Chapter 14 [Camp—Fifteen Minutes After Previous Section]

Malodius patrolled the camp's edge. His emerald eyes looked this way and that. His tail swished back and forth. A slight snarl escaped his mouth. His paws pressed down onto the frozen earth.

A familiar presence loomed close by…one from the past….

Him? Now? He has ignored summons for an age! Suspicion cut through his mind. He glanced back toward the camp. Back in the reign of Rodor's father, he and Kilgarrah had served together. Since Balinor's disappearance, the Dragon had vanished as well.

Patience, Malodius. A bright light turned night to day for several heartbeats. The goddess floated above the grass. Ever attentive.

The lion bowed his head and front paws in front of her.

Summon the others. I would speak to your companions ere you enter Camelot. Kilgarrah has something to share of great importance as well. The goddess glanced toward the citadel. Emrys, hear me. It is for you to hear as well. She frowned. Perhaps he'd be best served being here. Her eyes twinkled again.

Another flash conveyed Merlin from Gaius' chamber. Surprise widened his eyes. Instead of granite walls and ceiling, he stood in the midst of the familiar clearing. "What? Where am I?" He beheld the goddess and Malodius. "Who are you?"

I am the triple goddess, your true mistress, Emrys. This is Malodius, a friend and ally of your father's. You sought hope earlier on this night. I am here. The goddess regarded Merlin. Your skills develop. Alas I fear Gaius leads you astray.

"Gaius? He's taught me how to survive!" Merlin countered.

Aye. You turn your back on your fellow magical beings to preserve Uther's bloodlust. You cannot lie to me, Emrys. I understand your intention. Magic will return to the land soon. You will be free and yet stand beside the Younger Pendragon. The goddess motioned toward the camp.

Malodius roared to alert his companions.

Merlin scratched his head. He knew who she was of course. Disbelief numbed his already overwhelmed mind. Just a few heartbeats before, he was in the Physician's Chamber. Supposedly his movements were being watched.

Now he was outside of Camelot itself?

They will never know you are gone, Emrys. I have made sure of that, she assured him.

Uh thanks…I think. Merlin turned to Malodius. "You knew my father?"

Use telepathy please. I would rather my companions not know I can speak. Malodius narrowed his eyes. Aye. I served with Sir Balinor in Nemeth. He was a noble warrior and friend. I owe him my life. I will look over you.

Trust him, Merlin. Kilgarrah descended through the clouds. I hope there is relief. Your dramatics are bothersome enough.

He has reason, Dragon, if Uther Pendragon is behind them, Malodius glared at his former ally. For someone who has been absent these last twenty years, you speak grandly.

Kilgarrah could not help it! Merlin turned to the lion. Uther chained him under Camelot's citadel. I freed him last year.

After cajoling and constant reminders of where your obligations truly are, Merlin, that is true. Kilgarrah bowed his head to the goddess. I am here as per your request.

And I thank you. The goddess observed Galahad, Ywain, Britomart, Josiane and Percival approach with their blades drawn. Behind them, Mithian held her crossbow ready. Finally Lord Brumenwald stared aghast at the newcomers. "You! You're Sir Balinor's dragon!"

"I was Balinor's brother. Now I watch over his son." Kilgarrah motioned toward Merlin. "This is Merlin."

"His…son?" Brumenwald gasped. "That…that would mean…"

"That he is a dragon lord as well." Josiane strode toward Merlin. "Merlin…as in Merlin of Camelot?" She sheathed her scimitar. Consideration looked over the nondescript servant garb and unseeming appearance.

"Merlin of Ealdor but I serve Prince Arthur of Camelot." Merlin considered the tanned skin and dark haired warrioress in front of himself. "And you are?"

"Princess Josiane of Alexandria…well Princess in Exile." Josiane held her hand out. "I have heard much."

"You…have?" Merlin clasped hands with her. "Alexandria? As in the ancient Egyptian city?"

"The same, my Friend. Count Boeve of Hampton has regaled me of tales of your service and bravery to Arthur. We are here in the company of Nemeth on this night, Merlin. I present Sirs Ywain, Galahad and Percival. The red hair is Britomart. The diplomat to her right is Lord Brumenwald, King Rodor's High Chancellor. The woman with the crossbow is Princess Mithian, Crown Princess of Nemeth. Everyone, this is Merlin of Ealdor, First Chamberman to Prince Arthur. The dragon is….?" Josiane introduced.

Kilgarrah bowed his head to Mithian without hesitation. "Bow, Merlin, to her."

"He is Kilgarrah, companion to Sir Balinor." Lord Brumenwald walked up to the dragon. "Forgive me. We thought you dead."

"Uther slaughtered the rest of my kind and the Dragon Lords. Merlin and I are the last pair. I was imprisoned under the citadel." Kilgarrah grumbled.

You both are akin to the Phoenix, Kilgarrah. You both represent the rebirth. The goddess motioned to the group. Mithian of Nemeth, please come forward.

"I can hear you in my mind. What is this?" Mithian edged toward the High Chancellor's side. She left Shadow's obscurity for Luna's revealing beams. Faeries seemed to wash her chocolate locks and fair skin with an almost divine luminescence. Her dark eyes sparkled. Despite Merlin's unseeming appearance, their eyes met. Her heart skipped a beat. She sensed Kindness and Duty in him.

Merlin couldn't help but stare at the Princess. His breath caught in his throat. His heart skipped a beat as well. Warmth shot up his spine followed by Giddiness' butterflies. Service, Compassion and yet Longing called to him. For the first time since Freya's death, he felt himself lighten. He gulped. "Princess, I apologize." Reverence pushed him to his knees.

"You wish to apologize for kneeling and showing respect?" Mithian arched an eyebrow. "Whatever do they teach you in Camelot, Merlin?" She took his hand. "Rise and be duly made welcome to our camp. It is my pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you." Merlin stepped back. He bowed his head. "I am a servant so…."

"Not on this night. Perhaps you are in Camelot. We are not there. You are Sir Balinor's son, Merlin." Lord Brumenwald shook his hand. "You are a Nemethian nobleman."

Mithian nodded.

"Nemethian…what?" Merlin turned to Kilgarrah. "Did she just…?"

"Merlin, you do need to listen. Aye. You have not only inherited the Dragon Lordship from Balinor but his title and rank as well." Kilgarrah narrowed his eyes.

"Forgive me, Milady. Merlin, can you bring Master Gaius? We need his expertise." Britomart bowed in front of him.

"Britomart, right? I'm a servant like you. Please don't do that. It's a pleasure." Merlin tugged her back to her feet. "Gaius is in the southern provinces. Maybe I can help you?"

That is exactly what you should do, Emrys, the goddess told Merlin. Kilgarrah will bring you to the Crystal Cave. There you will find your means. From there, it will be a short matter to Whitgate. Time is short. Queen Taene's need is great. The goddess vanished into the night.

"Wait! Queen Taene? What?" Merlin frowned. "What about the Queen?"

"Queen Taene and Master Wyngate lie deathly ill. It is not like any medical condition we've seen. Will you help us, Merlin?" Mithian grabbed onto his hand. Desperation chilled her heart.

Merlin glanced back toward Camelot. He looked toward Mithian. "They will not miss me until morning at least. Kilgarrah, can I?"

"Of course, Merlin. For King Rodor and Queen Taene, it would be my pleasure. We should make haste." Kilgarrah motioned toward his back.

"I will follow." Josiane rushed toward her white steed. "Be good, Whisper. I shall return quickly." She patted her friend's flank. Then she pulled a rolled up woolen carpet from the saddle's back. She unrolled it flat on the ground. "Princess Mithian, Britomart, Malodius, would you join me?"

"What?" Merlin settled onto Kilgarrah's shoulders. "It's a carpet."

"It is that, Merlin. Certainly someone of your ability should know about surprises?" Mithian smirked. She and Britomart stepped onto the carpet. "Sir Galahad, can you stay here until noon tomorrow? If you do not hear from us, proceed toward Camelot."

"Aye, Princess. Lord Brumenwald and we shall be well," Galahad agreed.

Kilgarrah flapped his wings. He ascended into the night sky. With each passing heartbeat, he picked up speed over the leagues between Merlin, him and Camelot. He chuckled. "I do say! She is indeed full of surprises!"

"What are you talking about? I…." Merlin noticed Mithian and her companions keeping pace on the carpet. Incredulity dropped his jaw and widened his eyes.

"Why, Merlin, did you think you were the only one with unique transportation?" Josiane glanced back at Mithian. "I do believe he is surprised."

"I think you are right." Mithian sassed.

Merlin just had to shake his head….