acts and expect people to take them at face value."
"You're never happy are you? I don't tell you things because you wouldn't believe me. You aren't pleased so I do tell you things and you don't believe me. I really did have a visit from Amaethon."
"Alright so what did he want? I thought Frige had explained everything."
"Oh I don't think she came close to explaining everything. She just gave me the facts she thought I could handle at the time. Amaethon came for two things the first being that Khilgarrah is back in his original form and has gone hunting. I had to stay with him till he felt able to go off on his own. He was just a tad wobbly." Arthur had to smile at the mental imagery of a shaky looking dragon. "The second was something I need to tell you about Amaethon's visit." Here he paused frustrated at his inability to be able to explain properly. "He came to explain some of my abilities, parts of my Dragonlord heritage lost when they were killed in the purge. Zoelphis was just the beginning. Now there are to be more dragons there is a need for more Dragonlords."
"But there are no more. You are the last or are there some in hiding?"
"Sort of."
"What do you mean sort of? Either there are or there aren't." Merlin sighed heavily.
"Arthur, do you have any idea how hard it is to explain anything magical to you? Half the stuff explained to me over the last few days barely makes sense and I am magic."
Arthur rolled his eyes dramatically. "Merlin just tell me if I don't understand it I'll ask. Just stop delaying and get on with it."
"The ability of a Dragonlord is passed on from father to son right?"
"Yes. Gaius explained as much."
"What he may not have realised and I certainly didn't know was that the ability is passed as a latent talent to all the sons of a Dragonlord. It ensured the best survival rate amongst Dragonlord's in case of a son dying before the father. Only the eldest surviving son becomes the next lord but not necessarily the eldest born."
"Which means what exactly? The families of the dragonlord's were also hunted down and killed."
"It means that the talent has passed from father to son through all the second and third branches throughout the ages, the ones Uther probably never heard of because they were several generations removed and even if he had known of them would never have seen them as a threat because he thought they couldn't inherit." Arthur cottoned on fairly quickly his features morphing from deep confusion to understanding in a matter of moments. "Arthur there are still potential lords out there. I just have to find those with the ability buried deep. They may not even know they are descended from the Dragonlord's. Amaethon tasked me with finding them and activating the ability."
"And he couldn't do this himself? It doesn't sit well that he seems to be manipulating everything at the moment to his satisfaction and not explaining anything about why."
"But he did. I just don't seem to be able to explain it to anyone else very well. It has to do with me being the only Dragonlord. As the last one at this time I'm the only person who can do this. If the situation were not so dire and I didn't have such a strong magical gift, I don't think it would be possible. He showed me how to identify them and bring it to the fore but I have to gain their permission to do it. Not everyone will want this ability. From what he said I think there is at least one if not more either here already or will be in the near future and if he thought it prudent to point them out they have to be important. I don't think a god would stir themselves for anything less."
"So I could potentially have several Dragonlord's running round the castle all unknowing? They certainly like to make complicated and harrowing situations worse don't they? Will there come a time when magic will ever be easy?" Merlin just laughed trying to find the humour in the situation regardless.
"Welcome to my life Arthur! It has been like this since I got here. One crisis after another. Admittedly not usually this many in one go but hey after all this is over we should be due for a very long break!"
"I bloody well hope so. There isn't much more I can take, and we still have Odin and the druids to deal with. How the hell did you cope for so long doing this day in day out without anyone knowing?"
"Not entirely sure on that point what with you being such a prat and all." Arthur just shoved his shoulder at the teasing banter.
"Would you serve Odin whilst he is here? I don't entirely trust him and I need someone who can contain him if he decides to renege and do something stupid. House arrest or not he is dangerous." Merlin chuckled.
"He has a broken ankle. He can't go very far. I don't think even he would be stupid enough to try anything but yes I'll serve him. I'll go see if he's had breakfast brought up now. Is there anything else you need before I go."
"No, just…stay safe. Don't hesitate to call on me or the round table knights if someone gets out of line in regards to your magic. I mean it, you are family and I won't see you harmed."
"Arthur I'll be fine. Trust me." With one last grin he left to serve the man who had until yesterday vowed to kill Camelot's king.
