The lady with blonde hair

Merlin descended the steps that led to the king's tombs, changed his appearance so, were he to be seen he wouldn't break his cover, and he started to look for the legendary sword.

The place was damp and cold. There was no soul around. Deep silence surrounded the warlock as he roamed from one tomb to another searching for the place the sword could be hidden.

Every tomb was a true masterpiece, none resembled another and yet each sculpture, each word was so perfectly brought to life from the marble that covered the resting place of the fallen heroes and kings. Though, none could compare with the tomb of Vasilias Ashkanar, the first of the five famous Ashkanars. Merlin remembered he'd once been to the tomb of one of those Ashkanars – most certainly a grandchild of Vasilias. It was there he'd found Aithusa.

The Last Dragon Lord wished he'd studied more about dragons and Dragon Lords as he felt he knew so little about his own ancestors and his history. He wondered how far their reign used to extend if one of those lords had built such a resting place so far from Drakar. It was certain he had been very influential in Albion as well as in Drakar. Merlin made a mental note to ask Kilgharrah about it later. He didn't have time to debate at the moment why one of the Ashkanars was famous in Albion.

Vasilias's tomb was guarded by two huge marble dragons whose wings were intertwined together as if to prevent someone from disturbing the king. There, above, on a massive stone throne sat a marble depiction of the fallen king. The first and most famous of all the kings of Drakar.

"He looked like you. " He heard a voice he knew too well and yet Merlin was aware the voice didn't belong to HER.

"Chimaira," he uttered, amazed. The blond smiled.

"You know me." Merlin nodded.

"I've heard some rumors here and there, but, honestly I've grasp so little of your story and I have the slightest idea how much is a legend and how much is reality."

"I see." She made some steps towards him while Merlin waited for her to continue. She tried to put her hand on his chest but it got through him like a blast of wind. "I wanted to know how the beating of a human heart feels like. It's been a while since I got company."

"It must be lonely."

"It is. There are lots of things I miss. Things I can never experience again. Places I won't visit again. A time I'll never be able to go back to."

"Why are staying here? In the living world, I mean."

The ghost sighed. "This is my punishment and my salvation. But you aren't here to listen to my story, are you?"

"I'm looking for Vasilias' sword. Do you have any clue about where the sword might be?"

"Of course. I knew you wouldn't come to visit me. People only come when they need something." Her words made him feel sorry for the ghost.

"I'm sorry. I've had a lot of things on my mind recently. I intended to visit you, but…" he excused himself.

"It's alright. I've almost forgotten how it's like to live. How challenging and scary and beautiful. Are you willing to give up everything? You know the price you will have to pay for the sword, do you?" He nodded. "I don't think you do. The sword will give you great power and knowledge."

"Kilgharrah told me the sword was cursed by Vasilias. He said that if I'm not strong enough I may be possessed by the king's spirit. But I've come this far. I don't think there's a point in running away. To be honest, I'm curious. Curious about Drakar. About him and you. " Merlin confessed. "Is it true? Does it contain Vasilias' memories?" She nodded and a big smile appeared on her face.

"I see you've already made your mind. Don't run away. Stay next to me. I'll protect you, but when the time comes you'll have to set me free. Promise me you'll let me go!"

"I promise, but how?"

"Trust me. Here is the sword." She pointed towards the massive throne. Merlin noticed in the hands of the statue a silver sword that didn't seem to belong there and he was so surprised he hadn't seen it before. Yet there was no way to get there as the two dragons blocked the way. "Aren't you a Dragon Lord?" She inquired as she understood his dilemma. "Tell them to let you in!"

He strengthened his posture and searched for the voice inside his soul. The words came as natural as ever and as soon as he uttered them the two dragons retreated backward, allowing him to pass. Merlin passed by the two stone dragons and continued up to the throne. His right hand touched the cold metal. It felt freezing cold under his hand. He tightened his grab on it and took it from the statue's hand.

He waited for something to happen, but everything was still. The sword was still in his hand. He studied it. It was beautiful and it was obvious he hadn't been forged by a human hand. Nothing happened, though. After a while, he lifted his eyes from the sword and directed his glance towards Chimaira.

"There's just a sword." He declared. "You and Kilgharrah must have had a good time mocking me." She laughed as she heard his words.

"What did you expect? An army to arise from death?"

"What if I would have freaked out and decide to give up on the sword?"

"You've already made your mind. You wouldn't have run away." She reminded him of his own words. "Now, you should go back to sleep."

"But…"

"Go to sleep." She insisted. "See you tomorrow. We're going to meet the dragons. Sleep well, Merlin!" Before he could replay, she disappeared in thin air.

"She may be right. I'll meet the dragons tomorrow. I'll see what excuse I can come with to get away for a few hours.." He thought as he left the crypt.