Yo! Just to tell you that I have hurt my arm so updates may be a bit slower than usual :( But I have gotten this one out to you before Easter because I'm nice like that :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
'So what are you enchanting the sword for?' Gwen asked walking slightly too close to Arthur for his liking, but he tried to remain civil.
'It's to help Merlin, which will hopefully help us,' Arthur said smiling down at Gwen. He and the knights and the new couple Lancelot and Guinevere were walking down to Merlin's rooms to see if they were ready to free the dragon, despite Gwen's persisting though he still hadn't told them about the dragon. Trust wasn't easy in these times.
'You would help someone from Essetir?' Lancelot asked 'The famous pet sorcerer of Cenred?' Lancelot continued.
'He's not the evil sorcerer rumour makes him out to be.' Arthur said.
'I think it's a wonderful thing; you agreeing to help him,' Gwen said smiling sweetly up at Arthur and ignoring Lancelot's frown.
'But Camelot is against magic, it always has been, yet you would help this sorcerer now?' Lancelot questioned.
Arthur sighed and stopped walking, he was grateful for their co-operation in giving Merlin the sword, but their constant questioning was beginning to get on his nerves.
'What would you have me do Lancelot?' Arthur questioned turning around to glare at his new knight 'I can't kill him because he's too powerful, and the chains that bind him means that he can't just walk away from this battle without Cenred's permission…which he will never give. And if you would cast aside your assumptions for one minute and actually look at Merlin, you would see a young man who clearly has had the heart taken out of him; he is forced to do evil every day and yet his heart and soul remains pure, I've never known anyone like him.'
There was a long pause before Gwen interrupted the awkward silence.
'That's so sweet,' Gwen said smiling, Arthur appreciated her support but it was a bit awkward, shouldn't she be supporting her husband in his opinions. But Arthur considered that maybe she just had a good heart and she followed what she thought was right despite her husband's opinions.
'I will try to look at him with fresh eyes,' Lancelot said bowing his head.
'That's all I ask,' Arthur said nodding in return before resuming his walk to Merlin's quarters.
'How long have you been King, Arthur?' Gwen asked.
'Gwen, don't address him so informally,' Lancelot scolded mildly although his eyes smiled at her whilst she did.
'That's okay, that's formal considering the usual things my knights call me,' Arthur said smiling back at Gwen, she really was very lovely.
'And to answer your question Gwen, not long…about a year,' Arthur replied.
'I think it's very brave of you to take up where your father left of and try to change things instead of continuing the war.' Gwen replied.
'I hardly had a choice my lady, Cenred's army is too strong,' Arthur replied.
'Call me Gwen,' Gwen replied.
'Gwen.' Arthur corrected, feeling slightly uncomfortable but not wanting to upset the girl.
'I thought Camelot had the strongest knights in the five kingdoms?' Gwen questioned.
'We did, and then somehow Cenred got stronger,' Arthur replied frowning.
'And Merlin hasn't told you how?' Lancelot questioned.
'No he can't, it would reveal Cenred's secrets,' Arthur replied.
'But I thought he was against Cenred?' Lancelot questioned again thoroughly confused.
'He is, but those chains around his neck and wrists will kill him if he reveals Cenred's secrets or if he tries to harm Essetir,' Arthur replied.
'Oh.' Lancelot replied solemnly.
'Yeah, oh is right,' Gwaine echoed with sarcasm.
They walked in sombre silence after this, each contemplating their own thoughts, Arthur was wrapped up in his, he felt a strange tingle of anticipation shoot through him; Merlin was going to free the dragon, and the first step to avoiding this war would be complete, then it would take all their efforts into looking for a way to free Merlin. He knew there had to be a way, there just had to be.
They approached Merlin's door and Arthur knocked and then the door opened and Archer was stood there.
'He's almost ready he'll be out in a minute.' Archer said then shut the door again.
'They have quarters together?' Lancelot asked suspiciously.
'They've been best friends all their lives and I'm sure they'd feel weaker and vulnerable if they were split up.' Arthur explained.
'That or it's one big love fest,' Gwaine joked, and Arthur turned to glare at him.
'What just because you don't swing that way princess doesn't mean they don't.' Gwaine said.
Arthur sighed; he hadn't told anyone about his desire for both men and women. As a king he was expected to marry and produce an heir, therefore acting on his desire would have little merit. When considering Merlin though Arthur had to admit, he'd be willing to give up a lot for the boy. His realisation startled him, would he really give up his courts respect and a chance for a son or daughter for Merlin? He knew without question that he would, Merlin was special, there was no one like him and he was impossibly beautiful, it was just a shame Arthur had no chance of winning him. With Camelot's imposing a ban on magic, and with Merlin bound to Cenred, expressing his feelings would get him nowhere. It seemed to Arthur that he would never get any happiness in his lifetime.
'Is everything sexual with you Gwaine?' Arthur answered forcing his mind back to Gwaine's teasing.
'Pretty much,' Gwaine replied nonplussed by Arthur's anger.
Arthur was stopped from replying by Merlin stepping out of his quarters followed by Will and Archer. Merlin was carrying the sword.
'Ready?' Arthur asked.
'I think so;' Merlin replied then turned to look at the crowd 'is everyone coming, because I really don't think there is enough room?'
'Why, I thought you were just enchanting the sword?' Gwen asked.
'No…' Merlin then trailed off looking at Arthur in confusion.
'Urgh, I might as well tell you,' Arthur said 'there is a dragon beneath Camelot, if we free him, then he has agreed to help Merlin in removing his chains.'
'A dragon?' Gwen breathed.
'Yup, a really big one.' Merlin replied.
'Oh and it's just going to do what you tell it too?' Lancelot asked with scepticism.
'Well yes I am a dragon lord' Merlin replied not boasting, and watched as Gwen and Lancelot's mouths dropped open in shock.
'Wow, you must be really powerful.' Gwen said staring at Merlin, Arthur noticed for a change.
'It's not something I asked for,' Merlin said staring at his feet.
'Well shall we move this party on, I bet after years of waiting that dragon is very cranky right now,' Will said.
'Yes, maybe me and Merlin should just go again' Arthur said looking at the big group they made.
'Oh no fair,' Gwaine said.
'Yeah we want to see the dragon.' Elyan piped in.
'Well he'll not be going far,' Merlin replied 'He's promised to help me so I'll be seeing him often I would imagine; you can all meet him then.'
'Joy of joys' Arthur said moodily.
'Cheer up Arthur you'll be one step closer to freeing Camelot,' Gwen said smiling shyly up at the young king. Arthur saw Will, Archer and Merlin exchange amused looks; did they know something he didn't?
'Yes but freeing a dragon to achieve that wasn't really what I had in mind.' Arthur replied.
'He'll not harm anyone Arthur, he gave me his word.' Merlin said. Arthur just smiled at the warlock in return and then gestured for Merlin to go in front of him.
'Shall we?' Arthur asked. Merlin nodded, 'Meet you in the council rooms afterwards' Arthur said and the knights including Lancelot bowed, Will and Archer nodded and clasped Merlin on the shoulder, Gwen just smiled and waved at them both.
'Alright out with it,' Arthur said when they were finally alone heading towards the catacombs underneath Camelot.
'What?' Merlin asked smiling back at Arthur which made his heart skip a beat.
'You and your friends, do you know something I don't?' Arthur asked.
'I know lots of things you don't my lord, you'll have to be more specific,' Merlin said his eyes smiling which told Arthur that he knew exactly what he was referring to.
'Gwen,' Arthur replied.
'Oh, on familiar terms already?' Merlin joked winking.
'Don't be absurd, she's married.' Arthur said.
'Well, she doesn't seem to care,' Merlin said shrugging.
'What are you talking about?' Arthur asked frustrated.
'I looked into her soul, she has a kind heart but it's is tainted by lust and a want for power more accurately men with power' Merlin said raising his eyebrows at Arthur.
'You mean?' Arthur trailed off.
'Oh yeah she fancies you big time,' Merlin laughed.
'Surely she wouldn't act on it though…' Arthur said laughing but stopped when Merlin raised his eyebrows in reply.
'She would?' Arthur questioned shocked, for such a sweet girl he didn't think adultery would be in her nature.
'She's not evil Arthur; she's just flawed like the rest of us.' Merlin said.
'Well I would never act on it' Arthur replied.
'Oh, she's pretty and she's interested.' Merlin said smiling.
'She's married!' Arthur said shocked at Merlin's boldness 'And I would never do that to another knight.'
'I know I'm just warning you.' Merlin said smiling again.
'What about you?' Arthur question with a surge of bravery. He loved Merlin, and he wanted to know if he was taken, despite knowing he would not be able to act on his feelings whatever his answer.
'What about me?' Merlin questioned confused.
'Is there a lady waiting for you back in Essetir?' Arthur asked refusing to look Merlin in the eye afraid of what he'd see.
Merlin laughed in response 'you've got to be kidding; with everything in my life you think I'd add a woman to the equation?'
'I suppose not,' Arthur said thinking about it.
'And yourself?' Merlin questioned 'A young king, surely you'll have to marry at some point?'
'Well, I think I'll wait until my kingdom is secure before I even begin to consider taking a partner.' Arthur said deliberately not saying wife, he was falling so fast for Merlin it was hard to consider anybody else.
'Probably wise.' Merlin said amused.
They descended through the dungeons and below to where the dragon dwelled, and Arthur took Merlin's hand again as he felt the warlock shiver and breathe heavily at the darkness and the closeness of the walls, he squeezed his thanks in reply and Arthur tried hard not to shove the warlock up against the wall and kiss him.
'Kilgharrah?' Merlin shouted out towards the seemingly empty cavern.
There was a roar of wind and then the dragon descended in a rush of golden scales, again the sheer size of the animal startled Arthur; he had heard tales of dragons and their size but seeing one for real was another story. He was an impressive sight, all golden scales and wise eyes, he carried himself with a sense of superiority as well, which Arthur supposed was granted in his case; he was very impressive.
'Merlin,' Kilgharrah said in his deep gravelly voice and bowing his head, which Merlin returned.
'I have found a way to free you Kilgharrah,' Merlin said stepping forward.
'Oh?' The dragon asked.
'A sword forged in the dragon's breath,' Merlin said, and watched in surprise as the dragon reared back and hissed.
'No there must be another way,' Kilgharrah said shaking his massive head.
'Why what is the problem?' Merlin asked confused.
'A weapon of that power is not to be made lightly,' Kilgharrah said.
'I know, but it will free you,' Merlin said.
'And what will become of the weapon afterwards?' The dragon asked.
'There was quite an argument over that,' Merlin said sheepishly glancing at Arthur, Kilgharrah followed his gaze.
'The young Pendragon does not yet know his heart or where his values lie, the sword cannot go to him.'
'Don't talk about me as if I wasn't in the room,' Arthur said glaring at the dragon. What did he mean? He knew his values and his heart, perhaps he was confused about magic and about Merlin specifically but he knew what was good and what was wrong.
The dragon ignored him and continued 'the sword may yet be wielded by your hand young Pendragon, but that day is not now and it is not soon.'
'I understand, Merlin has already said he will not give it me to help win this war,' Arthur said glaring at the floor now as Merlin turned to look at him.
'If I do this, young warlock, you must promise me you will place the sword where none can find it,' Kilgharrah said solemnly turning his attention back to Merlin.
'I give you my word,' Merlin said bowing his head.
'Very well,' the dragon replied.
Arthur watched as Merlin stepped up and raised Gwen's sword high into the air towards the dragon, it was of good quality make, and had not seen battle by the looks of it. Perhaps this was what made it pure and worthy of the dragons touch. Kilgharrah reared back and breathed in when he breathed out Arthur gasped in awe as a shimmer of golden mist streamed out the beast's huge mouth towards Merlin and the sword. It clouded them both in a golden light that created an ethereal glow.
Merlin had never looked more beautiful, his eyes were closed as he sensed the dragon's magic, his skin shone and reflected a golden light, and he looked every inch the powerful warlock. The sword itself began to sparkle and its shine reflected off the dragon's scales and lit up the cavern in golden sparkles that glinted like stars in the night sky. Arthur thought he had never seen something so beautiful. It startled him that magic could be used to create such beauty. He had been taught over and over that magic was a form of evil yet here was something Arthur knew he would remember for the rest of his life.
Kilgharrah stopped breathing and Merlin opened his eyes and looked at the sword in front of him, it now bore a golden tone and runes covered both sides of the blade. Merlin sensed the power and its destructive ability and knew that he held the most dangerous weapon in the whole of the five kingdoms, but that didn't stop him from tracing the beautiful indentations that now clung to the sword.
'What does it say?' Arthur asked startling Merlin who had been staring at the sword.
'On one side it says take me up,' Merlin said showing him the runes then he turned it over 'and on the other, cast me away,'
'What does that mean?' Arthur asked entranced by the swords beauty.
'It's a dangerous weapon; wield it at your peril then cast it away for power corrupts' Merlin said wisely.
'Similar to magic,' Arthur muttered.
'All power corrupts not just magic' Merlin corrected turning his wise eyes to look at Arthur.
'I suppose,' he replied refusing to meet his eyes.
'Excalibur,' Merlin whispered staring back at the sword. The strange words seemed to shake something in side of Arthur as if he felt a sense of familiarity towards the weapon.
'What?' Arthur questioned confused.
'That's what I name it,' Merlin said then looked up to the dragon for approval.
'This sword's creation was foretold Merlin, use it wisely,' Kilgharrah said.
'Well, I shall use it wisely to free you my friend,' Merlin said.
Arthur watched as Merlin turned and walked to the edge on the ledge they stood on. Then with a whisper of some ancient words Merlin's eyes glowed gold and he rose several feet from the floor. Arthur watched in shock and awe, he knew Merlin was a powerful warlock and Cenred's greatest weapon but this was the first time he had seen the young man use magic. It surprised him again, he was meant to be some evil sorcerer but Merlin used magic with a grace Arthur had never associated with magic before.
Merlin lowered himself to the cavern floor then moved over the crumbling rocks to where Kilgharrah's thick chains were bound.
'Are you ready?' He called up to the dragon.
'I have been waiting for my freedom for a long time Merlin,' the dragon said in a pained voice. Merlin nodded and turned back to his task.
Arthur watched as the warlock seemed to gather himself, then in a powerful voice that startled him he heard Merlin shout words that meant no sense to him but were obviously words of great power.
'Ic bebeode þisne sweord þæt hé forcierfe þá bende þæra dracan. Un clýse!' Merlin brought the sword down and in a clash of metal and bang of magic the chains were broken and Kilgharrah roared his freedom to the sky as he took flight.
'I shall meet you in the clearing near the woods of Camelot young warlock, I thank you for my freedom you do not know what joy it brings me,' Kilgharrah said, then without waiting for a reply he turned and escaped the cavern anxious to take to the skies.
Arthur stared down at Merlin in shock, he knew now what power this young man possessed, and he had heard it in the words that Merlin had spoken. But Arthur found that he wasn't intimidated any more, this was who Merlin was, he was power but he was also gentility, the boy was balanced and had the purest heart Arthur had ever known. He found himself falling even more in love with him than before.
'Are you okay?' Merlin asked shouting up at him from the cavern floor and Arthur smiled and called his affirmative. The boy thought of others before himself. Arthur decided then and there that he would fight for his future, he would fight for Camelot, and most importantly he would fight for Merlin.
Boom! The dragon is freed, woop woop! And no, he won't be going mental, he'll be the nice caring Kilgharrah we all know and love.
Next chapter: Merlin might finally acknowledge his own feelings for Arthur and maybe the stars might become a little clearer….But only if you review! I mean I can drag it out for ages if you make me!
Ic bebeode þisne sweord þæt hé forcierfe þá bende þæra dracan. Un clýse!- I command this sword that it cuts the chains of the dragon. Open!