Tales of the Lorekeepers 01 - Rise of the Red Dragon

Samuel was none other than Uther Pendragon, whose son would become the most famous king of all Britain: Arthur.
    Samuel could not believe his eyes. He was in the presence of characters from whom a whole mythology would be born. His head spun. The legend he had to defend was the Arthurian myth. Maybe it was the one that started it all, the original story. However, with the excitement of this discovery came the weight of his responsibilities. This was not a trivial legend or a simple rehearsal for a new Lorekeeper. This was the real deal, one of the cornerstones for the future of a whole country.
    “We’ve asked you to join us,” announced Master Blaise, “because it’s only fair that you take part in the discussion regarding the fate of our people. You have come a long way to achieve your goal, and fought valiantly against our enemies, even when every hope looked to be lost. Your leader, Kaleb, has explained to us the situation at the army camp. You seek to get back to your commander with this young boy, so he can free Dinas Ffaraon of the curse that dwells there. However, we do not agree on whether or not we shall permit it. Perhaps you can help us reach a decision that will be final.
    “Actually,” Uther cut in, “we think it’s bloody stupid to let Myrddin go.”
    “Brother, please,” said Ambrosius. “They are merely messengers. There is no need to get hostile toward them.”
    Darroch was visibly impressed to be in the presence of the one he so proudly referred to as his king.
    “If I may,” he said, “I only want you to know, my king, that not all of us see the traitor Vortigern as our commander.”
    “I thank you, good man.”
    Ambrosius stood up and paced slowly around the group, weighing his words and trying to find a solution to their predicament. It was obvious to everyone present that Myrddin was special, and Samuel could hardly blame them for being cautious regarding the fate of this young boy.
    “I’m sure everyone here wishes only the best for our people,” continued Ambrosius. “Nonetheless, we also have to protect Myrddin. As you all know, he is a special boy, who still has a lot to accomplish, if we believe the scriptures of our ancestors. We cannot blatantly send him to the wolves, without any protection. We have to consider the possibility that Vortigern will want to harm the boy, if only to draw me and my brother out of hiding. We have discussed the many options facing Vortigern, and we have to assume that one of them includes sacrificing Myrddin in order to appease ancient gods. Of course, we cannot allow that to happen.”
    “Do you really believe there is such a curse on the place?” asked Malloy.
    “Of course there is,” answered Myrddin. “You have been to the hillside yourself. You’ve experienced what lies underneath the hill, that which comes alive at night. I’ve seen it in my dreams. Vortigern and his friends think my blood will remove the curse, but they are wrong. There is only one way to break the spell on Dinas Ffaraon.” He turned to Ambrosius. “You know I can help them. It has to be done, Ambrosius, so why do you oppose it?”
    “Because you’re too important, Myrddin,” answered the king. “I will not risk your life for a prophecy, one that we don’t even know is true.”
    “Isn’t that what prophecies are all about?” asked Master Blaise.
    “We can protect him, my lord,” said Kaleb. “Freston’s bow is unmatched by anyone, and our swords are steady and accurate. Even the young Samuel can incapacitate scores of men without even killing them. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”
    Samuel felt a little uneasy with this sudden mark of recognition.
    “Not to mention the valiant Malloy,” added Atwood. “He took down a giant who was completely clad in metal. He fought him like a lion and prevailed over this impossible foe.”
    Ambrosius stopped and looked at Malloy.
    “Yes, we saw that. Very impressive, young man. Still, you will be no match against Vortigern and his entire army, if they decide to harm Myrddin.”
    Suddenly, Samuel realized that the young boy who would become Merlin was not paying attention to the conversation. He was staring back at Samuel, studying him.
    Samuel held his breath, completely paralyzed. Myrddin was still only a child, but his powers were decidedly real. The Lorekeeper did not know if it was a spell or merely the myth of Merlin that prevented him from moving a muscle, but he remained immobile for a long time,