A/N: thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter and all the favs. Love hearing all your thoughts. =]

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

-)-(-

Pushing open the castle doors and quickly shutting them behind him, Merlin nodded at the guards on duty before taking the stairs to his left two at a time. Making a left, two rights, and several twists more, the warlock soon reached his master's chambers. The hour was not so overly late, which was why Merlin was not surprised to see Arthur still working diligently. The king looked up at his servant's entrance, a somewhat disgruntled look on his face.

"And what are you doing here? Weren't you at the tavern? I'm surprised you even managed to get out of there considering it's your favourite spot."

"It is not!" Merlin protested indignantly, almost pouting.

Arthur laughed at that. "Well, whether it is or it isn't, get out! Honestly, the one time I give you a night off…"

Seeing that this conversation was not going to go anywhere fast, Merlin rolled his eyes before cutting in. "I've agreed to meet Amyas in the Isgard Mountains, six days from now."

"..and you jus-…" Arthur's mouth suddenly snapped shut as the words caught up with him. His face then morphed into disbelieving horror. "You what?"

Merlin cocked his head to one side. "I agreed to mee-"

"I heard you. I just…I didn't pick you for such a fool!"

"Oh didn't you?"

The dopey grin made Arthur question again if Merlin truly was an almighty sorcerer. No one could wield such power and yet be so fantastically stupid.

"And what on earth made you agree to something so ridiculous?"

Merlin's expression sobered and the gaze Arthur was given was both level and unwavering. "This is my way of agreeing to his terms while actually making it on mine."

"Explain to me how any of this is on 'your terms'?"

"Because he thinks it's on his," Merlin said, grinning like a lunatic before stepping forward and taking a seat opposite Arthur, leaning forward on his forearms. "Arthur, we can turn this around now. Amyas thinks I'm going to be coming alone; that I'm going to be scared and powerless. He knows I have magic, but not how much. He has no idea what I'm capable of."

The tone used in that sentence had Arthur wondering if any of them truly understood what Merlin was capable of.

"Alright," he finally conceded, bowing his head in defeat. "We'll do this your way but do not make a habit of this! I can't afford to go running around the countryside on my manservant's whim. I do have a kingdom to run."

Merlin nodded his thanks, knowing that he would not be able to do this without Arthur. And now, now he needed the support of another. Two pieces would be needed for this battle of wills to be won. He had one; he had now only to acquire the other. He got to his feet and bowed, preparing to depart the room.

"Merlin!" Arthur called, a prominent frown on his face. "Answer me this. How was it that you were able to find Amyas to even discuss plans with him?"

"Oh, I met him on the way back from the tavern."

The king spluttered on the draft of wine he was currently drinking. "You w-what? Where were my knights?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow at that. So, Arthur had given the knights a second reason to take him out tonight. While yes, it was to keep him company, but two, and perhaps most importantly, it was to make sure that someone was with him at all times, to protect him, to make sure nothing happened to him.

"Well?" Arthur demanded impatiently. "Where were they?"

His manservant shrugged blasély. "A couple of metres up the way, drunk…mostly. They didn't notice I'd gone. I caught back up with them before they realised I was missing."

His answer only served to deepen Arthur's frown. Obviously he was displeased with his knights' actions. Merlin wanted to step in and defend them but, from the look on Arthur's face, it wouldn't do any good. They were going to get…'spoken' to about this no matter what he did. He doubted his words would have any effect. Arthur was as stubborn as his father had been in some respects and the safety of his friends and those under his care…well, then Arthur became perhaps even more stubborn that Uther had ever been – god forbid.

"Just…don't be too hard on them," he eventually requested, pleading plain in his eyes. "I know better than to sneak into dark alleys on my own. And besides," he added cautiously. "I could have made them not realise I was missing if I'd really wanted to."

Arthur glared at him sharply at that but eventually grunted. Merlin took that as his request being granted. He bowed and began to leave once more only to be called back, again.

"Yes Arthur?" he groaned impatiently.

"Um, excuse me," Arthur shot back. "I'm still your king."

"You're still also a prat," Merlin added unhelpfully. "But what can I do for you…Sire?"

For a moment it seemed as though Arthur would dismiss him purely out of irritation but then his curiousity, and the slightest pinch of concern, won him over. "Where are you going?"

Merlin stumbled slightly at that. "Oh…just…out, you know."

"No, I don't know," Arthur deadpanned, sweeping to his feet. "So I'll ask you again, where are you again?"

"I…"

"I'm not going to ask you again."

The underlying threat in those words though had Merlin grimacing. With a sigh, he gave in. "I must speak with the Great Dragon. This plan involves Aithusa. He has a right to decide what his kin will and won't do."

"Then I'm coming with you," Arthur announced, striding over to his wardrobe and pulling it on. He then gestured to the door. "Lead the way Merlin." At Merlin's blank expression, he shoved him out the door and continued to harry him down the hallway. "Well I hardly know where to find a bloody dragon now do I?"

-)-(-

"This…Amyas…" Morgana said thoughtfully, slowly pacing her hut. "I've never heard of him before. And Arthur believes him to be behind the death of Gaius?"

Agravaine nodded. "I am certain of it. Even now guards are patrolling the lower town in search of him."

"And the creature that attacked the castle…you say it was of magical origin?"

Another nod. "From the descriptions, it was like no creature I have ever seen. The face of a lion, a tail made from a snake, the head of a goat."

Morgana's face twisted into a smirk. "Then it seems we have ourselves an ally. Find this Amyas and bring him to me."

-)-(-

"Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?"

"For the last time Merlin, of course I'm sure!"

Arthur scowled at the incredulous look sent his way; undoubtedly because it was far from the first one he had had to endure. The pair were trekking their way through the forest outside the castle walls. Arthur had to admit that he was appalled at the ease of such a task. No wonder so many sorcerers had been able to infiltrate the city. The standards of his guards needed to be raised. But he doubted it would make any difference to Merlin's comings and goings. From the confidence in which he led Arthur, the king was sure this was one venture he had made often. Even in the depths of knight and with no moon to guide them, Merlin did not hesitate nor did he stumble.

"Why would I want to turn around now anyway?" he asked, pride slightly marred.

The warlock flashed him a grin. "I don't know. Maybe because you're going up against a dragon that could kill you with ease."

Arthur glared at him. "You wouldn't let that happen."

"No," Merlin admitted, "I wouldn't. But that doesn't mean it's not tempting."

"Oi!"

Merlin ducked away from the stick thrown his way, laughing. Arthur wanted to reprimand his servant – or perhaps hit him with another, heavier stick – but Merlin's laugh after so many days of silence and gloom was so welcome that he daren't. And so, when he was absolutely confident that Merlin wasn't looking, he smiled. To see Merlin laughing again, even if it was at his expense, was something he was thankful for. And to have him laughing while on the way to meet this Great Dragon-…

"Hang on!" Arthur suddenly exclaimed, pausing mid-stride. "How do you know this dragon's not going to kill me? He's already tried before!"

"He was angry," Merlin explained with a wave of his hand, wanting to dismiss the subject. "We all do dumb things when we're angry."

"You still haven't answered the question."

Merlin huffed, turning to give Arthur his full attention. "I told you I wouldn't let him and I won't." His face became almost sad. "I can control him Arthur."

Arthur's eyes widened slightly, before nodding. "Of course, the one in the cave." Another thought struck him. "But…What would you do if Morgana found a dragon?"

"She won't," came the reply. "Your father killed all the dragons, save the Great Dragon, and you already know how he got free. And, so, we found another dragon's egg and it hatched. But he would never be loyal to Morgana. Having magic doesn't mean you can control a dragon."

"Then why can you?"

This was why he hadn't wanted to have this conversation. He shrugged, moving away from Arthur, something that did not go unnoticed. "Only a Dragonlord can control dragons."

"Like Balinor," Arthur finished, folding his arms thoughtfully. "But…I thought Gaius said he was the only one."

"He was," Merlin said softly. 'A Dragonlord's powers are passed onto his son when he dies."

Arthur waited a moment, as though expecting more of an explanation to be given. When it wasn't, he mulled over the words, mouth dropping open without his consent when several thoughts aligned. "You mean to say…that Balinor…he was your…"

At the sadness in his friend's face, he knew it to be true. Two steps and he was by Merlin's side, a hand clapping down on his shoulder firmly. "I'm sorry."

Merlin nodded, purposefully looking away to hide the unshed tears in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he blinked them away before sending Arthur a forced smile. "So, unless Morgana and I have the same father – which we don't – and she was a man – a definite no," He laughed at Arthur's partly horrified, partly disgusted face. "Then Morgana cannot control either Kilgharrah or Aithusa."

With that, he set off again, leaving Arthur to chase after him for once. Arriving in the same field as always, Merlin did his precursory glance before sending Arthur a nervous smile. While yes, Arthur seemed to be accepting his magic, how much could he show before it became too much? Did such a point even exist? Or was he already precariously close to it? It was a question Merlin did not have an answer for.

"Not that this isn't fun Merlin," Arthur drawled, punching him in the arm, much to his chagrin. "But if he's not coming then I'm going."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Then let me call him for you, Sire."

Arthur would have commented, had he not become distracted by the – there was no other word for it – roaring that came out of his usually placid manservant's mouth.

"O Drakon, deũte! Móros eivái ảgxifanĥs!"

"That would be dragon tongue then," Arthur guessed, to which Merlin nodded.

"You're not as dumb as you look," was the teasing congratulation.

It was a good wait before the heavy beat of wings alerted them to Kilgharrah's imminent arrival. Pushing themselves up from where they had both been seated, there was no hiding the tension that coiled through Arthur's frame the instant his eyes landed on the beast. Merlin had to admit, had he not known Kilgharrah so well himself, he would find the sight to be an imposing one. A dragon was a truly awesome beast and to not fear it was sheer idiocy.

"Well, well," Kilgharrah stated as he landed, surprising Arthur was his apparent ability to talk. His snout curled into the best 'smile' it could make. "I did not dare dream this day would come so soon, young warlock."

Merlin mirrored his grin. "Nor did I."

Arthur took that as his cue to step forward. "I'm-"

"You are King Arthur of Camelot. You are the Once and Future King and the one destined to unite the land of Albion. Do not suppose I do not know you. It is you for whom I have been waiting."

"…Does he always talk like that?"

Merlin burst into incredulous laughter, Arthur's raised eyebrows only adding to his mirth. "He's usually a lot worse, I assure you. It's always riddle this, riddle that."

"It's a wonder then you can ever get anything from him Merlin. You are a bit of a simpleton."

"I am not! I'm cleverer than you," Merlin argued. "Just because you're too ignorant and…prattish to see it!"

"Oh so now we're back to calling me a prat."

"You were the one that called me a simpleton."

Deep, rumbling chuckles separated them. "Oh that the two most powerful people in all of time would bicker like hatchlings." Kilgharrah lost himself in laughter again. "Perhaps the future is not so set."

"Hey!" "Oi!"

The Great Dragon shook his head. "To see how much more aligned your destiny has become, gladdens my heart. Soon the future that is foretold will come to pass. Magic will return to Albion."

Merlin winced at that while Arthur's brow knitted together. "I spared Merlin's life," he said coldly. "That does not make me a friend of magic and it certainly doesn't make me partitioner for it!"

Kilgharrah just met his gaze. "You cannot hate that which makes you whole. Merlin is magic and magic is he. You cannot hate one but detest the other. That Merlin and magic are accepted together is truth for they cannot be separated."

"Okay," Arthur agreed, completely ignoring the dragon and devoting his attention to Merlin. "You're right; he really does talk much worse. How on earth do you put up with it?"

Merlin quirked his head to one side. "It's a challenge."

"I'll say."

"Merlin!" Their attention snapped back to the subject of their conversation. "I assume there is a reason you called me here."

"I'm not a good enough reason!" Arthur protested, looking somewhat offended.

"I suppose you are, but that I am right is saying that is not your true intent would be correct, would it not?"

Merlin nodded slowly, stepping forward and gradually lifting his gaze until their eyes locked. "Gaius is dead."

The Dragon's face managed a sympathetic edge. "I know how this must pain you Merlin and I am sorry for your loss."

"Thank you," Merlin sniffed, rubbing a hand across his face before seeming to pull himself together and bolster himself, such self-confidence Arthur had never seen. "A man came to Camelot. He threatened me, said he would kill Arthur or Gaius if I did not give him what he wanted."

Kilgharrah frowned. "With what you have just told me, I can assume he did not get it." At Merlin's nod, he urged. "What was it?"

"…Aithusa."

"Merlin!"

The dragon's rage echoed across the field. Arthur stepped back, a hand moving to the hilt of his sword, ready to fight. What he was not ready for was for Merlin's face to contort into a similar expression and yell back with the same amount of fire.

"Do not blame me for this! I have never seen Aithusa outside the times you have permitted it. That someone should know of his existence is no fault of mine!"

"He is all that prevents me from being the last of my kind! Merlin, you have not been careless…?"

"Of course not!" Merlin scoffed darkly. "Who would I even tell? I didn't even tell Arthur!" The king started at the use of name, surprised to find him classified as Merlin's closest confidant. "Perhaps it is you who should monitor where he flies more closely!"

"Alright!" Arthur yelled, cutting in with an irritated look on his face. "Honestly, you're acting like a pair of girls. Someone knows about Aithusa and we don't know how. Not the point now, is it, Merlin?"

"No," his servant admitted, calming himself before next opening his mouth. "I ran into Amyas again and he demanded the same thing."

"And what did you tell him, young warlock?" Arthur was satisfied to hear the calmness in the dragon's voice too.

"…I agreed. But!" Merlin added hastily, knowing a rebuke was coming. "I only did it as a trap, to lure Amyas away from the city. We can fight away from Camelot and away from watching eyes. I can use my magic as needed, not like I could if I were trapped inside the city."

"No Merlin," came the sharp answer. "This, I will not allow. I will not risk Aithusa's life. Meet this man if you must, but leave Aithusa behind."

"I can't! What if he finds out I betrayed him the same way he found out about Aithusa in the first place? He needs to come with us Kilgharrah. You know I wouldn't do this if I thought any harm would come to him. He's as much my kin as he is yours."

Kilgharrah huffed in displeasure and Merlin ignored the consequent sparks that were sent his way. He knew the stakes but the outcome outweighed the risks. And, really, he could see no other way of doing this – not without getting more people killed. This was the safest way, and so, the only way.

A squawk from the trees behind caused Merlin to smile, that grin only intensifying when Aithusa popped out from them. He had arrived with Kilgharrah, though perhaps only Merlin had seen it, and proceeded to hide himself away. Obviously his last encounter with Arthur was still fresh in his head. But now, having been watching the scene and detecting no harm, he allowed his presence to be known. The white dragon scurried across the field, clambering over one of Kilgharrah's front paws as a way of greeting before bounding towards Merlin. A harsh growl from the elder dragon had him retreating. Merlin's face blackened in anger and then he was sniping back at the dragon in that language Arthur did not understand. From what he could gather though, it seemed as if they were arguing over Aithusa. Arthur rolled his eyes. They were like a pair of over-protective parents fighting over whether their only child should be allowed to play outside alone or not.

The young king jumped a good mile when something slammed into his chest unexpectedly. Yelling in alarm, he nearly fell before miraculously managing to maintain his balance, clutching whatever it was that had hit him. Looking down, he sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of the dragon that was currently nestled in his arms and whose head was trying to burrow into his neck.

"Well," Merlin said triumphantly. "I think Aithusa has made his choice."

The golden dragon sighed heavily. "It appears as though you are right. But Merlin, I do not like this."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "But you're going to be coming, aren't you?" Both Merlin and the dragon stared at him in shock. "I'm not writing an invitation," he joked before his serious nature took hold. "I can see that this dragon is like your son. I would not have you abandon him and trust him to strangers so young. He needs you by his side, which is where you will be, if you agree."

"You know my answer without even needing to ask for it," Kilgharrah told him, bowing his head in respect. "You are truly everything the prophecies have foretold."

"Uh…yeah, thanks," Arthur replied awkwardly, grimacing as he removed Aithusa's claws from his shirt so he could thrust him back into Merlin's waiting arms. The warlock held the dragon tightly for a moment, whispering tenderly into its ears, before releasing it. "We will meet again then."

"That we will."

The dragons took their leave of the field, leaving Merlin and Arthur standing alone. "You know…" Arthur said after a long moment of silence. "I've been thinking…for all the battles we've faced and for all the times you've somehow managed to stay alive…You were using magic weren't you."

Merlin scratched the back of his head. "There are so many times, I don't really remember."

Arthur's eyebrows rose at that before his mouth turned up into a smug grin, something that had Merlin's senses suddenly on edge. "You told me once that magic was like a sword," Arthur recalled, drawing his and staring at it thoughtfully. "That you could use it for good or for evil, to attack or to defend."

"Yes…" there was no hiding the hesitation in his voice now, highly suspicious of where Arthur was going with all this.

"You've assured me of your loyalty and your ability to defend me so…what can you do on the other side? What if I…were your enemy?" He waved his sword experimentally.

Merlin stared at him. "You want me to fight you?"

"Yes."

"With magic?"

"Obviously."

"You're nuts!"

Arthur laughed, whacking Merlin with the flat of his sword tauntingly. "Come on Merlin. I know you won't kill me…So…show me what you can do."

It took a moment, but finally a wicked smile rose on Merlin's face. "Alright then, Your Highness. You're on."

-)-(-

A/N: this came out longer than I thought it would but I couldn't seem to cut anything. It was the one chapter that I actually felt really comfortable writing. Let me know what you thought in a review or two. ;)