Chapter Text
Part 1
Quest Day 10
Leon, I have made it to the Valley of the Dragon- ahead of schedule, I might add. (That shortcut I mentioned worked! Ha!) I have secured lodging in a village called Ealdor which is set just before the entrance to the Valley. The inn is surprisingly accommodating;a big dining area with the entire second story being overnight rooms. I asked the owner, Holden, how he could afford an inn of this caliber and he smirked that the dragon paid for it. I questioned him further and he just continued with his greasy smile explaining that the dragon brought knights from all kingdoms who hoped to slay it and take the treasure. The owner’s presence was unnerving…
I know you said not to reveal myself as a knight but Holden was able to tell immediately. I did not give him more information than that. Once I paid for a few nights in a private room,I had dinner downstairs instead of having it brought to my room. I thought it would be a good way to get a feel of the people. The room was filled with townspeople and knights and one tall skinny bar hand running drinks and plates around while Holden stood watching, occasionally yelling at his lanky employee to move faster. That man is someone quite full of himself, Leon. Don’t worry I didn’t start anything yet. Tomorrow I will scout the area.
Quest Day 11
I left early before the sun had risen. The lanky bar hand had given me some bread last night, without me asking I might add. He seemed to know my purpose here so I assume the townspeople truly are used to knights. The bar hand had brought it to me when his master wasn’t looking, making me wonder why the strange boy is indebted to Holden. Anyway, I ate the bread on my way into the Valley of the Dragon and I absolutely did not think about that bar hand. Nothing happened as I searched the Valley for clues about the dragon’s location. I did find evidence of other knights or curious people searching for the treasure.
In the late afternoon, I returned to Ealdor to question the people. No one was interested in speaking to me- not because of fear but, rather, they seemed tired of talking about the dragon. I received the same type of response at the inn. (Have I told you the name of the inn? The Dragon’s Heart. Clever like every other inn similarly named after the dragon in Ealdor.) Anyway, at one point the skinny bar hand started laughing at me when yet another patron walked away from me. He laughed! At me! I asked (demanded you would say) that he give me reliable information. He made a move to sit next to me at the bar but his master called him to the kitchen. I retired soon after.
Quest Day 12
I did not go into the Valley until afternoon, I spent the morning at the inn and around the village. I kept trying to speak to the bar hand with the big ears, Merlin, but the owner kept on calling him away. I’m beginning to think that the owner is greedier than I initially imagined. Holden always seemed to be floating around, chatting with others but never doing any work besides calling Merlin’s name. I know what you’re thinking Leon, I cannot help everyone. But something is going on in the Dragon’s Heart.
I did not discover anything relating to the dragon in the Valley. There’s no sign of tracks or carcasses that might have been dragon food. I will search harder tomorrow.
Quest Days 13 & 14
I have been quite busy the past few days. Two nights ago, I’m sorry to say that I got pissed drunk with Merlin and some other men at the bar. A visiting merchant was boasting of how much drink he could have. Holden- ever the gambler- bet that he couldn’t drink more than Merlin. Everyone laughed, some from amusement thinking there was no way that skinny bar hand could out drink the hefty merchant but, others who knew Merlin well- chuckled and shook their heads. I am glad I did not place any coin on the merchant! Soon the large merchant could barely sit while Merlin’s cheeks just got rosier. I believe Merlin could go drink for drink with our Percival.
Originally, I started to drink with the others to find out more information about the dragon. However, every time I began to bring up the Valley, Merlin pushed me to drink. His pale hand pushed drink after drink into mine. Each time his eyes met mine, I couldn’t help back smiling back at him. Soon I no longer needed encouragement, grabbing the drinks that were flowing freely.
The next morning, I woke up, in my room (somehow), to knocking on my door. On the other side was Merlin with clear eyes, holding a pitcher of water and bread. He said I was acting like a ‘royal ponce’ last night, and had demanded that he bring me food in the morning. The idiot also said that I should lay off the bread since I was very heavy last night! I told him that there was no way his skinny self would be able to carry or even drag a fully fledged knight up the stairs to my room. Merlin smirked (I promise it was a smirk) and said that he was stronger than he looked. He opened his mouth like he was going to say more but then tilted his head like he heard something I didn’t. Merlin gave a sarcastic bow as he left my room.
I stayed in my room all of that day- not because I was hung over but rather so I could look over the maps and try to piece the little bit of information I had gotten from the villagers.
Quest Day 15
This morning I finally discovered useful information. It was not as beneficial as I hoped but still more than anything I have learned since arriving. There was a farmer already drinking at the far end of the bar when I went down for my morning meal. At first I thought he was just lamenting about the loss of his flock of sheep but then he started to curse the dragon. I waved at Merlin to get the man another drink as I sat down next to him. Merlin looked paler than usual as he brought the drink and my food. The old farmer groaned about the loss of his sheep and all the other animals he’s lost to the dragon over the years. With little prodding, the farmer told me the location of his farm, sheep’s grazing area, and where he thinks the dragon lives before Holden stormed over, ending our conversation.
It was the first time I saw Holden take a drink away from someone and send that person home. I could barely keep still as Holden led the man to the door. He was just so patronizing to the man! It was sickening. Leon, even you would have had trouble keeping still. I glanced over to Merlin who looked as angry as I felt. His ferocity almost startled me; he looked like a wild beast, brows furrowed and his eyes as hard as stone. I could not believe it was the same Merlin who managed to keep smiling as he tripped over his feet. Holden spoke before I could, yelling at Merlin, “Get that look off your face and get back to making dinner.”
Merlin’s face tightened like he was going to speak but he just marched back to the kitchen. I left my food uneaten and pushed past Holden as I exited. I was going to find the area the farmer had told me about.
After searching for hours, way at the far end of the valley, I believe I found the dragon’s cave. Or at least the cave where the dragon took the sheep to eat them. There was blood stained into the ground with bones littered about. In my haste this morning, I only brought my one sword and none of my daggers. I didn’t dare venture far into the cave. I’ll return tomorrow morning and I’ll be prepared.
Leon- dinner tonight was fresh lamb stew.
Quest Day 16
After a quick meal and shoving some bread that Merlin passed me into my bag, I left for the cave. Everything was gone, Leon. I know it was the same cave as yesterday but it was washed clean. Not a bone in sight and even the blood somehow vanished from the ground. I didn’t tell anyone what I had found last night and I know no one followed me. Something is going on here Leon. I know no one read it in these letters because I have not sent them in a few days. As you requested, I am keeping our communication down to once a week. I will get to the bottom of this, Leon.
Quest Days 17-19
I know I have not written in the past few days. I was still angry over the bones being moved and Holden seemed to be watching me. Every time I leave the inn, he blocks my path and asks me about my plans for the day.
The first day (Day 17) I told him a half-truth and I ended up with two other knights following me around. Even when I lie, other knights somehow track me. I have spent the past two days sneaking around, trailing backwards, and circling trying to lose people. I asked that my meals be brought up to my room thinking that I could catch Merlin for a few moments but an older woman brought them to me. The first time I tried asking her about Merlin but she just shook her head and said that Holden is always listening. She saw the confusion on my face and gave me a sad smile, saying that I had a noble heart. She did not speak to me the other times she brought my meals.
This morning, I saw Merlin cleaning alone downstairs and went to speak with him. Before I could speak, Holden barreled out of the kitchen calling Merlin to him. Holden thumped Merlin’s ear and started to yell about how lazy a worker he was; that this was why he would never pay back his mother’s debt. I got up and started to walk over- fire ready on my tongue- but Merlin shook his head and mouthed ‘later’. Holden glared at me as if he was daring me to walk over. Instead of beating him, I left the inn for the day. Once again, I did not find anything useful as I spent most of the day trying to lose the knights that followed me.
Leon, Merlin just left my room. Remember how I said, I did not find anything useful? Merlin is useful. And not the kind of useful you might be thinking of! I was a perfect knight. Usually I hear people passing my door on their way to their room but one second my door was shut and the next, I heard it's quiet click. I was polishing my sword so I was still awake. (REAL METAL SWORD LEON). I moved to disarm whomever entered my room but Merlin had quickly stepped out of my range. Merlin said that he was surprised I was so quick. I reminded him that I was a knight to which he replied that no knight had ever been able to catch him. We stared at each other for a bit before he started to ask me what I knew about the dragon. And Leon, I told him everything. I did not feel like I was compelled but I knew I could trust him. Once I was finished he nodded, brown eyes boring into mine. He said he trusted me then left without another word. Time passed so quickly when he was here that it is now early morning. I will get a few hours of sleep then set out in the morning.
Quest Day 20
Merlin was able to corner me on the stairwell before I left the inn this morning. He said tonight he’ll show me the dragon’s home. I am not allowed to bring my sword. Leon, I’m sorry but I agreed. I will let you know what I discover tomorrow.
“Merlin, I don’t understand why we had to sneak out of the village.” Arthur whispered. Too loud for Merlin apparently since he ‘shushed’ Arthur.
Arthur huffed, ignoring Merlin, he continued, “I don’t even understand how you can see. If I wasn’t holding onto your shirt, I would not be able to find my way.”
This time Merlin stopped short. Before Arthur could gasp a breath, Merlin had spun around and covered Arthur’s mouth with his hand. His body was pressed close to Arthur and Arthur had to force himself not to notice how perfectly Merlin fit against him. He had to force himself not to breathe deeply, not to inhale Merlin’s intoxicating scent of earth and forest. Arthur had to force himself not to notice the radiating heat coming from Merlin. How had he not noticed that Merlin was always so warm?
Merlin pressed lips to Arthur’s ear, “Holden mustn't hear or feel us leaving. Be still Arthur.”
Oh Arthur was still alright. He was so still that he was sure Merlin could feel his heartbeat. All too soon for Arthur’s taste, Merlin was pulling him again towards the edge of the village. His hand in Arthur’s as they traveled deep into the valley.
Arthur’s thoughts were racing, he couldn't figure out what Merlin meant when he said Holden musn’t feel them leaving. How could that greedy man be able to feel where Merlin was? Holden was a growing annoyance to Arthur but he was a common factor in everything that had happened since Arthur came to Ealdor.
Eventually, Merlin led him to a part of the valley that Arthur did not recognize. They stood quietly before a stream and Arthur took a breath to speak. Merlin squeezed his hand, shook his head, then pointed across the stream with his free hand. It was once they crossed the stream and stood at the mouth of the cave that Merlin let go of his hand. Arthur spoke first.
“Merlin, how can Holden feel and hear you? What debt do you owe him? I can help.”
Merlin smiled,“That’s what I’m counting on.”
And with that Merlin stepped further into the cave, waving at Arthur to stay back. Then in the blink of an eye, Arthur discovered his dragon.
It was Merlin. Merlin was the dragon.
And Arthur was the knight sent to slay him.