CHAPTER 21 : THE JAWS OF A DRAGON

Arthur went to grab for him but Merlin was too quick and took off blasting down the hallway with Arthur at his heels threatening what he was going to do to him when he caught him.

Reaching the main staircase first, Merlin went hurtling down it, skidding to a halt when he realised there was a distinguished looking man standing in the middle of the hall with two other men and women.

Arthur managed to stifle an 'Oh, shit!' instead grabbing the banister and pulling himself to a stop thankfully before he bowled Merlin over, gasping, "Father, I wasn't expecting to see you this weekend."

Uther, said, "Obviously not!" He turned to his guests and said, "I believe you have met my son Arthur!"

The Laird of Glenkandrun smiled, "Arthur, nice seeing you again, I hear you are back at Oxford."

"Yes, Sir, it's hard work but well worth it."

Lady Glenkandrun smiled saying, "We hope to see you over the summer for some fishing. You're always welcome and you can bring friends if you wish."

Mr and Mrs McKellern nodded at Arthur whom they remembered as a young boy.

Uther said, "Introduce your friend as well…"

Arthur said, "I would like you to meet Merlin Emrys who's a fellow student at Oxford." Arthur clamped his jaw shut, frightened that he was going to say, 'He is also my boyfriend whom I love very much.'

"Good Welsh name!" Uther said and then turning to his guests said, "Shall we go to the lounge for pre-dinner drinks?"

Merlin and Arthur escaped in the directions of the kitchens. As they passed a door, Arthur opened it and pulled Merlin into a small utility room, and started to laugh, "Good God! What happened there? No one mentioned that they were expecting my father back. Maybe, he also took them by surprise."

"Well, the chance that Manscombe and Sylvie were chasing each other around the kitchen threatening to do all sorts of unmentionable things to each other's body is pretty slim," Merlin said laughing, "I think that we could give Sylvie a break by eating out. She'll be up to her neck preparing dinner for the others."

They walked to the kitchen, Arthur nodded at Tina as Manscombe said, "Bit short notice for supper but they brought salmon and said that they are quite happy to have it barbecued. Will you and Merlin have the same?"

"No, we'll go out. You both have enough on your hands without two extra mouths to feed. When did you find out that they were coming?"

"When your father phoned from the plane telling me that he would be landing in thirty minutes with four guests and to bring two cars."

Arthur was later to say that there would have been hell to pay if his father had decided to come back Friday and the plane wouldn't have been available. Merlin suddenly saw the funny side of that and started to laugh.

As they sat in the car driving back the way they had come less that an hour ago, Arthur said, "I think he likes you!" Merlin looked at him with a frown. "Well, he didn't kick you out of the house…did he?" Merlin laughed but deep down he was wondering if that was yet to come.

-0-0-

Supper at the pub had been excellent; Arthur had been right. It was cosy and the kind of place Merlin would happily have returned to if the occasion arose. A couple of the regulars knew Arthur and they had joined them for drinks at the bar while they waited for their table.

The chap was at University of Wales Trinity Saint David and his girlfriend was at Aberystwyth studying in Welsh and living in one of the seafront residences. Merlin was impressed as he'd seen photos of the Old College on the waterfront.

The waiter led Merlin and Arthur to a window seat with a view of the river and the swans. Merlin decided that the city Swansea must have been so called because of the sea and swans but he was disappointed to learn from Arthur that it had been a Viking trading post and the word was a derivation of the Viking word Sveinsey for an island or raised ground.

Merlin was still amused by the idea that Uther would have been left high and dry in Scotland if Arthur and he had decided to fly on the Sunday but accepted that their plans would have been bumped by Arthur's father's if they had been given a heads up in time. He would have missed all the fun things they'd managed to do so far over the weekend. "How are we going to get back to Oxford?"

"Well, if my father intends to stay here until midweek he may suggest that we fly otherwise we can take a train. It would take only three hours, if we're lucky!"

"Lucky?"

"Well, if no one is on strike and it is on time!"

Merlin smiled and decided that he could get used to having a private jet which would see them in Oxford in under an hour.

-0-0-

Arthur would have been surprised if he had been a fly on the wall in the dining room during the meal as his father had waxed eloquently about his son's success at his studies in Bruxelles and how he was now working on his degree at Oxford.

Manscombe who had been in the dining room removing the appetisers, felt it a shame that Mr Pendragon never told his son that face to face. Later that evening when they were in their quarters, he told his wife how he felt.

"It's a common thing, Dear. Some fathers almost seem to ignore their boys' achievements yet give praise unconditionally to the girls. But you're not guilty of that, so don't worry. You encouraged Brian to follow his plan to be a chef even though in your younger days, I once heard you refer to cooking as women's work."

George grinned as his wife had never let him forget that.

-0-0-

Arthur was in no hurry to get back home. If he returned too early he might be dragged into a conversation with his father as it happened…he was. He met his father just outside the library. Uther nodded at Merlin and said to his son, "And how do you intend to get back to school?"

"We thought we might take the train tomorrow afternoon.

"…and what about the jet?"

"Well, we thought…"

Uther interrupted him, "You, Arthur," he paused as if trying to recall something then said, "your friend has nothing to do with travel arrangements as he is your guest and it's your responsibility to get him back to school!"

Grabbing the bull by the horns, Arthur said, "I had intended to fly, but I thought that you might be using the jet so we, I mean, I thought that I would make alternative arrangements by rail."

"Good thinking! However, as I will not need the jet until Thursday to fly my guests home, you can use it tomorrow. Confirm your arrangements with Anderson. Have a good night!"

He turned to Merlin and nodded at him and Merlin met his gaze without wavering saying clearly, "Good night, Sir!"

"Thank you." Uther muttered as he wandered off.

As they made their way up the stairs, Merlin said, "Shit, he can be scary when he wants to, can't he, Arthur?"

"That was nothing I've seen him have grown men in tears at the office. The only person I've seen stand up to him around here is old Benty and in London his secretary. She's been with him for years and is excellent, they respect each other and make a good team at the office. She'd often bail me out of trouble when some irate headmaster had tried to reach my father and she had diffused the situation before he finally got wind of it.

They made their way to bed and Merlin wrapped his arms around him. He loved being with Arthur and was determined that Uther's being there wasn't going to put a damper on his plans.

Arthur said, "All right, if we have the window open? I promise that if you feel cold, I will go in search of another duvet."

"That sounds so generous but I happened to see extra blankets and duvets in the cupboard not more than six feet away from here."

He snuggled into Arthur and when he returned his kisses, he sat up suddenly, saying, "By the way, where is your father's bedroom?"

Arthur grinned, "Actually on the second floor but closer to the other wing, why?"

"…and the guest rooms?

"Below us but I promise this old building is very well built and hazarding a guess as to where you are going, I think we are quite safe!"

"Good!" Merlin said and let his hands and lips do the talking from then on.

Since his father's arrival, Merlin had noticed a slight difference in Arthur when they were in the house. He was quieter, absorbed in his own thoughts. He knew that something was bothering him but he decided against prying as he knew that when ready he would, if he thought that it was important, share it with him.

-0-0-

Arthur didn't sleep well and around three, he woke Merlin who realised sleepily that Arthur wanted to talk as he turned on the bedside lamp.

"I've had overnight male guests in this house while my father is here but I feel different with you. I know it will seem strange when I always seem at odds with my father but my greatest wish is that he will one day accept you as my boyfriend. He might seem cold and disinterested but he can't be as he has always made sure that he has done the best for me even if in some cases, I didn't see it that way. He has never raised his hand to me and God knows, many times I deserved it. I'd like him to look at you and see the person who makes his son very happy."

"Could you live with it if he never accepted me?" Merlin asked quietly.

Arthur didn't hesitate, "With you at my side, I could live happily ever after!"

"But you would still like to have his approval of our relationship."

Arthur smiled, looking younger than his years saying quietly, "Not only like but insist upon it."

"You can't force someone to like another person," Merlin said. "They might for all intents and purposes accept them but deep down they could have no time for them and that little seed of dislike can grow into distrust and it will grow until it either erupts or over the years withers away being replaced by total disinterest and possibly even separation from their family member."

"If that is what happens bring it on, with you beside me, I can cope. We could finish Oxford and then pursue our goals...yours as a photographer and mine as a London bus driver."

Merlin laughed quietly knowing that Arthur was putting on a brave face, he would never admit it outright by the filial ties were strong. He decided then and there that he would do whatever was needed to win Uther over and never impede Arthur's relationship with his father.

He smiled realising how lucky he was that both his mum and Gaius accepted and loved Arthur. He would do whatever Arthur asked of him to keep this rocky father/son relationship on an evil keel.

Suddenly, a thought hit him, 'Would he be willing to give up Arthur completely if his father demanded it?'...and his heart clenched.

Arthur said, "You've become very serious all of a sudden!"

Merlin turned and looked at Arthur and felt his heart swell with love as he said, "Hatching a plan that will make your father see that I am indispensable to this family!"

He felt Arthur relax as he was pulled closer and the love of his life said, "Do you think that my mother loved my father with the same intensity that I love you?"

Merlin said, "I'm sure she did, Arthur, just as she loved you before you arrived and during that short time when she held you in her arms..."

-0-0-

The plane trip back to university was thankfully without incident and Merlin enjoyed it. He much preferred flying at a lower elevation than on more distant flights. He liked having an overview of all the farms, villages and specially the coast line. He mentioned to Arthur that he would have liked to have had that ability when he was on the ground and wanted to see where he actually was.

Arthur told him that was because he was named after a falcon, it was his spirit name calling to him. He assured him however that he could achieve the same effect with Google Maps but it wasn't the same as far as he was concerned.

Arthur left him to speak to the captain and then returned saying, "If you would like to fly in the cockpit and promise not to take over the controls, Anderson would be happy to have you as co-pilot."

Merlin was thrilled, and his first thought was 'Wait until Gawaine hears about this!' He nodded at Anderson as he slipped into his seat on the right of the captain and buckled himself in. Anderson was great as he pointed out various landmarks but also allowing Merlin time to himself to gaze at the beautiful scenery. They came upon a rain cloud and were temporarily fogged in and the windshield wipers started which for some reason amused Merlin. Then they were back into the sunshine and Merlin could see the dark shadow of the cloud on the ground below.

Arthur came up to check that everything was going well and Merlin offered to change places but Arthur said, that he had spent many hours in the co-pilot's seat and if Merlin was enjoying it, he could stay there until they landed if Captain Anderson agreed, which he did.

The part he enjoyed the most was when the little jet banked steeply and he felt that if his arm had been only a little longer he would have been able to run his fingers through the top leaves on the trees.

All to soon, the radio burst into life again and Anderson prepared for landing.

Arthur thanked Anderson and asked if the plane would be flying his father's guests back to Scotland and Anderson nodded and said, "I'm on call for later in the week."

Anderson smiled as Merlin also thanked him. He suggested that as he had enjoyed being in the cockpit, he might consider taking a couple of flying lessons over the summer as most small airports had Flight Schools.

Merlin turned towards Arthur his eyes all lit up, and Arthur said, "Anderson, don't give him any ideas, I'd never be able to get him back on land again."

-0-0-

Laurence was waiting for them and Merlin made sure that he knew that he had sat in the cockpit with Captain Anderson.

Merlin said on the way back, "This was a lovely end to a long weekend, Arthur. I had a great time, I will now have to wrack my brains to show you how much I enjoyed it."

"Maybe next time, we might consider the 'mile high' club?' Arthur suggested quietly with a straight face as he let his hand rest on Merlin's thigh.

"Who, me and Anderson?" Merlin declared with a shocked expression which melted into a grin, causing Arthur to splutter and Laurence to just shake his head.

-0-0-

Merlin checked back into the residence that evening at eight. Toby was already in his room and they sat in there talking about what they had done.

"I met Arthur's father!"

"What did he say when Arthur told him about the two of you?"

"Nothing because we never told him. He probably would have had a heart attack and I think there must be a better way of introducing the idea to him than suddenly blurting it out. Did you have a restful weekend?"

"It was interesting to say the least. My parents went off overnight and left Tina and I the house to ourselves. We sort of..."

"Had a good time?" Merlin said with a grin. "You two are great with each other. I think she really likes you and I know your mother likes her. That's always important but I don't want to be a babysitter any time soon so be careful, the two of you!"

Toby just laughed, "Don't worry, Mother!"

Merlin laughed and went back to his room to get organised for the following day. He was just ready to get into bed, when his phone buzzed.

It was Arthur who said, "Good, you're still awake. I have a little news. The college has sent Baxter down. He won't be around Magdalen any more. You remember my mentioning Steve who lives in same building where he rented a flat," Merlin nodded even though he knew that Arthur couldn't see him as he continued, "He texted me that Baxter has moved out and the landlord notified him that he was putting the place back on the market, hopping to pick up a student short term, maybe someone, who wants to seriously study in these last few weeks!"

"But he might get another place in Oxford..."

Arthur regretted telling him over the phone because he knew from his response that he was now going to worry and there was little that he could do. He checked his watch, "Do you want me to come over at least for a couple of hours."

"No, I'm all right, I was just a little surprised that was all." He laughed and Arthur heard his voice lighten a bit, as he said, "Guess I had put him out of my mind while I was away. Did you tell Laurence?"

"Yes, he was here when I took the call…"

"Hang on, Arthur, my Mum is trying to get through."

"Take the call and if you feel like it phone me later on."

"How late?"

"For you, all night!"

"Thanks, Arthur..."

Merlin had a long chat with Hunith. He was able to tell her more about the photos he had sent including one of him on Bud. "Mum, the manor is huge and beautiful and guess who arrived out of the blue on Sunday afternoon while we were at Caerleon."

"Arthur's father?" Hunith correctly guessed.

"Right! We didn't talk but I was introduced to him and he commented that my name was…and I quote, 'A Good Welsh name!' and later that evening wished me good night."

Hunith said with a laugh, "There you go, he can't be all that bad if he likes your name."

"Mum, I hardly think that will hold much sway when he finds out about Arthur and me! Anyway, he allowed us to fly back in the jet so he mustn't have been annoyed that we were there. How's Gaius?"

"In good spirits. He's going off in a fortnight so he can meet up with some friends in Cambridge for a reunion. Just think, Merlin, you will be doing the same one day."

Merlin suddenly yawned and Hunith must have checked the time as she said, "I'm keeping you from your beauty sleep, Merlin, text me during the week. Now go to sleep you'll have a busy day tomorrow. Say hello to Arthur and remember to thank him for giving you a nice holiday."

"Will do, Mum, thanks for calling...good night and God Bless!"

"God Bless, Merlin! Now get to bed, you've still got a few weeks of heavy studying to do. Love you!"

"Love you too, Mum, and remember end of June will soon be here and then I'll be home for the holidays, ten glorious weeks…

He put his phone on his bedside table as he got into bed, grinned at the little dragon which was once again on his windowsill. He'd speak to Arthur first thing tomorrow when he got up.

He slept as if cradled on clouds, sweeping effortless through the skies on the back of a large grey dragon.