Hi everyone,. great to see some new followers that have joined us on this journey :) and welcome back to my lovely followers from HT. hmm I think I need to think of a collective name for these stories any ideas? any way I know not too much is going on, but its all about setting the scene and some good ole fun thrown in. anyway hope you enjoy love to hear what you think.

Chapter 2: Injuries and cryptic messages

Merlin was making his way to his new chambers that adjoined William's and Cassandra's. Arthur had insisted that he received new chambers befitting of his new station and even tried to get Merlin a manservant. Merlin had drawn the line at having new chambers and getting some new finer pieces of clothing even if they were the same as his old clothes just better quality. He refused to have a manservant declaring he could manage on his own; Cassandra's maid had taken to ensuring Merlin was efficiently prepared only doing the most basic of jobs he forgot to do. To Merlin's utter amusement Gorge had been assigned as Arthur's new manservant, just thinking about it brought a smile to Merlin as he walked down the corridor.

As Merlin rounded the corner before his room, he heard a cry and the shattering of glass. He ran towards the room the noise had come from, just as Cassandra's maid ran out from her room looking panicked. Merlin pushed past the girl and into the room; upon entering he was greeted by a familiar sight. Cassandra was on the floor with her back arched and shaking uncontrollably face scrunched up in agony. Merlin raced to steady Cassandra's head to a wait for the episode to stop. After a couple of minutes Cassandra slumped in exhaustion, the maid was standing just outside still watching in fear. Merlin picked Cassandra up and carried her to her bed; gently laying her down. He noticed the broken glass on the floor and the blood seeping through Cassandra's dress from her arm. He quickly ripped the dress and instructed the maid to clean the floor and bring water and bandages. Cassandra stirred as Merlin finished putting the final touches to the bandage; she sat up and gave a small smile at him. "Hiya Hawks" She smiled using the nickname she gave Merlin in their childhood.

Merlin frowned down at her in concern rubbing his thumb along her cheek. "Maybe you shouldn't come with us tomorrow, its' my entire fault your like this I'm so sorry" he replied guilt seeping through for not being able to stop Cassandra's pain.

"Merlin its ok, I'm alright now they aren't that bad any more. I am more than cable of looking after myself. Its William I'm worried about he's beginning to become complacent and a little arrogant. He thinks he's invincible and can do things he's not yet ready for "She sighed with concern

Merlin smiled "William is fine Cas he's just going through a phase I wouldn't worry. Hopefully Kilgharrah will be able to heal you. "

"Merlin don't get your hopes up, ever since Arthur has been allowing magic back into the kingdom you have tried to get everyone from the druids to healers to cure me. "

Merlin sighed "I will find a way to rid you of this affliction. Now get some rest and I will come back before we are to meet Kilgharrah".

Cassandra closed her eyes to get some rest, the episodes always exhausted her. Merlin moved away to give her some space. He noticed a necklace on the floor [1]; he picked it up inspecting the unique charm on the end. It seemed familiar somehow but he wasn't sure. As he walked out the door he bumped into William. "Hey that's mums necklace "the boy announced seeing Merlin inspecting the pendant. Merlin smiled at his son "William why don't you look after it for her and come with me to go talk to some of the druids that are visiting while we let your mother rest" William took the necklace from Merlin and looked around him to get a glimpse of his mother. "Father is mother alright? Did she have another attack "asked the concerned boy?

Merlin got a thrill every time the boy called him father it just warmed his heart and sent a feeling of absolute happiness from his toes through to his fingertips. "She's ok William, come on let's give her some time to rest." He replied squeezing the boys shoulder in comfort.

oOo

It was the following morning that saw the group that were going to meet the great dragon assembled on the steps of the citadel. Cassandra had deemed William officially relinquished of his punishment for changing Arthur and Merlin's hair. Although the people knew Merlin was a dragon lord they thought it would be best if the existence of the dragon was kept a secret for the time being. It was a pleasant ride out to the clearing; the knights and William were excited about meeting the dragon. Merlin was nervous it was something he had never done in front of anyone except that one time with Lancelot. Thinking of the former knight brought sadness to him, he would have been happy about the current turn of events in Merlin's life. "Merlin are you alright "Cassandra asked noticing is quiet disposition.

He shook away his feelings and turned to smile brightly "Yes fine, just thinking "he replied

"Merlin what have I told you about thinking" Arthur mocked

"Well at least I do unlike oblivious prats"

"Touché merlin , he's got you there princess " joined in Gwaine

Arthur shot Gwaine an angry glare "I will follow through with Cassandra's threat and make merlin enchant your mead to disappear "threatened Arthur

"You wouldn't dare, nah merlin likes me too much "Gwaine grinned giving merlin a slight push "Right Merlin?"

"Oh I don't know about that he is my king and you have been corrupting my son" Merlin smirked

Everyone just burst into fits of laughter at the look of pure shock and dread that overcame Gwaine's features.

The group quieted down as they reached the clearing. "So what now Merlin?" Arthur asked. Everyone watched as merlin moved slightly in front and smiled preparing himself, his friends might know about his gifts but have yet to actually see him use them. He lifted his head to the sky and roared to the heavens "O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo"the power of the dragon lord coursing through the air and the power reverberating through each and every one present. For William it filled him with power and awe he could feel the flicker of a connection and the purpose behind the call. Everyone stared at Merlin after the call ended in absolute awe. Merlin shifted uncomfortably under the scrutinizing stares at his back. Cassandra moved forward with William to stand either side of Merlin in support. The flapping of wings alerted the party of the arriving dragon; the knights shifted nervously. The dragon gave a bow of his head "Hello young warlock ". Merlin returned the gesture with a bow and smile "Hello old friend"

"It talks?" Gasped Arthur

Merlin and Cassandra rolled their eyes simultaneously at the King's lack of tact. Kilgharrah turned to stare at the king giving a small chuckle. "Indeed I do king Arthur pendragon, and what a pleasure to finally meet you"

Arthur moved forward and got down on one knee to show his respect "I am sorry for my father's actions and his terror on sorcery, I wish to apologize and extend a hand of friendship" Arthur announced sincerely.

If a dragon could smile he would be beaming at Arthur when he spoke you could hear the happiness. "I accept your apology, I have not been infallible and you have truly become the once and future king destined to unite Albion" Kilgharrah turned to merlin "I assume that this means he knows all your secrets and you are fulfilling your destiny "

"Yes "merlin beamed "Magic will be completely free in two days' time. The druids have been offered freedom and have returned to Camelot without fear as well as a tournament to show the people what magic can do when used for good "

"This is great news for the magical community, now this must be William, please come here child and let me look at you!" Kilgharrah turned to the small boy who was staring with wide eyes in wonder at the large beast before him. No fear was within the boy just pure joy; he moved closer to the dragon and gave a small bow just like his father had done.

"Hello Kilgharrah it is a pleasure to meet you" he supplied with all the curtsey he could manage. Kilgharrah chuckled at the dragonlord to be "What a small boy with such great power. I feel a change in the winds concerning you. Be wary young prince stay true to yourself and look within to find the answers to your questions, a time of change is coming the darkness will be cleansed through love. "

William frowned "What does that mean?"

Merlin shook his head "that William is the way a dragon gives advice in riddles, get use to it I still have trouble deciphering it all" Merlin laughed "Kilgharrah I have a favor to ask, can you-"

"I am sorry Merlin I cannot heal the damage done to the princess it is not something within my power" Kilgharrah cut merlin off before he could ask. Merlin's shoulders sagged he was sure Cassandra could be healed; Cassandra squeezed his hand and just smiled resignedly "Thank you Kilgharrah "the princess addressed the dragon.

"Kilgharrah, where is Aithusa?" Merlin suddenly asked

"I am not sure, she has been exploring for some time and I have not seen her. I am sure if anything is wrong we would hear her calls. Perhaps after the tournament you could investigate her whereabouts. "Kilgharrah replied

He stood up and spread his wings in preparation to leave. "Remember William the darkness must be cleansed"

"Well that was certainly interesting "Galahad announced

"hmmmm, very peculiar" merlin mused as he glanced at his son and thought about the cryptic message Kilgharrah had given the boy as they rode back to the castle.

"Merlin, I forgot to tell you that your mother will be arriving in Camelot for the announcement of the repeal on magic and I have invited her to stay for the tournament" Gwen relayed

Merlin stopped and gaped at her "Oh no! You didn't? " he paled

"Whatever is the matter Merlin?" Arthur asked bewildered at his reaction to the simple statement

"Gwen did you happen to tell her about William or Cassandra "Merlin asked nervously

"ummm I don't really remember I may have mentioned them , why does it matter"

Merlin just groaned he was in so much trouble!

Hehe so what did you think ? oh and if anyone is wondering [1] this necklace is mentioned in my prequel :every friendship has a beginning I wanted to tie everything in together