Chapter 2

Merlin's mind started whirring as he rode along the familiar trails he had traveled with Arthur and the knights so many times in the past. The visit from Viviana had been an eye opening experience. It revealed how discouraged and complacent he had become. He had accepted he would always be a servant; never "The Great Emrys" helping Arthur build Albion.

This despair had snowballed since he had poisoned Morgana. He now realized poisoning Morgana was a large reason why part of his heart and a huge part of his hope in the future had died. Sure he had defended Arthur, kept him safe and supported him emotionally. But Viviana was right. Before her visit, Merlin had been no closer to creating Albion than when Uther was alive. In fact, until today, Merlin had been lying about his magic and concealing it from the world to avoid death or banishment. Merlin's fear, once valid, was now exposed as an excuse, a form of giving up on his destiny. The thought whipped at his already battered heart and mind.

Things had changed so much in a few hours. Viviana had revealed his identity and his magic. Arthur had not threatened to kill or banish him and was accepting him and his magic,... at least on the surface.

Merlin knew Arthur had hidden his inner turmoil and hoped it would not reverse the actions of this day. He was glad Viviana had suggested Gaius train Arthur about magic so he could start to understand.

This thought did more than anything to make the previous discouragement and hopelessness recede.

Arthur was finally going to become the true friend and king Merlin had always claimed him to be. Arthur had been convinced by a divine being and caring mother, armed with the truth, to finally support Merlin in a chance to change his trajectory from destruction, to Albion. The Golden Age and peace were just around the corner.

Merlin found himself smiling broadly as resolve rose through his body. He would embrace being Emrys. He would complete his destiny.

Gratitude for Viviana swelled and hope grew in his heart as he reviewed her aid and concern. It reminded him of his own mother. He was humbled that the Gods saw fit to intervene at Viviana's request in his behalf. He also felt some trepidation and hoped he could live up to the expectations. He was curious as to what the Druids could teach him.

It had been a few hours of travel and Merlin felt his horse getting tired. He stopped at a stream to allow his horse to rest, get a drink, and eat something. He even took a short nap as he found himself emotionally exhausted from previous events and revelations.

Upon waking, he stretched out his magical senses and knew the Druids were not far. He mounted his horse. He did not push his horse to go fast because the forest became thicker and doing so would have been dangerous. A short time later, he dismounted his horse and entered the Druid camp.

The residents sensed his presence, because instead of being alarmed, the children ran to him calling, "Emrys has come!" The adults looked up with a similar cry, welcoming Merlin as Emrys. Many even bowed before him making Merlin quite uncomfortable. It reminded Merlin of Mordred. The young Druid boy was able to sense his power without being told.

As Merlin thought the name Mordred, his stomach dropped. Mordred, the Druid who was destined to kill Arthur was still with Arthur back in Camelot. Merlin couldn't believe he had forgotten about something so important. He was going to turn around, but immediately felt Viviana's presence in his mind that she was watching Mordred and all would be well in that department. The feeling was too fleeting and Merlin was still slightly worried.

However, Vivian's assurance gave him enough confidence and peace to enable him to stop and take a deep breath of the acceptance and respect the Druids offered so freely and enjoy the innocent enthusiasm of children that grabbed on to his hands.

One young man bowed to him before offering to take his horse, while a young lady shyly smiled at him inviting him to a tent that was situated next to a stream in the middle of the camp.

Had Iselder not emerged from the tent at that moment Merlin arrived, smiling as he watched the young man's slow progress through his people, Merlin might have refused. But seeing Iselder added to Merlin's sense of peace and confidence he had never felt before.

Iselder studied the people moving towards him and was glad they were able to acknowledge Merlin as Emrys and the young warlock was accepting the name. Iselder noticed the worry in the warlock and was grateful Viviana had told him of her plans regarding Mordred. It gave him a peace of mind he could pass on to the Great Emrys.

Iselder smiled broadly in greeting, "Welcome Emrys!"

Merlin remembered Iselder from when he, Arthur, and Morgana had rescued the Druid boy, Mordred. Merlin had been impressed by Iselder's wise, calm, steady demeanor, and lengthened his stride to grasp the older man's hand in a firm handshake. "Thank you Iselder," Merlin smiled broadly, "It is good to be here."

Iselder turned to open the flap of his tent and gestured for Merlin to come inside.

Merlin wanted to immediately ask his questions, but a look from Iselder told Merlin his concerns could wait till they had eaten. They sat across from each other on the ground. A small fire between them vented through a hole in the top of the tent.

Moments later, several girls had brought in bowls of steaming soup, warm bread, berries and cool water from the stream in wooden dishes and cups.

Merlin's stomach rumbled as he realized how hungry he was. He could blame some of that on the worry. He thanked those who served him and quickly ate.

When both he and Iselder had finished eating. Iselder addressed him. "Merlin, you have questions. Ask."

Merlin only paused a moment, "Mordred, who is destined to kill Arthur, is still in Camelot with the once and future king and I am on this quest"

Iselder held up a hand. "Put your mind at rest regarding this issue, Merlin. Arthur will be kept safe."

"How are you so sure?" Merlin tried to calm his troubled mind.

"I have received a visit from a new acquaintance of yours,...Viviana...and she has Gaius taking charge of Mordred for the time being." Iselder said.

Merlin felt the calm and peace rolling off Iselder and knew he could trust his word.

Morgana had to be his focus for now. Merlin took several deep breaths to calm down and asked his next most pressing question. "I have been told different versions of prophecies concerning Emrys and The Last High Priestess on which I am hoping you can shed some light.

Iselder smiled. "There are several prophecies surrounding The Last High Priestess. There is one that says she will be the darkness to Emrys' light and will destroy Albion before it can be born.

Merlin frowned. "You said there were several."

"There are," Iselder said. "I will sum them up. They state that Emrys and Le Fey will form a partnership in love. Their bond will be so strong as to change the very fabric of the world and will be crucial in creating a lasting peace, a Golden Age where magic and mundane will live together in peace and prosperity."

Merlin's eyes lit up. "I knew it. There is a way! But what about Mordred?" Are there alternate prophecies about him?"

"Yes." Iselder nodded.

Merlin thought for a moment, "Why has Kilgarah told me differently?"

Iselder sighed, "The great dragon has been chained for over 20 years. His capture was tragic. He lost his kin, his family, his freedom. It comes as no surprise that he would be bitter. His vengeance has had time to expand and congeal. He told you a version of the prophecy that would serve his vengeance...but, not bring Albion, or a Golden Age of peace.

Merlin felt disappointment like a cold bog pulling his heart into darkness. This must be how Arthur felt when he discovered Agravaine and his father had betrayed and manipulated him. It was devastating to have those he trusted do such a thing. "So the dragon manipulated and lied to me?"

"It would seem so." Iselder said.

The betrayal struck at his heart and Merlin wondered if this was how Uther felt after Ygraine had died.

"I told Kilgarah once he would never see the light of day after my mother almost died from a plague. I knew then he had manipulated me for his own selfish purposes." Merlin fumed. Part of him wanted to scream in fury, but stopped as he remembered, "The dragon also gave me the spell to defeat Sigan and heal Morgana."

Merlin knew he was greatly indebted to the dragon and dropped his head in distress. The paradox of it all just gave him a headache. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Iselder, sensing his distress said, "Worry not Emrys. There is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us, it behooves us all to talk about, or judge the rest of us. You have made some mistakes in judgment as everyone does. Your heart recognizes the need to forgive even when others make mistakes. Your knowledge, wisdom, and power will grow as you gain experience."

Merlin smiled in relief, gratitude and some trepidation, taking several breaths before he could be calm enough to continue. "If this prophecy you mentioned is true, Morgana is the issue in front of me. How shall I proceed, Iselder?"

Iselder closed his eyes for several long moments. When he opened them, Merlin could feel the peace roll off him. "Emrys, in this matter, I can only advise you to follow your heart. I can sense you have affections for Morgana. Just remember this is not a one sided affair. Morgana has feelings for you as well. It will take some effort to completely restore total and complete trust as so much has happened. However, uncovering these feelings will be a great adventure and is necessary to the success of Albion. You may have to use a defensive shield when you inform Morgana of the love spell. You may even have to bind her magic for a short time. If things get out of control, you could use a sleeping spell. You are Emrys. While Morgana is your match in every way, she is slightly less powerful than you. You will be able to restrain her if she lashes out. You will never have to hurt her because of the love spell. "

"What is this defensive spell?" Merlin asked.

"It is one I am sure you are already familiar with. "Gestande." Iselder stated. "It means, "Be Still." It will make everything freeze where it is, even Morgana's magic. You must use the power of visualizing what you want when you use this spell. Your intentions, the amount of magic you exert, and how you say it will determine it's effectiveness. Focus on the magic inside yourself. When the time is right, you will be able to visualize what you want and make it happen."

"What is the spell for binding Morgana's magic?"

"Alliges duplicia Morgana scriptor magicae" Iselder said, but use it as a last resort.

"Thank you Iselder, your guidance is invaluable." Merlin said.

Iselder motioned for Merlin to mirror him in breathing saying, "As often as possible, make time for breathing and meditation. This will help you in all your magical and mundane endeavors."

Merlin started focusing on his breathing. This calmed him considerably and allowed him to increase his control, focus on the warm glow of his magic and how he had used it in the past. He related to Iselder how he had stopped Kilgarah's fire just by holding out his hand. He almost killed Morgana in the process of destroying the fomorrah and their battle afterwards. He had used several spells for that. He had bound Morgana's magic with a poppet when she had tried to take over Camelot with Helios. Morgana had gotten more powerful over time as he had. It would take more finesse to stop her without hurting her.

Iselder approved the use of a poppet again in restraining Morgana's magic, but warned Merlin that Morgana's magic must be free eventually as they would need it to find the Goddess.

Merlin made the poppet and Iselder suggested he try Gestande on the small fire that was burning in a pit in the center of the tent.

Merlin smiled in trepidation. Doing things deliberately on purpose had never been as easy because it required control, focus, and discipline. While his magic was instinctive, it was more reactionary. This time was different as Merlin was able to feel the heart of the fire and the smoke emanating from it. He imagined it to be the same as Morgana's magic as his own was a sort of fire that warmed him. Thus, Merlin was thrilled when the fire became frozen in place as it was another step in controlling and mastering his powerful and endless magic.

Iselder suggested he try it on his foot to prevent his toes or other parts of his foot from moving.

Merlin focused on his foot saying the words and found he could not move his toes till he released them. He tried it on other parts of his body smiling as he was able to release or increase intensity of the spell's hold with a thought. He chortled in joy.

Iselder smiled at his joy. They talked of many other spells and applications.

The conversation turned to Morgana, her seer powers, and how her dreams had initially been useful as they had warned Merlin and Gaius of danger giving them a head start on how they could deal with various problems. When her magic had emerged, her dreams had gotten worse. Merlin related how Morgana rarely slept well, how she changed and pulled away because she had not been able to get the help and support she needed from Gaius, Uther, Arthur, Gwen, or himself. Merlin reluctantly added himself to that list with a heavy heart.

Iselder bypassed his guilt knowing it would not be helpful to dwell on it. Information about Morgana's powers and how to solve his problems would be useful. He commented. "Morgana's dreams torment and twist her mind because she doesn't realize her power over them, nor does she use her magic properly. Therefore, her magic builds up until her emotions explode, causing her magic to explode. What she has learned from Morgause does not bring her peace nor real control because Morgause has fostered hatred and revenge rather than love. The breathing and meditation we have done will help Morgana. Practice this with her when her nightmares emerge in your presence."

"Iselder handed Merlin a leather bound book with empty pages. "Also have her write down and draw what she sees. When she is ready, call on us to train her seer powers"

Merlin handled the book carefully before looking up in gratitude. "Thank you Iselder. I will give this to Morgana at the next opportunity."

Iselder motioned to the door where an older woman in her mid 60's entered the room. "This is Ysira. She is gifted and knowledgeable as a seer and can provide help and training. You will know when the time is right for Morgana to learn and master her skills. It would also be wise if you join her in training. There is much we can teach you beyond the spells and practices I shared with you today."

Merlin wished he had known more about Morgana's gifts when they had first emerged. He sighed. Still, he was grateful, and assured Iselder he would call on Ysira as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

He was disturbed over his currently confused feelings. "I don't know if I truly love Morgana. Maybe I used to. But she has done such horrible things. How can I get passed that?"

"You did visit with Viviana and she did tell you of Morgause's curse."

Merlin sat back surprised. "Yes, how did you know?"

"When Viviana visited me earlier today, she explained Morgana's situation." Iselder replied.

Merlin ran his fingers through his hair as he processed the words. "Viviana has been busy." Merlin breathed out. "She said she would be helping and looking out for all of us. I think I am just starting to glimpse what she meant. I am grateful for your help, guidance and understanding. But my feelings towards Morgana..."

Iselder smiled understanding what Merlin was asking. "There are many different types of love Emrys. There is Philautia -which is the love of self, Ludus - which is a playful love, Eros-which is sexual passion, Philia- which is a deep friendship, Agape-which is love for everyone, and there is Pragma, a long standing love. Think of your mother. She has taught you Agape, a love for everyone by action and word. The great love you will share with Morgana will encompass every type of love I have just defined for you."

Merlin nodded grateful for the information.

Iselder continued. "Kindness is the foundation of love. You have expressed concern and care for Morgana. Your concern and kindness is basic to who you are Emrys. When you see Morgana, be kind to her. Speak to her as a friend. Listen to her concerns. You do not have to agree with her in everything. Nor does she have to agree with you in everything. Remember she has not been herself since Morgause took her and cast the blood curse. Focus on the magic you share. Focus on anything you find positive about her. You must share everything you are with Morgana. It is the way she will become your greatest ally. Nurture these feelings in yourself and her. This love will be needed to break the hold of the blood curse. Love is the greatest gift we can aspire to in this life. It can also be described as Charity.

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked.

Iselder smiled, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity does not envy; charity does not vaunt itself, it is not puffed up,

Charity does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;

Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Charity never fails:

In many ways, Merlin, you have embodied these characteristics of charity, which is love, serving in Camelot; except when it came to Morgana. This is your chance for redemption as much as it is hers.

Put aside the prophecies you have heard from Kilgarah as they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. Kilgarah has only shown in part, and prophesied in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Truth, knowledge and wisdom come with intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth. For example, When you were a child, you spoke as a child, understood as a child, thought as a child: but now you have become a man, you put away childish things. Where there is love, there is life, peace, understanding. Where there is no love, there is no life, only confusion and chaos."

They continued to visit talking of Merlin's concerns. Iselder told Merlin about the Caileach and her conversation with Morgana. It was something Viviana had revealed to him as important. They continued to talk of Morgana, Mordred and Viviana's revelations, some possible solutions, Druid history and current situation.

Iselder rose and opened the flap of his tent. Their conversation had taken the remainder of the day and it was now dark outside. Smells from individual cook fires wafted through the air.

"Please stay Emrys. We have a tent prepared for you and would be honored to have you join us for our evening meal and fireside activities."

Merlin accepted the invitation. It was something he would never regret as he watched the peacefulness of the camp and the people. The food was comforting and filling. Story time afterwards was informative and entertaining. Singing and circle dancing followed until midnight when everyone retired to their beds for much needed rest.

...

The next morning, Merlin was up early with the rest of the camp. He gathered wood, hauled water, gathered roots and berries and caught a few fish for the community breakfast. He washed up after eating, packed his rucksack and left a fond farewell with the Druids and Iselder stating. "Thank you Iselder. You are a wise man I am privileged to know. The peace and understanding you have is something I crave. I hope we will meet again soon."

...

Author's note

I put the Greek definitions of the different kinds of love; philautia, Eros, ludus, agape, filia, pragma, as Merlin seemed to express a desire when he was talking to Edwin Muirden in Season 1, Episode "A Remedy to Cure All Ills", that he wanted to know and understand what love was. A great love between a man and woman who have committed themselves to each other in marriage encompasses every type of love. Great marriages are so rare anymore.