Chapter 9
"Arthur?"
"Merlin," Arthur was trying to catch his breath. "Are you alright?"
"Are you?"
"What - what were you thinking?"
"I had to save you."
Arthur wanted to be angry at Merlin, but he also knew the man had saved his life. If he hadn't jumped in to grab him or woken Kildare they would have ended up as fish; or even worse, snake food. Yes, he had underestimated the threat of the river and the legend of the serpent. It had almost cost them their lives and Arthur couldn't help but feel responsible. He should be mad at himself, not at Merlin. He should be scowling his own idiocy for thinking he could keep them both safe. If he hadn't knocked Kildare out in time, who knows what would have happened.
He couldn't see Merlin, but his hand found the man's shoulder automatically. Arthur wasn't great at apologizing at the best of times, but he at least owed Merlin an explanation. "I know you were trying to save me. I wasn't prepared for the attack."
"How could you have been?"
Arthur wondered if he should actually thank Merlin, but his inner voice voted against it. He'd also done some saving by knocking Kildare back into the world of unconsciousness. They were even. Arthur knew it wasn't exactly the case, but this should be enough for now.
"Thanks, Arthur."
"Yeah, yeah." He didn't like awkward emotional moments, so he withdrew his hand from Merlin's shoulder and focused on the task at hand. "Alright - we're alive, the serpent has left, we lost the pole but the boat is still speeding in the right direction."
"We hope."
"I like your optimism." Usually it was Merlin who was full of it, always telling him things were going to be fine. Not doing so was a clear sign he felt really sick. Jumping after him into the river must have cost the last bit of his energy, as well as Kildare's magical attack. Because Arthur had seen it very clearly when he'd regained consciousness, the druid had used a spell to attack Merlin. No matter how much Vortigern wanted to believe his old friend was still in
there, Arthur wasn't sure, at all.
Merlin didn't answer him, and only the man's raspy breath made it clear he hadn't toppled over yet. It probably wouldn't take long, and Arthur hoped they would reach the end of the tunnel soon. He had no idea how to help his friend and it felt wrong.
As if someone had heard his thoughts a pinpoint of light reached his eyes. He could hear a sigh of relief behind him, and it felt as if hope was restored. It was clearly getting bigger, but the dingy didn't go fast enough for Arthur's liking all of a sudden. He had to be patient while a shiver of both the cold and anticipation travelled down his spine. There it was; their way out, finally.
When their boat rushed out of the dark tunnel into the open - leading into a forest - he had to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight. It felt like ages since he'd seen the sun, and Merlin next to him let out another deep sigh. His friend's face was a deathly pale, but there was at least a content little smile. They had definitely left the northern plains behind them, they had made it to the Darkling woods. The river suddenly looked familiar, the trees a welcoming sight.
The river was getting wider and less wild and a deep wish to go home right away made itself known within the back of his mind. He also knew he couldn't. They weren't fully free yet. Merlin was still bound to the dark magic of the tree and had to be healed. It made Arthur realise there was much at stake. No, he wouldn't leave for home until his friend was out of harm's way. Not bringing Merlin home was out of the question.
Taking in their surroundings Arthur became worried. How would he get the dingy to shore without the pole? The water was shallow enough but he didn't feel like getting wet all over again. He was still shivering from the tunnel experience and was content to let the sun warm his clothes and body. There had to be another way to get to dry land. And what had Vortigern said again? They needed to go ashore when they saw a rock looking like a crow; or was that a raven?
Before he could voice his worries, the dingy made a sharp turn to the left. Sharp enough to have him grab the side while he frowned at Merlin. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing."
"Were you moving?"
"No."
"Then why is the boat heading for shore?"
"I'm not sure, I think..." Merlin stopped mid sentence to point at a higher hill ahead where trees made way for a gigantic rock. Arthur snorted when he saw it, as it was resembling a raven. Still, it didn't give him any explanation why the boat was moving involuntarily. Maybe the tree was acting out again and either Merlin or Kildare were leading the way? He still couldn't wrap his mind around Merlin being magical. It was absolutely ridiculous. He sure would be feeling less tense if he knew it was all gone. This moving about without physical labour was way too unnatural.
"It's the raven rock," Arthur said. "Vortigern was right about that part."
"You still don't trust him, after what he did for us?"
"It's hard to trust sorcerers."
"He saved us."
"Yes, he did." Arthur didn't want to go into a discussion. All he wanted was to get out of the boat and find the healing well of Manswal. Of course Merlin was right, but he'd been raised to be suspicious about these things, these people. Even after all what happened, it wasn't just something he couldn't forget, it was his upbringing.
"And you don't want to talk about it."
"You're brighter than you look, Merlin."
His friend was actually muttering about his comment, which made Arthur grin. Being out of the cold and dark was lifting his spirits somewhat. Finding the rock was just the beginning.
The dingy was still moving and Arthur eyed Kildare to see if he hadn't woken up all of a sudden. He had hit him rather hard in the tunnel, but he was sure there wouldn't be any permanent damage. They still needed the man, he was carrying the dangerous coin in his pocket and this seemed important although he wasn't sure why. It was best not to dwell on these things, yet.
A narrow alcove with a rock and pebble landing made the boat come to a halt. Arthur didn't waste any time. He pulled Kildare out and lay him on the shore. The thought of having to carry him once again was suddenly becoming unbearable. He had to rest. They had to rest. When he saw Merlin stumbling out of the dingy he knew they couldn't. If they didn't move on, his friend might die.
Merlin sat down on a flat rock nearby, panting. "I'm not sure I can make it." There was a clear sign of anguish in his eyes which had nothing to do with being exhausted. "We should have taken Vortigern along."
"I'm sure he's fine."
"You don't know that."
"He's a druid, a sorcerer, and stubborn as a mule - he'll be alright." Arthur held up his hand when Merlin clearly wanted to react. "There's nothing we can do, we have to keep moving."
"What if I can't keep up?"
"Of course you can," Arthur wasn't going to let him give up. "I wish we could leave Kildare behind though, he weighs as much as a horse."
Merlin sniggered. "Have you ever lifted a horse?"
"Sure." Arthur stretched, grabbed Kildare's arm and draped the man over his shoulders. "And I know you're exhausted, Merlin." He balanced the weight of the druid, "so am I."
They walked - or rather stumbled - into the forest towards the raven rock in silence. They needed all their energy to move forward without tripping. It felt like forever and the welcoming sun was getting hot while Arthur felt sweat dripping off the tip of his nose. If it wasn't too cold, it was too hot. Why couldn't the weather be perfect for one day?
He was about to complain when they wandered into a clearing. It was a beautiful place and a serene sort of feeling came over him. His burden was all but forgotten. Large oak trees were swaying in the light breeze, while birds were singing their little hearts out. Lush green grass was lightly giving way under his boots. His steps were getting lighter - as if he were walking on air - which wasn't possible of course. Arthur gazed around in awe. The Darkling woods were familiar ground, but since they came to shore he hadn't recognised anything. He wasn't even certain they were there anymore, but the little voice inside his mind said they had to be.
His eye fell on a large stone well under one of the tallest trees. It looked as if it was build out of gold coloured bricks, shining in the midday sun. There was peace vibrating from the well. In fact, the whole atmosphere here was peaceful, without a worry in the world. It felt very peculiar.
Before he could ask Merlin about it, the figure of a man appeared in front of them. Where in the world had he come from? Arthur was proud of the fact he could hear people coming from miles away. First he'd missed a whole druid group, and now this man. Was he a druid as well? Was he a danger to them?
When Arthur lay Kildare on the grass stepping forward, he suddenly recognised this man. He had seen him once before, and he could see from the look on Merlin's face, so had he. It was indeed a druid, with a green cloak and wavy grey hair. The one he had entrusted with the young boy; Mordred. But what was he doing here?
"Hello Arthur Pendragon, my name is Iseldir," the man greeted them calmly. "Welcome to the Holy well of Manswal. I am Vortigern's son."
The moment they had wandered into the clearing, Merlin had started to feel better. He could feel his magic push against its barrier - trying its best to break it - but not yet succeeding. It was a hopeful feeling though, as if he'd come home. He had travelled through the Darkling woods many times and it made him wonder why he had never found this place. Something magical had definitely guided them towards it. He wasn't certain if it was Kildare or him, but this place wanted to be found. He also wondered why it was so peaceful, as Manswal had been destroyed during the Great Purge. Maybe the magic of the well had something to do with it? It was serene, but also sad in a way.
Merlin had tried to avoid coming too close to Kildare. It wasn't fear exactly, it was more of a vibe which could even be felt when the man was unconscious. It had to be their connection and it was definitely the eorðgráp in Kildare's pocket. How would he ever be able to destroy it if he couldn't even come close to the damned thing? Even Arthur couldn't touch it.
Turning to Arthur he saw a man who was very much in awe of the clearing and the well, and it made Merlin smile. There hadn't been many reasons to smile lately and he cherished it.
Arthur wasn't a man to impress easily, but this was indeed a very special place, and when Merlin gazed down at Kildare it felt as if they had taken him home. To a holy part of a druid city that was once annihilated. And Vortigern's son was its protector.
Vortigern. He was very worried about the physician who saved both of them. Should he mention what had happened in the tunnel to this man, his son?
"Vortigern has a son?" Arthur penetrated his senses, the question falling off his lips in surprise. Of course Merlin knew the man had a son, but it had been a conversation between him and the physician in silence. "Did you know?"
Without blinking he shook his head. Even after all this time the lie hurt, but he couldn't stop it. It sometimes made him wonder if he would ever be able to tell Arthur the truth. The more he weaved his web of lies, the more he got stuck in it. Arthur was his friend, he should understand. Merlin knew it wasn't that simple though. All he could hope for was for the prince to learn; learn magic wasn't always evil. The people wielding it could be. This had been very clear on this journey.
A soft murmuring inside his ears made him look up where he found Iseldir's eyes on him. "You have met my father," Iseldir's voice spoke soft but clear in his head. "Let me reassure you, he is alright."
"He is?" Merlin knew it was a stupid question, but the druid's statement had caught him by surprise. How could he know they met Vortigern and, how could he know about what had happened?
"Yes, his druid friends have send me a message." Iseldir waved at a beautiful oak tree nearby where Merlin could see a raven, perched on its lowest branch. The animal looked down at him in curiosity, its head bent.
Before Merlin could express his joy, Iseldir looked from him to Arthur and pointed at the well - his eyes placid but sad. The druid's voice was no longer inside his head. "This body of water is regarded as a gateway between worlds. A barrier between the natural and the supernatural. It possesses the power of healing to those who drink the water, and who believe this to be true."
"Then you must let Merlin drink from the water." Arthur responded without the slightest bit of hesitation. This was magic, yes, but it seemed as if Arthur had come to understand Merlin's condition had to be fought with the same - magic.
"Arthur Pendragon, you might not like what it will show you."
"If it can heal Merlin, I don't care what it shows me."
"Even if it is pure magic?"
Merlin could see Arthur swallow and a feeling a dread made its way into his stomach. What if drinking from the well would show Arthur who he really was? Would he be willing to risk it? If he drank the water there was no way back from whatever it was. But his magic would be restored, he believed it with all his heart.
"As long as it heals Merlin." Arthur answered, and this comment made Merlin make up his mind. No matter the outcome, it was worth it. His magic had to be restored if possible as it was his destiny to protect Arthur, his friend. "It doesn't mean I have to drink from it, right?"
"No Arthur, but you need to stay close by Merlin's side."
"And you think - after what I saw already - I will run at the first signs of magic?"
"I am not judging you."
"Good, let's continue."
"As you wish." Iseldir nod, "but I have to say this. The only cure against the power of the tree of Idad is water from this well. Your heart has to be pure, or the dark magic will take a hold of you and will never let go. Most are not willing to risk it." He gazed down at Kildare and back at Merlin. "With him I am unsure. I feel as if he needs to drink from the well for both of you to recover. As if you are connected?"
"They are." Arthur replied instead, making Merlin uncomfortable.
Iseldir didn't look surprised. He didn't seem to express a clear emotion on his face, but his gaze told Merlin he most certainly was taken aback by the information. Merlin felt the need to explain, and so he did, in silence once more.
"Kildare wants to teach me the ways of the druids of the Arn Ree-ocht Fane. He used the tree of Idad for this purpose. He wants me to leave Camelot and learn about magic while being amongst them. Seeing the destructive ways of Uther Pendragon and his son. I tried to tell him about my true destiny, but he wouldn't listen."
"I am sorry to hear about this. He is wrong, and so is my father."
"Your father saved us." Merlin stated. It was important to let Iseldir know Vortigern had done what he could to persuade Kildare his way was not the right way. Maybe the bond between father and son could be restored? "He's a good man."
"Thank you, Emrys." Iseldir suddenly seemed to smile. Just for a moment. Then he moved forward and took Merlin's hand in his, leading him towards the well. "The influence of the tree has to be broken, are you ready to drink from the well and regain your magic?"
"Yes."
"Yes, what?" Arthur asked startling Merlin. He didn't realise he'd spoken out loud, and also hadn't realised the prince was walking right behind them.
"Yes, I am ready to drink from the well." Then he stopped all of sudden, making Arthur bump into him. "What about Kildare and the purpose of the eorðgráp?"
"Do not worry your mind over it, trust in the well and you will know what to do." Iseldir guided him down onto the grass and when Arthur sat down next to him, Merlin felt both grateful and a little anxious as he leaned into the well. It was almost impossible to keep his eyes open - as if Iseldir had cast a sleeping spell. With bleary eyes he saw the druid reach out, handing him an earth coloured cup. How did he get his hands on it so fast; Merlin thought, bemused.
It was just as well he was sitting down while drinking from the cup, as one sip made him fall into nothingness. As if he was actually falling into the well itself while he clearly knew he was sitting against it. The sensation was both scary and exhilarating as bright lights were dancing in front of his eyes. His skin tingled, his breath caught in his throat.
The lights quickly turned into darkness as he landed on his knees in a puddle of mud. No, no puddle, this was more like a swamp. It smelled of rotten fruit and other dead things he didn't want to think about. What the hell was this? This couldn't be the beauty of the well - the help he needed - or did he really fall in and was this the bottom?
He sank into the mud, realising he was sinking rather fast. His rational mind brought him back to the place where he was sitting. This couldn't be real, this was one of those impossible dreams, like the ones Kildare and the tree had shown him. He had to concentrate and snap out of it. He tried to move his legs, only to sink deeper into the stinking bog. No, this wasn't happening. The mud was not going to claim him, he was going to fight it. Merlin desperately moved his arms and feet, but the more he clawed at mud and water the more he sank.
It felt as if all was lost, and it didn't matter anymore. The darkness of the tree was swelling up inside of him when the mud reached his neck and chin. He let out a deep sigh, and stretched his arm in a last attempt to grab hold of something. When there was nothing but air he stopped fighting, not having any strength left inside.
A hand grabbed his so suddenly, it made him gasp. It was a warm strong hand and, as he tried to comprehend how both his arms were suddenly out of the mud, the hand squeezed his. He knew who it was, it was Arthur. His friend was nearby, helping him. He couldn't give up, he had to fight for the prince of Camelot, for his destiny, his magic.
Suddenly he heard a familiar female voice beckoning him, pulling him further out of the suffocating quagmire. It was a sweet warm voice, and it felt like yesterday since he saw the person it belonged to. Her voice made Merlin want to do his best to crawl the last bit on his hands and knees out of the darkness just to be able to find her. The love of his life. Freya.
Why was she here, and why could he hear her voice guiding him, while he couldn't see her? He had to see her, she was part of his life - or was this actually his death and she came to meet him?
"Merlin," the voice said lovingly. "You have to climb out of the darkness. You're almost there, do not let it suck you back in. The tree can't win if you hold on to my voice and Arthur's hand. Hold on, Merlin."
"Freya." He reached out into the direction of her voice. "I can't do it, help me, Freya." Tears fell while the mud kept clinging to his boots, his trousers, trying to drag him back like it was alive. It pulled hard enough for him to physically feel the pain, and he really didn't know if her presence was enough.
"Find your magic, Merlin." An invisible force was pulling him towards dry land. Was it Freya? Could she actually do this? Merlin was confused, but feeling her spread so much love into him, something started to awake. His magic was stirring - still deep but clearer - brighter.
"That's it."
Merlin panted and tried to speak but nothing came out. A light in front of him started to get brighter and it took hold of him. And then he saw her hand, small but clear. It touched his arm and broke through the barrier that kept his magic suppressed. A golden wave of magic was released and started to envelope him totally, making his heart sing. Sing very loud in a crescendo of different melodies while it pushed its way through every fibre of his being. This was him, the exhilarating vibe of pure and wonderful magic. And it almost felt as if his magic was happy to see him. He let out a deep sigh of relief and joy.
When he exhaled a second time he felt something touch his mind - a presence fleetingly probing his magic - but it was in no way a match for him. Kildare, he knew it was the druid's mind. It was gone in an instant and he knew their connection had been broken. He was finally himself again.
"Well done, Merlin." Freya's voice said and he could almost see her smile brightly. As if she was actually standing in front of him, which was not possible. But still, he had to thank her when magic pushed the darkness of the tree away forever. He definitely couldn't have done it alone.
"Thank you, Freya."
"We are not done yet, Merlin."
"What do you mean?"
"We have to help the druids, we have to save them from the influence of the tree."
"Kildare?"
"Yes, him as well," her voice betrayed sadness. "I am not certain he can be saved, but maybe with the help of an old friend, and you Merlin."
"What do I have to do?" He knew he couldn't let Kildare die. He'd promised Vortigern he would do whatever he could to help his friend.
"Iseldir has made him drink from the well." She said. "Reach out to him, like I reached out to you."
"I'm not sure if I..."
"I will guide you."
Merlin closed his eyes and visualised Kildare's face. It was set in a mask of panic and he could see the outlines of a tree, the tree of Idad. Kildare was lying on the ground while a sturdy dark branch was holding his ankle, as if it was claiming him forever. He reached out, no longer afraid of the tree or its darkness. He knew his own magic was much stronger.
"Kildare," He called out to the druid and let his magic flow outwards, shielding the man. "The tree cannot defeat us, come to me."
It was Iseldir's calm presence making Arthur relax a bit, but he'd feared for Merlin's life when this one had swallowed only one sip of water from the well, a strange trust in his eyes which Arthur had never seen before. His friend had fallen into unconsciousness right away, although Iseldir had assured him it was more like a deep sleep. Sleep or not, when Merlin had started to claw at the grass like a madman - his legs thrashing - all Arthur had wanted to do was wake him up. No one should have to go through a nightmare like Merlin was having.
Iseldir had told him it was the only way. So, all he could do was hold Merlin's hand in utter frustration, willing him to fight whatever it was he was fighting. It wasn't until Merlin had calmed down and actually started to smile that Arthur had let out a deep shaky sigh of relief.
This place might be the most beautiful he'd ever seen, it didn't mean it wasn't dangerous.
Arthur had hoped the worst was over, until Iseldir had dripped water from the well into Kildare's mouth and now it was the druid who started muttering and shaking violently. To make things even more complicated and weird, Merlin reached out to Kildare and while the young man's eyelids fluttered, Arthur could see there was pure gold radiating from his pupils. Magic. What the...
He gazed up at Iseldir, surprised and in shock. Vortigern had told them Merlin was infected by the dark magic of the tree. Was this it? But if the well was healing him, how come it was still present? Or was there something else going on? Arthur hated not knowing and questions were forming in his mind that needed an answer, right away.
"What the hell is happening? Is Merlin using magic from the tree; what does it mean, is it dangerous?"
"It is not dangerous." Iseldir gave him one of his mysterious smiles, and he could definitely see a part of Vortigern in the man's manners. "It is Merlin's destiny to heal the tree and Kildare is an important part of this."
"Is this the destiny your father talked about?" Arthur couldn't put his finger on it, but somehow there was something not right about the story. Had it been Merlin's destiny to get infected with magic? That was ridiculous and just the idea made him sick. Magic might be used for good - as Vortigern had shown him - but in combination with his servant it would become a total disaster. Merlin should not be allowed to use it to save anyone while he couldn't even save his own backside. He could suddenly see his friend bumbling through Camelot, using it here and there and alerting his father. It would cost him his life, and Arthur was suddenly very afraid. "Will it leave Merlin once he's played the part?"
"Would that be what you want?" Iseldir observed him, not in the least disturbed about all of his questions, but also not in a hurry to give him some clear answers.
"Camelot is not a safe place to have magic."
"Yes, I know."
"I want Merlin to be safe." Arthur swallowed, not certain why this made him emotional. Was it because he would lose a good friend if the magic wouldn't go away? Merlin couldn't stay and be his servant any longer if this happened, but where would he go?
"He will be." Iseldir assured him.
Arthur looked down at Merlin. His face looked calm and it looked like he had fallen into a normal and peaceful slumber. If Iseldir said he would be fine, he was going to be.
Wasn't it all Arthur could hope for?
Merlin felt something - someone - nearby. The image of Kildare in his mind was suddenly replaced by the man's solid presence and the druid looked as tall as ever. Their connection had been severed, so he wondered why he could actually see him in this world? He couldn't see Freya after all, just hear her. Merlin's wasn't too sure about it, but it didn't matter. With his magic returned he could most definitely fight Kildare's influence. Nothing held him back to do so.
"Emrys?" Kildare walked up to him. His voice was hesitant and fearful. Definitely not the voice of the man who had captured them. Had the water of the well changed him already, like it had returned Merlin's magic? Had reaching out to him actually saved the druid?
Merlin lifted his hand in front of him for protection. It always helped keeping people at a distance and this time it was no different. "Don't come any nearer."
"Is this real?" Kildare asked, his eyes full of questions. "What are we doing here?"
"Hello, Kildare." A second voice, unfamiliar this time reached out to them. It was a man's voice, low and soft and it played around at the edges of Merlin's awareness. As if it wasn't even there, but it was. He was still standing there, keeping Kildare at a distance, but the voice made him lower his arm. It somehow wasn't necessary anymore. The voice belonged to someone important, he knew.
Kildare in the meantime was frantically looking around to find the person who belonged to the voice. His own voice had a high pitched tone when he finally spoke. "This cannot be, you are..."
"Dead?" The man on the edges of their awareness asked.
"Yes." Kildare answered.
"Who is he?" Merlin couldn't help but ask, taking one step closer to Kildare as if he wanted to support him, which was plain stupid. Still, the druid had saved them in the tunnel. Maybe there was something honourable left inside of him?
The voice felt like a cool breeze. "I am the sorcerer Idad, and it's an honour to meet you, Emrys."
"But the tree, you created the tree."
"I was wrong. The tree was once created as a token of love. When I was banned from the land, I cursed it. But it spiralled out of control, " Idad's voice was full of regret. "I couldn't stop it, and it cost a lot of good people their lives. Friends of mine... My lovely Odile."
"You have the chance to set things right." Freya's warmth spread its wings. It touched all of them, even Idad, whose presence had started to waver. "The chosen ones are here, this is it."
"Yes, you are right," Idad agreed. "Kildare, will you please place the eorðgráp on the ground?"
Kildare looked surprised to find the coin in his pocket, but he didn't hesitate. It even looked like he was glad to get away from it. When he dropped it on the ground the eorðgráp slowly but surely sank away into a puddle of black mud. Merlin was painfully aware it looked like the same procedure as when he'd drank from the well. He had almost drowned in mud, in darkness.
"Now take my hand, Emrys and Kildare," Idad's voice reached out. "You may not be able to see me, but search with your magic and you find me."
Without questioning, Merlin reached out. He could feel a hand take his and it felt solid enough. He also felt someone else take his other hand and it was small and warm and he knew it was Freya. They all seemed to be standing in a circle around the puddle of mud, even Kildare. This felt like a dream within a dream when magic started to warm the air. Their combined magic.
It didn't need a complicated spell, or some muttered incantation. All it took was a bright flow of thoughts and feelings to make the eorðgráp burst open. Dark matter - like a cloud of smoke – flew from it reaching out to them with wispy fingers. Merlin felt himself panic when the large hand of Idad squeezed his in reassurance. "Just let your magic flow freely, Emrys."
Merlin started to relax and with it the smoke began to fade, as if it was dispersed by an invisible magical shield. He could feel and hear the tree of Idad cry out from far away at the sorcerer who had cursed it so many years ago. Then everything faded into darkness and Merlin woke up next to Arthur, thoroughly shaken and a little disoriented...
"Merlin?"
"Arthur?"
"Are you alright?" His friend looked him straight in the eyes, "no dark magic left?"
The urgency in Arthur's voice made Merlin's heart heavy, but he was a real pro when it came to lying about his magic to the prince of Camelot. He didn't have any other choice it seemed. "No magic left, no darkness, I'm perfectly alright. Just hungry."
Merlin realised the prince's hand was holding his wrist in a strong grip. As if he'd been afraid to lose him forever. The gesture warmed him a little and when he reached inside he could feel his magic soar through him like a soft protecting blanket. How he ever coped without it was beyond him. He smiled at Arthur, a real joyful smile. "Yes, everything is just fine."
The hand let go immediately and it made Merlin grin. Arthur was definitely not a person to show him emotion, and again this was something they would never talk about, ever again. It would make Arthur totally embarrassed which was a great tool to use if Merlin ever needed something from the prince. He would probably deny it though.
He wondered what exactly happened with the tree of Idad and its essence. Had they healed it, or had it all been a dream? It sure felt like one, although regaining his magic was touchable enough. Kildare had been there and it made him look around the clearance to find the druid.
Iseldir looked down on them, the soft voice clear in his head. "Emrys, you are all safe now." The man turned and pointed at Kildare who had woken up also, confusion written all over his face. "Now that the connection between you and Kildare has been lifted and the well has healed him, we will welcome him in our midst."
"Has the tree lost its dark power?"
"I believe it has, but it's too early to tell." Iseldir answered and then he took his hand. "Of course your magic has never been truly lost, but it is good to feel you regained control of it once more."
"Don't let Arthur hear it."
"One day, Emrys," Iseldir said. "Arthur Pendragon is slowly starting to accept us, but his father's influence is still too strong for him to be able to accept your magic."
Fathers. It reminded Merlin of Vortigern. He knew the physician wouldn't mind seeing his son again after such a long time. "Will you go meet up with your father?"
"It is time for you to return home, young one." Iseldir only smiled at him, not giving him a straight answer. "There are troubling times ahead and Arthur Pendragon will need you more than ever."
"Morgana?"
"I cannot say more as the future is never set in stone."
"Will we meet again?"
"I am certain of it."
Merlin saw Arthur hopping impatiently from one foot to another. The prince sure wanted to go home now that he knew Merlin was fine. It made him wonder what Iseldir and Arthur had been talking about while he had been wandering around the world of the well. The well... It was radiating in the afternoon sun. He would have to visit it again someday without Arthur.
"Will Kildare be alright?"
There was no need for Iseldir to answer the question as a hand reached for his and when he gazed up he saw it was Kildare. Arthur was standing next to the man, keeping an eye on him no doubt. But Merlin knew it was going to be fine when he grabbed the hand and was pulled to his feet by a smiling druid. Before he could say anything, the man pulled him in and gave him a tight hug. It startled him for a moment, but he then returned the hug.
"Thank you, Merlin." Kildare dark eyes were gleaming when he stepped back. "I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. I cannot make it right, but I will make sure Vortigern will come to see you."
Merlin smiled back at the druid. "That would be nice. Take care, Kildare."
"All the hugging makes me go soft inside." It was Arthur, his voice was dripping with sarcasm but his eyes were smiling. "But it's time to stop the girly stuff, we need to go home now."
"No hug?" Merlin blinked at Kildare before turning to Arthur. "Can I have one when we're home?"
"Merlin."
"Just a small one as a token of your affection?"
Arthur actually grumbled and did a step towards him. "I'll show you affection."
Merlin quickly hid behind Kildare, who looked at them in amusement and shook his head.
"You two really are friends." The druid's voice reached into Merlin's mind, but in a normal and friendly way this time. "I think there might be hope for us all."
"He's my destiny."
"Your destiny is about to leave you standing," Kildare chuckled. "Until next time... Merlin."
"Goodbye."
Merlin let out a deep sigh. Arthur would probably be send away on another mission to find Morgana as soon as they were rested. Even though Iseldir hadn't said so, he was certain they would find her. And who knew, Vortigern might be visiting him some day. Not that he really expected the man to walk into Camelot, but it would certainly be nice as they had much to talk about. It reminded him of Gaius. What if the two of them would meet?
Iseldir handed Arthur a leather bag, seemingly out of nowhere. "Here's some food and water for your return journey."
"Thanks." Arthur pulled the bag over his head. "Ready, Merlin?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go home."
"Can't I..."
"Now, Merlin."
"Of course, Sire."
He gave Iseldir a firm handshake, making the mysterious druid look at him in intrigue. When Merlin smiled at him he smiled back though, and the soft voice spoke once more. "Take care, Emrys."
"Thank you."
Then they turned away from Iseldir, Kildare and the Holy well of Manswal to finally make their way home.
TBC in the Epilogue...