9/14
Merlin
The White Dragon
"You know what to do" it was a statement, not a question from Thomas as he stepped around the young man who stood before him. The clearing that they had met was empty save the two of them, the nigh air was cold, their breath frosting s they spoke. The man other man was muscular, but dressed in leather, the only other thing adorning him was a necklace with a pendant on it. A dragon with three stars emblemised upon its golden surface.
"I do, but I fail to see why we should assist you, a lot of our number did not recover from the Shade" he replied, eyes narrowed. Thomas stopped pacing, turning to face back of the mans head.
"Because if you succeed then the Order of Sareal will no longer have to operate in silence, live in the shadows of the land. Merlin will guarantee that" Thomas explained. The man tilted his head slightly.
"And if we refuse?" he asked. Thomas let out a low chuckle.
"If you refuse, then the order will find itself a thing of the past. Merlin can guarantee that as well I assure you" Thomas said, slowly he moved around the man, stopping in front of him. "Times are changing, Arthur's rule is coming to an end, now, it would be… beneficial for you to join with the winning side" Thomas said. The man regarded him, but remained silent, before finally nodding.
"I will need to talk to the others before I agree" he admitted. Thomas nodded at him, then turned away.
"I wouldn't take too long in your decision if I were you. Merlin, despite all appearances is not a patient person" he said then vanished in a magical vortex of energy. The man watched the empty space for a few moments then turned and walked back into the dead forest.
Merlin looked up as Thomas reappeared; Thomas smiled and looked at his hand.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this" he said, then looked at Merlin. "Not that I'll ever be up to your standards" he admitted.
"What did they say?" Merlin asked, ignoring Thomas's comment.
"The Order is all but ours" Thomas assured him. Merlin frowned, eyes narrowed. "Oh don't look so concerned Merlin, I've already told them they join us or they die, only an idiot would refuse such an offer" he added. Merlin nodded, but still looked unconvinced.
"I'm taking a lot on faith here Thomas, this had better work" he whispered. Thomas remained silent, instead going to the rat cage and taking one out. Merlin watched him eat, then turned away. It had been a week since Mordred had escaped, and he had punished Thomas. But what he hadn't been obvious at the time had become known three days later. Thomas had been having visions since returning, but after his punishment something had woken inside of him, and he had used magic. Not powerful magic, but it was there. Now Merlin found himself watching his ally closer and closer, not trusting this unexpected development. But the more he thought of it, the more he could not help but see the advantage this gave him. For now, instead of a Warlock and a fighter, Arthur would now have to deal with two magic users. But that was for the future. Best Arthur remain oblivious of that fact, at least until Merlin was ready to announce it.
Arthur was standing on the Balcony of the Tavern, looking out at the castle. Its normally white walls were blackened with soot, the Battlement's were gone, but so was the rubble that had been strewn across the courtyard. Slowly he took in a deep breath, feeling the cold enter his body. Behind him the door opened, he didn't look back, just listened as the soft footfalls fell on the floor, stopping beside him. Freya remained silent staring at the castle, as he was. There was a lot of tension between them, Balinor's death a substantial part of that tension. Arthur had claimed that responsibility for this awkwardness between them.
"Arthur" her voice was soft, barely carrying on the gentle breeze.
"How are the repairs?" asked Arthur in reply. Freya shrugged.
"Going slowly" she admitted. Arthur nodded, knowing that would be the case, with the damage to the land from the Shade, healthy wood was a precious commodity. Still the spell that Freya, Morgana and Andrea had woven was still taking effect, it wasn't working as near as fast as the shade had, but they had around half a mile of greenery near the kingdom once again. Beside him Freya shifted ever so slightly.
"Arthur I wanted to apologise" she blurted out. He blinked, and then finally turned his attention to her. "I was wrong to speak to you like that, to be so… bitter" she said. "I just saw Balinor and…" her voice caught slightly.
"I understand, I know what you're going through, I feel it as well" he said gently. Freya shook her head.
"But I was selfish, I allowed grief to consume me, not once thinking of what you were feeling" she said. Arthur shook his head sadly.
"I loved Balinor as my own, If I could go back, change that moment I would, he meant more to me than anyone could know" he said. Freya gave a tight, sad smile.
"I know, and you looked to me for support and I turned away. Arthur I never wanted you to go through that pain alone, that you did, that was my arrogance" she admitted, then she let the tears fall, Arthur pulling her into a soft embrace.
"Arthur I am so sorry" she said as she sobbed. Arthur kissed the top of her head, looking up as Gwen walked out, having recovered from her injury's mostly intact. She smiled at him, and he held out his hand to her, she moved forwards, taking it even as Freya embraced her. People in the street below looking up, aware of the personal tragedy that had befallen the king and his allies. That this display of affection was taking place in view of them only made them more assured that their king was a good and just one.
"Sire, you should come" said Gaius, poking his head out of the door. Arthur looked over at him, frowning. "Rory is awake" he added. Arthur nodded and pulled away gently from the two women, leaving them there as he walked into the dark interior of the Inn.
Rory attempted to stand as Arthur walked in, but he shook his head, she smiled gratefully, remaining on the bed as he approached.
"Sire" she said softly. Arthur sat down opposite her, aware of the still comatose Morgana lying behind him.
"How do you feel?" he asked gently, noticing the bandage on her head and the sling on her arm.
"I've felt better" she admitted. Arthur allowed a small smile to touch his lips.
"What do you remember?" he asked her gently. Rory turned away, blinking.
"all of it" she said. Merlin appearing on the battlements, Balinor saving Gwen, the pain as I hit the wall, hearing Gwen scream as the one behind her collapsed…" She said, even as the images flashed through her mind in rapid succession.
"Gwen said you pushed her out of the way when Merlin tried to attack her" Arthur said.
"Yes, a lot of good it did anyone" she replied, almost bitterly. Arthur shook his head.
"Don't sell yourself short Rory, If it hadn't been for you then who knows how this would have turned out" he said. She looked at him then, then away again.
"Gaius says I have a fractured collarbone, a few bruised ribs, nothing too serious" she said. Arthur nodded at her.
"I know, I've been in here every night checking on you and… Morgana" he said. Rory smiled.
"Thank you" she said. Arthur shook his head.
"no, I just wish I could have done more" he said.
"How is she?" asked Rory, looking past him. Arthur shook his head.
"I don't know, still comatose" he admitted, then gave a short sharp bark of a laugh, Rory looking back at him frowning.
"It's weird" he admitted. "She has been a constant pain in my side for so many years.. so many battles, and yet. If I could see her wake up, give me some hateful comment, it would be alright" he said. Rory frowned. "Oh, don't get me wrong, she's not my friend, not anymore, but lately, I've begun to wonder what would have turned her so dark, I know my father would have said the magic, but no, its more than that" he said. "is it something I did?, or my father?" he wondered aloud. Rory smiled and shook her head.
"If she had come to you, I don't think you would have turned her away" Rory admitted. Arthur shook his head.
"I'm not so sure, it was so… engrained back then, magic and magic users were evil. A thing to be wiped out before they could do damage" he said. "And then everything happened, My father died, The battles with Morgana, the Rage, learning Merlin had always had magic, then Morrigan and the battle where he died, now here we are, fighting the corpses of men I once respected. And one who was my brother, magic be damned" he admitted. Rory was silent for several moments, never having had Arthur admit so much to her before, slowly she reached out her good hand and placed it on his shoulder, then she smiled.
"I knew the Merlin with magic" she said. Arthur looked at her, frowning.
"He was a good man, and so dedicated to you and Camelot" she began. Arthur listened.
The clearing was not empty this time, the man was there, a lot of the order of Sareal in tow.
"You said he'd be here, so where is he?" demanded a woman from behind him, before he could reply there was a blast of wind and Thomas appeared.
"You're late" said the man, stepping forwards. Thomas regarded him with a tilted head.
"Then I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, but you know how it is, things to do, people to kill" he replied. "I take it you have discussed our… proposition with your drinking buddies" Thomas said mildly. The man snarled at the obvious insult.
"We have. The arrangement is… agreeable, but we demand certain assurances you will keep your word" he said. Thomas laughed at that.
"A man of no honour demands such a thing in return, oh I like that" he said, then faster than anyone could see Thomas had the mans throat in his hand, gripping tightly. "You'll just have to trust me" Thomas sneered. The man struggled for a moment before Thomas lowered him to the ground, letting him go. The man coughed as he drew air back into his lungs, before he looked up at him.
"Now now Thomas, that is no way to behave with a valued ally is it?" asked Marlin stepping out. The crowed gasped as he walked forwards, they were afraid of Thomas, that was certain, but if they were afraid of him then they were terrified of Merlin. Thomas looked at him, bowed and moved away. The man was much taller than Merlin, but his gaze never met his.
"I give you my word that when this is over the Order of Sareal will become a power within the land" Merlin said. "But, it all depends on how well you do with this task, Find the White Dragon, find it, and capture it" he stated.
"It will not be easy" stammered the man. Merlin smiled at him, a smile that quickly went dark.
"What of the other one?" asked a voice from the crowd. Merlin looked over.
"Kilgharrah? Well he's about to see what it means to anger a Dragonlord" Merlin said, then he handed the man a small crystal. He took it and frowned.
"When you have the Dragon, use this, we'll be along soon enough" Merlin said, then he turned away.
"Thomas" he said. Thomas grinned and then following Merlin they both vanished. After a few moments an older man stepped forwards, clasping the other man by the arm.
"I do not trust them" he said, his eyes narrowed. The man turned to him, head tilted.
"nor do I, but better to deal with the enemy you know than the enemy you don't" he replied.
"this choice is of course yours, but I fear this will get out of hand, very quickly" the man nodded, then pulled away.
"Come, we have our task, so let us attend to it" he yelled. Around him, the other members of the order roared.
"so, this is how you treat your vaunted allies" snarled Leon as the door opened and Arthur walked in with Gwaine and Freya. Leon and Percival had both been manacled, stripped of their weapons and put into the smallest, dingiest room in the Tavern. Arthur looked at him with contempt.
"This is how I treat the people who have wronged me and have a lot to do to earn my trust" he replied.
"Then you will be waiting a very long time, if you expect us to beg for forgiveness then you are sadly mistaken" he replied. Arthur lost all pretence of charity then and slammed his fist on the table.
"Impressive, perhaps you'd like to throw a goblet or two? Would that make you feel better?" Leon asked, tauntingly. A split second later Arthur's sword was at his throat, point pressed to his Adam's apple.
"You lied to us" Arthur hissed. "We sent men to the small hut, and found nothing…" his voice was a whisper.
"And you're surprised?" asked Percival. "Merlin knows where we are, you think he'd stay there for you to just stumble into him?" Percival asked.
"Then where is he?" demanded Arthur. Leon laughed, despite the sword pressed to his throat.
"Did you really become that stupid in the year we were dead?" he demanded. "We have been here, locked in this room, or did you fail to notice that?" he replied. Arthur glared at him for several moments.
"Arthur" Freya's voice, gentle, serene. Arthur blinked then pulled the sword away.
"Much Better" Leon stated. Arthur glared at him.
"I swear, if this is an elaborate hoax or trick, then I will have your head" he fumed, then stormed out.
"You're welcome to try" Leon muttered. Slowly Freya moved over to him, glaring down into his eyes.
"Oh believe me, if this is a trick, he won't have to deal with you. And I can be so much worse" she whispered. Then turning, glaring at Percival, she left the room.
"Tell me again why we're here?" said Thomas as he and Merlin stood looking at the ruins of their former citadel. Merlin glanced up at him.
"Because something has survived here" he replied, then he grinned. "Something that will make Arthur wish he was never born" Merlin muttered, stalking forwards. Thomas behind him.
"We should be dealing with the Dragon" Thomas stated.
"Oh we will be Thomas, I just need to find the book first" Merlin told him.
"What book?" asked Thomas. Merlin just grinned at him in reply.
"Well?"
"It's there Helios, just as Thomas promised" replied his subordinate. Helios looked around the side of the large rock he was hiding behind, scanning the view before him.
"I see no… ahhh there it is" he muttered, spotting the White Dragon sleeping on its roost, unaware that it was being watched. Slowly Helios looked back at the nearest person to him.
"An idea's on how to capture it?" he whispered.
"We should have had Sardor with us, at least then we'd have some magic to use" the man replied. Helios rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the small white Dragon, considering his options, slowly he turned back.
"Use the nets first, keep it low to the ground"
"It'll burn the nets"
"Not if we're quick enough, if we use enough of the sleeping agent on it, it'll be out before it knows what's happening" Helios said.
"Will that stuff even work on a Dragon?" asked a woman from the back of the group.
"Sardor assured me not even the most powerful of creatures can resist its effect for long"
"You'd best be right Helios, or this will be the end of the order"
"I am" Helios replied. "Now on my signal, attack"
Aithusa slept fitfully on his small roost, the land was in turmoil, and, as a creature of magic, he could feel the land trying to recover from the shade, he could also feel the pain of the one who had been his father. The Great Dragon, Kilgharrah, returned from the dead but conflicted. Mad even. It was a sorrowing feeling, despair and grief wrapped in glee and maliciousness. That was not existence, it was torture. Slowly he opened one eye, hearing something nearby. Raising his head he scanned left and right, watching. He could feel it nearby, but whatever it was he had no idea. That was when they rushed from their hiding places, hundreds of men and woman, all of them yelling as they moved towards him. The White dragon was startled, and sat up, its inquisitive eyes taking them in. then he felt it, the heavy drape of a net entangling his wings. Why were they doing this? Who were these people?
The Dragon strained against the nets, feeling them beginning to snap. Below him a large dark skinned man pointed up at him.
"Use the vials!" he roared, tossing a vial towards the Dragon. The glass hit his skin, smashing, releasing a foul smelling vapor. A moment later several more of the vials smashed against the young Dragon's skin. The Dragon roared, and belched flame down towards the people who were attacking him, even as he ripped the last of the net free. With a roar he spread his wings, then the whole world went crazy, the view before him spinning around. Aithusa stumbled around for several moments, flapping his wings to no avail. With a last glance at the triumphant looking Helios the dragon tittered, then fell to the ground, its eyes closed.
Far away, on what had been the remains of his own roost, Kilgharrah looked up into the sky and roared.
"MERLIN!" then, great wings flapping Kilgharrah took flight.
Arthur found himself sitting alone with Morgana, looking down at her soft features. Now she was asleep, she looked so much like the woman he had cared about, other then the woman who had become his enemy. Slowly he let out a long breath.
"You have caused me so much damned trouble, you know that?" he whispered as he looked at her. "And I don't know why. Was it because of my father? Something I did?" he asked softly. "I cared about you Morgana, we all did. I can understand you not telling Uther, but surely you must have realized I would have protected you? But no, instead you run off with Morgause, go missing for a year, then attack us relentlessly. And I don't know why. Why you didn't feel safe coming to me" he stated. "So you know something? When you wake up, I want to know okay. Because believe it or not, despite everything you've put me through, put us through, all of us, there's not a one among us who wouldn't still try to help you" Slowly he moved a strand of hair away from Morgana's forehead.
"Just. Wake up okay" he whispered as he stood. Slowly he turned and walked away, missing the tear that fell from the corner of Morgana's eye.
Outside, Arthur found Gwen standing with Gaius and Freya. Rory and Kyle were speaking quietly over in the corner of the room, everyone looking up as he approached.
"Problem?" Arthur asked, becoming all business.
"Not as such, we're discussing what to do about Merlin and Thomas" Gwen said, Rory looking over at the sound of her husbands name.
"We need to stop them, this latest attack, the fact Merlin could kill his own son, I know now the Merlin I cared for is gone" Arthur said. "And if Thomas stands with him, then we'll deal with him too" Arthur added.
"Surely there must be some way, some means we can use to change them back" Rory said moving over.
"I'm sorry Rory, if there was I would gladly take it, but the truth is, no one knows a spell to do such a thing" he stated, then he took a deep breath and looked around the group. "I'm am sorry my friends, but when we next cross paths, then only one group of us will be left standing" he stated.
"No Arthur. There is another way" Arthur and the group whirled around to see Morgana leaning heavily against the door, as behind them, Elyan came rushing up the stairs.
"Sire, you'd better get outside" he said. Arthur found himself torn, Gaius taking the initiative and moving over to Morgana with Freya and Rory at his side. Arthur nodded at him, then with Kyle, Gwen and Elyan, moved outside to join Gwaine. The knight was looking up at the sky as people ran around in fear, the cause evident a moment later as Kilgharrah flew overhead.
"Oh hell" muttered Arthur as Kilgharrah swooped low over the city.
"Arthur Pendragon!" Kilgharrah roared.
"I'm here!" Arthur called back, Kilgharrah swooping around the face him.
"This is your fault, you did not protect Balinor, you did not protect my kin! Now he has been taken!"
"Wait, what? Who's taken what?" Arthur asked.
"My own child, Aithusa, now relies on the mercy of the dead warlock"
"Merlin? Merlin has the White Dragon?" Arthur asked.
"You will find him Arthur, you will find them and Rescue Aithusa or I will finish what Merlin began here!" Kilgharrah vowed.
"Where? Where do I go!" Arthur yelled as yet another problem fell into his lap.
"Five miles south of here!"
"Why can't you stop them!" shouted Gwaine.
"Be grateful I have not done so, because if I start attacking I will not be able to stop myself" Kilgharrah said, then before anyone else could reply Kilgharrah swooped up and over the buildings.
Far away, the Tower of Dolgos stood long abandoned. It's keeper having finally moved on. Now the tower was beginning to crumble. It's traps no longer working now the magic had dissipated from the building. Slowly the man climbed the long staircase, stopping only at the top. Slowly he looked around, taking in the pedestal where the Scepter of Dolgos had once rested, and beside it, the charred corpse of Nimueh. Walking forwards he crouched down and placed his hand on it.
"You yet have work to do" he whispered. His eyes flashed golden and the corpse vanished. Smiling he stood and turned back to the stairs. He grinned evilly to himself. If Arthur and Merlin thought they had trouble now, well no matter how this played out, they'd be in so much more soon enough.
"One down, two to go" he muttered as he too vanished.
Helios looked at the remains of the crystal that lay shattered around his feet. So far neither Thomas or Merlin had shown up.
"I told you this was a bad idea" hissed a man near to him. Helios looked at him, then at the dragon.
"We'll be in trouble when it wakes up, best to kill it now I say" he added.
"And risk Merlin's wrath? You're either very brave or very foolish" Helios replied.
"Too true" said Merlin as he and Thomas appeared.
"You're late, again" Helios said.
"You have the Dragon I see" Merlin said, as he clutched a large book to his chest. Helios looked at it with interest, then back at Merlin.
"You doubted us?" he asked.
"Not at all, your reputation does you justice"
"And our payment?" asked a man.
"Of course, when Arthur is dead, you will all be rewarded, I assure you" Merlin stated.
"And when will that be?" asked Helios. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him.
"Now who doubts who?" he asked dangerously.
"I mean no disrespect, its just we have been outlawed for so long, we are eager to serve the new regime" Helios wilted under the glare.
"Helios, if I thought for one moment you actually meant those words.. as it stands, you will get your reward but you will have to have some patients" Thomas said stepping in.
"As it is, be glad you have your lives" Merlin stated. Then dismissing Helios he turned to the captured Dragon. He moved towards it, holding out his hand, his eyes glowing briefly as the nets became solid metal. The same type that had bound Kilgharrah under Camelot for so long.
"There, that takes care of that little impediment" he muttered.
"what did you do?" asked Helios. Merlin turned to look at him.
"Nothing that concerns you. Now I suggest you leave before any trace of charity on my part also takes a hike" Merlin told him. Helios took the hint, and with a nod at the rest of the order, they quickly left Merlin and Thomas alone. Slowly Thomas stepped forwards, regarding the Dragon, as beside him, Merlin produced a blade from next to his sword.
"What are you doing?" he asked. Merlin grinned and looked from Thomas back to the Dragon.
"Taking my rightful place once again" he said stepping forwards, Thomas following his movements. Merlin walked up to Aithusa, brandishing the dagger as he did so. Slowly Aithusa opened his eyes, struggling to move.
"Merlin, I implore you, what you're doing is dangerous" Aithusa warned him. Merlin grinned at him.
"Tell it to someone who cares" he replied as he lifted the dagger.
"STOP!" the yell took both Merlin and Thomas by surprise. The pair of them turning to see Arthur riding to a halt with Gwaine, Elyan and Kyle at his side, behind him, Freya also rode into view.
"Stop?" Merlin actually laughed at Arthur, as the king dismounted, Thomas moving to Merlin's side.
"If you hurt him Kilgharrah will obliterate everything!" Arthur warned him. Merlin put his hand to his mouth in mock horror.
"Oh, we can't let him do that. I'd better stop then" he teased, then he snarled at Arthur and the others. "In case you hadn't noticed my liege Kilgharrah is the least of your worries" Merlin informed him.
"Merlin I warn you, I will stop you" Arthur stated. Merlin began to laugh, then looked up.
"You and what army?" he demanded. Arthur looked behind him as a legion of knights moved into view.
"This one" Arthur said with a grin. Merlin looked at them then back at Arthur as Kilgharrah swopped in overhead. Merlin bared his teeth in a snarl.
"Merlin…" Thomas said as Kilgharrah landed nearby. He eyed the dragon warily. Merlin looked from the Dragon behind him, to the small army in front of him.
"It's over Merlin, there's no escape this time" Arthur said, almost sadly.
"You think you have the upper hand here?" asked Merlin. "No matter how you look at this Arthur, I hold all the cards. I have Aithusa, not you, and are you really going to risk your own people harming him while getting at me and Thomas?" Merlin asked. Arthur blinked, looking at the trapped Dragon, then at Merlin and Thomas. "You gambled before and lost Arthur, do you really want more blood on your hands?"
"Any blood that has been spilled is of your own doing!" Arthur shouted at him.
"Yet you continue to pit yourself against me!" Merlin roared. "No Arthur, this is your doing!"
"Don't listen to him Arthur" Freya whispered. Arthur glanced at her as she gripped his arm, feeling the strength of her magic trembling just below the surface. Slowly Arthur looked back at Merlin.
"The Merlin I knew and loved is gone, you are not that man, you never were and you never will be" Arthur hissed at him.
"Finally Arthur learns his lesson" Merlin said, then he smiled and looked at Thomas. "Ready?" he asked softly. Thomas smiled and nodded at him. Arthur frowned, as did Freya and the other knights. Before anyone could react, Thomas launched a large fireball towards Arthur and the others, they scattered avoiding its impact, even as Merlin whirled around and slashed the captured Dragon, cupping a vial under the wound. Kilgharrah roared and moved forwards, even as Merlin whirled to face him, and with Thomas at his side, staggered the dragon back. Arthur roared and ran forwards, sword raised, as Merlin turned back to him, he held up his hand, his eyes glowing as Arthur stopped suddenly and began to choke.
"Goodbye Arthur" Merlin said as Arthur dropped his sword, grasping at his throat.
"ARTHUR!" Kyle yelled, then ran forwards, only to be blasted away hard by Thomas. The young knight went flying hitting the base of Aithusa's roost with a bone snapping thud. Arthur meanwhile had stopped struggling, and now hung limply in the air, before he was tossed away. Merlin smiled as the Army surged forwards. Slowly he held up his arms.
"Conflurie!" he roared, a sudden release of energy shooting from him, the knights went flying away to tumble across the ground. Beside him Thomas grinned as Merlin walked over to the unmoving Arthur.
"I already told your friends Arthur. I win" he snarled, then with a nod to Thomas the pair of them vanished.
"Arthur?" Freya had recovered enough to move to his side. Arthur's eyes remained closed as she gently lifted his shoulders, allowing his head to rest on her legs.
"Bring him here" Aithusa's voice called over to her. Freya looked up, then at Gwaine.
"Help me" she said as they approached the still caged dragon. They placed Arthur in front of him, and Aithusa slowly opened his mouth, breathing over the fallen King. Freya and Gwaine watched in silence, then both let out sighs as Arthur took a deep hitching breath.
"Thank you" Freya said softly.
"How do we get the chains off him?" asked Gwaine.
"An enchanted weapon" Aithusa said. Gwaine nodded then reached down, removing Arthur's sword. Slowly he raised it high, before whipping it around, the Chains snapped, Aithusa using his returning strength to remove them. Slowly the dragon stood, staggering from side to side, still partially under the effects of the potions Helios and his men had used.
"are you alright?" asked Freya as Gwaine replaced the sword at Arthur's side.
"I shall recover, but it will take time" Aithusa replied.
"Please, my young friend.." Elyan said running over, gesturing to Kyle. The dragon looked at him sadly.
"I cannot, I can only save those who still have a shred of life within. I am sorry for your friend" Aithusa explained sadly. Elyan felt the tears falling from his eyes.
"But he's just a young man, he has his whole life to live!" Elyan protested.
"If I could do anything sir knight, believe I would do it" Aithusa told him. "Sir Kyle is at peace now" Elyan looked at Kilgharrah. The great Dragon shook its head.
"As Aithusa explained, he is beyond our help" he said. Elyan turned away, Freya nodding at Gwaine to go to him. Gwaine moved to Elyan, the pair of them walking over to Kyle's body.
"What happens now?" Freya asked Aithusa. The Dragon closed it's eyes.
"Now, now the nightmare begins" he replied.
"You must rest Aithusa" Kilgharrah said, ducking low. Aithusa moved over and settled down next to Kilgharrah.
"Will you be safe here?" asked Freya.
"I will watch over him" Kilgharrah replied. Freya nodded, then looked down as Arthur slowly opened his eyes.
"What happened?" Arthur asked as Freya helped him to sit up. Slowly he looked around at his men, most of them limping, some moaning in pain. He glanced at Freya.
"Merlin?" he asked.
"And Thomas. We weren't ready for two of them" Freya said. "They escaped" she added. Arthur growled and pulled away from her roughly. Her voice lowered slightly. "Kyle is dead" she said sadly. Arthur closed his eyes at the news, then looked back at Freya.
"I swore the next time I met him I would kill him, again I failed" he said.
"we'll have another chance to stop them Arthur" Freya said.
"And we will stop them" he snarled as he walked away.
Thomas munched a rat as Merlin poured the Dragons blood into a small mortar, then held his hand over it, the liquid heating up.
"O Drakon, Est Blood, Tramla col O Drakon" Merlin intoned. The blood stopped bubbling and Merlin picked up the mortar. Slowly he brought the bowl to his lips and looked at Thomas. Then he tipped the contents back and swallowed the boiling blood. He licked the blood from his lips, then went rigid, the bowl falling from his hands to smash on the floor. Thomas moved to him to stop him collapsing, instead helping him gently to the floor.
"Merlin?" he asked Gently. "MERLIN?" more forcefully. Merlin did not reply, instead he remained in blissful unconsciousness.
Kilgharrah looked at Aithusa, who let out a sad sigh.
"The Dragon Lord returns" Aithusa whispered. "Arthur must be warned"
"He will be" Kilgharrah said softly, as he looked back at the sky.
MERLIN
"The Book is known as the Corth'Dar Sygian" Aithusa explained as Arthur listened.
"So there is a way to get them back?" asked Arthur.
"yes, but it will be dangerous" Morgana explained
"So if Merlin's not a Dragonlord, then who the hell is?" demanded Morgana.
"That I do not know" Aithusa explained.
"It's time Thomas, time to bring Arthur and Camelot to ruin, once and for all"
"I knew it!" Gwen yelled as Percival and Leon launched their own attack on Gwaine and Elyan. Beside her, Rory unsheathed her own sword. Gwen grabbing her arm, as Thomas stepped into the room.
"My lady" he said looking at Gwen.
"This is it Arthur, no running, no hiding, just you and me, the way it was destined to be" Merlin said as he faced Arthur in the courtyard. Above them, Freya and Morgana we're locked in battle against Thomas.
Authors note: sorry this took so long guys, but it should all be back on track now. Hope the story isnt too dissapointing to you. As it stands this has had, in total thirty eight re-writes so far. The reason is because I'm coming to the end now, so there is a lot to tie up. hope you all enjoy. And for those wondering about Nimueh and the mysterious man, all will be explained in time
Xand.