Summary
Merlin, Arthur, and Gwen bid farewell to Gaius as he sets out for Deira to join Alice.
Chapter 26 Homeward Bound
Goodbye weighed heavy on Merlin's heart that rainy morn. Before first light, he crept into his mentor's chambers one last time, eyes tracing memories swathing every surface – vials they'd labeled, nicks in worktables from explosions gone awry, jars they'd collected through the years. This sanctuary had been their haven when dangers encircled, fears flowed freely, and secrets kept them isolated together.
But the dreary rain-soaked dawn now beckoned Gaius toward long-awaited happiness – a new life, renewed love. So Merlin swallowed self-pity's barbs, pasting on a smile as Gaius entered cloaked for the ride, bags packed. He would focus joy today, not loss.
"The horses are ready," he said, adjusting his traveling cloak. "Shall we?"
Gaius nodded, eyes glistening. "Let's take the long route, my boy."
Merlin laughed softly, picturing the king and queen huddled from the rain and patience waning awaiting them outside. "I'd love that long walk too."
He gazed fondly around the chamber one last moment. These rooms would belong to another once he closed these doors. Someone else's memories would fill these spaces now.
As they strolled slowly through the awakening castle, fond echoes of bygone days seemed to flicker in Merlin's vision – brief ghosts of their younger selves hastening through these very corridors, slipping into shadowed alcoves when threats loomed. He saw transparent snapshots of secret counsel given and received within the rooms they now passed, always isolated, always vigilant together.
Glancing at Gaius, he saw the memories stirring behind his mentor's eyes as well. The smiles, the anguish, the secret counsel conveyed year after year within these halls... a silent sorrow tinged their days of shared guardianship for those in this castle and beyond.
Stepping into the pale daylight, rain pattering the landing, the courtyard stood silent, all activity ordered to ceased. Gaius inhaled a sharp breath. Waiting knights stood sentry, their backs straight with ceremonial solemnity, Percival and Ranulf anchoring each row. Even Leon was amongst them, standing beside the first knight – a testament to Gaius' enduring legacy. The king and queen in hooded furs waited at the end.
"Oh," Gaius gasped, taking in the scene. "Oh my."
Merlin urged him forward, gently grasping an arm as they descended the steps. As Gaius passed through the ranks of knights, tears threatened Merlin's composure. His expression warred between a smile and pure sadness. He swallowed down his tears for a small smile.
Gwen stepped forward, her cheeks wet, and embraced Gaius fiercely. Over her shoulder, Gaius whispered, "Thank you."
"I shall miss you," she said before releasing him, her voice trembling slightly.
"And I, you, Gwen." He stared at her fondly for a moment, the depth of their bond evident in the warmth of his gaze. Merlin knew they shared a history of precious moments - a connection forged through years of laughter, tears, and unwavering support.
Arthur stepped forward. "Safe journey, old friend." He clasped Gaius' forearm and then pulled him into his chest. Merlin's breath caught in his throat at the sight – this was surely the first time he'd ever seen the two men embrace. His best friend and his mentor – a picture of affection and respect that made his eyes sting with unshed tears – one that he'd carry with him a long time.
Arthur pulled back. "But I shall not miss your potions," he said with a half-smile.
Grinning, Gaius glanced between them. "Good bye, Arthur. It has been an honor, my boy. Gwen, all my deepest hopes for you, my child."
Merlin walked with their horses toward the portcullis, Gaius soaking up the assembly before coming to his side. Hooves echoed down awakening streets veiled by rain, the upper town slowly stirring doors open against the gloom.Merlin drank in each familiar lane, enshrining all in memory. But no covert perils awaited this day – only steady drops sealing their bittersweet parting.
Past the northern gate, they mounted and rode without words into sodden woods, the world closed in by grey drizzle. He would teleport Gaius from deep within the forest – no need now to brave long roads alone. Though, Deira would be the furthest he'd ever attempted – over thirty leagues! And he wasn't sure how close he'd get to Alice's rural home outside Hewnfeld without her exact location. Still, they would find her – even if he had to transport to every home surrounding the village.
At a rainswept clearing Merlin reined his horse, heartbeat suddenly stifling his throat. The hour to relinquish his long-time guide into joy had come.
"Well," he said sighing, though he did manage a genuine smile. "Are you ready?"
"Are you certain you can take both me and the horse?" Gaius asked, his eyebrow raised.
Merlin clicked his tongue, his face scrunching. "Some…what? I'm not even sure what my range is, honestly."
"Merlin!"
He should not have smiled wider at the scolding, but he'd heard that tone so many times that his heart swelled. "I would never let anything happen to you," he said, his tone sincere. "I'll get you there safely. You have my word."
Gaius nodded. "I know you will, my boy."
"Besides, I'm bringing both horses. We don't know if we'll have to search for Alice once we arrive."
"I will search for her," Gaius said sternly. "I must do that alone. You return home – start your life anew."
Merlin nodded solemnly. This truly was it. It could be some time before he saw Gaius again. With Camelot in its birthing pangs, would duty to Arthur and kingdom keep him from journeys to visit his aged friend. As much as Merlin hated the thought, with Gaius' years dusking – one day, he would be gone forever. He swallowed the sorrowful feelings as he reached over and firmly gripped his mentor's shoulder, their steeds ready beneath.
The crude map he studied of Deira placed Hewnfeld not far from a river. Despite his reassurances, Merlin's aimed for unknown and unseen territory increased the chances of intersecting a tree or landing in a building. This time of year, people could be nearby or any number of other obstacles to jeopardize a smooth deposit on the river's bank. A chance they must take. Having faith, he closed his eyes and concentrated, reaching through magic and distance to grasp its curves. Both he and Gaius braced atop their horses.
"Bedyrne ús, Azuremere River—"
"Merlin," suddenly came Kilgharrah's jarring mind-speak in his head, almost breaking his concentration. Merlin squeezed his eyes.
"—Hewnfeld! Astýre ús þanonweard!" The forest disappeared in swirling vapors, the wind whipping against their skin.
Sunlight touched their faces.
But they plunged into frigid water and beneath the surface before bobbing up spluttering.
"We-we're here!" Merlin sputtered, wiping water from his face.
Gaius blew dripping strands from his eyes, fixing Merlin with icy outrage. "So it appears," he grumbled through chattering teeth as the horses swam with ease towards the river's edge. "Though more soaked than anticipated..."
Merlin sloshed clumsily to help Gaius, wrapped his arms around him. "I'm sorry, Gaius—Kilgharrah!—in the middle—! Are you all right?"
"The great dragon?" he asked, puffing for air. "What peril now?" He pointed to the horses as they splashed upon the river bank. "We're lucky that gold didn't carry Lael to the bottom. Better check on him."
"I'm sure he's fine – they both are. At least it isn't raining here…." His optimism only gained a raised eyebrow from Gaius and a stern stare. "Let me start a fire. Stay in the sun."
Merlin gathered branches into his arms with a flash of gold in his eyes, pondered the great dragon –Kilgharrah rarely summoned. Gaius was right – something must be wrong.
"Ondrædan draca gemynd," Merlin incanted under his breath, opening his mind to the dragon.
Kilgharrah's stern voice filled his thoughts. "Once again you fail in your duties, young warlock..."
Merlin flinched as the dragon's angry words echoed telepathically. "Camelot's trials often prevent me from visiting Aithusa these long months past. But that is no excuse, I know—"
"Indeed," Kilgharrah cut him off sharply. "Your oath as a dragonlord transcends all else. The hatchling shows great promise, but she awaits your guidance too."
Shame stirred within Merlin. Kilgharrah spoke true – he'd ignored Aithusa since calling her forth from the egg. Protecting Arthur had allowed no time then. Now destiny called – tomorrow he embarked with Galahad on their vital quest, and in three days he would reveal himself as Emrys. The outcome of both unknown. His duties piled, yet Kilgharrah's words could not be denied. As dragonkin, Aithusa deserved better from him.
"You must go to her," the dragon commanded, allowing no argument. "Renew your sacred bond. Guide her growth as is your responsibility."
"I understand," Merlin conceded heavily. "I'll join you later this afternoon."
As Kilgharrah withdrew from his mind, he winced, his shoulders burdened with the weight of responsibility of a different kind. It'd been a few weeks since he last saw them, but that visit had been mainly for Morgana's sake. He needed to spend a little time in study before going to them later today, for he had no idea what it meant to be a dragonlord, especially to one so young.
Arranging the wood in a pile, Merlin whispered the flames to life. Gaius eased gingerly closer, angling dripping sleeves and boots toward crackling heat.
"You always did know how to... make things warm for yourself," Gaius muttered, the jest softened by his smile. He sighed contently as the fire began to dry his sodden clothing. "I suppose a few moments more won't hinder me overmuch..."
Merlin grinned back sheepishly. Gratitude shone through Gaius' playful grumbles for the gift of this pause. After long years stealing time, delay was blessed rather than cursed.
"I'll fetch better wood to dry you off properly," he said, touching Gaius' shoulder fondly before heading deeper into trees, footsteps reluctant to leave his mentor even now.
An hour longer was all they had left. Warm and dry, they shared a deep, lingering embrace before Gaius broke away and climbed onto Lael, eyes wet.
"Until next time," Merlin said, his face wet too.
Gaius smiled warmly. "I'll see you then, my boy."
Merlin stayed by the fire, watched his mentor go until he could see him no more.