Chapter 11 Warning
A/N: Edited and revised May 2021
Queen Guinevere was revered by peasants and nobles alike within Camelot. She had proved many times that she was worthy of her crown and was not one to be crossed. Arthur and the round table knights were reminded of this when Gwen shamed them into cleaning up the training field as punishment for gambling on Merlin and Morgana's personal affairs.
As the king and his knights dutifully picked up broken dummies, spears and crossbow bolts under the queen's watchful gaze, they all tried to think of new ways to challenge the witch and warlock and potentially regain their dignity from their loss. However, no one seemed very eager to continue training in the warm summer sun. It was unanimously decided that dinner was their next goal.
Gaius and Hunith had bid them farewell as Gwen had started lecturing and left for their rounds with smiles on their faces. Gaius was eager to check on a few of his patients that had been ill with a stomach ailment. Gwen had originally planned on making their rounds with them, but decided to wait and accompany Arthur back to the castle instead. As the last weapon was stowed and the final bits of debris were cleared, the knights bowed to a pleased Guinevere and moved as a group towards the palace where food was waiting.
"Eight weeks, I can hardly believe they lasted as long as they did," Gwaine chuckled as he ambled across the grass.
"It isn't all that unbelievable, considering a few months ago, they were trying to kill each other," Elyan said reasonably.
"Yeah, but that's all done and over with; water under the bridge. Have you not seen the tension between those two? You were there when they started talking in their heads during the king's audience in the throne room a few days ago! We have to listen while some merchants fight over stall space and those two are lost in their own heads, smiling and giggling and flirting! I almost asked them if they wanted to be left alone. They could have lit a fire with just one look!"
"They do light fires with just a look, Gwaine," Percival said, straight-faced. "They have magic."
"Are you all blind?! I thought for sure with how much time they've had to spend together, that they would have given up this itchy issue at least a month ago," Gwaine argued.
"Do you ever tire of hearing yourself speak?" Leon teased.
"Come on, you all thought they would give in much sooner!"
"Honestly, the things you men bet on! It's deplorable!" Gwen scolded. Arthur chuckled and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm as they led the way back to the palace.
"Where do you suppose they went?" Gwaine asked as they walked along.
"Hopefully somewhere private," Arthur grimaced, unable to forget the sight of Merlin and Morgana falling to their knees as they kissed so passionately. It was just not something he wanted to think of.
"Do you suppose they'll be all fidgety still?" Percival wondered.
"I hope not," Elyan said fervently. "It was starting to make me itchy, too, watching Merlin scratching and pacing like that."
"I suppose we'll-Aaah!" Gwen screamed, startled as a great explosion sounded just as their group entered the courtyard. Arthur pulled Guinevere behind him as a few servants scattered and horses spooked at the commotion. The castle guards looked around wildly, ready to attack any intruder.
Glass shards rained down on the cobblestones from the windows across the way from them. Arthur took in the damage and exactly which windows were broken and immediately relaxed. The king shook his head ruefully, feeling the battle reflex fade as it was replaced by relief. The abrupt shift in his mind and body left Arthur fighting the urge to bend double and laugh until he couldn't breathe.
"What happened?!" Leon asked, dutifully scanning the area for threats to his king and queen.
"Stand down," Arthur ordered.
"But sire," Leon protested.
"There's nothing to worry about. At least, I don't think there is anything to worry about," Arthur assured his second-in-command.
"Arthur, the windows just exploded!" Gwaine retorted, eyeing the glass all over the courtyard apprehensively. Arthur merely sighed.
"Look closely at just whose windows have been blown out," Arthur answered, fighting between grimacing and laughing.
"What?" Gwen asked, finally wrenching her gaze from the glittering mess all over the cobblestones and looking up, shading her eyes from the bright noon sun. As she took in the second story windows over the courtyard, the queen realized that not all of the windows had broken. In fact, all of the cut glass panes on the second story were perfectly intact except for those of a room that Gwen was quite familiar with.
"Oh... my," Gwen said, clapping a hand over her mouth to contain her sudden bout of mirth.
"What is it?" Elyan, Gwaine and Percival asked. Leon had caught on and started to chuckle himself.
"Those windows are in the chambers that Merlin and Morgana are sharing now," Arthur explained to the knights who hadn't lived in Camelot back when Morgana had frequently been seen watching the courtyard from those very windows.
"Ohhhh," Gwaine said as the others joined in the king and queen's laughter.
"Do you think they're alright?" Gwen asked, suddenly worried.
"Do you want to be the one to go and ask?" Arthur said, grimacing. Gwen blushed, but looked towards the burst windows with concern.
"Not I," Leon interjected quickly, shaking his head.
"Nor I," Elyan and Percival hastily added at the same moment. Everyone turned to Gwaine.
"I suppose you all want me to go and check on them?!" the knight protested with an incredulous laugh.
"You did lose the bet by the greatest margin," Arthur argued logically.
"I don't want to hear about that blasted bet again!" Gwen scolded, slapping Elyan in the shoulder when he laughed. "I do think someone needs to make sure they are alright."
"Oh fine," Gwaine relented, turning towards the windows and cupping his hands to his mouth. "STILL ALIVE IN THERE?!"
"Gwaine!" Gwen gasped, blushing to the roots of her hair.
A moment later, the queen's fears were laid to rest and they all began laughing anew when a muffled, "WE'RE FINE! SORRY!" was heard from the now wide-open windows. The voice was unmistakably Merlin's, though he was nowhere to be seen.
Then, all the glass began to glow blue before a gust of wind picked up every piece and swirled up to the window frames. With a sound like egg shells being crushed underfoot, the blue-tinged shards and pieces fit into their separate panes and melted back into solid glass, leaving the windows intact once more.
"Any wagers on how long it will take them to leave their chambers?" Gwaine asked, looking at each of his fellow knights in turn.
"Don't even think about it," Gwen said firmly, giving them all a look Elyan hadn't seen since their mother had passed.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Leon answered, his fellow knights nodding in agreement.
"Fine, then. No wagers. But Merlin is never going to live this down. I'll see to it!" Gwaine vowed.
"No you won't, Gwaine," Arthur said. Gwen beamed at him, until the next words fell from his lips. "Because I'm going to do it first."
Windows whole once again, Merlin lay back among the pile of pillows on their bed, cradling Morgana against him with her head on his chest. Combing his fingers through her hair absentmindedly, Merlin had almost fallen asleep when he heard Morgana's timid voice.
"I remember that night."
"Hmm?" Merlin asked groggily, not understanding what Morgana was referring to. "What night?"
"The night we were dragonfasted," Morgana whispered, pulling the covers up over her bare shoulder.
"Oh," Merlin replied, unsure of what part of that night Morgana was remembering.
"I was terrible to you," Morgana murmured, her voice quavering with emotion. Merlin squeezed her against him in a tight embrace. "I tried to coerce you against your will."
"I won't deny that was a terrifying moment," Merlin admitted, determined to be honest with his wife.
"I am sorry," Morgana said, turning her head to look into Merlin's eyes. "For everything I've done to hurt you."
"I'm sorry for how I have hurt you, too," Merlin replied. Morgana smiled, though it was reserved.
"You said something that night," she said, biting her lip in her nervousness.
"I said a lot of things that night," Merlin countered. "Mind telling me which bit you are thinking of?"
"When I was trying to seduce you. You told me I was beautiful. But still, you told me no."
"I did."
"Then you said that you wouldn't have any woman like that unless you loved her."
"Yes," Merlin confirmed.
"Is that still true?" Morgana asked, turning her head back to lay her head upon Merlin's chest once more.
"It is," Merlin whispered.
"This just now, was it just lust? Or was it just the dragonfasting?" Morgana asked, her voice more subdued than Merlin had ever heard before.
"No."
Morgana sat up then, looking at Merlin fully.
"How? After everything I've done?"
"How could you, after what I did?" Merlin countered.
"I just do," Morgana whispered. Merlin smiled.
"Morgana, you are kind, and generous, and you have a drive to protect others," Merlin answered.
"Me, protect others?" Morgana scoffed. Merlin shook his head.
"I recall a fierce young woman, ready to take on a horde of bandits to protect a small, inconsequential village that had little hope of protecting themselves. I recall that same young woman giving her handmaiden her new shoes because they were 'ugly'. It couldn't possibly be that Gwen's were worn down to almost nothing."
"You make me sound better than I am," Morgana argued.
"I admit, a lot of those kind, generous things you did were often disguised as the flighty whims of a spoiled lady of the court, but you are a Pendragon after all. If you were honest about your feelings the world might just come to an end," Merlin chuckled.
"Yet neither of us can seem to actually say the words," Morgana whispered, meeting Merlin's intense gaze.
"I admit I doubted that I would ever be able to say this, but Morgana, you're so easy to love."
"So are you," Morgana murmured. Merlin smiled, though there was a hint of sadness to his expression.
"Someday, I hope you'll be able to say it," he replied. Morgana furrowed her brow, looking down at her hands before she looked into his eyes with a blazing expression.
"You don't have to wait. Somehow, despite everything we've done to each other, I love you, Merlin."
Merlin gave Morgana an incandescent smile before he pulled her down to him again. Just before he pressed his lips to hers, he looked into her eyes.
"I love you, too."
"I said it first," Morgana replied impishly, then claimed his lips before he could argue any further.
Very early in the morning, just before sunrise, Merlin was awoken from a rather pleasant dream by an insistent, rumbling voice.
"Merlin..."
"Shhhh..." Merlin whispered sleepily before he pulled a slumbering Morgana closer.
"Merlin."
"Hush, please," Merlin muttered into Morgana's hair.
"Merlin!"
"I don't want to, you scaly beast, it's not even dawn yet, and I am very comfortable where I am, thank you very much," Merlin groused, refusing to do so much as open his eyes.
"Merlin, you had better be talking to a dragon. Now would you please shut up?! I got to sleep rather late last night," Morgana groaned.
"You say that like it was my fault," Merlin said defensively.
"It was your fault," Morgana argued, eyes still closed.
"How?! You attacked me, if I recall correctly."
"It was you and that blasted hairbrush and you know it," Morgana teased, rolling over to face her husband now that they were both awake.
"I thought you liked it when I brushed your hair," Merlin responded playfully, combing through the strands in question with his fingers.
"I do, that's the problem," Morgana laughed, leaning in to kiss Merlin temptingly. He smiled and very willingly allowed himself to be tempted.
"MERLIN!"
"All right, all right!" he shouted, pulling away from Morgana and rolling out of the bed to scramble for his clothes.
"What are you on about?!" Morgana asked, confused, watching Merlin as he tore off his night clothes, pulled on his breeches and hurried about like he'd heard someone shout 'fire.'
"Kilgharrah is calling to me," Merlin explained as he pulled his blue tunic over his head and stuffed his feet into his boots.
"I'll come with you," Morgana said, getting up as well and moving towards her wardrobe.
"Don't bother, he's getting impatient. He's already called me four times. I won't be long," Merlin promised, leaning in swiftly to press a kiss to Morgana's lips before pulling his jacket on.
"You'll want this," Morgana said, donning her dressing gown as she handed Merlin his red neckerchief and pointed to his neck. Merlin looked briefly in the mirror, pulling his tunic further to the side. He was dismayed to see a bruise darkening over his collarbone, the edge of which was visible at the neckline of his tunic. It was rather close to where he'd taken the mace hit the year before, causing Merlin to remember what had happened to that particular injury.
"Morgana!" Merlin exclaimed hopefully. "Can you heal it? I'm rubbish at healing magic." Morgana looked at him innocently.
"There's no time," she argued impishly. "Besides, it will let everyone know exactly who you belong to," Morgana said coyly.
"Oh, I belong to you now, is that right?" Merlin asked, pulling her to him with an impish smile and kissing her quickly.
"Exactly. I think everyone ought to know it."
"I think everyone knew it the moment we blew out the windows," Merlin said dryly. Morgana chuckled and then smirked.
"Yes, I suppose so," she agreed with a salacious smile. Merlin grinned sheepishly and kissed her again.
"MERLIN!"
The warlock winced and pulled away, concentrating.
"Alright! I'm coming, you impatient lizard!"
"Kilgharrah?" Morgana asked. Merlin nodded.
"I'll be right back," he promised, giving her one last kiss. Then Merlin walked out of their chambers, tying his neckerchief as he went.
This early in the morning, there were few people out and about. Merlin had made it entirely to the courtyard without coming across anyone. It gave him hope that he'd be able to make it out of the city unhindered. Yet it was not meant to be. Unfortunately for the warlock, it was Arthur and the knights of the Round Table who saw him first.
They were preparing to head to the training grounds when Merlin's exit from the castle caught their attention. He was utterly focused on where he was going, walking straight past the king without a backwards glance. Arthur exchanged a gleeful look with his knights and they wordlessly agreed to follow. Merlin's annoyed expression and hurried stride did not deter them in the least.
"Look who finally decided to emerge," Arthur teased, falling into step on his newest brother-in-law's left side. Merlin turned entirely red as the knights all came to flank him and the king and matched them stride for stride.
"Merlin," they teased, enjoying how embarrassed the warlock was.
"You are quite alone and looking rather calm," Arthur drawled.
"Not an itch in sight," Percival agreed.
"Quite serene," Leon observed playfully.
"You mean satisfied, Leon," Gwaine corrected.
"Definitely something different about you, mate," Elyan said, smiling.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Merlin said innocently, smoothing his neckerchief down subconsciously. Arthur raised his eyebrows incredulously and laughed at Merlin's obvious deflection.
"Two-and-a-half days, and not a sight nor sound from either of you. If I didn't know that Guinevere was sending you trays from the kitchen, I'd be worried that you'd died," Arthur teased.
"Well, there was a little sound a few days ago," Gwaine said with false bewilderment. "Sounded a lot like glass shattering, nay, exploding! What was that, Merlin? Would you happen to know?"
"We fixed it," Merlin stated ineffectually, causing them all to laugh at his chagrined expression.
"Yes, though I have to wonder why it needed fixing. How every last window in your chambers just exploded," Gwaine drawled. Merlin sped up trying to avoid the question.
"I am not discussing this with you," Merlin stated firmly. Silence reigned for a full minute.
"That was some kiss on the training fields," Elyan said matter-of-factly, causing Merlin's step to falter momentarily.
"That it was," Gwaine grinned mischievously. "Didn't think our Merlin-the-virgin had it in him."
"Well you can't exactly call me that anymore, can you, Gwaine?" Merlin asked, then abruptly stopped, realizing what he'd just admitted in his frustration. Arthur raised his eyebrows, grinning, while the knights all wolf-whistled and slapped a red-faced Merlin on the back.
"So that's how the windows exploded!" Gwaine crowed triumphantly. Merlin grimaced and closed his eyes, resigned to the inevitable.
"I, ah, well, we were overwhelmed. Morgana and I, ah..." Merlin trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck, utterly embarrassed. "You wanted to know what would happen if I was ever drunk and lost control. I think that's as close as you're ever going to get."
"Relax, Merlin, we've all been there," Gwaine said good naturedly. "Can't say any of us have ever shattered windows, though. That's just you, mate."
They all laughed at Merlin's sheepish smile. Then Merlin turned serious.
"Now, if you're done torturing me, I have an impatient dragon calling." Merlin tapped the side of his head in explanation and headed resolutely to the gates, hoping to escape the teasing of the brotherly knights. Merlin groaned, however, when the five of them followed him out of the city.
"You're not alone in this anymore, Merlin," Arthur admonished him, finally serious.
"Thank you. I appreciate it," Merlin said genuinely.
"Do you do this often?" Gwaine asked a minute later as they began to weave through the forest to the clearing where Kilgharrah waited.
"Talk to the dragon?" Merlin asked. "Yes. I spoke with him a lot more often when he was still captive, but whenever I've needed his advice or help, I've gone out to the forest and called for him. It is unusual for him to call for me like this though. Whatever it is, it must be important."
"How, exactly, do you call a dragon?" Elyan asked curiously.
"You speak to them in their tongue," Merlin answered, shrugging.
"What, you roar?" Percival asked jokingly.
"Something like that," Merlin smirked. Percival's eyes widened comically.
"I'd like to see that someday," Gwaine laughed, trying to picture Merlin roaring like a dragon.
"Perhaps someday I'll show you," Merlin offered, then they all fell silent as they broke through the trees into the clearing.
Kilgharrah lay there in the grass, looking at Merlin with narrowed eyes. The knights and Arthur stayed close to the tree line. They were still somewhat wary of the enormous and obviously irritated beast that had once tried to raize Camelot. Merlin however, marched right up to the dragon, utterly fearless and more than a little perturbed.
"Hello Kilgharrah," Merlin greeted, folding his arms across his chest.
"Scaly beast?!" Kilgharrah grumbled indignantly in response.
"You did wake me up before dawn. I was very comfortable where I was, you know," Merlin defended himself.
"Impatient lizard?!" Kilgharrah questioned in the same irritated tone.
"Well, you kept interrupting us!" Merlin said indignantly. The king and his knights struggled not to laugh at the sight of Merlin, so slight-of-build that he would blow away in a stiff wind, arguing unabashedly with the famed Great Dragon who, even laying on the ground as he was, towered over the warlock. Kilgharrah's expression morphed into what Arthur could only describe as draconic glee.
"Yes, I can sense that you are well and truly bonded now. With as difficult as it was to get you out here, we will surely have a new dragonlord heir within the year. After all, Aithusa and I cannot restore our noble breed on our own, young warlock," Kilgharrah said, enjoying the crimson stain on Merlin's cheeks. Then the warlock's mouth dropped open in embarrassed realization.
"Is that why you wanted to talk to me? Why you woke me before dawn and pulled me away from my wife and our very comfortable bed? To check that we were ensuring your future?! You are just as bad as my mother!"
Arthur had to clap his gauntleted hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing. Gwaine wasn't as successful and Percival had to elbow his fellow knight when Kilgharrah raised his head and took in his and Merlin's audience with narrowed eyes.
"I did promise Aithusa that I would see how you and Morgana were faring. But that was not why I wanted to see you," Kilgharrah said solemnly, deciding to ignore the mirthful knight. Merlin instantly turned somber in response.
"What is it, old friend?" he asked.
"Fate has been stirring restlessly since the strings of destiny were cut so abruptly."
"That was just as clear as the mud bog Arthur found me in last summer," Merlin groused. Kilgharrah laughed humorlessly.
"Your marriage to the witch has thrown a number of prophecies on their head. You recall the destiny that Fate had chosen for Morgana?"
"Yes," Merlin answered, not liking where the conversation was going.
"Fate has supplied another path to destiny."
"Kilgharrah, it is too early in the morning for your riddles," Merlin said, his voice utterly flat.
"Must I spell everything out for you?" The great dragon huffed.
"That would be rather refreshing," Merlin replied.
"Does the name Alvarr mean anything to you?"
"Alvarr? The name sounds familiar, but I can't remember who he is," Merlin admitted.
"He is a fanatic who came to Camelot seeking the Crystal of Neahtid a number of years ago," Kilgharrah rumbled. Merlin froze at the mention of the crystal.
"I remember," Merlin murmured.
"There is more," Kilgharrah rumbled.
"More?" Merlin asked, his stomach sinking.
"Mordred has reunited with Alvarr."
At Kilgharrah's words, Arthur and the knights moved forward to stand beside the warlock, though Merlin closed his eyes in frustration.
"Why is that a problem?" Arthur interjected, eyeing Merlin's downtrodden posture. "Mordred? Wasn't he the little druid we smuggled out of the citadel?"
"Yes," Merlin replied. "It's a problem because Mordred has a rather troublesome destiny of his own. He's destined to kill you."
"What?! Why?! I committed treason to smuggle him out from under my father's thumb!" Arthur asked, his frustration growing.
"Mordred's life has seen much tragedy for one who has not yet seen their twentieth year. He has sworn vengeance on Camelot for the death of his parents, and on you personally, Arthur, for the death of Aglain, the druid leader who took him in under Iseldir's direction," Kilgharrah explained.
"Why me? I don't even know who this Aglain was..."
"You did not personally kill Aglain, but he was killed when it was assumed that the druids in his camp had kidnapped Morgana."
Arthur closed his eyes, shamed that his actions under his father's command had brought strife to Camelot once again.
"And Merlin? He has never killed druids or raided their camps as I have. Why would Mordred hate Merlin when every other druid treats him as their king?" Arthur asked.
"He sees Merlin as a traitor to magic."
"That's ridiculous," Arthur growled.
"He's not the first to think that," Merlin replied softly. "Many of the magic users that I've had to fight in your defense have said that I'm a traitor for protecting the Pendragons."
"I'm sorry, Merlin," Arthur sighed.
"I'm not sorry I protected you. Those others didn't have the same information as I did," Merlin replied.
"And what of this Alvarr? And why is it bad that he and Mordred are working together?" Leon interjected, bringing them back to the subject at hand.
"Alvarr is a druid-turned-bandit. Unfortunately, he can be very persuasive. He's the sorcerer who convinced Morgana to help him steal the Crystal of Neahtid," Merlin explained.
"The Crystal of... but that was before Morgause took her. What does that damn thing do? Why would she have done that to us?" Arthur asked, hurt.
"The Crystal of Neahtid is a magical artifact that can reveal the past, present and future to those with the power to wield it," Kilgharrah explained.
"And Alvarr wanted to use this crystal?" Arthur questioned.
"He wanted it for Mordred," Merlin confirmed.
"And Morgana was in a position to help Alvarr get the crystal," Arthur said, the situation becoming clear. Merlin nodded sadly.
"She was scared of her magic then, and she was alone and vulnerable. Alvarr used her. Manipulated her. Told her exactly what she wanted and needed to hear when no one else would," Merlin explained frustratedly, his tone turning bitter.
"Morgana's poor choices were not your doing, young warlock," Kilgharrah admonished, rightly guessing what had so disheartened the dragonlord. Merlin shook his head at Kilgharrah's defense of him and turned back to Arthur.
"I should have been there for her when she needed help and understanding. I should have followed my instincts and told her that she wasn't alone in having magic, but to my shame, I didn't."
"Why didn't you?" Arthur asked, curious. Merlin looked at Kilgharrah pointedly.
"I was told that she was destined to join Mordred in an alliance of evil and that I should keep my magic secret. But that secret didn't protect us, and it didn't protect her; it only pushed Morgana into an alliance with Morgause." Merlin looked to Kilgharrah pointedly and the dragon bowed his head.
"I was blinded by my hate for Uther, young warlock, much like those who have attacked Camelot in recent years. Aithusa has helped me to let go of my rage, and I have come to see many things in a new light."
"Are the king and queen in danger?" Elyan asked, stepping forward boldly. Merlin was impressed at his bravery, seeing as Elyan had been in Camelot with Gwen when the other knights had met the dragon before.
"As Alvarr's band has rallied around the banner of freedom for magic users, I believe they are in danger," Kilgharrah answered.
"Surely they have heard the proclamations if they are anywhere near Camelot. Their quest is fruitless, for they already have what they seek," Arthur argued.
"They have indeed heard the recent declarations," Kilgharrah confirmed. "But their goal has never truly been more than a quest for revenge."
"How are they convincing others to join them," Merlin asked, feeling exhausted by this oft repeated problem.
"Alvarr has convinced them that the ban on magic has been lifted in word only, and that the only way to truly free those with magic is with a magic user on the throne. They had hoped that Morgana would be that ruler."
"But she has no desire to be the queen anymore," Merlin insisted.
"Peace, young warlock," Kilgharrah soothed. "Your dragonfasting has sent many strands of destiny awry. Therein lies part of the problem. It was prophesied many years ago that Mordred would unite with Morgana in overthrowing Camelot. As you know, it is now impossible for this to happen. Mordred believes that his destiny has been stolen and he is determined to wrest it back to his liking.
"How did he learn of his destiny? Surely the druids didn't tell a child that he was destined to be a killer?" Arthur asked.
"Of course not," Kilgharrah rumbled. "There have been whispers amongst the dryads and the vilia that Mordred has been to consult with the Dochraid."
"The Dochraid?" Merlin asked warily.
"The Dochraid is dangerous; one of the last remnants of the old ways to possess the second sight."
"Why am I not liking the sound of this?" Gwaine grumbled. Kilgharrah laughed humorlessly.
"Because, Sir Gwaine, the Dochraid has been utterly twisted by dark rites meant to grant her greater foresight. It was she, I believe, who encouraged young Mordred to seek out Alvarr once more."
Merlin folded his arms across his chest and grimaced. He hadn't thought about the prophesied connection between his wife and the former druid boy and how their dragonfasting would alter that destiny.
"How big of a threat can they be?" Percival asked. "Especially against Merlin and Morgana together?"
"Alvarr's own magic is unexceptional; on his own, he is no match for Emrys," Kilgharrah explained, surprising Merlin by emphasizing his druid name. "He is gaining allies, however, that could prove a greater threat. Of course, Mordred has significant power; he is not to be underestimated. Though he is not your equal, young warlock, the boy's mind has been twisted and his heart hardened by those that have fostered him since Aglain was killed."
"Where are they now?" Merlin asked, a horrible sinking feeling in his gut.
"That is something I do not know. Until recently, they had been gathering in the Forest of Balor. They seem to have hidden themselves well, as even my foresight is blinded to them now. You must be prepared for their aggression."
"Have mercy," Leon uttered, voicing the thoughts of each one of them. It hadn't been very long since the last major attack on Camelot. Merlin nodded apprehensively, thinking over all that Kilgharrah had said before he came to a decision.
"Keep looking for them and get us word when they surface. Aithusa may not be widely known yet, but I fear what would happen if she were found by Mordred. It was too easy for Morgana to capture her; don't let Aithusa go off on her own anymore until she's grown larger and can defend herself properly," Merlin ordered.
Kilgharrah nodded his acquiescence. Arthur was taken aback, not just by the huge dragon's unwavering obedience, but by how natural it seemed to Merlin to take charge and command the ancient dragon. There was no hesitation or wavering in the former manservant; just absolute authority.
"Aithusa rests safe in our den, which you know is unreachable except by wing. She is experiencing a time of significant growth and it is very tiring for her. She has reached the final stage before adulthood. She was very pleased to see her flame-breathing start to develop. Aithusa will not be defenseless for much longer."
The dragonlord grinned excitedly at the news.
"I look forward to seeing her again," Merlin said, then he reached out and rubbed the scales on Kilgharrah's snout affectionately. Arthur and his knights were surprised to see the Great Dragon lean into the dragonlord's touch, returning the sentiment. It was a moment that attested to the bonds of brotherhood between dragonlord and dragon that few were privileged to witness. Kilgharrah finally nudged his dragonlord back and stood up. He bowed his head once more to Merlin and gave a nod to Arthur, much to the king's surprise.
"Aithusa is anxious to see you as well, young warlock. Be careful," Kilgharrah said in farewell, then he opened his huge wings and took to the skies. Merlin watched him fly off into the west for a few moments before he turned to his awestruck companions.
"We have a lot to think about," Merlin said solemnly.
"That we do," Arthur agreed.
"Danger ahead," Gwaine added.
"As usual," Merlin replied, then he smiled impishly, breaking them out of their quiet contemplation. "Breakfast, anyone?" he asked cheerfully.
"How can you think about eating after that?" Arthur asked in shock.
"Simple, I'm hungry," Merlin said cheekily, then turned around, leading them all back to the city.
Upon their return to Camelot, Arthur called for breakfast trays to be brought to the round table. Gwaine was sent to retrieve Gaius and Hunith, Elyan was sent for Gwen, and Merlin was sent for Morgana.
In the corridor just outside their chambers, Merlin sensed her. He smiled and just managed to contain his startled yelp when the familiar hand of his wife pulled him bodily into an alcove and kissed him thoroughly.
"You said you'd be right back," Morgana growled when she finally pulled back. "It's been over an hour."
"You do enjoy surprising me in this alcove, don't you?" Merlin said, eyeing the small space with amusement and trying to flatten his newly-riled hair.
"And yet you never seem to expect it," Morgana answered with a smirk.
"Well, I have to say that this time was much nicer than the last," Merlin commented. Morgana's eyes darkened.
"I'm sorry about that," she whispered.
"Don't be. Things are different now. In fact, things are very different- I was actually sent to get you. We're meeting at the roundtable to discuss Kilgharrah's news," Merlin explained. Morgana nodded.
"Let's go then," she said, taking Merlin by the hand and heading for the king's private council chambers.
The others were already assembled when Merlin and Morgana entered. Arthur raised his eyebrows at the warlock's freshly disheveled appearance.
"We were starting to wonder if we had made a mistake in sending you to collect Morgana all by yourself, Merlin,"Arthur teased, smiling. Merlin's cheeks burned but Morgana raised her chin and ignored her brother as she moved to her seat beside Merlin.
"We seem to be making a habit of this," Gwaine joked as they all followed suit and assembled themselves around the table. Immediately, they began helping themselves to the trays of fruit, meats, breads and cheeses.
"Hopefully, it will be for more enjoyable reasons in the future," Arthur agreed.
"It's good to see you out and about," Gaius said in mild reproval, greeting Merlin and Morgana with a raised eyebrow. Merlin seemed permanently flushed. He studiously avoided his mentor's gaze by taking a drink of his tea. Morgana merely smiled unashamedly at the old physician.
"It's nice to feel comfortable in our own skin again. We weren't sure how long it would last, considering the nature of the bonding, but we shouldn't have been so worried. Merlin was quite thorough," she said nonchalantly in answer. Merlin promptly spat the tea in his mouth across the table while everyone stared at Morgana in open-mouthed shock. Though Gwaine gleefully stood and slapped a choking Merlin on the back.
"Morgana!" Gwen exclaimed, covering her mouth to hide her grin. Gaius and Hunith looked on, teetering between reproach and amusement.
"Don't deny that you were all curious. I saw you teasing Merlin as you left the courtyard this morning," Morgana said, eyeing Arthur and the knights with censure. They all assumed their most innocent expressions.
"Well, you two weren't exactly subtle, what with that kiss on the field and the blown-out windows and the two-and-a-half days holed up in your chambers! We couldn't let Merlin-the-virgin-no-longer go without a bit of good-natured teasing. That's what brothers are for," Gwaine said jovially as Merlin removed his scarf to mop up the tea all over the table.
"Especially when he's sporting one of those," Percival chuckled, pointing to the now-exposed love-bite on the warlock's collarbone. Merlin's hands flew to his neck to cover the bruise, much to everyone's amusement. He looked at Morgana's proud expression with exasperation before he gave up and hid his burning face in his hands.
"My mother is right there," Merlin groaned without uncovering himself. His neck, face (what was visible, anyways) and ears shone a brilliant red. Hunith smiled at her son's embarrassment.
"I'm not entirely naive, Merlin. You are a married man, now, and I do believe I said that I wanted grandchildren," Hunith chuckled. Merlin sank low in his seat with another groan.
"There is a reason we are gathered this morning," Arthur interrupted, fighting his laughter. "I'm afraid it's a bit more important than mortifying Merlin."
Everyone sobered at the king's words. Merlin dropped his hands and sat up, hastily retying his neckerchief. It was damp in a few spots from the tea, but Merlin wasn't about to leave Morgana's claim of ownership in full view. All of the round table looked to Arthur to continue.
"Merlin, as it was your dragon who brought us the information, why don't you share it?"
"I don't know that I'd call him my dragon," Merlin argued.
"Well, for the time being, you're the only dragonlord. Just shut up and tell us," Arthur ordered. Merlin raised his eyebrow at the contradictory command, but explained regardless.
Gaius and Hunith both nodded grimly at his news, concerned for the two men they saw as sons, regardless of blood. Gwen looked between Merlin and Arthur with unconcealed worry. Morgana gasped, wide-eyed, paling at the mention of Mordred and Alvarr. Merlin looked to his wife in apology.
"Mordred is especially angry that his supposed destiny has been thwarted, and that you and I are married."
Morgana nodded. "Perhaps now that things are more settled between us and most of my memories have returned, I will see something more pertinent to our future situation. Mordred may not be your equal, but I don't think his vow against you can be taken lightly, Merlin."
"You really do have a knack for trouble, don't you mate?" Gwaine asked, chuckling.
"Arthur is the one that attracts trouble. I just have to get in the way of it sometimes," Merlin argued.
Morgana shook herself from her musings and turned solemn once more.
"Alvarr and Mordred both expect my assistance. They won't get anything from me," Morgana said viciously, eyes flashing. Merlin smiled in response.
"Kilgharrah said that Mordred had consulted the Dochraid," Arthur interjected. "Could she have given Mordred something to help them in their quest?"
"It is possible, sire," Gaius answered.
"What is the Dochraid?" Gwen asked.
"Few still live who could truly tell us," Gaius began.
"I can," Morgana said, massaging her temples, struggling to remember how she had met the Dochraid. "Morgause told me that she was a seer many years ago... She is a hermit, living in a dank hole of a cave beneath a tree. Morgause told me that the Dochraid long ago gouged out her own eyes to improve her second sight, and that I should take something to her... I don't... It was a coin of necromancy! I saw Morgause! I was in the spirit world with her... you almost killed me," Morgana whimpered, turning to Merlin, who winced.
"I'm sorry. In my defense, you had stuck a formorroh in my neck," Merlin said. Morgana's face crumpled again.
"I'm so sorry, Gwen," Morgana apologized. "I used the coin Morgause gave me to bring a shade of Lancelot to life."
Gwen instantly knew what Morgana meant, and smiled tremulously.
"I cannot be angry at you any more than I can be angry at Merlin for trying to kill Arthur while under the influence of the formorroh. It sounds like Morgause had a hold of you, even from the spirit world. I cannot hold a grudge," the queen said wisely. Merlin smiled at Gwen then reached over to squeeze Morgana's hand.
"What do we do now?" Leon asked, pulling them back to the issue at hand.
"We need to show that Arthur's acceptance of magic is genuine," Merlin suggested. "The fewer magic users willing to believe Alvarr's message, the better."
Arthur considered Merlin's words and nodded.
"Then we increase patrols and continue to spread the word that magic is not only legal, but welcome in Camelot. Merlin, I want you and Morgana to increase your visibility, especially while doing magic. Perhaps you should accompany Gaius on his rounds of the lower town," Arthur said.
"That's a good plan, sire," Gaius agreed.
"Healing is likely to be the best way to show the people the benefits of magic," Hunith said. Everyone nodded in agreement. Merlin caught sight of his mother's proud expression and couldn't help the joyful grin that spread across his face.
He couldn't deny that, despite the dangers that they still faced, it was good to be free.
A/N: Reviews are appreciated.
