Author's note : Sorry for the late update. But I think this long chapter will make up for the late. And those who are wondering about Arthur; he will appear after five or six chapters. Also Remember that s5e10 of the show never happened in this fic. Thanks to all my reviewers. I urge all my guest reviewers to open an account so that I can thank them personally. And TWENTY REVIEWS for the last chapter ! Wow ! You guys are the best. Now enough with my rantng, enjoy this long chapter. ( I was planning to make it longer. But I changed my plan for continuous requests. )
To Andrea : Please, write your reviews in English. I can hardly understand Spanish. Pretty please with a cherry on top.
Chapter 15
A matter of politics
" The leaders have gathered in the council chambers. We are waiting for the king's arrival. Where is he ? " Iseldir asked Hunith after he barged in his house.
" Merlin is still sleeping. You go ahead. I will wake him up. " Hunith said.
" I can wait till you wake him up. Then I can escort you to the council chamber. " Iseldir insisted.
" No need for that. Waking him up is one of the most difficult work in this world. And it will take some time. You should go and inform the leaders that we'll arrive in half an hour. Me and Merlin can get there on our own. The chamber is in that white tower. Is it not ? "
" Yes, it's in the white gold tower. But do you know the way ? " Iseldir asked.
" Yes, I know it. And it's not like that the tower is far from here. You go ahead. We'll meet you there shortly. "
" As you wish. " Iseldir gave her a bow and exited the house.
Hunith stood up from the chair she was sitting on and went towards Merlin's room. The door was ajar. She went inside the room and found her son asleep peacefully.
He looked so young like the naive and innocent boy she had sent off to Camelot eight years ago ; not like the full grown young man he had become with a very heavy burden of responsibilty.
Hunith always wished for her son to have a normal life. But that was not to be. From the moment Merlin was born, Hunith knew that her son was different. Different from everyone. At first, she wondered why her son was cursed with this power of magic.
But as time went, she realized that magic was not a curse, rather it was a gift. A gift that was given to her son for a reason.
When Merlin first returned to Ealdor with Arthur, she thought that her son had found a purpose. But when she found out about Arthur's doing, she was greatly dissappointed. She thought that Arthur was better than Uther. That he would understand magic one day. That he would stop all the persecutions against magic.
Oh ! How wrong she was.
But after coming in Elmet, she had found hope again. Hope of her son becoming happy at last. And she would try her best to make that hope become reality.
The Queen-mother approached towards the bed and sat beside her sleeping son. She began to stroke Merlin's Jet black hair and called softly.
" Merlin. "
Merlin began to stir in his sleep and Hunith called again.
" Merlin, wake up. It's time to go the council. "
Merlin opened his eyes. Hunith was a little surprised. To wake her son up was a very difficult task when he was a teenager.
' I guess all these years' hard works had changed him. ' Hunith thought to herself.
" Mother, what is it ? " Merlin asked groggily.
" It's time to go to the council. Everyone's waiting for you at the tower, son. "
Merlin sat up and said, " I am a little nervous, mother. I don't know if I can do everything right. I have messed up manything in the past. What if I do that again ? "
" All men make mistakes, Merlin. But it's the lessons learnt from those mistakes make someone great. Learn from your past mistakes and use that knowledge for greater good. And never lose hope. I am sure this time all will be good. " Hunith said.
Merlin smiled at his mother. " Thanks, mother. "
Hunith smiled and kissed her son on forehead. " I am always here for you, Merlin. "
" I know , " was Merlin's reply. Then he hugged his mother tightly and she hugged him back.
After a while, Hunith said releasing his son, " Now get up, quickly. I don't want you to be late on your first meeting. "
That got Merlin up from his bed. Soon they both were ready to go. They exited Iseldir's house and began to walk towards the White Gold Tower.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
" Have you proposed her ? " Hunith asked Merlin simply while walking through the streets.
" Pardon ? "
" Freya. Have you proposed her ? "
Blood rushed to Merlin's face again and suddenly he found the street's cobblestone very interesting.
" I take that as a no, right ? " Hunith asked playfully.
" Mother, we've just arrived here. There's no rush. " Merlin said defensively.
" Yes, of course. But you have waited for six years. If I were you, I wouldn't waste a single second. And besides, I really want to have a grandchild. " Hunith said with a smile in the end.
" Mother, I'm getting really embarrassed. " Merlin's face had become pink.
" Alright. Alright. I'll stop. But promise me you'll propose her soon. I am nearing my fiftieth year, Merlin for God's sake. How long will I have to wait to see the face of my grandchild? " Hunith asked almost accusingly.
Merlin just nodded and said, " Okay. I promise. "
He was relieved to see that they were almost at their destination.
Soon they reached the tower's stone entrance and saw Iseldir and Uriel standing there. Uriel was holding a bundle of cloth in his hand.
" You had your beauty sleep ? " Uriel asked jokingly.
" Yes, yes. Let's go in. " Merlin said annoyingly. Uriel was a more a humorist than a king.
" Wait. Before you go, wear this. " Uriel shoved the bundle in Merlin's hand.
" What's this ? "
" Open and see. "
Merlin opened the bundle and saw that it was a cloak. It was a black cloak with a beautiful white flying Pegasus embroidared at the center.
" It's beautiful. What is it ? " Merlin asked.
" It's the royal cloak of Elmet. Every past kings of this land wore it during any council or meeting. It has been passed down through generation and after Elmet's fall, the Druids guarde it. Now that you are the current king, it's rightfully yours. And don't you dare deny it. It's a tradition in Elmet for a thousand year and yo won't ruin it. " Uriel spoke the last words firmly.
At first, Merlin thought that he would refuse like he refused all other royal things. But this cloak was different. It represented the knigdom and Merlin knew that denying the former king and Elmet's tradition would be impolite and rude. So, he wore the cloak and said, " Thank you for this gift. I will wear it with pride. Now let's go. "
" I can't go, Merlin. " Uriel said sadly.
" What did you say ? " Merlin asked confusedly.
" I said I can't go, young one. " The king said again.
" But why ? Aren't you supposed to be my advisor and mentor ? "
Uriel took a deep breath and said, " Firstly, It's higly impropriate for me to sit in the council. "
Merlin stopped him in midsentence. " But why ? You are the former king. Why it would be impropriate for you to attend the council ? "
" That's the problem, Merlin. I was a king not am. Elmet is your kingdom now not mine. You'll have to rule it on your own. " Uriel explained.
" But you said that I would need every help I can get, Did you not ? Now you are just abandoning me ? " Anger began to rise inside Merlin.
" Don't be angry, Merlin. Try to understand. Yes, I told you that. But I won't be here forever. I am here for a reason. I will return to my resting place in Avalon soon. I will continue to advise you . But I don't want you to be dependent on me. By doing this, you won't face any problem when I won't be here anymore.
And you can always seek from your other friends. They will be here for a long time unlike me. Please just don't be angry with me. " Uriel's eyes were pleading.
" How long ? " Merlin asked.
" What ? "
" How long will you stay here ? "
" Not for long. I am a transcient being. Please I only want the best for you. I want you to stand on your own feet. Just try to understand. " Uriel said.
Merlin remained silent for a long time keeping his head down. Then, he looked up to Uriel and said, " I know that you only want the best for me. And I understand your reason. Still it would be hard for me. But you're right. My many decisions were influenced by my guardian and Kilgharrah in the past. And I regret them very much.
Even though Gaius thought that he was protecting me, my dependency on him brought disaster some time. You yourself said that I need to follow my heart. And from now on, I will do that.
So, although withou you, it would be a hard job, I understand you. I will try to do my best. Just give me your blessing. "
Uriel released the breath he was holding. He was relieved to hear Merlin's words.
" Thank you, Merlin. And my blessing will always be with you. Now off you go to the council chamber while I take a walk through the streets. " Uriel said cheerily.
Merlin raised his eyebrow and said, " Why am I getting a feeling that you are ditching me here with the council members so that you can enjoy the city's scenary in peace ? "
Uriel chuckled and said, " Who said it can't be another reason for me not joining the council ? Believe me those councils are tiresome. And where did you learn that eyebrow thing ? "
" From my mentor, Gaius. "
" I'll have to learn it. Well then , no more chitty - chatty. Time's wasting. Good luck. " Uriel said cheerily.
" Thanks , see you later. "
Then Merlin wore the black cloak and began to walk towards the White Gold Tower with his mother and Iseldir while Uriel began to walk towards the opposite direction.
Merlin found himself standing in the same hallway when he entered the tower first time. Only this time, he followed Iseldir towards a huge wooden door made of Oak instead of the descending staircase.
When they reached near the gigantic door, Iseldir looked at Merlin and asked, " Ready, Merlin ? "
" As ready as I can be. " Merlin answered.
" Well then, let's enter. " Saying this Iseldir pushed open the door and entered. Merlin and Hunith followed him behind.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Merlin expected to see a giant room with a huge table at the center of the room. But he never thought that he would see this.
" Just how many surprises are there for me in this kingdom ? " Merlin mumbled.
He was not standing in a large room instead he was standing in a clearing of a dense forest. Sunlight was dazzling, scent of dry leaves and wild flowers filled the room. And at the center forest was huge round table made of marble stone with almost fifty chairs. He looked back and saw the entrance between two giant trees.
Many people were scattered throughout the large clearing. Some were pacing. And some were sitting idly on the grass.
" Beautiful, isn't it ? " Someone spoke behind Merlin.
" Yes, it is. " Merlin answered.
The warlock looked behind to see who was speaking with him.
" Gilli ! " Merlin yelled in surprise.
Gilli came forward and embraced Merlin. Merlin hugged his old magical friend back.
" Long time no see. " Gilli said after releasing Merlin.
" And look at you. All kingly and regal. Not the Merlin I last met. " Gilli grinned and Merlin gave him a frown.
" Yeah. Yeah. But what about you ? When did you become one of the Catha ? " Merlin questioned pointing at Gilli's Catha outfits.
" I began to travel through five kingdoms after that tournament. A year later, I came across Helva. I met some Catha priests there. They took me to Alator. I wanted to become one of the priests. At first he refusd. But eventually, he took me in as his apprentice after my continuous pleading for six months. "
" Wow. You have patience. I have to tell that. " Merlin said.
" The training for becoming a priest was tedious . But it was worth it. After three years, Alator appointed me as one of the priests of the order of the Catha, the governing body of our people. " Gilli said proudly.
" So, when Alator told me that his apprentice escorted the Catha people to Elmet. He meant you ? " Merlin asked.
Gilli nodded.
Merlin smiled and put a hand on Gilli's shoulder and said, " I am proud of you. You have become a great man. "
" All thanks to you. You encouraged me. But I must admit you were wrong about Arthur Pendragon. And I am sorry for what you have been through. " Gilli said sadly.
" It's alri... " before Merlin could finish, he was cut off loud cheery voice.
" Meeerlin. "
Merlin looked around to see who was calling him but before he could understand anything, he was wrapped up in a fierce hug. So, fierce that he had trouble breathing.
" Alright, Daegal. Let him go. You'll suffocate the poor boy. " An elderly voice spoke out.
The person ( Daegal? ) released Merlin and the warlock took in a deep breath.
His vision was hazy for a while. When it became clear, he saw a teenage boy with dark hair standing before him. His another friend, Daegal.
" It's so good to see you, Merlin, " Daegal was bursting with excitement.
" Daegal ? Is that you ? " Merlin asked.
The warlock hadn't seen the boy for maybe six months. But in this short time, he has changed a lot. He was no longer only skin and bone. His face was no longer covered with dirt. And most importantly, he didn't look sad like he did when Merlin last met him.
' At least I made one person's life better instead of ruining it, ' Merlin thought to himself.
" Yes, it's me. Daegal. At your service, your majety. " Daegal gave Merlin a short bow.
" Oh, c'mon now. I don't want anyone to bow before me. I should've told Iseldir to inform all about that. " Merlin said exasperatedly.
" Sorry, sorry. My bad. I knew you wouldn't be a typical a royal. So, no bowing ? " Daegal asked.
" No. And no your majesty or my lord. Just Merlin. "
" As you wish, Merlin. Oh and may I introduce you to my teacher. " Daegal nodded to his left and Merlin saw an elderly woman standing there whom he had seen a long time ago.
The elderly woman came forward and shaked Merlin's hand.
" Hello, Merlin. I am so glad to see you again. " the woman said.
" Wait. You know each other ? " Daegal aske with a surprised tone in his voice.
" Of course. I have met Merlin before in Camelot. " The woman said smilingly.
" Ahem. " Hunith coughed from behind.
" Care to introduce these people with me, Merlin ? " Hunith asked.
Merlin almost forgot that his mother too was with him.
" Sorry, mother. This is old... friend of Gaius. Alice, this is Hunith, my mother. " Merlin said sheepishly.
" My lady, it's an honor to meet you. " Alice said curtsing Hunith.
" Please. Just Hunith would be fine. " Huntih said stretching out her hand.
Alice took it and said, " Hunith it is, then. "
" And this is Daegal and Gilli. My friends. " Merlin cut in.
Gilli and Daegal both gave Hunith a respective nod.
Hunith nodded back and said, " I am relieved to see my son has got friends here too. "
" Merlin. Anytime you're ready. " Iseldir said loudly.
The Druid chieftain was standing near the stone table and almost all of the people in the clearing were gathering around it.
" After you. Your majesty. " Gilli said and gave Merlin a mocking bow.
Merlin hmphed in annoyance and went towards the table.
He and his mother took a seat in the table and all of the councilors sat down too.
Merlin said, " Let the council begin. "
A blue light appeared in the middle of the table and began to glow brightly.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
" Beautiful. " Someone said.
Merlin looked around and saw Freya sitting beside Iseldir.
' Why is she here ? ' Merlin asked in his mind.
Merlin looked at his peers and saw everyone looking at him expectantly.
Merlin gulped down. This was it. This was his first test as the king. But he was feeling terrified. To bear a burden of an entire kingdom was really hard. It hadn't been a full day but Merlin had already begun to feel the pressure.
" So, we've all gatherd here to discuss some very important issues about the kingdom. "
He thought someone would interrupt him but no one said anything. So, he took a deep breath and said the thing which was bothering him from the moment he had set foot in the room.
" But before we do that, would someone please tell me just what this place is ? "
Everyone was taken aback by Merlin's sudden question.
But some of the elder members soon regained their composure and Iseldir straightened up.
" Merlin, if I may ? " Iseldir asked.
" Yes, yes, of course. " Merlin encouraged him to speak up.
" This room is one of the greatest achievement of Lady Shanalotte, the first ever master of the school of illusion in the academy.
When Reman Ignotus built this city, she was given the duty to design the white gold tower. She designed this entire structure and imbued it with the power of ancient religion. Every wonderous thing you see in this tower is her doing. And this room was her greatest illusion, the great council chamber of Arcaenia. " Iseldir stopped there.
" Illusion ? So, this is not really a forest ? " Hunith asked.
" No. This just looks like a forest. In reality, you're still inside the chamber. But the ancient religion is making this room looks like a forest. "
" I see. " Merlin nodded, truly fascinated by the wonderous work. He was already wondering what it would've been like when ancient religion was free and untainted in this world.
" Anything else, you like to know, Merlin ? " Iseldir asked.
" Huh. Oh, yes. What about this round table? I heard that Camelot's ancient kings first used this kind of table. "
This time Alator spoke up.
" You're right, Merlin. King Bruta of Camelot first used a round table in his court almost thousand years ago. King Reman Ignotus heard about the round table and ordered the masons to bulid another round table. And thus this round table came into being. Only it is much larger and sophisticated than that of Camelot. "
" It seems there's so much more we need to know about this kingdom. " Merlin sighed.
" We'll all help you in that, Merlin if you want. " Gilli said.
" I very much appreciate that. " Merlin said to his friend thankfully.
Then he looked at Iseldir and Alator and asked, " A introduction to my fellow councilors would surely a good first step, don't you think ? "
" Of course, " Both th high priest and the chieftain said in unison.
Then they began the introduction.
Iseldir introduced Merlin to the Druid leaders and Alator introduced him to the priests of the Catha .
Among the Druids, a leader named Cyril was appointed as the caretaker of the farming ground and A Catha priest named William was appointed as the master of the grand stables.
Then came the time of introduction to the masters of the academy.
" You've met all of our leaders and some of them are working as caretakers. Do you want to make some change, Merlin ? " Iseldir asked.
" Who appointed them ? " Merlin asked.
" Before your arrival, all of the leaders gathered and elected them so that the city keep running smoothly. We didn't find anyone more suitable for those jobs. " Alator answered.
" Then I will trust your judgement. But I will keep an eye out, if I find anyone more skilled for those jobs, then I will appoint them. Any objections ? " Merlin asked to Cyril and William.
" No, sire. " They both said.
" Please, just Merlin. "
" As you wish, si... sorry. Merlin. "
" Now that I have met with the leaders, I want to meet with the masters of the academy. " Merlin said eagerly.
" Yes, Merlin. There are seven branches of magic. Alteration, illusion, destruction, mysticism, restoration, alchemy and enchantment. In the academy, we've appointed masters for each schools of magic except destruction as we haven't found anyone proficient in the art of destruction.
But the other six masters are here with us. " Iseldir said.
Then he looked at nobody particular and said, " Will the masters please introduce themselves to our king ? "
Sis figures rose from their chairs and looked at Merlin.
To Merlin's surprise, Alice, Daegal and Freya was among them. Freya spoke first.
" I am Freya Linorien. I am appointed as the master of the school of alteration by the council. "
Merlin gave her a nod and said, " I believe the alteration school discusses the alteration of the properties nature, am I right ? "
Freya smiled and said, " Yes, my king. Alteration deals with the manipulation of nature's rules like unlocking spells, locking spells, transformation spells, teleportation spell and so on. I am quite proficient in them as your blood has enhanced my magic infinitely. "
When Freya finished, Iseldir spoke up.
" She was given the post because she can tranform herself into a pegasus. Only the true masters of alteration can do that. " Iseldir's voice was filled with pride.
Merlin's jaw almost dropped to the ground.
" YOU CAN DO THAT ? " He almost yelled.
" Yes, " Freya said shyly.
" WOW. I definitely need to learn that. Will you teach me, please ? " Merlin sounded like a child who wanted a present from his parent.
" If you want, I will surely teach you. " Freya said and sat down. She was feeling very shy and it showed up on her face as her face's colour changed to red.
Then, a very tall man among the remaining five standing people spoke up. Merlin presumed that he was in his mid thirties and had a trimmed beard with green eyes. He was of slender build. His short hair was so dark that it rivalled Merlin's raven-black hair.
" I am Vendrick Drangleic, my king. I am appointed as the master of the school of illustion. Although I am nowhere as skilled as the legendary lady Shanalotte, I am much adept in casting illusion spells like invisibilty spell, muffling spell, confusing spell etcetra. I will try my best to serve you well. "
Saying this, the tall man sat down without giving Merlin a chance to say anything.
' Is he always like this ? ' Merlin asked telepathetically to Iseldir.
' He is a man of less words and more work but he is a good man. He will serve you well. ' Iseldir answered back.
Then Alice spoke up.
" I am Alice Lordran. I am appointed as the master of the school of restoration. This school deals mostly with the healing spells but banishing dark creatures of magic is also another use of restoration magic. "
" And I can vouch for your expertise in the field of healing arts. You brought that tavern owner back from death's door. Something which even Gaius couldn't do. Just don't try to summon any manticore and everything will be dandy, okay ? " Merlin said ending his speech with a chuckle.
Some of the Druids laughed too, so did Alice. " Of course, Merlin. I have learnt my lesson. I am never going to do that again. I assure you. "
Merlin gave her an approving nod and she sat down.
This time, the only woman standing spoke up. She was maybe in her late fifties and Merlin could sense her strong yet gentle aura of magic.
" My name is Finna Tseldora. I am the last remaining member of the Bendruie sisterhood. I am appointed as the Mysticism schools's master. This school discusses about the unclear and mysterious branches of magic like telepathy, mind reading, the power of the seers, the power of the dragonlords, prophecies and fate but most importantly the mysterious art of time bending. "
" Bendruie ? " Merlin asked confusedly.
" Before the time of great purge, young girls with magical potentials were chosen to join the rank of the Bendruie, a group of very powerful sorceresses. They devoted their life to study the mysteries of magic. But after the fall of the isle of the blessed, Uther attacked The great cove of Tseldora, the base of the Bendruie. I was there when the king attacked.
We were not very proficient in destruction magic and we were heavily outnumbered. Uther killed us all. Only I managed to esape. I wandered throughout Albion all these years. Then I sensed the rising of Elmet and I understood the time of King Emrys is near. So, I decided to come to Elmet. I hope that I will be able to contribute for this great magical kingdom. "
" As I am sure you will. And I can't wait to take lessons from you. I have much to learn about the mysteries of magic. I am sure you can help me. " Merlin said enthusiasticly.
" I will try my best, Lord Emrys. " Finna gave Merlin a bow and sat down.
Merlin felt very uneasy at this but he didn't say anything.
' I have to take care of this bowing problem in this council. This is getting ridiculous. ' Merlin mused.
Then Merlin looked expectantly to the remaining two people standing.
Daegal spoke up with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
" Um... Hello... I am Daegal. I am the ma-ster of alchemy school. Although I don't know why Alice couldn't take that place too. Alchemy is mostly about brewing potions and Alice is an execellent potion maker. " Alice protested,
" Don't listen to him, Merlin. That boy is a dab-hand at potion making. His mother taught him previously. And I taught him for only two months after meeting Iseldir during his camp's journey to Elmet. But the boy's talent is something that I have never seen before. He still takes lesson from me and he has much more to learn.
But I think in time he will overtake even my skill. The council wanted to give me the post of Alchemy master But I insisted the council to give Daegal the post as I can't handle so much responsibilities and pressure in my old age. "
" Wow! I never knew you were a potion maker. " Merlin was amazed to learn about the skills of the young boy.
" She's just exaggerating. Actually, I am just helping her now. She's doing all the hard stuffs. " Daegal said shyly.
Alice was going to protest again but Merlin cut in.
" We'll see soon enough who's right and who's wrong. But I believe in Alice's words. Keep working hard and I'm sure you'll give Alice a run for her money. "
Alice chuckled so did several of the Druids. Daegal became red in embarrasment and sat down.
When everyone stopped chuckling, Merlin spoke again.
" By the way, isn't transmutation of metal also a part of alchemy ? "
Everyone stiffened at Merlin's words and Merlin wondered why.
Then Freya began to speak.
" That's a common misunderstanding, Merlin. Transmutation is part of Alteration school not Alchemy. But that magic is strictly banned according to Reman Code, a set of law concerning the use of magic created by King Reman. "
" I never heard of that code. " Merlin said while thinking about the incident of transmutation which implicitly caused Gwen's father's death.
" That's because Uther destroyed most of the copies of that law during great purge. Only the Druids and the Catha know about it now. " Alator said.
" Just how much destruction Uther caused during the purge ? " Merlin almost whispered. But Iseldir heard him and answered.
" Too much, Merlin. Too much. "
The whole room went silent as if they were mourning the loss of magic.
Then a timid voice rang through the chamber.
" Um. Can I talk now ? "
That got Merlin's attention. He looked at the owner of the voice. He was the only man standing. He was a young man. In fact, he looked younger than Merlin. Merlin mused that he might in his early twenties.
The man had long dark brown hair, wide forehead, black eyes and tanned skin. He had a boyish face and he was quite handsome.
Merlin beckoned him to speak and the young man obliged.
" My king, I am Nayem Silvenor. I was appointed as the master of the school of enchantment. I mainly work on enchanting weapons and armours. The enchantment school also deals with enchanted talisman and defence against malevolent enchantments. "
" He enchants all the armours and weapons for the Catha people. He's the son of Priest Wayrest Silvenor, our illustrious blacksmith. " Alator said and pointed to a Catha priest.
" I am sure I will be in need of both of your talent soon. I can count on you, can't I ? " Merlin asked with a smile.
The priest gave Merlin an affirmative nod and Merlin nodded back.
Nayem smiled back and sat down saying, " Of course, sire. We are here to serve you. "
Then Merlin stood up and all councilmen straightened in their seats. Merlin cleared his throat and began,
" Now that the introduction is complete, let's get straight into business.
I've gathered you here today to discuss some urgent matters. And the first one is about Aithusa. "
" The white dragon ? What about her ? " A Druid leader named Aachen asked.
" I want to heal her. She is gravely injured. I don't know how ? But I intend to find that out. She still can't speak which I believe is something to do with her injuries. Do any of you know a way to heal her ? Remember that her wounds are magical. " Merlin looked at his advisors for answers.
One of the Druid chieves coughed. Merlin looked at him.
" Yes, chief Ysmir ? "
" I know a way, sire. Shall I say it ? "
" Of course. By all means. " Merlin said enthusiasticly.
" Well, the lake of Arcaenia surrounding the city is a magical place. During the nights of full moon, the healing power of it's water increases hundredfold. I believe if you take The White Dragon to the lake during full moon and submerge her into water, she will be healed of her injuries. " Ysmir said confidently.
Merlin's face lightened up hearing this.
" Thank you, chief Ysmir. You have done me a great favour. I will always be in your debt. "
" You're welcome, sire. It's my honour to help you. " Ysmir said with a smile.
Merlin nodded to the Druid in respect and began to speak again.
" As you know, both me and my mother were born as a peasant and we always lived a humble life. And we intend to live like that. So, I have decided not to live in the royal palace. "
" But sire, you must live in there. " Nayem protested.
" And why should I do that , Nayem ? " Merlin asked.
" Because... because... " Nayem stuttered.
" Yes ? " Merlin asked impatiently. Nayem's face became red but he continued nonetheless.
" Because you are the symbol of this knigdom. The other kingdoms will think us weak if you live like a peasant. You have to represent power and wealth of this kingdom. You won't be able to do it if you don't live in a palace. Besides, there are plenty magic hating kings in Albion.
You have to think about security. Please sire, I implore you to see reason. I only want the best for this kingdom. " The young man almost pleaded.
Merlin smiled hearing the Enchantment master's speech.
" Your concern is touching, Nayem. But I have already thought about what you said. I am going to live a normal life among you. But during state visit of other kings, I will impersonate myself as a menacing sorcerer. And that's where you and your father come in. Priest Silvenor ? "
" Yes, my king ? What service do you require? " The priest asked.
" Make an armour which looks menacing, which emits power and which is fit for a king. And Nayem, please imbue it with all kinds of protective enchantments. Also make a light armour for my mother which she can wear during state functions. " Merlin said.
" Do I have to wear one, Merlin ? " Hunith pouted.
" For the kingdom, mother. Please. " Merlin gave her mother an innocent look and his mother yielded.
" Alright, then. I will do it. But only in ceremonies, okay ? "
" You have my word, mother. From one monarch to another. " Merlin said teasingly.
Hunith slapped Merlin on the back playfully and smiled.
" Can you do what I ask ? " Merlin asked Nayem and Wayrest.
" It will be done in one day, sire. Don't worry. " Wayrest answered.
" Well, that's efficiency. But how will you be able to do it so quickly ? " Merlin asked already knowing the answer.
" Magic, " Nayem answered.
" I thought so. Thank you for your help. And as for my residence, do you people have any suggestion about where should I live ? Although I hate to admit it, Nayem is right. Sooner or later, other kingdoms will know about us. There are plenty magic haters in Albion other than Arthur and Sauron.
They will try to ruin this kingdom. And I will be the primary target. As much as I hate it, I must think about security too. So, any suggestions ? " Merlin looked at his advisors.
Several people made several suggestions. Some suggested the Arch-Mage's quarters, but it was at the learning ground not in the inner city. So, Merlin disapproved.
Some suggested the guest chambers but Gilli informed that they were as extravagant as the royal palace. So, Merlin dismissed it too.
Then Freya suggested the commander's chambers, the temporary residence for the royals during wartime. It was situated at the lower level of the white gold tower. The former kings of Elmet used to come down there to express their soliderity with their soldiers. Freya said that it was not nearly as lavish as the palace and as it was inside the white gold tower, security was not a problem.
So, after much discussion, it was decided that from now on the royals would live in the commander's chambers. Then, Merlin asked Alice and Daegal to turn the royal palace into an infirmary saying that the ill and injured people deserve the most comfort not the royals. Alice and Daegal complied with his words.
Then Merlin said, " Now that we have solved that problem, there's only one thing I want to discuss, before we get to the final agendum of this meeting. Shall I ? "
" Of course, Merlin. We're all eager to know what you have to say . " Alator said and all of the other people nodde in agreement.
Merlin began, " I have taken a vow to serve you. TO SERVE YOU. I want to be your servant. Not your lord or master but friend and kin. But you people keep bowing at me and my mother. It's very disturbing and it saddens me. How can I be your servant and friend if you do not treat me as your equal. I want to be one of you not your superior. "
Merlin heaved a sigh and continued, " I know that requesting to stop bowing me and calling me lord won't stop you to do that. But I know you'll follow my orders. So, I, Merlin Ignotus Ambrosius hereby decrees as the rightful king of Elmet that bowing to me or my mother is forbidden from now on. And I also decree that anyone who will treat me as their superior will be treated as equally guilty. So, no My lord. No your majesty. No sire. Just plain, simple Merlin and Hunith. Is that understood ? " Merlin asked firmly.
Everyone nodded but many of the Druids were sulking.
Merlin said again, " And if any of you break this decree, they will be given punishment of mucking out the grand stable for three hours. "
Merlin took a deep breath and looked satisfied.
" Now that every other things are out of the way, let's begin talking about the most important matter. I have been informed that some of the Druid clans are trapped in Amata. I am planning to infiltrate Amata and bring them back safely. If anyone wishes to join me, he or she can stand up. But I am going anyway, even if I have to go alone. "
Freya stood up first. " You don't have to be alone. I am going with you and I will help you as best as I can. "
Merlin gave Freya a thankful nod.
Then Gilli and Daegal stood up.
" I can't let you have all the fun, now can I ? " Gilli said with a grin.
Merlin grinned back. " Obviously not. "
Daegal said, " And you'll need a physician. "
" I am much obliged, friend. " Merlin said with a nod.
Then Alator, Iseldir, the masters, all of the Catha priests and even some Druid chieves stood up. Even the older ones (like Alice and Finna ) wanred to go. But Merlin insisted them to stay as they were not as strong as they once had been.
After that, Hunith stood up.
" Mother, what do you think you are doing ? " Merlin asked.
" I am coming with you. "
" Not a chance. " Merlin protested.
" And why not ? I know how to use a sword. I can help you. Your father taught me. " Hunith said.
" What ? I didn't know that... Wait, if you know how to use a sword, then why didn't you use your skill during Ealdor's battle ? "
" Use your head, Merlin. It would've raised suspicion. I've trained everyday while you were not in the house. So, my skills are still intact. But that's not the point. I am going and you can't stop me. U am the queen mother. "
Merlin hmphed as he couldn't find any arguement to counter his mother.
" Very well. But you will be surrounded by us, alright ? I don't want you to get hurt. " Merlin said.
" I won't get hurt. I promise. " Hunith said with a smile.
Merlin rubbed his forehead and said, " I think that's enough for today... "
He was cut off by Iseldir.
" Wait. We still don't have a destruction master or an Arch-mage. "
" Oh. That. I almost forgot. But you said the council didn't find anyone worthy. " Merlin said confusedly.
" But it has found someone now. " Iseldir said mysteriously.
" Who ? "
" You, Merlin. You are worthy to become the master of the school of destruction and the Arch-Mage of the academy. "
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Please leave a review. Sorry for any grammatical mistakes. Next chapter will be much shorter and update will be quicker. -
Assassin of Syria.