By the time Merlin rode his horse into the cleaning it was already nightfall. He tied the lead to a tree at the edge and pet the animal's mane before moving further into the area. He was far enough from Camelot, that no one would be able to witness Kilgharrah's arrival. The young Dragon Lord closed his eyes and reached for the power within him. Once in his grasp, he tilted his head skyward and let out an inhuman roar of summoning. He knew Kilgharrah would come, how long it would take though, was a different matter entirely.

Merlin gathered some dry twigs and began building a fire for warmth, once he completed his task he wrapped his traveling cloak around his shoulders and leaned his back against a nearby tree. He finally let the day's events wash over him, the thing that affected him the most was his discussion with Uther, he had now lost whatever bond he had, had with the man and that hurt him, deeply. Merlin closed his eyes and rested, the fire cracking at his feet and before he realizing it, he fell into a light doze. Merlin was awoken a while later by a strong wind and the loud slapping of leathery wings; rising from his resting place, he moved forward to greet the Great Dragon just as his heavy body touched the ground.

"Thank You for coming old friend". Merlin said as he met the Dragon's magnificent golden gaze.

"You are my Dragon Lord Merlin, I am bound to answer your call, however, it is good to see you again as well'.

Merlin let out a snort of laughter, he could always trust Kilgraharrah and his bluntness with words, his irritating riddles were another of his now companions best qualities. "I require your help old friend, Arthur and Camelot are in danger".

"Of course they are, I have felt the shift in the old magic, something evil has been called forth".

"The sorceress Nimueh has summoned a wraith". Merlin pulled the sword scabbard in his belt and held it up to the dragon. "I need a weapon that can kill it".

Kilgharrah tilted his head in suspicious contemplation. "A wraith is an instrument of revenge, tell me young prince, who is it that the creature seeks to destroy"? Merlin knew the Great Dragon knew what it was he was asking for and he also understood why the creature was hesitant to give it. Despite this Excalibur needed to be forged, in every timeline that Merlin watched through the crystals, Excalibur was always there, by Arthur's side, guardian protector even in Merlin's absence.

"Uther Pendragon". Merlin replied in a neutral tone.

"Then let the creature have its revenge, it shall cease to exist on its own".

"I would do that if I could, however, Uther is too much of a coward to face the error of his past and we both know that it is not yet time for Arthur to be King. I understand what I ask of you, I have stood witness to the destruction such a weapon could bring in the wrong hands, however, if you do not help me forge it Kilgarhrrah, I fear an equally worse fate. The death of Arthur and a world where Albion is never born, where these lands are ravaged by destruction and overrun by the most malicious magic".

The Dragon took a breath, had it been anyone else asking for such a favor he would never have considered granting it. Merlin, nevertheless, had proved his worth and if such a weapon were ever to be entrusted to any, Kilgharrah could think of no safer hands than those of the two princes of legend.

"Let go of the sword young one, I shall do as you ask but you must promise me that this weapon forged in my breadth, shall be wielded by Arthur or you alone and no other".

"I promise on my life and Arthur's". And with that Merlin let go of the sword, it hung in the air between Kilgharrah and himself suspended by the dragon's power. Kilgharrah took a step backward, lowered his head at level with the blade and let out a mighty jet of flames. Merlin turned to shield his eyes and body from the light and flames but they did not touch him, he did, however, feel the warmth of the magic, its nature, protective. When the flames died down Merlin lowered his hand and before him, suspended in the air was the most magnificent weapon he had ever laid his eyes on.

At the first rays of dawn touched the sword's pommel, it reflected with such strength that the entire clearing was set alight. Halfway down the blade, on both sides now ran a gold frame. Merlin moved forward and closed his fingers around the hilt, he could feel the power of the blade, it resonated with his magic. He swung it in practice, it had perfect balance, he realized that if he so chose, he could channel his power through it. Merlin brought the tip flat to the palm of his left hand and inspected the gold frame closely, Inscribed on it, in the tongue of the old religion were the words Take me up, Merlin flipped the blade over and on the reverse were reflected the words Cast me away.

The warlock understood, this blade was only to be used in dire straits, its power not to be exploited needlessly. Merlin looked up at the Ancient creature and holding the sword horizontally in his outreached arms, he never broke Kilgarhrra's gaze as he bowed to the Dragon. "Thank you, Great Dragon for this gift, I promise you it shall be used responsibly and only in defence of Albion and her people".

"I hold you to that promise young warlock, you must go now, Camelot requires your aid". With that said the Dragon, stretched his massive wings and rose into the air, heading back to the direction from which he came. Merlin quickly sheathed the sword, walked briskly towards his horse, mounted it and rode back in the direction of Camelot. If fast enough, he could still make it back in time to save Sir Owain.

By the time Merlin reached the city's gates, he already knew he was too late, the fight had begun. He made his way past the crowd to the royal stands, where he came to stand by Morgana's left just before the barrier to the field of combat. "You took some time"? she asked.

Merlin not taken his eyes of the flight a few feet away replied: "I trust Arthur has informed you of what we face"?

"He has. I trust your quest was successful"?

"We shall see soon enough my love". Merlin's reply was followed by gasps from the crowd as the inevitable happened; Sir Owain doubled over as the black knight ran its sword through his sternum. The wraith pulled back its weapon and the knight fell to the ground, dead before impact.

The creature stood straight and once again threw down his challenge. Merlin saw Uther hold Arthur back once more, this time, however, before anyone else could take up the challenge, Merlin jumped over the barrier and ran towards the fallen gauntlet, he managed to roll and grab it just moments before Sir Palanor. "I, Merlin Pendragon accept your challenge, we face each other on this very field, dawn tomorrow". The black knight replied in a hard cold voice. "So be it". turned and walked away.

He had just made it to his room when his father and brother burst through the doors followed by a stern-looking Morgana. "What were you thinking"?! were the first words out of Arthur's mouth, his eyes raging with fury as he faced his brother.

Merlin held that gaze and firmly replied: "that I was protecting the future of this kingdom, as is my duty". Merlin's focus shifted to Uthur, who stood behind his brother after he said the words.

"You will withdraw" Uther's command made him stiffen. "You are not a knight and you face no shame in withdrawing from the fight".

"And have the whole of Camelot look at their prince as a coward? Let another innocent die because you won't take up a sword or let either Arthur or myself deal with our families past debts"? Arthur looked up at that, what did his brother mean? "I may not be a knight but I have my pride and I refuse to stand down, I will face the black knight in combat tomorrow and you will not stop me". He looked at his brother before continuing "either of you".

Uther knew the battle was lost before it had begun, once Merlin Pendragon made a decision, not even hell's demons could stray him from his chosen path. No matter, he would find a way to protect his son. The King left the room in defeat and fury.