VII. The Last Dragonlord
From the corner of his eye Merlin sees Leon opening his mouth once again, just to close it a moment later without saying anything, and Merlin rolls his eyes.
They left Camelot early this morning, heading south-east towards the border between Cenred's kingdom Essetir and Camelot, and they are making good progress. Merlin is sitting in the saddle of his bay mare Llamrei and Leon is riding next to him on a big black mare. Tied to Leon's saddle is a gray gelding trotting along behind them as they follow a narrow trail through a forest. Above their heads the wind rustles the leaves on the trees, as every now and then the sun flashes through the canopy, and the clouds pass quickly in the sky.
Since they slowed their pace to give the horses a break, Leon has opened his mouth to say something half a dozen times, only to change his mind at the last moment and remain silent. At first, Merlin's lips had quirked every time he watched Leon do that, but over time Leon's behavior had become ridiculous. With his reddish beard, the wild locks, the sword at his hip and the worn studded leather armor, Leon looks like a man you'd better not mess with. However, this appearance is deceptive as he obviously can't even manage to gather the courage to start a conversation with Merlin.
Finally, Merlin sighs. "If you have something to say, Sir Leon, just say it. I promise, I won't turn you into a frog if I don't like what you have to say."
Leon shoots Merlin a sidelong glance, before looking at the black mane of his horse, face reddening. After a moment he opens his mouth again and this time he actually starts speaking.
"Well there's this rumor going around the castle, and I was wondering if what they're saying is true."
"What rumor?" Merlin asks curiously.
Leon doesn't look up. "That you… well… that the king shares his bed with you… quite frequently."
Merlin raises an eyebrow, looking at Leon in disbelief. Until now, he'd thought that Leon's hesitation was because he was afraid of Merlin and his magic after last night's demonstration in Arthur's chambers. Now, however, Merlin realizes that Leon hesitated because he was embarrassed — although he is probably still worried that Merlin might turn him into some slimy creature.
Looking up, Leon sees Merlin's baffled expression, and he draws the wrong conclusion. "Well, I didn't think it was true," he assures Merlin with a forced laugh, shaking his head.
"Ah, no, it is true," Merlin replies, "I just thought that the knights all knew about it, or at least you did. Morgana certainly knows, and although we have been discreet so far, we haven't tried to keep it a secret at all costs. I haven't slept in my bed in Gaius' rooms since… well I can't remember, actually."
Thinking about it, Merlin realizes that he has actually never slept in the bed in Gaius' rooms in this time, except for that day he and Arthur woke up there.
Leon, meanwhile, is staring at Merlin with an incredulous expression on his face. "But he's the king," he finally bursts out, shaking his head.
Merlin's expression closes off, his gaze hardening. They have told Leon about the prophecy, and though he now knows that Merlin is much more than just a servant, Merlin should have known that Leon would disapprove of his relationship with Arthur.
"I know that he's the king, and before that he was the prince," Merlin replies mockingly. "And in case you were wondering, he's also a man."
To his surprise, Leon shakes his head. "That's not what I meant," he clarifies. "One day, people will find out that you are this powerful sorcerer that fate has chosen to help Arthur unite Albion, and they will wonder why you've been sharing the king's bed since the day you came to Camelot. Some of them will say you have enchanted him."
Merlin can't help but snort at that. "There will always be people saying that I enchanted Arthur whether I share his bed or not. Arthur and I are linked by destiny. We are two sides of the same coin and I love Arthur with all my heart. I will always stand by his side, and we will not hide that."
"But the king must take a wife and have children to continue his lineage," Leon asks, bewildered.
Merlin looks straight at him. "We are aware of that, but that doesn't change my place in Arthur's life. That's the way it's meant to be, and before we came to accept that truth, we were doomed to fail."
Merlin doesn't expect Leon to understand. He has no way of knowing what price Arthur and Merlin had to pay before they had been able to accept that truth. For a moment it looks like Leon is about to say something else, but then he changes his mind, and they continue their way through the forest in silence.
The cave where Merlin's father is hiding is located near the village Engerd, half a day's journey beyond the border of Cenred's kingdom. After making camp on Camelot's side of the border last night, Merlin and Leon cross the border to Essetir around mid-afternoon the next day. Merlin leads them south through a thick forest, following a small river and if Leon wonders how Merlin knows the way, he doesn't ask him about it. Their conversation has been kept to a minimum anyway since after their talk yesterday.
Finally, Merlin directs Llamrei out of the dense trees and into a clearing in the middle of the forest. The river they've been following makes a bend at this point, and the forest floor turns into the stony overflow of a riverbed. The round, flat stones crunch under their horses' hooves until Merlin stops Llamrei, pointing to the entrance of a cave. It's an elongated, horizontal black opening in a high stone formation. The small river flows into the cave on the right side of the opening, and on the left side a path leads inside the cave over large smooth blocks of stone along the cave wall.
"This is it. This is the entrance to the cave," Merlin says, eyeing the dark opening for a brief moment, before climbing off Llamrei's back.
Leon dismounts as well and Merlin holds Llamrei's reins out to him.
"I want you to wait here until I come back. Whatever happens, do not follow me," Merlin instructs firmly. "Are we clear?"
Leon makes no move to take Llamrei's reins. Instead, he snorts, shaking his head. "No, absolutely not. The king wanted me to accompany you to protect you. I won't let you go in there alone."
Merlin shoots Leon a frustrated look, rolling his eyes. "He wanted you to accompany me, because he worries too much. If Cenred's soldiers or any bandits had had the misfortune of crossing my path, I would have taken care of them very well on my own. So, you will wait here with the horses until I return. Balinor is a sorcerer and a powerful one on at that. There's nothing you could do to protect me from him, not that I would need protection in the first place."
With one last look at Leon, Merlin turns around, walking towards the cave. After one step, however, Merlin stops dead in his tracks. Balinor is standing on the round stones of the riverbed in front of the cave, watching them with a grim expression on his face. Apparently he has been hunting in the woods, because there are two dead rabbits in his left hand. In his other hand he's holding a sword, but he doesn't look like he's going to attack them at any moment.
Merlin is rooted at the spot, staring at his father. He looks exactly as Merlin remembers him. The dark beard, the long black hair, streaked with gray, and the long leather coat sewn together from different pieces over his black shirt — everything is just as Merlin remembers.
The sound of a sword being pulled from a scabbard brings Merlin back to the present. Turning his head, he spots Leon drawing his sword, and he reaches out a hand to hold him back.
"Don't!" Merlin hisses, shooting Leon a warning look.
"And even knowing I'm a powerful sorcerer, you came here looking for me, boy," Balinor asks in a mocking tone. "I wonder what made you think that might be a good idea?"
Merlin gives Leon another sharp look, until he's sure that Leon isn't going to do something stupid, before turning back to his father. Before he has a chance to say anything, however, Balinor continues.
"You can tell this king you serve that my magic is not for hire. And now get back to where you came from and leave me alone."
"We are not here to pay for your services as a sorcerer," Merlin replies. "We are here to ask for help from Balinor, the last of the Dragonlords."
Balinor's eyes narrow and he eyes Merlin warily. "Who do you speak for, boy?"
Leon, who has sheathed his sword again, steps forward, before Merlin can say anything. "We are here at the behest of King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot."
Merlin groans inwardly, while Balinor barks out a short harsh laugh. "Then you have come all this way for nothing. I will never help a Pendragon. No matter whether it's Uther or his son who is asking for my help. And now leave. Or I will make you." Balinor's voice is practically a growl, and he shoots Merlin and Leon one last hard look, before turning around and walking towards the entrance of the cave.
Leon snorts. "That went well," he says with a sneer, but Merlin isn't paying attention to him. Instead, he extends a hand in front of him.
The water flowing as a small stream between the stones of the riverbed swells all at once and within a moment a man-sized wall of water erects itself right in front of Balinor, blocking his way. Balinor jerks to a halt, before whipping his head around. His thick brows are furrowed, and he's looking at Merlin with a bewildered expression on his face.
Merlin returns his gaze, feeling a tiny bit of satisfaction at surprising his father like that.
"We can't leave without you," he says in a pleading tone. "We really need your help. I really need your help."
Merlin lowers his hand again and the wall of water collapses. The water retreats, as quickly as Merlin summoned it, until only the small stream between the stones remains.
Balinor fixes him with narrow eyes. "Who are you, boy?"
"My name is Merlin, but the Druids call me Emrys," Merlin replies, noticing the way Balinor's eyes widen for a moment upon hearing that name. He gives his father a moment to process that, before continuing. "I was born in Ealdor eighteen years ago, and my mother's name is Hunith."
Balinor shakes his head. "Hunith didn't have a son."
"No, she didn't. I was born after you left Ealdor, father."
Staring at Merlin for a long moment, Balinor shakes his head in disbelief. "You are… my son?" he finally asks.
Merlin nods, smiling warmly at his father. "Yes, I am."
"And you are Emrys," Balinor states, but when Merlin nods again, his expression darkens. "Then by the gods how can you speak for Arthur Pendragon? The son of the man who killed so many of us!"
Merlin isn't quite sure if his father means the dragons, the sorcerers or the Dragonlords, but it doesn't matter now.
"Arthur is nothing like his father," Merlin says firmly. "He knows who I am. And he knows the prophecy. He will do everything in his power to bring magic back to Camelot and ensure peace for everyone in Albion. But we need your help to do that."
"Why? He has you," Balinor scoffs. "What does he need me for? All the dragons are dead. Uther has murdered every last one of them."
"Kilgharrah is still alive. Uther tricked you and imprisoned him beneath the castle," Merlin replies. "Arthur wants to make amends for his father's mistakes and free Kilgharrah from his chains. But without a Dragonlord to control him, Kilgharrah would burn down Camelot to the ground and kill hundreds of innocent people. Even I can't protect Camelot from the wrath of a dragon, apart from killing him that is, and I don't want to do that. Please father, come back to Camelot with us and help me and Arthur fulfil the prophecy and bring magic back to the land."
Balinor doesn't answer, and for a long time he just stares at Merlin. Merlin can't tell what's going through his father's mind right now, but he hopes that his words will be enough to convince Balinor to come with them. For Camelot and for Albion, but also for Merlin himself.
"Come inside," Balinor finally says gruffly. "Leave the horses near the entrance between the trees where they won't be seen from the trail. We should wait until it's dark before riding to Camelot. Cenred has increased his patrols in these forests lately, and we don't run into them. Your friend here would be recognized as a knight even without his sword and armor. You're fortunate not to have encountered any patrols on your way here."
With that, Balinor turns and heads to the entrance of the cave, not bothering to make sure if Merlin and Leon are following him.
Merlin feels a broad smile come to his face, and he looks after his father for a moment, before turning to Leon.
Leon, however, looks anything but thrilled. "I don't trust him," he says quietly.
Merlin shrugs. "You don't have to. But I do. He's my father, after all."
Merlin wants to lead Llamrei to the entrance of the cave, but Leon stops him with a hand on his arm.
"Merlin, I'm sorry to say it like that, but just because he's your father doesn't mean we can trust him."
"I know that, Leon," Merlin replies. "But you have to trust me. I know what I'm doing. And besides, it's not like I couldn't protect both of us from him if it comes to that. He may be a sorcerer, but I'm Emrys."
Leon still doesn't seem convinced, but let's go of Merlin and follows him to the cave. They tie the horse's reins to a rope they put up between two alders and the animals immediately start eating the leaves off the lowest branches.
"Can you tend to the horses?" Merlin asks and after getting a nod from Leon, he follows his father into the cave, leaving Leon to loosen the horses' girths and check their hooves.
The horizontal crevice that forms the entrance of the cave is several meters high at first, but quickly narrows inside the cave. Merlin has to push past several large boulders and the ceiling is barely high enough for him to walk upright. The river has already disappeared further back into the stone. The daylight coming from the entrance fades as he advances, until it's replaced by a yellow glow coming from further inside the cave. Finally, the passage opens into a large chamber, where Balinor has lit several candles on scattered ledges to provide light. Merlin lets his gaze wander around the room and discovers a table with a candlestick next to a corner with blankets and furs, and on a stone pedestal on one of the walls are several feathers, parchments, and various vials of liquids and herbs. Balinor is sitting in the middle of the chamber in front of a fireplace encased by a small stone circle. He's holding a knife in one hand and is already skinning one of the rabbits.
Merlin pauses a few feet away, unsure how to proceed. All the way here from Camelot he has thought about what to say to his father when coming face to face with him, but that's as far as he has thought. All of this would probably be easier if Merlin had gotten the chance to get to know his father a little better in the other time.
"Can I help you with that?" Merlin finally asks, nodding towards the second rabbit on the ground, when Balinor looks up.
Balinor eyes him for a moment, before nodding curtly. Merlin takes a seat across from his father on the ground, pulling his knife from his belt and reaching for the second rabbit. From the corner of his eye, he notices Balinor watching him, but upon seeing that Merlin is skinning the rabbit with practiced movements, Balinor turns his attention back to his own rabbit again.
Merlin keeps casting sideway glances at his father as he skins the rabbits, but Balinor remains silent and doesn't look up from his work.
"You said Cenred has increased his patrols on the border," Merlin finally says, because it's the first thing coming to his mind to start a conversation with his father. "How long has this been going on?"
Balinor shrugs. "Not long. A week, maybe."
That's all he says, and Merlin watches him starting to carve up the rabbit.
"My mother is well, by the way," Merlin says next. "She still lives in Ealdor. She sent me to Camelot and to Gaius a few months ago, so I could learn more about magic."
Balinor gives a noncommittal hum without looking up. "Did she ever marry?" he finally asks quietly.
"No. I asked her about you a few times, but she wouldn't tell me anything about you."
"I had to leave," Balinor replies gruffly. "Uther was looking for me."
"I know. I don't blame you and neither does she," Merlin hastily assures him. "You did what you had to do. But things are about to change. Arthur is King of Camelot now and magic will soon be free again. You could go back to my mother to Ealdor if you want."
Balinor finally lifts his head, looking at Merlin with a guarded look on his face. "You think she wants to see me? After all these years?"
Smiling, Merlin nods. Whenever he has asked his mother about his father, a sad expression has appeared in her eyes and she changed the subject, because talking about Balinor caused her too much grief.
"Of course she wants to see you again. She never stopped loving you. I think that's the reason she never married."
Balinor turns back to his work without saying anything in reply.
There's silence between them again until footsteps echo through the passage and Leon enters the chamber. He exchanges a quick glance with Merlin, before sitting down on the ground next to him.
The silence continues, until Leon clears his throat, addressing Balinor. "Thank you for agreeing to help us. Camelot will forever be in your debt."
Balinor doesn't even try to suppress his snort. "I'm not doing it for Camelot or for your king. I'm doing it to serve magic and because it's my duty as the last Dragonlord to give the last dragon back his freedom. And because Emrys asked me to," he adds, glancing at Merlin.
Merlin notices that his father said Emrys and not my son, but he can't really blame Balinor for it. His father doesn't know him, but like all sorcerers who know the prophecy, he trusts Emrys.
"You will change your mind when you meet Arthur," Merlin says confidently.
Balinor raises an eyebrow. "That king of yours has wrapped you around his little finger, huh? What are you to him anyway?"
Without waiting for an answer, Balinor stands up, walking over to a small table against the opposite wall of the cave.
"This should be interesting," Leon mutters to himself, but even though Balinor can't hear it, Merlin is sitting right next to him and shots him a glare.
A moment later Balinor comes back with a small cauldron and a few roots, carrots and dried herbs. Sitting down again, he starts chopping the carrots. Finally, he looks up at Merlin, still waiting for an answer.
Squaring his shoulders, Merlin clears his throat. "For now I'm only his manservant. But that will change soon. Arthur knows about the prophecy and about my magic. He's the other half of my soul and I love him with all my heart, just as he loves me. I trust him with my life."
Balinor's eyes narrow and a grim expression comes to his face. "That kind of devotion is dangerous."
Merlin looks straight at his father. "Only when it's given to the wrong person."
"And you can never be sure of that."
"Except that I can," Merlin replies defiantly.
Balinor looks at him for a moment longer, before his gaze wanders to Leon. "And why are you here?"
"Because my king sent me here."
Balinor shakes his head with a snort. "You don't really want me to come back to Camelot with you."
"I don't question my king's orders," Leon replies unimpressed.
Putting his knife aside, Balinor raises his thick eyebrows. "Well, he must be quite an extraordinary king if he can inspire such a level of loyalty in people," he says mockingly.
Leon's glares at him. "Just because you've never met a king who deserves that kind of loyalty and for whom you would gladly give your life, doesn't mean such a king doesn't exist."
Balinor gives Leon a long assessing stare, but Merlin can't read the expression on his face. Finally, Balinor stands up.
"We need water for the stew," he says gruffly, before turning and walking back to the cave entrance.
When his father is gone, Merlin glares at Leon. Leon, however, ignores him. With a huff Merlin stands up, applying himself to fetching several logs of wood stacked up on a wall, so he can start a fire for their meal.
By the time it's gone completely dark outside, and Balinor has packed a small bag, they ride out for Camelot. Merlin uses a spell to hide the prints of their horses' hooves and the soft forest floor ensures that they can ride through the trees almost silently, even without an additional spell. Pale moonlight is shining through the canopy of leaves, and even though clouds are passing in the sky, the moonlight is enough to illuminate their path.
They ride at a brisk pace that leaves no time for conversation, but Merlin is grateful for that. There are a thousand things on his mind he would like to talk about with his father, but Balinor hasn't been very talkative during their meal. Merlin wants to believe that it is because his father has been alone for so long, but he knows what's the real reason for it. Balinor needs time to get used to the idea that he has a son and that this son is Emrys on top of that. Leon is a Knight of Camelot, loyal to the Pendragons, whom Balinor hates with a passion, so he obviously decided to keep his thoughts to himself for the time being and not talk to either of them.
Riding through Cenred's land, they don't encounter any of the patrols Balinor had warned them about nor do they meet anyone else, and at dawn they cross the border into Camelot. Thick clouds have gathered in the sky during the morning hours and when it starts raining just before noon, Leon proposes to rest in a small village, before riding the rest of the way to the castle after a few hours of sleep.
"And one of us could use a bath," Leon says, glancing at Balinor, before urging his horse forward and trotting down the hill to the small gathering of houses.
Holding back a sigh, Merlin looks to his father. "He doesn't mean it like that," he says as they follow Leon at a slower pace. "It just worries him that you are a sorcerer."
"He doesn't seem to have any problems with you," Balinor replies, scowling.
Merlin shrugs. "Well that's because he has known me for quite some time now, and Arthur has made it clear that he trusts me implicitly. As for you, it's probably because Leon is simply not comfortable with the idea of bringing a sorcerer into the castle, who makes no secret of his dislike for the Pendragons. As a Knight of Camelot he has sworn an oath to protect Arthur and his father and the possibility of you harming either them is worrying him."
Balinor whips his head around at that, staring at Merlin. "Uther is still alive?!"
Merlin grimaces as he realizes his mistake, and he shifts uncomfortably in his saddle. "Yes, he is. Didn't I mention that?"
"No, you didn't," Balinor says grimly. "How can Arthur be king when Uther is not dead?"
"Uther has abdicated," Merlin replies, but his father snorts in disbelief.
"The Uther Pendragon I know would never give up his crown. Not even for his son."
"Well he isn't the Uther Pendragon you knew anymore," Merlin snaps, without thinking about it.
Balinor's eyes narrow. "Why not? What happened?"
Merlin hesitates, but he knows that he has to tell his father the truth if he wants to gain his trust. He believes that Balinor would be able to trust Arthur if he could only be sure that Arthur isn't like his father. And the fact that Arthur has ordered Merlin to use his magic to remove his father as King of Camelot presents a very convincing argument.
With a quick glance Merlin makes sure Leon is far enough away that he can't hear them. Nevertheless, he lowers his voice. "Arthur couldn't take it any longer. He could no longer stand by and watch his father kill innocent people out of his hatred for magic. We decided that Uther mustn't be king any longer and staged an accident where he apparently suffered a head wound. I cast a spell on him to take away his free will and make him into a simpler man. The council was prepared to remove him by resolution when they realized he would never be the same again, but Arthur was able to persuade his father to abdicate on his own. That was two weeks ago."
"Why didn't you just kill Uther?"
Looking at his father, Merlin blinks a few times, entirely unprepared for the question. Then his eyes harden. "Because despite everything, he's still Arthur's father. And no son should ever have to kill his own father."
With that, Merlin urges Llamrei forward, riding a few meters ahead. He knows that his father has every reason to hate the Pendragons, and he can understand his wish to see Uther dead, but Merlin wants to believe that Balinor is still a good man.
Balinor urges his horse forward as well, appearing next to Merlin. "The spell you used on Uther, did Gaius teach it to you?"
"No, he didn't," Merlin replies, bitterness heavy in his voice. "Gaius would never act against Uther."
"Who taught you then?"
"No one did," Merlin snaps, though it comes out more forceful than he intended. Glancing at his father, he realizes that he revealed too much again. Closing his eyes for a moment, Merlin sighs inwardly, wishing that he could tell his father everything. But it's too soon for that.
"I guess I just have a very intuitive understanding of my magic," Merlin finally says vaguely, trying to shrug casually, but Balinor turns his horse around, forcing Llamrei to stop in front of Balinor's gray gelding.
"Listen to me, boy," Balinor growls, narrowing his eyes. "I'm a warlock as well, and just like you, I was born with my magic and could use it before I was even able to walk. When I turned ten, they started teaching me how to use my magic, but even when I was as old as you are now, I could not do what you are talking about, let alone the things I've already seen you do. Controlling the elements or manipulating a person's mind requires a lot of skill and knowledge."
Merlin squares his shoulders. "I'm Emrys. I am magic."
"Bullshit," Balinor says firmly. "That doesn't change the fact that it takes time to control and channel your magic. Especially when you have the powers you do."
Merlin presses his lips together. He hadn't considered how deep his father's understanding of magic is. Finally, Merlin shakes his head. "I can't tell you any more than I've already told you. Not yet. I'm sorry. You just have to trust me."
"You may be my son, but I don't know you," Balinor says, his voice flat.
Merlin tries not to let on how much these words hurt as he continues looking at Balinor. "Well I don't know you either, but I trust my instincts, and they tell me you are a good man and that I should have faith in you. And now let's follow Leon, I'm tired, and I'm really looking forward to a few hours of sleep. The more, the better."
Clicking his tongue, Merlin urges Llamrei forward and past Balinor's gelding. In a slow trot, he rides towards the inn where Leon is already waiting for them.
As Leon, Merlin, and Balinor continue on their way to Camelot in the late afternoon, the rain slowed to a drizzle once more. Instead, a cold wind rose, blowing in their faces and driving dark clouds across the sky.
When the castle's spires finally appear in the distance it's been dark for some time. The closer they've come to the castle the more clearly Merlin has sensed his father's unease. Balinor only agreed to ride into the heart of Camelot reluctantly, and Merlin can't blame him for it. By Camelot's laws Balinor can be executed for his magical abilities, and the last time he fled the castle to escape that very fate. Merlin, however, doesn't try to assure his father that Arthur has no intention of enforcing Camelot's laws regarding magic. Balinor has no reason to believe him and only Arthur would be able to convince Balinor that things will change soon.
Riding next to Merlin through the streets of the Lower Town up to the castle, Balinor keeps his face hidden deep in the hood of his cloak, his head lowered. The guards at the gate let them pass when they recognize Leon, and soon after that Merlin, Balinor and Leon dismount from their horses in the courtyard. As Merlin is loosening Llamrei's girth, Sir Galahad comes down the large staircase. He is apparently in charge of the guards that evening and was notified when riders approached the castle.
"Sir Leon, it's good to see you back safely."
Pulling off his gloves, Leon nods to Galahad. "Thank you, Sir Galahad. Where's the king?"
"He's dining with Princess Morgana, his father and Lady Trudith. Shall I send someone to inform him of your return?"
Leon glances at Merlin, but Merlin shakes his head with a hardly noticeable movement.
"No, I will do that myself," Leon answers Galahad's question. "Make sure the horses are brought to the stables."
Galahad nods, before beckoning over two of the guards, who lead the horses away.
"I could take the king's guest to the chambers in the east tower where he can wait for the king," Merlin says, making it sound like a suggestion, but Leon catches on immediately.
"That's a good idea," he says, nodding. "Meanwhile, I will notify the king of our return."
Merlin, Leon and Balinor cross the courtyard and climb up the stairs. After entering the castle, Leon sets off in the direction of the council chamber and Merlin chooses one of the lesser frequented corridors up to the guest chambers in the east tower, hoping not to encounter anyone on their way.
"Princess Morgana?" Balinor asks quietly, when he and Merlin are alone. "Gorlois' daughter?"
"Well it turns out that she is actually Uther's daughter. Arthur acknowledged her and crowned her Princess of Camelot."
Merlin glances at his father, eyeing him carefully. Under the hood of his cloak, Merlin sees Balinor's surprised expression. After a moment, Balinor shakes his head, however, following Merlin through the castle without another word.
Arthur takes a sip from his cup of wine, before putting the cup back onto the table and reaching for his fork again. He's having dinner with his father, Morgana and Lady Trudith and Arthur intends to make this into a recurring event from now on.
The conversation between them is still a bit forced, but Arthur is confident that this will change in time. Morgana is still not quite sure how to treat her father, and Uther appears remarkably lucid one moment, only to be distracted by the most mundane things the next. All the while Arthur waits impatiently for Merlin and Leon to return, hoping they've succeeded in convincing Balinor to accompany them. Merlin can be very persuasive when he wants to be, though, and the fact that Balinor is his father should work in his favor.
Lady Trudith is doing her best to make casual conversation, but Arthur is only listening with one ear. She's talking to Morgana about a new dress that she'd commissioned from the court seamstresses at Arthur's insistence. Lady Trudith's family doesn't belong to the wealthiest of the noble families in Camelot, but her new position at court now requires her to wear finer dresses than before. Arthur stopped listening when Lady Trudith and Morgana had started talking about different colors for the undergarment and the lacing on the sleeves.
"Sire, I was wondering if it would be possible to take your father outside the castle for a ride on a nice day."
Arthur turns his head in surprise, looking at Lady Trudith. The conversation about the new dress has seemingly ended and Arthur needs a moment to come up with a suitable answer. His less-than enthusiastic sentiments towards this plan, however, were already visible on his face.
"I know you aren't comfortable with the thought of seeing your father on horseback again," Lady Trudith says sympathetically. "But it doesn't have to be his destrier. I'm sure there are horses in the stables that are mild-mannered and perfectly safe for him to ride."
"That's true, Lady Trudith," Arthur replies after a moment. "I promise I will think about it."
Lady Trudith nods her head with a small smile, and Arthur can see that she's pleased with that answer. "Thank you, sire."
Even though Arthur hasn't given her permission to take Uther outside the castle for a ride, they both know that Arthur is going to agree to it sooner or later. He can't keep his father locked up inside the castle forever, and he doesn't intend to. There are, however, still many people who want to see Uther Pendragon dead, even if he is no longer the King of Camelot. Merlin's spell made Uther more vulnerable to an attack though, and until Arthur can think of something to ensure his father's safety outside the castle walls, he will use the excuse that everyone thinks he's reluctant to allow his father onto a horse again so soon after his accident.
Arthur's thoughts are interrupted when the doors of the council chamber are opened. Looking up, he sees Leon enter. Their eyes meet and Leon gives a barely noticeable nod, causing Arthur to exhale his unconsciously held breath. Everything had gone according to plan. Merlin is back at the castle safely, and he'd managed to convince Balinor to accompany them.
"Sir Leon, welcome back," Arthur says, announcing Leon's presence to his father, Lady Trudith and Morgana. "I hope your journey was uneventful."
Leon stops in front of the table, bowing briefly. "It was, sire. Merlin is just taking your guest to the guest chambers in the east tower."
Arthur pushes his chair back, standing up. After walking around the table, he claps Leon on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Leon. Get something to eat and then a good night's rest. You've earned it."
"Thank you, sire." Leon bows towards Uther, Lady Trudith and Morgana, before turning around and leaving the council chamber again.
Arthur glances briefly at his father, Lady Trudith and Morgana. Uther apparently has no interest in learning why Leon is dressed in leather armor, looking like a common mercenary, or whom he has brought back to the castle late at night. Lady Trudith knows that it isn't her place to ask questions, but Morgana is eyeing Arthur, brows furrowed.
Arthur excuses himself, wishing everyone a good night, before leaving the council chamber. As the guards close the door behind him, Arthur is already thinking about the explanation he would have to give Morgana the next morning. However, a moment later he hears the sound of the door again, followed by hurried footsteps echoing through the corridor behind him, and he realizes that his sister apparently isn't intending to wait until tomorrow.
Taking a deep breath, Arthur closes his eyes, before turning around and waiting for Morgana to catch up with him. When she does, she's looking at him warily.
"It looked like you didn't want to talk about it in front of your father –" she falters briefly, before correcting herself, "our father and Lady Trudith, but where have Leon and Merlin been and who is this guest they brought back to Camelot?"
Arthur sighs, shaking his head. "I can't tell you Morgana, I'm sorry. That's not to say I don't trust you, because I do. I promise, I will tell you everything when the time comes, but I can't do that yet."
Morgana's brows furrow, and she looks at him for a long moment. Arthur hopes she will be content with that answer for now and to his relief, Morgana finally nods.
"All right," she replies. "As long as you promise me it's nothing dangerous."
Arthur grimaces in response. "I can't really do that, but I can promise you that I have everything under control. And Merlin will be with me the whole time."
"That's not really reassuring," Morgana says skeptically, tilting her head.
Arthur chuckles softly, before putting a hand on Morgana's arm. "You don't have to worry, I promise. Trust me, please."
Morgana nods briefly, leaving it at that and Arthur is very grateful for it. With an encouraging smile he turns away and continues down the corridor, while Morgana returns to the council chamber. He knows he will have to tell her everything eventually, and he will do that someday, but not yet.
A short time later, Arthur climbs up the stairs to the east tower, trying to recall everything he knows about Balinor. He had known him only briefly in the other time, and Balinor has been bitter and distrustful. Considering that he'd lived alone in a cave for nearly twenty years, after Uther deceived him and then hunted him halfway across the kingdom, that doesn't come as a surprise. However, Arthur hopes that he can convince Balinor that Arthur truly wants to bring magic back to Camelot and that Balinor will agree to help him accomplish that. In addition to that, Arthur also hopes the Dragonlord will return to Camelot once Arthur lifts the ban on magic. Balinor would be a valuable ally and Merlin deserves to get to know his father this time.
When Arthur opens the door to the guest chambers in the east tower, he sees Balinor standing across the room beside one of the windows. Merlin is busy stroking up the flames in the fireplace, and they are already crackling softly. At the sound of the door Balinor turns around and Merlin raises his head.
"Arthur, I wasn't sure you would come up here right away," Merlin says, standing up.
"Of course I came up here right away. After all, I had to make sure you had come back in one piece." Arthur shrugs casually, trying to hide how glad he actually is to have Merlin back with him safe and sound. He can't explain it, but ever since Merlin left the castle with Leon, Arthur has felt restless and uneasy.
Merlin put his hands on his hips, tilting his head. "I can take care of myself very well," he says, but there's no real fire in his words and Arthur can tell it's a half-hearted protest. Merlin is just as glad to be back with him, as Arthur is.
"Yes, I know," Arthur finally replies, pretending that this concession costs him a lot of effort. "But you can't deny that you have a tendency for getting into trouble wherever you are, so worrying about you is justified."
Merlin rolls his eyes, but his lips are quirking. "You're the one who's always getting into trouble. I'm just standing next to you when something happens and then have to save your ass."
Grinning, Arthur refrains from telling Merlin how much he loves Arthur's ass in Balinor's presence. Instead, he walks over to Merlin, stopping right in front of him and touching his fingers.
"I've missed you," Arthur admits, after searching for Merlin's mind.
A small fond smile appears on Merlin's lips. "I've missed you, too," he replies and for a long moment, they are just looking at each other.
"Is Balinor going to help us?" Arthur finally asks, causing Merlin to grimace slightly.
"I'm not entirely sure yet. He came along because I showed him that I'm Emrys, but he doesn't trust me. He can sense that I'm too powerful for my age. I told him that we faked Uther's accident and that I used a spell to take away his free will, because you could no longer stand by and watch him kill innocent people. But he hates Uther, and he doesn't believe that your intentions are honest."
Arthur had already suspected as much. Letting go of Merlin's hand, he turns to face Balinor. His conversation with Merlin only lasted a moment, but Arthur suspects that Balinor noticed anyway.
"Balinor, welcome to Camelot," Arthur greets, politely inclining his head.
"Pendragon," Balinor replies, and it sounds more like a curse than a greeting.
Arthur ignores Balinor's tone, however. He expected that as well.
"You must be hungry after the long journey. Merlin, why don't you ask one of the servants to fetch us some food from the kitchen."
Arthur holds Balinor's gaze, but when he receives no answer from Merlin, he turns his head to look at him. Merlin is frowning, and it's not hard for Arthur to guess that Merlin is reluctant to leave Arthur alone with his father. However, Balinor has trusted Merlin enough to follow him into the very heart of Camelot, and now it's Arthur's and Merlin's turn to demonstrate their trust in return. Besides, Merlin has placed several protective wards over Arthur to protect him from magical attacks and after a moment Merlin seems to come to that conclusion as well.
"I'll be right back," he finally says with a forced smile, before leaving the room.
Arthur turns back to Balinor, who is still standing by the window. Their eyes meet and Balinor assesses Arthur silently for a few moments, the soft crackling of the fire being the only sound in the room.
"My son told me that he was more to you than just a servant," Balinor finally says. "I didn't believe him."
Arthur smiles faintly. It looks like he was right and Balinor has noticed the conversation between Merlin and him.
"Merlin is everything to me," Arthur answers without reservation. "He's the other half of my soul and I love him with all my heart."
Balinor only utters a soft grunt, and Arthur can't say if he still thinks the whole thing is a charade or if he has realized that Arthur's feelings for Merlin are genuine.
"Thank you for coming to Camelot," Arthur continues.
Balinor snorts in response. "Merlin can be very persuasive."
"Indeed he can." Arthur replies, and he doesn't try to hold back a grin. "Does that mean you will keep the Great Dragon from taking revenge on Camelot for what my father did to him and his kind, if we release him from his chains?"
"That depends," Balinor says gruffly.
Arthur raises his eyebrows, and Balinor eyes him for a long moment.
"Why are you doing this?" he finally asks.
"Because it's the right thing to do," Arthur replies, looking straight at Balinor. "I want to lead Camelot into a golden future where magic is free again and people can live their lives in peace and freedom. But before I can do that, I have to right the wrongs my father caused, or at least do everything I can to try to right them."
"That's a very bold dream and a very ambitious goal you have set for yourself."
Arthur pretends not to notice the scornful tone in Balinor's voice.
"It is," he replies unimpressed. "But it's my destiny and if I have to, I will give my life to make that future a reality."
Arthur meets Balinor's gaze, letting him see the sincerity and determination in his eyes. Balinor's gaze, however, hardens.
"All those words are meaningless if they are not followed by actions," he remarks snidely, but Arthur doesn't allow himself to be provoked.
"They will be," he replies. "But you have to give me more time. Changes of this magnitude can't happen overnight."
Balinor eyes him for a long moment. "You are very wise for your young age," he finally says, not taking his eyes off Arthur. "Just as my son is very powerful for his own age."
Arthur thinks about denying it, but Balinor is already suspecting that they are hiding something from him and Arthur doesn't want to antagonize him by trying to play him for a fool. Before Arthur can say anything, however, the door opens again behind him.
Turning around, Arthur sees Merlin entering the room. He's carrying a pitcher in his hands, and he seems to notice the tension in the room immediately, because after closing the door and taking one look at Arthur and his father, he pauses.
"Gwen will bring up something from the kitchen. I've already brought a pitcher of wine," Merlin says, eyeing Arthur and lifting the pitcher briefly.
"Is everything alright?" he asks inside Arthur's mind a moment later and Arthur nods barely noticeable in reply.
"Let's sit down in the meantime," Arthur suggests out loud, before walking over to the round table next to the fireplace.
Balinor follows Arthur and they both take a seat. Merlin brings three cups from a cupboard, before joining them. Filling the cups with wine from the pitcher, he glances first at Arthur and then at his father.
"Have you come to an agreement?"
Arthur leaves it to Balinor to answer and the Dragonlord looks at Arthur for a long moment.
"We did," he finally says. "I will prevent the Great Dragon from attacking Camelot after you free him from his chains. And then I will wait for magic to return to this land."
A happy smile appears on Merlin's lips and Arthur nods gratefully.
"I will keep my word, Balinor. I swear." Arthur reaches for his cup and raises it to a toast. "To a new era."
Merlin follows Arthur's example. "To a new era."
Balinor looks first at his son and then at Arthur for a moment, before reaching for his cup and raising it as well. "To a new era."
It's shortly after midnight when Arthur, Merlin and Balinor leave the east tower. At this hour the castle is quiet, and they don't encounter anyone on their ways through the corridors.
Arthur follows Merlin down a steep staircase with uneven steps hewn into the stone. Their way is illuminated by a torch Merlin is carrying, and the stairs are leading them deeper and deeper under the castle. Balinor is following behind Arthur, and the only sounds are their footsteps echoing in the narrow passage.
After reaching the foot of the stairs, Merlin walks out onto a small ledge that juts a little way into a huge underground cave. He raises the torch in his hand and without changing, the flame all at once casts a much wider light, illuminating a wider part of the cave.
Arthur has never been down here before and the dimension of the cave astounds him. After a moment, he notices the dragon only a short distance in front of them. Kilgharrah is curled up on a large rock, sleeping, and his scales gleam a golden color in the faint glow of the torch. At the sight of the large beast, Arthur involuntarily clenches his fists. The last time he had come face to face with that creature, it had burnt down half the town and then killed a dozen of his best and bravest knights with a single blast of fire.
The dragon's eyelids flutter as he seems to sense the presence of his visitors, and a moment later Kilgharrah opens his eyes and raises his head. He straightens up a bit, wings folded close to his body and then looks at them with a surprised expression in his large, yellow eyes.
"Well, well, if this isn't a surprise. I didn't expect to see the day when a Pendragon would once again set foot into this cave again."
"I'm here to keep my word and free you from your chains," Merlin says, standing in front of Arthur and Balinor at the edge of the ledge. "I promised you that Arthur and I would set you free as soon as we could be sure that you would not try to take revenge on Camelot and its people for what Uther did to you and your kind."
The dragon blinks a couple of times, before finally noticing Balinor. "So it is true. You did escape Uther after all," Kilgharrah says, pushing his big head forward. "And here we are. The last of the Dragonlords and the last dragon, reunited after all these years."
Balinor steps forward and his voice is hoarse as he answers the dragon. "Kilgharrah, my old friend. Not a day has gone by that I have not regretted the part I played in Uther's deception. You have had to pay the price for it during all these years. Can you ever forgive me?" His voice chokes off, but Kilgharrah hums softly, before shaking his head.
"You do not need my forgiveness, Dragonlord. We both paid the price for our gullibility. You were imprisoned just like I was, your chains just weren't as tangible as mine."
Balinor and Kilgharrah share a long look, until Balinor's gaze wanders to the thick chain leading from the shackle around Kilgharrah's hind leg down over the rock and into the darkness below.
"How are we going to destroy the chain?" Balinor asks, turning his head to Merlin.
"These chains were forged with magic," Kilgharrah points out. "You will need powerful magic to set me free."
The dragon's gaze rests on Merlin as well and Merlin in turn looks at Arthur.
Arthur steps forward, drawing Excalibur from the scabbard on his belt just as they agreed upon beforehand. Merlin takes the sword, holding it up.
"This is Excalibur, the finest sword ever forged," Merlin says. "If you bath it in your breath, it will be powerful enough to break your chains."
Eyeing the dragon, Arthur holds his breath. He hopes their plan will work. Merlin told him he broke the chains in the other time without the sword, but they need Excalibur and this is the only way to get the Dragon to bathe it in his breath.
Kilgharrah contemplates for a moment, before tilting his head. "A weapon bathed in my breath will indeed possess great power."
Merlin nods. "I know."
"Mmh," the dragon finally hums. "I guess you do indeed."
Kilgharrah knows that they have already lived through all the years ahead of them once, and he probably assumes that he bathed the sword in his breath in the other time as well. That it happened under different circumstances back then is going to remain Arthur and Merlin's secret.
"Then you already know what I demand in return," Kilgharrah continues. "I will burnish this sword only for the Once and Future King."
Merlin nods solemnly. "I promise you that this sword will only be wielded in battle by Arthur and him alone. When it's no longer needed, I will take it to a place where no mortal can ever find it."
"So be it," the dragon agrees with a nod. Then he rises up onto his hind legs.
Merlin throws the sword up into the air, and it stops in front of the dragon, floating in the air with the tip upwards.
Merlin indicates with a hand for Arthur and Balinor to step back and Kilgharrah takes a deep breath, before opening his big mouth slightly. A thin burst of flames bathes the sword in bluish light and golden sparks dance in the shimmering air. As the flame dies down and Kilgharrah closes his mouth again, the sword glows golden for a moment longer and glowing letters form in the center of the blade, eventually cooling and remaining as a golden inscription.
Merlin steps forward again, extending his hand and calling the sword to him. Holding the sword in front of him for a moment, he studies the inscription briefly, before turning around and nodding to his father.
Balinor eyes his son for a moment, before stepping up beside him. "Kilgharrah, my brother, I command you not to seek revenge for what Uther Pendragon has done to you and your kind. You will not harm the Pendragons or the people of Camelot."
Kilgharrah closes his eyes as if the words weigh heavily on him, before lowering his head in a deep bow. After the dragon opens his eyes again, he looks at Merlin expectantly.
"If you could turn around, please?" Merlin instructs, and the dragon turns around on the rock, the heavy chain links jingling as he moves.
Merlin extends a hand in front of him and golden shimmering panels made of magic appear in the air, forming a path across the gap between the ledge and the rock on which Kilgharrah is sitting. Merlin walks across the panels until he reaches the rock and stops next to the chain. Taking Excalibur with both hands, he raises it above his head. His eyes light up golden as does the inscription on the sword, before Merlin brings it down onto one of the chain links. As the blade hits the chain, golden sparks fly off in every direction and the chain link cracks. Lowering Excalibur, Merlin extends his hand again, eyes shining golden and the shackle around Kilgharrah's foot opens, before the chains drop down into the darkness with a loud thrumming sound.
As the shackle falls away, Kilgharrah lifts his head upwards, roaring loudly and spreading his wings. Merlin looks up at him with a wide grin, before turning around and walking back across the shimmering panels to Arthur and Balinor.
Finally, the dragon folds his wings again, looking at Merlin. "I have waited twenty years for this day to come. Thank you, Emrys." Kilgharrah bows deeply before Merlin. "I will spend the rest of my life knowing that magic will return to the land, even if the dragons cannot."
"Yes, they can," Arthur says, addressing the dragon for the first time. "You are not the last of your kind, Kilgharrah. A dragon egg was hidden centuries ago, and we know where it is. I promise you that we will find it, and call the dragon from its egg so that the dragons can return to Albion as well."
Kilgharrah stares at Arthur with wide eyes and when Merlin nods affirmatively, an expression of profound joy appears on the dragon's features.
"Thank you, young king," Kilgharrah says, bowing his head. "You have given me hope where there was none. We will meet again when the time comes to call the dragon from its egg. Until then, I wish you well."
Kilgharrah nods to Merlin, before letting his gaze rest on Balinor for a long moment. Finally, he extends his huge wings, before jumping into the air and disappearing into the darkness of the cave.
Arthur assumes the exit of the cave is somewhere further down, but he can't see it from his place.
When the dragon is gone, Merlin hands Excalibur back to Arthur. He looks at it for a moment, tracing the golden inscription on the blade with his fingers, before putting the sword back into the scabbard on his belt. Looking up, Arthur finds Balinor staring at him and Merlin.
"You know of a dragon egg?" There's a hard edge in Balinor's tone, and he doesn't try to hide his displeasure of uncovering yet another secret that Merlin and Arthur have kept from him.
Merlin shares a quick look with Arthur. "We do," he finally says.
Balinor narrows his eyes. "Where is it?"
"In the Tomb of Ashkanar," Merlin replies. "The tomb can only be opened with a rune covered Triskelion. The Triskelion was split into three parts to protect the egg. One part is in the vaults right here in Camelot. The other parts were kept by the Druids, but one of the pieces was stolen years ago. Once magic is free again, we will ask the Druids for their part of the Triskelion and then search for the last piece. Afterwards we will need your help once again to call the dragon from its egg."
Balinor glares at Merlin for another moment, before snorting and crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I will do no such thing until you explain to me how you know all of this. And you can start by telling me why you are able to use magic beyond imagination at your age. Kilgharrah knows; that was obvious. Either you tell me what's going on here, or I will not help you again."
From the tone in Balinor's voice, Arthur doesn't doubt that he's serious. He can also see how hard it is for Balinor to dictate those terms and potentially seal the fate of the dragons in doing so.
Merlin's gaze rests on his father for a moment, before he looks at Arthur. "It's your decision," he says in Arthur's mind, but Arthur knows that Merlin wants nothing more than to tell his father the truth.
Arthur hesitates briefly, but they need Balinor's help to call the dragon from its egg. Apart from that, Balinor is a powerful sorcerer, but even more importantly, he's Merlin's father. Finally, Arthur nods, and gives Merlin the permission he has been waiting for.
"All right," Merlin begins thoughtfully. "Um, when Kilgharrah said, I already knew what kind of power a sword bathed in a dragon's breath would have, he was right. All of this has happened before. Not exactly this, of course, we have already started changing things…"
"Merlin," Arthur says, interrupting him and rolling his eyes. "Just say it."
Merlin grimaces, before taking a deep breath. "We are from the future."
Looking at his father expectantly, Merlin waits for his reaction. Balinor blinks a few times, before narrowing his eyes. He doesn't say anything though, and eventually Merlin continues.
"We have already lived through our lives once. Not all of our lives, just the next fifteen years, but in the other time we failed to fulfil the prophecy. In fact, things didn't end well because we made too many mistakes. Arthur only found out about my magic when he was losing a great battle, and I defeated the opposing army and killed his greatest enemy. He then banished me from Camelot, and it was five years before we spoke again. Only then did we realize that everything went wrong because we couldn't admit that we are truly two sides of the same coin, like the prophecy always said and that we need each other. And despite everything that had happened, we vowed to try to turn things around, fulfilling the prophecy after all. After falling asleep next to each other that night, we woke up here in Camelot, five days after I first arrived at the castle, with all our memories of the events of the past fifteen years but in our young bodies."
"We have learned from our mistakes, and we will fulfil the prophecy and bring peace to Albion," Arthur adds.
Balinor still has his arms crossed in front of his chest, and Arthur can't tell if he believes them or not.
Finally, Balinor raises a bushy eyebrow. "You have traveled back in time," he says slowly.
Arthur nods. "Yes."
"How?"
"The prophecy speaks of the Once and Future King," Merlin explains. "It was predestined that we would once again walk the path that we have already walked, and that Arthur would once again become king, as he has already been. Magic sent us back to the beginning, after we were ready to continue our journey and fulfill the prophecy."
Balinor's eyes widen slightly, as he realizes what the prophecy truly means, and he stares at Merlin for a long moment. Then he shakes his head, muttering something that sounds like 'damn prophecies'.
"So you know everything that's going to happen?" he finally asks.
"Not anymore," Merlin replies. "We have already changed things, and some events might happen very differently now."
Balinor tilts his head. "Let me guess, the last time you freed Kilgharrah, I was not here, and he burned down Camelot to the ground."
"Something like that," Merlin replies in a strained voice. "We went looking for you after the first attack, and you agreed to help us, but you were killed by bandits before we could reach Camelot. I ordered Kilgharrah to stop his attacks, after I figured out how to use my powers as a Dragonlord."
Balinor's brows furrow as he realizes what this means. "Then you hardly knew me."
"No. We only had one day together before you died," Merlin says, his voice cracking midway through his words.
The expression on Balinor's face is grim as he looks at his son, until Arthur finally speaks up.
"We should go back upstairs. You have to be tired after your long journey, Balinor, and your work here is done. Thank you for your help."
Arthur extends his hand towards Balinor, and after hesitating for a moment, Balinor nods, taking Arthur's hand.
Arthur wakes up in the middle of the night as the mattress behind him lowers. A moment later, Merlin crawls under the covers, wrapping one arm around Arthur from behind and nestling his face in the crook of Arthur's neck. Arthur has no idea how long Merlin talked to his father after he left, but at least it's still dark outside.
"It's just me. Go back to sleep," Merlin murmurs softly.
Arthur snorts without moving. "Of course it's you. Who else would it be?"
Merlin gives a noncommittal hum. "Well, you never know. You're the king, I bet you'd never have to sleep alone if you didn't want to," he says jokingly.
Arthur grumbles, snuggling closer to Merlin in the darkness. "I only want to sleep with a very specific and very powerful warlock who has absolutely ridiculous ears and a very disturbing fondness for neckerchiefs."
Merlin laughs softly, pulling Arthur tighter against him.
"Has your father gone to bed?" Arthur finally asks, feeling Merlin nod behind him.
"Yes. He plans to leave for Ealdor in the morning to stay with my mother. But he promised to return after you changed the law."
"That could take a while," Arthur points out and Merlin sighs.
"I know. But at least, this way he'll still be in Ealdor when Kanen and his men attack the village."
"Do you think he can handle them on his own?"
"Yes, he can," Merlin assures him. "I've already told him about the attack, and he will probably ask Kilgharrah for a little help."
Arthur lets out an amused snort. "Maybe we should ride there too. I would love to see Kanen's face when he is confronted with a real life dragon."
Merlin chuckles softly, before kissing Arthur's shoulder. Arthur answers with a contented hum and a moment later he's already asleep again.
A/N
I have no idea how Uther managed to chain up Kilgharrah under the castle. The only explanation is that a sorcerer helped him seal the chains with magic, because otherwise Kilgharrah could have just ripped them apart. I very much doubt that Balinor helped Uther with that. Luring Kilgharrah to Camelot is one thing, but chaining him inside a cave under the castle is another. Actually it should not have been possible to imprison Kilgharrah in that cave, at all.