"Can't you use a healing spell or some other form of enchantment Gaius? We need to be moving before sundown."
"If you had been more careful we wouldn't be doing this and if you had remained still Uther, I would have finished by now. My talents with magic are not for sewing open axe wounds."
"Obviously Gaius you like flinging around bandits more. Your magical talents seem odd for a surgeon."
"The High Priestess is more adept then me, I am simply an apprentice."
"One that we are glad to have." The young Cornwall knight Uther had come to know as Kay replied, sitting next to his future prince, as yet without a crown. The dark haired knight had been sent on a mission by the son of the late lord of Cornwall to escort a group of nobles to Essetir who still held sympathies to the murdered King Constans. The nobles and their families escaped but on his way back Kay had been waylaid when he refused to pay one of Vortigern's many foot path tariffs. Victorious but severely wounded, Kay found his way to the only landmark he could see, a group of standing stones. There he met a young raven haired woman and the middle aged man known as Gaius.
Gaius and he had traveled alone for several months helping those that Vortigern targeted: the old, those with magic and both young women and men. They had become a force whispered about and feared by Vortigern's elite scouts, which the Usurper insultingly called his 'Hunting Dogs'. Their paths were bound to cross with Uther, a young man fighting his own war. It had taken two months, but when Uther learned of Kay and Gaius' true sympathies, he showed them the ceremonial ring he had worn as third son of the King. Uther still remembered several of the seven year old pass codes used throughout the kingdom in his father's times, and Kay, whose duty had been to memorize all codes as a squire, had decided they had finally found the lost prince, whose bounty had risen on Vortigern's orders every single month since his escape from the fortress.
"What have you found Kay?" The prince asked.
"We can cross the plains easy enough under cover of night. Vortigern's patrols have moved north from Tintagel for the time being Uther."
"And the sympathies of Cornwall?"
"With Vortigern naturally, out of fear if nothing else, but there is someone you must meet."
"Better than our last allies?" The eighteen year old Uther grimaced. The arrogant young Prince Lot had given them up to Vortigern for half the share of the bounty but Gaius had received word from his mistress and they had snuck out that night fleeing west across Dumnonia. A few weeks later they arrived in Cornwall and were ambushed by the idiotic bandits that had begun to plague Vortigern's lawless reign. One with some training had gouged Uther's shoulder.
"I believe so Uther. The young Duke of Cornwall does not share his late father's sympathies for your nemesis. He also has a sorceress on his side."
"Better than Gaius I hope." Uther said with a slight jest. He knew they needed magic. Vortigern despised sorcerers of any kind. This would be his one critical weakness."If you could persuade that mistress of yours to ally herself with me Gaius..."
"I mean no disrespect my Prince, but if you are to obtain the allegiance of the old religion, you must prove that you are free from your family's prejudices. You, Kay and eventually all your followers must accept their teachings as equal to your own faith. Your father and Vortigern like him used their faith as an excuse for persecution and the spread of tyranny, instead of a force for peaceful change and acceptance."
Uther looked concerned. He had grown up being taught by his father and eldest brother that magic was a sin and affront against God and that it was his duty to convert the wayward, to force them to give up the false gods. "Did you not feel like you were giving up a part of yourself when you converted Gaius?"
"I gave up nothing Uther." The sorcerer began. "It is less a matter of religion, and more of what someone does with their actions and abilities that defines them. Christianity and the Old Faith need not be enemies."
Uther had been taught sorcery was a sin, but the more he saw of it, how it could be a force for good, the more he realized he could reconcile it with his faith. After all, had the prophets not cast miracles of their own in the name of God? This growing belief took more hold, though from a completely worldly angle, when he was invited into castle Tintagel in the following weeks and met the dark haired, brown eyed sorceress. He was immediately caught up in lust with Vivienne. How could something so beautiful, someone so kindhearted be a creature of evil?
That night he finally met the young Duke Gorlois. The first thing Uther noticed about the dark haired man was his piercing green eyes and within a few hours of feasting they already had the beginnings of a fast friendship. Uther valued the relationship of the young Kay and admired his fighting skills but Kay could be reserved and more manipulative then he liked. Here with Gorlois he had found a kindred spirit, a truer brother then his own flesh and blood had been. So great had been the conviction of this revelation that when he found out Vivienne was the Duke's betrothed, his jealously passed within a few days, only happiness remained for the man fast becoming his friend and ally. He pushed the feelings of lust from his mind.
Uther woke up, happy at first to remember those old memories, the beginning of his old friendships. Then shame crept in. He had allowed lust to worm its way back into his heart, had watched the sorceress from afar and desired her even when he slept with his own wife. He was also sickened at his younger convictions that magic good be used for good. Nimueh, the little vixen, had proven through her own ineptitude that all magic was evil, even if he had been the one who forced her to place the enchantment on the Queen. There were a few exceptions he thought, but only those that served the needs of the Pendragon dynasty. It had been fate that had put the words in the dragon's mouth that day. Uther had done the rest, slain countless foes and captured many artifacts. He was the ultimate enemy of sorcery but he understood that sometimes the best way to destroy your enemy was to become it, and then at its defeat, annihilate the part of you it had corrupted.
She had tried to heal her mother with magic yet failed and had been caught by the recently overzealous Camelot guard. At fifteen years old, she lasted an agonizing three hours on the cross before Arthur, completely out of sorts for what was happening in his beloved Camelot, fought with his father and then ordered the guard to end her life mercifully. At least Uther had the decency to leave her clothes on. He had proceeded to walk through the castle during the event, servants and councilors utterly obedient and fearful before their King.
Merlin felt numb as he removed the body, cut her arms and legs out from the nails, and placed her on a cart, determined to give her a proper burial though it was forbidden. Merlin did not have the gall to drop her body to be burned as if she had been the carrier of a disease, which was clearly the image Uther was portraying to the people. Gaius had refused to attend him. Since Uther declared how she was to die Merlin had seen very little of his guardian.
Even since the incident with the druids the pyres had been forgotten and Uther had brought back Roman Crucifixion. Fire was terrible, but it didn't last for hours. So far four people had been executed this way, in front of the citizens of Camelot. The girl had been the only one who had been killed off by the guard. The others had suffered for hours. The beautiful autumn weather they had been having was ironic and an affront to the current mood that had taken over Camelot. The people were hushed and moved about their business quietly. In a few short days the king had stretched the morale of Camelot towards its breaking point. To make it worse for Merlin, Uther had declared a second Purge on magic, gathering four of the five kingdoms with him, including Lot's.
Merlin built the Cairn respectfully over the girl, Reah and silently said the ancient prayers, the tenants of the old faith that she had followed. Drowning between grief and anger, Morgana stood next to him. Alone in the forest they buried a girl who had been killed only because she had tried to help her mother.
"I am going to kill him." She said with no emotion.
Merlin agreed with her. He wanted to choke Uther with his powers, burn him alive, but he stopped this train of thought. The dragon was wrong. He could not become like Uther and neither could she. "Morgana, that is not the way."
"Then what is Merlin?" She asked angrily, tears in her eyes. "A girl has been murdered. She was barely a woman!"
Merlin cowed. She was beautiful when angry, but also potentially dangerous and terrifying. She still had not even the slightest control over her developing powers. "You do not have the strength to defeat him My Lady, not yet."
Probably shouldn't have added that last part you idiot.
Morgana turned back to the cairn. "When I do he will suffer as no man has suffered. Rumor says he tore Vortigern apart. When Uther is under my hands…"
Could Kilgharrah be right about her? Merlin had to stop her, she was shaking out of control and wild eyed.
"My Lady, vengeance against him will only live on through history. It will portray him as the victim; give credence to his claims against magic. Let him die alone of old age. He will be forgotten, a footnote in Arthur's biography."
"And betray the people he murdered? Why are you also so certain that Arthur will make a great king? You always stand up for him when he is convicted something is right, why are you such a coward with me? Why won't you listen to what I have to say?"
"Morgana, trust me." Merlin sighed. He should reveal his magic. "Arthur will right his wrongs."
"You didn't answer my question Merlin." She faced him fully and began pacing towards him. Merlin realized at that moment his back was very close to a tree. "Do you not trust me because I'm a woman, has some part of Uther rubbed off on you, or do you not trust me because I have magic?"
He grimaced. He didn't want her to follow the latter train of thought. "This has nothing to do with magic. Morgana I trust you. I just need you to make rational decisions."
Morgana laughed sickly. "You don't need me to do anything Merlin. You don't know what it's like. To have magic, to be scared of who and what you are. To know if you're discovered you will be executed! God, crucified?"
Morgana had come face to face with him, green eyes boring into his blue. She asked Merlin lowly. "How long do you think I would last?"
"My Lady?" Any other time he would have enjoyed their proximity. Now he felt too much like prey being assessed by a wild predator.
"Come Merlin you're Gaius' apprentice, I'm sure you've studied the body's limits. How long would I last on a cross? Longer than Reah? Would anyone move to put me out of my misery? Arthur, you?"
Merlin cringed. He needed to tell her, but he was ever the coward. "Morgana this is morose. Stop thinking like this. I do understand your fear Morgana, more than anyone."
"Don't lie to me Merlin. You can't possibly know what it's like. I'm alone." She had backed off, a vulnerable tone on her lips, but still with a predatory gaze.
Merlin closed his eyes. He needed to tell her, for her sake as well as his. He couldn't bring himself to utter the words. His palms tingled and he began to sweat. This was his greatest secret, but others had known. Will found out, and of course his mother and Gaius knew. Lancelot was unbiased, and so adept at keeping secrets he was still serving as one of Arthur's knights. But Morgana? She was a potential enemy (according to Kilgharrah) and a potential rival (according to his own deeply buried pride). Potentially more than a friend? Merlin mentally scolded himself. He really couldn't think straight anymore when she was around.
"I may not fully understand Morgana, but I know you. Please wait for Arthur's time. He will undo his father's wrongs."
"You can't undo the sins of the father Merlin. But it's true I may not have to wait long. Uther is turning everyone against him."
She had refused to talk to him on the ride back, too occupied by her own distress. His attempt to start conversation and get her to open up more had been met with a scalding remark. Once again he was reminded of the social boundaries. Not friends, just lady and servant. And nothing more.
The pallor that had fallen over the city was evident to all the inhabitants. The citizens of Camelot moved numbly while the young lords debated what had come over their king, and the old remembered the young man Uther had been. At least the fifth crucifixion had been a 'private affair' as Uther put it, removed from the city and on the main road.
The citizen in the square being whipped had consorted with sorcerers and given them safe harbor. On seventeen lashes the man was passing out and the King was looking bored. Uther raised his gloved hand. "Citizens of Camelot, for over twenty years we have fought a war against magic."
Behind him Merlin rolled his eyes. It was the same damned speech he gave when he crucified Reah. "But as I told you before, as your King I have failed to adequately protect you from its evils." He gestured at the tanner kneeling in the courtyard, whimpering. "This man, Robert, has betrayed my trust, but worse he has betrayed yours! In this new era, when we will move together to eradicate magic once and for all, some of you may wonder why this man is not being crucified!"
A small murmur of consent went up in the grounds and Merlin sighed. True some people did agree with Uther, but this could also be the work of Lord Ector and Sir Caradoc, his faithful supporters, and the ones who never questioned his judgment. They could be counted on to do anything the King asked no matter how distasteful, or so Merlin believed. Also Merlin doubted anyone wanted to cross the king currently and would have to put on a show.
"Know this; I am merciful when I dispense my justice. I am willing to overlook small infractions if the greater problem is brought to heel. Thus, Robert of Dumnonia is pardoned for his crimes. His punishment has been just."
As he moved from the balcony and away from the confusion in the square below, Arthur followed while Merlin trailed behind in earshot. Yes Arthur, I'm always the spy.
"The touch of mercy will resonate with the people father."
"Don't mistake my mercy for weakness Arthur."
"Father I am worried about what the people are thinking, as well as the other kingdoms once word spreads. Have you listened to your people Sire?" Arthur began to plead.
Uther sighed. "Of course Arthur why do you think the last, and all future crucifixions, will occur outside the city with only the guard attending?"
"For…morale?"
"Of course for morale!" Uther shook his head. "The first batch was not meant to cow the people, though I suspect that has been the effect. It was to show the surety of my continued convictions in this war on magic. I am their king and they will obey. Do not mistake me for being a tyrant Arthur. I regret all the actions I have had to take against this evil. Do not think I sleep soundly. Yet who is to do these things if not Camelot's King?"
"Of course father."
Merlin truly could not believe what he was hearing. Tyrant. Hypocrite. Why is Arthur so loyal?
"Do not mistake my sentiment for an apology. As regrettable that these actions are, I cannot allow sorcery to return in force to this land. You have yet to see all its evils" Uther continued with a smirk. "We are fighting a war without battle lines, we must think in different terms. Ector has brought this understanding to me. I have allowed my hate to cloud my tactical judgment. When the first Purge began Arthur we fought armies of the Old Faith led by the High Priestess, creatures conjured straight from magic. Camelot had to contend with dragons and entire companies of Sidhe."
"So in this new…war, small practitioners will be punished instead of executed?"
Uther turned on him with a small smile on his face, like Arthur was a small child. "Are you really that naive Arthur? He was not a sorcerer. All sorcerers will still die. They are cowards that no longer have the strength to face us in force so they will strike from the shadows. Thus I will drive them out, show mercy to their sympathizers and increase bounties."
"That may also result in grudges being carried out. Accusing one another of sorcery when there isn't any."
"I agree with that sentiment, but Ector and Caradoc have been in the trenches against magic since the beginning. I have had no need of their talents of late, but I will route out the truth and falsehood. Also I have received word from Kay that he is returning from Dorset. Kay was as good as any Witch Finder. I have no need to see innocent people turn against me because of grudges or misunderstanding."
Merlin noticed that Uther didn't consider druid children innocents, and slightly paled at the mention of Kay. Who was this knight exactly besides Arthur's mentor, and why did Leon and the Prince consider bringing a man Uther had just described as a Witch Finder a good idea?
"Of course father but won't the added pressure force the magical community to take more of a stand, even rise up against you again? That would be the greatest threat to Camelot."
"No Arthur that would be the end of the war. I have faced their kind before in open battle. It is devastating but we will always win. My knights, your knights son, are the greatest martial force in this land. An army of sorcerers is far less deadly to Camelot then small bands striking when they please. Don't worry Arthur I've fought this type of war before. It is how I took back Camelot after all."
Merlin shuddered as they made their way to the throne room. This was a vitalized Uther, a man willingly to change the rules before the enemy. Now in him was some of the young warrior that the rumors spoke of. The boy who had taken a handful of Cornwall knights and infiltrated the fortress he would rename Camelot. After he burned the corpses of his enemies and had their families slaughtered of course. The man had proven himself every bit the tyrant Morgana had said he was.
As if the day couldn't get any odder, they were intercepted on the way to the throne room by Geoffrey of Monmouth, the records keeper sweating and looking slightly beside himself.
"My liege a delegation from Essetir has arrived."
"Indeed and what does Lot demand of us now? Or is this yet another compiled list of imaginary wrongs we have committed against his kingdom. You see Arthur this is what I am talking about. Like sorcerers, some people cannot be trusted. Only recently Lot pledges his kingdom will purge sorcery from his lands and now he pulls something like this.
"My Lord." Geoffrey said awkwardly. "You must truly see this delegation; it is not what it seems."
Uther gave no response as he strode towards the assembly, the guards opening the doors. The King stopped hardly a pace into the large room. Merlin caught the confused expression on his face that quickly shifted to one of distrust.
"King Lot?" Uther asked warily as he looked around at his gathered councilors. "You must forgive any lack of hospitality. We were not informed." He shot a glance back at Geoffrey.
"Ah Uther." The dark haired man spoke. His beard was unruly and had not been trimmed in some time. His hair was an absolute mess. The King's clothes were covered in mud from riding, and Merlin thought he detected traces of blood along the left sleeve. He already seemed half drunk. "I liked the cross I saw along the road. A touch dramatic, but I love that. Don't worry yourself this is a parley, not an invasion."
"A parley? But we are not at war."
"Oh not yet King Uther." Lot moved around the room and grabbed a jug of wine. "I request your help, as a friend in the war against magic, to help me retake my kingdom."
Merlin detected a small smirk on Uther's lips before Camelot's King spoke. "Who usurped you? I remember your poorly veiled insults from decades ago even when you offered me, 'shelter.'"
"Yes Uther, this is a situation to which you are familiar with, but I trust we can put aside our differences. We were both but children after all." Lot intoned with a slight laugh as he sat in a chair. Uther came over and sat at the head of the table. "My brother Cenred now calls himself king."
"Let's drop this pretense Lot." Uther said angrily. "You lounge here in my throne room, you busy my councilors and drink my wine but we are no friends. Not even from the beginning. Not even during the Purge. What is to stop me from repairing the relationship between mine and, your little brother's kingdoms by delivering you over to Cenred?"
If Uther had been expecting a reaction from Lot, perhaps one of fear he would have been disappointed. "Uther I hate magic as much as you. My dear brother has been consorting with a red haired sorceress. Her name is Anatiss." Lot drew out the 's', wine sputtering from his lips.
The throne room quieted and the councilors were nervous at the change of atmosphere. Uther turned slightly pale and Merlin saw Arthur clench his jaw in anger.
Lot looked around the room with a small smirk and stretched out his hands. "So, she is known here."
"Yes. A vicious manipulator who loves turning kin against kin as you have so discovered Lot. I trust you have troops of your own, or do you truly believe I will spill only Camelot blood for you?"
"Of course Uther. Loyal to me, waiting under my unsuspecting brother's nose. Don't worry, I'm sure he is more concerned with the sorceress's tits then the disposition of his own forces."
"Always the charmer Lot. I remember in the brief moments when we weren't at each others throats how well it worked."
"Keep me away from wine Uther and I'm the perfect gentleman." Lot replied with a smile too fake for Merlin's taste. "Right now, obviously not."
"And that is all you have to offer me Lot? A sorceress?" Uther smirked.
"Well an alliance. Money of course. Maybe land."
"We will have to discuss details, but I must first show you hospitality Lot." He extended his hand. "It will be Camelot's honor to help you."
Arthur moved forward. "My Lord perhaps you should discuss this with your council first."
"Nothing specific has been decided Arthur." Uther said. "By helping Lot we gain a…friend, and rid ourselves of a sorceress. A criminal who tried to tear us apart. "
Arthur said nothing more while the traditional pleasantries were exchanged and Lot and his entourage was finally led from the room followed by the counselors. Merlin noticed a blonde haired woman accompanying the former King of Essetir. She glared back at him with her dark eyes, a slight smile on her face. She was dressed in full armor with a large sword at her belt. There was something in the way she walked that reminded Merlin of someone else, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Gaius, Arthur and Merlin remained with the king when the chambers cleared, and he was shaken out of his thoughts by a side door opening, and a grey haired, scarred knight stepping out.
"Interesting Sire my spies surely would have reported something of the sort. A conflict between brothers, even the presence of that particular sorceress would have arrived before Lot's delegation." Caradoc stated dully.
"I agree Caradoc but Cenred may have eliminated some of them. Dispatch more we must verify this and quickly."
Caradoc nodded and left the chambers the way he came. Merlin sneered after the knight. It was creepy how the man always was hiding in the shadows awaiting Uther's bidding.
"Father if the story is true, why are we going to help him so readily. Why spill Camelot blood for someone who is more enemy than friend."
Uther looked at Arthur then turned towards Merlin. "Tell me boy, does Arthur read?"
Merlin stuttered." Read...uh...no sire...he trains knights, hunts...reads, poetry? No."
Uther waved his hand. "As I thought. If only you had Morgana's desire for knowledge. Arthur, by defeating Cenred we will have weakened Lot. I have no intention of giving him his kingdom back."
"Father I..."
"My Lord." Gaius began. "Is this wise?"
"I have spent twenty idle years. Lot will ever be a thorn in my side. He will still be a King, but with a reduced kingdom. He already hinted at wealth and land as our reward. This shall be my price for helping him, and if I know the man, he will consent as a condition upon the ratification of the treaty. He yearns for wealth more than actual territory. The man is a complete hedonist. My remaining years will be dedicated to making Camelot the strongest nation in Albion."
"Father the other kingdoms won't take kindly to this. We are talking total war, a complete conquest."
"Hardly complete Arthur. Think of it as a friendly deal between kings. Regardless it's time you learned how to wage a true war. I was eighteen when I took Camelot, you're already twenty one. You will need something to put your name to when I am gone or no one outside of this kingdom will respect you. Raiding druid camps and killing monsters, while noble tasks are child's play. The world is fickle Arthur. Many want Camelot and her lands but won't attack not simply because of the strength of our army but also because of who I am. You must forge such a reputation."
"Of course father."
"I don't like it Gaius. Ealdor is in Essetir, and despite Lot's hatred for sorcery I know druids and other magic users live more freely there than here. I don't know what's come over Uther. Frankly it's terrifying Gaius, I might have expected this out of a man like Lot but Uther? How can he continue to talk about honor and duty when he plots war and slaughters people? Maybe it's because he doesn't think our kind are people after all."
They were back in Gaius's quarters after the strange meeting with Lot. Merlin looked over at his mentor who was ignoring him and deep in thought. "I've been talking here trying to pour my thoughts out. Gaius?"
"It's strange Merlin. I would have thought with his hatred of magic and all things associated with it that Uther had forgotten or dismissed the prophecy."
"Prophecy? What prophecy?"
"It is said that at the time Uther killed his first dragon, that Meranthroix spoke to him before he died, saying that he could see the Red Dragon in him, the one that would conquer Albion. Camelot was without question the strongest kingdom before Arthur's birth. The queen's death and the subsequent Purge, especially the battle with Nimueh's armies weakened it. Uther gave up all dreams of conquest but now I think he believes in the prophecy. He wants to be that dragon. He feels the need to consolidate his Pendragon legacy."
And sacrifice everything. Just like his Queen. Merlin thought bitterly.
"Well the dragon must have meant Arthur, Gaius. And who is to say that Uther didn't make it all up? Legends can be just as powerful or more so, than the truth. Uther understands that much. "
"Indeed, but I heard the tale from another man as well, not just Uther. One who was there and was no longer a friend of the King. He had no reason to lie to me."
"Who was he?"
Gaius dismissed his question with a slight wave. "A renegade. A man named Balinor. No one important Merlin."
Kilgharrah was waiting for him, lounging on the rock playing with the chain around his neck. "Young Warlock this is a surprise. Don't you have a feast to prepare for to welcome Lot? Yet another warlord playing at King. I have seen it all before." The Dragon mused.
"Kilgharrah how did you...never mind I need some information."
The dragon waited for a few moments as he and Merlin stared at each other awkwardly. "I know many things Merlin but that does not include knowing what is on your mind."
"I need to know more about Arthur's destiny. You never told me there was a prophecy."
"Because there wasn't one young warlock. Not a prophecy as humans would have it believed. It is simply your and Arthur's destiny to unite Albion. This is the fact that all dragons can see in time. Blessing and curse both."
"But what about a prophecy or thing concerning a Red Dragon? That is Arthur isn't it?"
Kilgharrah chuckled. "Ah so you have stumbled upon Meranthroix's proclamation. My brother always had a touch of the dramatic."
"You're brother, the one Uther killed?" Merlin had never thought of Kilgharrah having actual blood relations like humans.
"Yes Merlin. His first dragon of seven slain. My brother was a fool and complacent to have allowed such a thing to happen."
"So he foretold Arthur's reign?" Merlin asked, desperate for answers.
Kilgharrah sighed. "Time and time again Merlin you ignore my advice. You protect Uther when you should let him die."
"We're not having this conversation again Kilgharrah..."
"We are young Warlock, for this is what you do not understand." Kilgharrah reared up. "Uther is the Red Dragon. The reigning Pendragon is he whom the prophecy speaks of. I would have thought that your destiny would eclipse this, but Meranthroix, as arrogant as he was, was always wiser in the ways of the future than I. Events have changed and Uther is no longer content to, like my brother, rest on the laurels he acquired in his youth. I know not how many years he has left, but even if he were bedridden, a king who can still give orders can still be a threat."
"But this can't be possible Kilgharrah!" Merlin said. "Always you tell me that I can't escape my destiny. You try to turn me against Mordred, against Morgana and try to make me commit regicide. You said it yourself Kilgharrah, no man no matter how great can escape his own destiny! And then you flip me around and say that destiny is of my own making! Which one is it Dragon?"
Kilgharrah began to laugh. "Indeed Merlin. All I have said is true, it only contradicts in your mind because you cannot fathom the eons that I can see. You tell me this, what happens when two people with inescapable destinies, father and son collide? Who will fate choose? Will Albion be united under Arthur, or under Uther? There was a time when Uther could have united the land, and I thought that time had passed. If it has not, it will be an interesting future for you young Warlock. Think on what I have to say."
"No come back! You cannot leave me with more questions!" Merlin shouted but all he got in response was his echoes and the bellows of Kilgharrah's continuing laughter.
Merlin groaned. Time spent with Kilgharrah always revealed more questions. He wondered if the Dragon had gone half insane during his years in captivity.