Finding Emrys: The Forgotten Tale Book 4

Rhaegal (Part 1)

(Merlin's POV)

"No, it's not happening." I groan in irritation at the angry words of my uncle. His normally soft voice rose as his temper flared to life. Blinking open my eyes and frowning in disdain at being woken so early. I forced myself out of bed. Grumpily grabbed my dressing gown and marched down the stairs leading to my room as Gaius and the unknown male obliviously argued.

"Gaius I can't do this without you. I can't get into the vault to get the map without you. Don't you want to see a real breathing dragon?" The man pleaded reaching out as if to grip Gaius' hand only to be swatted away.

"In case you have forgotten. I was here when the dragons still roamed the earth freely. I rather not get caught up with something that could potentially get me killed." Gaius snapped eyes twitching in annoyance.

"What about the treasure. It's said that she was locked up with mountains of riches."

"Ah there it is the real reason you are interested. Unfortunately for you I have no interest in riches. Beside do you honestly believe with how greedy Uther was that he would allow even a coin to be locked up out of his reach?" Gauis sneered.

"Now if you will please leave I have my rounds to make." With that uncle pushed the man from the room and slammed the door in his face.

"I'll be in the tavern tonight if you change your mind." He shouted before the door closed on his face. Sighing in exasperation he turned around muttering angrily to himself. Only to freeze a moment later upon seeing me standing there confused.

"Merlin! how long have you been up!"

"Who was that?" I ask ignoring his question as I sat down at the table. Stealing an apple from the fruit bowl.

"That was Julius Borden. He was once my pupil but after I caught him stealing from me. I sent him packing." He sighed sitting down across from me. A world weary look on his wrinkled face.

"What was he talking about? I thought Kilgharrah was the last dragon?"

"No he wasn't. I don't know exactly what happened but I know that she...."

"She? A girl?" I interrupt eyes sparkling in excitement only for Gaius to whack me over the head for interrupting.

"Yes now stop interrupting. Like Kilgharrah. She was captured during the purge and imprisoned in the tomb of Askanar. Uther upon imprisoning her forced a captured druid to place a spell that would keep anyone out, but the druid not wanting the dragon to forever be trapped. Placed a failsafe. The spell would fall upon the death of Uther. Allowing anyone with the map entry.  Uther killed him for it. Not that he wouldn't have killed him anyway. I have no idea what became of her or if she is even still alive. As far as I know unlike Kilgharrah she was all but forgotten about. While Uther made sure Kilgharrah was fed mainly so he could torture him longer, because of the spell from the druid She was abandoned. I doubt Uther even remembered her. So I doubt she is even still alive." Gaius explained ignoring my horrified face as he got up and began gathering his items for his daily rounds.

"But shouldn't we check to make sure?" I sputter shocked that he would just leave her there.

"No. It's not worth the risk. If the king were to discover..."

"Arthur is not his father Gaius. You need to stop living in the past. Arthur overthrew Uther for a reason. He is more accepting of magic. He may not have made it legal but he isn't as harsh. There hasn't been an execution because of magic since Uther died." I snarled annoyed that Gaius even attempted to lump him with that deadbeat king.

"He may not be his father but Arthur is still his son. He will not take kindly to a dragon. It's best to just leave...."

"I WILL NOT LEAVE HER THERE! I AM THE LAST DRAGON QUEEN. IT IS MY DUTY TO CARE FOR ALL DRAGONS! MY DAD ABANDONED KILGHARRAH AND WAS CURSED FOR IT! I WILL NOT DO THE SAME THING!" I roared my magic sparking around me, eyes flashing golden in my fury. For a moment all was silent. Gaius merely watching me with a blank look in his eyes. Finally with a sigh of disappointment. He turned away from me. Grabbing his supplies and heading for the door. Opening the door he pauses and without even looking at me said:

"If you go. You will be going without me. I will not support you in this foolishness, and if the king catches you. I will not help you wiggle out of trouble this time. You have been warned." With that he left slamming the door behind him. Leaving me alone to my thoughts.

........

That night. Under cover of darkness and my cloak I snuck down to the tavern. Morgana, and Gawain wanted to come with me upon me informing them of my plans, but I told them no. I needed them here to act as a distraction if I am not back by morning. No doubt the prat king would come looking for me if he noticed. Not to mention Agravaine. That man is a serious pain. Always watching me with suspicious eyes. Not to mention the times I have caught him sneaking down to the forest to meet up with Morgause. No it's best if they stay behind just incase.

After asking around at the tavern and figuring out his room number. I swiftly climbed the stairs leading to the chambers of the rising sun. I squeaked in alarm as the moment I opened the door I was slammed against the wall. A knife against my neck.

"Who are you? Are you an assassin?"  Borden hissed pressing the knife a bit harder against the soft skin of my throat drawing blood.

"I'm Merlin. I am Gauis niece." I stammered tempted to use my magic to push him away. Painful memories of Valiant and his hands on me making me want to whimper in fear. After what seemed an eternity the knife disappeared  Borden stepping back and allowing me room to move.

"Well you should leave. I have no use of a silly little girl." I huff at this but force myself to stand my ground and remain patient.

"I can get you into The tomb." I insisted. He rolled his eyes at this.

"Yeah right. You want me to belive a littlewisp of a girl can get past camelots guards and get the map. Why don'tyou go back to playing with your dol…." Letting my eyes glow golden I yanked him upside down. Dangling him 10 feet in the air with my magic.

"Ok I believe you let me down." He squealed panicking. Rolling my eyes but smirking all the same. I lowered him to an inch above the ground before dropping him on his face. Leaning over him and raising an eyebrow I smirked down at his disgruntled face.

"Still think I can't help?"