Chapter Text
“I have good news to present to the court.” Agravaine seemed pleased with himself, which automatically meant that Merlin was now on high alert. Merlin didn’t care what he said, Agravaine sparsely ever had good news, or at the very least his good news were Merlin’s personal worst nightmares.
“Oh good. We could use some good news once in a while.” Of course, Arthur saw that very differently. A smile graced his lips, one of the polite ones he only presented in court. The earnestness in his gaze was hidden under a well constructed poker face. A poker face that to Merlin was practically invisible at this point. “Please go on.”
A little bit of sunshine rimlighted Arthur’s outlines in a golden hue and sat as a crown of light on his golden hair. Merlin loved the sight of his King, confident and comfortable in his position at the table he had established. Arthur Pendragon had fought and bled for his place at this table more than anyone else around him. Except maybe Merlin, but Merlin didn’t HAVE a seat at this table. Not that Merlin wanted one, he felt very comfortable in Arthur’s shadow, watching his back and helping him wherever and whenever he could. Today, Merlin was positioned at the door near the exit. Even if Arthur were to send out everyone for a private meeting with a single knight, maybe even to be alone, Merlin would always remain. The only one able to move about as he wished, the only one trusted near Arthur’s most vulnerable moments and most private of thoughts was no other than his manservant. Merlin could not be prouder of who he was.
“Sire -” Agravaine rose to his feet, smirking in what was supposed to be a kind expression as he looked around the table. “I have received word of King Sarrum of Amata. It appears -,” he paused for dramatic effect, “he has managed to capture a dragon.”
The audience broke into murmurs and mutters. Merlin, however, was immediately dragged out of his daydreams and tensed into an almost militarian stance.
Arthur raised his hand to quieten the table. “I’m sorry, what did you say? There are no dragons left, uncle.”
That was wrong. Merlin bit his lip, trying to stifle his internal battle with panic. There were precisely two dragons left but he couldn’t imagine that Kilgharrah would be stupid enough to get himself caught by any King. Let alone one known for his cruelty. The younger one, Aithusa, Merlin’s priced little Dragon baby, lacked the experience and was naive to a fault. Merlin’s fear was then immediately confirmed as Agravaine pulled out a scroll with a sketch on it.
“It appears that we have missed one. King Sarrum has informed me that it is a white Dragon. Even in the history books, the white Dragons were rare, Sire. The mere fact that he managed to achieve such a feat -”
“Is it secure?” Arthur sounded concerned. It would be like balm to Merlin’s bleeding heart if he didn’t know exactly that Arthur wasn’t asking for her safety.
“King Sarrum has confirmed that the Dragon will not be able to escape. We won’t have to fear it, I can assure you of that.”
Arthur shook his head and rose himself. As he did so, Agravaine politely sat back down to give Arthur the word. “You weren’t there when the great Dragon attacked, uncle.” Arthur reached for the scroll to inspect Aithusa’s features for himself. “One cannot know how secure the creature is, and I cannot risk uncertainty in these trying times. We would do well to arrange a meeting with King Sarrum and inspect the treatment of this Dragon ourselves. I’m sure that he will be agreeable to this request. After all, my father had the great Dragon imprisoned for over twenty years before it escaped. It would be beneficial for us all to exchange our methods and concerns, so that we can prevent the Dragon from ever escaping.”
The words felt like stabs to Merlin’s already pained heart. It was hard to listen to this, to watch the knights agree and the servants to exchange relieved glances. It hurt because Merlin had not known about this. He had been sure Aithusa was free and safe. He had failed her and he had to learn it in an environment where he was meant to be grateful and happy about the development. His only solace for his guilt and pain was Gaius who sent him a worried glance. Merlin steeled his heart in order to survive this meeting.
Thankfully, they had been near the end of the discussion as Arthur sent anyone out of the courtroom. As soon as they were gone, he stood up to move to the window, then back, then he twirled rather happily on his heels, increasingly pleased with himself. Only as the final person had left and the heavy door clicked shut, did Arthur address Merlin. “Did you hear that?”
“I did, Sire.”
“I’m honestly not sure whether to be terrified that there is ANOTHER dragon out there, or grateful for this chance to learn more about how to defeat these monsters.”
Merlin pressed his lips in a straight line as Arthur kept nervously scratching his neck and then stalking around the room like a nervous deer.
At the non reaction, Arthur snapped his full attention to Merlin. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. I know that face. You’re bothered.” Arthur squinted at him. “You don’t have to be scared, Merlin. I admit that last time was -” He didn’t finish that sentence. “However, the circumstances are different this time! Agravaine will arrange a meeting and we will be able to see how secure the dragon is. It will be fine, I promise you.” By now, Arthur had stepped closer to Merlin to put a hand on his shoulder. It was meant to calm him but Merlin found the hollowness in his heart widen at those words.
“Of course, Sire.”
Arthur watched him for a moment, scanned his expression as if searching for something, then clapped his shoulder again. “Come on. There is no need for you to make that face.”
Merlin debated with himself whether to speak his mind or not, found his brain and heart urging him to speak up, and yet he bit his lip deeper than before. Finally, as Arthur had already turned away to pick up his sword from its place on the table, Merlin took a deep breath. “I’m not sure that what Agravaine said is good news,” he admitted.
Arthur let his head fall to the neck as he let the sword dangle at his arm. “I understand that the idea of a dragon being alive is terrifying, but -”
“That’s not it.”
Arthur turned around, eyebrows raised. “Then what is it?” As Merlin didn’t immediately answer, Arthur rolled his eyes. “Out with it, Merlin.”
“I don’t like the idea of it being imprisoned.”
Arthur let out a disbelieving laugh. Then, his expression fell. “Seriously? What, you want him to set it free? This isn’t a hunting trip where you can distract me so I won’t kill those rabbits-” Merlin opened his mouth to respond but Arthur shushed him in the motion, “We both know you’re doing that, so shut up, will you.” He sighed. “This is a dragon! A murderous, fire breathing MONSTER that could destroy half of Camelot in a day if it wants to. You can’t tell me you want it free!”
Merlin clapped his mouth shut. “It’s just -”
“Just what?” Arthur was growing to be impatient.
“The great dragon was imprisoned for twenty years before it attacked. I just imagine that if I were imprisoned for that long, I’d be pretty pissed, that’s all. I don’t see how it’s wise to repeat the same -”
“Mistake?” Arthur looked flabbergasted, while Merlin mentally retreated. “You want to say it was a mistake to keep the Great Dragon locked away? Have you lost your mind? Haven’t you seen what he did?”
“I have.”
“Have you?!” Arthur had the expression of someone who didn’t want to understand, so Merlin decided to let it go. “Because that sounds to me like you’ve conveniently forgotten how many lives the creature took!”
“I haven’t.”
“Your FRIENDS, Merlin!” Arthur looked almost furious now, with his brows drawn into a frown. “How can you excuse that beast?” He shook his head as he turned away, as if disappointed in Merlin. “Do not speak to me about this again. You’re dismissed.”
“Of course, Sire.” Merlin bowed, for once not mockingly, then he left the room. It was rare for Merlin to speak so formally to Arthur and he could feel Arthur staring after him as he closed the door. Merlin exhaled as he leaned his forehead against the wooden door. He was glad that he could be open about his opinion, but it was difficult not to be able to explain the reason behind his words. He knew traveling to King Sarrum’s kingdom would be difficult for him, for THEM. But, as Merlin inhaled deeply, he knew he would have to commit treason once again. Dragons had to be free. It was Merlin’s duty to set her free. After all, he was the Last Dragonlord.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merlin had many bad habits. He grew quiet when he was upset. He sputtered when he was caught lying, and he was incredibly nosy. All those qualities marked him as an idiot who could not keep a secret for the life of him, despite the fact that he was keeping a dozen secrets and more that could actually cost him his life. And because Merlin was nosy, he heard the knights and Arthur gossiping about him behind his back.
They were close to the border of Amata, not far from the castle. Merlin was feeding the horses while the knights huddled around the warm fire to talk, when Merlin heard Gwaine speak up first.
“Merlin has been quiet.”
“You’ll never shut up about Merlin, do you?,” Arthur groaned and took a sip from his water satchel before handing it to Elian. “He’s upset with me.”
Gwaine raised a brow. “Why? Because you’re using him as our only servant on this tour, you make him carry all the stuff, do all the work, depend on him as being our travel physician AND insult him to his face?” Gwaine listed those things off his fingers, making Merlin twitch a smirk.
“Shut up, that’s not it.” Arthur sighed. He pulled up one knee to hug it closer to his chest, which must be uncomfortable underneath all that armor.
“So, it IS your fault. Glad we cleared that up.” Gwaine grinned mockingly at him. Arthur kicked him.
“I did nothing wrong! Merlin is just being a girl, as usual.” Arthur rolled his eyes, causing Merlin’s smile to fall.
“You know? That’s your problem, princess. You always call him a girl and then pretend what he says isn’t valid. Why don’t you try listening to him for once?”
“Hey, YOU call ME PRINCESS!”
“That’s because you ARE one. I still take you seriously.”
Arthur groaned. “Merlin is upset because he thinks the dragon shouldn’t be captured.”
Gwaine paused, the other knights exchanged glances. Lancelot spoke up next. “Wait, seriously? Did he tell you why?”
Arthur sighed. “He said something like that capturing the Great Dragon only made it mad, or something like that. Like there hadn’t been a reason why it was captured in the first place!”
“Sire -” That was Sir Kay, one of their younger knights. He hadn’t been in Camelot for very long and Merlin distrusted him for how close he was to Agravaine. “You’re not telling me you let your servant speak to you that way.”
“Merlin just told me what’s on his mind, that’s all.” Arthur waved it off, albeit uncomfortably. “Still, it’s rare that he and I disagree like that.”
It was silent among them for a moment and Merlin decided he’d spoiled Llamrey enough. He didn’t want to know where this was going. Where he would normally go and sit by the fire, he now feared that he’d be asked to explain himself, so he went to gather more firewood instead. He couldn’t explain this, not without telling them the truth about himself. Not without risking losing Arthur’s trust.
Striving through the woods calmed Merlin’s raging heart. Between his worry for Aithusa and his wariness of what Agravaine had discussed with King Sarrum beforehand, Merlin needed a moment of peace. He could only find that in the magic of nature. Between the trees, the moss, the flowers and the river. The air was fresher here, tangling with his own magic and providing a comfort that people simply couldn’t.
Merlin bided his time, and soon it was too dark to see much more without the guidance of magic. That’s when Merlin heard a cracking behind him. “Hey.” It was Lancelot. The gentle knight seemed somewhat concerned as he approached him. “You’ve been gone for a while, is everything alright? You seem upset.”
Merlin smiled. Lancelot was still the only knight who knew about his magic. However, nothing beyond - “I’m fine.” Lancelot was already lying to his King, hiding a sorcerer in front of his very eyes. Merlin didn’t want to add anything to that.
“Is it true? You really want that Dragon to be free?”
Merlin paused. “She’s a creature of magic, Lance.”
Lance’s expression tensed seriously. “I see.” It was everything he needed to say because even if Lance didn’t know all, he understood the basics. ‘It’s a creature of magic. It’s like me. SHE is like me.’ “You should come back, Arthur is going feral over there.”
Merlin let out a laugh. “Yeah yeah, I haven’t put out his bedroll yet, I was wondering when he’d notice.”
“Merls -,” Lance looked confused. “He’s worried about you.”
“About me slacking off, maybe.” Merlin snorted as he walked ahead, not noticing the concern that Lancelot regarded him with. They returned to the camp, where the fire was nearly dead and Arthur glaring at him.
“Merlin, what the hell took you so long?”
“Hmm?” Merlin looked up and raised a brow. “There wasn’t much dry wood around. So, I took a detour.”
Arthur clearly wasn’t satisfied with the answer, but he left him be. Not without condemning Merlin to the first watch, of course. Merlin accepted the job quietly. He was on high alert anyway. He’d slept five hours last night, which was nearly twice as much as usual.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
“King Arthur!” King Sarrum’s voice was harsh and worn from years of carrying authority. “Welcome to Amata!” If they were friends, he’d probably be hugging Arthur by now, alas they weren’t, so he didn’t. It seemed, however, that he was pleased to see them.
“King Sarrum. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Arthur had put on his kingly voice. He always sounded merciful, yet strong and decisive when he spoke. There was a grace about him, an honor that few kings possessed and King Sarrum was lacking the necessary kindness behind his eyes to even compare.
“I hope your trip was pleasant. I received note about some ruffians wandering around the woods. You didn’t run into them, I hope.”
Arthur gave him a smile that would normally look pleased but Merlin could see the relief in it. Arthur was thankful for the kind welcome and the seemingly open concern in Sarrum’s expression. “We did not. But rest assured, these knights -,” Arthur pointed at Gwaine, Lancelot, Elian, Leon and Percival, “- are the best in the realm. I am sure we would have overcome them, had they attacked.”
“That is good to hear. Maybe you and your knights wish to partake in some friendly competitions tonight?”
“If they are interested, I will not stop them.” Gwaine and Percival sent each other grins that had the vibes of mental high fives.
“And who is this fella?” King Sarrum suddenly turned to Merlin, looking him up and down with barely concealed confusion. “He looks like a servant. Isn’t it most unusual for a delegation to bring servants? In my experience they are more of a liability.”
Merlin gritted his teeth and Arthur seemed to notice. “Merlin here is my manservant. He’s been in my care for nearly ten years now and I must admit I rarely go anywhere without him. He may not be much of a fighter but he lives with our court physician and has picked up some useful skills over the years.”
“I see.” The King of Amata walked slowly around Merlin and took in his posture. “Pardon my curiosity, King Arthur. I am surely wrong but I am under the impression that you came here, expecting me not to have servants to take care of you, or that you somehow expect to be harmed here.”
Arthur bristled. “What? No, no. It’s no such thing. As I said, I take him with me nearly everywhere. It’s more of a habit than anything.”
“Is that so?” The King pinched Merlin in the side. “Is he always in such a grumpy mood?”
Arthur’s concern seemed to be growing per minute and even the knights were beginning to look nervous. “No, it’s just -”
“I apologize, your majesty.” Merlin bowed to Sarrum, eyes lidded. “For speaking out of turn.” He quickly added, sensing Sarrum’s displeasure. “I insisted to come with. My King tends to have bad luck during his travels and I didn’t think it wise to let him go to a foreign Kingdom without a physician. As you mentioned, ruffians are in the area and it is rare that we do NOT run into them. King Arthur has been kind enough to grant me permission to join him. My presence at your court is merely a consequence of my selfishness, I hope you understand.”
King Sarrum relaxed, then grinned as he watched Merlin bow to him. “Oh, I like him. He’s a loyal one, isn’t he?”
Arthur laughed nervously. “Very.” He paused. “Sometimes worryingly so. I might tell you later about the time he knowingly drank poison for me.” Arthur cleared his throat. “I also brought him along -,” Arthur glared at Merlin, “because he was there with me when I faced the great Dragon.”
“Oh yes, I heard about it. It is quite a feat for a man to defeat such a giant beast.” Sarrum sounded pleased, if not delighted by the reminder. “And he was there too?”
“Yes.” Arthur paused. “At the time we needed every man we had to defeat the creature. As I said, he’s a bit of a worrywart and I figured it would do him good to see that the last dragon is secure in your Kingdom.”
At this, King Sarrum grinned a bright threatening smile. “Oh, is that so? Well then, let me show it to you after the feast. My maids will bring you to your respective chambers. I imagine your watchdog will be staying with you, your majesty?”
Arthur straightened again. Was he that exhausted? His face was red. “If you’d get him the antechamber to my room, that would be most welcome.”
“It shall be done.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Merlin.”
Merlin was unpacking their stuff in the chambers. He put all of Arthur’s clothes in the cabinet and put his armor aside while Arthur took a bath (provided by the Amata maids). Merlin ignored Arthur, too preoccupied checking how many doors went into and out of the room. Arthur may just be joking about it but Merlin WAS his watchdog and he had to make sure no assassin would find a way inside the room.
“MERlin!”
Maybe it would be good to cast some spells to alert Merlin if someone approached Arthur’s chambers.
“MERLIN!”
“I am not deaf!”
“For goodness sake, Merlin, just respond when I speak to you!” Arthur grumbled and sank a bit further into his bath. “Would it kill you to look any less grumpy? King Sarrum seemed to think that you wanted to murder him.”
“I might if he turns out to be an arse.” Merlin pulled out some clothes he knew Arthur would want to wear to the feast.
“Merlin!” Arthur sighed, half amused, half annoyed. “You know I hate disagreeing with you. That’s why I asked Sarrum to let you join us when we visit the dragon. You’ll see, it will be secure and in good hands.”
“I still think this is a bad idea.”
Arthur sighed, now more frustrated than amused. “If you think the dragon will harm me-”
“I think they might be harming the dragon, Arthur,” Merlin snapped and immediately bit his tongue.
Arthur stared at him, brows wet and mouth slightly open. “Sorry, Merlin, but I really don’t get where this is coming from. You’ve faced every monster and every creature with me. All of them were dangerous and threatening Camelot.”
“That might be because we only ever went to seek out the ones who were attacking.”
“Merlin-”
“The unicorns were harmless until you killed one of them.”
“Merlin.”
“I’m just saying that I think there is a bias here that you’re not seeing.”
“MERLIN!” Arthur snarled at him. Then he sighed. “Well, you’ll see later. King Sarrum told me that he’ll show us all the information he has gathered on Dragons and their nature and history.”
“Will he?” Merlin paused for a moment, then he noticed Arthur’s uncomfortable posture. He was sitting in the water, knees drawn to his chin and arms wrapped tightly around him. He was moping, in a sense. He really disliked fighting with Merlin but this wasn’t really something Merlin could explain to him. Not the way he should, not the way he wanted. “Arthur-,” Merlin exhaled deeply. “I understand where you’re coming from. And I understand that you want Camelot safe and not to repeat history.”
“But?”
Merlin hesitated.
“I’m sensing a but! You always have a but, Merlin. Come on, give me your insight! Why is it, in any form or way, bad that I want this beast hidden in the vaults to protect my kingdom?”
Merlin closed his eyes. “It is the last of its kind.”
“Thankfully,” Arthur muttered.
Merlin ignored him. “Can you, for one moment, imagine what that would be like?”
Arthur raised a brow. “To be the last of my kind? You mean, the only human left in Albion?”
“Yes.” Merlin whispered. “Imagine … imagine there were thousands of dragons and you’re the last human left. Imagine the dragons killed every single one of you, saying that you’re a threat to them all and locked you in for that reason-”
“That’s ridiculous. If there are thousands of them, then it’s obvious that they killed all of my kind. What danger am I to them?”
“The dragons are nearly extinct. Yet there are thousands of humans,” Merlin pointed out quietly, making Arthur freeze. “And that dragon is locked in the dungeons because you fear it.”
“Merlin, that’s stupid.” Arthur frowned. “Those things aren’t comparable.”
“Yes, because my story is fictional and yours isn’t.”
“Merlin -”
“Answer me this, Arthur. If you heard that thousands of dragons killed everyone you love and care about, and they locked you away, would you not want revenge?”
Arthur stared at Merlin, frowning sadly, still not getting it. “Merlin, these are soulless monsters who kill for the sake of killing. I cannot emphasize with that.” He watched Merlin for a moment, expecting him to answer but Merlin couldn’t.
If not even that could convince Arthur, then maybe it was all lost anyway.
“But-” Arthur said, verbally holding out the olive branch. “Now I get where you are coming from too.” He gave Merlin a hopeful smile, which twisted Merlin’s heart in a million different ways.
“Not every King would be willing to listen to me to this extent,” Merlin said in a rare moment of awareness. “You’re a good King… and a good friend, Arthur.”
Something softened in Arthur’s expression, something beyond relief, something more than hope. It was moments like these that Merlin felt seen by Arthur, although he was also hyper aware of how little Arthur really saw. It made Merlin feel grateful that Arthur existed.
Suddenly, Arthur rose from the tub, water splashing everywhere. “Where is my towel, Merlin?”
Merlin cursed as he quickly averted his eyes. Being open and emotional and vulnerable around Arthur were the moments he could least stand to see the man in his full naked glory. It opened up all the other problems Merlin had to deal with daily.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
“This is my library! My pride and joy! Here I keep all my knowledge about the five Kingdoms of Albion and it is where I have my knowledge about Dragons and their Lords!” King Sarrum led them into a very wooden place, with three or four librarians running about, doing who knew what. That was a lot, considering that Camelot only had one of those and the man seemed rather bored with his duties while these one seemed almost hectic in the presence of their king.
“These are - a lot of books,” Arthur announced. “Quite a proud collection.”
Sarrum laughed at Arthur who now, without his armor, dressed only in black trousers and a fine blue shirt, looked very small next to him. Sarrum clapped Arthur on the shoulder. “Of course it is! Though I imagine it’s difficult to compare. Your father used to have the biggest collection of magic books in all the five kingdoms. It was quite a shock to us all when we learned that he burned them all.”
“He did?” Arthur straightened up in quiet shock.
“Of course he did.” Sarrum wasn’t even looking at Arthur. “Most of the lands already knew that magic was dangerous before he started the purge. Before, he was the biggest skeptic, always talking back when we explained the truth to him. He was obsessed with magic, wanted to know everything about it. Although he was aware of its dangers, he was very soft towards it. And then, one day, something changed his mind and he became radically against it all.”
“I… was not aware my father had a past like that,” Arthur admitted, his face stern and monotonous.
“Yeah well, we were all quite surprised.” A librarian approached, handing Sarrum a book before he quickly ran off. “I, for my part, was always more fascinated with magical creatures and beasts. Did you know that dragons don’t hatch normally? They need to be given a name. And not just any name. A Dragonlord has to give it to them and that name will determine what kind of dragon it becomes.”
Arthur perked up while Merlin tried to take a closer look at the book in Sarrum’s arm. Arthur curiously spoke up. “Really? And what kind of dragon is the one you caught?”
“That’s the thing.” Sarrum opened the book to one of the later pages. It showed some kind of door. Merlin squinted as he read the script. ‘Dragonrealm’ it said and seemed to have something to do with a prophecy. Great, another prophecy, Merlin thought annoyed. Sarrum continued undeterred. “The language of the Dragonlords is hard to decipher, their language is inherent to their kind, somehow. But we managed to translate it. This book prophesies that in a time of despair, when the dragons are close to extinction, a white dragon will open the gates to the dragon realm, starting the rebirth of the age of dragons.” The man pressed the book into Arthur’s shocked hands. “White dragons are rare, King Arthur. So how is it that I have one in my dungeons?”
Arthur’s eyes widened, looking from Sarrum to subtly glancing at Merlin. “You’re saying, the time is now?”
Sarrum grinned. “Not as long as the dragon remains in my dungeon! The age of dragons will end once and for all with the death of the white dragon.”
Merlin couldn’t help but clench his fists. It was either that or punching Sarrum in his stupid face.
Arthur seemed to sense Merlin’s distress because he quickly closed the book shut and handed it back to him. “Well then, I suppose it would be good to see the dragon now, wouldn’t it?”
Sarrum laughed loud and heartily as he led the two men down the library and towards a door to his dungeons. Merlin was on high alert, expecting a voice in his head the way that Kilgharrah used to annoy him sometimes. Instead, he heard a very real whimper echo through the moldy staircase.
Preparing himself for the worst, Merlin and Arthur followed Sarrum down the stairs into one of the darkest rooms Merlin had ever been in. His eyes magically adjusted quickly but he could hear Arthur cursing behind him. Even the torch Sarrum had brought didn’t shine very far. Another whimpering sound came from afar, making Merlin nearly fume with rage. Arthur, thankfully, didn’t comment on it.
“Well, gentlemen. I can imagine you’re excited to see it. Maybe now is a good time to tell you how I keep it secure, no?”
Suddenly, there was a hand on Merlin’s shoulder. “Especially you want to know how safe we all are, don’t you, serving boy?” He laughed again, very loudly from deep beneath his belly. “Of course I had to make sure it would not be able to hurt us, so I cut off its claws to the root of its fingers. We had to make sure it wouldn’t breathe fire, so I had its tongue cut out as well-”
“Erm, sorry, what?” This was Arthur, this time. “You cut off its tongue?”
“Had I known you’d come, I would have done it later, it tasted heavenly.”
Merlin nearly burst with rage at this point and he could feel Arthur’s horror on his back.
Sarrum, again, didn’t sense the mood at all. “Those were just necessary precautions. I tied its wings together as well as the legs. It cannot be allowed to attack us. Of course, it still tries.” He laughed again. “So, I would commend you not to get too close-”
That was the moment Merlin deafened because in front of him, right in front of him, lay his daughter, in a pool of her own blood, whining and whimpering for help. Merlin saw red as he pushed Sarrum’s arm off of him and even pushed off Arthur’s reaching hand. “MERlin, don’t!”
But Merlin was already there. He’d jumped over a stone fence to get close to her face. “No, no no no no no!” Merlin fell to his knees, scrambling forwards on his hands to put a hand to her snout. His teary eyes scanned all over her body, finding it worse than what Sarrum had described. Her claws were twitching and bleeding on the dirty ground. There was no water in sight and she looked thirsty while her eyes looked milky and unseeing. Yet, she seemed to recognise him somehow. For a moment, her gaze cleared and she nuzzled her forehead against Merlin’s. Cuts among her side, red coloring her white scaled bloody.
“Merlin, what the hell are you doing! Come back here! NOW! It will eat you!”
But Merlin’s glare found only Sarrum’s who seemed more confused than anything. And that look, that innocence feigning, pleased expression, blinded Merlin with pure, unaltered rage. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER!”
Sarrum raised a brow and chanced a confused look at a terrified Arthur. “What do you mean HER?”
“Shh.” Merlin cupped Aithusa’s cheek, speaking calming words to her whimpers. “I’m here, I’ll get you out of here, I promise.”
“MERLIN!” Arthur finally jumped over the fence, his sword ready as he approached slowly. “Get- away- from that thing! This is an order!”
“I said -” Merlin turned around and for the first time in his entire life, his glare was directed at Arthur. “I’ll get her out of here!”
“Merlin, you can’t be serious! You’ve heard what he said about the dragon restarting the age of dragons!”
“And YOU heard what he did to her!” Merlin spat back, fury running down his cheeks in utter hatred at everyone, them, the world, himself. He turned back to the dragon. “I should have never let you go. This is all my fault! I’ll make this right. You’ll come back with me -”
“Oh.” Sarrum’s voice suddenly let out. “OOOOH! Now that is rich!”
“Don’t listen to him. Merlin is just a servant, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He does the same thing when we go hunting! I swear -”
“So, you understand who I am, don’t you?” Merlin’s voice was no longer beyond his control. He leveled it to a threatening authority, not even looking at the two of them.
“So this is the true reason you’re here.” Sarrum laughed bitterly and beyond frustrated. “To bail her out. I should have known. There is no King who would bring a single servant to a peace treaty.”
“No no, you misunderstand!” Arthur now desperately stepped between them, seemingly unsure whose side to take. “Merlin, come back here. He is just a servant, I swear-”
“Arthur has nothing to do with this, he doesn’t know.” Merlin stroked Aithusa one last time before he stood up to face Sarrum with all the authority he could muster. “You will let her free.”
“And I’m supposed to believe that?” Sarrum laughed manically before pulling out his sword. “You think just because you’re a Dragonlord, you have the authority to bail her out?” He shook his head. “It is my prisoner. You should have taken better care of it if you don’t like what I’m doing!”
“Dragonlord?” While Merlin didn’t move, Arthur let his sword sink. “MERlin? A dragonlord? You’re nuts.”
Merlin had had enough. It was enough with the lies, his daughter needed him. “I am sorry, Sarrum, but I have no choice. You’ve read all those books on dragons, you must know that it’s my duty to protect them.” And with those words, Merlin reached out a hand with purpose and let the chains burst around Aithusa’s ankles.
“Magic?” Arthur whispered, eyes suddenly trained motionlessly on Merlin. His sword no dangled completely by his side, the shock written there and it was the only moment of distraction Merlin could allow himself.
“I’m sorry, Arthur.”
“GUARDS!” Sarrum’s voice bellowed over the entire castle, as he raised his sword at Merlin.
Merlin’s eyes blinked golden and the sword was thrown out of Sarrum’s hand, now stuck in the wall behind him. Merlin twirled around and raised his hand at the dungeon ceiling. A tiny, muttered spell, and the entire ceiling collapsed over them while Merlin’s other hand magically pushed Arthur out of the way. “Aithusa, baby, I am so sorry, but I need you to fly us out of here.” Merlin helped her up and muttered some spell to give her enough strength to actually do that. Then, he climbed on her back, forcing her to spread her wings. In the midst of all the chaos, Aithusa let out a breaking scream as she jumped into the air, weakly jumping just high enough to reach the ceiling, then it crawled into the room upstairs.
Merlin’s calculations were off. He cursed as they landed in the library. Guards stormed into the room, circling them with their lances and swords. Merlin raised both his hands at them. Another wave of gold washed over them, throwing them against the shelves and knocking them out. Books fell everywhere, creating even more chaos. “Come on, Aithusa. Just a little more. If you can’t fly, run! I’ll clear the way!”
Aithusa did as she was asked, getting closer to the nearest door that suddenly burst open, revealing no other than the Camelot knights.
“Wha- MERLIN?!” Gwaine screamed, clearly too caught off guard to do anything as the golden eyed servant came riding towards him on a fucking dragon!
“Lance!,” Merlin yelled, his magic too occupied giving Aithusa the strength she needed to keep going. “Go to the dungeon! Arthur is alone with Sarrum! I have to get Aithusa out of here!”
Lancelot, if anything, looked even more flabbergasted than Gwaine did, but he caught himself quicker. “Yes, of course.” Then he pulled the knights back and pressed them against the wall to let Merlin through. “Where the hell are you going?”
Merlin yelled back. “Forest!” A moment later, the wall between the floor and outside bust open and Merlin and Aithusa jumped out of the castle. Close to the ground, Aithusa gained enough momentum to spread her wings and fly high into the sky. Blood rained from where she flought and Merlin knew it was nearly inevitable for them to have a rough landing.
And so they did. Aithusa lost focus for a moment and crashed into a nearby tree, both of them tumbling downwards into the earth through the bushes and leaves scratching at them. Merlin’s magic only managed to soften the fall.