Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.


Chapter 23 – The Second War Begins


Aric and Gina arranged for the modern royal family to visit early the following week. Morgana had been quiet ever since her defeat at the former Saxon stronghold and they felt it a good time to involve the modern royals before she made her next move. Gina volunteered to pick them up, volunteering Dominic, Taylor and Glen to go with her. They had decided to begin this visit as their present day selves, The High Queen and Knights of the Round Table not being necessary at the moment, though they intended to welcome Queen Elizabeth and her family as the visiting royals they were, albeit for an unofficial visit. All of Camelot had begun preparations, for even an unofficial royal visit was still filled with much pageantry in their time. Merlin had, of course, offered to transport them directly to Camelot, however, concerns had been raised by The Queen's staff and it would defeat the purpose of publically allowing visitors into Camelot; The Queen and her family needed to be seen entering the castle. And so, Gina found herself seated in the front of an armoured car, Aric had insisted and Merlin had agreed and enhanced the vehicle, while Dominic drove. In the car with them were The Queen and Prince Philip as well as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The younger royals followed with Taylor and Glen, while two cars with The Queen's security followed behind them. It was a leap of faith for her security to allow The Queen and other royals into a car without them; however, as Philip pointed out, they had had ample opportunity to harm them during their previous visit had they wanted. Not to mention that security officers would not be able to stop Merlin regardless of what they tried, so it was quite unnecessary for them to be in the same vehicle. Gina was looking behind her, in discussion with her guests about the preparations that had taken place in Camelot for their visit as well as the historical significance about them, when Dominic swerved suddenly, bringing the car to a screeching halt.

"Everyone alright?" He asked.

"Yes." They all muttered, some pulling at their seatbelts which had locked into place at the sudden movement.

"What happened?" Gina then demanded. In answer Dominic pointed to the road ahead of them. "Morgana." She growled, seeing their enemy simply standing there. "We should have known she'd try something. Stay here!" She directed to their guests before shoving her door open and exiting the car. Dominic, Taylor and Glen followed her and they were vaguely aware of Queen Elizabeth's security checking on the royal family and standing guard, guns drawn, while they faced Morgana.

"Hello Gwen." The witch sneered. "Or should I say Gina?" None of them had bothered to change into past selves, though they knew they could at a moment's notice if necessary.

"What do you want, Morgana?"

"If you would had over the throne that would be lovely." She was clearly mocking them.

"Even if that was in my power I would not. You are also about two thousand years too late. Not even Arthur could give you the throne anymore."

"Why do you think I'm here? When you've so neatly wrapped the current monarch and her heirs up for me."

"We will not let you harm them!" Taylor cried. Light shimmered over them as they called on the Knights they once were, the three appearing and drawing their swords. Morgana merely laughed and nodded her head forward, her eyes flashing gold as she sent the three Knights of the Round Table flying backwards.

"Did you really think your swords could do anything to me?" She asked as she began stalking towards her once best friend. Gina stood alone before an enemy far more powerful than her, though she refused to cower, refused to even allow The High Queen to come forward for that would be giving Morgana at least part of what she wanted; defeating The High Queen of Britain, and bringing her one step closer to the throne.

"It doesn't matter what I think, Morgana. But I will not let you harm Queen Elizabeth or her family."

"And how do you propose to stop me?" She demanded. "You have no magic, no power, and are useless with a sword."

"She's not alone though!" One of The Queen's security guards called, as all six of them raised their weapons. Gina was somewhat touched that Queen Elizabeth's security would stand up against Morgana with her. Though, she supposed, Morgana had threatened their queen. However, they could have still just waited for Morgana to kill her and then defended their queen, instead they came forward to stand alongside her, none showing the fear she knew they must be feeling when facing someone they could not hope to defeat.

"Between us we will stop you, Morgana." Galahad added as he and the other Knights re-joined Gina, having picked themselves up as quickly as possible.

"You'll try." She admitted with a smirk, evidently looking forward to the attempt. Raising her hand, Morgana prepared to attack but was stopped as a great, loud roar sounded. It appeared to be coming from all around them and the witch stopped her attack in favour of looking around for the source alongside everyone else. The roar, which seemed somewhat familiar to Gina and the Knights, sounded again followed by two higher pitched screeches. The sounds grew louder as they drew closer and their location could finally be identified, every head turning towards the sky as the pure white dragon flew towards them.

"Get back!" Gina cried as she and the Knights pushed the security guards towards the cars, pressing as close as they could as the dragon swooped towards Morgana. They could see the moment when she drew in breath, a powerful burst of fire leaving her mouth. Morgana barely had enough time to throw up a shield, though she managed it. However, the two smaller, though no less brilliant, dragons that swooped in to launch their own attack, caught her by surprise. The second shield she attempted to erect was not fast enough and her clothes caught fire. Growling Morgana quickly put the fire out and turned to see the three dragons coming around for a second pass. Knowing it was nearly impossible to kill a dragon, let alone three at once, Morgana instead chose to retreat to fight another day. With a scathing look in Gina's direction, she waved her hand and disappeared in a puff of smoke. With the threat gone, the white dragon flew down and landed not far away, though the two smaller dragons quickly departed, which was probably for the best given the present company.

"Aithusa!" Gina smiled happily, hastening to the dragon's side and bringing her arms around her neck when she lowered it in greeting.

"It makes my old heart glad to see you alive again, Your Majesty." Aithusa spoke, her voice of a higher pitch than Kilgharrah's had been, though it still rumbled from deep within The Great Dragon.

"That is going to take some getting used to, hearing you talk." Gina admitted with a laugh.

"But is it not good that we can finally communicate properly?" There was amusement in the dragon's voice as she spoke. "I seem to recall some poor attempts when you decided Merlin was quite incapable of caring for me, though I did not need it." Gina scowled good-naturedly.

"Yes, well, how was I supposed to know that you were a few centuries old and quite capable or taking care of yourself when all Merlin told us was that you were very young and he hoped Kilgharrah looked after you properly? He made it out as if you were barely more than a baby dragon without a mother to care for you. Of course I decided that Merlin, of all people, was not fit to be your mother, Dragonlord or not." Aithusa threw her head back and laughed heartily.

"And you took on the task admirably." Lowering her head once more Aithusa looked Gina in the eyes, and she could see something akin to love, and loyalty shining in the dragon's eyes. "It was your actions in the early days of your reign that assured my loyalty to Camelot, and to you." Gina must have looked confused for Aithusa explained. "You accepted me and welcomed me even after I had attacked your people. You gave yourself the task of caring for me when you thought it needed, and remained my friend when it proved unnecessary. I would never again attack the innocent as the Dragonlord commanded it, and I would spend my life serving Britain alongside Merlin for I owed him a debt I could never repay, and he was the first to truly care for me after his father. However, even though his caring is sincere, he is The Last Dragonlord and feels a duty to my kind. But you, Guinevere Pendragon, you had no reason to care for me, and more reason than most not to. Yet, you opened your heart to me, as you had for countless others, with your warmth and kindness. You could say you won me over, My Queen. You have a way about you that is hard to describe, yet inspires love and loyalty in those that cross your path. You earned my respect and my loyalty many years ago. It is just one of the reasons, though not an insignificant one, that my children and I protected you this day, and will continue to help in the fight against Morgana." Gina didn't know what to say to Aithusa's heartfelt speech. In the past she had considered herself and the white dragon friends of sorts, though as they could not speak together she had never known how Aithusa had felt, and either the dragon had never confessed anything to Merlin, or the Dragonlord had not seen fit to inform her. She could see now, however, that Aithusa had been looking to fill the void that Balinor had left when he died; looking for the same unconditional love and acceptance Merlin's father had given her, while wanting nothing in return. The High Queen had not set out to fill that void, had merely done what she thought right, but she knew all too well that often it was the small things, things done with no prior plan or search for a return, that mattered the most. Gina spoke softly, bringing her hand up and placing it on the side of the dragon's head, as she had many times in the past.

"I welcome your friendship and thank you for your help this day. But I will not ask you to fight in this war. And if Merlin thinks to then he and I shall be having some words."

"Merlin has made it quite clear that he expects nothing from us, nor did he ask me here today. On his last visit he spoke of the modern Queen's visit to Camelot and how you would accompany them. It was a perfect opportunity for Morgana, so I stayed nearby, watching over your convoy for any sign of trouble."

"Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, My Queen." She responded simply as her eyes alighted on those behind Gina, who turned seeing that the dragon's attention was no longer on her.

"Well met, Aithusa." The three Knights greeted with smiles of their own, though it was shocked expressions of their guests that truly held her attention.

"You need not fear me." She called out. "Even if I so desired I could not harm you, though I assure you I do not wish to do so." Queen Elizabeth and her family had exited the cars when Morgana had fled and Gina had rushed to hug the creature. The security guards had yet to put away their weapons, so in shock were they, that they appeared capable of very little at the moment, as one proved when he raised his arm and pointed at Aithusa, a squeak leaving his lips.

"D-dragon…"

"Yes, this is a dragon." Gina spoke up, moving to their side. "Her name is Aithusa, and she is The Great Dragon, the oldest and most powerful of them all."

"There's more?!" Harry practically demanded.

"Yes, though we are far from numerous." Aithusa informed them. "There was a time it was thought that I was the last of my kind, that dragons would truly be extinct upon my death. Although that is no longer the case, we are...what is the term? Ah, yes, 'endangered species.' There are very few dragons remaining."

"How have we not known about your existence?" William asked, the shock of seeing a living dragon, a creature thought entirely mythical, starting to wear off.

"Humans have a tendency to see only that which they wish to see." Aithusa imparted her knowledge; apparently being wise was a trait mandatory of The Great Dragon. "There was a time that magic was rampant on earth, and all knew of and accepted its existence. It began to disappear little by little, as the ways of the Old Religion were forgotten, until finally magic became a myth, often an evil one, in the eyes of men. Magic is capable of many wondrous things, and horrific ones, it is true, but regardless of how magic was used, falling into myth meant that its use terrified people. Magic was blamed for any strange occurrence or dreadful misfortune, and many were persecuted because of it, regardless of whether they possessed magic or not. Is it any wonder then that creatures of magic, such as myself, fell into myth as well? When magic began to leave the land many magical beings could no longer survive without the magic that used to live in the very earth you stand on, and so they died away. Very few magical creatures still live, and those of us that do have lived in hiding for so long, knowing that should we be seen that we would be hunted until dead, that we have gotten quite good at not revealing ourselves to humans."

"That's horrible." Kate murmured.

"Indeed." Aithusa agreed. "But, it is the way things are, and have been for many centuries. You do not know of our existence because those few humans who run into us from time to time are deemed insane or liars when they tell their tale as none want to believe that the creatures their ancestors before them had relegated to myth could possibly be real. Human ignorance allows us to live in peace."

"But you're here now, revealing yourself to us." They had to argue.

"Times are changing, young Princes. The time of The Once and Future King and Queen is upon us. They will unite the land and bring about another Golden Age for their kingdom and its people. All of its people, not just humans. It helps, of course, to know that The Immortal Mage, The Last Dragonlord, is on our side. Even should things not go as has been foretold, he would allow no harm to come to any dragon, not even if it be their fault for revealing their existence to the world." Aithusa then stood, preparing to take flight. "I shall ensure your safe passage to Camelot. The witch shall not disturb you again. Goodbye, My Lady. We shall meet again." Spreading her wings, the white dragon took flight, disappearing off in the distance, though they knew she would not stray too far. After that excitement the rest of the drive to Camelot was very subdued. As they approached the castle gates the cars came to a stop beside horse drawn carriages, albeit quite small ones to accommodate the narrow streets of the city; these would not be the luxury Victorian era coaches they were used to.

"The cars are too big to fit through the streets." Guinevere explained, having reverted to her past self now that she was back at Camelot. "We will have to go by carriage. I do apologize for they will be cramped and uncomfortable but it is only for a few minutes." None complained as they climbed into the carriages, Guinevere riding with Elizabeth and Philip while the rest of their party clambered into the others, the children sitting excitedly in their parents' laps, while Tristan, Dagonet and Galahad rode separate horses as their escort. The streets were crowded with cheering people, cries of 'God save The Queen!' were heard all around them while children ran alongside the carriages, passing flowers to Kate, Camilla, as well as their past and present Queens. It took longer than expected to reach the castle courtyard simple due to the sheer number of people that had turned out to greet the royal visitors. Trumpets sounded when they finally did arrive, all of Camelot's inhabitants having gone all out for this royal visit, and on the castle steps stood King Arthur and his court, all decked out in their best. When the carriages came to a stop Arthur himself opened the door and handed Queen Elizabeth down before greeting her with a kiss on the hand.

"Queen Elizabeth, welcome to Camelot. You and your family are most welcome."

"Thank you." She replied, trying not to look around in awe at the fabled castle. This was not like the engagements she usually attended where practically every moment was planned and she knew what to expect; she was here, not surrounded by her aides, but by Arthur's and his people, while even if her aides were here none could plan a trip to Camelot in this day and age.

"We heard of Morgana's attack, Aithusa brought word." He said as he kept hold of her hand and escorted her inside, just as he had Gwen when she had first arrived as a young girl. The High Queen happily took Prince Philip's hand when offered and the two followed their spouses while the Knights, Merlin and Mithian made their way to the others and kept them company during the walk to the great hall. "We do hope no one is harmed."

"Not at all." She assured him. "I think we were far more shocked to learn that dragons actually exist." Arthur laughed.

"Yes, that would not be something anyone could expect." They made it to the great hall, where the rest of the court waited, the Knights' families standing at the front, while Alaria and Nan kept hold of their royal charges. The thrones which usually graced the dais had been removed, leaving it empty; Arthur and Gwen had thought it best that they not have that imagery. The visiting royals were led onto the dais where Arthur turned to speak to those gathered.

"We welcome Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and their family to Camelot with open arms." He spoke clearly and with authority. "It is our hope that their stay will be a prosperous one, and know you will do all in your power to make it such." There was a subtle warning in his words. While he had no reason to believe that any of their people were displeased that they were welcoming the present day Queen into Camelot, and treating her with all the pomp and courtesy due a reigning sovereign of equal station to their King, he wanted it made clear that any who might quietly harbour those thoughts were to keep them hidden, if not let them go entirely. "But enough with the formalities. Please return to your duties and your pleasures. We shall see you all for the feast this afternoon." Many departed at the clear dismissal, though their friends and family remained.

"Papa!" Eleanor cried, having finally broken out of Alaria's grasp. She toddled to her father, who happily took her into his arms.

"I do not believe you have met our children." Gwen said, coming forward with William in tow. "Our daughter, Princess Eleanor, who I believe is of an age with Prince George." Hearing his name, the little boy looked up and at his father's encouragement said hello to The Princess, who waved shyly from her own father's arms. "And this is our son, Prince William."

"So there should have been a William I long before William the Conqueror." Harry commented without thinking, earning a glare from his father.

"Harry…" He muttered warningly as that particular topic was brought up.

"It's alright." William spoke up. "I know he means that had things been different I would have been King William I. And I know I will never be king now. Papa and mama explained that the Pendragon dynasty was over." He didn't seem entirely certain on the words he was using, clearly they came from his parents, though the meaning behind them was understood. "Besides, being king's no fun. Papa always has to attend meetings and make sure lords are happy and there's always some paper he needs to read and sign. It's boring." The child in him shone through with that answer, earning a round of chuckles.

"William and Eleanor would be happy to show Prince George and Princess Charlotte the royal nursery while we give you a tour." Gwen offered. "Alaria is their nurse, while Nan is…well I don't think we ever sorted out a proper title for Nan's position once I grew up but she's in charge of their welfare, and helps Alaria."

"And yours too, lovey. I care for you too." The old woman spoke up. She never would have done so in public two thousand years ago, but times had greatly changed.

"Yes, mine as well." Gwen laughed. "Nan was originally my nurse when I was little. She has very much been a mother to me."

"No harm will come to Their Royal Highnesses, we give you our word." Nan spoke directly to William and Kate. "Your men are more than welcome to stand guard, if it makes you more comfortable."

"And Sir Percival will be there, naturally." Arthur said dryly, for indeed Eleanor was reaching out for the brawny Knight, who took her into his arms.

"Just because The Princess enjoys my company more than her stuffy papa's is no reason to be snippy, Sire." He joked and made his way out of the great hall.

"She only enjoys his company more because he has no qualms about making an ass out of himself for her." Arthur muttered stiffly. "Whereas I, as High King, could not." Gwen tried not to snort.

"Oh please. How many times have you crawled around the nursery floor, neighing while playing horsey with them?"

"That is not the point."

"Of course not." Gwen rolled her eyes and turned to their guests. "I do assure you they will be safe in the nursery. But of course if you would prefer to keep them with you that is quite alright." William and Kate looked to each other before reaching a decision.

"They'll have more fun in the nursery." Kate said, handing Charlotte to Nan. The little princess began to cry at being separated from her mother, but Nan expertly quieted her before the tears could truly fall.

"Come on George!" William said, grabbing the younger prince's hand. "Roy and I will show you our toys."

"No swords!" Both Gwen and Vanora shouted after their sons.

"I mean it, William Pendragon! If Alaria or Nan tells me you even touched the sword with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the room there will be consequences."

"For you too, Royston. Do not doubt it." The mothers held their warning glares as two slightly more subdued boys ran off with George, Alaria and Nan following with Charlotte while two of Elizabeth's security guards followed; they may be comfortable allowing their children to play with the other children, but they would still be extra cautious in this unknown environment. The tour went well, with many questions asked, and ended at the nursery to allow the parents to check on the children. They found Charlotte, George and Eleanor fast asleep while William and Roy quietly played in the corner. Nan and Alaria were both nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the children while Percival had engaged the two guards in conversation, the three now animatedly discussing the differences in guarding ancient and modern day royals. Leaving them to it, the large group made their way to the banquet hall for the feast. Arthur took his place at the centre of the high table, his ornate chair awaiting him, while a near identical chair sat to his immediate right, the spot of the guest of honour, for Queen Elizabeth. Prince Philip sat to his left with Gwen beside him, and the rest alternating to ensure their guests were not alone. The feast went well, their guests seemed to enjoy the food, all of them favourite dishes from their time, and the atmosphere, which Harry compared to the feasts in episodes of The Tudors he'd seen. Arthur and Gwen even managed to get the visiting royals to dance, teaching them the easiest and most sedate dances from two thousand years ago. Eventually the children joined them for their own dinner, all earning a great deal of attention from the courtiers, which George and Charlotte did not know what to make of, though William and Eleanor were quite used to. The feast was winding down, their guests preparing to leave, when the doors burst open and a man wearing Pendragon livery ran in. The music stopped as he approached The King, the Knights standing and their hands instinctively going to their swords as they expected the worst.

"Merlin!" Arthur cried once the man had finished whispering in his ear. The Court Mage came forward to face his King. "Merlin, we need that crystal ball you had. The one that acted like the telly." Merlin complied at once making the ball appear and along with the only channel which would have Arthur making such a request at this time: the news. The entire hall watched in horror as smoke enveloped downtown London. The newscaster reported that with no warning a massive bomb had exploded in St. James'. There was no indication of who had set the bomb, though several extremist groups had rushed to claim responsibility. The only abnormality before the event was that there were reports of a woman, with raven hair and dressed all in black, appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace just before the bomb went off.


A/N - Sorry, I know this is overdue. I usually am pretty good about updating every week, but I am drastically behind on my writing. Like really drastic as in I only have the next chapter written and nothing after that. I like to keep a few chapters ahead so I don't have large gaps between posting new chapters, it's a pet peeve of mine when author's start writing and go on hiatuses for months (or even just weeks) so I swore I'd never do it.

That being said, I'm probably gonna do it. Ok so it won't be as bad as that, I highly doubt I'll go a month between chapters, but it'll probably be two weeks now instead of every week, maybe three weeks if I end up doing overtime at work as sometimes happens in July and August. My apologies in advance.

As to this chapter, not much to say. Brought back the modern royals as I said I would. They'll go away again soon, though it may not be the last time we see them; as I mentioned I'm not that far ahead in my writing. Aithusa's back! And yes, I've passed on being The Great Dragon to her as if it's like a title or something. We'll see her again soon too. Things are also starting to come to a close, expect only a handful of chapters left, exact number unknown.