It is another one of those nights. Mary looks worriedly out of the castle window into the courtyard. For two days, they have been attacked every night by the great dragon. There are fires everywhere and many people are injured or even dead. She sees Arthur once again gathering his men around him to win the already lost battle.
Gaius gets behind her, "Mary, don't look!"
"I have to, Gaius! Why is the dragon doing this? Many of these people are innocent. I have to go check on my little home."
"Mary, we've already talked about this. I don't want you to go outside. I need you in here with the injured."
Tired, Mary turns and walks past him into the citadel, which is full of people. She gives the wounded to drink and looks at their injuries.
Gwen, who is also helping, joins her, "I don't think the people can take another night like this."
"We have to have faith in Arthur."
"I do, you know that! But even he has little chance!"
Merlin is with Arthur heading for the walls to take the dragon under fire from there. "I'm sorry you have to deal with this."
"Why? You are not to blame."
But Merlin knows that this is all his fault. If he hadn't let the dragon go free, then...
Gwen comes up to Mary, who is wiping her brow. "We're out of clean water!"
"I know! I'll come out with you. I want to check on my home for a minute anyway."
"Mary, isn't that too dangerous?"
"Yes it is, but I haven't been home in several days. Please Gwen."
Gwen understands her friend well. She stopped by her cottage briefly that afternoon and was relieved to find it still intact.
As the two girls walk past Gaius, he calls out, "Mary, Gwen...what are you doing?"
"We're getting fresh water!"
"It's too dangerous, you have to stay here!"
But they don't listen to him and both go out, kettle in hand, to the castle courtyard where the well is. There they split up. Gwen gets water and Mary makes her way to the lower town.
Arthur is also back in the courtyard, shouting orders for everyone to get to safety. The dragon circles menacingly above them. Arthur sees Gwen at the well and shouts, "Guinevere!"
As she turns, the dragon is already coming at her in a dive. She begins to run. Arthur also runs toward her and is able to pull her to the ground with him just before the dragon can grab hold. Arthur is injured by one of the monster's claws on his left shoulder. He gets up groaning and he and Gwen can escape through a side entrance into the castle.
Merlin has observed everything and now angrily approaches the dragon. With magic he enchants a spear and wants to pierce the dragon's heart with it. But the weapon bounces off the monster left side and it looks at the warlock contemptuously: "Don't think that your pathetic magic can do anything to me! But I can harm you! The girl will only get in your way anyway."
The dragon turns away and flies toward the lower city. Merlin sees with horror that Mary is running there too.
As fast as he can, he follows the two. He sees Mary disappear into her little house. Shortly after, the dragon lets out his fiery hot breath on the thatched roof and everything begins to burn like a blaze!
"No! Mary!" Merlin rushes toward the wooden house. The front door is already on fire, there's no way through. He quickly goes to the back and finds the back door unlocked and unharmed. There is already a lot of smoke in the house and he can hardly see anything. He hears Mary coughing and calls for her. He finds her on the floor next to her bed. He quickly lifts her up, suspecting that the dragon will come again to finish his work. As soon as he is outside, the cottage bursts into flames and the dragon flies away.
He looks down at Mary. Her eyes stare into nothing, "It's all gone. My whole home is gone."
"Mary, I'm taking you to Gaius. You're hurt."
Merlin noticed that she has burns on her right shoulder and hand. Mary doesn't seem to feel the pain at all.
Shocked, Gaius approaches them as Merlin comes into the citadel with Mary in his arms, "What happened?"
"She was in her cottage when the dragon attacked. He deliberately targeted her to harm me. Gaius, she's in shock, she lost everything. Her right side is injured."
Gaius nods worriedly and shows Merlin a free table where he puts Mary. Across the hall, he sees Gwen just treating Arthur, who has a large wound on his left shoulder.
He is about to go to the prince when Mary grabs his hand. "Please, stay here."
Merlin squeezes her hand and nods. Gaius comes back with water, a paste and bandages. He looks at Merlin seriously, "This is going to be painful. I need you to hold her still for me."
As Gaius begins to loosen the burnt fabric from her wound, Mary screams in pain. She claws her hand into Merlin's arms, who holds her as tightly as he can. He closes his eyes as he can hardly stand to see her like this. Finally the screaming stops and her body goes limp.
Merlin looks up and Gaius says, "Good, she's unconscious. Now I can dress her wounds."
When Gaius is finally done, he looks at Merlin, "Are you hurt?"
"No. But there's nothing I can do. My magic doesn't help."
"Dragons are not monsters, they are creatures of wonder and magic. You must realize that they are immune to your powers." Merlin hangs his head in exhaustion.
The next day, the king gathers the most important courtiers to discuss how to proceed. Mary stands pale beside Gaius and Merlin. The physician didn't want her to go, but she wouldn't be dissuaded.
Arthur is giving a report: "The dead amount to 49 men, 27 women, 18 more women and children are missing. Most of last night's fires are out. The castle walls, especially the western part, are about to collapse. I can go on endlessly."
Uther asks, "Do we have any clues as to how the beast got out?"
"I'm sorry, no, sire!" Mary looks to Merlin, who presses his lips together.
"There must be some way we can get rid of this monster."
The hall remains silent. Arthur sits down and contorts his face in pain. Uther looks at Gaius, "Gaius?"
"We need a Dragonlord, sire."
"You know very well that is not an option."
"Sire, what if there were indeed another Dragonlord?"
"That's not possible!"
"And if there is?"
"What are you talking about, physician?"
"It may just be a rumor. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe his name is Balinor."
Arthur asks, "Where does he live?"
"He was last seen in Cenred's kingdom. In the border town of Engerd. But that was many years ago."
Arthur: "If this man still lives, it is our duty to find him."
"Our treaty with Cenred no longer holds, we are at war. Beyond our border, they would kill you instantly." says the king.
"I will go alone. That way I won't be discovered!"
"No, Arthur, it is too dangerous."
"More dangerous than staying here? I will not watch my men die if I can save them."
"I gave you an order."
"Do not make this a test of wills, Father!"
"I'm not speaking to you as a father, but as a king."
"I ride at once!"
"My concern is for you!"
"My concern is for Camelot. I will send word when I find him."
"You will take Mary with you."
Mary startles. Gaius takes a step toward to the king, "Please, Your Highness. She is injured. I don't think she should travel."
"Well, my son is also injured and needs her healing knowledge. That is my final word!"
Arthur nods and says to Merlin, "Prepare the horses."
Mary is sitting in front of the fire when Merlin returns a little later, packing his things. "Who were the Dragonlords?" He asks.
Gaius stands next to Mary, worried.
"Gaius?" asks Merlin again.
"There were once men who could talk to dragons and tame them."
"What happened to them?"
"Uther believed that the art of the Dragonlord was to close to magic. So he had them rounded up and slaughtered."
Merlin shakes his head, "But one survived. How did you know that?"
"I helped him escape." Mary looks at Gaius.
Merlin smiles, "Gaius!"
Gaius walks up to the boy, "Merlin, have you never heard the name Balinor?"
"No."
"Your mother never mentioned him?"
Merlin pauses in packing, "My mother?"
"She took him in."
"She stood up against Uther? Well she was brave!"
Mary slowly stands up and walks toward them.
"When Uther found out where Balinor was, he sent knights to Ealdor to hunt him down. He was forced to flee."
"Why didn't my mother ever tell me about this?"
"Merlin, I promised her I would never speak of it."
"About what?"
"I always treat you, like a son, but you're not. The man you'll be looking for is your father!"
Merlin takes a step backwards and looks at Gaius in disbelief, "My father?"
"Yes."
"He was a Dragonlord? Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"I wanted to. Your mother was afraid it would be too dangerous."
Mary sees the pain in Merlin's eyes, "I had a right to know."
"She was trying to protect you."
"No. I had a right to know."
Merlin picks up his backpack and leaves the room.
Gaius helps Mary with her luggage and escorts her to the horses. Merlin fiddles a bit with his horse's saddle.
Mary nods to Gaius, "Go to him. Don't part in a quarrel. He's allowed to be hurt. I will miss you Gaius!" She wraps her arms around the old man and squeezes him warmly.
"Mary, I packed you some of the paste. You need to have the bandage redone at least twice a day. Merlin will help you." Mary nods.
Gaius walks up to Merlin, "Do you have everything you need?"
Merlin nods. Then he turns to Gaius and says, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"I know. Watch out for Mary and the prince. They're both hurt, and shouldn't be riding." Merlin nods at him.
Arthur swings up on his horse and says, "Merlin, Mary, let's go!"
Mary sees that the prince is in pain.
Gaius approaches Merlin again and says, "Merlin, whatever happens, Arthur must not know who this man is. Uther would view the son of a Dragonlord with suspicion." Merlin nods to him and gives the horse the reins.
They ride all day until they come to the border of Cenred's kingdom. When they finally arrive at an inn it is dark and raining heavely. Mary is shivering and can barely sit on the horse anymore. Arthur helps her down and they put them in the nearby stable.
Arthur looks at Mary, "I'm sorry you had to come. This place is going to be crawling with men at the tavern. I want you to stay by my side the whole time. They will want to give us separate rooms, but I can't protect you there. So let's say you and Merlin are husband and wife, and I'm your brother. Then we can all go to the same room. All right?" Mary and Merlin nod.
When they enter the inn, it is instantly silent and everyone stares at them. Mary in particular is examined from top to bottom. She moves a little closer to Arthur. They find an empty table where they can sit down. Mary sits down next to him, as Arthur requested. The innkeeper brings them all a cup of warm wine.
Arthur says quietly, "We are looking for a man named Balinor. I am willing to pay well."
The innkeeper looks at Arthur and says, "Never heard of him!" He disappears behind the counter again.
A little later the innkeeper comes back, "Do you need rooms? The horses are already in my stable, after all."
Arthur nods, "Gladly one for three!"
The innkeeper says, "Sorry friend, girls and boys separate!"
Mary anxiously grabs Arthur's arm. The latter calmly says, "No need. She is my sister, and he here, is her husband."
The innkeeper looks at them doubtfully, but gives them a key to a room with a double bed and a single.
Mary sits down tiredly on the double bed. Her shoulder and hand ache and all she wants to do is sleep. Arthur takes the single bed.
Merlin looks around uncomfortably: "Well, I guess I'll sleep on the floor."
Arthur nods, "Looks like it!"
Merlin is about to unroll his blanket on the floor when Mary says, "You can sleep on one half of this bed. It's much more restful. Will you get my bandages fresh?" Arthur raises an eyebrow in surprise. Is there something going on between the two of them? He gallantly turns around as Mary clears her shoulder for the bandage change.
Mary has to grit her teeth while changing the dressings. Merlin sees her tense jaw. Gently, he spreads some of the paste on her wound and covers it well, just as Gaius showed him. Since a long time, he is so close to Mary again that he can smell her hair, which always smells of earth, flowers and herbs. His heart warms. Mary clears her throat, realizing that Merlin has finished bandaging. She has already given her hand a fresh treatment herself. Merlin gets up and gets ready for bed. Arthur is also taking off his shirt and Mary sees that his bandage has bled all the way through.
She walks over to him. "Arthur, will you let me re-bandage your wound?"
Arthur nods and Mary looks it over. "The wound is a little infected. We should clean it more often."
"Well, we don't have time for that. I have a good wound healing."
Mary lies down on her side of the bed and covers herself. She is still frozen to the bone and her teeth chatter uncontrollably. She notices Merlin lying down next to her and giving her part of his blanket. Gratefully, she snuggles in and falls into a restless sleep.
Arthur turns to Merlin who is still awake. His servant has been rather quiet all day today. "What's wrong with you today?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I hate to admit it, I like your grumpy answers. It's probably your only valuable quality."
"Thanks!" Merlin turns on his side.
"Many servants can serve, but so few are capable of making complete idiots of themselves."
Merlin knows Arthur just wants to tease him, but he can't laugh it off. Arthur gives it up, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing!"
"Something is. Tell me." Merlin stays still and sees Mary breathing regularly. Immeasurably, she is already asleep. "Alright, I know I'm a prince, so we can't be friends. But if I weren't a prince..."
"What?"
"Well, then I guess we'd get along pretty well."
"So?"
"That means, you can tell me."
"That's right. But if you weren't a prince, I'd say it was none of your business."
"Merlin! Do you miss Gaius? Do you have feelings for the beautiful girl next to you that are not returned? I have watched you...you are close, I can see that."
"No, it's none of that!"
"Well, tell me! What is it then?"
Arthur throws a pillow at Merlin's head. The latter turns to the prince: "It's all right, I'll tell you! I worry about everyone in Camelot. I hope they're all right."
Arthur drops back into bed and stares at the ceiling, "I hope so too!"
During the night, Arthur and Merlin are surprised by a robber. Arthur has heard him, however, and now threatens him with a dagger. Mary is startled out of her sleep and sits up.
Arthur is about to say, "Do you know the punishment for stealing?"
The thief raises his hands, "Please, I have children to feed."
"Tell me where to find Balinor!"
"Balinor?"
"What do you know about him?"
"Nothing, I..."
"Are you value your life?"
"It's been years since I've seen him!"
"Do you know where he lives?"
"You must ride through the forest of Mendera, to the foot of Mount Ferroe. There you will find the cave where Balinor dwells. But do not get your hopes up."
"Why?"
"He will not receive you kindly. Balinor hates everything and everyone. A cave is the best place for him."
Arthur lets the man go. Merlin watches him go, wondering if his father is really as the man described him.
Mary is shaking. Arthur looks at her and says, "Mary, you have a fever. Do you have anything in your bag that will help?"
Mary nods and Merlin lifts up her bag. She shows him a small bottle and he gives it to her. She lies down again. Arthur also lies back down on his bed. Merlin turns to Mary, who is still shaking uncontrollable. She lies with her back to him and he puts a hand on her shoulder: "If you want, I can take you in my arms and warm you. But only if you want me to." Mary moves a little closer to him and he puts his arm around her. Merlin doesn't fall asleep until Mary's fever has gone down and she is sleeping peacefully.
The next day they have to go through the forest of Mendera. This is very dense, so they have to lead the horses. Merlin goes ahead, followed by Arthur and then Mary. Mary sees Arthur staggering and moaning in pain. Merlin turns around. Arthur says, "It's all right."
Mary replies, "It's the wound. Please let me take a look."
Merlin makes a stop. Mary is about to look at Arthur's wound when they hear noises. "Get down, get down!" Merlin whispers, and all three crouch behind a tree trunk. Cenred's men walk past them without spotting them. Mary exhales in relief. She notices Arthur losing consciousness beside her.
"Merlin, we need to find a sheltered place quickly. Arthur is not well."
"Help me lift him onto the horse. We should be at Mount Ferroe in a moment."
With much effort, they get the prince crosswise onto his horse and ride on. Before the mountain, the only way to go on, is on foot. Merlin looks around uncertainly.
Mary says reassuringly, "Go on. I'll wait here with Arthur."
"How are you?"
"I've had better days, but I'm going to wrap myself in a blanket and wait here by the wayside. Go. Before it gets dark."
With a heavy heart, Merlin continues alone until he comes to a large cave, just as the thief had said he would. "Hello?" he calls into the darkness. He goes deeper into the cave and finds a table and chair. A fireplace and a place to sleep. Suddenly he is grabbed from behind and a deep voice asks, "What are you doing here boy?"
"My friend is sick. He needs help."
The man lets go of him. Merlin turns around. In front of him is a tall dark haired man with a beard. His eyes are also quite dark, but they don't look angry, just uncertain. "Show him to me, boy! Go get him!"
Merlin looks at the man and immediately realizes that this must be his father. He quickly runs back to Mary and Arthur.
After some time, the three arrive at the cave. Arthur is still unconscious, so Mary and Merlin had to use all their strength to get him here. The man helps them to bed the prince on straw.
He looks at the wound and makes an ointment of herbs, clay and water. Gently he spreads it on Arthur's injury. He holds his hand over the prince's forehead and over his wound and says some unknown words. Merlin watches him, spellbound.
"He needs rest now." Says the man and rises.
"Will he be all right?" asks Merlin.
"Yes, by morning."
Mary sinks to her knees in relief. Only now does she realize the exhaustion that overcomes her. The man looks at her, "You're hurt, too. Let me see."
Mary willingly shows him her burns. She has confidence in him. The man looks at Merlin, "What are those burns?"
"My house was on fire when I was inside. I was lucky to be saved." says Mary, looking at Merlin.
The man treats her wound and gives her something to drink, which takes away the pain. She quickly falls asleep next to Arthur.
When it is dark outside, Merlin and the man sit by the fire and eat stew in silence. Merlin breaks the silence, "How long have you lived here?"
"A couple of winters."
"It must be hard!"
"Why are you here?"
"Just passing through. We're looking for someone. I was told...we were told, that he lives somewhere around here. A man named Balinor. Have you heard of him? He was a Dragonlord."
"He died."
"You knew him?"
"Who are you?"
"I am Merlin."
The man points to Arthur, "And he?"
"He is my master."
"His name?"
"His name is Lancelot. He is a knight, but one of the nice ones."
"His name is Arthur Pendragon! He is Uther's son!"
Merlin hesitates only briefly, "Yes."
"This is Cenred's kingdom. He's looking for trouble. What do you want from me?"
"Are you Balinor? The dragon is attacking Camelot."
"His name is Kilgharrah. Then your friend's burns are from dragon fire?"
"We cannot stop him. Only you, a dragon master, can."
"The dragon does not act without cause. He kills for one thing: revenge! This is Uther's work."
"He kills innocent people. Mary there, for example. She almost died. Women and children, he stops at nothing!"
"Uther pursued me. He hunted me down like a wild animal!"
"I know."
"What do you know about the lives of others, boy? Uther asked me to use my powers to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he would make peace with him. But he didn't. He lied to me. He betrayed me. You want me to protect this man?"
"I want you to protect Camelot."
"He killed all my kind. Only I escaped."
"Where did you go?"
"There is a place called Ealdor. I had a life there. A woman. A good woman. Ealdor is outside Uther's realm, but he still pursued me. Why couldn't he leave me alone? What did I do that he wanted to destroy my life and I left the woman I loved? He sent knights to kill me. I was forced to come here. So I understand how Kilgharrah feels. He lost everyone of his kind, everyone of his clan. You want to know how that feels? Look around you, boy! Let Uther die. Let Camelot fall. Take your girl and build a life outside Camelot."
"Do you want everyone in Camelot to die?"
"What do I care?"
"What if one were your son?"
"I have no son."
"And if I told you..."
"Merlin...Merlin!" Arthur speaks in his sleep, interrupting the two.
Balinor leaves the cave. Merlin puts his head in his hands. He feels desperate and tired. He lies down next to his friends and tries to sleep.
The next morning, Mary wakes up early. Next to her, Arthur is still sleeping. The cave is otherwise empty. Mary gets up and goes out into the fresh air, where she finds Merlin watching Balinor. Merlin explains to her in a few words that this is the Dragonlord they are looking for, but that he does not want to help them. Mary washes her face with the cold river water and sits down next to Merlin.
"So he's your father?"
"Yes, but I imagined him differently."
"What do you mean?"
"More helpful, more open..."
"He's been through a lot. Does he know you're his son?"
"I was going to tell him, but I was interrupted by Arthur's troubled dreams."
"What about my dreams? I feel great! What the hell did you give me there, Mary?" asks Arthur coming out of the cave.
"You owe it all to Balinor." Merlin says, tilting his head in the direction of the man standing on the shore.
"So we found him? Thank God!"
"That doesn't mean he wants to help us."
"What?"
"You won't be able to persuade him."
"Does he know what's at stake?" Merlin nods. "What kind of man is he?"
"I don't know. I thought he was more than that."
Merlin feels Mary place her hand lightly on his back. A small but comforting gesture.
Arthur tries his luck anyway, and goes and talks to Balinor. Mary and Merlin watch them as he does so. When Arthur returns, Merlin asks, "What did he say?"
"He'll change his mind!" says Arthur, confidently.
Balinor comes up to the three and says, "Goodbye then!" and goes back into his cave.
"That's your decision?" asks Arthur incredulously.
"I will not help Uther."
"Then the people of Camelot are lost!"
"So be it!"
"Have you no conscience?"
"That is a question you should ask your father."
Merlin turns to Balinor, "And you are no better than him!"
Arthur turns to go, "Come on, this is a waste of time. Let's go. Mary, can you keep traveling?" Mary nods, stands up and follows the prince.
Merlin turns to Balinor again and says, "Gaius spoke of the nobility of the Dragonlords. But I guess he was wrong about that!"
Balinor turns to Merlin, "Gaius?"
"Yes."
"A good man!"
"Yes. I hoped you were like him!"
"Merlin!" calls Arthur who is already a few meters away. Mary turns to look at him as well. Merlin looks at Balinor again, then turns and follows his friends.
In the early evening, the three of them rest in the forest. Mary is exhausted from the journey and needs a rest. Arthur feels fine again and can hardly feel his wound. Merlin builds a fire for Mary to warm up by. Then he looks at her burns and re-bandages them. Merlin does not speak a word and is very introverted.
Arthur says after a while, "I thought your silence would be a blessing, but I find it just as troublesome. You are an riddle, Merlin!"
"An riddle?" the latter asks back.
"Yes. But I like you pretty well. I guess you're not as much of a fool as you look."
Mary realizes that Arthur is trying to draw Merlin out. Merlin replies, "Yes, I feel the same way! Now that I see you're not as arrogant as you sound."
"You still think I'm arrogant?"
"No, more like supercilious."
"That's a big word, Merlin! Do you know what it means, too?"
"Condescending."
"Very good!"
"Patronizing."
"That's not quite what it means..."
"No, that's other of your characteristics."
"Wait a minute!"
"Arrogant. Very arrogant!"
Mary and Arthur hear a cracking sound coming from the forest. Arthur immediately grabs his sword and tells Merlin to be quiet. Now he also hears footsteps coming closer. Merlin also draws a sword as Balinor steps out of the thicket and says, "Watch out, boy. I thought you might need help. And then you leave the injured girl alone by the fire."
Mary smiles at him, "I can take care of myself just fine."
Arthur asks, "Are you coming with us to Camelot?"
"You were right, Merlin. People in Camelot risked their lives for me. I must repay that debt."
Arthur says, "If you kill the dragon, you will not go away empty-handed."
"I want no reward."
"Great. Let's eat."
Mary takes care of the soup. Merlin goes with Balinor to find more firewood in the forest. Arthur secures the perimeter.
Merlin asks Balinor after a while, "When you healed Arthur, I heard you murmur words."
"An ancient prayer."
"I thought it might be more than that."
"The Old Religion can teach us many things."
"The Old Religion, was it taught to you?"
"It's not something you can learn. Either it is a part of you, or it is not. My father knew that and his father before him."
"Were they Dragonlords, too?"
"We need some kindling."
Merlin realizes that this way, he doesn't get to know more about his father. So he says, "You mentioned...you spoke of Ealdor. You found refuge with a woman."
"That was a long time ago."
"I grew up there."
Balinor pauses in his wood gathering and looks at Merlin. "Ealdor?"
"Yes. I know the woman."
"Hunith? Is she still alive?"
"Yes. She is my mother."
"Then she has married. That's good!"
"She never married. I am your son."
Balinor looks at Merlin in disbelief and says in a brittle voice, "I don't know what it's like to have a son."
"Or I a father. You mustn't tell Arthur."
Balinor approaches Merlin and nods knowingly. He smiles at him and heads back to the rest area.
In the evening, Mary goes to bed early. Arthur soon follows her as well. Merlin and his father are still sitting by the fire. Merlin feels happier than he has in a long time. "Why did you never come back?"
"I thought her live would be better without me. Uther wanted me dead. If he had found me, he would have killed me and your mother."
Merlin looks to the sleeping Mary. He knows what his father says is true. Entire families were wiped out when Uther suspected magic was involved.
Balinor follows his gaze: "I wanted them to be safe."
"We would have come with you."
"What kind of life would you have had then?"
"We would have been happy."
"I see her in you! You have her kindness."
"How did you become a Dragonlord?"
"You don't choose to become a Dragonlord. It's not something you can learn. It's a sacred gift. For thousands of years, it was passed down from father to son. And that is what you must become now, Merlin."
"I would like that."
"Like all Dragonlords, you won't know for sure if you have this power until you face your first dragon." Merlin quiets and looks into the fire. "You should get some sleep, tomorrow is a big day." Says Balinor and retreats. "Good night my son!"
Merlin smiles at these words, "Good night father!"
Early in the morning Mary is rudely awakened. Merlin covers her mouth and whispers, "Cenred's men are here. You must find a safe place."
Mary nods and hides behind a large tree as the first men attack. Arthur is already standing ready with his weapon drawn and Merlin also takes a sword. Balinor has also woken up and helps the two. Mary sees that Arthur and Balinor are winning against the attackers. Merlin, on the other hand, is having his troubles deflecting his opponent's blows. Mary is horrified to see that Merlin drops his sword and is now defenseless. The attacker lunges and rams his sword not into Merlin's chest, but into Balinor's, who has intervened. Balinor staggers backwards into his son's arms. Merlin's eyes light up golden and he yells, "No!"
The attacker is caught by a magical pressure and thrown against a tree, where he remains lifeless. Mary, who has come out from behind the tree, is also caught by the magic and lands roughly on the ground. Arthur is nowhere to be seen, only the sounds of fighting can be heard from the forest.
Mary gets up dazed and quickly runs to Merlin, who is still holding Balinor in his arms. Mary helps him lay the Dragonlord on the ground and looks at the wound. Mary immediately sees that Balinor will not survive this.
Balinor looks at Merlin and says, "I see...you have...your father's talent...And the girl...knows about it...Merlin..."
"No, no! Please, I can save you."
"Listen to me...when you...you face the dragon...remember...to be strong...strong. The heart of a dragon...is on the...right side...not the left."
Balinor groans. Mary sees that he is losing a lot of blood and tries to slow the bleeding with her hands.
Merlin cries, "I can't do this alone."
"You...are not alone...you are my son...I saw enough in you...in you to...know that you...make me proud..."
Mary notices Balinor take his last breath and die. Merlin cries in despair. Mary shares his pain and weeps as well. When Arthur comes out of the forest and realizes what has happened, he angrily drops his sword and shouts, "No! Camelot is lost!"
Merlin dries his tears with his hands and looks at the prince with composure. Mary sobs.
Arthur gently helps Mary to stand up. They pack up their things and ride back to Camelot, discouraged. There they are eagerly awaited and the court is immediately rounded up to hear what happens next.
Arthur comes into the hall, followed by Merlin and Mary, and stands in front of his father. Merlin and Mary remain standing in the background. She notices the sadness Merlin is in and how much he has to pull himself together not to let it show. Gently, she takes his hand and gives him the option of withdrawing his if he doesn't want to. But he wraps his fingers tightly around hers and squeezes them gratefully.
Arthur says," I am sorry, father, I have failed. The last Dragonlord is dead."
Gaius looks to Mary and Merlin. He sees the sadness in the boy's eyes and looks down at the ground in sorrow.
The king replies, "For years I would have wished for this news."
"All is not lost, father. We must fight the monster ourselves. So let us ride out and fight according to our rules. In the open field, on the horses, where we are more agile."
"It's no use."
"So what? Are we to stand here and watch Camelot fall?"
The king doesn't think twice. He nods and says quietly, "You have my blessing."
Arthur turns to his men, "I need a dozen knights. Those who don't want to fight can do so without harming their reputations. Those brave enough to volunteer should know that the chances of returning are slim."
There is silence in the hall and at first it looks like the Prince will have to fight alone. Sir Leon is the first to step forward to his prince. One by one he is followed by all the knights standing around Arthur. Mary is impressed by the loyalty of these men to follow their lord into death. And it shows her the great trust they have in Arthur.
Arthur determines that in the evening they will ride off to face the dragon, in a great meadow outside Camelot's gates.
Mary is sitting at a table in Gaius' room when the physician enters. Sadly, she looks up at him and glances at Merlin's room door. "He's in there."
Gaius nods and finds the boy sitting on the bed. He is holding a dragon Balinor had carved for him and crying. "Merlin, what happened?"
"I couldn't save him. He said the gift of the Dragonlords is passed from father to son."
"That's true."
"When I faced the dragon, my magic was ineffective."
Gaius sits down next to Merlin. "Your father was not dead then. Only then can you inherit his gift."
"Do you think I'm strong enough?"
"Time will tell."
They remain sitting side by side for a while until it is time for Merlin to get Arthur ready for battle.
Merlin says goodbye to Gaius and then walks over to Mary and holds out his hand to her. She, however, stands up and wraps her arms around his waist and buries her face into his shoulder, as she had done so many times before, but not for a long time. She looks up at him and says, "Please take care of yourself. I have faith in you. I'm sure you'll make it!"
Merlin smiles at her and whispers, "Thank you!"
It fills him with joy to have her so close again. Then he goes to Arthur.
Gaius says to Mary, "You've grown closer again, I see!"
Mary nods and sits down again. Her burns are still bothering her a lot and her head hurts. Gaius says, "Let me look at your wounds. I was able to arrange a room for you next to my chamber. It is one of the guest rooms, which usually remains empty. Since you have lost everything, the king says you can stay in it as long as you like."
Mary says, "Thank you Gaius. Although I would rather have my home back, it is a comfort to be so close to you and Merlin."
"Mary, I am glad you are good friends again. It must never become anything more...do you understand what I mean?"
Mary nods. She knows exactly what Gaius is addressing. "I won't let it go that far, Gaius. Worrying about a friend, is crushing me already. The worry for a loved one, I couldn't withstand." Gaius squeezes her healthy shoulder warmly, and begins to remove the bandage on the other.
Gaius and Mary watch the knights, led by Arthur, as they leave the castle on their horses at dusk.
In a large meadow not far from Camelot, the knights wait for the dragon to arrive. First they hear the beating of wings and look up into the sky. The dragon is circling above them. Arthur puts on his helmet and says, "Stand firm."
The dragon sets to attack. Arthur gives the orders and only at the last moment has his men ride off and form a circle around the dragon, which has landed in the meadow. With his tail he takes one man after the other out of the saddle. Those who continue to ride, he burns with his hot breath. Arthur watches in shock as his men die. The dragon turns to him and Merlin. Arthur succeeds in wounding the dragon in the left flank with a spear. The dragon rears up and hurls Arthur to the meadow, where he remains unconscious.
Merlin hears his father in his thoughts: "You are the last dragon master. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within you, you must find the voice you share with Kilgharrah because his soul and yours are brothers. When you speak to him as kin, he must obey your will."
Merlin focuses on his inner self, "Dragorn. Non didlkai. Kari miss, epsipass imalla krat. Katostar abore ceriss. Katicur. Me ta sentende divoless. Kar… krisass!"
The dragon bows to Merlin and listens to him. Merlin takes a spear in his hand.
The dragon speaks, "I am the last of my kind, Merlin. Whatever wrong I have done, do not hold me responsible for the death of my noble race."
Merlin lets the spear fly furiously against the dragon, causing it to flinch in fright. But Merlin still holds the spear in his hand and the dragon is unharmed. "Go, get out of here! If you attack Camelot again, or threaten any of my friends, I will kill you!" he drops the spear. "I have shown you mercy, now you must do the same for others."
"Young warlock, what you have shown is what you will be. I will never forget your mercy. I am sure our paths will cross again."
The dragon rises into the air and flies away. Merlin watches him go, exhausted.
Arthur comes to consciousness and looks around, "What happened?"
"You have given him the death blow."
"He's gone?"
Merlin laughs, "Yes! You did it!"
The prince laughs in relief!
Together, the two walk back to the castle. Gwen runs to meet them and falls around the prince's neck. "I thought I'd lost you." Arthur returns the hug, smiling.
Gaius comes up to Merlin, hugs him, and says, "My boy."
"I felt him with me, Gaius."
"He will always be with you."
"I hope so."
"Merlin, I know I can't equate myself with your father, but for what it's worth, you still have me."
Merlin smiles at him, "Well, I guess I'll just have to deal with that."
Merlin sits down wearily at the table. Gaius sets a steaming bowl of stew down for him. "Mmmh, that smells delicious!"
"Mary's been cooking."
"How is she? Where is she anyway?"
"She went to sleep. The burns are still bothering her. She was given a room next to our chambers by the king. She may stay there as long as she likes."
Merlin nods thoughtfully, "She's lost everything she's built here. It must be hard for her."
"Yes, she will need time. As do you. Now eat, before you pass out from exhaustion!"
