The Journey to Prydwen

Chapter 3

The next day a bitterly cold breeze blew in and already Merlin could sense a dramatic change in the weather was heading their way. He cursed, as this would undoubtedly cause them problems. He did his jacket up as he finished off some berries.

Before long, the three of them were moving along the path once again. Lancelot led the way pushing back the bushes and ivy that every now and then would impede their progress. Merlin was scratched a number of times as he pushed the branches away with his bare hands. By now the first spots of rain had hit them, as they made their way gingerly along the path. In the distance, they could just about make out the cavern through the low cloud.

As they eased their way through the forest, the rain by now was heavy and unrelenting. A mist had appeared out of nowhere which partly hid the entrance, making them narrow their eyes, as they struggled to see more than a few feet ahead of them. Their progress was slow and as they became wetter, a deep frustration grew. Underneath their feet it became muddier, making their movement more hesitant. Merlin silently fumed wishing he had the power to control the weather. By the time they had made it to the cavern, even now they could sense the light of the day becoming darker. Then out of nowhere they were attacked by the Wyverns.

Lancelot quickly aimed his sword at one of them as they flew at them from an acute angle. Galahad joined him and managed to catch one of them on their rear. It made them even more aggressive and as they flew in low to attack the Knights, Merlin decided to take over.

He pushed the Knights aside and then faced the wyviens astride. Thrusting his arm up his voice erupted made mightier by the echo it had from the cave, "s'enthend apakhorein nun epello!" As the words came tumbling out, the dragons dispersed, though not before giving Merlin a roar of insolence, for his trouble. Merlin kept his eye on them until they had flown off disappearing into the mist. When Merlin came too he noticed Galahad watching him with an amazed expression on his face.

"That was mightily impressive," the young Knight exclaimed,

"Thanks," Merlin shrugged, "At least I have some uses!"

"Let's get going before the next lot arrive," Lancelot encouraged, checking the sky.

"Yes, I agree. We don't know how long this journey will take either," Merlin cautioned.

The Knights followed Merlin down into the cave. They hadn't walked far before the path had already narrowed, so they were forced to follow single file. As they emerged deeper the path began to wind in on itself, causing Merlin to slow down. The further they went into the cave, the harder it became to breath normally, as the air disappeared. Merlin decided taking short breaths would be preferable.

As the path became darker, he used his powers to lighten the path before them. He could hear over his shoulder the intake of amazement from the following Knights. It gave him a real feeling of pleasure at being able to use his skills in such an open and helpful way. It was once more, the proof of how magic could be used for good. As he continued to lead he kept a reasonable pace, having adjusted to the changes in the lack of air. He also focussed his concentration, determined to stay a step ahead of anything which may occur.

The more he thought about it now, he realised the whole trip was far more risky than he had at first anticipated. He remembered the warning Gaius had given him the night before he left to expect the unexpected. Who knew what was down in the depth of the cave and whether they could come across it? For the first time he felt a bit of tension as he scanned the horizon and they travelled ever deeper towards the depths. He wondered what was going through the two Knight's minds, where they as nervous as he suddenly felt?

He looked back briefly Galahad was behind him, looking warily about him. Merlin suspected Lancelot would be the same. He decided to focus on the task, determined to wipe out the misgivings he was currently feeling. They suddenly came to a fork in the path which brightened his manner, especially as he could sense light up ahead. While common sense, told him he should question the light, for some reason something calmed him.

"Look!" Merlin pointed in front of him, as the Knights stopped.

"Why is it suddenly light?" Lancelot asked, suspiciously.

"That was what I was wondering," Galahad agreed, "Do you want me to investigate it?"

"I will go," Merlin said, determined to reassure them. "I know it seems strange but for some reason I feel there is nothing to fear,"

"Is it something magical?" Lancelot asked, eyeing Merlin closely.

"It could be I suppose. I get a sixth sense when there is magic in the air, but I just get a feeling it's nothing to worry about," Merlin explained, "You stay here, I'll call for you if I need you,"

"Okay, remember we are here," Lancelot cautioned, nodding at Merlin.

"Thanks," Merlin smiled.

He pushed further down the path towards where the light was at its strongest. The closer he came to it, the more he felt suddenly relaxed as if something was pulling him towards it. But there was nothing bad in what he was feeling, any negative thought was now far from his mind. He suddenly realised the Knights should be with him and he called to them.

Merlin waited for them to join him after reassuring them further they continued on their way. Presently they came to an opening and beyond it lay a door. Merlin watched the Knight's reaction closely.

"We need to be careful, who knows what's beyond it," Lancelot said,

"I still don't think it's anything bad. Let me go first, I have my magic after all," Merlin cautioned,

The Knights agreed and after a minute of composing himself Merlin made himself ready. As Merlin walked towards the door, an intense feeling caught hold of him, making it instantly easier to breath. He knew straight away whatever was beyond the door was a good thing, he realised he was among friends.

As Merlin walked through the opening the first thing which took him by surprise was just how brighter everything became. He looked around, they were standing in a huge room ahead of them was a long trestle table with a couple of chairs neatly pushed underneath it. Behind that was a chest, stacked with books and bottles of what looked like potions. A big crystal stood in the centre which every now and then caught Merlin's eyes. He tried to ignore it anxious to not connect with it remembering old experiences. All along the wall, were cobwebs, a musty smell came from somewhere within.

The room was airy and suddenly the coolness of the day disappeared and Merlin felt as if it was the middle of spring. He stood in the centre of the room taking everything around in. It had somehow a sense of history about it and Merlin felt it had played a key part in life before his time.

"Everything is fine, follow me in," he called to the Knights. He watched as first Galahad and then Lancelot came through the door. They both joined Merlin in the middle of the room looking around suspiciously.

"Why are you so reassured?" Lancelot asked, then sudden a voice boomed from behind them.

"Ah Emrys, we meet at last,"

Merlin looked around and saw an old man, carrying a book come in through the door.

"You are Nameon?" Merlin smiled, recognising a kindred spirit.

"I am indeed, Emrys. I am so happy to have at last met your acquaintance. These are your friends, I take it?"

"Yes, this is Lancelot and Galahad,"

The two Knights nodded at the old sorcerer, looking tense and unsure.

"Aww, the great Lancelot, special things are expected of you." The old man smiled, "As for you Galahad, I sense a true adventurer inside of you,"

Galahad looked at Merlin before answering, "I have always loved the world outside,"

"Indeed, something we should never take for granted."

"You were expecting me?" Merlin suggested, testing the theory he'd heard before.

"Yes, our meeting has been foretold as I am sure you are aware. There are certain things which have come to pass, now I must pass on certain information to you. I have a gift, something you need to promise to take good care of,"

"Of course, what is it?" Merlin asked, an excitement taking hold of him.

Merlin watched, as the old man struggled and reached inside a bag. He brought out a book, old and dusty and put it on the table. Merlin recognised the sign of the Old Religion on the cover. He looked over at Nameon, the old man nodded for Merlin to take a look at it.

As he went over to the book and opened it, he could feel a faint sense of power coursing through his hand, as he touched the page.

"I just felt something," Merlin said, looking up at the old sorcerer.

"The book I am giving you, is one of the oldest books in existence Emrys. It holds power that goes back to the Ancient Kings, the world before the majority of the Dragons had died out."

Merlin let the words sink in, as he turned over the page an image crept into his mind and he saw his old friend on one of the pages.

"Kilgharrah!" he cried out, for a second he felt as if the image had come to life, as the old Dragon looked at him.

"I haven't seen Kilgharrah for a couple of years, he is dead, isn't he?" Merlin asked, emotion in his voice.

The old Sorcerer nodded sadly. "Anything which is contained inside that book is indeed dead. But their spirits are contained inside it, you will sense their presence whenever you open it,"

"Then Aithusa is the last Dragon in the world now," Merlin remarked, feeling suddenly shocked.

"That is indeed the case. Now I am sure you are wanting to know how to help him?"

"I know I have to go to the Alter of Mount Devla and recite a spell," Merlin said,

"It's not that simple I am afraid. The secrets contained in this book are massively important. When the Dragon Lords of old composed this book, they took with them much of what they knew. You will notice spells inside this book, which are incomplete but in fact the answers are already around,"

Merlin thought for a second, "So, how will I know what is the right spell?"

"Dragon Lord magic comes from somewhere deep inside you Emrys. It is contained inside your personality and your courage. It will ask things of you which will both dismay and amaze you. Dragons are creatures of wonder and their true power can only be found through your own being,"

Merlin nodded, realising that today was just the start of his quest for helping Aithusa.

"Then I must start discovering and researching this book, I take it I will know when the feeling is right,"

"You will, of that I can assure you. You must believe in your own morality and sense of courage. When the spell is found you can return here and go to the Alter of Mount Devla, you must do so alone with Aithusa. You must reassure him, as he will sense things he has never come across before. But in doing so, it will bring you closer to him then you have ever been before,"

"What happens if I don't find the right one?" Merlin asked, suddenly afraid of what he was going to be told.

"Then Aithusa will forever be lost to you. But you must not doubt yourself in this moment. You alone, have the power and ability to reverse the wrongs done to our mighty breed,"

Merlin nodded, feeling tired and disorientated. It was madness to think helping Aithusa would be straight-forward, he realised now. Everything he had read in the book his father had once owned should have told him that. As he stared at the old book on the table, he realised it could prove to be one of this toughest challenges yet.

"There is one more thing that I have for you Emrys," Nameon said,

Merlin went over to him, his eyes full of wonder. "What is that?"

"They call it a path-finder. When you return to Mount Devla you must bring this with you. It will help you find the secret path which will take you to the Alter. The mountain has many misleading trails, this will be your main ally on your perilous journey back to the land of the Dragons. You, Aithusa and the path-finder will be all you need to complete the task."

Lancelot had been listening to the conversation with unease. Merlin could sense his friends worry and he looked at him, he hoped with a look of reassurance.

"Lancelot, I can see this leaves you worried," Nameon said, going over to the Knight. "I think one of your lasting and most important qualities is knowing when to give Emrys your trust. I know you are a good friend, but you must believe when I say it cannot be done between you. Emrys must enter his own realm to find the true power of his ability, he will need every ounce of it in his quest. Promise me, that you will allow him that opportunity,"

After a brief second, Lancelot looked at Nameon and nodded, "I promise, even though it will be difficult,"

"You are a true friend, but sometimes we must act alone to realise what we are truly capable off," Nameon replied,

"I want to thank you, for what you have told me," Merlin replied, "I will endeavour to find the spell and return here, when I have found the answer,"

"I am glad to have been off service to you Emrys and to have at last met you. You will become an even greater man the world of magic will be indebted to you, for centuries ahead. I am only happy to have been of use to you. Go with my blessing," Nameon said, holding his hand up and blessing the three of them.

"Will we meet anymore Wyverns on our way out?" Galahad asked,

Nameon smiled at the young Knight, "No, rest assured your path will be clear,"

"The Wyverns are the guardians of the Alter's secret?" Merlin said, smiling.

"Indeed, they are, but they can be challenged by those with magic. I would never entirely trust one," Nameon warned,

"Will you be here when I come back?" Merlin asked,

"No, my place is in the otherworld now that I have passed on what I must. But I dare say you will come across my spirit here. Bless me on my way, when you do,"

Merlin shook the old man's hand. "I certainly will, I wish you peace on the journey to the other world,"

Within seconds the old sorcerer had disappeared out of the room, with Lancelot and Galahad looking around them, in surprise. Merlin regarded his companions.

"You do realise he was centuries old," Merlin said, with a smile.

"He looked no older than some of the old men in the Tavern," Lancelot answered.

Merlin picked up the book and put the path-finder in his bag. "Come on, we need to make tracks back home,"

Merlin walked out giving the place a last look, sensing the Knights following him he made for the passage, lighting the path ahead. It took an hour to reach the early darkness of the evening. At least, the rain was no longer falling and Merlin looked around with a sense of wonder of the magical place.

Having made it back to their base and having eaten, Merlin sat with Lancelot each lost in their own secret thoughts. Lancelot's voice eventually broke the silence.

"What do you think of this quest?" he asked, putting another log on the fire.

"Well, it won't be easy for sure and I will be tested. But that has always been the case with my magic. I am only glad I can share it with my friends now,"

"It will be tough letting you face it alone,"

"I won't be alone, I will have Aithusa and the spirit of my father. I felt him there, its only now I realised what that feeling was in the cavern. He had been there before and I was retracing his footsteps,"

Lancelot smiled, "I am glad you felt that,"

"Thank you,"

"I am sorry about Kilgharrah. I know you hadn't mentioned him for a while, but its sad to think he is no longer with us," Lancelot said,

"I have suspected it for months. I have tried to call him but he never came. That told me everything I needed to know. But here, he does not feel too far away. There was a time when this Kingdom was full of Dragons, they roamed far and wide. But than man came and put them to the sword, the world was never quite the same again. Helping Aithusa could at least put some of that right,"

"I know you will find a way,"

"I hope you are right." Merlin said, suddenly feeling exhausted. As the night arrived spreading its darkness around them, he was soon fast asleep. It was only when he was shaken awake, he realised the morning had come. After a brief breakfast, the three of them were back on the horses and travelling back to Camelot the wind on their backs.

Merlin sensed the journey had made an impact on both of his fellow travellers. Both of them talked about their meeting with Nameon and what lay ahead for Merlin. For his part, Merlin was by now feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges which lay ahead. Not least telling Arthur all the news. He looked up, seeing the white towers in the distance, he hadn't realised just how much he'd missed Camelot until now.

As they entered the court yard, the Knights waved at the party.

"Hey Merlin, we missed you. In fact, all of you!" Gwaine shouted,

"That's nice to know, missed you all as well," Merlin jumped off his horse, running up the steps wanting to be back in his quarters. In the end, he decided to look in on Arthur. After knocking on the door, he entered the room, to be greeted by Arthur holding a glass in his hand.

"I imagine you can do with some refreshment?" the King asked,

"Yes please. How is everything, no mini invasions or battles while I've been gone?" Merlin said, with a smirk.

"You will be pleased to know peace has broken out on our borders. No more reports of any army on the move. Everything is just how we want it,"

"Good to know,"

"So, tell me, how did you get on. Did you get to meet this sorcerer?"

"Nameon? I certainly did, he gave me these," Merlin reached into his bag and showed him the book and path-finder.

Arthur picked up the path-finder, "I haven't seen one of these in years,"

Merlin filled him in with all the details, including the feelings of him sensing his father at the cavern. He watched, as Arthur took it all in.

"What do you feel about going on your own?" he asked, "I can't say I'm keen on it,"

"It was just like when you had to go to the Perilous Lands on that quest," Merlin pointed out.

"And we know what happened there!" Arthur replied,

Merlin blushed, "Yes, but I had to, the bracelet given to you by Morgana was a magical one, it would have killed you in the end,"

"As this quest might kill you," Arthur answered. "Is this really going to be worth it Merlin?"

"It's important to me, also I feel I have to make it up to Aithusa."

"Where is the dragon anyway, any further reports?" Arthur asked, sitting back.

"The Druids contacted me before I left, they said Aithusa was hanging around them. I need to do a lot more research before I do it anyway,"

"You must be tired, go and get some rest. When are you going to Nemeth to look at the magic school,"

"Soon, I expect. I need to have a meeting with Gilli about it. I will let you know,"

"I am glad you are back Merlin, its been way too quiet without you," Arthur smiled,

"You look a bit tired," Merlin remarked, noticing the rings around his eyes.

"Lachlan has very big lungs especially early in the morning!" the King grimaced. "Maybe one day you'll experience it yourself Merlin,"

Merlin grimaced, "I am in no hurry on that one, I will leave that to you and Gwen,"

Merlin skipped out of the room, making for his apartment. As he opened the door the bed lay there enticing him. He thought for a second he should do some research. But eventually he gave in to his tiredness and within minutes he was fast asleep.