A/N: Here we are, the last chapter. *Sniff* It's been a little over a year- which is crazy to think about- but it's done! The sequels should be closer in length to Patient Zero, but we shall see. I'll probably take a little break and finish up other things before posting the next piece which will likely be called "Home Front". I'm planning to draw up a spoiler-y little timeline to show everyone what's been going on in the background while Arthur and Merlin were otherwise occupied. It will be posted on my twitter (CalderaIsland) and tumblr (caldera32) once complete. In the meantime, please feel free to check out my other writings (shameless self-promotion)!

Anonymous: Yes, the dragon summoning is the one Merlin uses in the series when he needs Kilgharrah's help (more than just calling him to talk). When the show already had a spell to suit the occasion I used that, but many of them I made myself using an Old English translator. Most of the longer ones are from the series (or modified versions of 'official' spells). Thanks for the support, I'm glad you're enjoying this :)

Arthur gasped as the clearing materialized around him, heart fit to burst from his harrowing experience.
That whirlwind thing was much better...

The concerned faces of Lord Rasner and son hovered above and he tried to expunge the panic from his expression as he sat up. All three were about to speak at once when an ear-shattering roar echoed through the trees. Arthur knew that sound. His ire rose for a moment only to drain away abruptly as he shook his head. Honestly, Merlin...

"Arthur?" There was only a slight tinge of fear in Lord Rasner's voice.

"Don't worry about it- I'm sure Merlin has everything in hand."
Great spouts of fire were visible in the distance, climbing high into the sky.
"See? Nothing to worry about."

The pair frowned uncertainly.

"Well, I suppose you would know better than we," Ardale offered, then froze, jaw falling slack in disbelief.
Arthur looked back to the sky, suspicions confirmed by the sight of the dragon flying toward them.

"Best move aside before we're crushed," he offered lightly as he made a dash for the edge of the forest.

The trio watched with poorly-concealed tension as the ancient creature landed in a gust of wind, Merlin laughing all the while.

"You should see your faces!" He crowed, nearly falling from his perch as he clutched his sides.

"Yes, very funny, Merlin. Now what?" Arthur glared.

"Climb up! Arthur, here with me; Ardale, you'll have to sit further back- Kilgharrah can carry your things so just leave them on the ground there."
The dragon snorted but picked up the small bundle of belongings in one claw, lowering himself so his two additional passengers could ascend.

"Are you sure this is safe?" The prince inquired- Ardale seemed too unsettled to speak.

"Of course! Just hold on tight," the warlock grinned mischievously, then sobered as he turned to the nobleman left below.
"Thank you for your help and support- we'll be in contact." Things will be different.

Gareth nodded, raising a hand in farewell as his eyes glistened.

"Now, to Camelot!" Merlin shouted.

Arthur's stomach remained in the dirt somewhere as the rest of him catapulted into the clouds and he tightened his grip- one arm around Merlin and one clutching a protruding scale. Once everything had settled- his stomach in its place and the dragon gliding smoothly rather than pumping his wings and moving them all up and down like ships on a rolling sea- his thoughts turned to a certain group of slave traders.

"Do you think we could pay someone else a visit first?"

Merlin looked back at him, eyebrow raised, then seemed to divine his meaning.
"I think that could be done. Kilgharrah?"

"I am aware of the place, young warlock. I will take you there- but you require rest first."

Arthur and Ardale had both startled at the rumble of the dragon's voice beneath them, barely holding in incredulous exclamations of "He can talk?"

"You- wait, what does he mean, Merlin? Are you injured?"

The servant waved off his brother's probing fingers. "Just tired- I've never done something quite like that before."

"What exactly did you do?"

The younger man puffed out his chest, proud of his accomplishment. "I said one spell aloud and cast a completely different one. Two, really- one to transport you, and one to create dust and make it look as if I had cast the other spell."

"That's... impressive," the royal offered, not really knowing one way or the other.

Merlin huffed, easily reading his brother's thoughts. "Yes, it is, and now my body is demanding its well-deserved rest. It took a lot to contain a powerful destructive spell that way. I'd appreciate it if you make sure I don't fall off before we arrive."

"What? You're just going to- Merlin?" The warlock was already asleep, body relaxing against Arthur's as the prince readjusted his hold to better secure the thin man.
He gave an exasperated sigh.

"Only you would start and end an adventure with an untimely nap."