A/N: Welp... its extremely late because life is terrible at times but better late than never! As I said, I never intended to give up on this story! Now to a possible sequel? Who knows! I have ideas and a possible outline already figured out but I am currently writing something else so if I do it won't be for some time.

Key to Format

Characters speaking in "English"

Characters speaking in "Norse"

'Norse Thoughts, English thoughts'

Flashback

"Dragon"

"Magic"

Camelot

Days turned into weeks following the fight against Morgana's army and the dragon hunters. The hunters had been more resourceful than the Knights of Camelot had given them credit for: traps and other dangers were still being found outside Camelot's walls. The first of these many traps had been found by Elyan who was unfortunate enough to step into one and remain bedridden for a week after.

The trap had been a simple mechanism meant to harm a dragon, with dragon root arrows launched from a hidden catchment. Two such arrows had become lodged deep in Elyan's right leg. Luckily, Mordred had been with the Knight and had been able to heal the wound slightly and diminish the severity of it until the man could be transported to Gaius's quarters. Due to the numerous traps in the area, Merlin had made sure to send KIlgharrah and Aithusa away. The city was completely devoid of buffeting winds after the Berkians returned home.

Having just returned to Gauis's chamber after checking on Elyan's leg, his leather medical kit held over his right shoulder, Merlin was about to open the door when a guard came rushing up.

"My lord," the guard saluted after quickly catching his breathe. Merlin hid a cringe as the man continued. "His majesties have requested your presence at the Round Table," blinking in surprise at the sudden summons, Merlin dismissed the guard back to his duties. Hefting the back up onto his shoulder, Merlin quickly made his way through the castle halls, passing guard and maid as he went. He noted how a few of them would glance his way and then quickly look away or some would give him wider berth in the hall then before. He sighed as he walled, moving closer to the right wall and hugging the side as he continued on, keeping quiet.

The council had more or less revealed Merlin's magic to the citadel with their whispers. As such, the news was slowly percolating through the staff. The staff's words had not yet reached the city itself, meaning the lower town was still unaware of his magic. However, the people were fully aware of his Dragonlord heritage. Many outside had yet to connect that to the possibility of having magic. However, the fact that they still had a Master of Dragon's in the walls of Camelot made many uneasy. The staff of the castle were now wearier of Merlin than ever, many not speaking with him unless having to. However, the backlash was not as bad as he had expected. He had a few issues with a group of Knights early on but that was quickly squashed by Arthur's intervention on Merlin's behalf.

Coming up to the main doors, the two guards stationed outside closed the door behind him as he entered. Arthur and Gwen were standing just behind the table while Gaius was already in his normal seat.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up…" Arthur said with humor, though his eyes questioned Merlin's choice of wardrobe with a quick up and down. A quick shrug of his shoulders was his only response to the silent question, causing Arthur to scowl.

"Actually looks like I'm early," Merlin said, gesturing to the entirely empty table.

"I wanted to speak with you first before the others arrived. I just sent for everyone else," Arthur said, causing Merlin's hand to fall back to his side in dawning understanding: Arthur had cornered him. Grumbling about suddenly very smart, tricky Kings, Merlin made his way to the seat at Arthur's right.

"How's Elyan?" Gwen asked, moving to Merlin's side to take the bag from his shoulder. Merlin was going to fight it but one look from Gwen and he decided to let her be the servant for a moment. He took a seat with Arthur as Gwen moved to place the bag in the back of the room before rejoining them.

"He is doing much better. Two more days and he should be able to start walking on that leg again," Merlin said once Gwen had claimed her seat on Arthur's other side.

"I'm sure he's none to happy about that…"

"Kicking and screaming the whole time," Merlin said with a wicked grin. Gwen's laughter filled the space for a moment before Merlin sighed and gave his attention to Arthur who sat with his arms crossed.

"What did you want to talk with me about?"

"How are you?"

"Oh well you know… the weather is terribly hot this time of year. All this running around is doing a number on my health. I could certainly do with a raise and maybe a few more days off but otherwise…" A light hit to his left shoulder stopped Merlin's rambling.

"I think you know what I actually mean?" Arthur said after a moment, quieter and with a tone of silent urging.

"Its getting better…"

"No one else has…"

"No! No one has given me any trouble since that one time. People are just avoiding me is all but I expected that. Certainly better than them chasing me from the castle," Merlin said with a laugh that didn't quick sound right to his own ears. The grimace on Arthur's face, the raised eyebrow from Gauis, and the look of concern on Gwen's face certainly proved that it hadn't. Lowering his head into his arms on the table, Merlin let the cold wooden surface cool off his face. A warm hand landed on his shoulder.

"It will get better, my boy," Gauis sound softly, and Merlin silently latched onto his mentor's words.

"Now," Arthur said, his sudden change in tone foretelling a change in topic. "Why are you wearing those g-ds forsaken clothes?"

"Did something happen to yours again?" Gwen asked carefully as Merlin tensed up at the memory. The incident with the Knights came to mind as they had brandished their swords at the Warlock. Thankfully, Merlin had managed to evade worse injury, but not before his nicer clothes took some choice slashes. Lifting his head, he turned to look at the two Monarchs at his side.

"No. I thought maybe if I looked like I used to, like a simple servant again, they would realize the Magic didn't make me any different," he said softly, watching as the Queen and King both softened their gazes.

"I think that is a wonderful idea, Merlin," Gwen said.

"Yes. But let's not make it a habit? I would still like you in your other clothes for certain obligations," Arthur said, compromising. Merlin could only agree. While he wanted the staff of the castle to see him one way, he had to still keep up an image with the nobles and elder council men. Merlin really hated castle politics.

"What is this meeting you called?" Merlin asked, deciding it was time for another change in topic.

"Leon returned with the latest patrol only an hour ago," Arthur said, his arms moving to the table, fingers entwining over the wooden surface.

"What did they find?" Arthur only shook his head.

"I don't know yet. Leon asked to report his findings to the entire round table."

"That's…"

"Unusual. Especially for Leon; however, I trust his judgement." It was at this point that the large wooden doors began to open. Arthur fell silent as the round table began to finally form. Gwaine, Percival, Sir Kay, Leon, a number of other Knights and a few members of the older council began to take their seats.

"Emrys," Merlin looked up to catch Mordred walking into the hall. A quick nod of acknowledgment to the younger Warlock. Since the reveal of Merlin, Mordred had been more quiet than usual. Luckily for Mordred, the Knights were being sent out on more and more missions so Merlin hadn't seen much of Mordred within the Citadel. Since Arthur needed Merlin within the citadel, Mordred had been sent out with a retinue of Knights to try and find the missing Druids.

"Any luck?" Instead of a response, Mordred only smiled in response as he took a seat at the table. Merlin let out a sigh of relief which Arthur easily heard. Turning his head slightly, Arthur raised an eyebrow in question. Merlin just shook his head, before gesturing with his head towards Mordred. Arthur's eyes widened marginally, telling only Merlin, who sat close enough, that Arthur understood.

As the final people began to take their seats, Arthur stood.

"I apologize for calling you all so suddenly. However, a patrol has just returned from the Northern forest and I have been told that their report is to be shared with the entirety of the round table." With that, Arthur gestured to Leon who stood as Arthur sat back in his sit. Leon gave a quick bow of his head to the two seated Monarchs.

"We were patrolling the Northern plains, along our borders with Caerleon, when we were hailed by a patrol. When we approached, they had news. Apparently ships were seen sailing away from their northern coast… ships with flags depicting a dragon with a sword and an arrow piercing its body. From what Hiccup had told us, the dragon hunter's had similar flags as their mark. From what we can tell, they must have fled around Caerleon, through the southern portions of the Perilous Lands, to reach Caerleon's northern shores without their notice. We also," Leon paused here into the still silence of the room to reach into a pouch at his side. Drawing his hand out, he put his closed fist onto the table. "While there, the patrol mentioned that people from Camelot had fled into Caerleon. It appears that Queen Annis has given the Druids safe sanctum for the time being after their camp was destroyed," at this Arthur visibly sighed with relief. "They said they would be escorting them back into our borders soon now that the threat has been stopped."

"Anything else?" Arthur asked.

"That was all they had to tell us. Though, they did have this to give," with that, Leon unclenched his hand and left whatever he had been holding on the table's surface.

Within seconds, Merlin was out of his seat and running to where Leon stood. The complete broach of propriety was clearly heard in a few of the elder Knights and councilmen's whispered comments but Merlin heard nothing. Sitting on the table before him was an item that made him want to recoil back and yet he stood rooted to the spot beside it. Clear opal in appearance, the stone sat innocent on the table. The enchantment Merlin felt within was long used, but he could still feel traces of its magic.

"What is it?" Arthur asked from the other side of the table.

"I don't know, sire," Leon said, "they said that Iseldir had asked them to give it to us…"

"How would that Druid have known…" a councilman began to argue but was quickly stopped by a look from Arthur.

"It's an enchanted stone," Mordred suddenly spoke up. All eyes moving towards the youngest Knight in attendance who began to fidget with the attention. "According to the Caerleon Knight's, Iseldir said that this stone was what had led the enemy to the Druid's camp…"

"Is it still…" Arthur began, directing his attention to Merlin who gingerly picked the stone up in his hands before shaking his head.

"Whatever this enchantment was meant to do, it's been used up," Merlin explained, the room breathing a sigh of relief.

"So it was planted on someone and used to alert the army where the Druids camp was," Arthur surmised.

"Or someone willingly took it with them…" A voice spoke up. All eyes turned to face Gwaine, leaning back in his chair so the front two legs were off the ground.

"What are you suggesting?" Arthur slowly asked.

"I don't know for sure," Gwaine said with a careless shrug, "It's certainly possible that someone betrayed the Druids though. Who, besides a select few, and the Druid's themselves could have known the location of such a well-hidden camp? How else could that stone have made it onto a person?" The silence that pervaded the room next was deafening.

Berk

Their return had been exuberant and filled with festivities as the Village went full party mode the moment they landed. Piles of fish were laid out for the dragons who were all too happy to partake. Hiccup was sitting at one of the tables in the Great Hall with the Stoick, Gobber and the other dragon riders. Hiccup reached for a large leg of meat that was mixed in with the food placed haphazardly between the tables. From Hiccup's left, Stoick suddenly stood.

"Today is a day of celebration!" He bellowed to the room, stopping all conversations. "Our riders have returned safely and we have been extended a full alliance with the Kingdom of Camelot. Though they are not here, today, we celebrate our new allies." A cheer was quickly sent up throughout the room; drinks were shared and spilled in merriment. As Stoick sat back down, a drink in hand, Hiccup couldn't help but notice that his father seemed withdrawn instead of truly happy. He was about to bring it up when he noticed the excitement at the table. The twins had just challenged Snotlout to an eating contest and Gobber was rooting them on. As laughter filled the space, and a small smile formed on his father's face, he decided to save the questions for later.

The party went on late into the early morning. Once many had fallen asleep within the hall or finally dragged home by a family member, Hiccup bid Astrid a goodnight. A quick peck on the cheek saw him walking back to his own home with Toothless yawning at his side. Wondering where his father had vanished to halfway through the night, he pushed open his front door to a half lit room.

"Dad?" Hiccup could only ask as he gingerly entered the main room. Stoick was standing behind the wooden table. As Hiccup walked into the suddenly solemn room, he watched as his father, without a word, placed a well-worn and old leather book on the table.

"I can only assume that the Great Dragon already told you?"

"That our family was once dragonlords? He may have mentioned it." Though he tried to keep any skepticism from his voice, he knew he failed when his father looked away. "Dad… did you…?"

"No! No, Hiccup. I had no idea." The sincerity he heard in his father's voice was impossible to ignore and he couldn't stop the sigh of relief from falling from his lips. The book on the table was suddenly pushed against the hard surface towards him. His father's hand was just barely touching the books spine, a barely visible shake to his hand as he slowly drew it back to his side.

"After you left, I had Gobber help me look through our archives." He began, his eyes trained on the table's surface. "Many of our texts and records were destroyed during the Purge but I had managed to hide away a few of them. When we went looking, I stumbled across this. Many of the pages are unreadable, but, well, son, just have a look." His father then pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down. Stoick put his head in his hands on the table's surface. Hiccup knew he wasn't going to get anything else out of his father. Reaching for the book, he pulled it the rest of the way across the table before lightly opening the front cover. The book had certainly seen better days. The cover itself was singed in multiple places and the leather was torn and beaten both inside and out. The pages within had fared even less. Many were charred or torn as he gingerly turned one page after the next. Eventually, he found a page that appeared legible and almost immediately he felt his body tense for the first word his eyes zeroed onto. Gulping, he read the small entry.

'Vortigern's army is increasing in strength each day. We have already lost a good many men to Valhalla. The dragons…they are our protectors, but I don't know how much more they can…'

Trying to read the remaining words proved fruitless and Hiccup grudgingly moved onto the next page. The words were scratched out and the page nearly torn in half. The next page had clearly been torn out. The next entry he managed to find was much larger.

'He came to us only a fortnight ago… He asked to speak with me alone. His demands are high but how can I refuse? To choose not to pass on our heritage or watch my people burn? He gave me a week to decide…We shall see what comes morning. We have stood our ground up until now. I only pray to the G-ds I will not have to make such a choice…'

Brow furrowing, Hiccup tried to understand what that could mean.

'The southern clans have been almost entirely wiped out… I had no choice but to break the connection. Vortigern swore that Berk would come to no harm once the choice was made. But I fear the choice may have worse consequences…'

Hiccup continued to flip pages but no more were legible. Though the dates were barely visible, he could tell that years were turning to decades as he continued to flip the damaged pages. Finally, he found the last legible page.

'It had been a mistake. The dragons, they saw it as a betrayal. It has been years since my father made the choice to dissolve our Dragonlord abilities. Without the Dragonlords, without the connection, the dragons have begun to forget. They have begun to forget themselves. Now, I fear we will begin to do the same. I'm sorry… I only hope that peace may one day return.'

His eyes widened as he saw the only visible name written at the base of the page: 'Haddock'

They sat in silence until the sun had slowly begun its ascent. As the shadows began to diminish within the room, Hiccup finally looked up from the page that was now marked with two silent water drops.

"Peace will return," he said, his voice soft in the stillness. His father's eyes rose to meet his and the silence that greeted him was only belied by the hard nod that was sent his way. That was as all the agreement that he needed. Hiccup attempted to pass the book back across the table towards his father when a hand pushed the book back into his arms.

"It belongs to you now," Stoick said simply. Hiccup could only nod as he gently placed the book into his bag. He opened his mouth to speak when a sudden growl stopped him. He and Stoick looked to Toothless who was staring at the front door.

"What's the matter, bud?" Hiccup asked, even as he pulled out his sword from his belt and Stoick pulled an axe from the wall. Instead of giving any sort of response, Toothless stalked forwards, his growl turning to a near roar as he suddenly sprinted, rushing the door.

The door slammed open with the dragon's weight. A sudden scream reached Hiccup's ears and he was at the door, Stoick just behind him in the next moment. He quickly ignited the fire on his blade to see better in the still fading darkness. Toothless was just outside the building, his body hiding whatever poor prey he had just tackled.

"Hiccup! Get him off!" Hiccup nearly fell face first as the familiar voice reached his ears. Sharing a startled look with his father, Hiccup quickly rushed to Toothless's side and pushed the dragon off, allowing the figure to stand and dust off his already disheveled and dirty figure.

"What the hell do ya think you are doing here?" Stoick nearly snarled, raising his axe towards the figure who was pushing back his unruly red hair.

"I'm not here to make trouble. I swear!" He pleaded to the three angry figures that faced him. "I actually need some help…" Hiccup, after hearing this, could say only one word as he finally processed who now stood before him.

"Dagur?"