Chapter 6 ~ The Dragon.

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The pale, bright moonlight shining through the triangular window had awoken Karil from his slumber. It was a warm August night, light clouds still visible in the sky, swirling in wisps between the patches of sequins among the inky blue that were the stars against the night sky. He rolled out of bed and stumbled to sit on the low window sill. Blinking, he settled against the wall to gaze upon the peaceful setting. The trees stood dark and whispering behind Rolf's hut, where a light orange flickering signalled that the fire was still on. Even in summer, Rolf never let his embers die. You could say he was a pyromaniac, but it was not the case. He watched flames, he didn't play with them.

The chimes of the great clock rang twice, echoing through the serene night. Karil could feel himself falling asleep once more, tilting his head back, letting his eyes close. And then a flash of bright orange as he flickered his eye's shut alerted him. And it was not the distant glow of Rolf's fire.

A great beast, glowing eyes, deep violet scales, the Hebridean Black soared over the treetops and disappeared into what looked to be a clearing in the forest. In a fit of confusion and curiosity, Karil grabbed his robes and pulled some on before creeping through the corridors of the castle and outside.

The air was cooler in the light breeze through the night, awaking him more so his mind could sharpen. He no longer stumbled, his steps became careful as he crept into the forest silently. 

It didn't take him long to find where the beast was situated. The great creature towered over the dark figure who spoke to it in what sounded to be old Irish Gaelic. Maurelle was gazing up at hit, eyes shining in the glow from it's eyes. 

Karil drew a breath in sharply. He should have known it was her. He spun around himself. What would Rolf think if he saw this? He knew his brother didn't believe Maurelle's claims, but perhaps this would sway him if he were to see this. However, Karil had no time to call his brother. Maurelle had noticed him, and though he turned to slip behind a tree once more, she made her way over to him with a step and expression of fury.

''What are you doing here you prying, insolent boy!'' Her eyes glittered with anger. He coughed awkwardly. A good judge of character he was, but in situations such as these, he was usually silent. 

''Sorry - I - well, saw the dragon and I came down to-'' 

''To see why it was here? I should have known, scar boy.'' Karil flinched at the remark. Her face was hard, impenetrable. The protective shield of emotion had returned. She turned to walk away from him in some sort of disgust.

''But - how?'' He surprised himself by blurting out his obvious question. ''How did you call this dragon?'' He recovered slightly, though the flush in his cheeks became more pronounced. 

She smiled the rare, proud smile he's seen a few times before. The softer side of her? 

''I am a Dragon Lady. I can control the creatures.'' She walked over to the beast, murmuring some more in Gaelic. ''Though there were few in my time. King Uther had had the ''last'' dragon locked away under his castle, though he escaped.'' 

Karil stepped forward, forgetting himself. ''King Uther?''

''Arthur's Father. My mother's ward.'' Her face darkened. ''She hated him.''

He changed the subject, glad he was finally uncovering a little more of her and her Mother's past. ''Were there not any other dragons?''

''The only other dragon I knew of was my Mother's, who was killed by the Sorcerer Merlin in her last hour.'' A flicker of ager crossed her face. Karl frowned. Had he changed the subject only to let her bring the barrier down once more.

''Almost all the other dragons were killed by Uther in his reign. Uther detested magic, despite it being the force that created Arthur Pendragon, though killing Arthur's mother, Ingraine, in the process.'' She went on. Karil felt silent relief and lent forward. It was so interesting.

''So, what do Dragon Ladies do?'' He enquired.

''There are Dragon Lords also. All noble dragon ladies and lords have magic, the talent passed along a family. I believe hey no longer exist in your society. With the exception of Merlin.'' Her face grew dark again at her last comment.

''Merlin! He died ages ago...'' Karil looked at Maurelle. ''Don't tell me we have that wrong as well!''

But she was nodding. ''Merlin is immortal by age and injury.'' She smiled a cruel smile. ''But he may be killed with something specialised from the job.'' She walked over to a rock and retrieved a sword of shining steel from behind it. ''A blade forged in a dragon's breath.'' She inspected the weapon, Karil watching her closely. ''It can kill any immortal being.''

Karil let out a breath. She was fascinating to watch, all the emotions coming through. ''You - you plan to kill the great Merlin?''

She turned upon him with anger. ''The Great Merlin! He killed my mother! He ruined her life!'' She almost screamed. 

He was shocked, not at her anger, but at the turn of the tables. Merlin had been portrayed as a good, talented wizard. He had protected King Arthur. But, of course, he realised, Arthur was not exactly Maurelle's ally. Avoiding process, he repeated his question carefully.

''You plan to kill him?''

She turned away, lifting her head towards the sky. 

''That is what I was sent here to do, and that is what I shall do.''