"come on, I'll take you there" Tom said, looking at Merlin. Merlin shook his head however.
"No, I don't want you getting involved, its too dangerous" Merlin replied.
"More dangerous then staggering around an unknown city in the dark?" Tom said.
"He's got a point Merlin, besides, if this Morgana chick is in league with his boss then we're already involved" Tawny said. Tom nodded, then blinked.
"no one said anything about you" he replied. Tawny raised her eyebrows at him.
"And when did I ever listen to you?" she asked.
"Look I appreciate all this, I really do, but I'm not about to risk you getting hurt" Merlin cut in. Slowly the two of them looked at him.
"Merlin, as much as we appreciate the sentiment, use your brains, how far do honestly think you'll get by yourself? You don't even know where you are" Tom pointed out. Merlin sighed and looked at him, then at Tawny.
"You're as stubborn as Arthur is" Merlin said. Tom smiled and opened the door.
"Then I'm in good company" he said, leading the others out.
"What is that?" asked Merlin as he looked at the car.
"A car" said Tom. Merlin shook his head as if to say a what?
"Think of it as a horseless carriage" Tawny told him as Merlin got into the back seat. Tawny a moment later settling in next to Tom.
"Great" Merlin muttered as the car started forwards. He gripped the back of the front seat like a drowning man as they drove into the night. Tom looked up into the rear view mirror and grinned at him.
"You okay back there?"
"I will be" Merlin replied.
The plant was in darkness when they arrived, pulling to a top outside. Slowly they all got out, Merlin looking up at the massive buildings and the two towering chimneys he had seen earlier.
"You work here?" Merlin asked as he took in the building.
"A lot of the people in the city do, this place accounts for about a quarter of the cities employment" Tom told him.
"Kinda strange actually" Tawny said. Merlin looked at her quizzically. "The place practically sprang up overnight" she explained. Merlin nodded in understanding, before stepping forwards.
"Hey, easy kid, you don't just go walking in to a place like this, at least not when its closed" he stated.
"We have to look around, see what they're up to" Merlin told him.
"I was afraid you'd say that" Tom replied. He looked left and right then gestured for them to follow him. He led them to the side of the building, to a break in the chain link fence.
"Breaking and entering?" asked Tawny.
"Strategically placed exit" Tom replied as he ducked through. The others a moment behind him.
"Damn it" Tom whispered as he looked around.
"What is it?" Merlin asked. Tom gestured to a large car situated near the gates.
"That's Mr. McRealy's car, he's still here" he muttered.
"In his office?" asked Tawny. Tom looked up and squinted, before shaking his head
"No, lights are out" he replied, then suddenly he ducked back, the others doing the same as across from them McRealy's bodyguard walked forwards, opening the big gates, before he returned to the car, opening the door, he got in and started the engine. The lights at the front of it illuminating the street outside. A moment later there was another sound of metal being moved, then footsteps, McRealy appearing a moment later with Morgana at his side. Beside her, Tawny felt Merlin tense up and he gripped his wrist. He looked at her, seeing her shake her head. Slowly he nodded, and turned back to see Morgana get into the car before it drove out of the gates. The bodyguard stopping outside to close them.
The three of them waited a few moments longer then slowly stepped forwards.
"If they weren't in his office then where did they come from?" asked Tawny. Tom gestured to a small elevator off to the side of the courtyard.
"He must have taken her down to the sublevels" he said.
"What's down there?" asked Merlin. Tom shook his head.
"I dunno, no employer is ever let down there, at least none that I know of" Tom replied.
"Can we get down there?" Tawny asked. "Figures he didn't take her there for nothing" she added.
"It's key operated and only McRealy has it" tom said.
"Don't worry" Merlin said moving forwards. "You got me here" he added. Slowly Tom grinned and shook his head.
"Light shows are one thing, you sure you can handle a lift?" he asked.
"Come on Tom, what could possibly go wrong?" Merlin asked.
The group moved to the elevator, Tom moving the metal grate aside before they all climbed on. Merlin turned to the leaver set into the wall and held his hand over it.
"Colaresus marksurus" he whispered, his eyes glowing gold. There was a shudder then a click and then the handle moved.
"See, no problem" Merlin said with a grin.
The lift went down for what seemed like eternity, before it reached the bottom, where it was a lot stuffier and hotter.
"They smelt the metal down here" Tom said by way of explanation as he stepped out. "Have to say I didn't think it went this far underground" he added.
"I don't like this" Tawny said as they moved forwards down the tunnel.
"Its okay sis, its fine, theres nothing down here but us" Tom assured her.
"I'm not so sure of that" Merlin said absently.
"Thanks Merl, you're a big help" Tom told him.
"Merl?" Merlin asked.
"Seemed to fit, what do you mean anyway?" Tom asked him. Merlin shook his head as they neared a corner, hearing voices. Slowly Merlin looked around to see two guards talking quietly to each other.
"slumbus" he said softly. The two guards looked up at each other then both collapsed.
"Are they dead?" asked Tawny concerned. Merlin shook his head, and led them to a large iron door the two men had been guarding. Slowly he reached out and opened it, the group stepping out onto a metal walkway situated high above the floor of a huge cavern. The walls of which were covered in condensation from the heat.
"What in hell is this?" said Tawny breathlessly as she looked around.
"I've seen the plans for this place, this ain't on the plans" Tom added.
"Hello!" Merlin suddenly called out into the cavern, his voice echoing "Anyone here?" he added. There was silence for a moment, then a low growl.
"Merlin…" Tom said as he stepped in front of Tawny. Merlin looked at him then back out into the cavern.
"It has been far too long since I last saw you Dragonlord" said a voice from the darkness.
"And just days for me old friend" Merlin said softly. A moment later Tawny and tom both yelled as a giant lizard flew into view, landing with a thud before them.
"What the hell is that?" Tawny said.
"A dragon" Merlin replied as if that explained everything.
"Merlin, who are your friends?" the Dragon asked him.
"Tom and Tawny, they looked after me when I arrived here"
"I see, then you have my gratitude" the Dragon said, then slumped forwards.
"Kilgharrah?" asked Merlin placing his hands on the railing. "What's wrong?"
"Wrong? I am old Merlin, my time on this mortal world is soon to pass"
"No.. you can't" Merlin stated.
"Merlin, as much as I would wish otherwise, there are things even beyond my abilities" the Dragon said. "McRealy knows this, that is why he hunts Aithusa now" Kilgharrah said.
"Who's Aithusa?" asked Tawny.
"Another Dragon, just a baby in my time" Merlin said.
"And only half grown in this time" Kilgharrah said. "You must stop him Merlin, Aithusa must not be made to serve him as I was"
"I will, but how did you end up here?"
"I knew you would return to this point at some time, McRealy believes he captured me, as if mortal chains could hold me" the Dragon said. "I had to be here, to set you on your new destiny before I passed from existence"
"You're not going to die!" Merlin shouted.
"It is beyond my power now Merlin, beyond even that of the mighty Emrys" Kilgharrah said.
"Please… I need you"
"You have all that you need in this time Merlin" Kilgharrah said.
"I need your help, I need to stop Morgana and go home" he tried.
"Those I cannot help you with, Aithusa perhaps, but the way will not be easy" Kilgharrah said as he slowly lowered his head.
"What about Arthur? And Camelot!" Merlin called out.
"Arthur, you would have been proud of Merlin, he grew to a great age and was considered the greatest king in the land, Camelot flourished under his leadership. But he never forgot you. Now it is time for me to rest. Be well young Warlock"
"Kilgharrah! I command you, don't give up!" Merlin roared. Kilgharrah moved once then took a deep breath, before he breathed no more. The three of them stood there for what seemed eternity, before Tawny placed a hand on Merlin's shaking shoulder. Merlin looked at her.
"That's it, everyone I knew is gone now" he whispered.
"We should go" Tom said gently. Merlin nodded silently, and allowed himself to be guided to the door. He paused at the entrance then looked back at the Dragon.
"Goodbye" he whispered, then turned and walked through the doorway.
The ride back to the small house was silent, Merlin sitting in the back, simply staring out at the city as they dove past houses and businesses. In the front of the car Tom and Tawny kept silent in their own council, and even when they entered the house not much was said. Merlin sitting down in one of the chairs, while Tawny made them something to eat.
"Here" Tom said handing Merlin a glass filled with a brown liquid. Merlin took it frowning.
"What is it?"
"Brandy" Tom said. Merlin sniffed it then gulped it back, grimacing at the taste.
"That's disgusting" he said, handing the glass back.
"Maybe we'll try a beer next time"
"Sorry, just some ham, its all we have" Tawny said joining them. Merlin took one and ate it quietly.
"I'm sorry" he said suddenly.
"For what?" Tawny asked.
"For the way I behaved back there" Merlin replied.
"It's no problem kid, obviously it meant something to you" Tom replied.
"yeah well, I guess its just…. I have nothing now, the only person I have left I once cared about is hell bent on killing me" he said.
"That Morgana chick?" asked Tom.
"Yes" Merlin replied. Slowly he sighed and looked away. "She wasn't always like that, she used to be kind, happy, always helping when she could…" his voice trailed off.
"What happened to her?" asked Tawny.
"Her sister, and me. She had an enchantment placed on her. Everyone was falling asleep, and the castle was being attacked. I had to stop her. I poisoned her. Her sister took her, and they escaped, but she never recovered from that" he said.
"There must have been more than just that" Tom said.
"That was the start of it, she was missing for over a year. When Arthur and I found her, she was changed. The Morgana I had cared about was gone, instead she attacked us from within the city. Eventually we beat her, but she kept coming back over the years, until that last battle between me and her. Then when I woke up we were here. Camelot's gone, everyone I loved is dead" he said.
"Well, maybe we can get you home" Tom said softly. "We just need to find this other Dragon right?"
"I could call it, but not here" Merlin said.
"Okay, look why don't we all get some sleep huh? Then tomorrow we can look for the other Dragon." Tawny suggested softly. Merlin nodded and moved over to the bed.
"I'll take the couch" Tom said, Tawny nodded and turned away.
"I know I've not been easy, but, thank you, both of you" Merlin suddenly said. They both smiled at him and Tom shrugged,
"Maybe the Dragon was right" he said.
"In what?"
"He told you everything you needed was with you and that would be us" he said. Merlin slowly smiled and nodded.
"Its What?" demanded David as he looked up at the two guards.
"Dead sir" one of them replied.
"When? How?"
"Last night" the other replied. David grimaced and thumped the table sending documents scattering everywhere.
"Get out" he snarled at them. the tow guards left the room in a hurry closing the door, while David stewed in anger.
"Temper, poor man is your pet Dragon dead?" asked Morgana stepping forwards. David glared at her.
"And so is everything else, this company depends on that Dragon!" he roared.
"Then get the second one" she stated.
"I'm looking for it!" he yelled.
"Really, it's a great white huge flying lizard, surely it can't be that difficult to find" she said.
"Oh believe me, I will find it. Before the end of this week that dragon will be down there taking over from its predecessor"
"You're forgetting one vital problem" Morgana said, David looking at her. "Merlin. He won't make it easy for you, you do realise this" she told him.
"Merlin. I've never met the man and already I despise him" David said. Slowly he regained his composure and took a deep breath.
"well, if he does interfere, he's is for a very short meeting with me" he said, opening the drawer and taking out the gun there. Slowly he smiled and looked at Morgana.
"A very short meeting" he amended, which was when the door burst open and the foreman walked in. He looked at the gun, then at David.
"Problem Jameson?" McRealy asked.
"Not so much, that Tom never turned up again" he said.
"You interrupt me to tell me that?" David asked.
"Sorry sir, just thought you should know" the foreman replied. David sighed and shrugged.
"Not to worry about him, small people are no concern of mine, he'll find life difficult enough without a job" David said gesturing the door. The foreman walked out, closing it behind him. Slowly David sat back and looked at Morgana.
"Now, where were we my dear?" he asked, then he smiled. "Ahh yes, Dragon hunting" he said. Morgana looked at him, and lifted her chin.
"I can make it easier for you" she said.
"Really? Pray tell" McRealy replied. Morgana smiled sweetly at him.
"Find Merlin and you'll have your Dragon" she said. David frowned as he looked at her.
"Two birds with one stone eh? I like your style Morgana" he admitted. Slowly he leant forwards and picked up the handle of the small thing he had called a telephone and slowly dialled a number. He waited for a moment, then spoke up.
"Hello Simon, I have a job for you" he said.