Chapter 16
After three glorious days of love making celebrating new life, spring and Beltane, Merlin and Morgana reluctantly tore away from each other to dress and eat brunch of fruit, eggs, sausage, bacon, cheese, bread and pastries left by the servants. Thankfully their clothes covered all the marks they had given each other.
Bruce and Angela came with their plain cleaned clothes the Goddess had given them. They dressed in them quickly helping each other when necessary. Angela brushed, dried and curled Morgana's hair to silky sheen. She pinned it away from her face in an elegant twist with some curls dangling down her back.
They completed their ensemble with their harnesses, staves and beautiful cloaks from Viviana. They were indeed a stunningly beautiful, striking, pair with their dark hair, light cream perfect skin, bright eyes, and perfect bodies.
Lord Duranbolt had told them they would meet the other dragons and request an egg for Merlin to hatch this morning. Lord Gerund was also a keeper of the dragons snfd would be accompanying them.
After they had exchanged pleasantries, Merlin asked one of his most burning questions. "I thought Kilgarah and Aithusa were the last dragons." Merlin said in surprise. I have not seen any dragons since we arrived."
Morgana was equally surprised and nodded in agreement.
Merlin and Morgana asked how this had happened as they rode along to the mountain range where the dragons nested on the borders of Caledonia.
Sir Duranbolt explained some of their dragons had been captured and killed by Uther before Kilgarah had been captured. Aurelius and the surviving dragons had chosen a series of caves for the remaining dragons to seek shelter and safety. Aurelius had limited the actual knowledge of the remaining dragons to a few trusted people. Gerund and Duranbolt being two of them. The dragons and Aurelius had used their magic to cast wards and spells of invisibility over the dragon nesting area to prevent Uther or anyone else from finding the remaining dragons. Kilgarah had returned to Caledonia after Merlin had freed him.
Merlin was curious as to why Kilgarah had never told him of this place before then. Merlin had to take several breaths to calm himself after realizing there was so much he didn't know because of Kilgarah's treachery. It was something he would ask the dragon when they next met.
They talked of Merlin's remaining family. There was Balinor's Sister Eleanor who had died in childbirth. There was a brother in law named Brynjar, Warrior, Merchant Marine and King, who was husband to Balinor's late sister, Rianna. Rianna had been killed in Camelot along with the other Dragonlords before Balinor had managed to escape with his niece Runa who was only three at the time. Gorlois and Viviana had taken Runa back to Brynjar whose kingdom bordered Caledonia. Brynjar was furious at the death of his wife and had wanted to kill Uther.
Gorlois and Viviana, being his very good friends, had been able to convince him to pursue peace rather than war. War would only take lives and dishonor his wife's name.
Merlin and Morgana were amazed to learn these connections between their families even before either of them were born.
Merlin asked if they would be able to meet Runa and Brynjar.
Sir Duranbot, said that would be highly possible and would arrange it after tomorrows town meeting and their training had started.
Morgana was excited to know she now had relatives she could talk to who knew her mother.
Wehn asked, Sir Gerund told Merlin and Morgana about his own family. His wife, Clarice was still alive. They had never been able to have children.
He told them of the lords who were trying to take over the throne; Lord Ellison, being the most determined candidate, was supported by his father Lord Tennison.
Ellison's mother was lady Imogen, who was the cousin to Balinor.
Lord Melbourne and Lord Mark Drakeford Labor leader and real estate owner were also in the race of contention.
Of these Lord Ellison was the strongest contender as he had some magic.
Those who supported Sr Duranbolt and Merlin were: Lady Penbrook, an elegant woman with silver hair. She had been a caregiver and tutor for Balinor after his mother passed.
Of course, Lord Duranbolt, was also one of his prime supporters. He assured them, no one had the claim they did.
Lord Sterling O Neil, physician and mage warrior, Lady Christine Crawford seamstress, tailor and business owner, Lord Lady Nicola Sturgeon First Minister of magic, public works and beautification. and several others supported Merlin and Morgana as the next King and Queen of Caledonia.
"They finally reached the foothills of the the Caledonia mountain range. Gerund used his magic to pass through the wards. He informed Merlin and Morgana that only himself and Lord James Duranbolt had access to the dragon mountain. This was because they were cousins to Balinor. They both had lineage to the Dragonlord line through the women. The women of the Ambrosius clan had a sort of power of suggestion that was valid with the dragons. If those Ambrosius women had sons, the Dragonlord gift was passed onto them diluted. Gerund's mother was a sister to Aurelius. Duranbolt came through a sister of Aurelius' grandfather, so was even more distantly related.
The party of four made their way up the mountain and saw a few young dragons.
Gerund explained that Aurelius had hatched a few to keep the dragon race alive. Dragons grew fairly slowly not reaching full growth till the age of 50. They lived hundreds of years after that. Their was currently one matriarch of the dragons known as Cerandillia. She was older and larger than Kilgarah and had the power to change into human form. The male dragons Aurelius had hatched were half the size of Kilgarah, but definitely bigger than Aithusa. Gerund,not having the full dragon lord power, did not have the ability to hatch a dragon egg. He told Merlin that Cerandillia would be glad to meet him as she had eggs that were as yet unhatched.
"Do you think these dragons would welcome Aithusa?" Merlin asked.
"There is only one way to find out." Gerund and Duranbolt chuckled. "You could call her here after you have met "The Matriarch."
They hadn't gone much further when they saw the series of caves. Out of one came a beautiful purple dragon with a smattering of blue scales and ridge of turquoise spikes on her back. She had blue eyes like Aithusa. Merlin and Morgana gasped at her beauty. Before their eyes, she transformed into a beautiful well formed women with long blonde hair streaked with purple, pink, blue and turquoise. Her hair was perfectly coiffed. Her skin was almost white with a light purple tint. She had stunning blue eyes. Her dress was elegant and flowed over her slim frame in a shimmering blue, purple, and turquoise with purple, silver, and gold runes decorating the neckline, cuffs and hem. "Welcome Emrys and Le Fay. It is my honor to finally meet you on my mountain. She reached out with a long elegant hand bedecked in jewels, the same color as her dress.
Merlin bowed and Morgana curtsied. "It is our pleasure to meet you Cerandillia, Great Matriarch of Dragons.
"You may call me Lady Lia when it is just us." The dragon lady said. "When other's are around, you can call me "Cerandillia, Great Matriarch of Dragons" as that is what I am.
Merlin bowed and Morgana curtsied smiling at the beuatiful dragon woman. "Thank you Lady Lia, "You can call me Merlin as that is my given name."
"I will call you Emrys as that is who you are." Lia said.
"As you wish. Lady Lia" said Merlin, bowing respectfully.
"Lia turned to Morgana, "I will call you Le Fay." the dragon lady said. " You have Fae blood."
Morgana's eyes were wide with questions and respect for this dragon women as she nodded her head in acquiesce. "As you wish. Lady Lia" Morgana said.
The dragon lady nodded, pleased at their response before continuing. "I have foreseen your coming and know why you are here. You Emrys need permission to hatch one of my eggs to prove your Dragonlord powers."
Merlin was amazed at the power and insight of the beautiful, woman in front of him. "Your seer power is great Lady Lia. I would be honored if you entrusted one of your eggs to me."
"Lia's expression became more tender. "I see your heart. Your respect to me is welcome Emrys. I will honor your request."
Lia turned to Morgana. "You Le Fay are a seer." Lia said. "I have much to teach you. I know the Druids want you to train with Ysira who is also a seer. What you and Emrys have learned from the Druids is critical to you as there is much to do here before you will be able to return to the Druids with Emrys. From now until then, I will tell you, it is important that you meet with me daily to learn to be a seer and Queen of Dragons as you are Dragonfasted to a Dragonlord.
Morgana's smile turned brilliant. "It would be my pleasure to learn from you Lady Lia."
Merlin asked "I would like you to meet Aithusa, a dragon I hatched a few years ago. May I have your permission to call her here Lady Lia?"
Lia smiled, "Call her now. It would be my pleasure."
Merlin raised his face to the sky and roared calling Aithusa.
Moments later, Aithusa was seen flying toward them to land gracefully beside the purple woman. "Aithusa bowed in respect to Lia.
"Rise Aithusa and look on your kind." Lia said.
Aithusa looked up locking eyes with the purple woman who transformed back into her dragon form. Something passed between them that made Aithusa smile in happiness.
Lia turned to Merlin. "Emrys, your dragon, Aithusa, is welcome to stay on our mountain and be part of our community. We have much to teach her that she can only learn from a dragon."
Merlin connected with Aithusa to discover she was dancing for joy at the prospect. "My dragon would be pleased to stay with you and learn from you." Merlin said.
The two younger male dragons came forward to greet Aithusa. It seemed they immediately got along.
"Very well," Lia said. "Our business is done here for the day. I know you have much to do before tomorrow. Lords Gerund and Duranbolt will take you to the castle vaults in Caledonia where my eggs are kept safe. If you need me tomorrow, call. I will come."
Merlin bowed in respect to the beautiful purple dragon. Morgana curtsied. "Thank you," Merlin and Morgana said before turning to leave the mountain.
The dragonlord, his wife, Duranbolt and Gerund got to the place where they had left their horses and rode back to Caledonia quickly. It had taken all morning to get to the dragon mountain and it was now well past noon and they still had to get back to Caledonia to choose an egg from Lady Lia's stash in the castle vaults.
Morgana was very excited and communicated to Merlin through their channel that she was ecstatic to study with Lia and learn the ways of the dragons. They were both thrilled that Aithusa was welcomed by the dragons and would be learning with them as well.
Gerund and Duranbolt couldn't hear their exchange, but they sensed it and just smiled at the love and enthusiasm of the young people on the ride back to Caledonia.
Merlin was thrilled Gerund and Duranbolt were both his uncles and peppered them with questions about his father, cousins, aunts and uncles. They related the studious nature of Balinor and his gallant warrior side. Balinor had been a bit of a prankster. Gerund had Merlin and Morgana laughing hysterically over some of Balinor's antics as a young child. Some of his pranks were similar to Merlin's when he was younger. Balinor had turned the cows green during the Beltane festival. Their milk had been green as well. Aurelius had Balinor scrub the council meeting room as punishment. He had turned all the chicken eggs a robin egg blue. Balinor had even turned himself green.
When they arrived at the castle, Gerund and Duranbolt took them down many steps to the egg vault. On the way they felt and noticed the many wards and other security features carefully put in place to protect the precious dragon eggs. At the final security feature, The door to the vault was opened to reveal sturdy shelves of eggs, carefully braced, cushioned and guarded.
Merlin looked around stunned. Kilgarah, was not the last dragon.
Merlin picked a purplish egg reminiscent of their new dragon friend and put it carefully into his satchel.
He, Morgana, Duranbolt and Gerund said good bye at the top of the stairs, before turning to make their way carefully back to their chambers.
Once inside, Merlin called for Bruce and Angela to help them set up a special place for the egg to rest until the next morning.
Bruce and Angela brought them food and started their bath and discussed clothing for tomorrow. and all the things that would need to happen to keep the dragon egg safe.
Morgana choose Merlin's clothes; a white silk shirt, black pants, boots from the Goddess and a blue velvet doublet jacket trimmed with gold buttons down the front. A lighter blue silk scarf, tied an ascot around Merlin's neck.
Merlin had chosen a blue velvet dress for Morgana in the same shade as his coat. It had a floral scroll subtly embroidered into it in gold, silver, purple, green and fuschia thread.
Merlin and Morgana were glad to be in their room to rest and relax for the evening. The day had been glorious in so many ways and tomorrow was looking bright. They were thankful to have learned about so much of their family and connections and continued to discuss them as they enjoyed the soak in the tub which of course turned passionate. Their magic flared as they came together making love and dancing to the music of the fountain that never stopped singing to them.
That night they slept with their skylight open, looking at the stars, and discussing possible out comes. Merlin had wished his mother and father could be there. It was an ache in his heart that he opened to Morgana through their channel. Morgana understood Merlin's loss. She had lost Gorlois and still missd him after all these years. She knew Merlin had only once been able to properly grieve the loss of the father he had only known for a day. So Morgana just held him close and let him cry as she stroked his head and kissed his tears away.
Morgana mentioned some of the stories they had heard of Balinor earlier that day. Before long, they found themselves laughing over the things they had learned fom Gerund and Duranbolt earlier that day as well as some of the funny things in Merlin and Morgana's childhood. They finally slept wrapt in each other's arms with more contentment and peace than either had known.
The next morning, the magical couple was up early having been wakened by Bruce and Angela. Merlin and Morgana had eaten a hearty breakfast of eggs toast and fresh fruit while Bruce and Angela took care of things.
Angela styled Morgana's hair in an elegant braided twist, accentuated with a jeweled clip. A blue, silver and golden beaded snood kept the rest of her exquisitely styled braid in place.
Bruce had helped Merlin dress as they discussed how they would carry the egg in a specially prepared sack and the place Bruce had found to rest the egg during the public gathering until it was time for Merlin to hatch it by giving it a name.
Merlin and Morgana were glad Angela and Bruce were so capable and competent. Even though the 4 had known each other for 5 days, they had already built a great repoire that calmed the newly married couple as they made their way to the town gathering.
Duranbolt and Gerund had told them they would all be meeting in the courtyard at about 10 am which was less than 15 miuntes away when the they arrived. Many of Caledonia's citizens were already in the court yard, waiting for this event to start.
Morgana was more used to large crowds, court politics and entertaining strangers. Through their channel, she could sense Merlin's nerves and grasped his hand while touching his magic with hers. Merlin was usually the one calming Morgana. She was thrilled that the tables were turned and she could be the one comforting the great Emrys, the love of her life.
The meeting finally started when Duranbolt stepped forward raising his hands for silence. As the people quieted, Durnabolt, welcomed the people and recounted the great accomplishments of King Aurelius and the Ambrosius family and the resulting peace and prosperity from wise leadership. He was then pleased to introduce Merlin as Emrys, a Dragonlord and true heir of the Ambrosius line. Duranbolt introduced Morgana as the Le Fey of Prophecy and Merlin's new wife.
Duranbolt then nodded to Merlin.
Morgana smiled and squeezed Merlin's hand. The blue glow of their magic connected and built around them before Merlin finally threw back his head, "O drakones Cerandillia, Aithusa e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"
Whispers in the crowd immediately silenced. Merlin turned to the crowd who had awe rather than fear on their faces. Murmurs broke out among the servants and townsfolk, hushed and reverential. The council were similarly affected. None of them said anything.
Morgana had seen Merlin call Aithusa before and it had always roused her heart rate, brought goosebumps and filled her with awe. However to now be connected by the dragonfasting and their combined magic in this moment, the power she felt encompassing her and including her was even more astounding.
Merlin was glad Morgana was by his side and put his arm around her as she leaned into him with her arm around his waist. Both felt comforted through their channel that in this crowd of unknowns, they had each other while they waited for the dragons to appear.
The dragons must have been in the woods close by anticipating this moment as they wheeled overhead, blocking out the sun for a moment and casting huge shadows across the flagstones. Gasps and cries of amazement rose around them as people pointed up, many of them too young to ever have seen dragons outside of picture books and tapestries.
Moments later, a large purple and smaller white dragon spread their wings wide and touched down in the large courtyard, landing quite gracefully for creatures of such size. They folded their wings back neatly along their sides and settled comfortably. Lia craned her neck to take in her surroundings. "It has been many years since I was last in this place."
"Lord Emrys, Lady Morgana, my greetings on this fine morning." Lady Cerandillia said with what could be called a dragon smile.
"Good Morning Father, Mother," Aithusa said in her little girl voice.
Merlin and Morgana smiled at the dragons and bowed their heads in love and respect. Aithusa had been Morgana's sanity and had sacrificed much to bring her to Emrys. The magical couple owed the small white dragon so much.
The dragons returned the courtesy and bowed to Merlin and Morgana.
"People of Caledonia," Merlin projected and then pointed to the purple dragon. "This is Lady Cerandillia, Matriarch of the Dragons."
He then pointed to the small white dragon, "and the noble "Light of the Sun, Aithusa."
The crowd stood in total silence as the dragons looked them over with their shrewd eyes.
Merlin turned to the dragons. "While the main purpose of this summons was to prove my heritage. I believe their may be members of the council or citizenry that have questions for you if you would be so kind as to provide answers for them."
The large dragon leaned forward her eyes narrowing as she examined each in turn.
"Lady Penbrook," Lia said, sounding mildly surprised to have found the elderly woman alive; no doubt she had been old last time Lia had seen her as well. "I am glad to see you are well."
"And I you Cerandillia," the lady responded with a small bow.
"And Lord Melbourne," the dragon said with a nod.
The councilor bowed but did not respond in any other way, which Merlin found a little rude but did not comment.
Cerandillia greeted a few more people with whom Merlin was unfamiliar before her eyes fell on Lord Tennison and a slow draconian smile spread over her face, sharp, feral, and a little threatening.
"Ah," she said "Tennison is it not? You were but a boy when I last saw you."
"That is no longer the case." Tennison said through gritted teeth.
Merlin and Morgana could see how much the reminder of his comparative youth rankled him.
"So it would seem. But it would appear that you have a boy of your own now." Cerandillia said, her gaze falling on Lord Ellison, who was standing by his father's side. "By the Lady Imogen I would imagine?"
"Indeed O Great One," Ellison said in an overly deferential tone, sweeping into a low bow. "My name is Ellison."
The thinly hidden amusement on the large dragon's face was obvious to Merlin and Morgana and they had to bite their lips to keep from laughing. They didn't think anyone else noticed. The dragon did not bother to respond to the ingratiating gesture, instead turning back to Merlin expectantly. Merlin addressed the councilors.
"If you have any questions that you would like to ask the Great Matriarch of Dragons, or Aithusa, now would be the time to ask them." Merlin said as he and Morgana stepped back to give them the floor.
For a moment it seemed that no one was going to be brave enough to raise a voice, but finally, Lady Penbrook broke away to stand at Cerandillia's feet. She was laughably tiny in comparison, but she held herself with a strength and grace that the magical couple found enviable. She did not seem small.
"Will you confirm before these witnesses," she said loud enough that her voice carried around the courtyard, reaching the council members and common folk alike, "that Merlin Emrys Ambrosius here, is indeed the eldest son of our late Crown Prince Balinor?"
"I will do so gladly." Cerandillia said. "There is no doubt that Merlin is his father's son. If he were not, then he would not have been capable of calling forth the white dragon, Aithusa, that you see before you from her egg."
Rustlings from the crowd followed this pronouncement. Merlin assumed that not many of them had known about Aithusa's existence.
Aithusa nodded her head in agreement.
"And would you attest to his character?" Lady Penbrooke asked in an imperious tone.
"I would indeed. His strength and compassion are unmatched. He is the Emrys of prophecy." the purple dragon answered.
Merlin was a bit surprised. He had only met the Matriarch of Dragons a day ago. He had known she had seer powers and magic similar to Kilgarah's. It made him wonder what she could see of his past, present and future. Here she was singing his praises without a hint of sarcasm or disrespect.
"Do you believe this man fit to rule?" Penbrook inquired, her voice heavy with the weight of import.
Merlin wondered if maybe this was a ritual or ceremony of sorts, a tradition maybe, that all those ascending to the throne underwent.
If a Dragonlord did not receive receive the dragon's stamp of approval, what would happen then, he wondered idly.
"I do. Gladly would I follow Merlin to the ends of the earth if he were to ask it of me." Cerandillia said.
Aithusa spoke up "As would I."
"Ask, not command. The distinction was not lost on anyone.
Lady Penbrook bowed to the dragons, her golden hairnet sparkling like drops of molten sunlight. She then turned to do the same to the stunning dark haired couple, who flushed a bit, but acknowledged the gesture with a respectful nod. The lady smiled at Merlin and Morgana and returned to her place in the council.
A man in the crowd spoke up. "The Lady Morgana has caused irreparable harm. What has she to do with Emrys. She has fought all of us in the past and given magic a bad name."
Aithusa stepped forward, "I first met the Lady Morgana in the woods and healed her of a mortal wound because I saw good in her. I saw her destiny by the side of Emrys as his council, his love, and eternal mate. At the time she was under a terrible curse put upon her by her sister, Morgause. That curse trapped Morgana within her own mind. Her actions of the past few years were not her own as a result of the curse. I had to bind the power of Emrys and Le Fey in a wedding ceremony reserved for Dragonlords and their brides called Dragon Fasting. It took the power of Emrys, Le Fay, the Goddess, and myself to destroy the dark curse in Morgana's mind and free her from its power. The ceremony only holds in the pure of heart."
Morgana was deeply touched that her little dragon, Aithusa would stand and defend her so bravely before so many people, strangers neither of them knew. Her heart was full of gratitude to the young dragon who believed in her so completely and brought her to Emrys, worthy to be his mate, serve God, and the Goddess, who had gifted her with so much. Her eyes started to fill with tears but she blinked them back knowing she must stand.
Merlin squeezed her hand sending her his love and faith through their bond. The communication was quick, they both drew out their staffs holding them in front while holding each other's hands. "It is true that I was under a dark curse not in control of my actions."
Morgana drew herself up feeling the love and strength of Merlin and the Goddess in every fiber of her being. "My past actions were horrible and reprehensible. I regret that my body succumbed to the influences of the dark curse. I know not everything was my fault. But I will say that I will do all in my power to compensate and make right the wrongs I have committed."
"Viviana appeared at that moment. Her visage was a glimmering, shining presence. "I witnessed this dragon fasting. It is only valid for the pure of heart. I saw the light that burst forth from Emrys and Morgana when the curse was destroyed."
Most of the crowd was stunned at Viviana's appearance and pronouncement and needed no further proof.
Another citizen stepped forward. I was traveling near the forest of Ander a few weeks ago and saw a great light and felt the power in that light. It seemed to make everything change for the better. Other members of the city started to speak of their memory of the similar experiences they had felt at the same time.
The Druids who were in the crowd dropped to their knees in reverence of their prophesied Emrys and Le Fey. They had felt Merlin and Morgana's power when they had been introduced and their curiosity had been sated first when Cerandillia had greeted the magical couple, and now with the appearance of a resurrected being and a dragon who validated the union of the stunning couple.
"It seems you have an egg to hatch." Cerandillia said nodding toward the egg Bruce had been silently protecting and hiding for this moment.
Bruce stepped aside smiling as the crowd cheered their encouragement. Cerandillia turned a look on the crowd that made them all quiet.
Merlin smiled at the large dragon, stepped forth holding Morgana tightly to his side, he focused and called "Lila Morgendammerung" which means Purple Dawn. The large egg hatched and a perfect purple baby dragon shook itself off, looking around before it flew into Merlin's arms nuzzling him.
Morgana was in awe at the beautiful young dragon and carefully stretched forth her hand to pet it. The baby dragon leaned into her touch knowing Morgana was her mother kin as Merlin was her father kin.
Cerandillia lowered her head to muzzle the new dragon. "I thank you for hatching my baby. It is long we dragons have waited for a True Dragonlord to help continue our race."
Merlin's smile grew wide. "It is truly my honor Cerandillia, Great Matriarch of Dragons."
The crowd that was gathered oohed and awed at the event. No one else spoke. Apparently no more questions needed to be asked. They had heard and seen all they needed to hear.
There was a crowd of people surrounding them now, servants and townspeople pressing eagerly in to get as close as possible to the first dragons to set foot in their kingdom in nearly thirty years. They were whispering behind their hands, staring at the magical couple.
This was who they were, Merlin Emrys Ambrosius, a Dragonlord and his wife Morgana Le Fey Ambrosius, the last High Priestess. This was where they belonged. They experienced one of those dizzying rushes of freedom to be standing here, out in the open with hundreds of eyes upon them and dragons at their sides.
The dragons turned away from the council, their part finished,and leaned down to be on the level of the magical couple.
"Thank you Cerandillia, Aithusa." the couple communicated through their magical link, "for your defense and all you said."
"We spoke nothing but the truth." the dragons returned through the telepathic liink.
Merlin and Morgana reached out to place their hands on the dragons' snouts. Feeling the surprisingly smooth texture of the scales beneath their fingers. The dragons leaned into their touch reminding them of very large cats, but also of family. It brought smiles to all their faces.
"Go on! O Great ones!" Merlin said teasingly with a wave of his hand. "You have done all you can do for us here. Fly freely my friends. You have waited long for this day."
Cerandillia laughed warm puffs of air, making Merlin's hair flutter.
"I believe Balinor would have said that very same thing to me in his youth." the dragon said. "Seeing you here in this place makes it clear. You truly are much like your father."
"Merlin smiled in delight. It was another fact he could stow away. Morgana squeezed his hand sharing in Merlin's happiness.
"If you have need of us..."
"I will call for you." Merlin promised.
"Merlin handed the baby dragon to Morgana who continued to stroke it and marvel at it's beauty. He put his arm around Morgana and petted the baby dragon in her arms. It was a feeling of family he felt was preordaining future events. Both their hearts were overflowing.
Lady Lia inclined her head to the men who had been her confidants over the years. "Sir Gerund, Sir Duranbolt, I thank you for your aid over the years in protecting our race."
"I am glad Aurelius fathered such fine men as yourselves. I know you miss the late king as much as I do."
The Great Purple dragon, Lady Lia, turned to Lord Ellison and Tennison with a look that could have been defined as a dragon smirk. "You have grown much in these last years and look much like your father. I am sure you are glad Emrys, a true Dragonlord has come to take Aurelius' place as the True King of Caledonia."
Lord Ellison and Tennison looked as if they were going to wet themselves. Fortunately both were able to gather themselves enough to nod.
Cerandillia called to her newly hatched baby who flew to her back before she and Aithusa nodded once more to Merlin raising themselves up to their full and considerable height. All eyes were immediately on them, eager to see what the dragons would do. They looked down at Merlin and Morgana with small smiles on their reptilian faces.
"Until we meet again, My King! My Queen!" they said solemnly. They bowed low, their scaly necks bent in graceful arcs.
Merlin was stunned. Only Kilgarah had ever bowed to him. Morgana too was amazed that the dragon's would include her and squeezed Merlin's hand bringing him out of his stupor.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the magical couple bowed back.
Then the dragons took to the sky, their forms growing smaller and smaller as they disappeared from sight.
Lords Gerund and Duranbolt nodded smiling. "It has been and is our pleasure and honor to serve your noble race."