Chapter 43 [Kilgarrah's Cave]

Riding the currents of Merlin's teleportation spell, Gwen had disappeared in the same white flash. Much as she imagined they had done, she dealt with some stomach discontentment and a headache from the journey.

Imagine the shock, however, at finding herself in the dimly lit cavern. She peered around anxiously not understanding where the others had ended up. Did they make it? Where am I? Did I get back to our place? Worse still, she found herself still floating in her astral form. Why didn't Merlin's spell put me back in my body?

"It will be all right, Gwen. You'll see. Merlin and the others will save you," Hunith's voice noted from the shadows.

Hunith? Can she see me? Gwen floated toward the voice. As she did, she felt a slight tugging from that direction. Rather than fight it, she rode the attraction to its source wanting to be around a familiar face. She pressed through the darkness toward that source.

The sight she beheld stopped her cold…..

Merlin's mother cared for her physical body meticulously. She raised a cup of water to the slumbering woman's lips while making sure that some of the liquid at least went down the hatch so to speak. Afterwards, she wiped Gwen's mouth and chin with a white handkerchief.

I should've known I could count on her. She smiled and attempted to reenter her body. Unfortunately she bounced off of an energy field surrounding the form. Morgana did something else! Will I EVER get to fix this? She sulked sullenly wishing she had gone back to the Amazons' castle with the others. I know I could've done something for Arthur! I know Merlin did this to protect me. Honestly! Just because I don't have magic doesn't mean I can't hold up my end! She frowned. Better than just floating around here and…?

A snarl echoed from across the cave near its entrance.

Now what? She glanced toward Hunith and her body. She doesn't seem fazed or disturbed by that. Wonder who or what it is? She floated back into the shadows heading toward the sound's source.

If she thought that seeing her body was a shock, seeing the cave's main tenant proved a bigger one yet.

A dragon? How could I be here? Aren't they all dead? I….

Seems that the world had a few more surprises after all…..

Kilgarrah gazed out of the cave's mouth with concern. He knew it had been only an hour since the assembled group had departed on their rescue mission. Still he'd sensed the breaching of the nightmare realm and the retrieval of the two queens. He felt Mithian's mastery of her gift with pride. Through their link, he followed the events as they flowed.

How predictable you are, Arthur Pendragon. You will doom Albion with your attitude!

He heard a voice gasp in fright and shock below. Peering downward, he beheld Gwen's glowing astral projection. "So it seems they succeeded. Queen Guinevere, I presume?"

"Y…yes." She trembled fearfully recalling his attack on Camelot from years earlier. She could still his furious roars shattering the night. The heat from the fiery rain irritated her skin. Her heartbeat sped up from the futile efforts of Camelot's finest to defend the city….

…defend the city from the Great Dragon before her…

"I welcome you. Pray this experience is better than our last. I trust you would agree?" he presumed.

She nodded numbly.

"I never harmed you at least not intentionally. No Camelot wiped out my kind save myself and one other. Uther imprisoned me under the citadel for twenty years. So you'll pardon my anger toward Uther. Arthur certainly does not help his case with me. You all should be grateful for your greatest asset," he explained.

"A…asset? What?" Gwen queried in confusion.

"Why Merlin of course." The Great Dragon snorted as the truth dawned across the young queen's mind. "You now know of his magic. It was he who steered me away from Camelot…who commanded me to cease my vendetta. In addition I have assisted him and you all during your hours of most dire need."

"Merlin…commanded you? Merlin…our servant…."

"Yes, Queen Guinevere. Merlin, it seems, has many different facets. Does he not? Most humble servant. Most supportive friend and brother in arms. Designated companion to Mithian. Warlock. And Dragon Lord," he revealed dryly.

"Dragon lord?" She'd heard the stories of course growing up around the blacksmith's forge. As a child, she had marveled at the legends of how men with such ability could bond with great creatures to do good for the realm. Of course she'd been assured that such things were pure fiction. So she'd thought….

…until now….

"He…just commanded you. Merlin?" she queried while asking for confirmation.

"Indeed he does. It is a gift he inherited upon his father's death, it seems," he revealed. "He watches over you all even as he serves you. Quite the accomplishment, no?"

"And how do I know you won't…burn again?" she supposed.

"Perhaps you can convince King Arthur to lift the prohibition on magic and stop hunting us? For Arthur to be successful as King, he must open his borders to all, Milady. That includes beings of magic such as Merlin, Mithian and myself. Perhaps if Uther hadn't set the example, I never would have acted as I did. Morgana Pendragon never would have turned to evil. Merlin would not have had to lie to you or play the charade as he has. Do not drive us to desperation. I trust you do not like where that leads," he pointed out.

"Is that a threat? I thought you were trying to be peaceful," she presumed almost being paranoid as she said it.

"I'm making an observation and putting an offer forward. No more…no less. We have enough to face without tearing at each other. Give me a reason to trust again, Queen Guinevere. I implore you. This is important for us all," he assured her.

"If I get back to my body, I shall do my best," she promised.

"Then that is all I can ask of you. My thanks, Lady." Kilgarrah perked his head attentively. "It seems the others are returning. Hopefully all will be mended soon."

Others? Who now? Gwen still remained very confused by the further reveals and attempts to process the information at hand.

Unaware of the discourse across the cave, Hunith continued to watch over Gwen's entranced body. She wiped the prone form's forehead in front of herself. She worried of course about Merlin, Mithian and their friends.

Watching one's child lead a collection of allies into a hostile place against a bunch of crazed Amazons? Even to rescue one's king?

It scared her to no end. Admittedly she knew her special child was stubborn and duty-driven but did he have to drive her to her wits' end in the bargain? And what was this gift that Balinor had granted him before the former's death? He really speaks to dragons! What else can Merlin do? And to think I was nervous about a few stray brush fires.

At that moment, the cave seemed to get brighter.

Now what? She stood quickly while weighing her options.

At that moment, the assembled allies reappeared before the light faded back to normal once more.

"We're back in that dragon's place!" Leon realized. Along with Camelot's other knights, he stiffened not knowing what to expect from Kilgarrah.

"Dragon's place? Bloody blazes!" Arthur braced himself despite not having a weapon. His eyes widened upon seeing Kilgarrah watching them.

"He means you no harm, Arthur. Calm down already. You're acting like such a prat," Merlin groused.

"I'll second that," Gawain sniped.

"Tell that to the people of Camelot, Merlin! He attacked us! He…." Arthur retorted firmly.

"After your father imprisoned me for twenty years, Arthur Pendragon, and killed my kind, you don't consider that provocation? Be grateful for Merlin's assistance as I just bade your queen to consider only moments ago," Kilgarrah advised tersely while narrowing his eyes at the Once and Future King.

"Gwen? What have you done now?" Arthur searched the cavern frantically. "Where is she?"

"King Arthur! You're back and all right!" Hunith realized while springing to her feet and rushing over to the group. Without stopping, she almost tackled Merlin and Mithian in a giant bear hug. "I was so worried!"

"I made sure he kept his head on straight, Hunith. Nothing to worry about," Mithian assured her while shooting Merlin a knowing smirk.

Nothing indeed. Merlin mused about the brewing schism within their own ranks. "It's a mutual effort, you know. We're fine, Mother. Speaking of which, has there been any change with Gwen?"

"None. I'm afraid. Why? Did you find anything to help her?" Hunith noted curiously.

"Her spirit was somehow in a nightmare realm. Merlin cast a spell sending Elena, her and us back to the Amazon castle. She didn't appear there. We were wondering where she is," Mithian explained.

Kilgarrah rolled his eyes. Even you both are acting like such mortals! Open your sensitivity. He hrumphed indignantly.

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE IS?" Arthur spat angrily before stalking toward the sorcerers.

Merlin narrowed his eyes. His eyes glowed immobilizing his king right there. "Kilgarrah's trying to tell us something. We will find her, Arthur! You can stay there until you see sense. Mithian's been through enough today without you threatening her. I won't hurt you either."

"She is lying right over there," Hunith indicated while pointing to the far wall.

Meantime, Kilgarrah, you were saying? Mithian queried.

Thank you, Mithian. As I was saying, open your sensitivity. You'll have a surprise. The Great Dragon could almost seem to be smirking.

Merlin rolled his eyes clearly perceiving the one-upmanship coming over the link. He focused on the room and on the energy around them.

Something felt out of place—an energy source which felt familiar but couldn't quite place….

Mithian jumped in surprise. Merlin, you don't feel her? Talesin?

Aye. I feel her. The elderly wizard smiled. "It seems, King Arthur, we have a partial solution." He waved his hand and commanded, "Nochdaidh!"

"What did you…?" Elyan demanded. Then his eyes went wide in shock.

An column of light formed to their right. Shades of blue, pink, purple and white cascaded up and down its length bathing Gwen in their hues. She felt thousands of pinpricks over herself. Then she appeared before them all. "Can you hear me?"

"Gwen! We can see you!" Elyan looked between his sister's body and the spirit floating before them all.

"Guinevere? What have they done to you? You're dead! They've killed you?" Arthur presumed hastily.

"No, Arthur, she's not dead. The last remnants of Morgana's spell keep her from her body," Merlin noted. "Talesin just destroyed one of the last two walls in her way. With that, we've done all we can. Now it's up to you…if you can keep your head on straight long enough."

Arthur furrowed his brow in frustration. "Let me move and I'll show you straight. So help me, Merlin…."

"Arthur, stop! Please!" Gwen begged. "Listen to them! They're trying to help me get back to my body. If you can do something, wouldn't you?"

"Of course! But I can't…You're like this!" Arthur protested.

"You love her. That's enough, Arthur," Lancelot interjected. "Why do you think Mithian and I stepped aside to allow you both to have your love?"

"You?" Arthur stared incredulously at the resurrected liege man, friend and fellow knight. He knew of Mithian's sacrifice of course. But to find out that Lancelot had feelings for Gwen like that….

"Yes, Arthur, I've always known," Gwen admitted. "Why do you think he came back to help us with Morgause's forces? He cares for us. I will always care for him. I however love you. I hated hurting him but you're my choice…my only choice." She turned to Lancelot. "Lancelot, I know that is painful for you. I am sorry but I wanted to be honest."

Lancelot exhaled heavily forcing back his emotions and putting on a staunch poker face. "We have our duty, do we not? I am dedicated to your happiness, Gwen. If that is with Arthur then so be it. I serve the Greater Good. Hence why I returned with the others to be here in your hour of need once more. Remember though there are those who have served but dare not let that service be known. They do so from the shadows much as I have but for other reasons. Their love for us all clearly evident even if it is overlooked." He glanced at Merlin.

"As you said, Lancelot, we live to serve. I'm glad for the bits of happiness along the way," the warlock concurred while giving his mother and Mithian a hug apiece for emphasis.

"Speaking of happiness, we do have to get the Queen back into her body, don't we?" Leon supposed.

"We do. That is for Arthur to do," Merlin noted. His eyes glowed again undoing the spell from minutes earlier.

Arthur flexed his arms. He glared at his servant. "When we get back to Camelot, I…."

"Arthur! Think of Gwen! Okay?" Gawain interceded. "That's what Lance is gettin' at! Put love first!"

"I may remind you of those words at some point—strange as they are coming from you," Arthur indicated tersely. "You are right however." With another glare toward Merlin, he marched across the expanse toward Gwen's entranced side. "This will take but a moment." He considered her for a moment before laying a firm kiss on her lips.

For several heartbeats, everyone waited for something to happen…but nothing did….

"I thought you said….?" Tristan turned to Kilgarrah.

"Yes I thought so too. Curious." The Great Dragon narrowed his eyes at Arthur. "That Pendragon hate is quite the monster, is it not? It holds you back, Arthur Pendragon, from accomplishing what you need. I have had to do so on several occasions where you all are concerned. Have we not, Merlin?"

"Yes, Kilgarrah, we have had to settle and move on from such things," Merlin conceded. "We all have to grow at some point. Arthur, focus on just your love. Forget about the hate. Forget your anger. Forget the crisis. Think about Gwen. Just about Gwen. This is just about you and her."

"Don't order me around, Merlin," Arthur barked.

"Then we'll sit here all day, you Prat, until you get a bloody clue!" Merlin countered fiercely. "We need her back. You have the key. Use it already!"

Arthur shook his head. Then he turned to his Queen. He closed his eyes putting aside all of the current matters for the moment. He took several deep breaths to clear himself. Then he remembered all of the good times…the times where they'd talked, shared intimate thoughts, embraced, or shared a meal among other encounters….

A warm feeling rushed up his spine. He almost felt as if he could float himself.

An almost sappy dreamy smile enveloped his face.

His eyes twinkled at her.

His lips brushed delicate feather-soft brush strokes via Amor's paint brush across hers this time. They imparted his energy into her filling her with positive vibrations.

Gwen felt a greater tug from herself so to speak. "Excuse me." She rode that gravitational force back to her proper place settling quickly therein. This time she felt no unsettled feeling or the like. She only felt his protectiveness and warmth.

Slowly her eyes blinked open; their first view were his.

He broke off the kiss but embraced her. "Guinevere! You're back!"

"Well I've been back in a manner of speaking but yes, Arthur, you broke the last barrier. I'm here with you," Gwen assured him before kissing him once more on the cheek. "Just don't let me go yet."

"I wish I could hold onto you forever," Arthur noted warmly. "Perhaps though we might have a time later after this is all over?"

"We shall. For now though, we do have other matters to discuss. Camelot must be retaken. Nemeth sits on the brink of a civil war. And we have the matter of magic to discuss," Gwen reminded him.

"One matter at a time, Gwen. First we need to deal with Meleagant and regain our throne. Then we can discuss the other matters as they are interrelated," Arthur pointed out.

"My Liege, we will need Merlin and the others if we are to regain our realm," Leon pointed out. "You know I fight with you and respect you. They are willing to help. I say let them do so."

"Your knight speaks the truth, Arthur," the Black Knight assessed bluntly.

"Excuse me? I'm going to listen to some dark wraith?" Arthur stalked toward his uncle.

"You are not king here, Boy. Meleagant still wears your crown. And I am still your elder." The Black Knight drew his blade. "Merlin is correct. You are acting like a childish prat. You wish to lead? Fine. Inspire them! You are not even worthy to carry your own sword at this point!" Seeing the curious look coming from Arthur, he scoffed, "You don't know that, do you?"

"I made it to deal with him," Kilgarrah stated.

"So Merlin lied AGAIN! Big surprise there!" Arthur accused.

"Arthur, stop!" Gwen interceded. "Merlin had his reasons at the time! Would you have accepted the sword knowing where it had come from? I doubt it. We cannot use things we don't believe in. It would cause an internal conflict. We're all here now for our common dream and good! Can't you just let that go?"

"The sword enabled Merlin to deal with Morgause's undead warriors and knock over the Cup of Life," Lancelot reported. "Once that blood spilled, they disappeared and we won the day. Without Merlin and the Dragon, you wouldn't be here, Arthur. None of us would be!"

"If Merlin didn't destroy that tomb, you and my father would be dead. I would be stuck with Odin and…." Mithian grimaced and bowed her head.

"That's why I had to bring it down, right? To save the special ones in my life." Merlin rubbed her shoulder supportively. "That goes for you as well, Perceval."

"I…appreciate that, Merlin. I'll admit I don't trust your magic. I know you deceived us." Perceval saw Gawain giving him a disapproving stare. "Still, as Gawain would put it, you have stood with us when it counted asking for nothing save to be able to serve us. I do respect that much."

"I wish Prince Kay would say the same," Britomart insisted. "Princess, you deserve better than this lot…well most of this lot anyhow."

"I'll just have to work with Merlin, won't I?" Mithian let her eye twinkle at him. Thanks for being you though.

My pleasure. He kissed the crown of her head affectionately.

"Meantime we do have an invasion to plan. Don't we?" Bors reminded the group.

"We have one," Gawain noted. "We go in through the dungeons and fight our way up to the keep."

"They're going to be anticipating that, Sir Gawain," Ywain pointed out. "Perhaps I might suggest a pincer movement?"

"He means squeezing your enemy between two fronts," Bors clarified. "We invest our forces and lay siege to Camelot. Once that's established, perhaps Merlin and the sorcerers can shake things up inside so to speak? They can open the drawbridge and allow us to march in."

"It could work, Sire," Leon chimed in. "Merlin, can you make us a promise? Since we know now, will you be honest with us?"

Merlin exchanged looks with Mithian and Talesin before nodding, "There's no reason to lie, Leon…not anymore anyhow."

"Then that's all I can ask for on the battlefield at least," Leon accepted getting at least some of the knights to nod supportively as well.

"We can also check on the Amazons and Gauls as well," Talesin suggested. "Perhaps they can bolster our numbers."

"You can move whole armies? Seriously?" Arthur inquired in disbelief.

"Not whole armies but perhaps to see where we stand with them," Merlin clarified. "At best, their numbers are thin. What I saw from the thugs who manhandled me, they aren't that well trained. Without Morgana and Morgause, Meleagant will run into the same issues as at Whitgate."

"Merlin, a toddler could best you in combat. I mean really?" Arthur retorted almost in a return to the old bantering tone.

"You haven't fought beside him lately then," Lancelot rebutted. "I think it's our best shot."

"We're in," Tristan voted while getting a nod from Isolde.

"Then are we in agreement?" Arthur queried. Seeing everyone nod, he raised an ordinary sword and declared, "FOR THE LOVE OF CAMELOT!"

"FOR THE LOVE OF CAMELOT!" the group echoed back.

"Let us be off then," Talesin took Bors' hand. "We shall seek out your father for he has landed on our shores."

"And we'll go and speak to Queen Elena," Merlin noted. He took Mithian's and Britomart's hands in his own.

"Just don't get her fool tail shot off!" Gawain mentioned.

"Don't do the same until I get back, Oaf!" Britomart fired back just as Merlin teleported them away.

"Will wonders never cease?" Arthur queried thinking of the blackmail material he now had on Gawain for later….

…that is if and when the siege ever ended…..