The Fires of Idirsholas
In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana
Some time had passed since Alvarr had come to Camelot. Things had been quiet, but there was doubt that it would last for long. What no one knew was that Morgause was up to trouble yet again. She intended to bring about Uther's downfall, whatever the cost might be.
One afternoon, a man dressed in rags came to see Uther and his news was anything but good. "I'm a header from the Northern Plains. Three nights back we were camped underneath the walls of Idirsholas," he said.
"I'm not sure I would've chosen such a place," said Uther.
"Good pasture is scarce at this time of year, Sire," he said.
"What is it you have to tell me?" said Uther, growing impatient.
"While we were there we saw smoke rising from the citadel."
"Did you see anything else?" Gaius asked.
"No."
"Did you go inside?" asked Uther.
"No. Nobody has stepped over that threshold for over three hundred years! You must know the legend, Sire," said the farmer.
"What legends?" asked Mira-Liana.
"When the fires of Idirsholas burn, the Knights of Medhir will ride again," said Gaius.
Everyone, including Uther looked troubled by this. Uther stood up. "See to it that this man is fed and has a bed for the night," he ordered. He turned to Arthur and said, "Take a ride out."
"Why?" asked Arthur.
"So we can put peoples minds at rest."
"Surely this is superstitious nonsense?" said Arthur.
"Gather the guards and do as I say," said Uther.
Arthur looked annoyed, but did as he was told.
XXX
Of course Merlin and Mira-Liana were not going to stay put while Arthur was going to be up to his neck in trouble. After making some arrangements for Frik to watch over Amora and Merrick and making sure Gwen would be safe in the castle in her condition, they began to pack and then they set out for answers.
"Gaius, why is Uther so worried?" asked Merlin.
"Because the Knights of Medhir are a force to be reckoned with," said Gaius.
"You believe the story as well?" asked Merlin.
"It's more than just a story," said Gaius. "Some three hundred years ago, seven of Camelot's knights were seduced by a sorceress's call. One by one, they succumbed to her power. At her command they became a terrifying and brutal force that rode through the lands; leaving death and destruction in their wake."
"So, what happened?" asked Mira-Liana.
"It was only after the sorceress herself was killed that the Knights of Medhir finally grew still," said Gaius. "If what that man says is true, then something has awoken them. And I fear for each and every one of us."
"Just lovely," said Mira-Liana, sighing. "First there was the wraith, then Sigan, and now this. What is it about the dead that makes people want to enchant them so much?"
Gaius and Merlin chuckled a little, but the matter was far from funny. When they finished packing, they rode off with Arthur and his men, not quite sure what to expect.
XXX
Back in Camelot, Morgana was in her room when she found a note on her windowsill. It was from Morgause, who requested her presence at dark in the woods. Desiring to know what exactly Morguase wanted, Morgana decided to heed Morgause's call.
When it was time, she snuck out and found Morgause waiting for her. Morgause was smiling when she saw Morgana.
"You look well," she said.
"Thank you," said Morgana. "Your bracelet and my family's potions are working wonderfully."
"Yet something is still troubling you. What is it?" asked Morgause.
"I am happy with my life. I have a husband, a son, many friends, and I have seen a Utopia in the future. I only wish that my vision could be now. I dislike having to hide as I do," Morgana confessed.
"Hide?" said Morgause.
"Hide that I am magic and I am still Uther's perfect ward. There are days when I think of him a surrogate father and others when I do not," said Morgana.
"I see," said Morgause. "Morgana, that world you saw in your dreams. What would you say if it could happen now?"
"I would ask how. The world I saw cannot come to pass until it is Arthur's time to be King of Camelot."
"But would you truly like it to happen? Do you want to see Arthur on the throne?"
"Yes, of course," said Morgana.
"So, you do want Arthur to restore magic to Camelot."
"Yes. But it doesn't matter what I want. I have faith in my visions and someday, they will come to pass. But the future is not of my making."
"You are wrong, Morgana," said Morgause. "You underestimate your importance. The decisions you make now will change the shape of what is it come."
"What do you mean?"
"Who's side are you on, Morgana? Are you with Uther or are you with me? Are you prepared to help me bring about his downfall?"
Morgana paused for a moment and shook her head. "I once had the chance of being Uther's assassin and I did not take it. However much I want to see Arthur on the throne now, it cannot be so yet. I am with no one but my family. I'm sorry."
"Very well," said Morgause, looking disappointed and angry. "Well, I shall leave you now. But take care, my dear. I wish you many pleasant dreams."
Morgana nodded and then turned to leave, not seeing Morgause's eyes flash gold, and then she passed out. Morgause caught her just as she collapsed and then placed Morgana back in her chambers. Her plan would take wing, with or without Morgana's willing help.
XXX
Arthur and the others continued their ride until they reached a creepy-looking castle that seemed to be in ruins and was abandoned. They walked around, looking for any sign of trouble or the fabled Knights of Medhir.
"Do you hear that?" asked Merlin.
"Hear what?" asked Arthur.
"A sort of trembling sound," said Mira-Liana.
"No, but I think we'll find out what it soon enough," said Arthur.
They continued their search and then came to a rusty old gate deep underneath the castle. The entire room was covered with cobwebs and dust. They also found ashes from a recent fire.
"Well, it seems part of the farmer's story was true," said Arthur. "Maybe it was just some people passing through here."
"Or maybe not," said Merlin. "We've got company."
Everyone turned to see the Knights of Medhir behind them. They were dressed in black cloaks and silver armor and masks.
Everyone, including the Knights, drew their swords and a ferocious battle went underway. Being undead, the Knights had a better advantage over Arthur's men—who were swiftly defeated. Arthur, Merlin and Mira-Liana continued fighting until the roof began to weaken, which gave them an idea.
Merlin and Mira-Liana pulled Arthur of the way as they used a spell to make the roof collapse on the Knights and get out of the castle as quickly as they could. Once outside, they began to catch their breath.
"Are you two alright?" asked Arthur.
"I'm little tired, but I'm fine," said Mira-Liana.
"Apart from a small scratch, I'm okay," said Merlin.
"Well, look at that. Your first battle wound," said Arthur.
"Yeah, I guess so," said Merlin.
"Hold still. I'll fix it," said Mira-Liana. She quickly mended his arm wound with the medical supplies she always carried with her when she went out.
"Did anyone else escape?" asked Arthur.
"I don't believe so," said Merlin.
Arthur sighed. "This is not good. We need to get back to Camelot and gather reinforcements."
The twins nodded and then rode back to Camelot.
Upon their arrival, they found everyone out cold. Arthur immediately checked the pulse of one of the guards.
"Are they dead?" asked Merlin.
"No, they're breathing," said Arthur.
"Good gracious, what's happened?" asked Mira-Liana.
"I don't know," said Arthur.
Wherever they went, they saw people unconscious. Not a single person was awake and they even found a horse with a carriage behind him and an unconscious rider. What caused it, they didn't know. Was it some sort of sickness or was it a spell?
They kept searching for their family members and it worried them even more when they found Gaius asleep on his desk and Frik and Mordred asleep outside a door. Arthur and Mira-Liana were especially concerned for their children. They kept searching until they found their babies.
"Amora, Merrick!" Mira-Liana cried.
She ran to her babies' cradles and heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that they were safe and alright. She stroked their soft cheeks and smiled a little.
"The children. Are they alright?" asked Arthur.
"They're fine," said Mira-Liana.
"Good," said Arthur. He planted a small kiss on each of their heads. "Thank heavens; you're alright, my dear children."
Merlin then burst into the room. "Mir, Arthur, I can't find Gwen!"
"Calm down, Merlin. I'll help you look," said Mira-Liana.
They soon found Gwen asleep with her head on a table. Merlin looked relieved as he took her into his arms and gently placed her on Mira-Liana's bed. He tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear and stroked her face.
"Sleep well, my darling," he murmured.
They got Frik and Mordred into the room just to be on the safe side. Then Merlin and Mira-Liana joined hands and used a spell to place a protective barrier around the room so that all those within the room would be safe. They went to Morgana's room and found the poor girl cowering behind a curtain.
"Morgana?" said Arthur.
"Arthur!" she said, sounding relieved.
"What's happened?" asked Merlin.
"Why were you hiding?" asked Mira-Liana.
"I didn't know it was you!" she said.
"Calm down, Morgana," said Arthur. "Tell us what happened."
"People were complaining, saying they weren't feeling well. Then they started falling asleep. Everyone, everywhere I went," said Morgana.
"Was there someone here?" asked Arthur.
Morgana shook her head.
"Then why were you hiding?" asked Merlin.
"I thought it was the work of magic and the culprit was near. I got scared, so I hid."
"Alright," said Mira-Liana. "Do you know where Uther is?"
"No."
"What I'd like to know is why are you still awake?" asked Arthur. "And did you see anything?"
"No, I saw nothing," said Morgana. "I don't know why I'm still awake. Maybe it Gaius or Mordred's potions, but I don't know."
"Alright, alright, alright, just relax," said Merlin. "We'll get through this. Right now, we've got work to do. The Knights will be here soon."
"Merlin's right. Come on," said Arthur.
XXX
The three of them walked down the hall. Merlin and Mira-Liana were trying to figure out what had happened. They had a feeling that Morgana had some part in what was happening, but they didn't know what. Seeing as how Morgana was still quite distressed, they remained silent for the moment.
Eventually, they found Uther asleep in his room.
"Well, at least he's alright," said Merlin.
"He's not alright!" said Arthur.
"He's just asleep!" said Mira-Liana. "All we need to do is find some way to wake them."
"But who did this and why?" asked Arthur.
"We don't know," said Merlin.
"Morgana, are you sure you don't know why you're unaffected?" asked Arthur.
"I'm not sure. Maybe it's my magic," said Morgana.
"If magic is keeping you awake, then why aren't Frik and Mordred still awake?" asked Arthur.
"We'll figure that out later, Arthur," said Mira-Liana, firmly. "You see if there's anyone still awake, Morgana will stay here and watch over Uther and Merlin and I will see what we can find in Gaius's chambers. He might've found something before falling asleep."
"Alright," said Arthur.
"Okay," said Morgana.
XXX
Merlin and Mira-Liana rummaged through Gaius's books and potions and looked through their own spell book until they thought they found something that could work.
"Alright Gaius, this is going to get you to wake up," said Merlin. He grabbed Mira-Liana's hand. "Ith cawitha thea."
Gaius immediately sat up and there was a smile on his face.
"Gaius, you're awake," said Merlin.
"Uh, Merlin, I don't think so," said Mira-Liana, as she waved her hand over Gaius's face. "He looks like he's awake, but he's not."
"Not good. I know I wanted Gaius to smile a little more, but I did not mean like this," said Merlin, as he flipped through the spell book. "Okay, we can try this one."
They tried another spell, but all it did was break the legs of Gaius's chair and send him to the floor.
"Or maybe not," said Mira-Liana. She sighed. "Oh, come on, Gaius. We need you to wake up. We really need your help."
"Here, let's try this one," said Merlin.
This spell proved less effective than the other two as all it did was pour water onto Gaius's face. Just then, Arthur burst into the room.
"Merlin, Ana, come quickly!" he said.
They followed Arthur out to the balcony and saw eight masked riders. The seven on the black horses were the Knights of Medhir, but who was the eighth on the white horse?
"According to the legend, there are only seven Knights of Medhir," said Merlin, frowning.
"Then who's the extra rider?" asked Arthur.
"No idea," said Mira-Liana. "But Camelot is nearly defenseless. We're all it has left."
"Yes, not good," said Arthur. "We need to get back to my father."
They ran back to Uther's chambers. The rest of their family was safe with the spells they'd put into place, but Uther was not.
"If they come after my father, this will be the first place they'll look. You're absolutely sure that no one can harm the others?" asked Arthur.
"We're sure," said Merlin. "The spells we used were pretty powerful."
"Good," said Arthur.
"What's going on?" asked Morgana.
"We're under attack," said Mira-Liana. Her eyes glowed gold as she used a spell to levitate Uther and carry him out of the room.
"I love magic," said Arthur, as he gazed at the spell's work.
They continued carrying him out and down the halls. Merlin and Mira-Liana stifled a chuckle when Uther began snoring.
"This is not funny, you two!" said Arthur.
"Yes, of course. Sorry," said Merlin.
"Did you find anything in Gaius's chambers?" he asked.
"No. And worse yet, none of the spells we tried would wake Gaius up," said Mira-Liana.
Arthur looked worried as they came into another room and then Uther was placed on the floor.
"We can't just leave him here, we have to get him onto the bed!" Arthur protested.
"Why? He's asleep, he's not going to know!" said Merlin.
"Merlin!" said Morgana.
"Alright, I'll grab a pillow," said Merlin.
"He's the King!" Arthur said.
"Alright, two pillows!" said Merlin.
Mira-Liana bit back a laugh, but then she suddenly felt dizzy and leaned against Arthur, who steadied her. The sickness, whatever it was, starting to affect her and Merlin and Arthur.
"Are you alright?" asked Arthur.
"I don't know," said Mira-Liana.
"Are you two feeling the same?" asked Merlin.
They nodded.
"You're getting sick," said Morgana, looking worried. "Just like everyone else."
"We can't let that happen. We need to get my father to safety," said Arthur, sounding tired. "Can you two use that protection spell again?"
"No," said Mira-Liana. "Some spells require energy and that was one of them. The spell we used makes the wielder tired afterward. If we used it while we're in this condition, it'd make us fall asleep within seconds. We have to stay awake."
"Why don't we disguise Uther?" Morgana suggested.
"That might work," said Merlin. "We could dress him as woman."
Arthur frowned. "That, on the other hand—"
"A servant then," Merlin interrupted.
"That's better, Merlin," said Arthur.
Merlin's eyes glowed gold and Uther's royal clothes changed into that of a servant's and used the levitation spell again.
"Arthur, get him to the main hall. Just pull on his shoulder and he'll go wherever you need him to. Morgana, stay with Arthur," said Mira-Liana. "Merlin and I will see the Dragon and find out what we can."
"Alright," said Arthur. He kissed Mira-Liana quickly. "Be safe."
"You too," said Mira-Liana.
XXX
Merlin and Mira-Liana went down to the Dragon's cave.
"What's going on? Why is everyone asleep?" Merlin demanded.
But there was no reply. Like everyone else, the Dragon had fallen victim to the sleeping sickness. He was curled up in a neat little ball and seemed to be enjoying a pleasant dream and he was also snoring.
"Oh, for the love all that is holy, not you too!" Mira-Liana hissed.
"Let me try something," said Merlin. His eyes glowed gold and suddenly a jet spray of cold water hit the Dragon's face.
The Dragon woke up coughing and spluttering as he glared at the two of them. "Was that really necessary, young warlock?"
"We had to wake you up somehow," said Merlin. "We need your help."
The Dragon glared again before it yawned as it stretched its wings. "What help do you require of me this time? Or are you too late and Camelot's fall is at nigh?"
"It won't be if you help us!" said Mira-Liana. "If you're worried about us fulfilling our part of the bargain, you needn't do so. When the time comes, you'll be granted your wish."
"Very well," said the Dragon. "It is one thing to cast a spell that puts everyone asleep. The power to maintain it is a very different matter. It will need more than just words to break this enchantment."
"What do you mean?" asked Merlin.
"You must eradicate the source."
"Great. What is it?" asked Mira-Liana.
"It is not what, but who," the Dragon corrected. Such spells need a vessel, a constant living presence to give them strength. The source of this pestilence is the witch, the Lady Morgana."
"It can't be," said Merlin, horrified.
"I take no pleasure in telling you this, young witch and warlock. I have warned you in the past, but you have failed to take heed. She is dangerous and now it would seem that she's chosen to turn her back on her own."
"How do we stop her?" asked Mira-Liana.
"That is easy," said the Dragon. "You must either convince the one who cast the spell to end this or end the Lady Morgana. The spell is woven with such magic that even you are not immune. You must act now before it is too late. If you do not, then all of Camelot will fall and Arthur will die. The future you are destined to share will die with you."
The twins said nothing, but ran to Gaius's chambers.
I can't believe this, said Mira-Liana. Do you really think Morgana is a traitor?
I don't know what to think, said Merlin. I don't like this. Morgana seemed to change after what happened with Tauran. Why would she suddenly want to betray us all after everything we've done for her?
Maybe she didn't, at least not willingly, said Mira-Liana, as an idea hit her.
What do you mean? Merlin asked.
The Dragon said something about the one who cast the spell. What if whoever has done this is using Morgana like Alvarr did or worse? said Mira-Liana.
Maybe, but we'd have to press for answers, said Merlin. He grabbed a bottle from the cupboard.
What's that? asked Mira-Liana.
It's the potion Gaius used to fake Arthur's death when the troll came to Camelot, said Merlin. If Morgana isn't doing this willing, and we can make the sorcerer or sorceress think Morgana is dying—
—it'll reverse the spell's effects and restore everyone back to normal, Mira-Liana finished. Merlin, you're brilliant.
Thanks, said Merlin.
They left Gaius's chambers and bumped into Arthur.
"What're you doing here?" Merlin hissed.
"I was looking for the two of you. You were taking too long. I got worried," said Arthur.
"We've got company!" said Mira-Liana.
They all turned to see Morgause in front of the Knights of Medhir. She was obviously their leader. Arthur was glaring as he remembered all too well of his last encounter with the sorceress, and prepared to attack, but he was held back.
"Don't do anything stupid!" Merlin hissed. "Come on!"
They raced back to the hall and ran into the enemy several times. Arthur's blade proved to be of little good and Merlin and Mira-Liana ended up using several spells to send the Knights flying away from them before they made it to the hall where Morgana was sitting with Uther.
They blocked off the door, but there was no telling how long it would last.
"What's happening? Are you three alright? I've been so worried," said Morgana.
"We've got a huge problem. They're here," said Mira-Liana. "Along with Morgause."
"Morgause?" said Morgana. She didn't seem very surprised. "She's here?"
"She's behind everything," said Merlin.
Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door, making them all jump and Morgana scream. The Knights were getting closer.
"We're trapped," said Merlin.
"We can't be. There has to be something we can do!" said Arthur.
"If we knew any spells to teleport us out, then we'd use them," said Mira-Liana.
Arthur sighed and then leaned against the door. "You three must get out while you still can. I'll hold them off for as long as possible."
"You're going out there? Arthur, that's suicide!" said Merlin.
"It's our only choice!" said Arthur.
"Then we'll come with you," said Mira-Liana.
"No, you won't!" said Arthur. "I do not intend to lose my family. Merlin, you protect them."
"Of course. How're you feeling?" Merlin asked.
"Not bad," said Arthur. "Ana?"
"Never better," said Mira-Liana.
"Couldn't get a pillow, could you?" said Arthur, sleepily.
"Don't talk stupid," said Merlin.
Mira-Liana forced her eyes open. "Arthur, you need to stay awake. Arthur? Arthur, wake up!" She bit her lip as she slapped him—twice.
Arthur woke up with a jolt. "Ana! If you ever do that again—"
"Don't fall asleep then and she won't have to," said Merlin, as he splashed Arthur's face with the water from the water skin he'd brought.
Mira-Liana felt like crying, but forced back her tears as she kissed Arthur soundly on the lips. "I love you so much, Arthur," she said.
"I love you too," said Arthur. "And Merlin, if I ever need a new servant in the next life—"
"Don't ask me!" said Merlin, jokingly.
Arthur chuckled, but then looked solemn as he opened the door and went out. The sounds of a battle met their ears seconds later. Mira-Liana clutched her precious silver-and-sapphire heart-shaped necklace from Arthur as she silently prayed for his safety.
They then turned their attention to Morgana.
"Is he going to make it?" she asked.
"We don't know," said Merlin. "Morgana, what have you done?"
"What're you talking about?" asked Morgana.
"Morgana, we know you had something to do with this! What did you do?" Mira-Liana demanded.
"Nothing, I swear!"
"Then what do you know about this? You're the only one who hasn't fallen to the sickness! What do you know?" Merlin demanded.
There was a moment's silence and then tears trickled down Morgana's cheeks as she said, "Morgause came to see me last night. I thought she just wanted to talk. She asked me if I wanted to see Arthur on the throne. I said yes, but I was willing to wait until it was time for Arthur to become King."
"So, you didn't know of what she was up to?" Mira-Liana pressed.
"She said she wanted my help bringing down Uther, but I said no. I had so much here; I didn't want to give any of that up. I tried to leave, but then I passed out. When I woke up, I was in my room, it was morning and everyone was falling asleep. I knew she'd done something, but I didn't know what. I never meant for any of this to happen. I didn't want anything to do with her plans, I promise. I didn't know what she was going to do, I swear. I wanted to tell you, but I was so scared and I—"
"Morgana, hush!" said Merlin, sharply. His voice then softened as he said, "It was a misunderstanding. You didn't know what Morgause was doing. It's alright. We're going to make this better."
"How?" she demanded. "I don't even know what Morgause did!"
"We think we do," said Mira-Liana. "If we can make her think you're dead, we can persuade her to reverse the spell and end this. But you've got to be willing to go through with this."
"I am," Morgana promised. "I'll do anything to fix this."
"Alright," said Merlin. He handed her the potion. "Take this. It'll stimulate death, but you'll still be alive."
Morgana nodded and then quickly drank the potion. She passed out into Mira-Liana's arms and then Merlin stood protectively in front of the two women as Morgause burst into the hall by blowing the door off its hinges.
"What you two done to her?" Morgause demanded.
"Only what we had to," said Mira-Liana, coldly.
"You've poisoned her!"
"You gave us no choice!" Merlin shouted.
Morgause moved closer, but then stopped when Mira-Liana said, "Don't move another muscle if you want her to live!"
"Then tell me what you used so I can save her!" said Morgause.
"You won't touch her! If you stop the attack, we'll restore her!" said Merlin.
"You are just traitors to your own kind, you don't tell me what to do!" she hissed.
"If you want us to reverse this, then you'll do exactly as we tell you and undo the magic that drives the Knights!" said Mira-Liana, angrily.
"Tell me or you'll both die!" Morgause shouted.
"Then you and Morgana will die with us!" said Merlin. "We don't want this anymore than you do, but you've given us no choice."
"Stop the Knights and we'll save her and then you must leave Camelot," said Mira-Liana. "It's your decision, Morgause. Decide now, what's it going to be?"
Morgause looked furious and almost broken, but then she nodded and began to chant. The spell was then broken and then Morgana woke up after Mira-Liana reversed the potion's effects. Just as this happened, Arthur and his knights burst in and Uther began to wake up.
"What have you done to my family?" he shouted.
"Your family is safe for now, Arthur Pendragon, but not forever!" Morgause snarled. "I shall return!" She incanted another spell and was gone in a gust of wind before anyone could stop her.
XXX
A few days passed. Uther just passed this as another attempt of magic trying to corrupt his perfect city and didn't know that Morgana had been an unwilling pawn in Morgause's plan. Although Merlin and Mira-Liana did not blame Morgana for what happened, she blamed herself and it took quite a while and a great deal of reassurance from her loved ones before she was willing to forgive herself.
No one was harmed, thankfully, and all were safe. But Merlin and Mira-Liana were still concerned over the future they'd seen in the Crystal of Neahtid and Morgause's threat of return. But they silently vowed that whatever happened, they would face it together as they had always done.
One night, the Great Dragon called for Merlin and Mira-Liana, reminding them of their promise to release him into the stars. With great reluctance, the two went down to the caves for possibly the last time.
When they arrived, they were almost surprised by what they saw. The Dragon was a pitiful sight. He looked weary and quite old. He was far from the magnificent beast they'd once known.
"You've come," he said. "You've kept your word."
"Of course we did. Is it truly time?" asked Mira-Liana.
"Yes, young witch, it's time," said the Dragon, sounding tired. "Fulfill our bargain, please. I am weary and wish to be free at last."
"Of course," said Merlin.
"I think I'll actually miss you, Dragon," Mira-Liana murmured. Regardless of their past, a small part of her still considered the Dragon a friend.
"Me too. You are forgiven for what happened," said Merlin.
The Dragon bowed his head. "Thank you, Merlin, Mira-Liana. I shall miss you as well, but I will never be far away from you. It's been quite an adventure, one I will not wish to forget anytime soon. Take care, little ones."
Merlin and Mira-Liana nodded. They joined hands and raised their free hands at the Dragon. They incanted the spell several times until the Dragon's bonds were gone; and the Dragon's body change as part of the cave opened and they saw the Dragon take shape in the stars where he would remain for all eternity.
"Farewell, Dragon," Merlin murmured.
But the Dragon still had one last thing to tell them. They felt a presence in their minds and couldn't believe what was said.
There is one thing that I have been reluctant to reveal. Before my imprisonment, I had an egg hidden far from here, where the likes of Uther could not find it. By now, he is hatched and ready for whatever lies ahead. If he senses my death, he will not seek peace. He is your kin as much as I am, so I must ask you to spare him, make him see the truth and change him as you changed me. Please, make sure he doesn't perish or take the path of evil. Such an act would upset the balance. Farewell young witch and warlock, I shall always watch over you, said the Dragon.
Then the twins felt the Dragon's presence cease and he was gone. They were both shocked, at both the Great Dragon's revelation and new place in the stars. But they barely had time to react when the cave shook and there was a loud roar. The Great Dragon's son had arrived and he was far from happy.