AN: Merlin is the last dragonlord so there is no way he wouldn't feel the pain or have at some point got the feeling that something was wrong with Aithusa while her and Morgana were prisoners of Sarrum at least thats what I think. This story will follow that line of thought and takes place in between series 4 and series 5 about a month into Aithusa's captivity and if Morgana gets rescued at the same time she wouldn't have any complaints, right? Well maybe a few it IS Morgana :) Merlin will be very very angry and lose some control as a result when he discovers how Aithusa and Morgana have been treated. Depending on how this goes and how I enjoy writing there will be a sequel. Some Mergana toward the end and a reveal and Merlin BAMF and a bit of Dark Merlin but not going to the dark side and a good bit of angst :) Hope you guys will enjoy it as this is my first fic ever and first time ever trying to write a story for fun, ever so be nice and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated at least that means you reviewed ;-) And a big shout out to Moon Fox (who has some amazing stories posted I highly suggest checking them out they are great) for all the help she has given me without her encouragement and help I wouldn't have posted this so hopefully this won't suck :)

Updated now that I have a better grasp of writing ;) - 6/13

Disclaimer: I'm pretty sure I dont' own Merlin or things would have been much different. Don't own it

Confronted by the familiar smells he has grown to love and carrying far more than any man should be force to carry Merlin walked through corridors he knew by heart. Merlin recalled his best friend's words, which held such promise at the time. However, they appeared to have lost their meaning in the months since that night in the ancient castle sitting at the most famous round table in all of the world. A table that was to be the centerpiece of poems, fables and dreams for eternity.

"A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. And so it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now."

Daily, Merlin was confronted by the irony of that statement as he mucked out the stables, got yelled at for being the worst servant in all of Camelot or for speaking out of turn. Of all the participants in that moment his was the only station that remained the same; yet his destiny is the greatest of them all. Without Emrys they would all have been dead many times over. Merlin loved his life in Camelot and had a strong group of friends and brothers but he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. His magical senses indicated that something was going to happen soon and he was nervous. Something that might change everything.

The warlock flung his load down with more force than necessary after he got to his room. Then he stared longingly out of his small window at the town below before he jumped into his bed and fell into a deep sleep.

...All he feels is intense pain his body aching in places he wasn't even aware existed the air smells of sweat, human waste and he is aware of the the smallest trace of what smells like roses, also there was the faint sound of crying. Turning his head he notices a dark form in the shape of a human being. Looking up there is a sound of scraping and then a bright light and from the edge. A face peers down and sneers.

"Sleep well my lady?"

A high pitched screech, which seems to have come from him, makes the man start but the evil grin returns right away. The light illuminates what looks to be a pit but what is really interesting is seeing his hands, they are scaly white claws. Looking around his prison there appears to be a white leather wing attached behind him. Before the question can even form in his mind the world turns to black once again and he hears a familiar voice soothing him saying "It's alright Aithusa, please calm down please..."

Merlin bolted upright screaming, drenched in sweat, he looked around recognizing the familiar sights of his small room and realized he was still in Camelot. The candles in the room flared to life as the gold faded from Merlin's eyes and he buried his face in his hands. The warlock pondered his dream and shivered at the implications. What could this mean? It felt so real, but how is that possible? Aithusa was with Kilgharrah and there is no way he would allow someone to capture her, right?

For a second Merlin considered waking Gaius to discuss his dream but thought better of it. He had to speak with someone regarding the dream or was it a vision? A pained groan escaped from his mouth realizing there was only one thing to do. Kilgharrah could tell him if Aithusa was missing. Merlin marveled at how easy it was for him to sneak out of the castle and made a mental note to speak with Arthur. Although, it could make his extracurricular activities more difficult. It was entirely too easy to sneak in and out of the castle, where did they find these clueless guards? A short distance from the castle he shouted to the sky to call his friend and kin.

A short time later Merlin felt a familiar presence in the back of his mind. As he looked up to the sky he saw a familiar silhouette, Kilgharrah. After Kilgharrah landed Merlin stroked his snout with deep affection shining in his eyes.

A few moments later Kilgharrah asked, "Why have you called me young warlock?"

"I had a disturbing vision…" Merlin groused.

Lifting an eyebrow Kilgharrah growled, "This must have been quite the vision for you to call me to discuss it?"

Merlin rolled his eyes, "Yes it was about Aithusa...you know I would only seek your guidance if it was important."

Merlin spoke a couple of words in the old tongue and his eyes flared gold looking into Kilgharrah's eyes he shared his vision with the dragon. When they reached the start of the screeching the ancient dragon shuddered and let out a low growl.

After Kilgharrah experienced the dream he let loose a roar that would shake mortals to their core which Merlin ignored, "Kilgharrah I am worried for Aithusa. I thought you were watching her; where is she?"

Kilgharrah answers, "I know not where the youngling is. I have not seen her in over a month."

Eyes alight with suppressed rage Merlin scolds, "A MONTH! I thought you were watching her!"

With a puff of smoke Kilgharrah exclaimed, "Young dragons must explore their world, young warlock, and a month is but a moment in time to one that has lived for centuries and what have you done for her young dragonLORD!"

"Enough! We have both failed Aithusa in this case, please locate her and let me know what you discover."

"As you wish dragonlord."

Without another word the Great Dragon flapped his wings and disappeared in search of his ward. Merlin watched the dragon for a while lost in his guilt over Aithusa's predicament and the dark figure with a hauntingly familiar voice. Where had he heard that voice before...?

Each step toward the castle brought a new level of angst. Merlin was sure he wasn't getting much sleep this night.

Despite his words to the contrary Kilgharrah was torn with guilt and fear over Aithusa. Reaching out with his draconic senses he felt a familiar presence far to the north. The closer he got the more pain and fear he felt, his rage growing. As he flew over the kingdom of Amata he began receiving images of torture which gave him an uncontrollable urge to incinerate everything in sight. After he discerned what happened to Aithusa, Kilgharrah flew back toward Camelot raging at the world of man.

Merlin sat in bed reading his spell book to distract him from thoughts of Aithusa, his magic roiled beneath his skin as the minutes passed. He struggled to keep a rein on his magic. After an hour he began pacing in his room clenching his fists repeatedly feeling inexplicable rage which continued growing until a couple of jars shattered. Confused and scared, unable to explain what was happening to him Merlin understood he had to calm himself before he truly lost control of his magic so he sat on his bed closed his eyes and began a deep meditation to calm his raging magic before he got himself arrested.