CHAPTER 32
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them"- William Shakespeare
It had been years since a day like this one had happened on earth and Kilgharrah felt secretly honored to be alive to witness it. The once and future king of Camelot was standing in front of him and right beside him was the greatest sorcerer to have ever walked this earth; two of the most powerful humans finally on even ground. And between them, watching carefully over them and their destiny was Kilgharrah, the last dragon.
The last time a meeting like this had taken place his last Dragonlord was killed, magic was banished from the kingdom and the great dragon had been imprisoned.
Although to be honest, the dragon thought that with such titles thrust upon them, surely both humans didn't act on them as much as the dragon would've liked.
They had been bickering for minutes now. It was amusing, to say the least.
"Is this a kind of magical meeting or something Merlin? Why wasn't I informed about this?"
"What? Arthur, this is not a meeting, and in any case sire, it was you who sneaked on us."
"That's irrelevant! I'm your prince, Merlin!"
Merlin rolled his eyes histrionically but he was too happy to really mean it.
Arthur was just being this insufferable because he was scared of the dragon and his only mechanism of defense against fear was being an idiot, which honestly was the usual.
"Fine, sorry, alright," Merlin said good-naturedly and raised his hands, his eyes twinkling, "In any case I think you might be interested in the reason why Kilgharrah is here."
Arthur visibly perked up, his eyebrows going up, "Your dragon knows how to break the vase?"
The dragon huffed angrily, breathing fire out his nose. Arthur took two steps back and unconsciously turned his body to be closer to Merlin.
"I'm no one's dragon, young prince," Kilgharrah said in his characteristically metal voice. Merlin cringed. Between the two of them Merlin was surely going to get a migraine. Of course it was his destiny to be stuck with two of the most stubborn creatures on earth.
Arthur, who took a moment to regain his wits after watching such a display of power, nodded jerkily , "I uh, I apologize."
Kilgharrah nodded one more time before turning to Merlin, letting his head fall to his paws again, watching as the prince regained his confidence.
"In this case, I agree with the prince, Merlin. Even I'm eager to know about this dream that shined some light into the vase."
Arthur, who had been unconsciously glaring at the dragon the whole time, turned sharply towards Merlin, a huge smile appearing on his face letting a shaky laugh escape him. Arthur shook Merlin's shoulder for reassurance.
"You—you realized what's wrong with the vase? You fixed it?"
Merlin was smiling too but his smile didn't reach his eyes and Arthur noticed, his smile faltered but it didn't go away.
"Alright, what is it? What happened?" Arthur pressed.
Merlin scratched his arm unconsciously. "Well, I had a dream last night. It was about the vase. The solution was always there, just… like in the back of my mind. Through the dream I connected with Kilgharrah, which is why he's here. Apparently after my magical outburst yesterday I was drained from my energy and well...I kind of figured it out."
"You had a dream?" The prince repeated for good measure.
Merlin grinned, incredibly proud of his discovery, totally missing—or ignoring, more likely—the somewhat doubtful look of the prince.
"Yes, I have had them before," Merlin said as he turned to look up at Killgarrha smiling impishly at the somewhat expectant look on the dragon, who was pushing his limits to not roll his eyes a the warlock and just snap the answer out of his dragonlord.
Arthur, on the other hand, was quietly stunned. Just how many things could happen in a few hours? Yesterday Merlin had no idea what to do with the vase, and now a dragon was here because apparently, he had figured it out? Honestly, between Merlin being a sorcerer and him meeting a dragon, hearing about Merlin having an epiphany about the vase in a dream sounded, to be honest, quite believable at the moment.
"Alright, so what are we waiting for?" Arthur asked somewhat calmed, very aware of the keen golden eyes of the dragon that were attentively following the conversation. "Let's break this spell and go back to Camelot."
Merlin's smile faltered and Arthur knew it before he said it, "Well… it's not that simple."
"Somehow, Merlin, with you it never is," Arthur said dejectedly, trying hard to not show how affected he was with this up and down with his emotions. Every time Merlin said they were a step closer it felt like they just made two steps back. He sighed, "Very well, say whatever you have to say,"
Kilgharrah was rather intrigued too, not knowing where the warlock was going with this. After a moment of hesitation Merlin sat on the grass with the vase within reach and after a moment of silent battle, Arthur followed. It was apparently magic lesson time.
"Well, I finally understood why the vase repels any kind of magic; mine or Kilgharrah's. Arthur, remember when I told you there were different types of magic?"
Arthur nodded impatiently, after years of knowing Merlin he had come to understand he always had a point… even if it took him a few hours to get to it. "I remember. The magic stones. I read the book."
How curious, the dragon thought, the young prince had actually bothered to learn something these past weeks? And from Merlin of all people. Who knew the warlock had it in him to actually teach the stubborn prince.
"Well, then you also read about the different sects of magic that have existed through the centuries, right?" Merlin asked, "One of those groups are the druids. That's where this came from," Merlin looked down at the vase seeing his distorted reflection on it, feeling somewhat accomplished. So many weeks, and the answer, to be honest, had been quite simple.
Arthur furrowed his eyebrows, "Druid? I thought you said Morgana enchanted it."
"Morgana had the vase but she didn't make it. The reason my magic is useless against this is the same reason I couldn't destroy the cup of life with my magic. These objects are more powerful than my magic because they were probably manufactured centuries ago by the first druids. Magic changes trough time and owners, a vase like this has probably been enchanted and used a hundred times"
Arthur nodded but he didn't quite understand the point yet, however, the dragon appeared to understand as his eyes visibly narrowed while looking at the vase.
"What a brilliant deduction, Merlin. But yet, even if the magic does feel rather ancient, it does not feel like druid magic. Maybe you can't tell the difference but I do. I have known all kinds of magic through the years, young warlock, and this is certainly not entirely druid."
Merlin sighed, leaving the vase in front of him, hugging his knees closer to his chest he looked up at the dragon, "That's what I don't understand. The cup of life felt different too but I'm sure this is druid. You see, in my dream I could hear you talking to me, leading me to this clearing, but then I heard another voice. Someone was calling me Emrys." Merlin looked down at the vase grimly. "That's when I understood, the first person who ever talked inside my mind and called me Emrys…. was Mordred."
"Mordred?" Arthur asked confused, the name triggering something within him, "I know that name—isn't he… isn't he the druid kid I helped escape?"
Arthur didn't miss how Merlin's blue, bubbly eyes faded a little as a troubled look took over his features. He noticed how Merlin's shoulders dropped at the same time that Kilgharrah—who had been placidly laying around—raised his head another yard, narrowing his eyes disapprovingly at Merlin.
Arthur had wanted to ask but he knew better than to confront Merlin in front of his dragon. He had a feeling that there was something more into the story about Mordred and he was confident he wasn't going to like it.
He never did.
"Well, so the vase is druid," Arthur resumed and Merlin seemed to snap out of it. "So now that we know that, what?"
At this Merlin grinned again and it was the kind of smile that Arthur hated because it involved Arthur getting into trouble. Every. Single. Time.
Oh, no.
"You are going to ask the druids for help?" Kilgharrah asked in a metallic voice, reading the warlock's mind before Merlin could say anything, "Have I taught you nothing, Merlin?!"
"Aren't the druids pacific people?" Arthur asked confused. Apparently, all he was doing lately was being confused. He didn't know much about magic but at least he did know that "They have never attacked us, they leave in solitude and in peace, so why wouldn't they help? After all, we helped them in the past, the druid boy was going to die! They owe us that."
Kilgharrah stared at the prince like he had said a very stupid statement, so Arthur—seeing that he wasn't as brave and foolish to roll his eyes at the dragon—focused on Merlin. Whose eyes were unfocused, his eyebrows almost knotted together in guilt.
Now Arthur was really curious about this Mordred boy, however, it was hard not to be intimidated when a creature ten times his size was looming above him.
"So, if you go there and explain what is going on, wouldn't they help?" Arthur pressed.
"They might help Merlin, after all, he's Emrys, and every magical creature that believes in the true power of magic will help him. But the druids are not stupid people," Kilgharrah said in a low tone. "Asking for their help will be asking to restore the king's health."
"They are not cruel people," Merlin defended them weakly, trying to get past the thought of Mordred.
"No, they are not," Kilgharrah conceded, "but they do not forget easily either. Half their people were slaughtered in the great purge, the king is still keen on murdering anything that resembles magic, that's why they went into hiding. Helping you with the vase means a longer, dark reign over Camelot."
There was a tense silence after that. Arthur sighed and pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes. How his father had managed to stay alive with so many enemies was truly something to be marveled at.
"Alright, so what about impaling the vase with my magical sword?" Arthur asked after a moment, trying to look for other options, "Wouldn't that work?"
Merlin shook his head, tugging at his shirt anxiously, "I have already thought of that. Do you remember what happened when I destroyed the cup of life? The soldiers died instantly. Some even turned to dust. I don't know what could happen if we just stab the vase with your magical sword or if Kilgharrah uses his magical fire. After all, your father life is connected to the vase," Merlin looked at the golden thing like it could give him the answer he wanted, "or at least his mind is, if we destroy it…"
Merlin didn't finish but Arthur didn't need him to. Would his father lose his memory forever? Or maybe with the vase gone the effects would only increase. Maybe his father would lose sight of who he was. Would he become a mad king? In the great scheme of things, the positive outcome was overshadowed with the dozens of things that could go wrong.
Arthur wasn't going to take the chance.
"So… we can break it. But we can't fix it." Arthur finished with a grim stare. "That's what you are trying to say. That… there's not cure."
Kilgharrah, who had been watching the prince, hummed softly in his direction.
"I thought that the once and future king didn't give up that easily." The dragon leaned a yard closer to the prince but it was enough for Arthur to stutter an answer. The dragon couldn't read Arthur's mind, but he had lived centuries, enough to know when someone was hiding something. And Arthur felt finally compelled to share the only thing he knew about the vase. Under the keen eyes of the dragon Arthur found it humanly impossible to lie.
"I… when I fought Agravaine… I did ask him about the spell," Arthur finally confessed what he had been dragging alone for weeks. He could feel Merlin's piercing stare on him and yet Arthur found the hem of his shirt rather interesting at the moment. He took a sharp breath; "He told me that there was no cure."
He closed his eyes in dread, letting out a gulp of air, "I—I've been thinking… that maybe Morgana planned this all along; us to find the vase. Maybe… she had the upper hand all this time. If we didn't find it eventually the truth about my father would need to come out. A secret like this can't stay a secret forever in a kingdom. And if we destroy it we might—my father could end up dead. We are fighting against a woman who is keen on killing me and my father. She has planned every step of the way. From the moment she left with Morgausse to the second she sent Agravaine to the castle. Maybe she did this so whatever our choice it will benefit her."
Arthur raised his blue eyes calmly. The dragon was silently staring down at him, an unreadable expression on his features. Arthur didn't dare look at his friend. Would Merlin be disappointed that he had been thinking this for days? It wasn't that he didn't trust Merlin. He did. But Arthur truly believed now that maybe this was one of those occasions were no good choice could be made.
The silence was almost defying, surprisingly it was Merlin who spoke first.
"That's settles it then," Arthur heard him say, "We need to find the druid camp. Maybe they know the procedure of reversing the magic applied to the vase. We destroyed the cup of life only because an army was created with it. Maybe this vase is something else entirely, maybe we don't need to destroy it, just… understand it."
"And how do you plan on finding them?" Kilgharrah asked. He had seen the betrayed look on Merlin's face, it had happened so fast Killgarrha would have said he had imagined it, but he didn't. Merlin was hurt with the prince's doubts, however, this was a matter that he, the great dragon, wasn't about to involve in. "It's been years, if I recal correctly, the last time you entered a druid camp."
He watched as Merlin grinned up at him, getting to his feet, hands on his hips.
Oh no. The dragon internally cringed.
"We won't. You will."
The dragon huffed annoyed, patting the earth with a solid thump of his paw, "Me? I'm not a messenger Merlin."
Merlin rolled his eyes, "I only need you to find their location, alright? You can cover more ground in a day than Arthur and me in a week. Your magic his connected to theirs. I'm sure that if you tried you would be able to feel them. After all, aren't you the last greatest dragon on earth?"
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It had taken several minutes for the dragon to agree with Merlin's plan, but in the end, after telling Merlin that he would let him know through their bond, the dragon had finally accepted.
Killgarrha stood up and took fly, not before leaving them with some final words and a final stern stare. Arthur suddenly comprehended that bringing Albion to life was going to be a very tiring and long path, only now, seeing the dragon shake his wings, did the importance of his destiny felt real. How on earth was he supposed to make people, sorcerers, and dragons live together and in peace? How could he amend all his father's past mistakes? He felt ten years older then.
"The next time I hear from you I hope it will be to announce me the death of the black witch," Kilgharrah had said as he tested his wings one last time. His golden eyes focused on Arthur. "I do hope we cross paths in the future young prince, I will hold on you your promise."
Arthur nodded, "I thank you for your help."
The dragon narrowed his eyes at him, like reading him one last time before the golden eyes of the dragon settled on Merlin, assessing him with a grave stare. Merlin anxiously changed his weight to his other foot. Arthur narrowed his eyes at this, feeling like he was missing something.
"And Merlin. I hope the experience and knowledge of your past mistakes can correct the decisions on your future." The dragon said cryptically. Arthur did not understand what he meant with that but by the looks of it Merlin seemed to understand perfectly as he lowered his eyes. "Prophecies, Merlin, are not meant to be ignored."
Merlin mumbled something as he sighed, "I know."
"Remember; doing what is correct does not mean it's the easiest choice, and that goes for the both of you. In this path, you will have to make sacrifices but I'm glad you two finally understand the importance of working together." Kilgharrah smiled to himself as Arthur and Merlin shared a quiet glance. The dragon spread his wings, looking at the prince with a glint in his eyes, lowering his head just a centimeter, "Long live the king,"
And with those last words the great dragon disappeared on the horizon.
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"Gwen?"
Gwen blinked owlishly. The siblings were having breakfast at their house, enjoying the few days off that Elyan was given by Uther. Her brother didn't look thrilled about it, but Gaius had been very stern about Elyan taking a few days to recover. The physician was certain that in just a few days Elyan will recover physically, but while they ate it was all Gwen could think about. He was too skinny, and she feared for his health, he looked tired, almost like he hadn't slept at all. She had not even heard him stir but who knew what kind of thoughts were hunting her brother.
Gaius was right, physically her brother would recover, but mentally? She felt like crying every time she thought about it.
"Gwen, are you alright?" Elyan asked again.
"Sorry, yes. Of course, I'm alright. I spaced out, did you say something?"
Elyan scoffed softly, "I asked you about Arthur, I haven't seen him for a while. Merlin too, any idea where they are? I think I missed them in the funeral."
Gwen, who had just been playing around with her food, moved the plate to the side, sighing, "No, you didn't miss him. He's in Annora, apparently he's in some important meeting there. Merlin's with him."
"He's… away?"
Gwen turned her eyes away from her brother, an angry tone threading in her voice, "I was surprised too. I mean, after everything that is happening isn't he meant to be here? After all, you were—" Gwen stopped herself and shook her head, taking Elyan's hand above the table, "I'm sure he doesn't know, though… I'm sure Uther already sent for him and will be here as soon as he hears."
Gwen was painfully aware that even though her smile was true her words weren't. Annora was barely two hours away by horse and Elyan had returned two days ago. Gwen had the grim feeling that Arthur knew about this and yet had decided not to show up anyway, but why? She trusted Arthur so she wanted to believe there was a good reason for his disappearance.
Elyan nodded once but did not say anything. Gwen risked a look at his face. Elyan had his brows furrowed as he ate but he didn't seem too put out, his hand was cold and Gwen pressed their hands together, trying to convey some reassurance to her brother.
"Elyan, it'll be alright, I'm sure Arthur will explain everything when he comes back and—"
"Since when has he been gone?" Elyan asked as he took his hand away from Gwen's, picking his empty plates as he stood up, "Did he leave alone? No guard or anything? Just Merlin?"
"I—yes, at least that is what Sir Percy told me."
Elyan eyes unfocused for a moment as he started massaging his neck in anxiousness.
"Elyan, are you really alright?"
"Im fine," Elyan replied with a tiring smile but did not look at her, his usual brown warm eyes cold in an instant, "It just… it seems odd, that's all. But, well, Arthur is a prince, I guess he has more important things to take care of besides disappeared knights." He spat softly but it sounded harsh even to Gwen's ears.
"Oh, Elyan, don't say that! You know Arthur, he's your friend. He cares. He sent Gwaine and Owen after you and—"
"Gwen—" Elyan cut her sharply as he roughly placed the dirty dishes in a bucket, turning on his spot, "Do you think I'm stupid? This secret everybody has going around… don't you think I notice how all my friends avoid talking about it? I'm not a fool, Gwen. I know Arthur didn't send a patrol for me or the rest."
Gwen shook her head but nothing came out. It couldn't be true. She had thought about it all day and night but it didn't sound like Arthur at all.
"Arthur would never, ever, leave you all of you to just—" Gwen took a huge breath as she stood up, aiming for Elyan's hands with pleading eyes, "You are still tired, and I understand you are angry. I am too! But not with Arthur, I'm sure he can explain. And I understand, Elyan, I—"
"You don't!" Elyan snapped getting away from Gwen, "You can fool yourself into thinking you do but you don't. I was tortured for days, Gwen. Days. I saw my friends die in front of my eyes. One by one, while I waited, prayed, for Arthur, for anyone to come and get us."
Elyan ignored Gwen's tears that finally fell down her face.
"Can you even begin to imagine how we felt? And when the days began dragging and dragging… we knew. Do you think I'm blind? Or that I just fake ignorance? I have noticed the rest of my friend' stares. I know. I know Arthur didn't send a search patrol for us." Elyan said with an angry hiss, pain shattering his voice. "And strange as it sounds I get it. He thought we were dead, everybody before us died. He had no reason to believe we could make it out alive, but the thing is, sister, that I wasn't dead, neither of us were. And for the sake of his life, his throne, he left us there to die!"
Elyan yell ringed on Gwen's ears long after he stopped his angry ramble.
"Elyan—" She sobbed as she went to hug him but Elyan stopped her.
"I need fresh air," Elyan quickly went to get his a dark cape and left the house without looking back. He didn't even hesitate even when Gwen weakly called after him with a choked voice.
Elyan closed the door behind him and his face that was contorted with so many emotions went stoic in a second. He cracked his knuckles as he lazily began walking to the castle. Face relaxed, even breathing, easy steps. No one would be able to tell he just had a fight with his sister. In fact, if anything, he looked quite pleased with himself.
The first part of the plan was in motion. As soon as he could get Gwen off the picture the better and right now the first step had been taken. The faster he could get Gwen to hate Arthur, the faster Morgana could erase one obstacle.
It was early morning and he still had the whole day ahead to get more information about Merlin, Arthur, and Uther before going to see Morgana in the woods at night. He had been quiet and stealthy so far, fearing Merlin would be lurking around the corner. However, he had not expected Arthur to not be there when he came back. Morgana would be thrilled to know. This means they have the advantage. Since the funeral took place he had suspected that the prince was gone but Gwen just confirmed it. Arthur was in Annora along with Merlin. Why were they there there he didn't know but it wasn't his problem to find out.
Elyan arrived at the courtyard of the castle, waving with a weak smile at Percival and Alistair, the two knights who were dutifully guarding the entrance. Percival, who was seated on a stool, leg still healing, beamed when he saw Elyan approaching. The knights greeted him amiably, asking about his health, about Gwen, about his recovery. Elyan felt annoyed but obliged himself to stay and talk with them to ease possible suspicions.
Afterward, he proceeded to say that he was going to meet Gaius for a quick general revision, hoping the knights will let him go wit that. They did. They let him in without even bothering to disarm him or offer guidance. Unlike foreigners, knights knew their way around the castle like the back of their hands. As soon as he was out view Elyan changed course, making a sharp turn on the next hallway, knowing exactly where he needed to go.
Finally, he arrived at the King's room. Guarding it was Leon and Lancelot. He wasn't surprised, and usually, they would be an obstacle, but alas, he had planned this part too. When he arrived both knights quickly motioned him forward.
"Good Morning, Elyan, "Leon said with a bright smile. Lancelot patted Elyan's back amiably.
"What brings you here so early in the morning? I thought that after, well, everything that has been going on you would want to rest?"
Elyan placed a hand on his neck, rubbing it awkwardly, "It's just… it's weird to be doing nothing, I got restless."
The knights chuckled.
"If Merlin heard you he would have a fit, he would kill for a day off," Leon said easily as he relaxed his stance on the guarded doors.
"Merlin…I haven't seen him recently, where is he, anyways?" Elyan faked innocence, "And Arthur, I thought I would have seen them by now."
Leon's characteristic smile died a little on his lips as Lancelot shared a glance with Leon. They had agreed to not let Elyan know that Arthur had never sent a patrol but without Arthur here it was becoming harder and harder to sustain the lie if the prince himself was out of town.
"He's… not in the city." Leon finally said, "He left to Annora a few days ago, some important yearly meetings, but I'm sure he will come back once word gets out that you are here."
"What are you doing here, anyways?" Lancelot said quickly seeing the dark eyes of his friend turn to stone, "Are you looking for Gaius? He must be doing rounds this time of the day,"
"The king requested my presence," Elyan grumbled, "apparently he has more questions, a guard came to inform me back at my house, I came right away."
Lancelot and Leon blinked surprised, "Uther is having breakfast with a councilwoman on his private dinner room, but, well, he shouldn't take long."
Elyan nodded somberly and rested his weight against the wall tiredly; managing a small smile, however, he cringed as he slowly made his way down to the floor, breathing hard, "Wish I had known that, I thought it was urgent, practically run here."
Leon and Lancelot shared a look, his friend was tired, and hurt; emotionally and physically and instantly they came to a silent agreement, after all, it had been the king himself who had requested this from him…
"Elyan, you can wait inside by the meeting table," Leon said placidly as he opened the door for Elyan.
"No—no, it's alright, Uther is not here and he might get—"
"It's alright, Elyan, "Lancelot said as he aided Elyan gently off the floor and inside the room, "Arthur used to wait inside all the time too. I'm sure he won't mind… I'll inform him myself about this."
Elyan tried to refuse but he tripped on his feet once and the knights winced, Elyan was still weak, incredibly so and it showed. Lancelot sat him on the table and after offering him some water he left to guard the door again, closing it softly behind him.
Elyan stood up from the table in a swift movement the moment the door clicked closed. His eyes sharply scanned the room. Morgana had delivered the exact location of the vase, so after walking around the huge room twice Elyan came to a fast conclusion.
The vase was gone.
That meant Merlin and Arthur had found it.
Everything fell into place then. Arthur would have never gone to Annora with just Merlin.
They had found the vase and somewhere, somehow, they were trying to break the spell.
If he had been suspicious before he was sure now. Arthur and Merlin were, definitely, not in Annora. And so, wherever they were, they were unprotected.
He grinned. This was turning to be easier than he had thought.
Morgana needed to know about this.
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There was a tense silence after the dragon was gone.
Arthur didn't know if he needed to apologize to Merlin or not, however, he felt like it was his duty to speak first.
Merlin was still looking at the sky but after a moment of tense silence he turned his eyes down towards Arthur.
Arthur realized he didn't need to say anything, Merlin was looking at him exactly like he had when they were back in Camelot, in his room, and he had just discovered Merlin had magic. It left the prince speechless for a few seconds, it was outstanding, how much trust and patience Merlin had with him.
"I'm sorry," Finally Arthur managed to speak, coughing a bit in embarrassment, "for not telling you earlier about what Agravaine had said. Didn't want you to think I didn't trust you. I do. And also, just so you know, I never truly believed him, I just didn't want to bring your hopes down with the words of a dead man,"
Merlin sighed. He turned his body toward Arthur and grimaced, "Hard to believe it at times,"
Arthur sighed resignedly and finally clasped Merlin's shoulder hard, just to get this point across, "Merlin. I left my kingdom. I left my father alone. I left everything to come here because I trust you to fix this vase." Merlin didn't look convinced as he crossed his arms over his chest, "We will solve this, Merlin. It's our destiny, isn't it? You are the greatest sorcerer to have ever lived, we will manage."
Arthur, who had closed his eyes just for the effort it took to actually compliment Merlin, opened them in dread, fearing what he would find, would Merlin still be hurt? Dissappointed? Betrayed? However, he was honestly surprised to find Merlin's twinkling blue eyes staring at him and his impish smile back in place.
"Oh, this was priceless. I know you trust me. I just wanted to hear you say it." Merlin gave a soft chuckle, "Did you just called me the greatest sorcerer to have ever lived? Oh gods, you think you can repeat what you just said when we go back to Camelot, I'm not sure Lancelot will believe this just happened."
"You—Merlin!" Arthur roared annoyed as he kicked him in the stomach, rolling his eyes but his heart lighter at Merlin's soft protests. Honestly, he had thought a huge fight was meant to follow after Agravaine's news, but he suspected that after everything that had happened lately fighting over that was useless and he wondered why he had kept a secret to begin with. The amount of trust and faith that they both had for each other was remarkable.
He was glad. Which he showed by shoving Merlin to the side.
"In any case, how long do you think Khillrarahgu will take to find the Druid's camp?"
Merlin raised his brows amusedly, pushing Arthur's hand away when the prince went to swat his head "First for all, is Kilgharrah. And secondly, I don't know, a few hours I guess? The druids move constantly so it might take him a while."
Arthur crossed his arms, pondering their options. He meekly touched the vase with his foot before nodding, resolute on the decision, "Very well. Let's not waste the day then, we can't do anything about the vase just yet but that doesn't mean we cannot keep training, right? So what are the plans for today?"
Merlin grinned like he had been expecting that question all day.
"Oh, you are going to love this part of the training, Sire," With that Merlin left to the edge of the clear to retrieve Arthur's sword and shield, leaving the price feeling quite restles in the middle of the clearing.
For the first time in his life, Arthur feared training.
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A/N: Helloo theree! THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS! I must confess I almost gave up on this chapter. I just… I have been working so much lately that when I finally had time to write I honestly sat in front of my computer and nothing, literally nothing, came out. But these past two days, (Finally!) I had a spark of inspiration! It was going to be a longer chapter but I was itchy to post!
You will love tomorrow's training and Merlin and Arthur are meeting the druids for some answers! The topic of Mordred will come to light and you will have two of your fav knights back in the story.
Well, hope you enjoyed it although it felt like a filler to me, anywaysss hope to hear from you!
-Juliet'lovestory-
Suricata: I feel so bad that I have not been replying to your comments lately! Well, some of your questions will be answered in the next chapters! A susprise is coming for you on chapter 34 but I wont ruin it! In any case thanks for your continous reviews, I love them! I love Eragon too! Apparently everybody who likes Merlin likes Eragon? What's with that? Magic fans everywhere.
The Crab: Thank you for your reviews! Im glad you are liking the story so far, you read way too much in so little time, I was like ? How did this happen? Anyway! Hope you liked this part and keep up the reviews, now that you have caught up I can answer them! Wuju! I loved your review about Agravaine the most, he was honestly such a hateful character, but was fun to write, alas why Elyan turned out to be evil, I missed a bad guy!
D. Rose: I didn't reply last time, I think? But I do now! I did revise the chapter and I changed all the mistakes, thank you (: I always encourage this kind of criticism, it makes the story better and that makes me immensely happy every time.