Watching the high priestess in training leave from his son's chambers, would be surprising if he wasn't already aware or been witnessed to how hiss son gawked after strong women with a natural talent of magical ability. He was a bit surprised though as blonde was never one of the characteristics his son leaned toward, much like himself Merlin preferred dark haired beauties.
Be that as it may King Balinor couldn't help the smirk and teasing glint in his eye as moved to enter his son's chamber. The prince's door having been left open and un-latched.
"As the king I would have to berate you, son for not being discrete with your dalliances. As your father however…" Balinor laughed trailing off at his son's look of outrage and embarrassment.
Merlin would have spluttered in confusion probably blurting out a few choice words if he hadn't been raised under the crown… of course this half of the crown favored living in caves so he supposed some foot in mouth accidents were bound to be common. "That wasn't. She was giving me pointers with training and asking about how my first training with Morgana went."
"I was just teasing. It is good to see you are taking your training seriously."
Merlin bit his tongue to stop himself from starting the inevitable barb he would throw out in his defense, "What can I help you with father."
Balinor exhaled slowly motioning for Merlin to take a seat. Merlin obliged watching as his father moved to pace in front of the un lit fireplace. "I have spoken to Kilgharrah."
Merlin eyes widened slightly wondering if the dragon had told his father about him leaving the Isle.
"It is almost time for the Autumn Equinox. As you know around the start of each season we have a Dragon Hatchling Festival where all dragon lords come together and perform our sacred ceremony to call the new generation of dragons forth. Then we present each of our newest hatchlings to the people of the Isle in celebration at the Dragon festival."
Merlin nodded, "That's over a month and a half away."
The king continued, "Yes. Usually the ceremony has always been kept private. Dragon lords only, however as Prince of the Isle and a future Dragon lord you will be granted the privilege to be present this up coming season. You will be able to not only watch the dragon lords call forth each dragon from their eggs, but see the the bonding between the dragon lords and their dragons. Additionally, usually while the dragon lord gift is passed down from father to son, some of the traits and bonds may be passed on during the ceremony if the dragons except that you are ready to be one of them. This would mean that for the first time in over eighty years there will be two living dragon lords of the same house."
The prince could not believe what he was hearing, his father while open about his dragon heritage still held a lot close to his chest. "You mean we would both be dragon lords? I thought the gift only passed on in death?"
"Son, hundreds of years before we were all banished to the Isle dragon lords could be born with most of the traits that take the current generations years to master. Your great great great grandfather was able to understand and speak to dragons as a two year old infant. He also helped call forth his dragon companion at the age of seven and then fully completed his bond with his dragon at sixteen." Balinor chuckled as he saw his son's jaw drop at that nugget of information.
"That doesn't sound real." Merlin uttered trying to wrap his brain around seven year old's running around with baby dragons behind them.
"Oh but it was. Times have changed. Our power stems from the magic in the world and from the dragons. Having the majority of magic kind and dragons trapped in one place prevents us to tap into the power of the different natural magical sources in the world. There's of course The Isle formerly the Isle of the Blessed was for high priests and priestess, but then became home and sanctuary to all those with magic, there Stangeng most sorcerers and dragon lords alike use to travel there during the summer solstice, The Crystal Cave which is now known as one of the homes to all magic was a sacred place that was worshipped and protected by the druids. The druids would also allow a select few to enter during Samhain and Yule. There is also The Temple of the Triple Goddess where many would visit the hand of the goddess and provide offerings at sacred alters. These are only some of the few in Albion, but there were so many places where magic flowed and where every one of our kind was able to connect with the Earth."
"That's incredible."
"It is. Being alongside me at the Dragon Festival will be a great honor and not something to be taken lightly, Merlin. It is my hope that at the festival you will find your own egg. For you to pick your future dragon companion who you will be with for the rest of your long life and who you will bond with."
"You want me to call a dragon to the world at the festival."
The king's eyes went wide, "No. Only the dragon lords will be calling the hatchlings. You need to form a bond with the egg first. Then around your next birthday at the start of the roman new year, before the Spring Equinox you can fully take on your dragon lord duties and call forth your dragon from its egg. The both of you will have the same birthday."
Merlin smiled widely his eyes gleaming at finally having his own dragon companion, "I can't wait! Thank you, father."
"Bonding with an egg is not an easy feat, Merlin. It takes a lot of responsibility. Every full and new moon you will have to sleep in the dragon nest with your egg so that it can feel your warmth and get used to your heart beat and spirit. You will also have to master the dragon tongue before you can hatch the egg. Then…" The king trailed off as Merlin's look of excitement started to fade into one of nerves and exasperation. "Don't worry. I will be with you every step of the way to guide you. As will Kilgharrah and all the other dragons and dragon lords."
Despite the reassurance, Balinor still saw the concern in Merlin's eyes and decided to pause the dragon talk and move on to other matters. "For the next month or so we will be spending an hour a day each morning, before your training with Priestess Nimue, together to go over your dragon lord duties. That way everything is not sprung at you at once."
Merlin agreed willingly. He was used to responsibility and this time he didn't mind following his father's orders if it meant taking time out of his day to learn about the more interesting part of his heritage. He moved to grab a goblet of water his eyes zeroing in on one of the whittled dragons his father had carved for him when he was a baby. Every year since he was born his father would carve a wooden dragon for him.
After taking a sip of his water he moved to pick up one of his wooden dragons and went to sit by his father. If there was ever a time to tell his father the truth about the intruder escaping to the mainland it was now. But if he did he would then have to explain what he was even doing down by the bay and reveal Morgana's secret.
"Father," Merlin started showing Balinor the wooden carving in his hand. This particular dragon was mid-fire breathing. "How was the main land before I was born? You never talk about it."
The king's smile turned bittersweet, "I am sure that's not true. You know the history-"
"I'm not talking about The Banishment. I'm talking about life on the outside. About how people co-existed? Kilgharrah said that for me to accomplish my destiny I would have to leave the Isle one day and-"
Balinor's eyes hardened, "Under no circumstances will you leave the Isle. Whatever Kilgharrah has said, he was mistaken."
"But father, I have a duty as Emrys. I have to follow destiny and"
"Merlin enough. The main land is dangerous and your duty to the Isle and to the dragons comes first. Emrys is a burdened placed on you by the druids. It is impossible for one man to save an entire realm by his own."
"But-"
"No. Now we can speak of other matter's, but that conversation ends here. Are we clear."
And there goes that father-son moment. Merlin thought rolling his eyes.
Morgana and Morgause were in the latter's chambers having just managed to escape from their mother's chamber. They had a few hours before dinner and being able to regroup to talk without any supervision or wandering eyes and ears was a small blessing.
"I should go too. I can help."
Morgause shook her head. Merlin was pretty clear about just wanting Morgause there. Most likely so that Morgana would be safe if a battle broke out.
"I know you want to come sister, but it could be dangerous. We don't know who we're facing, but we do know that they are definitely daring if they are willing to sneak off to the main land. That means they would also be daring enough to fight back if they were to be caught and their secret revealed.
The youngest sister crossed her arms, "You know if I close my eyes it is almost like if I am hearing Nimue talking and not you. Come on Morgause, you know I can take care of myself. I'll take a sword and I have already practically mastered the fire spell. Please let me come."
The blonde sighed, "Morgana practically mastering one spell does not mean you are ready to go off into battle against another sorcerer."
"But-"
"No. I forbid it. Besides I know Merlin agrees with me on this. We want you safe."
"Well… what better way for me to be safe than to be alongside you."
"Morgana-"
"Come on hear me out." Morgana watched as her sister held her tongue motioning for he to continue. "You two are worried about me, but what if something happens to the two of you and I could have been there to do something. I know you both are powerful, but like you said we don't know who this sorcerer is. What if they end up getting the upper hand. They might suspect magic, but surely not a lady wielding a sword. Also if you two get hurt, I can go call for Alice and ring in the calvary."
"Merlin won't be happy about you going."
"I am sure we can convince him otherwise."
Morgause couldn't believe she was actually considering this.
"You know. If you don't take me along I'd just sneak out and go anyway. This way were all in agreement."
The blonde sorceress groaned, "Fine. I'll find Will and tell him to tell Merlin that I will be chaperoning your training session with the prince tonight, so he should make Merlin aware to expect the both of us."
The gleaming smile on Morgana's face did not alleviate the frown Morgause had.
"Thank you, sister."
Morgause shook her head, "Why are you so eager to come tonight Morgana. Is it really because you want to be there for us or because you want to be there for Prince Merlin."
The blonde smirked as she saw the blush start forming on her sister's cheeks. "It is very sweet for you to be worried about your future husband."
"Merlin and I aren't- Shut up Morgie."
Morgause laughed at her sister, "Oh Gana if mother gets her way, as we both know she does, I expect the two of you to be wed before the year is over."
"Morgause!"
"What? You know it's true. Especially if you already have Queen Hunith's blessing. And Merlin has been gawking over you since your first debutante ball when you wore that scandalous maroon gown that had father wanting to yank you back to your chambers by the hair and mother smiling with pride."
"He's just a friend. That's it."
"Morgana, sister, you are only kidding yourself. Besides I didn't hear a denial of your feelings for him."
"Morgie just quit it. Merlin is… well he may like me, but not like that. Not enough to make me his queen or to court in front of everyone. Not like-"
"Like?"
Morgana sighed, "Like Nimue. Or Sefa. Or you."
"You can't possibly think that Merlin and I are even remotely compatible. Besides you already know who I'd prefer as my husband. I have no romantic feeling for the prince and he doesn't have any for me either."
"Well. No but your more his type. He likes strong women with magic and-"
"And? Aren't you a strong woman who also has magic."
"I barely know one spell. Remember."
"That is true, but Merlin doesn't care. You can have no magic what so ever and the boy would still be mad for you."
"But Nimue-"
"Nimue was a fling at best. A one nighter that never should have happened."
Morgana rolled her eyes. Despite being royalty Merlin knew nothing of decorum sometimes. He practically bragged about having the older sorceress, "We both know it was more than a night."
"It didn't last. And Merlin never loved Nimue. Nimue also never loved Merlin. She just liked the-"
"Please stop talking." Morgana interjected covering her ears.
Morgause rolled her eyes at her sister's delicate sensibilities, "I was going to say she liked the power of holding the prince's attention and the fact that she was still seen as desirable by young men."
"They still-"
"Had sex. Yes and I am sure it was good- great even if Nim is still holding a grudge that you are now holding Merlin's attention. At least you won't have to worry that Merlin won't know how to please you on your wedding night."
"MORGAUSE!" Morgana yelled both angry and scandalized at her sister's words. Her emotions rising and in turn leading to a small explosion sounding behind her as she shattered one of her vases.
Morgana and her sister's eyes widened in surprised and shock as they turned to look at the now broken vase on the floor.
"I. I didn't mean to do that. I just."
Morgause hugged her sister, "It's alright. I took it too far. I am sorry. Look whatever feelings you have for Merlin are your own. And I will not intervene. However, I know he cares for you and he will make you happy. Forget about Nimue or Sefa neither of them can hold a candle to you."
Morgana nodded, not really agreeing but still not wanting to talk about her and the prince together. She was still trying to process how she managed to shatter an entire vase without looking at it.
It was now closer to dinner time and the Prince was actually looking forward to seeing his parents. While his meeting with his father had it's moments he now knew how to steer the conversation into something both of them could enjoy. Basically, he couldn't wait to ask more questions to his father about his dragon lord duties or wait to see what his mother thought of him finally following in his father's footsteps.
Merlin was also happy that they were having chicken that night instead of resorting back to fish after having venison a few nights ago.
Merlin picked up the drumstick off the table and tore into it with his teeth closing his eyes at the tenderness.
The queen chuckled using her knife and fork to cut into her chicken breast before bringing it up to her lips. After taking a bite, "I am glad you are enjoying the food, Merlin."
Merlin hummed in agreement his mouth full. Hunith shook her head deciding to not berate her son this once. Especially with the news she was to deliver. She turned to her husband who nodded.
After her tea that afternoon with Lady Vivienne and her daughters she had gone to speak to her husband about Merlin courting the Lady Morgana. And well her husband could never refuse her anything.
"Merlin. We think it is time for you to find a nice woman. A wife."
The chicken bone fell out of Merlin's hands and clattered on to the china. The prince swallowed the remainder of the chicken in his mouth harshly before reaching for his goblet of water and gulping it down.
"Wha-at?" he spluttered in elegantly after finally processing.
Hunith handed Merlin a blue handkerchief, "Merlin, your father and I would like for you to invite the Lady Morgana to an outing within the next few days. We would also like you to ask to escort her to Lady Isolde's engagement party next week."
Merlin jaw dropped down to the table. "What?" he repeated again his brain crashing and his heart now beating wildly in his chest. "You want me and Morgana to… You want me to marry Morgana."
Hunith shook her head slowly reaching her hand out to grab his, "Not marry. I wouldn't force you to do that. We agreed that you could marry whomever you wished. But you haven't exactly been courting anyone for a while now. Not since Sefa, and while she was a lo- a choice, she most definitely was not one worthy of you."
Balinor snickered at that, his wife never did feel like anyone was ever worthy of their son. "Your mother believes that you and the Lady Morgana have a good foundation for love. You both have been good friends for the entirety of your life. Her family is loyal to us and very influential. She is also quite easy on the eyes. Oh and we are running out of options for you."
Hunith nodded appraisingly at her husbands words and support. "Please give it a try, hun."
Merlin nodded wordlessly unable to mutter a response. Him and Morgana. Well he did find her attractive and she was kind and generous and brilliant. Add to that she was strong and also had magic. Them courting could also be a good cover for when they needed to sneak around to practice their magic.
"Merlin. What do you say?"
"I will ask Morgana on an outing at our next training session."
The king and queen shared a smile one in joy and one in amusement, before the former decided to help pull his son out of his resolve and bring up his dragon training.
Once darkness fell and the moon rose, the three sorcerers made it out of the castle and down to the beach.
Merlin nodded at Morgause, trying to ignore Morgana's gaze. He had gotten the blonde's message from Will and hoped that Morgana might change her mind about coming.
They walked in silence as they made it to the spot where he and Morgana were the other night and moved to hide behind some large rocks.
Merlin opened his satchel and handed Morgause a scope before taking another out for himself.
"Merlin it's pitch black. I doubt these we'll be much use." Morgana said grabbing the scope from her sister.
Merlin smiled before pulling out three waterskins, he kept the first for himself and handed one each to both sisters.
"They're enchanted Morgana. Trust me they'll work. I also brought water and some fruit from the kitchens. I didn't know for how long we'd be waiting."
Morgana nodded feeling a little embarrassed and glad the darkness hid the blood rushing into her cheeks. She took the waterskin from him take a small sip, before casting it aside.
Morgause moved to lay down on the sand and grabbed the scope pointing it to look toward the mainland. Morgana and Merlin followed suit.
A while passed and Morgause couldn't help but let out a quiet stifled yawn.
"How long are we supposed to wait here for?" She whispered to the others.
Merlin sighed wanting to call it a night too. It was already around the time he and Morgana were there the other day and there was still no sight of anyone up to no good. "There were no guarantees that they would come tonight too. We can wait a bit longer and if they don't show we can return tomorrow."
The three shifted slightly in their positions and returned to taking watch. Morgause passed the scope to her sister letting her look through it while she rummaged through Merlin's bag for a snack. The prince had brought strawberries and a three drumsticks.
"You brought chicken?" Morgause asked a bit appalled at the idea of eating chicken out of a satchel.
Merlin nodded grabbing a cold drumstick. "They're great. I took some from dinner."
Morgana wrinkled her nose at the prince while looking through the scope.
Morgause grabbed a few berries before passing the bag to Morgana who also took a few berries and avoided the chicken.
Merlin shrugged ignoring them if they wanted to be stuck up so be it. He was going to enjoy his second dinner.
Once Merlin finished his drumstick he rose looking around he could barely make out the water ahead and pulled his arm back before releasing and throwing the drumstick into the ocean. A soft plunk sounded before Merlin turned to the girls.
"We should probably head back."
Morgause agreed moving to rise before Morgana grabbed her arm. "I think we should wait. I just have a feeling that we should wait."
Morgause groaned, "A feeling." she said skeptically.
"Yes, I just think we need to wait a bit."
Merlin looked at her, "Are you sure?"
Morgana wasn't sure not really, but she felt like she should follow her instincts and her instincts were always as spot on as her visions; which means that sooner or later someone was going to show up and they had to stay there to catch them.
"Yes."
And so they waited.
And waited.
And waited a little more.
Till finally Merlin was again about to call in for the night, when the trio heard some shuffling foot steps on the sand moving closer and closer.
Merlin grabbed both girls urging them to stay down while he looked at the person through the scope. Morgause followed suit. The thing about enchanted scopes though was that while it was magic, it was rather limited. It wasn't day light and the scope couldn't make it seem like night was day. Instead the scope made shapes and figures a lot clearer. It also affected the contrast a bit. So, for instance a dark cloak whether it was red or blue would only appear as a dark cloak in the middle of the night. This was a bit better then just seeing a shadow as they could basically focus on the figure entirely and pick out small details. If the figure dropped their hood then they were likely to catch the slight features of that person, but still probably wouldn't be able to pick the person out from a crowd. The scope was mostly to zero in on a person similar to how dragons and other reptiles could sense heat.
We should attack them now before they get away. Morgause mind spoke to Merlin.
Merlin shook his head, We need to know what they're doing. If we fight them now we might never know why they are sneaking of the Isle.
Morgause picked her scope back up and watched as the figure used magic to make a small row boat rise up out of the water. The person looked around cautiously before stepping inside and using magic to make it row towards the main land.
"They left." Morgana said barely making out the figure on the boat.
"Yes. We'll arrest them when they return. For now keep your eyes on the boat the scope will keep a clear sight on them even if they reach the mainland."
The sisters nodded with the blonde passing the scope to the brunette for her to see.
"How do we arrest them?"
Merlin pulled out some iron clasps out of his satchel.
Morgause raised a brow, "You brought cuffs?"
"I also have a rope and a net."
Morgause shook her head she didn't know if she should be impressed that the prince thought to bring everything or concerned that her sister's future husband's first instincts was to bring cuffs and a rope. She let out a chuckle causing the prince to raise a brow at her.
Morgana shushed the both of them before motioning Merlin to also take a look. The figure had finally landed on the mainland. They removed something from their waist band and dropped it onto the ground then waited. After a few minutes the cloaked individual took something much larger out and placed it on the ground gently. It looked like a large bag, but with what they wouldn't be able to say.
The cloaked figure got back onto the boat and as before the boat started rowing and moving closer back to the Isle.
Merlin and Morgause rose careful to still be hidden by the rocks they had their defense positions ready. Meanwhile Morgana was clutching the handle of a dagger staying low after agreeing to let the two handle it.
Once the intruder stepped off the boat their was a brief moment of silence where all that could be heard were the waves crashing and retreating before the bright light and crackle of a fireball flew threw the air and hit the figure. The figure stood their eyes flashing gold under the mask to dispel the flames on them. The figure conjured their own fire ball with a whispered spell and held it there its eyes widening in surprise at being caught and shifting between each of their attackers.
Merlin was not patient enough to continue with this stand off and created a gust of wind to turn of the flame. The person conjured up a shield and tried to make a dash around them. So far the figure had refused to attack them only sticking to defensive spells.
"Give up and show yourself." Morgause growled before using a cutting spell to strike the enemy.
The enemy just dodged but part of their cloak sleeve fell revealing a slender arm.
Morgause and Merlin looked to each other and nodded before together they conjured two gust of winds that swiftly turned into a tornado and set off after the person. Unable to dodge the twister lifted them up before spitting them out and knocking them out flat on their back.
The person wasn't down for the count though and whatever was holding them back vanished as they used their magic to create a massive wave of water their way.
Merlin spluttered choking up water while Morgause covered him.
Morgana watching from the sidelines grew anxious looking in between the three fighters. Some how they seemed evenly matched despite being two against one. The seer's eyes narrowed as flash of light shot out towards her sister causing her to trip and fall onto the prince.
The figure nodded to the two almost as if in admiration before trying to make a run for it. Morgana without thinking stood and threw her dagger with near deadly precision watching as it sliced the figures arm right where the sleeve had fallen off.
The figure yelped in shock and surprise at her appearance. Merlin and Morgause grateful for the distraction shot other spells at her to regain their attention, but the figure had it and in a gust of wind vanished from sight teleporting away.
Merlin looks to his comrades silently asking if they're okay. The blonde nods and mentions how besides being wet and cold she was fine. Her ego was a bit wounded however at the fact that she a skilled high priestess failed to capture the traitor.
"We should head back." Morgana spoke sullenly she had really hoped that they could catch them.
Morgause nodded moving to Morgana and hugging her. "You did good, sister."
Even in the darkness, Merlin could see how Morgana's was glowing with happiness at her sisters words. "She's right. You caught them of guard and actually managed to land a blow on them."
More surprised and pleased at herself Morgana grabbed the prince's hand in thanks, unable to see how Merlin's ears flushed red.
Morgause smirked looking back and forth at the two before dropping the arm she had over her sister's shoulders. "We should go back separately. It will be easier to sneak in groups of two rather then one big group of three. I'll go on my own. Give me fifteen minutes and then head back together. I'll see you tomorrow at training, Merlin. And I'll see you at tea time tomorrow with mother, Ganna."
The two blushed at the not subtle way of her leaving the two alone, but Morgause trusted Merlin to take care of his sister and get her back to the castle. She gave a knowing look to Morgana before wrapping her own cloak around herself and heading back to the palace.
Morgana exhaled sharply as she glared at her sister until she made it out of view.
Merlin was looking at Morgana recalling the awkward dinner conversation he had with his parents. Could Morgause have somehow know about his parents intentions to court her sister?
"We do have ten minutes left do you want to practice the fire spell for a bit?" Merlin asked hesitantly unsure how to bring up asking her on an outing as a couple.
The seer shook her head no before remembering that her dagger was still missing somewhere from when she threw it at the intruder. She muttered the fire spell so that she could have some light while searching. "Not particularly, but could you give me a hand finding my dagger. It must be around here somewhere."
Merlin conjured a ball of blue and gold light and started looking his narrowing in on the black leather hilt of the blade a few feet from them. Morgana moved to get it and crouched down to pick it up and dust it off.
"Morgana, I was wondering. We get on pretty well don't we?"
Morgana hummed looking at the now dried blood on the blade. She did manage to cut them after all. She grabbed her cloak and tried to rub the blood off when her eyes noticed something next to her foot.
"Right. I think so too. We always had. And well you are a great friend and I suppose it really is no surprise that I care for you. Some people probably already see us together, my parents for one, and well I do to. I mean your beautiful and-"
"Merlin look at this." Morgana says absently cutting him off. She was not ready for that particular conversation yet. Not when she wasn't even sure if she loved Merlin in that way.
Morgana rises handing merlin a large pure silver sigil with a dove mid-flight infront of a cross. For some reason Morgana feels like she knows what this is is, but can't put her finger on it.
"The intruder must have dropped it. This is quite the important sigil, but I don't think it belongs to anyone in the Isle. Believe me, I've had enough tests on the noble families of the Isle to be sure of it."
Morgana nods in agreement, yet she feels like she remembers seeing that particular sigil before… once upon a dream.
"This could be from whoever the intruder left that bag for."
Morgana agreed, but to give someone a sigil was a huge show of trust and loyalty. "Merlin do you still have the scope."
Merlin rummages through his bag giving Morgana his scope as Morgause took the other one back to the palace with her.
Morgana turns to the mainland and raises the scope. She could still make out the bag that was left behind.
"What do you see, Morgana." Merlin asked moving to stand closer behind her. She could feel his breath by her ear and shuddered.
"The bag is still there. How long has it been since they dropped it off?"
Merlin thinks back. At least twelve minutes have passes since Morgause left them. Their battle with the intruder could not have been longer than maybe fifteen. It took round eight to ten minutes for the intruder to make their way back to the Isle in their rowboat using magic. "Uh maybe half to three quarters of an hour?"
"They can't just leave something there overnight. So someone has to come for it soon right?"
Merlin nodded, softly grabbing the scope from her to look through it. He didn't move from his spot behind her just adjusted the scope higher to look towards the hill. He held his breath as he spotted movement. It could just be a bird in the trees, but then he saw two figure heading towards the bag. They were both clad in chainmail and were a top two dark horses.
"There."
Morgana took the scope back watching as one of the men got off his horse and went to pick up the bag.
"They're taking the bag. What should we do?" She asked turning slightly so they were now facing each other.
"We can't let them get away." Merlin didn't know why he said that. He knew the implications, but what if the bag held something dangerous that could hurt the Isle. What if this was the first step in him having to leave the Isle to find his destiny.
Merlin moved towards the sea his eyes glowing gold as he called the row boat to rise. He jumped in and extended his hand out to Morgana.
"Merlin are you insane. We can't just leave!"
"Morgana I can't stay. I have to do something. I can't just let them get away. You can come with or go back to the palace and buy me time to figure out what's going on. It's your choice."
The witch sighed looking towards the palace then back towards her prince.
"Ugh move over Merlin there's no way I'm letting you go out there alone."
The witch and warlock settled on the raft and headed towards the mainland for the first time in over eighteen years. Who knows what's out there waiting for them. Or who.
In Northumbria, a region a bit further north from Dorchestor but still under the Pendragon dynasty, stood Lord Eldred. He had just recovered from an almost life threatening illness and had been hold up in his private chambers in quarantine; refusing to allow his sons and wife entry for fear of passing on his illness to them.
Now his fever finally having broken and his appetite returned, Lord Eldred was eating a small but hearty meal to get his strength back. He was eating in the dining room for the first time in three weeks with his wife and sons sitting round the table.
He smiled at his loving wife and picked up one of the reports that dictated the ongoings that have been occurring in the kingdom during his absence.
"Is this true dear? Has that rat Du Bois become Regent of Camelot while Uther's boy is missing."
The lady of Northumbria nodded apologetically, "Unfortunately, my dear. Prince Arthur has been charged with treason for one reason or another."
"Ha!" Eldred bellowed, "Arthur Pendragon is a fine lad and the true heir to the throne the only traitor is power-starved uncle."
"Father you mustn't say such things." Lord Eldred eldest replied.
"Etan's right father, the regent has gone mad looking for the prince and any sympathizers towards him." Elred's third son Lycan replied and his second Elias spoke his agreement.
Allthewhile Eldred's youngest, the one with the most spirit, honor, and heart, a perfect mixture of the strength and humility that his parents held frowned at the injustice of it all. Lord Eldred took notice of his youngest and cleared his throat. His cough was not fully gone just yet but he was no longer contagious. At least that is what his physician told him.
"Do you have anything to add Lancelot."
Lancelot smiled gently, "Not on that matter father. I am just glad that you are well enough to join us today.
