Merlin awoke with a jump, taking in his surroundings, it was still night time. Leon was to the right of him sound asleep, further off to the right Arthur had his arm rapped round Gwen as they shared a large bed roll. Percival was slumped against a tree sleeping soundly, clearly he was meant to be on watch and had drifted off, not that Merlin blamed him, the giant had been taking many shifts in watching over the servant sleep in the past few weeks.
Deciding that he couldn't fall back asleep the boy walked over the fire which was dying out. His eyes flashing gold the embers grew into flames. Taking a seat the boy stared into the orange glow. About 20 minutes later he too was drifting off, that was until he was startled awake by the roaring flames which had more than tripled in size. The flames were trying to form a face, at first it was unclear who it was due to the abstract nature of the picture created. As the flames continued to morph the creature's face became more recognisable, it was Kilgharrah. The mighty dragon breathed smoke out of his mouth, which then broke in two, towering the Warlock as they too formed into faces. But these were faces of men, Iseldir and Alator to be more specific. As Merlin took in the sight before him of the three faces, one made out of fire and two out of smoke he couldn't help but take a step back.
"Merlin" Kilgharrah spoke in his deep tone.
"Kilgharrah? What are you doing here?"
"You did not heed my warning Emrys" Alator began whilst disregarding anything the boy had said."You sought our help yet do not follow it."
"What are you talking about?!" Merlin whisper shouted, not wanting to awaken his friends.
"You must not go to Avalon Emrys" Iseldir pleaded.
"What? No! I have to go, I can bring them back!"
"Merlin. You must not do this." Kilgharrah responded.
"I have too! If you had the chance to bring back the friends you have lost, wouldn't you?"
The three images remained silent.
"Thats what I thought." The warlock confirmed "I will bring them back, you can't stop me."
"Emrys, we just wish to help" Iseldir spoke softly.
"Then do not doubt me, I am strong enough for this, I know I am. So either give me your support or go." It was surprising how kingly the Raven sounded, or at least it was to the King of Camelot who watched the interaction from his bed.
Alator, Iseldir and Kilgharrah did not challenge Merlin but instead bowed their heads in respect. "We shall support you Emrys till our dying breath" Alator spoke before he and Iseldir both took their leave as the smoke blurred their faces and rose into the sky leaving the Raven face to face with Kilgharrah.
"The Druids nor Catha have never spoken for you before, nor do they now. Out with it" Merlin spoke with slight smirk on his face, anyone who knew his and the great dragons relationship would know that Kilgharrah will speak his mind and does not let others talk for him.
"I fear young warlock, that you may be taking it too far this time" Merlin cocked his head in confusion "You should heed Alator's warning: 'Don't do anything that requires too much of your magic, no matter how badly you desire the result. The use of your magic will only quicken the effects of your curse'" Once the dragon had finished reciting the words of the Catha leader he looked to the Raven and gave him a sympathetic smile "You always were a stubborn one."
"And you a cryptic one" The servant returned his usual grin before his face became serious "You understand that I must do this?"
"I understand that you believe, that you have to do this."
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The Aftermath (Merlin)
Fanfiction*Sequel Out now* Kilgharrah may have told Merlin that nothing he could do would save the Once and Future King, but that doesn't mean he was right. The warlock takes things into his own hands when he revives Arthur at Avalon, but there are consequenc...
