Thank you for the kind reviews. They mean a lot.
As for the question on my other story, I plan on working on it again sooner or later, just not at the moment. I am taking time off from it.
-Monty
"Where are you going?"
The moment Merlin had returned to the tower, he had wasted no time at all with grabbing his pack and placing things within it for a journey. He wouldn't be going too far, but it would take him at least until night fall to reach the clearing where Kilgharrah and he could meet.
Off to the side, Gaius watched him, confused as to why he was packing. Was he really that upset about Arthur leaving him behind for some crazed quest?
"Merlin, answer me. Where are you going?" Gaius asked once more, peering over at the younger man.
Merlin glanced over his shoulder at him for a moment before turning back to his work. "I'm going to seek out Kilgharrah and ask him when I need to do."
"It's simple, you do as Arthur says." Gaius replied.
"If only it were that easy." Merlin muttered as he finished packing and turned to the aged physcian. "I am not meant to rule this Kingdom in Arthur's absence. That is not who I am meant to be, even if it is for a little while. I need to ask Kilgharrah what I should do - if perhaps there may be someone else who can rule the Kingdom while Arthur is gone."
"But there is no one else-" Gaius went to argue, but as Merlin held up a hand, he closed his mouth.
"Gaius, there has to be someone out there and if anyone will know, it will be Kilgharrah."
"And if there is no one else?"
That wasn't exactly a thought Merlin wanted planted in his mind. He knew within his heart he could not rule the kingdom while Arthur was gone. People were still getting use to him. Not many people respected him yet because they had lived too long in this fear and hate for magic. Even some of the knights didn't care too much for him.
He may have Arthur's blessings, but not the people of Camelot's.
To be thrusted out there as their 'King' for a few months would more than likely have terrible consequences that he did not want to have to face.
"There has to be someone." Merlin replied, determination in his voice, "and I'll find them."
No one noticed Merlin slipping away from the castle and into the woods. They were all too busy preparing for the annual tournament that was going to take place in two days - which was the reason why Arthur wasn't leaving until then. He needed to be there to conduct the tournament, then afterwards he would take his leave and go on that wretched quest that was completely pointless in Merlin's eyes.
Still, with all the work being done, it gave Merlin the cover he needed to get away.
These days Arthur didn't like him going anywhere alone. After the battle with Morgana, others who were enemies to Camelot had found out that Arthur had in his possession a powerful warlock.
Arthur was constantly worried that they may try to get their hands on Merlin, to kill him or lock him away so that they can attack.
But this was something Merlin needed to do alone.
Besides, he wasn't afraid of anyone coming after him.
Despite what Arthur believed, he could take care of himself should he get attacked.
Getting attacked was the last thing on his mind, however. As he journied to the meeting grounds, his mind found itself preoccupied with trying to figure out exactly what he would say to Kilgharrah. How would he go about asking him if there was anyone worthy enough to rule Camelot in Arthur's absence?
As his mind swimmed with thoughts, the day dragged on.
The sun that had once been high in the sky was now sinking lower and lower, casting shadows everywhere.
The air got cooler.
Animals began to head to their resting places for the evening.
Only a little light lingered by the time Merlin got to the clearing. When he did, his mind pushed away all thoughts and he stared up into the darkening sky. "O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!" he called out. His voice echoed all around, the power behind it resonating off of trees and stones. Normally he would find a place to sit and wait after calling for the dragon, but he knew Kilgharrah was nearby these days. He had, after all, helped to defeat Morgana. With Arthur knowing of his existance and accepting it, the great dragon had decided to stay close by, just in case his help was needed again.
Soon the sound of wings beating in the air was heard and Merlin took a step back as Kilgharrah neared and landed in the clearing.
He smiled up at his old friend, giving a bow of his head.
Kilgharrah showed the same respect.
"What brings us here this evening, Master Warlock?" Kilgharrah questioned down at him.
"I am faced with a problem." Merlin replied.
Kilgharrah was a bit surprised, "A problem? The last I heard all was well in Camelot. Has something happened?"
Merlin shook his head. "No...and yes?"
Kilgharrah kinked a brow. "Which is it then?"
With a deep breath, Merlin explained. "Arthur is going on a quest for the Fountain of Youth-" he stopped a second later as Kilgharrah bursted out in deep, rumbling, laughter. He frowned deeply at the dragon, knowing good and well why he was laughing. The Fountain of Youth wasn't real. It was just a myth. Nothing more. They both knew it and for Arthur to go searching for it was idiotic. "I know!" Merlin said loudly, talking over the dragon's laughter. "I find it ridiculous myself, but he can't be talked out of it - and worse, he is leaving me in charge of Camelot!"
Kilgharrah's laughter died down almost imediatly as he stared down at him. "You?"
Merlin nodded, his lips pulling into a grim line. "But that is not my purpose in Camelot and I do not wish to be placed in such a position. Things are already tense between me and those within the Kingdom. I have not yet earned everyone's trust and I fear if I take charge of Camelot in Arthur's absence, only trouble will ensue."
Kilgharrah gave a serious 'hmmm', nodding his head.
"I've called you here to ask if you know of anyone, anyone at all, who may be worthy enough to watch over Camelot while Arthur is gone. Guinevere would do it, but she is due to give birth any day now. Arthur says he trusts no one else but me, but...there must be someone."
Silence followed after his words for a moment or two, making Merlin feel uneasy. If Kilgharrah said he didn't know of anyone, he wasn't quite sure what he would do. He supposed he would have no choice but to rule the kingdom while Arthur was gone.
A moment later, Kilgharrah spoke, "If you wish to find someone worthy enough of ruling Camelot, you must go on a quest of your own."
Merlin's brow creased. "Arthur leaves in two days."
"I will get you as far as I can, but then you must travel through the Perilous Lands. There I believe you will find who you are looking for."
The warlock's eyes got large at Kilgharrah's words. "The Perilous Lands? What sort of man would I find there?"
"You asked and I've given you a answer. Who you seek will be found there. Now, would you care to waste time trying to find out more information or are you going to get on my back and let my take you to the border?" Kilgharrah asked.
Merlin wasn't so sure of this. He had been through the Perilous Lands and anyone living there would have to be a hardened soul to face day after day in such a place. Plus, the last time Merlin had been there had been with the battle with Morgana. Camelot's forces and her's had clashed on the wastelands and he had seen so many men fall. He was certain the ground would still be stained with their blood - the enemies corpses still laying out under the harsh sun, if the Wyverns hadn't eaten them, bone and all.
But if Kilgharrah believed the person he seeked was there, he at least needed to go take a look, right?
Making up his mind, he hoisted his pack onto his shoulder and made his way over to the dragon. A moment later he was settled on his back, hands grasping onto one of Kilgharrah's spikes. "Where will we set down at?"
"I will take you to the bridge that crosses over into the lands. From there, I am certain you will know what to do." Kilgharrah answered, then, without warning, he pushed off of the ground.
Merlin's heart lept into his chest, but a look of excitment filled his eyes.
It had been far too long since he had any kind of adventure or challenge to face.
He was ready for it.