The Dragon Prince (Merlin AU)

Chapter five: The Knights of Drakoniel

A few months after the almost-fall of Camelot, Morgana ripped the Veil between worlds and released the Dorocha into this world. Lancelot sacrificed himself to repair the Veil. Not long after that, King Uther was killed. Merlin tried to save him, but Morgana had gotten Agravaine to place an enchanted pendant around the King's neck that reversed the effects of Merlin's healing spell. Arthur was crowned king. King Arthur has been ruling with few problems, and has succeeded in easily fixing any mistakes he had made. He was wise and strong enough to turn the war almost set on him by Queen Annis and became he ally instead, without any blood shed.

That is where we join our hero, the Dragon Prince.

Merlin was carrying an armful of swords across the training field to polish and sharpen. As he completed this task he watched Arthur train. Arthur overcame his opponent easily enough, he was helping them up as five horses came riding onto the field. On their backs were knights, however, they were not knights of Camelot. Merlin almost fainted at the sight. The knights were wearing deep blue capes with the Ambrosius crest embroidered in silver on their left shoulders. He knew each of these knights. Sir Henry, who happened to be the one to inform Merlin and his late Father of the attack on their kingdom and betrayal of Galvarr. Sirs Jon, Kendall, and Richard, who he grew up and trained with. They weren't quite knights yet last he knew. The last knight was who surprised him the most. It was Adam, or Sir Adam now, who was a servant in the castle before Drakoniel fell. Merlin had been close to him as he had acted as close to a manservant as Merlin would allow.

Merlin stepped forward slightly to hear what they would say.

"We are knights of Drakoniel. We request a council with you king." Sir Henry spoke.

"I am King Arthur." Arthur said, holding his hand forward. "What are your names?"

"I am Sir Henry. These are Sirs Jon, Kendall, Richard, and Adam." As each name was spoken a knight nodded their head.

"What is your business in Camelot? You mentioned you wish to have a council with me?"

"Yes, Sire. We wish your assistance in a dire situation." Arthur nodded.

"Leon, Take them to the council chambers please. I will be there shortly."

"Yes, sire." Leon nodded.

"Gwaine, Elyan, gather the knights who are not present.:

"Sure, Princess." Gwaine said. Arthur glared at the cheeky irishman who bowed jokingly in return. The foreign knights chuckled at his antics.

"Does he not remind you of the Hatchlings?" Sir Jon turned to his comrades. They nodded laughing,

Adam spoke up. "I remember they called the Dragon Prince that once before, he lifted them over his shoulders and carried them to his father and mother. He told them to control their children, in which the king respond 'why would I do that, princess?'"

Merlin smiled at the memory. The knights of Drakoniel laughed. When they had calmed down they followed Leon. Arthur turned and spotted Merlin.

"Oh, there you are Merlin."

"I was here the whole time..."

"Oh, well, then you know what's happening. Come along then." Merlin followed Arthur to his chambers where he assisted him in changing from training clothes to more suitable attire. They then proceeded to the council chambers where the knights were waiting.

Merlin slipped off and stood beside Gauis, who was gazing at the knights, as Arthur walked to the front of the room and took a seat in his throne.

"So, What is this dire situation that you say requires Camelot's assistance?"

"Sire, It will take a bit of explaining." Sir Richard spoke, biting his lip.

"Well, better get started then." Arthur said, making a gesture as if saying 'continue'.

"It started a bit over nine years ago, a dat before our oldest prince's birthday. We call him the Dragon Prince. He was turning 13 summers. Everything was fine. The kingdom was peaceful as usual, it was buzzinf with activity as we prepared for the festivities that were to happen the next day. The Dragon Prince and King were in the council chambers and I myself was on the training field with many of the other knights. That is when we were attacked. I rushed to the front wall, and climbed into the battlements. looking out I saw an army, and at the head of that army was our very own Sir Galvarr. He was once a trusted knight, he was close to the King and Dragon Prince. Yet he stood there and led an attack. I rushed to the castle as the warning bell began to chime and burst into the council chambers to inform the King of the current situation. The King was furious. He sent me to gather our men. I did just that. We were losing. We were not prepared nor expectant. I went in search of the King, to get him out. I found him and he told me that even though it was difficult he convince the Dragon Prince to take The Hatchlings and Queen away from the kingdom." Sir Henry paused momentarily, face obviously contorted in a sort of pain. Arthur took this moment to speak up.

"I'm sorry, but who or what are the Hatchlings. You mention them before on the training field."

Sir Kendall chuckled slightly and spoke. "The Hatchlings is what we call the two other heirs to the throne. Princess Erelise and her twin brother Prince Eren. The Twin Hatchlings and The Dragon Prince are the titles we gave our heirs, Sire." Arthur nodded and Sir Henry continued with the tale. MErlin was gazing at the floor the whole time.

"I was surprised but greatful at this news. The Dragon Prince was a feirce warrior even at his age, the best fighter in the kingdom in fact, in probably all five kingdoms. I know that he would have wanted to fight. It was best however for him to escape. As the King and I had our rushed conversation Galvarr entered the room we were in, the throne room, and started to yell at our King. We were both shocked at the anger and hatred in Galvarr's words. Galvarr attempted to kill the king. I was able to hold him off long enough for the King and soon myself to escape with our lives. However, Galvarr did aswell. The King felt as if he had failed his kingdom. I did not see him after that. News was sent to us later of the King's death written in the Dragon Prince's handwriting. He died saving the Prince's life. It was said he was on his way to stop the Great Dragon from destroying another kingdom."

"Balinor..." Arthur muttered before speaking up. "Was your King's name Balinor?"

The Knights nodded. Arthur looked up briefly, meeting Sir Henry's eyes, before looking thoughtfully at the floor and waving his hand for them to continue.

"Recently we have come into contact with our Queen and the Hatchlings again. We set up a base not too far from the capital city and we plan to attempt to reclaim Drakoniel. Galvarr has ruled too long. However we do not have the men to over power Galvarr, and the Dragon Prince is still missing. We wish for Camelot's assistance in Finding our prince and reclaiming our kingdom."

Gauis looked to Merlin as these words were spoken. He raised an eyebrow as if to say 'Well?'. Merlin looked to the floor as Sir Henry spoke once again.

"Sire, there is one more thing you should know."

"Yes?"

"We are a kingdom of where magic is free. We know Camelots views on magic, but we hoped you could overlook this in our time of need."

"I will need time to think this over. In the meantime, My servant, Merlin will take you to or guest chambers." Merlin looked up at his name being spoke. Gaius patted his shoulder and Merlin stepped forward. The Knights' faces were ones of shock.

"Sire?" Sir Henry said.