A Journey To The Past

The Dragons Call

It was a peaceful day in Camelot. There was a calming breeze rustling the leaves on the trees. A young Merlin walked through the lush, green countryside on his way to Camelot.

"Merlin? Why start with Merlin of all people?" Arthur wondered aloud.

"Because my life is the most interesting."Merlin said with a smirk.

Merlin made his way to the lower town smiling at the people going this way and that on the way to do who knows what and what the rows upon rows of houses lining the streets. 

"You look happy to be there" noticed Leon.

"I've never been been in a town so big, let alone a castle. It was a lot to take in." Merlin said

Merlin walked through the gates of Camelot with awe, passing many markets and people going around on their business, and into the citadel just as King Uther addressed the crowed.

"Father." Arthur says softly. Gwen squeezed his had in reassurance.

A man was being led on to the stage with two guards on either side and the executioner in front. Uther stood on the balcony and talks to them

"Let this be sever as a lesson to all of you. This Man, Thomas James Collins, is judged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot. I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practiced are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."

Gwen gasped. "Your first day in Camelot you witnessed an execution?" She looked over at Merlin with sympathy.

Uther raised his arm then lowered it to signal the executioner. The drums beat in a slow march. He brought up his axe and swiftly brought it back down beheading Thomas Collins.

Merlin flinched at the memory. Fortunately. nobody seemed to notice otherwise he would get a load of teasing from Arthur for being such a girl.

"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven form the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate 20 years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin."

"That's a twisted reasoning." Gwaine said. "Who celebrates an execution?"

"Apparently my father does." He realized what he said and hastened to correct himself. "Did". Gwen gave his hand another reassuring squeeze.

A loud wailing sound sound echoed through the square.

An old woman dressed in brown rags pushed her way to the front of the crowed.

"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic!" she shouted. "It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance!You took my son! And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears."

"Whoa. Does anyone else feel like this is gonna end badly?" Gwaine asked

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son." She cried

"Ha called it."

"Yes Gwaine we know, some of us were actually there." Arthur said rolling his eyes.

"Seize her!" Uther yelled.

Guards went to grab the women, but she hissed a spell into the amber necklace that she wore over her neck and disappeared into a whirlwind of smoke.

"Talk about an exit" Elyan remarked

When it cleared, the woman had disappeared. King Uther looked on in despair and slowly the crowd dispersed.