The Dragon Prince

Chapter 12

Arthur's immediate instinct was to protest, but Merlin tried to assure him he would be safe.

"I'm a knight of Camelot! Those dragons wouldn't think twice about ripping me apart!" Arthur shouted.

"No they won't. The dragons aren't that violent," Merlin responded, not like it made Arthur feel any better. "And besides, when we entered Aestafons through the Door of Alister we were both covered in a magic spell that lets the creatures of this forest know we aren't intruders so they won't attack us."

Arthur was speechless. The idea of being covered in magic-especially since he didn't know it was there and had no control over it- made his stomachs churn and contort uncomfortably. Like he was covered in sticky, cold mud that just wouldn't come off. But Arthur knew he couldn't do much about it now, so he decided to just keep going until he could leave. No matter how uncomfortable it was.

"I'm sorry!" Merlin said, suddenly, "I should've asked you permission beforehand but I was worried that if you knew where we were going you would refuse to come and it was supposed to be a surprise-"

"No no," Arthur interjected, "It's fine. Really."

"Oh," said Merlin, staring at Arthur with doubtful eyes. "Okay, let's go."

———————————————————————————

Arthur learned a great deal about Verena from reading Verena Through The Ages: Volume One. There's this one river that runs right next to the Vitastis tree and over it's roots, which you can see if you look through the crystal blue water at the bottom. This river, the book claims, encircles Verena out past the Impassable Thicket(the one Verena's guards told his knights not to wonder into). This magic river water traps the land it touches in a permanent winter, fall, summer or spring. They're called The Fons (Aestafons, Heimfons, Aeterfons and Caderefons).

Because of the enchanted water, the Fons have each been stuck at a specific season, which Verena uses to house endangered magical creatures and the Caretakers (like Lake) are tasked with taking care of the habitats and wiping the memories of those that wander through the barrier between the Fons and the outside world.

———————————————————————————

After giving in, Merlin led Arthur through the  woods. Although it was relieving that the creatures couldn't attack him, that didn't make it any less scary when one suddenly popped into view and scared the daylights out of them both. They would both laugh about it before moving on and refocusing on their goal.

"So, how is it that we're here?" Asked Arthur. "I've read about this place but they never mentioned anything about that door we went through. The one with the carvings on it."

"Oh, the Citadel's library is public and we don't want anyone knowing how to get to the Fons," Merlin responded. "Not like they can get through to it but it still adds some extra security."

"Then why did you tell me about it?"

For the first time, the sorcerer seemed at a loss for words.

"Well," he started, "you are under constant surveillance so even if you did know of it there's no way you'd be able to get close again. You get that? Alright, lets go."

There were no more questions after that and Arthur didn't know whether Merlin's unusual willingness to trust him made him hopeful or afraid for what the future held.

"Here we are," Merlin announced after a few more minutes of walking. They had arrived at a clearing, much like the one Arthur had met Merlin in, although there were no wildflowers with their delightful fragrances nor any fallen logs to sit on. And there weren't any dragons either.