p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"They arrive at Camelot just a little before sunset. The ride to there was silent, the only sound being the one's of the forest and its inhabitants. Merlin slept the entire way. Either it was the magic that exhausted him or more likely the argument with his newfound father. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;""There will be alright for me to call Kilgharrah." said Balinor as a clearing came into view, not far away from the castle, but still protected by the forest between them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Arthur nodded and nudged Merlin to wake him. "Wha'?" Merlin questioned only half awake as he was. Arthur nudged him again with a little more force this time. "Ow! What is it you prat?" Merlin groaned as he was finally pulled out of his blissful slumber by Arthur's movements. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Arthur just chuckled at his boyfriend's grumpiness when he was awakened. He knew it too well. "We're almost there, Merlin." the prince informed his love. "You must wake up now you idiot. It would be unbecoming to be half asleep in front of the king of Camelot and just before we face a dragon that is." he said fondly, still chucking. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Then Balinor stopped the horse he was riding out of nowhere. When he turned to look at Arthur his face held a murderous expression. "What emare/em you talking about emPendragon/em?" his voice boomed through the forest. Arthur also stopped and looked confused at the dragonlord. "You made it sound as if we were going to see Uther before I stop the dragon." Balinor rolled his eyes at the prince. Merlin sat straighter at the anger in his father's voice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;""Because that's what were going to do?" Arthur told him confusion evident at his voice, but with a suspicious expression. He could guess what Balinor was upset about. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor huffed at Arthur's answer. "Certainly not. First, I will talk to Kilgharrah, then we will go to the castle. I don't have a death wish and neither do I want to face Kilgharrah in chains, because Uther will certainly put me in them if I don't face Kilgharrah first." Balinor explained./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Although his explanation left both his son and the prince largely confused. It was Merlin that voiced the obvious. "Wait, isn't Uther more likely to kill you or put you in chains if he has no use of you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor glanced at his son and smirked. "Indeed, my little dragon. He would be if he indeed had no use of me left." That left the two younger men even more confused. "But that will not be the case."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Merlin continued to look at his father confused while Arthur was getting angry. Even though the answer was plain, Balinor was suggesting that he had a plan. The question now was what kind of plan. Would it hurt the citizens of Camelot? "What are you planning, Balinor?" the prince voiced his thoughts./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor looked at him for a few seconds, then moved his gaze back to the road and kicked his horse to start moving again. Arthur made the same movement and rode up to be beside Balinor. "You will soon see Pendragon." he said without glancing at Arthur./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"The answer first made the prince angry, but he soon calmed down a bit when he realized Balinor didn't spit out his name like it was dirt like he had been previously doing but had just said it. A little sharply, but it was a start. 'Well, Balinor is Merlin's father and a dragonlord, maybe I should trust him.' he thought to himself. 'Him being a dragonlord is exactly why you shouldn't trust him! Have you learned nothing?!' said a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like his father. 'He does seem like he would let the people of Camelot get hurt if it meant the king would also get hurt. But he wouldn't let his own son come to any harm, right?'/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Arthur decided to stay quiet and trust Balinor's plan, even though he didn't know what it was. Merlin on the other hand was never any good at keeping quiet. "Come on father, what is it?" he pressured his father./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;""Same goes for you my little dragon. Be patient and you will soon find out." Balinor told him, glancing at Merlin and chuckling silently at his son's eager expression./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"It was not a long time after they made it to the clearing. Although it seemed longer than it really was with Merlin constantly trying to get Balinor to tell him his plan. At one point during their ride Balinor actually shared an exasperated look with Arthur. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen they got to the clearing Balinor dismounted and watched with displeasure as Arthur helped Merlin down like he was some lady. And by the expression Merlin wore he wasn't happy with Arthur doing that either. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor turned his head toward the sky and roared, actually emroared/em. "/spanspan lang="EN-US"O, Dragarn! E male, soi ftengometta tesd'hup anakess!" It was so loud both Arthur and Merlin covered their ears. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""What the hell was emthat/em?!" yelled Arthur just as they heard a flopping of wings. Soon the prince's mount ran dry as a giant dragon appeared in the sky. As the beast landed the prince stepped in front of his boyfriend in case the dragon chose to attack and Balinor couldn't stop him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"But Merlin looked completely calm, even fascinated. He pushed Arthur back and instead stood beside him. The warlock took his hand and squeezed it to reassure him and even gave him a small smile./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"The dragon only observed them for a couple of moments and then proceeded to embow/em to Balinor. And Arthur thought his father was powerful, even bloody emdragons/em bowed to this guy! The prince could only watch, his mount never stopping gaping when the beast that he thought mindless and unreasonable began talking. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""We meet again Balinor. Have you come to finish what you started all those years ago?" the dragon's deep voice boomed through the clearing. He was angry, enraged even, smoke coming from his nostrils and a slight growl heard from his chest./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Uther tricked me, you must know as much. I never intended for you to hurt. My decision was influenced by the hope for the end of this gruesome war. But that hope is long gone." he told the dragon truthfully. At his father's words Merlin frowned and bit his lip. He really has no hope?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"The dragon seems unaffected by his dragonlord's words. He leans down so his head is almost on the ground as if to see if what Balinor speaks is the truth. "Then why have you come?" he said not with confusion, but suspicion./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""To stop you from killing, but not kill you. I came to banish you from Camelot. There has been enough bloodshed. I know you crave revenge, so do I. But that revenge is to be had from Uther and not his people." the dragonlord told the dragon. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""So, the young prince has found you and convinced you to help. I'm surprised. I knew that if you were still alive, he'd find you, but didn't expect you to come with him. So, tell me how emdid/em he convince you this was a good idea?" said the dragon sounding a little to amused, like someone just pulled a joke on Balinor. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor looked back at the two younger man, his eyes only glancing Arthur before landing on Merlin and staying there. He turned back to the dragon and with his head raised high said. "It was not Arthur Pendragon that convinced me. It was my son that reminded me of the people who live in Camelot, and I owe my life to." Balinor told Kilgharrah and even though he only met his son a few days ago he couldn't help but speak of him proudly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Your son?" the dragon questioned curiously. The clearing fell into silence all the three human men waiting for the dragon's response. It was broken with a deep laugh from the Great Dragon. "Oh, how fitting." he said leaving all the humans even more confused by his words. When Kilgharrah finally stopped laughing he continued more seriously. "So, you are the father of Emrys." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Emrys?!" Balinor sputtered. He looked back to see his son giving him a sheepish grin and Arthur giving Merlin a knowing look. 'It is true than. My son is Emrys. That explains the lack of control when he got angry at me in the morning.' Balinor thought to himself. 'Wait. If Merlin is Emrys… then the Once and Future King is…' Balinor's eyes widened and he looked at Kilgharrah asking a silent question, hoping the dragon would understand it./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Yes Balinor. Arthur is the Once and Future King." the dragon said calmly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor couldn't believe it. "No. No, that can't be! He is the son of Uther Pendragon! The man who is responsible for all that has happened! It can not be him!" yelled Balinor, the disbelieve clear in his voice. He glanced back at the two younger men and found Arthur looking offended and Merlin looking at the ground sadly. "See, even Merlin doesn't believe it!" said Balinor as he gestured to his son with a close to hysterical laugh./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Merlin quickly lifted his head and Balinor realized that he now looked even sadder. He shook his head slowly and finally spoke. "No, father. Arthur is the Once and Future King and I serve him as Emrys because it is my destiny and I have come to love him and his good heart. I'm only sad you don't want to accept that." as he finished speaking, he looked back at the ground. Arthur took a step closer to him and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's waist. That earned him a small smile. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor looked back at Kilgharrah and the Great Dragon sighed. "Your son couldn't believe it at first either, but he gave Arthur a chance and all turned out well. Maybe you should do the same."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""I'll keep that in mind." murmured Balinor, but no doubt Kilgharrah heard him. The dragonlord glanced once more at the two boys hugging, took a deep breath, and roared. "Ah, Dragorn! Non didilkai. Kar imiss, epsipass. imalla krat. Katostar abore! Eeriss. Katiscur. Me ta sentende divoless. Kar... Krisass!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"As the dragon heard his lord's command, he stretched his wings and flew away. Balinor stared at the figure of a dragon slowly getting closer in the sky until he could no longer see it. Only then did he turn around to see the two boys have parted. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Arthur was already walking back to where they left the horses, while Merlin was looking at his father carefully as if trying to determine if he was angry. Balinor gave his son small smile and walked up to him. He gave him a pat on the back and continued to walk to the horse he rode. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"He didn't have to walk much as Arthur was already bringing both horses to them. He gave Balinor the reins of one, more like pushed them into his hands and walk with the other horse to Merlin. It seemed like the prince still wasn't over his antics as he wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist once more and lifted him onto the horse. This time Merlin didn't even complain. In fact, he smiled at the prince. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"They made their way to the castle in silence until Arthur broke it. "So that was your plan. You were never going to kill the dragon." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor who had kept his thoughtful expression on the road, finally looked up, his eyes meeting the prince's. "Kilgharrah is the last dragon, of course I wasn't going to end his noble species." he said looking a bit offended. After a few moments he added. "Besides, he was prisoner under the castle for over twenty years. His whole kind was mercilessly slaughtered. He only wanted his rightful revenge. You can not tell me you wouldn't do the same."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"They rode ahead in silence until Balinor spoke again. "Do you know who released him?" he asked his curiosity getting the better of him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Arthur's face took on a grim expression and Merlin guiltily looked down at his lap. They both stayed silent for a few seconds before Merlin finally managed a quiet "I did."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"That shocked Balinor almost as much as Arthur being the Once and Future King. "What?" he asked when he composed his thoughts again. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Merlin rushed to answer his father. "He helped us a lot of times and he made me promise on mother's life that I would release him. I didn't know he would attack Camelot, although I suppose I should have and now so many innocent people have died and it's all because of me and-" he cut himself off as his breathing was close to hyperventilating, there were tears in his eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Calm down my love. It's okay. You didn't know. Shh, shh." Arthur soothed Merlin as he tightened his hold on him. Merlin snuggled into the warmth behind him and let the soothing sent of Arthur calm him down./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor looked like he wanted to say something more but couldn't as they were already in front of the castle. A stableboy ran up to them and took the reins of the horse when they dismounted. Arthur finally let Merlin dismount on his own and treated him as just a servant seemingly not paying any attention to him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Lead the way." Balinor said to Arthur as they entered the castle. Balinor, Arthur and Merlin walked side by side to the throne room. The doors opened with a bang. Uther, who was sitting on his throne, quickly stood up seeing who entered. All the knights in the room had their hands on the hilts of their swords in less than a second. Gaius who stood by the wall close to the throne looked at the dragonlord in awe, his eyes shining with tears of years of emotions that were long forgotten./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Balinor." Uther said anger evident in his voice. "My son managed to persuade you to come to Camelot's aid and kill the beast." he said that with pride in his voice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor didn't know if he should laugh or sneer at the foolish man that called himself king. He settled on a smirk. "No." he said surprising all the people in the room. All the knights in the room started paying more attention looking for any sign of Balinor being a threat./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""No what?" asked Uther the anger and fear combined in his tone./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""No, it was not your son that persuaded me to help." those words confused Uther even more. "It was Merlin. He reminded me that the people of Camelot are not to blame for your evil deeds and murders of innocents." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Uther glared first at Merlin for some Triple Goddess knows whatever reason and then at Balinor. "They are not innocents! They are emsorcerers/em!" Uther bellowed in his self-righteous voice he always had when talking about killing sorcerers. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Sorcerers are still only people. Magic does not corrupt. Not any more than any other kind of power, be it physical or political." he gave the king a pointed look at the last word. "And it seems like a good time for me to remind you of that. That is why I faced the dragon before I came here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Gasps were heard all throughout the room. "So, the dragon is dead then?" Uther asked with both hope and suspicion in his eyes. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor's smirk widened. "No. I ordered him to stop hurting innocents." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"It was obvious the dragonlord took pleasure in the intense glare Uther shot him. "So, it is not dead." he said more like a statement than a question, but Balinor still nodded. "Arrest him!" he bellowed to his knights. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Arthur already went to argue, but Balinor beat him to it. "You kill me Kilgharrah attacks, you chain me Kilgharrah attacks." Balinor told the king staring him right in the eyes all the while still smirking. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Merlin's eyes widened. So that's what his father planned. He shared a knowing look with Arthur before getting his attention back to the scene in front of him. A knight that already had his sword pulled out dared to speak up after a few seconds of silence. "Sire?" he asked the king for orders. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Uther's left eyes twitched as he sat back down on his throne and spoke. "Let the dragonlord be." The room was once more in a couple of minutes of pregnant silence. "What is it that you want Balinor?" finally Uther asked angrily./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""I want for you to stop killing and persecuting magic-users." Balinor told the king. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"That only served to enrage Uther even more. "And let them do whatever they want?! Let them hurt my people?!" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""If they commit a crime using magic they should be punished for that crime and not for the magic. However, if they heal someone with magic they should not be put to death when they only wished to help someone." Balinor explained to Uther. The room erupted in murmurs. People questioning Balinor's words, but some of them questioning Uther's ideals, bless their brave souls. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""And if I refuse?" tried Uther desperately. It seemed he already knew he didn't have much of a choice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Then Kilgharrah will keep attacking your kingdom. Think about your decision Uther. Either you continue the slaughter on magic-users and Camelot burns to the ground along with all it's citizens or you stop the persecution on magic users and all the people of Camelot will be safe from a dragon. It is all your choice Uther. You have until noon the day after tomorrow. Choose wisely." he said it all with a smirk, then left the room full of gaping knight, an enraged king and worried Arthur, Merlin and Gaius. They doors closed with a bang and the room was once again silent./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"A few seconds went by before Uther took his crown off his head and threw it into a wall with all his strength. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;""There will be alright for me to call Kilgharrah." said Balinor as a clearing came into view, not far away from the castle, but still protected by the forest between them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Arthur nodded and nudged Merlin to wake him. "Wha'?" Merlin questioned only half awake as he was. Arthur nudged him again with a little more force this time. "Ow! What is it you prat?" Merlin groaned as he was finally pulled out of his blissful slumber by Arthur's movements. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Arthur just chuckled at his boyfriend's grumpiness when he was awakened. He knew it too well. "We're almost there, Merlin." the prince informed his love. "You must wake up now you idiot. It would be unbecoming to be half asleep in front of the king of Camelot and just before we face a dragon that is." he said fondly, still chucking. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Then Balinor stopped the horse he was riding out of nowhere. When he turned to look at Arthur his face held a murderous expression. "What emare/em you talking about emPendragon/em?" his voice boomed through the forest. Arthur also stopped and looked confused at the dragonlord. "You made it sound as if we were going to see Uther before I stop the dragon." Balinor rolled his eyes at the prince. Merlin sat straighter at the anger in his father's voice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;""Because that's what were going to do?" Arthur told him confusion evident at his voice, but with a suspicious expression. He could guess what Balinor was upset about. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor huffed at Arthur's answer. "Certainly not. First, I will talk to Kilgharrah, then we will go to the castle. I don't have a death wish and neither do I want to face Kilgharrah in chains, because Uther will certainly put me in them if I don't face Kilgharrah first." Balinor explained./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Although his explanation left both his son and the prince largely confused. It was Merlin that voiced the obvious. "Wait, isn't Uther more likely to kill you or put you in chains if he has no use of you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor glanced at his son and smirked. "Indeed, my little dragon. He would be if he indeed had no use of me left." That left the two younger men even more confused. "But that will not be the case."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Merlin continued to look at his father confused while Arthur was getting angry. Even though the answer was plain, Balinor was suggesting that he had a plan. The question now was what kind of plan. Would it hurt the citizens of Camelot? "What are you planning, Balinor?" the prince voiced his thoughts./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor looked at him for a few seconds, then moved his gaze back to the road and kicked his horse to start moving again. Arthur made the same movement and rode up to be beside Balinor. "You will soon see Pendragon." he said without glancing at Arthur./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"The answer first made the prince angry, but he soon calmed down a bit when he realized Balinor didn't spit out his name like it was dirt like he had been previously doing but had just said it. A little sharply, but it was a start. 'Well, Balinor is Merlin's father and a dragonlord, maybe I should trust him.' he thought to himself. 'Him being a dragonlord is exactly why you shouldn't trust him! Have you learned nothing?!' said a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like his father. 'He does seem like he would let the people of Camelot get hurt if it meant the king would also get hurt. But he wouldn't let his own son come to any harm, right?'/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Arthur decided to stay quiet and trust Balinor's plan, even though he didn't know what it was. Merlin on the other hand was never any good at keeping quiet. "Come on father, what is it?" he pressured his father./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;""Same goes for you my little dragon. Be patient and you will soon find out." Balinor told him, glancing at Merlin and chuckling silently at his son's eager expression./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"It was not a long time after they made it to the clearing. Although it seemed longer than it really was with Merlin constantly trying to get Balinor to tell him his plan. At one point during their ride Balinor actually shared an exasperated look with Arthur. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen they got to the clearing Balinor dismounted and watched with displeasure as Arthur helped Merlin down like he was some lady. And by the expression Merlin wore he wasn't happy with Arthur doing that either. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"Balinor turned his head toward the sky and roared, actually emroared/em. "/spanspan lang="EN-US"O, Dragarn! E male, soi ftengometta tesd'hup anakess!" It was so loud both Arthur and Merlin covered their ears. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""What the hell was emthat/em?!" yelled Arthur just as they heard a flopping of wings. Soon the prince's mount ran dry as a giant dragon appeared in the sky. As the beast landed the prince stepped in front of his boyfriend in case the dragon chose to attack and Balinor couldn't stop him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"But Merlin looked completely calm, even fascinated. He pushed Arthur back and instead stood beside him. The warlock took his hand and squeezed it to reassure him and even gave him a small smile./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"The dragon only observed them for a couple of moments and then proceeded to embow/em to Balinor. And Arthur thought his father was powerful, even bloody emdragons/em bowed to this guy! The prince could only watch, his mount never stopping gaping when the beast that he thought mindless and unreasonable began talking. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""We meet again Balinor. Have you come to finish what you started all those years ago?" the dragon's deep voice boomed through the clearing. He was angry, enraged even, smoke coming from his nostrils and a slight growl heard from his chest./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Uther tricked me, you must know as much. I never intended for you to hurt. My decision was influenced by the hope for the end of this gruesome war. But that hope is long gone." he told the dragon truthfully. At his father's words Merlin frowned and bit his lip. He really has no hope?/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"The dragon seems unaffected by his dragonlord's words. He leans down so his head is almost on the ground as if to see if what Balinor speaks is the truth. "Then why have you come?" he said not with confusion, but suspicion./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""To stop you from killing, but not kill you. I came to banish you from Camelot. There has been enough bloodshed. I know you crave revenge, so do I. But that revenge is to be had from Uther and not his people." the dragonlord told the dragon. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""So, the young prince has found you and convinced you to help. I'm surprised. I knew that if you were still alive, he'd find you, but didn't expect you to come with him. So, tell me how emdid/em he convince you this was a good idea?" said the dragon sounding a little to amused, like someone just pulled a joke on Balinor. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor looked back at the two younger man, his eyes only glancing Arthur before landing on Merlin and staying there. He turned back to the dragon and with his head raised high said. "It was not Arthur Pendragon that convinced me. It was my son that reminded me of the people who live in Camelot, and I owe my life to." Balinor told Kilgharrah and even though he only met his son a few days ago he couldn't help but speak of him proudly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Your son?" the dragon questioned curiously. The clearing fell into silence all the three human men waiting for the dragon's response. It was broken with a deep laugh from the Great Dragon. "Oh, how fitting." he said leaving all the humans even more confused by his words. When Kilgharrah finally stopped laughing he continued more seriously. "So, you are the father of Emrys." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Emrys?!" Balinor sputtered. He looked back to see his son giving him a sheepish grin and Arthur giving Merlin a knowing look. 'It is true than. My son is Emrys. That explains the lack of control when he got angry at me in the morning.' Balinor thought to himself. 'Wait. If Merlin is Emrys… then the Once and Future King is…' Balinor's eyes widened and he looked at Kilgharrah asking a silent question, hoping the dragon would understand it./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Yes Balinor. Arthur is the Once and Future King." the dragon said calmly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor couldn't believe it. "No. No, that can't be! He is the son of Uther Pendragon! The man who is responsible for all that has happened! It can not be him!" yelled Balinor, the disbelieve clear in his voice. He glanced back at the two younger men and found Arthur looking offended and Merlin looking at the ground sadly. "See, even Merlin doesn't believe it!" said Balinor as he gestured to his son with a close to hysterical laugh./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Merlin quickly lifted his head and Balinor realized that he now looked even sadder. He shook his head slowly and finally spoke. "No, father. Arthur is the Once and Future King and I serve him as Emrys because it is my destiny and I have come to love him and his good heart. I'm only sad you don't want to accept that." as he finished speaking, he looked back at the ground. Arthur took a step closer to him and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's waist. That earned him a small smile. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor looked back at Kilgharrah and the Great Dragon sighed. "Your son couldn't believe it at first either, but he gave Arthur a chance and all turned out well. Maybe you should do the same."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""I'll keep that in mind." murmured Balinor, but no doubt Kilgharrah heard him. The dragonlord glanced once more at the two boys hugging, took a deep breath, and roared. "Ah, Dragorn! Non didilkai. Kar imiss, epsipass. imalla krat. Katostar abore! Eeriss. Katiscur. Me ta sentende divoless. Kar... Krisass!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"As the dragon heard his lord's command, he stretched his wings and flew away. Balinor stared at the figure of a dragon slowly getting closer in the sky until he could no longer see it. Only then did he turn around to see the two boys have parted. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Arthur was already walking back to where they left the horses, while Merlin was looking at his father carefully as if trying to determine if he was angry. Balinor gave his son small smile and walked up to him. He gave him a pat on the back and continued to walk to the horse he rode. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"He didn't have to walk much as Arthur was already bringing both horses to them. He gave Balinor the reins of one, more like pushed them into his hands and walk with the other horse to Merlin. It seemed like the prince still wasn't over his antics as he wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist once more and lifted him onto the horse. This time Merlin didn't even complain. In fact, he smiled at the prince. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"They made their way to the castle in silence until Arthur broke it. "So that was your plan. You were never going to kill the dragon." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor who had kept his thoughtful expression on the road, finally looked up, his eyes meeting the prince's. "Kilgharrah is the last dragon, of course I wasn't going to end his noble species." he said looking a bit offended. After a few moments he added. "Besides, he was prisoner under the castle for over twenty years. His whole kind was mercilessly slaughtered. He only wanted his rightful revenge. You can not tell me you wouldn't do the same."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"They rode ahead in silence until Balinor spoke again. "Do you know who released him?" he asked his curiosity getting the better of him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Arthur's face took on a grim expression and Merlin guiltily looked down at his lap. They both stayed silent for a few seconds before Merlin finally managed a quiet "I did."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"That shocked Balinor almost as much as Arthur being the Once and Future King. "What?" he asked when he composed his thoughts again. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Merlin rushed to answer his father. "He helped us a lot of times and he made me promise on mother's life that I would release him. I didn't know he would attack Camelot, although I suppose I should have and now so many innocent people have died and it's all because of me and-" he cut himself off as his breathing was close to hyperventilating, there were tears in his eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Calm down my love. It's okay. You didn't know. Shh, shh." Arthur soothed Merlin as he tightened his hold on him. Merlin snuggled into the warmth behind him and let the soothing sent of Arthur calm him down./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor looked like he wanted to say something more but couldn't as they were already in front of the castle. A stableboy ran up to them and took the reins of the horse when they dismounted. Arthur finally let Merlin dismount on his own and treated him as just a servant seemingly not paying any attention to him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Lead the way." Balinor said to Arthur as they entered the castle. Balinor, Arthur and Merlin walked side by side to the throne room. The doors opened with a bang. Uther, who was sitting on his throne, quickly stood up seeing who entered. All the knights in the room had their hands on the hilts of their swords in less than a second. Gaius who stood by the wall close to the throne looked at the dragonlord in awe, his eyes shining with tears of years of emotions that were long forgotten./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Balinor." Uther said anger evident in his voice. "My son managed to persuade you to come to Camelot's aid and kill the beast." he said that with pride in his voice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor didn't know if he should laugh or sneer at the foolish man that called himself king. He settled on a smirk. "No." he said surprising all the people in the room. All the knights in the room started paying more attention looking for any sign of Balinor being a threat./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""No what?" asked Uther the anger and fear combined in his tone./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""No, it was not your son that persuaded me to help." those words confused Uther even more. "It was Merlin. He reminded me that the people of Camelot are not to blame for your evil deeds and murders of innocents." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Uther glared first at Merlin for some Triple Goddess knows whatever reason and then at Balinor. "They are not innocents! They are emsorcerers/em!" Uther bellowed in his self-righteous voice he always had when talking about killing sorcerers. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Sorcerers are still only people. Magic does not corrupt. Not any more than any other kind of power, be it physical or political." he gave the king a pointed look at the last word. "And it seems like a good time for me to remind you of that. That is why I faced the dragon before I came here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Gasps were heard all throughout the room. "So, the dragon is dead then?" Uther asked with both hope and suspicion in his eyes. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Balinor's smirk widened. "No. I ordered him to stop hurting innocents." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"It was obvious the dragonlord took pleasure in the intense glare Uther shot him. "So, it is not dead." he said more like a statement than a question, but Balinor still nodded. "Arrest him!" he bellowed to his knights. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Arthur already went to argue, but Balinor beat him to it. "You kill me Kilgharrah attacks, you chain me Kilgharrah attacks." Balinor told the king staring him right in the eyes all the while still smirking. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Merlin's eyes widened. So that's what his father planned. He shared a knowing look with Arthur before getting his attention back to the scene in front of him. A knight that already had his sword pulled out dared to speak up after a few seconds of silence. "Sire?" he asked the king for orders. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"Uther's left eyes twitched as he sat back down on his throne and spoke. "Let the dragonlord be." The room was once more in a couple of minutes of pregnant silence. "What is it that you want Balinor?" finally Uther asked angrily./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""I want for you to stop killing and persecuting magic-users." Balinor told the king. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"That only served to enrage Uther even more. "And let them do whatever they want?! Let them hurt my people?!" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""If they commit a crime using magic they should be punished for that crime and not for the magic. However, if they heal someone with magic they should not be put to death when they only wished to help someone." Balinor explained to Uther. The room erupted in murmurs. People questioning Balinor's words, but some of them questioning Uther's ideals, bless their brave souls. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""And if I refuse?" tried Uther desperately. It seemed he already knew he didn't have much of a choice./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US""Then Kilgharrah will keep attacking your kingdom. Think about your decision Uther. Either you continue the slaughter on magic-users and Camelot burns to the ground along with all it's citizens or you stop the persecution on magic users and all the people of Camelot will be safe from a dragon. It is all your choice Uther. You have until noon the day after tomorrow. Choose wisely." he said it all with a smirk, then left the room full of gaping knight, an enraged king and worried Arthur, Merlin and Gaius. They doors closed with a bang and the room was once again silent./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span lang="EN-US"A few seconds went by before Uther took his crown off his head and threw it into a wall with all his strength. /span/p