Chapter 14
Morgana and Merlin were riding along after they had lunch by a stream. They noticed the land felt different. It was all very peaceful here. The trees were taller, greener, and more lush. Their magic was practically glowing under their skin pleading to be released, to reach out and meld with the earth beneath their feet. Even the sunlight seemed brighter as it filtered gently through the canopy of leaves to cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, the cool air, crisper and sweeter in their lungs.
"This place" Merlin whispered to Morgana, speaking quietly so as to not disturb the strange sanctity he felt here. "It's so alive. It is more magic than I have ever felt in one place. It is pure and balanced magic like we felt in the forest of Ander during our time with the Goddess."
Morgana nodded an open look of joy painting itself across her face. "It calls to me." Morgana said, happy the curse was no longer blocking and distorting her view or her feelings. "It sings in my veins and is so beautiful."
They rode along enjoying the scenery with huge smiles on their faces as they continued on to a bend in the road where they saw a woman. As they got closer, they recognized with happy surprise that it was Viviana ahead of them.
Morgana waved in greeting. She pushed her horse forward quickly, till she reached the woman who had intervened to save her soul and her life. She jumped off her magnificent white mount.
Viviana also moved forward and they met in a bone crushing hug.
"My precious Morgana! It is good to see you well." Viviana pulled back studying her. "You seem more rested."
"Oh mother, the last two years have been wonderful. We have been with the Druids and Vadoma and her Atzinganoi and they have taught me to control my seer powers. I am so glad you encouraged us to go there.
Merlin had dismounted and was right behind her with a huge smile, wrapping his arms around both women who had become everything to him. "Your daughter is an amazing woman.
Viviana's heart swelled with a joyful smile that reached her eyes. "I am so proud of you both. Are you happy?
"More so than I ever imagined I could be." Morgana said glowing with a beautiful blush, happiness shining through her eyes "Thank you for changing the love potion so I could have this man," she kissed his cheek, "My Merlin," she kissed his chin, "My Emrys." Morgana smiled up at him kissing his lips. "He is everything to me. I never knew how precious love could be."
Merlin sported a glowing smile under his wife's attentions, returning her kisses enthusiastically.
Viviana kissed them both and received as good as she gave. It was a joyous reunion.
"Welcome to Caledonia, the home of the Ambrosius clan, your father's family, a place where magic is free." Viviana said.
"Magic is free?"" Merlin asked in awe. Is that why it is so incredibly beautiful here?"
"Yes." Viviana smiled.
"It feels like heaven on earth," Morgana said.
"Yes, a home I have never been to before." Merlin nodded in agreement.
Viviana mounted her horse and gestured for Merlin and Morgana to do the same saying. "The sun is moving and so must we."
After they had mounted she continued, "I have been talking to the leadership of Caledonia, for the last two months. They have actually been searching for you since they heard Aithusa was hatched. I have shared snippets of your life with them and information of your travels since you left Camelot to find Morgana. The leaders of Caledonia are anxious to meet you both and are in desperate need of your aid."
"I thought we were coming here to ask for their help." Merlin questioned. "How could they possibly need our aid? This place is perfect. Isn't it?"
"Viviana smiled, "All will be revealed in due time."
She spoke to Morgana, "I have also filled them in on your past my dear daughter. They know you have been under a curse that took away your free will until our Merlin here so easily destroyed it."
Merlin turned to Viviana in surprise. " I would not call destroying the curse over Morgana easy."
Viviana chuckled. Merlin, when it comes to magic, you break all the rules. For anyone else, destroying that curse would have been impossible. I will admit you had the help of the Goddess and Aithusa. And you did use Morgana's power. Still, you did the hardest part with no real direction. Your instincts and magic serve you well."
Morgana nodded her head in agreement looking at Merlin. "When our magic joined, I could feel everything you did and every piece of darkness you destroyed. It was painful just for the initial part. I am glad I was not awake for the final showdown with the snake and box of black goo."
Merlin almost chuckled at her imagery of that horrible box of evil that had trapped her goodness and love. But his smile faded as he thought of the pain it had caused her. He guided his horse closer to Morgana so he could take her hand, "I am sorry I caused you so much pain my love. It makes me shudder. I never wanted to hurt you."
Morgana smiled at him, "The reward of being free and being with you is worth it to me." She looked at him with shining eyes, " I love you Merlin and nothing will change that."
Viviana smiled at the love between her magical children. Her heart sang that her daughter was free of the curse and on a path of light, love, and happiness. "I am so proud of you Morgana." Viviana beamed at her daughter. "I have also informed some of the council of your efforts for redemption and restitution since you have been freed of the curse. They are very impressed."
"My efforts for redemption will not count for as much if they are published so far and wide." Morgana frowned.
"Ah my daughter, there you are wrong! Your efforts have already inspired others to do the right thing."
"What have my efforts inspired?" Morgana asked, flummoxed that she could inspire anyone.
"Well for one thing, there has been a drastic decrease in crime since you and Merlin have been hauling criminals to Arthur for justice. What is even more impressive is how many of those criminals Arthur has rehabilitated. The respect for the power you and Merlin hold has spread further than the five kingdoms.
Merlin smirked at his wife. "We do make a good team my love," he said kissing her hand and looking at her with mischief.
Morgana smirked back and they both chuckled remembering some of the more imaginative ways they had captured and subdued criminals. They had never physically harmed anyone. But they had suspended them upside down, or spun them around till they were dizzy, or enchanted magical feathers to tickle them till they laughed so hard they cried.
Merlin became more serious," I am proud of you Morgana. You inspire me." he said. "There isn't anyone else I would choose for a wife and I feel blessed beyond measure to have you in my life."
"I am the one that is blessed." Morgana smiled at him lovingly. "We do make a great team."
They shared the equivalent of a mental kiss and hug through their channel that spiked their anticipation for the time they could be alone together.
A short time later, they arrived at a small outpost, Viviana raised her hand in greeting towards a detail of guards which made their way to them while Merlin and Morgana watched in amazed admiration at her confidence. She was truly living up to her words and helping them behind the scenes.
The man in charge smiled from his magnificent steed as he rode toward the newly united trio.
He was a distinguished looking man in his late forties with the build and attire of a warrior, dark hair, a touch of gray at the temples, piercing intelligent eyes, a dark neatly trimmed mustache and beard covering his upper lip and strong chin. He was dressed in a blue cape and silver armor.
Merlin gasped as he observed the man and could feel a familial connection that confused and simultaneously warmed his heart. Merlin swallowed and blinked back the wetness that threatened to spill from his eyes. He took several deep breaths to calm his rising emotion at seeing his father's image in the man before them.
Sensing Merlin's distress through their channel, Morgana asked, "Do you know this man?"
"No" Merlin sent back through their channel. "But he does look like my father Balinor."
Morgana's eyes turned wide as she turned her gaze toward the man wondering if the man was an apparition or phony in disguise or if he really did have anything in common with Merlin's father.
"This is my good friend, Sir James Duranbolt, Head Mage and Warrior for Caledonia." Viviana said pointing to the man.
Morgana let down her guarded suspicion as Vivian had claimed Duranbolt as a good friend. Still she was worried for Merlin who was still intensely studying this man who looked like his father.
Balinor's look alike, took in the dark haired pair before him. He too felt a familial connection to this handsome young man and beautiful woman in front of him. More overwhelmingly, he recognized the power rolling off the magical pair and sucked in a breath. "Emrys and Le Fey."
Merlin tried unsuccessfully to control his initial reaction of surprise, and with Morgana looked straight at the man. "That is what the Druids call us." Merlin smiled as he extended his hand to meet the outstretched hand offered him. "My given name is Merlin." He turned reaching toward Morgana, "And this is my beautiful bride, Morgana. We have recently married."
"Welcome to Caledonia, "Sir James said with a magnetic smile.
"Thank you," Morgana nodded with her royal smile that hid her true curiosity and unease. It is lovely to meet you Sir Duranbolt."
Merlin gestured toward Viviana, "It seems you have already met my wonderful mother in law, Viviana."
"Yes, I have. She came to us with information critical to the safety and success of our kingdom. We are in need of your aid and Viviana has informed us you two would be able to help us."
He paused looking more carefully at Merlin. "You look like your father."
Merlin's eyes widened at the mention of his father. He was going to ask what more Duranbolt knew but was interrupted.
"We have much to tell you." Viviana said. "We have a place set up and wish for you to join us." she gestured to her magical children, shepherding them to follow Sir James who led the way. The trio fell into step beside Duranbolt, trying to observe the Mage without being conspicuous about it.
Merlin did not know much about Caledonia as a kingdom other than it was not an ally of Camelot and the Goddess wanted them here to get help. There was no open hostility between the kingdoms at the moment, but they were not on good terms. It gave him some peace of mind to know Viviana had been working in their behalf as a liaison and seemed to trust them.
Sir Duranbolt seemed to be the equivalent of Captain of the Guard in Camelot but with the added responsibility of magic. Merlin could feel the man's magic. It was not as great as his own. Still it was a force to be reckoned with in its own right. HE wished he would have known more about the place before now. But he was sure the stigma attached to all matters surrounding magic kept gossip about such a kingdom to a minimum within Camelot's borders.
Now that Merlin was close enough, he saw that Duranbolt's cloak bore a small symbol stitched into the blue fabric on the right side of the breast. It was two serpentine dragons entwined around each other, each emitting a burst of flame melding together to encircle the dragons completely, all embroidered in golden thread. He felt like he had seen that somewhere before as well but could not remember where exactly. Morgana squeezed his hand looking at Merlin with wide eyes. She had seen a vision of that insignia. She had asked Vadoma about it. But Vadoma had only smiled knowingly, without revealing more. The pair had remained confused. But dropped the issue as other matters had taken their attention.
Duranbolt seemed reluctant to start a conversation while they walked, which suited Merlin just fine. His curiosity was spiking as to how Morgana's vision of Caledonia's military symbol or this man tied into some of her visions of the future. They really had not explored looking into the future with Vadoma as the future could change based on people's decisions. He was also wondering how he and Morgana could help this seemingly perfect place. He was not too concerned about impending danger, especially since Viviana claimed Duranbolt as a friend. Merlin suspected the mage was related in some way to the Ambrosius clan. Merlin was eager to know what they would learn about Balinor. Innately he knew he would be willing to follow Duranbolt anywhere for such information.
The group reached their destination a moment later where the detail of guards got busy with other duties. Viviana, Morgana and Merlin followed Duranbolt to a room that seemed to be an office of sorts, set up in the middle of the small outpost. They dismounted and Duranbolt held open the door for them to enter and ushered them inside before closing the door and whispering something that made the seams of the door shimmer golden for a second before fading away. The chatter from the camp was silenced immediately and Merlin nodded in approval. He recognized the words as a silencing spell to prevent eavesdropping as he and Morgan had used it often since they had married.
Duranbolt turned to face them and beckoned for them to sit in the wooden chairs arranged around a small table which bore a few lit candles. Merlin was glad there were windows to let in light as they sat down and looked up expectantly at the Mage who was pacing slightly and seemed to be gathering his wits about him. After a brief moment of indecision, Duranbolt sat down in a chair opposite Merlin.
Viviana has informed me you only recently learned your family was here in Caledonia." Duranbolt said slowly.
"You know my family?" Merlin asked "Did you know my father Balinor well?"
"I am a member of the Ambrosius Family. In addition to being my cousin, Balinor was my friend when I was a boy," Duranbolt finally said. "Balinor and I trained together in Caledonia's military.
Merlin let out a silent gasp of excitement because Sir Duranbolt was confirming the connection he felt to the man who looked so like his father. And he was thrilled the mage really did know who Balinor was as a young man.
"So we are related?" Merlin asked excitedly, sitting forward in his seat, Morgana, just as thrilled, was waiting for his answer.
"It would seem so." Duranbolt smiled at the enthusiasm in front of him. "You might say I am an uncle to you as my grandmother Alvera and your grandfather Aurelius were brother and sister."
"You look so much like my father," Merlin said. "Were people confused as to who was who when you and he were younger?"
Duranbolt laughed, his eyes twinkling at fond memories and escapades. "It was one of our greatest ploys," the Mage confirmed. "Sadly, I have not seen nor heard from Balinor in over twenty years. I was hoping you knew where he settled down, why it was he never tried to come back or contact us." He hesitated again, a strained sort of look on his face now. "Merlin, what do you know of your father?"
"Just that he was a Dragonlord," Merlin's smile disappeared as he sadly looked down at his hands. "That he was betrayed by Uther Pendragon and banished from Camelot, then pursued beyond its borders and driven into hiding. He didn't even know that I existed until Arthur and I sought him out to prevent Kilgharah from attacking Camelot. We were in desperate need of his help to control the great dragon. To be fair, though, I didn't know about him until then either. My mother raised me on her own."
Morgana placed her hand over Merlin's, knowing how painful this was for the man she had come to love and cherish so deeply. They had really only discussed their father's that one night when Morgana had been introduced to the dragons. They had not discussed his background too much as Merlin had only known him one day and his mother never talked of Balinor. In addition, there had been, and still were so many other issues garnering their focus. Her heart ached for him. She felt her discoveries and trials were mostly resolved while Merlin's were just beginning.
Merlin paused, frowning, "I didn't know my father was from a kingdom where magic was free. Nor do I know why he would not have returned after he had been banished from Camelot.
Duranbolt shook his head sadly indicating there was more he was not saying. "Merlin, do you know much about Dragonlords?"
Merlin shook his head. "I have managed to learn a few things from Kilgharah since my father died and inherited his abilities. and that really is not very much at all.
Duranbolt shifted in his seat looking at Viviana with questioning eyes, like this was an unexpected development and he was not quite sure how to proceed.
Merlin and Morgana waited patiently for him to figure out what it was that he wanted to say,
"Dragonlords, as may be expected from the title, have traditionally been considered nobility," Duranbolt said eventually.
Merlin's eyebrows shot up. "and you are basing this assumption on ….fact?"
"Of course," Duranbolt said. "Dragonlord. Dragon- lord. Those families with the ability have always been noble."
"So you are saying my father was a Caledonian nobleman?" Merlin asked in disbelief.
"Well, not exactly…" Duranbolt responded running a hand tiredly over his face sighing before he faced Merlin. Duranbolt raised his chin and straightened his shoulders speaking much more firmly, "I don't see any way to put this gently, so I'll just come out and say it. ..Your father was the Crown Prince of Caledonia."
Merlin's jaw just about hit the floor. He gaped at Duranbolt in a very unflattering fashion for several seconds before he found his voice again.
"What?" he tried to shout, but it came out more as a squeak than anything else. "P-Prince? Prince of Caledonia?" he spluttered.
Duranbolt nodded.
"My father was a prince? A prince, as in, supposed to be a king?"
He nodded again.
Morgana was dumbfounded. She had known Merlin was the best of men, he was Emrys, basically King of the Druids, a powerful warlock, Dragonlord, and her husband. But, to find out that he was considered royalty in Caledonia was something she had never expected to hear. She had not even dreamed it, probably because she had been under the curse and focused on her own needs and actions for redemption. Morgana squeezed her husbands hand, looking between both men curiously.
Merlin continued to stare blankly at Duranbolt, unable to wrap his head around the information that he had just been given. Questions swirled too quickly for him to make sense of any of them. He latched on to the first one that he could and blurted it out.
"Then…why wasn't he? Why did he go to Camelot? Why would he leave his kingdom behind to live in a different one?"
Morgana could feel Merlin's distress expanding and sent waves comfort through their bond in support as she was listening raptly with the same questions in her own eyes, anxious to know the answer.
"Your father was never fond of his title. He did not look forward to wearing the crown, and was far too young for the responsibilities placed upon him. He was the youngest of four He had three older sisters and they often sought to shelter him from the politics of the court, to let him have his childhood for as long as possible." Duranbolt grinned with nostalgic yearnings and youthful remembrances.
But then, his smile faltered as he continued, his tone somewhere between sad and fond. "There were rumblings of a purge coming from refugees escaping into our borders for asylum. Our entire community was shocked; hearing of beheadings, hangings, burnings of anyone caught using magic, or being associated with magic."
Merlin and Morgana grimaced shaking their heads as tears came to their eyes sharing the thought through their channel that Uther's violence against magic had affected so many, even this far away.
"King Aurelius Ambrosius, your grandfather, sent out a request to Caledonia residents to welcome all those who were willing to live and work here in peace."
Merlin and Morgana almost smiled but the memories of seeing so many executions was traumatic and Morgana's hands were fisted into balls. These were the times it was difficult to find compassion for Uther and it was these times, she wished Gorlois was her true father. Merlin put his arm around her and she took a breath and smiled at him, relieved he had been able to look past her heritage.
"There were also rumors that many of the dragons had been caught and killed. King Aurelius, took steps along with Cerandillia, the head matron of all dragons near Caledonia, to set up a safe haven for the surviving dragons that was not made known to the general populace for security reasons. King Aurelius even hatched two eggs at Cerandillia's request to help preserve the dragon race as so many dragons, along with Kilgharah's mate and children were destroyed during those early days of the purge."
While they were glad the dragons had basically been provided a preserve here, Merlin and Morgana were horrified, now understanding with greater clarity why Kilgharah was bitter and vengeful toward Uther.
"Like yourselves, Balinor was appalled at the events, and occupied his time and talents to settle people who were displaced because of the purge. His father, King Aurelius was very proud of his efforts and appointed Balinor as emissary for peace and magical acceptance. So when Uther extended an invitation to Caledonia to treat for peace after starting his purge, Balinor was thrilled at the prospect and left for Camelot with Kilgharah, the dragon with which he was most familiar, along with some of the other Dragonlords from Caledonia. Even his sister Riana and her baby Runa from the neighboring kingdom of Galdra, went with Balinor to treat with Uther for peace."
Merlin and Morgana were on the edge of their seats as this was more detail than they had ever heard regarding this segment of history. Merlin wanted to know if these other Dragonlords were related to him, but felt it was the better part of wisdom to listen while Duranbolt was talking.
"About a month later, we heard Uther rounded up all the Dragonlords including Riana and her daughter Runa in the court of Camelot and had them killed. The only reason we found this out was because King Brynjar, of Galdra, Riana's husband, was visited by Gorlois and Viviana. It was a tragic day when Gorlois and Viviana told us they had seen Uther kill Riana who had been holding toddler Runa in her cloak. We were surprised Runa made it out alive."
Merlin and Morgana gasped at this revelation as they turned their attention to Viviana who had tears rolling down her face as she confirmed Duranbolt's story that her dearest friend, Riana had been killed during the peace talks. Runa survived only because Gorlois had been there to stop Uther, pointing out that Riana was a woman. She had been wearing a cloak similar to the other Dragonlords. Uther had turned white for a moment realizing his mistake, then quickly stifled the emotion and denied wrongdoing while Viviana had taken Runa from her mother's dead body and spirited her away to Gaius for a quick check up, before she and Gorlois had taken her back to her father Brynjar in Galdra. Gorlois had wanted to flatten Uther for his callousness.
"King Aurelius, was struck ill and died shortly after Balinor left for Camelot." Duranbolt frowned. "We did not hear from Balinor after that."
"Theanor, Balinor's older sister took the crown in his stead. It was…unorthodox, to say the least, but she was the eldest child, so she had a legal claim of her own, and she was next in line for the regency. We heard very little from him after that, and nothing at all after Uther instigated his Purge. That was over 25 years ago. News that he had been killed arrived less than seven years ago."
Morgana was frowning and Merlin's head was in his hands mourning the loss of an aunt and so many others as a result of Uther's madness. They could understand the bitterness Balinor had to overcome to help Arthur, Merlin and Camelot. Merlin had known Balinor so briefly. He tried to picture the bitter man he had met with an untroubled smile on his face, dressed in silks and velvets with a circlet of gold on his head and a jeweled sword at his hip, but he found that the image just would not come to his mind; it was so far removed from the hermit living in a cave he and Arthur had met.
Merlin had not even started trying to come to grips with the implications of what Duranbolt was telling him. His father had been a prince. His father was supposed to have been a king. That would mean that Merlin was technically a prince as well, legally unacknowledged and illegitimate though he may be. As far as blood was concerned, Merlin was a Prince of Caledonia.
"You did not know any of this?" Duranbolt asked gently.
Merlin shook his head in sorrow, "I told you, I never really knew Balinor," Merlin said miserably. "I only knew him a couple of days before he died."
Merlin could hear the creaking of Duranbolt's chair as the man leaned toward him and he glanced up to see the mage looking pained and curious at the same time.
"How did…how did Balinor die?" he asked tentatively, like he was not quite sure he really wanted to know, but felt the need to ask anyway. "All we heard in Caledonia was that the last Dragonlord was dead and the Great Dragon had been slain by Prince Arthur of Camelot."
Merlin and Morgana huffed a small laugh at that piece of inaccuracy.
"Obviously, Kilgharah was not killed. We knew that much within weeks." Duranbolt's mouth twitched, "I guess it was silly of me to hold onto that last thread of hope that maybe Balinor's death had been exaggerated as well."
Duranbolt looked down sheepishly, embarrassed at his own foolish sentimentality, but the beautiful dark haired couple just nodded understandingly. They knew fool's hope better than anyone. There were many times both wished their fathers were still alive to provide comfort and advice. Right now Morgana was listening intently as she knew this was Merlin's burden of discovery. She stroked Merlin's magic with her own, which was the equivalent of a kiss, through their channel which encouraged him to continue.
"When Kilgharah was attacking Camelot, King Uther sent Arthur out to search for Balinor and bring him to our aid." Merlin chuckled a bit, scrubbing a hand down his face tiredly. "I was so angry that no one had ever bothered to tell me my father was still alive. No one had ever even given me his name. It was apparently too painful for my mother to talk about, and I never wanted to press her on that subject."
Never mind how painful it had been for him to grow up wishing and wondering. He had buried that hurt a long time ago and it certainly wouldn't help to dwell on it now when he was finally getting all the answers he'd ever wanted; even if they were a far cry from anything he'd imagined as a child.
"Anyway," he said. "Arthur and I tracked him down. We found Balinor living in a cave in a forest in Lot's kingdom where he had been for many years. When we told him why we had come, that we needed his help, he said that he would not help Uther Pendragon, not after what happened the last time he had gone to the man's aid. He said that Camelot should be left to reap its rewards for the injustices dealt by its King."
"I mentioned Gaius' opinion of him, which described Balinor as a noble man with the Dragonlord title. I hoped he would agree to come back with us for the people's sake, definitely not for Uther's.
"Ah, Gaius," Duranbolt interjected, smiling. "That old coot is still alive?"
"He was my guardian in Camelot until Viviana interceded." Merlin told him, smiling at Viviana and then back at Duranbolt. "You know him?"
"He came around Caledonia a few times when he was a much younger man," the Mage said. "to compare methods with our own healers. Even back then, he was legend, one of the best physicians around. He dabbled at healing spells as well. Tell me,...is he still practicing."
"Medicine, yes... magic, not so much," Merlin said. "He is Camelot's Court Physician. Uther spared Gaius' life in the Great Purge because he swore never to practice sorcery again." Merlin grimaced at the pain Uther had caused so many.
"Arthur is a better man than his father ever was, and because of Viviana, he has accepted my magic... and, that I am Emrys. He and Viviana sent me on this quest to help Morgana and find my family. However, Arthur is still learning about magic and has not had time to fully change the law,... though he has stopped the unnecessary killing of Druids or people with magic. He is striving to only dish out punishment if someone hurts or damages person or property. He and Gwen are heavy into rehabilitating people."
Duranbolt smiled, "This is wonderful news! Such changes you are describing are always welcome. I have heard there has been a decrease in criminal activity." Duranbolt gave Merlin and Morgana a pointed look. " And I know you two have much to do with that."
Merlin and Morgana blushed at the praise. Morgana spoke up. "We have just been trying to right so many wrongs."
Merlin wrapped his arm proudly around his bride. "Morgana has been a driving force in all of this."
"Merlin, don't you dare downplay your role in all of this. If you hadn't come after me and mother hadn't intervened,..."Morgana's eyes grew shiny with emotion.
Viviana squeezed her daughter's shoulder, pride shining in her eyes at the woman her daughter had become.
Merlin held his wife close lifting her chin. "Neither can you downplay the good you have done."
We owe much to the help we have received from so many over the years." Morgana said.
"It was a moment that all four people in the room felt an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude.
"Believe me when I say, your efforts have been felt." Duranbolt said. "There has been a drastic reduction in crime and less people have come to us here seeking asylum for their magic." Duranbolt paused again, "Which brings me back to the subject of magic in Camelot. What is the state of things there?"
"Viviana charged Gaius to teach Arthur, Gwen and the knights about magic so Gaius and other magic users are currently safe. Gaius was the one to tell me that Balinor was my father. He failed to mention, however, that my father was a bloody prince," Merlin added, grumbling.
"Duranbolt's lips twitched into a smile, but he gestured for Merlin to continue with the story he had been telling before they had gotten sidetracked by the familiar name.
"Right. So I had managed to convince Balinor to return to Camelot with us. I realized that he didn't know about me, that he didn't know that he had a son at all. Honestly, it took me a while to work up the courage to tell him." he said with a sheepish shrug, remembering how he'd been so afraid of the outcome of such a revelation. He was glad he'd finally taken the leap. "And then the next day we were attacked by a patrol of Cenred's men. Balinor jumped in front of a sword that had been meant for me. He saved my life at the expense of his own." Merlin sniffed, blinking rapidly to clear away the tears that were gathering in his eyes.
Morgana held Merlin tighter. she wanted to lay him in her lap, stroke his hair and kiss away his tears as she had done that night more than a year ago and a few times since. She wanted to return the favor Merlin had so often given her in soothing away the anger and darkness of the curse as well as helping her with her magic and seer abilities. Tears gathered in her own eyes for the sorrow she saw in Merlin. No wonder he did not talk of his father.
"It was horrible to see the sword sink into Balinor's stomach, the way his body jerked from the impact, the look on his face when he had realized what had happened. He died in my arms and barely had enough time to tell me that a dragon's heart is on its right side, not its left, and that I would have to be strong when I faced Kilgharah back in Camelot."
A glance up revealed that Duranbolt and Viviana too, had misty eyes.
This telling was more gruesome and differently detailed than the first time Morgana had heard this story. Her blood was boiling and her eyes were misting as she handed Merlin her handkerchief to wipe away his tears and wrapped her arms comfortingly around him. It was a reminder of her own father's death. She still felt the pain of his loss.
Viviana was sorrowing quietly in the background letting Merlin tell his story. She had known Balinor and seen some of the events through her scrying. But the story still moved her to tears as Aurelius, Theanor, Riana, Brynjar, Balinor, and Runa had been dear friends and she felt their loss keenly. She knew this was a painful commonality Merlin and Morgana shared and was proud of her daughter for being so supportive of Merlin.
"Well, I could not have asked for a more honorable death for my friend," Duranbolt said quietly, looking at the dark haired couple and their mother with fondness in his eyes. "There is nothing more noble than sacrificing oneself for one's family."
Merlin swallowed audibly around the lump in his throat and cast around quickly for something else to talk about. "So I am sure you were surprised to find out about me and Morgana from Viviana." Merlin said to change the subject to something less painful. "Did you know Balinor had a son?"
Duranbolt sat back in his seat and crossed one leg over the other. "I suspected and was hopeful." he said. "Our reports said that Kilgharah had been killed. And yet, that year alone, we had several sightings of him flying around the edges of the kingdom. I saw him myself a time or two, so obviously he is not dead. We were wondering why the young Prince Arthur of Camelot was being hailed as a dragon slayer?"
Merlin's mouth twitched as he swallowed a guffaw with a cough.
"We weren't too concerned with that at the time, mourning as we were for the loss of our own Prince. Arthur could simply have been mistaken, or maybe he was exaggerating to make himself look better."
Merlin and Morgana again had to cough to hide a chuckle. That was so typical of what Arthur would do.
"It was when we heard tales a new baby dragon had been hatched, there clearly had to be a Dragonlord to call it forth from its egg. So, either Balinor was still alive and the rumors were wrong, or Balinor had left behind a son to carry on his legacy."
"So now you now I exist. Why were you trying to find me?" Merlin asked.
"There are some in the kingdom who started vying for the throne and gathering support this last month. I was sensing none of these contenders could bring the peace we need. Before Viviana came, I suspected your existence, I sent villagers out to spread a story that a dragon had attacked. We knew a true Dragonlord would not be able to sit back and do nothing if one of his kin was doing harm to innocent villagers."
Merlin quirked an eyebrow impressed with the brilliance of the plan.
Duranbolt continued. "I disliked the need for deception, but I admit that I could think of no other way to find you. No one in the whole of Albion seemed to know."
"That's because no one has known till more recently," Merlin shrugged. "It is the best kept of all of my numerous secrets. But even that has changed because Viviana intervened."
Viviana smiled impishly and with some relief because things were going so well since she had begun this mission.
Morgana smirked. "It is a good thing she did intervene."
"I would agree." Duranbolt said. "It has saved us all a great deal of trouble and stress. Some have already backed down."
"Earlier you said that you need our help with something. If Kilgharah and Aithusa are not causing you any trouble, then why could you need our help?" Merlin asked confusedly.
