A/N I picture Weylyn as a kind of mix between Talisen and Anhora. All knowing but definitely kindly.
This seems to be a very long chapter, but not alot of it is action. Sorry!
I hope all you Merlin fans had a great Christmas with lots of nice presents and that none of the people from Europe, northern parts of USA, Canada or Scandinavia got too cold!
The cave system, in which the druids had taken refuge from the fire, was about half an hour's walk further down the valley. Merlin had been all but carried by Weylyn's two followers, as in his only partly conscious state he was unable to walk unaided. Arthur was extremely reluctant to let the druids close to his man servant at first, but after observing their care and gentleness when helping him to his feet, he allowed himself to relax slightly.
As he followed the druids into their cave, Arthur noticed several children and adults of all ages. He estimated around 18 to 20, although it was hard to count properly as people were moving from the main cavern they had just entered, into a couple of other joined caves and vice versa. Two of the women were preparing food over a fire pit as a couple of children ran past, absorbed in their game of tag.
The Crown Prince felt many sets of eyes on him as he studied the layout of the encampment, his training kicking in again as he quickly summed up exits, possible escape routes and the number and type of weapons (or lack thereof in this case) available if he should need them.
A woman not much younger than Weylyn approached them. She wore a drab coloured, loose fitting, unflattering garment and had scraggy, grey unkempt hair. Her name was Edris and her natural gift of prophecy gave her little interest in her own comfort or appearance; a mortal individual such as herself seemed extremely minute and unimportant when one could see beyond time and distance.
"This is him. As was foreseen he requires our help", she announced after briefly studying the two non druids who had entered their enclave.
The two men bearing Merlin continued through to an inner cave, Arthur following close behind.
"Where are you taking him? You're not doing anything to him unless I say so!" Arthur shouted. Things were getting out of his control and he didn't like it. Why were they acting like they knew his servant or that he was somebody they knew?
"We will care for your companion. He is as important to us as he is to you. Our healer will see he recovers from the ordeal." The druid leader's voice was calm and smooth, his tones radiating a reassurance that Arthur found himself oddly compelled by.
Merlin was gently placed onto a pile of blankets and animal pelts, and a young girl came forward to kneel over him. Arthur supposed she was the so called 'Healer', although he doubted how such a young person could have attained enough knowledge to be useful. She began her examination of Merlin by doing things that Arthur had witnessed Gaius perform many times; listening to his heart, assessing his breathing, and pulling down his lower eyelids to check his colour. Then she helped him drink from a vial which she took out of a leather pouch, hung at her belt. Arthur couldn't quite understand why he was letting this stranger so close to his friend and why he trusted that the potion she administered would not harm him. After a few minutes she quietly told Arthur that his friend needed rest and that he would be fine by morning.
"Arthur, stop thinking so hard, you'll do yourself some damage." It was the first clear words he'd heard from his servant for some time and he crouched down next to Merlin in relief.
"You must be feeling a little better?"
"Yeah. Still tired, but my head aches gone." Merlin answered him.
"Well, you certainly look better. Whatever was in that potion has certainly done something for you."
Merlin had closed his eyes again, nodding his agreement. "You should rest too Arthur. We're safe here don't worry."
That's what he said as the druids first reached them, Arthur thought as he looked down at the invitingly comfortable pile of skins next to Merlin. He wasn't sure why, but somehow he knew that what Merlin said was true.
From a very young age Uther Pendragon's son had been taught that as users of sorcery, druids were evil, treacherous and never to be trusted. Yet here he was in their territory, completely surrounded by them and although he did feel out of place, he did not feel as though he or Merlin were in any danger from these people. Perhaps it was because he was so bloody tired. The Pendragon part of him dimly wondered if they'd managed to enchant him somehow. It was all very bewildering and trying to make sense of it was making him feel more and more exhausted. The semi darkness of the small cavern and the gentle candle light wasn't helping the Prince deny his body the rest it so desperately craved either. After a short time he gave up the struggle, allowing the soft warmth of sleep to overtake him.
The next morning Arthur awoke alone and completely disoriented. He sat up in somewhat of a panic, examining his surroundings with wide eyes. The memory of what had happened returned to him in a rush, forcing him quickly to his feet.
"Merlin!" He shouted into the cavern.
The Healer from last night, who had been seated just outside the entry, moved towards him speaking quiet words, which the Prince didn't hear at first.
"Where's Merlin? What have you done with him?" Arthur had grabbed the girl by her upper arms, and was speaking threateningly at her.
"He's fine, calm down! He's just outside with Weylyn." The girl stood confidently, returning the Prince's glare with her own. "He said you'd be like this. Go and have a look for yourself," she continued, lifting what she could of her left arm to gesture in the direction Arthur should go.
He continued his stare for another few moments, as if searching for a sign that she was lying to him, before abruptly releasing his grip of her and stalking back through into the main cavern. He paused only long enough to scan the area for his friend before he continued on outside into the bright sunlight.
The glare of the natural light was blinding after the candle-lit caves and Arthur found himself having to squint and give his eyes time to adjust before he could resume his search. The predominantly black vista before him was proof that the events of yesterday, although seeming much like the content of a fever induced nightmare, had been real.
Spying a flash of colour to his right, halfway up the hill, Arthur walked hurriedly in that direction. As he got a little closer he could make out Merlin and Weylyn standing side by side, talking animatedly while looking away down the valley through which the fire had devastated.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted to the pair, alerting them of his presence so that they turned to face him. "You shouldn't have snuck off without waking me first," he continued in a reprimanding voice.
"Sorry. But it's fine Arthur, really." Merlin looked back toward the druid apologetically.
"Young Prince, I trust you feel better after a nights rest. You both suffered quite an ordeal yesterday." Weylyn addressed Arthur.
"You've told him who we are then Merlin!" the Prince concluded, albeit incorrectly, as he pulled Merlin out of the Druid elder's earshot. "Do you really think that was wise? The druid's are staunch enemies of my father's! They could hold me to ransom or..."
Like the insolent man-servant he was, Merlin interrupted his Prince's ramblings.
"Arthur, they've already shown their intentions to help. They are a peaceful people. It is not their way to instigate trouble with Camelot. Think about it. Uther has ordered attacks on druids many times but when have they ever started the violence?"
Arthur could recall many instances of druid settlements being wiped out at his father's orders, including one of the first missions he had been allowed to command himself. The recollection of innocent children screaming in fear as they ran from the swords of his men and of countless unarmed adult druids being ruthlessly cut down at his order, haunted his dreams for months afterwards.
"Perhaps there is something in what you say Merlin, but we're a long way from home and we need to be on our guard." The Crown Prince continued in gentler tones. Honestly, if he was half as trusting as his servant was, he would have been taken advantage of, and in all likelihood murdered, years ago.
"The druids are sending out groups to help any survivors and assess the scope of the damage." Merlin informed his Prince excitedly. "They have a network of Healers who will treat injured people and animals, and have stocks of food and other supplies they can distribute."
Arthur turned to the druid elder, frowning and squinting his eyes a little as he thought deeply about what he was hearing.
"That is very considerate of you. I'm sure many of my people need help and I thank you for your assistance."
Weylyn bowed his head in acknowledgement, "We will do what we can for druid and non druid alike."
"You understand that I cannot allow the use of magic in your administerings." Arthur continued, changing to the regal, officious tone his father used when addressing his court.
"Arthur!" Merlin gave the Prince a horrified look, stunned at how offensive he was being after the altruism bestowed upon them. Bloody royal prat!
Weylyn merely raised his eyebrows minutely, not surprised or upset by the judgmental words.
"Do not be disturbed on my account Em.. Merlin. The young Prince has much to learn regarding our ways. It is no fault of his own that his mind has been closed to magic before he has even seen how beneficent it can be."
Merlin had to stop himself from speaking out at that statement. Maybe Arthur hadn't 'seen' magic being used for good but he'd sure been the recipient of it on many occasions!
The druid leader began to walk slowly back to the cave, Merlin following promptly behind him. Arthur remained where he was for another minute absorbing Weylyn's words. He wasn't sure if he had been insulted or not. Surely it was straight forward; magic lead only to corruption and evil.
Arthur looked up from his musings to see Merlin beckoning eagerly for him to follow and took off at a rapid walk after the pair.
"Your young friend has already washed and eaten young Pendragon, now you should do the same. There is food prepared for all who require it inside," Weylyn addressed Arthur before striding over to a group of druids who were about to set off on a mission to provide help.
"Come on Arthur, you need to eat." Merlin urged. "You know how grumpy you are on an empty stomach!"
The next day Merlin was up early again and spending most of his time with the ruid elder. Arthur had already decided that the most sensible thing to do would be to stay put for a few more days where they were safe and had a ready supply of water and food. There was nothing to be gained by wandering around a deadened landscape so they might as well wait till Camelot's patrols got into the area. Arthur was sure his father would have sent search parties out for him and sooner or later word would get to the patrols of his whereabouts. To Merlin's relief the Prince had formally asked the druids if they could ' enjoy their hospitality a little longer ' rather than just take advantage of them.
Merlin was finding his time with the druids, more specifically Weylyn, a refreshing change from the secretive life he was forced to live in Camelot. Around the druid people there was no requirement to hide his magic or pretend he was anything other than his true self. Weylyn freely discussed his and Arthur's destiny with him and encouraged Merlin to explore his magic as much as he wished; as long as the Prince was not nearby of course. Merlin welcomed the opportunity to unburden himself of many of his worries and although the situation around them was catastrophic, Merlin felt more relaxed than he had for a long time.
Each morning Merlin awoke at dawn to walk with the druid elder in private. On the third morning they were staying in the caves, the two walked further than ever.
"The time has come to hasten the healing of the land Emrys," Weylyn announced as they reached a hilltop. "The Earth needed a few days to recover after the blaze but we must act now if wish to prevent those dependant upon the forest from starving."
"You mean with magic?" Merlin studied the older man beside him.
"I do young Warlock. How can we stand by and let innocents suffer when our special talents can be used to provide help?" Who knew how many people had been affected by the disaster, all of them completely innocent and desperate for any help they could get. It would be a cruel negligence not to assist surely?
Merlin had found himself in predicaments before where he'd had to decide whether to use his magic to intervene or to stand by and let someone suffer. When Gwen's father had contracted the Afanc induced plague and Merlin, unable to watch Gwen's misery, decided to heal him using magic, sprang to mind. Unforeseen events had meant Tom the blacksmith had died anyway, but Merlin was sure he had acted with the best possible intentions at the time.
Weylyn raised his right hand and uttered a spell. "Biddan ofergrow wyr." Around their feet, grass sprouted from the dead earth and new shoots appeared on what was left of the trees.
"This is a spell of renewal and regrowth. As the situation is so dire I will need to repeat it every few days so the plants grow large enough to feed those dependent on them."
"Won't that require a lot of energy on your behalf?" Merlin asked his new mentor.
Weylyn nodded. "For someone of my talents, yes it will." He then looked over at Emrys, his eyes filled with respect. "A Warlock of your power could cast a single spell that would stay active for weeks and affect much vaster areas of forest or farmland than I could ever manage."
Merlin searched Weylyn's face for confirmation that he was indeed asking him to help.
"Perhaps that is why you were sent to us at this time Emrys. The Earth and all the animal and human life dependent on it need your magic."
"I will do what I can of course," he answered, humbled by the request. "I have had no formal training though and often turn to books for assistance." Merlin continued, somewhat embarrassed at his confession.
"Do not worry, I will guide you." Weylyn had never had such a prodigious sorcerer to work beside, so was delighted to offer any help he could. To collaborate with the one who was destined to bring about the return of magic to the Kingdom was truly an honourable thing amongst his kin.
For the next 45 minutes Merlin tried out a few versions of the same spell Weylyn has used. He played around with where and how he would emphasize part of a word and added an extra element that would enhance the lifespan of his incantation. Apparently, it was not unusual that a sorcerer needed to adjust a spell to suit his/her own idiosyncrasies.
Merlin steadied himself then began, "Biddan gefeolan forbgelaedan wyr," his eyes flashed to gold then returned to their usual shade of blue. Weylyn could feel the pulse of magic as it left Merlin's raised right-hand and trace the raw power transmitted as it surged through the earth. The visible results were almost immediate and significantly farther reaching than his own spell had been. The amount of regrowth that occurred all around them in the next several minutes was equivalent to around two weeks of naturally paced growth. As long as they received a little more rain, the forest and farmlands should be productive again within 3 or 4 days.
"Incredible." The druid elder stammered to himself. He had seen many displays of magic by many individuals throughout the course of his life, but nothing approaching the magnitude of what he had just witnessed. Although he did not require any proof, Emrys' display made it clear that he was indeed the most powerful Warlock of all time, just as the prophecies had proclaimed.
The fire had destroyed so much territory that it took many repetitions of the incantation before a significant amount of the damage had been repaired. The output of energy was so great for Merlin, that after performing his spell only a handful of times, Weylyn recognized the signs of exhaustion within the young warlock and proposed a team effort instead. His idea was that while he carry out the incantation for re-growth, Merlin would add his magic to magnify and fortify the results. Their combined effort achieved almost as good a result as Merlin's solo spell, without completely depriving Merlin of his energy.
It was inevitable really that Arthur would come upon them just as they were completing one of these collaborative spell.
To Be Continued.
A/N I would love your ideas of what Arthur will think.
The words in the spells used are Old English words. i trid to use a web translater to find words for growth, plants, beseech thee. Sorry if my pathetic skills in language translation have offended!