Author's note : Hey everyone ! This story has crossed the 200 review milestone. Yay! You people are really great. I am truly grateful. Keep up the good work, guys and enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 19
The flight of the prince
It had been six months.
Six months since he had betrayed his best friend.
Six months since his closest knights had begun to shun him.
Six months since his wife had stopped sleeping with him.
Six months since he had lost the half part of his soul.
Life in Camelot was going on as usual. Sun was rising every day. Court was held daily. The king was attending council meetings every day. It seemed as if nothing had ever happened.
But the king of Camelot knew better.
He felt lost. He felt as if he was suffocating. He didn't know what still kept him going on. He felt angry. He felt scared. He felt sad. He felt those things many times in his life's twenty nine years especially in the last nine years. But this time it was different. This time it was different. This time Merlin was not with him.
Merlin.
His friend.
His only friend who never betrayed him.
The younger brother he never had.
Arthur could remember how his life was before Merlin came into his life. It was lonely. It was miserable. Yes, people admired him. He called many of his close knights friends. But in truth, his so called ' friends ' stuck with him because he was the crown prince. They only thought him as a tool to gain favour.
Morgana was a friend too. But as she was a girl, they never got really too close. There was a certain type of sibling rivalry between them.
It was Merlin who first treated him as a real person not as the crown prince. He was also the first person who stood up to him. Arthur could remember what a bully he was in the past. He was truly a horrible person. It was Merlin who began to change him for the better. He was sure he wouldn't have been able to have the respect of his people if it wasn't for Merlin. Even his queen wouldn't have spared a glance to him if he remained the same bully.
He truly owed everything to Merlin. His kingdom, his knights, his queen, his own self.
Merlin brightened his life. He was nothing but completely loyal to him. And after hearing some of Merlin's lonely adventures from Gaius, he understood just how much Merlin sacrificed for him and Camelot. He was sure that there was more to hear about Merlin but Gaius said that it was not his place to tell.
Now Arthur truly felt ashamed. Merlin served him loyally for eight years but when the time came to repay Merlin's loyalty his father's teachings kicked in and he ' repaid ' Merlin for saving his son with torture, betrayal and humiliation.
It's no wonder his wife had begun to despise him and his knights shun him. Even his own son talked with him less and less. Gwen only talked with him once in private after Merlin's departure and it was only to assure him that Aren didn't know of his deeds.
Arthur felt relieved and surprised at the same time. Relieved because Aren wouldn't hate him for what he had done. Surprised because Merlin didn't tell Aren. He told himself that he shouldn't be surprised. After all, it was Merlin. He's not someone who would sow a seed of hatred in a child's mind.
Arthur only prayed that maybe one day he would be given a second chance so that he could redeem himself, so that he could say sorry, so that he could get his younger brother back to him again. But he didn't know that he would meet his brother sooner than he had imagined.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Although Arthur and Gwen drifted apart, they pretended that nothing had happened in public. They sat side by side in royal feasts. They attended council meetings together. They greeted visiting royals together. But their hearts were never together during those functions.
Today was such a day. Today was Aren's fourth birth anniversary and the king and queen were needed to pretend again.
Queen Guinevere Pendragon despised pretending. But it had to be done for the sake of the kingdom. She still didn't forgive Arthur for what he had done to Merlin. Maybe , one day she would forgive him. But not yet.
She was getting prepared for the feast arranged for her son's birthday. After being dressed in a long green expensive dress by her new maid, Eira, she placed her silver tiara on her head.
She looked one last time in the mirror to see how she looked and went out of her room to join with her husband in the banquet hall.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
The feast was excellent. Hundreds of people were gathered in the banquet hall to greet and give gift the future crown prince. The environment was very joyful. Everyone was eating, drinking, laughing and chattering to their heart's content.
Even the king and queen and the knights of the round table were enjoying themselves. It seemed that they had forgotten about the recent incidents. Every people were so busy with themselves that none of them even noticed that the future crown prince left the hall without saying anything to anyone.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
It was Aren's fourth birthday. Everyone in the kingdom was happy. But there was one person who was not. It was Aren Pendragon himself. For how could he be happy, when the only person who could lift his mood was not with him.
His uncle Merlin was not with him. He was somewhere away. Far away from him. He didn't know what really made his uncle to leave. But he believed that his father had something to do with it. His mother was not living with his father anymore which was really weird.
When he asked them about it, they said that they were taking a vacation and would soon return to each other. Aren couldn't even make sense what they really said.
And when he asked about his uncle, his father answered that he was away doing some important work. When he asked when he would see his uncle again, his father said, " Soon. "
Aren didn't know how soon. Already six months had passed and he hadn't seen his uncle since. He was getting a little worried. He knew his uncle vanished for some days in the past. But this time he was taking very long. He was also a little sad that his uncle had missed his birthday. Yes, he was getting many presents in his birthday. Many were congratulating him. But it didn't make him happy because his uncle was not with him.
His uncle's sweet smile filled with pride for him was always the best gift for him and now that he wasn't there with him, he understood just how much he missed him.
The feast went on but Aren soon felt bored as uncle Merlin was not there to cheer him up. So, when no one was looking at him, he left his seat and went out of the hall ( He was very good at sneaking ). He went to the balcony of the palace and looked up at the starlit sky. It was a night of full moon and it was beautiful. It reminded him of all those nights when he and his uncle used to stargaze while lying on the training ground or of those nights when he fell asleep in his uncle's arms looking at the night sky.
All those memories brought tears in Aren's eyes. He wiped them and looked around to see if anyone had seen. He shouldn't be seen crying as his father told him that princes shouldn't cry.
Then he looked at the sky again, heaved a sigh and said, " I wish you were with me today, uncle. "
" Your wish is fulfilled, young prince. " Suddenly a very familiar voice said from Aren's behind.
Aren snapped his head backwards and saw a pale faced young man whom he knew very well with an unknown pale faced woman was smiling at him widely. He kneeled and stretched out his arms. Aren ran towards the man and almost crashed in his arms. " Uncle, you're back. "
That's what the prince said before engulfing his uncle in a tight hug.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Merlin didn't want to come to Camelot. But he was also not going to miss his nephew's birthday. So, he came to Camelot to see his nephew. Freya also came with him saying that she wanted to meet with his nephew he always talked about.
Now that he was hugging his nephew, he knew that he had made the right decision. It felt so good to see his nephew again. It reminded him that there were still many people in Camelot who would love him unconditionally.
Aren released him from the hug. Merlin looked at his beloved nephew. He was smiling. Oh ! How he missed that sweet smile !
" I missed you, uncle. " Aren said. His words suddenly made Merlin want to cry remembering that he would never be able to see his nephew everyday from now on. But he got a hold on himself. He cleared his voice and said, " I missed you too, nephew. "
" Is your work done, uncle ? Are you going to stay ? " Aren asked desperately.
Merlin felt sad. Very sad knowing that his answer would break Aren's heart. But he had no other choice. He couldn't stay in Camelot. He had duties to his people in Elmet.
" No, Aren. "
Aren's face fell and to Merlin, it felt like a dagger was thrust in his heart. Aren became teary eyed but before he could cry, Merlin hugged him again and said in a soothing voice.
" Hey ! Hey ! Don't cry. I will come to see you again. I will visit you in every six month. Alright ? "
" Promise ? " Aren said with a teary voice.
" I promise. " Merlin said.
Aren's face lit up a little.
" Who is that lady behind you, uncle ? " Aren asked.
Before Merlin could answer, Freya came forward and kneeled before the prince. She smiled and said, " I am Freya. Your aunt. "
Aren frowned, " My aunt ? " Then as if he realized something, he gave a knowing smile to Merlin.
" You married, uncle. " It wasn't a question.
Merlin gave a shy smile. " Yes, little prince. "
" And you didn't invite me. " Aren gave a fake pout.
Merlin bit his lip. " Sorry. Sorry. A thousand sorry. But I promise I will take you to my place when your cousin will born. "
Aren's jaw dropped hearing the news. " I am going to have a cousin ? "
Merlin nodded and Freya replied in the affirmative.
" Yay. Yay. Yay. I am going to have a cousin. I am going to have a cousin. " The prince hugged his uncle again.
" Awww. No love for me ? " Freya asked and pouted.
Aren was a little taken aback but he soon got over it. He hugged Freya and said, " You're are a nice lady. I like you. "
" Well, thank you, Aren. You're a good boy t... " Freya stooped in midsentence.
She looked intensely at Aren and said,
" My goodness ! Your eyes exactly look like Merlin's. "
Aren couldn't find what he should say; thankfully Merlin came into his rescue.
" Um. No, Freya. He has Arthur's eyes. It's a mistake almost everyone makes. His and my eyes' colour is same. "
" I see. I am guessing he's got Gwen's hair. " Freya said running her fingers through the prince's dark brown hair.
" Yes. And he got Morgana's skin colour. " Merlin said feeling a slight pang of guilt while saying his former friend's name.
" You will be a very handsome prince and may you be a great ruler in the future. " Freya said smilingly to the prince.
Aren blushed and said, " Thank you. "
Merlin clapped his hand and said, " Alright then. Enough talking. Let's have some fun. "
Before Aren could understand anything, he suddenly found himself sitting on his uncle's back while his and aunt were striding through the forest of Camelot. Very soon, they came to a large clearing.
Merlin lowered Aren on the ground and kneeled before him.
" We're going to show you something. I promise no harm will come on you. Just don't panic, okay ? " Merlin said gently.
Aren was a little confused but he nodded anyway.
Merlin looked at Freya and said, " Freya, you first. "
" As you say. Just stand back a little. "
Merlin took Aren in his arms and stood back.
Freya took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Suddenly, white smoke began to cover her. Soon it covered her entire form and neither Merlin nor Aren could see her. After a while, the smoke began to recede and a large white Pegasus was standing where Freya was a minute ago.
Aren's eyes widened in wonderment He urged Merlin to go near the Pegasus. Merlin did as Aren asked. When they came closer, Aren began to stroke the Pegasus' mane.
" Pretty. " Aren exclaimed.
" Thank you, young prince. " The Pegasus said in Freya's voice.
" Aunt Freya ? You can talk ? "
" Of course, I can. I am not a dumb horse. I have turned into an ancient magical creature. " Freya said.
" Awesome. " Aren's excitement was clear in his voice.
" Would you like to ride her ? " Merlin asked.
" I can ? Really ? "
Merlin couldn't help smiling hearing his nephew's enthusiasm.
" Yes, really. And you're not afraid ? " Merlin was a little surprised that Aren had been so accepting.
" No, I am four. I am a big boy now. " Merlin smiled hearing Aren's words.
' It seemed Arthur hadn't taught Aren about hating magic, yet. ' Merlin thought.
" Uncle ? You okay ? " Aren asked hesitantly.
" Yeah. I'm good. Up you go, then. " Saying this, Merlin placed Aren on Freya's back.
" Aren't you coming, uncle ? " Aren asked.
" Of course he's coming, dear. But your uncle can transform too. " Freya said.
Aren gasped, " You too ? What can you turn into ? Unicorn ? Phoenix ? "
Merlin chuckled and asked, " Where did you learn those names, Aren ? "
" My nanny told me stories about them. "
" Oh, I see. Well, why don't I show you what can I turn into ? "
" Yes, please. " Aren said eagerly.
Merlin closed his eyes and a golden smoke began to engulf him. Soon, the smoke covered his body just like the white smoke covered Freya. But this time, the smoke began to grow more and more until it was almost sky high. Then, just like the white smoke, the golden smoke began to recede. When it vanished completely, Aren found that a huge black dragon was on his uncle's place.
But then something unexpected happened. Aren began to fidget on Freya's back.
" What is it, Aren ? "
" Were you the dragon who attacked Camelot ? "
Merlin was surprised to hear Aren's scared voice. But he was more surprised that Aren knew about Kilgharrah's attack.
" How did you know that, Aren ? " Even though Merlin changed into a dragon, his voice was still the same. Soothing and caring. It seemed to put Aren at slight ease.
" My nanny told story about that dragon attack. " Aren said slowly. He still seemed to be afraid and it hurt Merlin very much.
' Damn you, Kilgharrah. You even managed to scare my nephew. ' Merlin thought. His hatred for that dragon intensified seeing his nephew so afraid.
Merlin began to say aloud. " He was an evil dragon. But in the en... "
Merlin couldn't finish the line as Freya interrupted him and began to talk with Aren. " But in the end, the dragon realized it's mistake and turned good. After that, he helped your uncle in many ways. Don't worry. He won't harm anyone or Camelot. "
Merlin was mildly surprised at Freya's interruption but said nothing as what Freya said was not incorrect.
" Can I ride you too ? " It seemed Aren's fear had gone away after Freya's explanation.
Merlin gave a Draconic chuckle. " Of course, little prince. Why don't you ride on aunt Freya for a while and on our way back, I'll fly you home. "
Aren clapped in delight. " That's awesome. Where are we going ? "
Freya stretched out her huge white wings and said, " Just wait for a moment, Aren and we'll be there in no time. "
Aren grasped Freya's mane tightly. Freya chuckled. " Don't worry, nephew. I won't let you fall. Just relax and enjoy the ride. "
Aren still didn't look convinced. He looked at his uncle ( who was giving him a Draconic grin ) .
" Do as your aunt says. You'll be fine. "
Aren relaxed a little hearing this and then...
They were flying.
No one in Camelot even noticed that their future crown prince went off flying with the king and queen of Elmet.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
They flew westward until they reached the isle of man. Freya and Merlin landed on the isle. Merlin heard stories from Alice and Finna that before the great purge, the isle of man was a magnificent place. The headquarters of the dragonlords were always filled with people. The isle once had had a bustling city and a citadel in it's center.
But now there was only rubbles and ruins in the island. Uther's men had burned the place to the ground. Not a single soul was not living on the island. Seeing the home of his ancestors' home in such state filled Merlin's heart with sorrow.
But the worse thing was the Camelot flag. The Pendragon banner was still flying high on top of the ruined towers of the citadel. Merlin gave a draconic roar, flew over the towers and burned the flags.
But he regretted his decision immediately fearing that Aren might have seen it. To his relief, Aren was looking towards the sea. But Freya saw what he did. She was giving her a death glare.
Merlin avoided her gaze, flew down and landed at the side of Aren. He was ready to leave the isle. He had planned to stay in the isle for a little longer. But he was feeling very sad after seeing all the ruins and he didn't want to relive the painful visions he had in the cell of the dragonlords. So, he approached Aren.
" C'mon, nephew. It's time to go. "
" Can't we stay any longer. I haven't seen the sea before. " Aren pouted.
" No, Aren. " Aren's face fell hearing it. But Merlin continued.
" It's getting late. Your father and mother will be getting worried. " It was a half truth but it was a good excuse. " And this time you're going to ride me. "
" Hurrah ! " Aren yelled in excitement.
Merlin lowered his long head and Aren climbed on Merlin's back.
" You're ready? " Merlin asked.
" Ready, uncle. " Aren said.
" Here we go. "
And they were flying again.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Arthur was enjoying the banquet very much. In fact, he was enjoying it more than he had expected. His knights were talking with him, joking with him which they hadn't done in the past six months. It was refreshing for Arthur. People were giving gifts to Aren. They were delighted to see their prince.
Food was served and river of wine was flowing endlessly. So, when Aren exited the hall, he hadn't noticed. Nobody did.
When he noticed that Aren was not in the hall, it was already midnight. He had fallen asleep after some drinking. He wanted to ask the knights but almost everyone of them were drunk. He looked at Guinevere but even she looked a little intoxicated.
So, he left the hall in search of his son. He had already guessed where his son might be. He went to the balcony of the palace. But Aren was not there. Fear seized Arthur.
'No. No. No. This can't be happening. Where is he ? '
Just when he was going inside to raise the alarm, he heard a sound of flapping.
The sound chilled him to the core. He could recognize that sound anywhere. It was the sound of a flying dragon.
He looked above into the sky and saw a dark figure flying was approaching the castle. Before Arthur could react, the shape became clearer and soon Arthur could see what was it.
It was a giant black dragon but not as large as the great dragon in size. Then he saw something else. It was white. Bright moonlight made it look even whiter. When it came closer, Arthur rubbed his eyes to make sure if he was seeing right.
No. His eyesight was alright. He didn't see wrong. It was a white flying horse. He had never seen such a beautiful thing in his whole life. It was very large for a normal horse but it was smaller than the dragon.
Arthur was so mesmerized by the flying horse that he didn't even realize that the dragon was gone from the sky. When he realized that, he searched the sky for any signs of the huge beast. But he had no luck.
Meanwhile, Arthur saw the white horse disappear behind the tree line of the Darkling woods.
' Maybe the dragon landed there too. What should I do ? ' Arthur thought.
In these situations, he would have sought advice from Merlin. In these situations, he missed his best friend most. In those situations, he longed to see his friend's goofy, reassuring smile. But Merlin was not here. So, he needed to make his own decision.
He knew that going to the hall would be useless so he went downstairs to warn the guards ( who were probably sleeping ) in the barrack which was just at the opposite side of the palace near the outer wall of the castle.
Just when he exited the palace, he saw someone was coming in.
Arthur hid himself in the shadows. It was young boy. When he came closer, he realized it was Aren. Relief filled his heart. He was going to get out of the shadow, but then he saw someone else was with Aren. There were two people. One was a pale faced lady.
Arthur swore that he saw that lady somewhere before but he just couldn't remember it.
And then, he looked at the other person.
His heart escaped a beat when he looked at the other person. He would recognize that black mop of hair anywhere. He would recognize that big ear anywhere. He would recognize that slender frame.
It was him.
His savior.
His best friend.
His younger brother.
Merlin.
He went numb seeing him. He wanted to run into the courtyard and hug his brother but something was holding him back.
It was the guilt. The guilt he felt for betraying Merlin. He saw Merlin and that lady placing a kiss on Aren's forehead. Then Aren hugged Merlin and Merlin hugged him back.
" You were an awesome Dragon, uncle and you were an awesome Pegasus, aunt. Thank you. " Aren said in a so loud voice that even Arthur could hear it
' So. they were the dragon the horse. ' Arthur realized. It sounded crazy. But then again, what was ever normal with his brother. Merlin was different and that's what made him special.
Arthur felt ashamed that he realized the truth too late.
Aren waved goodbye and ran to the palace.
The pale lady and Merlin joined their hands together and watched Aren going.
' They are going to leave. Move yourself, Arthur. ' Arthur said to himself.
So, he did. He came out of the shadows and began to run towards the center of the courtyard. He needed to talk to Merlin.
He needed to apologize to his brother for all the crimes he had done. He needed to say sorry. He needed to beg to his brother so that he would come back.
But it was already too late.
Merlin and the pale lady began to chant some foreign words and a whirlwind began to engulf them. But before the whirlwind engulfed them totally, Merlin looked at the direction of Arthur.
Their blue eyes looked with each other's for a second. Arthur was at the verge of crying. His eyes pleaded Merlin to stop. Merlin just looked at him. His eyes were emotionless as if they were eyes of a dead man.
Then Merlin looked away and the whirlwind engulfed him.
When it vanished, Merlin and the pale lady was not there anymore.
Arthur went on his knees. He felt broken. He was given a chance to say sorry to his brother and he messed it all up.
' I am worthless. I can't even apologize properly. ' Arthur said to himself.
But he knew now no matter how much he regretted, his brother would not forgive him again. He had seen it in Merlin's eyes. His eyes were cold as ice. He knew now that he had lost his brother forever.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Please don't kill me. I know. I know I am evil. I only said they would meet but I wouldn't say they would talk. But don't worry. They would talk and reconcile in the later chapters but not yet. Next chapter : Freya will have a hard talk with Merlin about his recent change of behavior and our very own Lady Morgana will reappear. Please leave a review. They always make me happy.
Happy reading.
- Assassin of Syria.