When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.

~ Nelson Mandela

Chapter 3: A Dragon's Freedom

Balinor moved through the city streets with the new sword wrapped in a bundle with a basket full of clutter as he headed off for the castle. He came upon two guards in front of a great metal door. Unlike the ones that were at the front of the castle these men wouldn't just regard him without a second glance. They were in front of the entrance to Uther's treasury.

"Where are you going?" one of them asked readying the spear in his hand.

Balinor just waved his hand at them. "Swefe Nu," he said calmly reciting the sleeping spell he used in his escape. As they fell asleep he went to the one that had the keys hanging off his belt. "Looks like I'm getting the hang of that spell," he mumbled as he went inside and opened the satchel to pack some gold into it.

Once he was free he would be needing some money for things like food and shelter especially since Uther took everything he had with him when they captured him. He didn't like to act like he was a common thief but he didn't have any money and this was an emergency. Well, maybe he had no real guilt about making Uther's coffers more roomy but about taking the apprentice's creation. Balinor was feeling a little bad at the thought of just taking the sword like that. He hoped that he could make it up to that young man, Tom, one day. At least he had his name: Tom. After he felt he filled the basket he had with gold he took off for the other side of the castle. He had to move faster now before those men were discovered and an alarm was raised. He was stopped by one guard asking why he looked in a hurry but he played it off calmly. He simply said that he wanted to use the new time from the challenge to catch up on his neglected chores so he wouldn't get punished for it. The guard just laughed at him and told him to get a move on then because with the king's current mood he might just see the stocks. Once he was passed him he headed off for the lower levels of the castle and made his way back to Kilgharrah.

The training grounds began to be filled with Camelot's people to watch the challenge that was given to their king. Uther was fitted in his armor and looked out at the other end of the field to see Tristan completely clad in black armor with his shield and sword already out and ready. Gaius was nearby and watching as Uther's servant helped him get ready.

"Sire, if I may could I speak on this fight?"

"You can my friend."

Gaius exhaled deeply. "Is this bout really necessary? This is a match to the death and which means this could only end with either your death or Tristan's."

"Yes, I'm aware of that. This wasn't my idea Gaius."

"Can't you convince Lord Tristan to call this off. If you die Camelot will be without a king and if Tristan dies then the crown will lose support of one of the most influential houses and their allies."

"I'm afraid that is out of the question. Tristan has made it clear that there is no other way."

"Because of what he knows about Ygraine sire?"

Uther gave Gaius a sharp look. "I would be careful of what you say next Gaius. I am not in the best of moods right now."

"Forgive me sire." Gaius backed off a bit. "I just don't want to see us lose one of the men that helped end the reign of the Greedy King. You owe much to the Du Bois family and Tristan is the heir to the legacy next to Aggravaine."

Uther settled down a bit. "I know but sadly this is unavoidable now. Tristan won't listen to my reason and I can't have someone who would incite doubts in the kingdom about my stand against magic. It might hurt the kingdom to end Tristan but letting him go now might bring even more harm regardless."

When he was ready, he stepped out and his entrance was met with applause and cheers from the people.

Geoffrey of Monmouth stepped out onto a podium to speak to the crowds. "This is a formal challenge under the rules of the Knight's Code. Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot has been challenged by Sir Tristan Du Bois. This fight will be fought under the laws of the code and…to the death," he said a little flinchingly. "May the challengers step forward."

Uther took his helmet from his servant and step closer until he was about five feet from Sir Tristan. He already had his helmet on and took a stance. Uther gave him one last hard look before he put on his own helmet and took his own stance.

Geoffrey gave a nod to a servant and he took a mallet and hit the gong to signal the start of the bout.

Balinor made his way down to the lower levels of the castle and headed to the path that led to Kilgharrah's prison. He entered the cavern to see Kilgharrah on that big rock in front of the path.

"You've come back," he said as Balinor walked forward.

The dragonlord just playfully smirked back at him. "Was there any doubt?"

"Perhaps a little," the dragon chuckled at him. "You've brought the sword?"

"More doubts?" Balinor said as he unwrapped his find. "I hope this will do."

Kilgharrah looked the sword over carefully. "Yes," he mumbled. "I believe that it will suit us perfectly."

"So what now my friend?"

"Simply hold sword up high and leave the rest to me," Kilgharrah instructed.

Balinor did as Kilgharrah asked and soon the dragon let loose a small steady jet of fire that encased the blade.

Uther swung his sword but Tristan brought his shield to intercept it and then he put his body behind it as he pushed back at Uther. He stepped back three times before he regained his equilibrium and readied himself again at his brother in law. Tristan was worthy warrior and Uther remembered how glad he was to have him at his side during the war to take Camelot. He never would've imagined that one day he would be facing him in single combat to the death in front of all of Camelot.

"Don't force me to have to kill you Tristan," he tried as he paced in a circle with him.

"Why? What difference would one more member of my family make to you?"

"I keep trying to tell you that it wasn't I who killed your sister…my wife. It was Nimueh and her magic that killed her."

"Nimueh and magic were the tools used in her demise." He pointed at him. "You were the artisan who used them and it is you who must answer for what happened to her."

"Very well then. Just know, you left me no choice and I will not be held responsible for your death."

Tristan snorted behind his helmet. "You declaring that won't make it so despite what you have come to believe about yourself Uther. You will answer for what has happened one way or another. I swear it!"

He then went at Uther again.

Kilgharrah stopped breathing fire. "I believe that should do it."

Balinor brought the sword close to his face and looked it over with renewed fascination. The sword still looked the same but at the same time he knew that it was far from the same weapon as before. The sword seemed to have an air of elegance on it that a crowned jewel would have. The cavern didn't have much light but the sword sparkled and shined as bright as it would in an open field like it was a source of light itself.

"This is incredible."

"A sword forged in the dragon's breath Balinor. It has unlimited potential. Fits a caliber of weapon that can't be measured."

Balinor nodded in agreement. He could feel the truth of Kilgharrah's words as he held the new weapon. "Such a weapon needs a name." He thought on it for a few moments before it came to him. "Excalibur."

"Excalibur? That's an interesting name…why?"

"You just had it had unlimited potential. A caliber that couldn't be measured. In the field of science the variable (x) means immeasurable. X-calibur."

The dragon nodded. "I see. That is truly fitting indeed." His grin dropped slightly. "But that goes for the good it could bring as well as the evil. Balinor, you must make sure that this sword does not ever fall into the wrong hands. Once forged it can't be un-forged. Take the utmost heed of my words my friend."

Balinor's face hardened with resolve. "Don't worry Kilgharrah. I will see that Excalibur is well looked after," he vowed.

"I believe you." He then relaxed. "You've never broken your word yet Balinor."

"And I don't intend to start now. So, let's get these chains off you then."

"Do you have much experience with swords Balinor?"

"My father taught me. I'm not exactly what you would call a master but I can do a decent job of protecting myself. Just…hold still just the same."

Kilgharrah smiled as he held out his paw and Balinor walked over and readied his eyes over the point he was to strike. He raised Excalibur and brought it down on the chain as hard and fierce as he could. A loud clang echoed through the caverns followed by a ground shaking roar.

Uther backed away from getting hacked from the neck up from Tristan's fierce swipe. Uther was starting to breathe a little hard as he felt his heart pounding fiercely against his chest. This fight was starting to wear on him. It seemed that the energy that he had spent in overseeing to the Great Dragon and the Dragonlord Balinor capture and execution was starting to catch up with him. Uther took this spare moment to silently curse Balinor and his dragon for causing him trouble even now. He couldn't hold out for that much longer. He will have to be bold if he hopes to overcome Tristan.

He shed off his front armor plate and his gauntlets to the surprise of everyone. Once he did Uther charged at Tristan as quickly as he could. Tristan made another swipe at him and managed to slightly graze Uther when his blade went slightly into his left torso. Uther however had his sword directly imbedded in Tristan's lung. Without his armor weighing him down Uther's speed and agility was better especially with his body having been made used to the extra weight during the duration of the fight. It gave him the edge he needed. He was wounded a little but that was a small price to pay to triumph in this fight.

Tristan was starting to choke as blood started flooding into his lung thanks to Uther's blow. "I…swear…Uther," he gargled. "I will not rest…until you answer…for what…you've done to…Ygraine…and the kingdom."

Uther met Tristan's eyes and glared him down. That was before there was a great rumbling that started to shake the ground immensely. The people in the grounds all started to get frantic as the shaking intensified. Uther lost some of his footing and Tristan's blade which was still in him somewhat went deeper and twisted within him which Uther quickly yanked out as he pushed Tristan's dying form to the ground. He held on to his wound to try and stem the great blood flow that was now pulsing out.

"What is happening?" he demanded as if the very earth would answer his question on command.

His question answered itself a few moments later when a great explosion sounded from the cliffs nearby Camelot and a grand roar echoed throughout the city. The Great Dragon was free and clearly riding it was the Dragonlord Balinor as they gazed down at the city. The sight made all the citizens of the city go off in hysterical panic. The streets went wild with screaming and running people as they tried to get themselves to be safe from the inevitable wrath of the dragon.

A few of the men on the outer wall readied their crossbows but the dragon let loose a small ball of fire that had two of them screaming as their uniforms caught fire and one of falling off the wall to his demise. Uther's knees started to grow weak and he found himself on one knee as he watched everything unfold in front of him.

"Sire."

A few knights including Sir Ector and Gaius ran to Uther to try and get him inside the castle. Gaius immediately put a thick cloth over his wound and two of his men grabbed him arms and legs to carry him off to safety as the dragon roared above them.

The wound was painful but he forced himself to give the commands that he knew had to be carried out. "Ector," he gasped out.

"Yes sire?"

"Rally the knights and the armed men currently in the city. Subdue that dragonlord and his dragon. Do not let them escape again!"

Ector nodded and ran off.

Up in the air Balinor watched with a hard look as Kilgharrah launched that attack against the soldiers on the wall.

"I will enjoy burning Uther and his precious city to ashes," Kilgharrah roared savagely over to his friend.

Balinor gazed over at the streets to see all the people screaming and running scared. He remembered that the smith and his apprentice were among them and he could even make out some children as well. "Kilgharrah, we must flee."

"Flee?" Kilgharrah must not have heard him right. "We must make that tyrant answer for what he has done."

Yes, Kilgharrah was right but this was not the time for that. "As much as the idea appeals to me, we can't afford to do that now. You've been chained by those shackles for two weeks already and I haven't had a moment's rest in over a day. We aren't at full strength. We'll need some time to recover."

Balinor may have made a decent assessment but Kilgharrah wasn't fooled. "Don't tell me that you still feel that Camelot still deserves mercy. After everything that they have done?"

"Everything that Uther and his men have done," Balinor corrected. "Uther and his knights will pay for this, I promise you that my friend. However, we shouldn't have innocent people have to pay for his sake as well." Balinor knew how hard this would be for Kilgharrah. It was hard for him too. They were the last dragon and dragonlord. All their brothers, their kin – dead. Balinor wanted justice for them just as much but it would be justice, not blind revenge. "If what you say about Uther and his motivation is true then that would make us no better than that pitiful excuse of a king. Let's prove that we are truly better than him and keep it between us and not involve innocent people. Besides, if it wasn't for a small handful of them, I would be dead now and you would most likely be trapped forever and we owe them a debt."

Kilgharrah growled slightly but could see the wisdom in his dragonlord's words. "Very well. Yet where will we go?"

"I have a direction in mind. Let's get moving."

"They will most likely pursue us," the dragon warned.

Balinor looked down again and saw a company of knights on horseback riding out to try and quell them already. "Then let's halt them."

Balinor pointed at the space before the main gate in and out of the city and Kilgharrah, after making sure that there would be no innocents caught in the crossfire, gently launched another great stream of fire to block the path. Once that was done he flew off to leave the sight of the city behind.

Ector and his fellow knights yanked hard on their horses' reins as the path was blocked by a great fire done by that dragon. They couldn't get through to pursue Balinor who was taking off with his dragon.

"Ector, the path is blocked. We'll have to move to the west gate in order to leave the city and continue the pursuit."

The knights started to turn to head for that gate but the flames seemed to flare as it spread to a nearby shack. The fire that the dragon spat at the wall at the archers was now dropping embers on the houses below. Even though there had been a storm just last night it seemed as if the fire was still spreading as fast as a dry spell thanks to a dragon's flame.

"Wait!" Ector shouted. "This fire…it's starting to spread. We have to try and put it out or it could spread throughout the lower town."

"But the king gave us orders to pursue the dragonlord," one of them argued. "We need to bring back the dragonlord for Camelot."

"We do that and there might not be a Camelot to come back to. If this fire spreads and envelops the city then our king won't have a city to reign as king in! Is that understood?"

The men slowly nodded and went off to try and settle the fires as best they could. They helped carry pales of water to put the flames out and evacuate and carry people away from the path of the fire.

After night had fallen the flames were gone though it left the smell of smoke and burnt wood behind. Thankfully with the intervention of the knights the fire hadn't swallowed too many homes; around less than a dozen had been swallowed but thankfully the people in those homes had been taken out before the worst arrived.

Tom saw that his pregnant wife and his son were safe and sound before he went to check on his smith master. He returned to the shop to see that it wasn't damaged or even touched except for one thing. The sword that he had made was missing.

Uther was on a painkiller induced sleep as Gaius tended to the deep wound at his side. Uther was lucky that he was able to have it treated so quickly after he sustained it or there might have been serious long term damage. He saw that there was damage though that he wouldn't be able to fix. Uther would feel some stings even with a tonic for pain. He was thankful that the dragon's escape hadn't amounted to the worst case scenario for the city. He just hoped that helping Balinor get free was not something he would come back to regret like a good many things in the last year.

End of Chapter 3

A/N: How did you all like that? Looks like Uther can't get a moment of peace now. It's one disaster after another. As for Uther's wound, I think you remember that Gaius told Alice that he makes a daily concoction for Uther for an old battle wound. I think that the wound from this battle was fitting for that. It so he would remember this day every single day and now for more than one reason which will play more as the story goes on. Considering that the dragon's escape made the wound deeper than last time it would not be a very positive thing to be looked back on.