Three days later Merlin woke up properly for the first time, but he was still in a confused. The dehydration and poor state he was in as well as the infection had left him confused and still sleeping most of the time. He was told he was free and safe but he still sometimes believed he was still in the caves. So it was decided not to tell him who Balinor was for now instead they had continued to call him Ah-teen. As it was mostly Gwaine who was looking after him it hadn't been hard

As soon as it could be arranged and Merlin was stable enough to survive the journey to Turkey the group set of in an ambulance. The group consisted of Merlin, his father, Arthur and Gwaine. There was a doctor on board, who had come out with the ambulance from Turkey. They had full documentation and an escort secured from the Syrian Government so should have a clear run through. Gwaine had decided to cut his stay short so he could spend time with Merlin and his mother. Hunith had semi adopted him a few years previously.

Balinor was still finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that he was the father of a grown man. When Merlin had been asleep he would spend hours just looking at him. He could see Hunith in him as well as himself. As soon as they had confirmed that it was Merlin Morgause had kept her promise and arranged for someone to tell Hunith. But before they had Arthur told her that Ah-teen was in fact Balinor Blevins Hunith's long lost fiancé, and the story behind him not returning. Morgause then looked up the reliant papers and finding it was true she decided to make the visit herself.

Hunith Emrys saw the rather posh car pull up outside her house and had the door open by the time Morgause had reached it. "Have you come with news of my son" she asked, frightened by what answer she would get.

"I have, May I come in? I would like to talk to you privately" Morgause could see several people hanging around clearly eavesdropping.

That made Hunith's heart sink even lower "Of course came in, do I need to make a cup of tea" she asked looking at the sharp dressed and hard looking woman in front of her.

Morgause gave a rare smile "It might be an idea, but let me tell you I do bring good news"

Hunith beamed "Right kettle on" she quickly made her way to the kitchen and got the kettle on and sorted out some cups and biscuits.

Morgause had followed Hunith into the kitchen. "I see you have lots of photos up of your son, you must be very proud of him"

"I am, he's done so well, it hasn't been easy, no father about and me working full time, but we've always been close" Hunith made the tea "In here or the living room?"

"In here I think, something about a kitchen, the heart of the home" Morgause surprised Hunith. Her kitchen was just that, she spent more time there than in the living room. It wasn't huge but had a very homely feel.

"First off your son Merlin has been rescued and will be in the UK within the week. At the moment he is being made fit to travel, he has got dysentery I'm afraid, his friend Gwaine is traveling with him. As is Lord Arthur Pendragon who went to Syria to help get him released."

Hunith was over joyed to hear her son had been found, it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders "Thank you, thank you so much" she put her hand to her eyes and wiped away a tear. "I had been having such terrible thoughts I lost someone dear to me many years ago in similar circumstances" Hunith explained. "And it's good to hear Gwaine is coming home, he's a good boy. Please thank Lord Pendragon for me"

"I'm sure you will see him again, I do have some other news for you, good I hope" Morgause paused "It comes with an apology from the British Government." She looked at Hunith "There's no easy way of saying this so I'll just say it. The agent who found your son and arranged his release is also coming back, rather later than he should have. I have had a contact with this man since I took over my department but it seems he has been working for us for a great many years."

Hunith was looking at Morgause with puzzlement "Well it will be nice to thank him if I may."

Morgause swallowed "Ms Emrys you know the agent, or did do….he himself was a captive for four years many years ago when he was freed he was persuaded to work for the UK government. He was told, at the time, you had married he felt he had nothing to come back for, he was misinformed. It's Balinor Blevins, I have only ever known him by the name he has used since Ah-teen."

Hunith went as white as a sheet then she became angry "Are you telling me Balinor has been alive all this time and that we were kept apart by lies! My son had no father because the Government lied to us both!"

"Ms Emrys, I'm sorry, it only came to light when Lord Pendragon asked me to help with the search for your son. I asked Ah-teen to help, he was given your son's name and date of birth but he said nothing, until they collected your son from the rebels who were holding him. Then he told Lord Pendragon, I can assure you it was as much as a surprise to me than anyone. I have passed all the details on to the relevant people"

"But it was your department's lies that kept them apart"

"No, Ms Emrys I work for MI6. We have used Ah-teen over the years but he was not recruited by us but the foreign office." Morgause protested "But I will make sure this is looked at in full"

"MI6? What has Lord Pendragon got to do with MI6 he's a playboy! I can't believe you people would do this!"

"Lord Pendragon knows many people, and because your son saved his life he asked me as a favour to see what I could do to expedite your sons rescue. Now Ms Emrys Mr Blevins had expressed a wish to meet you, as yet because of your son's condition he has no idea that Ah-teen is his father. Gwaine thought it best it wait until he is able to take it in fully. I know this is a shock to you" Morgause handed Hunith a card "Please ring me when you have had chance to digest all I have told you. But you have your sons back for that you must be relieved"

"Of course I want to see Balinor, oh my goodness you have no idea, thank you for finding my son…..it's all too much, I thought I'd lost both of them. I'm sorry for taking it out on you, you're not old enough for it to be your fault, but after all this time. It's so unfair"

"As soon as I get a time of arrival in the UK I will contact you and send a car for. In the meantime phone if you need anything, and Ms Emrys I realise you are a sensible woman, please keep MI6 and Lord Pendragon out of his if you speak to anyone, for now at least"

Hunith looked at Morgause "I will, don't worry, I have my son back and Balinor is alive that's all I need to know for now. Thank you for helping." She paused "There is one thing can I phone Gwaine, I have his number"

"You can try but he may be in transit. If you do please keep your conversation just to your son for now please" Morgause was confident Hunith wouldn't get through but she had no need to tell her that.