Hello, Merlin Fans! (I'm the only one who listen Bradley's voice in my head when I say this?)
Thank you so much for your reviews, Pms, favorites and follows.
Merlin does not belong to me, if that was the case we would be waiting for season 9.
English is not my first language, but now I do have an AMAZING BETA, Hornie Demon. Thank you so much for your help, dear. I really appreciate all you are doing for me. If you guys want to read great stories you should read hers. I'm not saying this because she is my beta, but because she is truly, an incredible writer.
I hope you like.
Under Control by Cary Brothers
Lost a night again
This path is taking its toll
All your worry spent
In broken glass on the floor
I cannot even say how much your continued interest means to me. As I promised, today we are talking about Merlin: Guinevere and Arthur's best friend. There are many words I could use to describe Merlin, and yet I do not think they would do him justice. However, I think it is my duty to try: Kind, loyal, humble, smart, brave…Some would even say lovely, stubborn and clumsy.
My opinion? He is a mix of all these things and more. It is because of him, I am here today. It is because of him that…I am sorry. I promise from now on, I will try to control my emotions.
Should I start from the very beginning? As I said to you, days ago, Merlin was born in a small village called Ealdor in Essetir, Cenred's kingdom. Like Arthur and Gwen, he grew up with only one of his parents; he lost his father, Balinor; whereas Arthur and Gwen lost their mothers.
Balinor was a warlock, just like Merlin. Unlike the stories you may have heard, Balinor married Hunith. They had three incredible years together, until his tragic death; he was a victim of the plague. Well, that was the story Merlin's mother told him. The truth is darker than you can imagine and even more painful, not only for Merlin but also for Guinevere and Arthur.
You must be curious, but I cannot tell you, at least, not everything. Just that Thomas Leodegrance had something to do with it. Remember something… I am NOT saying he killed Balinor.
Merlin was one year old when his father died and three years later, he left Ealdor with his mother. Hunith had no one to help her; her husband was dead and her friend - Ygraine - was killed. Merlin needed someone to guide him, teach him. Hunith could not think of a better person than her husband's uncle, Gaius.
It is important to say that when Hunith moved to Camelot, the king had already forbidden magic. Known Sorcerers were burned at the stake, or had their heads cut off. It does not make sense, does it? Why, to protect her son, Hunith would run away to a place where her son would be killed if someone found out about his secret? It took me a while to understand the logic of all it, but now that I know the whole story, I can see it was the best decision.
It was not always easy, especially when Merlin was a child. Nevertheless, with Gaius's help, Hunith managed to keep her son's secret safe. For the most part, Merlin grew up as a "normal" child. He understood he could not use magic in front other people - aside from his mother and uncle – that does not mean he did not get himself in difficult situations. Like when he was ten years old and turned pink all Elyan's clothes… Let's just say it was a miracle he did not lose his head. What Merlin did not know was that he had kind of a guardian angel looking after him. Someone other than his mother and uncle.
Even before he was able to talk, Merlin knew he was different. However, it was not until his seventh birthday, that he started to understand who he was and how to handle it.
You must be thinking, 'he was too young at age of seven!' For our world – nowadays - it is true, but centuries behind, things were quite distinctive.
As I was saying, at the age of seven Merlin started to learn who he was, and who he was destined to be. For that, he had a special help, one of the three last dragons alive: The Grate Dragon, Kilgharrah. I know this is a big surprise, right? From what you learned, Kilgharrah was the last dragon to survive, but in reality, that was not what happened.
The legends say that Balinor helped the king of Camelot to capture the last dragon, but as I said, back then, there were two more dragons out there. So no, Kilgharrah was not imprisoned with the help of Merlin's father. There was another Dragon Lord in Camelot, he was one of the most trustworthy confidants of Thomas Leodegrance; I think he was even his best friend. I do not know his name; however, I know that after Kilgharrah was captured, he vanished. Some people say he died, others say Thomas banished him. The truth? I never knew.
You have to know something, despite all Thomas' personal reasons, which you will learn in a few weeks, Camelot was on a verge of collapse. Suffering several magic attacks. The three last dragons, almost destroyed the kingdom and hundreds of people died. The banning of magic was not only King Thomas's wish; it was an outcry of the people.
Do not get me wrong! He was far from perfect, he was a tyrant, and in my opinion a monster. Anyhow, I do not think any king would still allow magic. Nevertheless, he could have done things differently. He indeed brought Camelot some kind of peace, built a strong kingdom, but the price was too high. Thomas killed children, the elderly, sorcerers that only used magic to heal. Again, hundreds of people died, was it any different from the magic attacks? The people started fearing magic less and fearing their king more.
That was the scenario Hunith and Merlin found when they arrived in Camelot, and although, things were not exactly easy, the difficult time helped Merlin to become what the lore says: The greatest warlock to ever live.
You must be wondering: 'if Thomas captured Kilgharrah, what happened to the other two dragons?'. To answer this question I have to go back to the day, Merlin met Kilgharrah for the first time.
The day Merlin reached seven years old, something changed on him. He started to hear a voice on his head: summoning him. You have to understand, he knew he was different, but hearing voices? It took everything to a completely new level. He was frightened, terrified actually.
He hid this from his mother for weeks until one day he lost control and almost lit his chamber on fire. He had no other option than to tell the truth.
Gaius was the one who took him to see the great dragon. The creature was captive in a deep cave under the castle of Camelot, bound by a magical chain. The spell was so powerful, that only someone from the royal family could break it.
Try to imagine a little Merlin coming face to face with a sixty feet tall dragon, which can speak. He was petrified at first, hid himself behind Gaius and even screamed a little! In the end, Merlin did have an interesting conversation with the dragon.
"How small you are for such a great destiny" Were the first words the dragon spoke to Merlin. Words enough to make him stop hiding behind his uncle, and get the courage to speak to the creature.
"What do you mean?" He asked still a little scared.
"Your gift, little boy. It was given to you for a reason." The great dragon continued, "You are destined to do great things. However, the path you have to tread will not be effortless."
At the last word, Merlin shook Gaius hand "What is effortless, uncle?"
Gaius took a deep breath, speaking for the first time "He means it will not be easy." Gaius stared to the dragon, "Why were you calling for him. He is just a boy!"
Kilgharrah laughed, "It's time for the boy to learn a few things about his fate. Do not be afraid young warlock, this is the first from many encounters we will have over the years."
The dragon did not tell Merlin at that time, that Arthur was the once and future king. This information only came to his knowledge years later. To Merlin, Elyan was the one destined to unite the land of Albion.
"The boy needs guidance, Gaius." The dragon said in a serious tone. "His friendship with Guinevere will also have a great impact on his future. Hunith cannot forbid that."
It was a warning, Gaius knew. The truth was since Merlin arrived in Camelot; Guinevere and Merlin had been attached to each other. Hunith feared that friendship, considering that Guinevere was the king's daughter, so she had forbidden Merlin to be friends with Gwen. Thankfully, the dragon changed that.
"One day, Merlin. My kind and I will be free along with magic," The dragon explained.
"I will not have to hide?" Merlin enquired. All he wanted, even at such a young age, was to be himself.
Kilgharrah laughed, "None of us will have to, Merlin! None of us." After that, the dragon flew off.
Merlin and his uncle left the caves and went back to Gaius' chambers. There, they told Hunith everything. Merlin was happy, thrilled even. Not only he learned that there was a reason for his gift, and that in the future he would be able to be himself, but also he could continue his friendship with Gwen. He only had one doubt.
"Mother, the dragon said that one day His kind would be free. But he is the only dragon, right?"
Gaius sighed, thinking how much he should tell to his little nephew "There are two more dragons, somewhere, Merlin. They do not have the permission to attack Camelot anymore. I do not know why, but Thomas chose Kilgharrah to be locked in the caves and let the others go."
Well, Gaius did not lie to Merlin; he just kept a few things to himself. I will tell you two things beforehand: First, the dragon let itself be captured and second well, you already know, but I guess you let that pass by you. Arthur's last name is Pendragon. Do you really think it is just a coincidence?
If I remember correctly, I finished my narrative last time, with the first encounter between Arthur and Morgana.
"So, this is Elyan's new servant?" Morgana asked looking Arthur from head to toe. "You need to get better clothes for him; Elyan will be king, he cannot be seen with a servant that looks like a beggar." Without letting any of them reply, she continued her walk with her maid Kara right behind her.
As Arthur and Merlin watched Morgana walk far away from them, Arthur gave her a scornful look "She is one the reasons why I hate nobility. They are so full of themselves." Arthur said and looked at Merlin who was watching Morgana with a thoughtful look.
"Merlin? Merlin?" Arthur's voice broke through Merlin's trance like state.
"What? Sorry. I was just thinking about Morgana" He huffed "No matter how nice she seems, be careful."
"Nice?" Arthur laughed contemptuously "Do not worry. I do not think that is going to be a problem." He continued. He was going to tease Merlin that he was in love with Morgana but decided not to. Something in Merlin's eyes, told him, his friend did not trust Morgana, and if something Arthur had learned about Merlin it was to trust his opinions.
Answering your questions, at that point the dragon had already told Merlin that Morgana would be an enemy. That was the reason Merlin did not trust her completely. However, Merlin did not know that Morgana had magic and dark secrets that she carried since birth.
"Come on!" Merlin said, "I have a lot of things to teach you. Prince Elyan should be coming back next week and you have to be ready." The serious tone on Merlin's voice did not go unnoticed by Arthur- The future king of Camelot (Is it ok if I start calling him that?) - made a mental note to press his friend to talk about Princess Morgana later.
As they went back to the Gaius's chambers Arthur asked, "Why did you drag me through the halls anyway?"
Merlin shrugged "Gwen wanted to meet you."
Arthur stopped abruptly "Why is that?" he asked confused.
Merlin gave him a mischievous smirk "You can ask her yourself!"
Merlin spent the rest of the day showing Arthur the castle and his quarters. Even Arthur had to agree this bed in Camelot was much more comfortable than the hard ground he was used to sleeping on back home. Things had not been as bad as he thought they were going to be. Thomas and Guinevere had been nicer than any noble he had met. Of course, it was only his first day.
Over the next couple of days, Merlin taught Arthur everything he needed to know to be Elyan's new servant.
"I know it seems like a lot of work" Merlin started to speak just to be interrupted by Arthur.
"Because it is!" So far, Arthur not only had to wake up the prince and bring him his breakfast but, repair his shield after tournaments or battles, sharpen his sword, polish his chain mail, wash his clothes and clean his boots; if that was not enough, Arthur just learned he would practically be a workhorse. He would have to carry all the supplies Elyan would need when he went on a hunt or worse, when the prince was in combat. That only meant that Arthur was going to the battlefield.
Merlin had a goofy look "Fine. It is a lot of work, but as my mother said, the payment is great! Also, you will have the opportunity to learn to sword fight, and I know that is something you've always wanted to do."
At that Arthur stopped. They were on their way to the armoury where Merlin was going to teach him how to put the armour on the prince.
"What in God's name are you talking about?" Arthur was shocked to say the least, yes, he had a little hope, that maybe his master would let him do that, but he was not stupid. He was in Camelot to be a servant, nothing more.
Merlin was smiling "Well, I was talking to Gwen and she gave me the good news." Merlin shrugged "Apparently Elyan is tired of servants that cannot at least, hold a sword."
Arthur smiled; maybe just maybe coming to Camelot was not going to be so bad after all.
"So, you've got voiders on the arms" Merlin was explaining to Arthur how to put the armour on "The hauberk goes over the chest."
Merlin gave Arthur the helmet, "Gwen was right!"
Arthur put the helmet on his head "About what?"
The Sorcerer chuckled "You do look like a warrior." For Arthur's luck, the helmet hid his embarrassed face. Merlin did not need to look at Arthur to know his friend was blushing.
"I see you two are having fun!" Gwen laughed as she entered the armoury.
"Your highness!" Arthur said dropping a sword on the ground. He took off his helmet and bent to the princess.
Guinevere sighed she hated those things. Was it too much to ask to be treated like anybody else? "Sorry if I scared you, Arthur. I just came here to get my sword." The same sword Arthur had dropped. "By the way you do not need to call me my lady, your highness or any of those things. You are Merlin's friend; you can call me Guinevere or Gwen."
"I shouldn't, my lady. It's not my place." Arthur replied, "I'm sure Prince Elyan or the king would not approve."
Merlin nodded "You know he is right, Gwen." The warlock said agreeing with his friend. "But when we are alone, there is nothing stopping that." He finished with a silly grin on his face.
If eyes could kill… I am sure Merlin would be dead from the look Arthur was giving him. It is not that Arthur did not like the princess, quite the opposite. She had been so gentle and so kind to him since he arrived in Camelot, that he was afraid where his feelings could take him.
Merlin sensing his friend's discomfort changed the subject. "Are you going to train again?" he asked a little surprised to Gwen. The question was foolish since she was wearing her chain mail, but she had already been training in the morning. Merlin was sure she had some typical princess duties to attend to.
Gwen smiled; the kind of smile that took Arthur's breath away, "I'm not going to be able to participate in the tournament next year, if I don't train as much as I can, right?"
Merlin paled "I thought we have decided that you are NOT going to do that!" He was perplexed, there was no way her father or brother would allow her to do something like that. Moreover, her idea to disguise herself as a knight was terrible.
"And I thought we had an agreement you would help me pass as a knight." She chuckled
Merlin scowled "This is not going to end well!"
"Relax Merlin, we have almost a year. I promise you everything is going to be alright."
Arthur was staring at their interaction intrigued. The whole relationship between them was odd to say the least. All the nobles he had met treated people from lower classes with disdain, except Guinevere. She treated them as if they were one of her own.
Before Merlin could say anything, a young maid with brown hair came screaming to the armoury. "Gwen! Gwen!"
Guinevere turned around to face her servant and friend Sefa, "What's going on?"
The girl put her hand on her knees gasping for air "That Little boy you helped in the lower town. Your father is going to execute him."
Guinevere did not think before she ran towards the castle. She did not even listen when Merlin screamed, "You have to change clothes first!"
Merlin looked around thinking of all the possible ramifications of the princess's actions while Arthur was confused about the whole thing.
"Why does she have to change clothes? Do you not think, considering the situation, that clothes are the least of the problems?"
Merlin sighed, "The last time she went to talk to her father in chainmail, he put her in the dungeons for two days. Come on, we have to go get Gaius. It's just our luck Elyan is away."
I know what you are thinking, why did Merlin not go after her as soon as she left? You have to understand he was fourteen at that time. He was still developing his magic, still learning to control it; more than that, he was thinking of ways not only to save his friend but the little boy whose life was in danger.
They were all out of luck that day, not only was the prince out of town, but Gaius who was the only person that could put some sense into Thomas's head, was attending a patient in the neighbouring village.
Knowing the castle very well, Merlin managed to enter the throne room; his worst fear had come true. The right corner of Guinevere's mouth was bleeding; Thomas had hit her.
"He is just a boy, Father!" Guinevere was begging for the child's life "He did not mean any harm."
"The trial has already been given, and you will learn your place. You are a shame to this kingdom and you are a shame to me. Guards, take her to the dungeons! "
Most people, noble or not loved the princess and to see what her own father was doing to her, it was unbearable.
Merlin closed his eyes (trying to temper his anger) when the guards carried his friend out of the room. He feared he would lose control and set something on fire. That was not the first time Thomas had hit his daughter and sadly it would not be the last one.
The young warlock had tears in his eyes; no one should go through something like that, much less someone as loving and caring as Guinevere. It was in moments like these, that Merlin used to question everything Kilgharrah ever said; what was the point in have magic if he could not protect someone so dear to him?
He pushed a shocked Arthur out of the room, muttering, "We have work to do" as he dragged Arthur to Gaius' chambers.
I am sorry to end my narrative here, however I hope you can understand that what Guinevere went through is not easy for me to talk about. I promise I will come back sooner than you expect.
Once again, Thank you so much:
Angelina1989, PeaceAngel2025, HoRnIe DeMoN, Fer Martins and dear Guest, who I don't know the name. Also, thank you little ghosts, I know you are there so why not come out and say what you think about this story?
Thanks for reading!