Luminescence ✺ Arthur Pendragon

The Tears of Uther Pendragon [3]

Merlin felt his eyes flutter awake; mind still foggy as he tried to discern where he was. It was a cave, that much was clear. And through its entrance he could see the night sky illuminated by the moon and stars. And as he looked at it, his memories began to return. He could remember Morgause and Morgana's secret meeting, the former trapping him by the time morning rolled around. He could remember Kilgharrah saving him from the attacking Serkets, and the short conversation they'd had afterwards.

"You shouldn't have let me sleep!" He called out just as the big dragon's head came into view through the cave's opening. He started to rise to his feet, feeling the ache where the Serket had stung him, but pushing through it. Although, he didn't get too far before feeling a hand on his shoulder, pushing him back down to sit.

"Careful there, I may know how to heal Serket poison, but that doesn't mean the remedy is instant." The third voice joining in on their conversation had Merlin snapping around in surprise. At no point did he even notice they had company.

"Edmund! How are you... When did you... You're here?" Merlin stumbled around, mumbling and trying to get an actual sentence out before he made himself look like a complete fool.

"It's a good thing Kilgharrah knows I'm a friend, because tracking a dragon is quite impossible." Edmund said, somewhat vaguely, but he didn't deem the whole story too important to waste time on. He'd seen the dragon rescue Merlin and thinking he was in good hands had begun to head back to Camelot only to be surprised to find the creature leaving him a trail to follow.

"We had no choice but to let you rest, young warlock. The venom was too strong, even for your great powers." Kilgharrah added on, hoping Merlin would understand. However, what the boy focused on more in his initial state of panic was the man standing right beside him. Only a few seconds later did he remember that, while they'd never spoken of it between themselves, Arwen had mentioned to him that Edmund had been there to see him use his magic and dragonlord abilities last year.

"We don't have time for this." The Ambrosius heaved out a sigh, pushing thoughts of Edmund and all else out of his mind as he rose to his feet, too quick to be stopped this time. "I need to get back to Camelot. The kingdom is in danger and... It's my fault. I should've listened to you. Should never have trusted Morgana."

He could hear the Lord by his side let out a small hum of surprise as the culprit for Merlin's sudden disappearance was revealed. But Kilgharrah, already aware of Morgana's true nature, was the first to answer. "You did what you felt was right, and that shows great courage, but trust is a double edged sword."

"I thought... Because she has magic, I thought we were the same." Merlin said, his voice lower this time and laced with regret, but also a certain sadness that was hard to miss. Especially for Edmund. He did not only hear it, but recognized it as well, making his eyes turn to the warlock next to him who remained entirely oblivious to his gaze.

"In some ways you are." The Great Dragon's words made Merlin shake his head instantly.

"No. I will never be like her." He was quick to deny it, determined to never let himself get consumed by anger as much as Morgana had. Even though, that wasn't what Kilgharrah had meant in the first place.

But the dragon didn't linger on that. "You have learnt an important lesson, Merlin. Your determination to see goodness in people will be your undoing. But I fear that your futures are now joined forever." He pointed out in a solemn tone. "She is the darkness to your light, the hatred to your love."

"I need to get back to Camelot." Once again, Merlin's determination reignited, making Edmund sigh as he and Kilgharrah shared a knowing look between themselves.

"You're not yet fully recovered Merlin, and it's more than three days' walk." The dragon pointed out.

"One you're in no state for." Edmund added on. He could see that the cure was working well to restore Merlin's strength, but even with a horse to make their journey easier and shorter, he didn't want to risk his condition worsening again.