by Tom Larcombe
He led them down another hall behind whose door hid a barracks-style sleeping chamber. After they settled in Praesagium and Anguis left the chamber. Merlin, curiosity being his major weakness, cracked the door a little and peered out. He wanted to listen and learn all that he could. When the first thing he saw was a shimmer about Praesagium's human seeming that grew and grew, then disappeared to reveal a massive silver-blue dragon, he changed his mind.
Merlin tried to sleep, but the sight of a dragon so close brought back memories from his childhood that left him shivering with fear. He tossed and turned in his bed, eventually falling into a restless sleep that was full of dreams. He dreamed of dragons, both those who tried to eat him physically and those who tried to devour his life with demands that he be more than he was.
* * *
Chapter 7
Merlin was awoken from a restless sleep by a thump on his chest. He blinked his eyes groggily and opened them to find Anguis staring at him from less than a hand-span away.
{Good morning Merlin.} the little dragon sent.
“Good morning to you also, Anguis.” Merlin said.
{Would Nimue be mad if I woke her the same way?}
“I think that if she were, she'd get over it quickly when you communicated with her.”
Anguis launched himself off of Merlin's chest and flew over to Nimue. She startled slightly as he landed and moments later she gasped.
“You can talk! I mean, you can communicate better,” she said.
Anguis inhaled. This was something new to Merlin, in all the time he'd known Anguis, the dragon had never breathed.
“Talk poor, mind sspeech sstrong,” Anguis said, a bit of sibilance in his speech.
It was obvious that the little dragon needed to work hard to speak aloud. But his mental communication was so much improved that neither Merlin nor Nimue worried about his speech.
The first part of the morning was filled with conversation, of a sorts, with Anguis. Questions and answers flew back and forth between the married wizards and the little dragon. Gunter wondered at the silence until Anguis took a moment to demonstrate his new communication skills. After that Gunter only smiled bemusedly as the dragon flew back and forth between the two wizards.
Praesagium entered the room about an hour after they woke up. He looked tired and his gait was slower than the day before.
“You don't look so well, didn't you sleep?” Merlin asked.
“We dragons do not need to sleep, although we do at times. I am tired though, I just returned from flying a patrol on the surrounding coast. No German ships today, or at least not this morning.”
“Then you really have sunk several German ships in this area?” Nimue said.
“Yes, several ships and a pair of U-boats.”
“How does a dragon sink a ship?” she asked.
“Magic,” Praesagium replied, “I use magic to help me carry massive stones.”
“How heavy a stone do you need to sink a U-boat?” Merlin mused aloud.
“Two tons seems to do it without fail.”
Merlin shook his head as he calculated the amount of magic needed to haul a two ton boulder aloft.
“I thought you said that Ave was causing problems by using her magic herself,” he said.
“She uses all of her magic for herself. I use only a part of mine, more is spilled about the land even when I fly heavily laden. Now, please come with me. I need to eat and I'm sure that all of you are hungry as well.”
They moved to the third corridor they saw the previous night. Behind its door was a dining room. The rough, rocky walls contrasted with the fine furniture and tableware. No-one cared though as the scent of seafood permeated the air.
Praesagium took the covers off of several platters on the table to reveal fish, crab, and eggs.
“I took the time to do a little hunting on the way back from my patrol. Most of the time I would simply eat my catch on the spot but with guests and all...”
He began to serve out the food. Silence reigned for several minutes, broken only by the clink of tableware and the sound of chewing.
Praesagium was the first to lean back and relax.
“So, did you have any other questions for me?”
Merlin swallowed and spoke.
“Is that all the food you need? It doesn't seem like enough considering how tired you looked a bit ago.”
Praesagium chuckled.
“Not quite the type of question I was thinking of. I would normally eat all my catch on the spot. This time, I only ate part and brought the rest back to prepare for you.”
“I apologize,” Merlin said. “I have an insatiable curiosity and tend to ask the questions in the foremost of my mind.”
“I'm guessing that mine will be more along the lines of what you had in mind,” Nimue said. “The Germans have aircraft, is there anything a dragon in flight could do against them?”
“Are they flammable? If so, then yes. I am sure you have all heard tales of fire-breathing dragons. Those are rooted in truth. Some dragons have that ability. Others are able to duplicate it with magic. So, there are those who could be very effective against aircraft,” Praesagium answered.
The questions and answers went on until nearly lunchtime, Merlin's were a mix of both practical and whimsical, Nimue's were all practical. Gunter finally volunteered several questions about the vulnerability of dragons to anti-aircraft fire and the amount of weight a dragon could carry on a long flight.
“The ultimate in long range aerial bombing,” he said after receiving his answer. “No need to refuel the way planes do and if the dragon has magic, they can create shields against anti-aircraft fire.”
Lunch was a light meal of bread and cheese, eaten on the walk back to the small village. When they were within sight of the village, Praesagium bid them farewell.
“Tell your superior that I am already working for his country. I shall keep this coast as clear as I can but I will not leave Wales for any reason. The land here is alive with my magic and I can feel it. I shall not flee my land again.”
“Farewell, Praesagium,” Merlin called.
“Fare thee well Merlin, feel free to bring Anguis back any time. He is wonderful company.”
The small group turned back towards the city. They were met by Grigor, Gwyddon, and Brenda as they entered the pub.
* * *
“So, how did it go?” Brenda asked.
“We talked. We learned much of Ave and dragons in general that we can put to use,” Nimue replied.
“Could you be any less specific?”
“About what Brenda? About the abilities of dragons? About the lack of them nowadays? What do you want to hear of?”
Brenda subsided, apparently searching her mind for a more specific question. The beer from the pub was just as good as Merlin remembered from the day before and he nursed one as he considered his next move. His thoughts were interrupted when Brenda finally thought of a specific question.
“So, why did he agree to talk with you?” she asked.
Merlin scratched Anguis' neck.
“It was a combination. Anguis here was part of it,” Merlin said. “The rest regarded a prophecy he thinks we are to fulfill.”
Brenda's look told Merlin that she had no idea what he was talking about.
“Prophecy? What prophecy?” she said.
“I'm sorry, but if Praesagium didn't tell you of it himself, then it's not my place to do so.”
Brenda glared at him before lapsing into a surly silence.
“So, are we to return to Gaerwen today?” Gunter asked.
“No, we'll return tomorrow morning,” Grigor answered. “This time of year storms can come up suddenly and we'd not want to be on the road in the dark and risk one. We'll leave first thing in the morning. Besides, that will give time for the recruits to finish gathering.”
“I'd forgotten that,” Gunter replied, “perhaps intentionally. The joys of herding new recruits across the country are not to be over
estimated. Especially when the recruits have magical abilities.”
“Gunter,” Merlin said in mock shock, “I do believe that was dry wit on a level with the British.”
“No need to be insulting, Merlin. I shepherded individual wizard recruits for years. I'm not looking forward to doing so with a group of twenty-five.”
Grigor chuckled, a raspy sound like the rustling of paper.
“You know what you're up against then. I did the same myself back during the Great War. That's an experience I'll never forget. Get them to fear you, then get them to their destination before the fear fades. That's the way to do it.”
Gunter turned to Grigor and the two began their own side conversation.
Gwyddon turned to Merlin.
“I understand that you can't answer Brenda's question. Praesagium's business is his own and not ours to snoop in. Can you tell us what you will be doing based on what you've learned though?”
Merlin turned to Nimue, she signaled her agreement and he nodded his head gently.
“We'll be entering the heart of Germany to determine a way to drain a centuries-old spell and free the dragons.”
Gwyddon chuckled momentarily before looking at Merlin's face. Once he did, the chuckle broke off abruptly.
“You're serious?”
“The Germans have a dragon working with them. It's quite insane and very powerful. We need to do something about it and since that's who created the spell we need to drain, we'll get to strike two blows in one pass.”
“Who will go?”
“I will. I'm sure Nimue will insist on accompanying me. Gunter probably will, although it will be his choice. Anguis must go as well for reasons I'll not mention.”
“A small group. Perhaps that would work better than a larger one.”
“We'll go in disguise and, hopefully, with the assistance of some of those in the area who disagree with the Germans.”
Nimue nodded.
“The Maquis will not deny me aid should I request it.”
“They are one group that may aid us,” Merlin said. “Should we encounter Rom still in Germany, they would most likely be willing to assist as well.”
Gwyddon nodded thoughtfully.
“I'd not like to be one of the ones going but you just may have a chance if you can remain undetected long enough.”
“That's my hope,” Merlin said. “Enough about that though. Does this public house serve food as well as beer?”
* * *
When darkness fell, Anguis landed on Merlin's shoulder.
{Merlin, may I fly back to visit Praesagium overnight?}
{Yes, but be back early. I don't know exactly when we're leaving.}
{Thank you.}
Anguis took flight. Merlin saw a flash of silver exit the window and thought.
He's faster now as well as better able to communicate. I wonder what other changes Praesagium wrought?
Merlin managed to negotiate the use of a room for himself and Nimue by telling the owner of the establishment that they were on their honeymoon. The two excused themselves early in the evening and retired to their room.
“I'm amazed you married me knowing that I couldn't have children. I saw the way you looked at all of them out in the village,” Nimue said.
“You think you can't have children. We aren't sure of that though, are we? Even if you were sure you couldn't, I still would've married you.”
“I'm sure. I tried and tried for a long time. Trust me, if I could get pregnant, I would have.”
Merlin shrugged.
“If you can't, you can't. If we want to raise children, there are sure to be many orphans created by this war. They'll need a place to stay and we can provide for some of them. Perhaps there will even be children of wizards who are orphaned. Those couldn't be placed with ordinary people, it might cause problems.”
“It really doesn't bother you?” Nimue asked. “I would've liked to bear your children.”
“What bothers me is that it bothers you. I'm sure that any child of yours would be wonderful. But if it can't be then it can't. If we want children and can't have them, there will always be unwanted children we can raise as our own. That's something I'm sure hasn't changed through the years.”
Nimue stood and walked over to Merlin. She wrapped her arms around him and sank into his embrace.
“Thank you for accepting me as I am,” she whispered in his ear.
“It's my pleasure. Emphatically so,” Merlin replied.
They heard the sounds from the pub late into the night. Evidently it was as popular as Merlin felt it should be, at least in the evenings.
Merlin woke to a scratching at the shutters of the window. He was slightly groggy from not enough sleep and he shook his head to clear it. He slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Nimue, and walked to the window. When he opened it he blinked, trying to resolve what he saw.
“Anguis? You've grown. You're half again as large as you were yesterday.”
The answering smile on the dragon's face told Merlin just how Anguis felt about the situation.
“What's that on your back?” Merlin asked.
Anguis twisted his neck and used his mouth to remove a small package from his back. He held it out and dropped it in Merlin's outstretched hand.
Merlin untied the twine about the burlap wrapping. Two silver-blue scales and a piece of paper were contained within. He unfolded the note and read.
'Merlin:
Just because I shan't leave Wales doesn't mean parts of me can't. Take these scales. You said one like them led you to look for me. So you know what use they can be put to.
Praesagium
P.S. - I apologize about Anguis. I fear I may have been too enthusiastic in my efforts to make him more than he was. I suggest feeding him iron, silver, or any of the things Nimue used in his creation. He will be voracious for a while as he grows.'
Merlin closed the window behind Anguis and sat down on the edge of the bed. Anguis hopped onto his shoulder and wrapped himself around Merlin's neck, taking his habitual form of a torque. Merlin twisted his head and spoke.
“If you get any larger, and it sounds as though you will, we'll have to find a new place for you to ride. Perhaps as a belt?”
Anguis nodded his head once, then went still. Merlin felt a sense of exhaustion from the small dragon.
Makes sense, I imagine it takes a lot of energy to grow like that. I'll need to find him something to eat. Praesagium's note made it sound as though metals will be his preferred diet. That could be difficult considering the war effort. Maybe Anguis will be fine with pieces of scrap that can't be reused or metal rusted beyond use. I'll have to ask him about that later, Merlin thought.
Merlin quickly dressed and then, cautiously, leaned over Nimue and shook her shoulder.
“Time to get up. The sun has already risen and they'll be looking for us soon,” he said softly.
Nimue murmured something he couldn't make out then abruptly sat up. Merlin's lecherous appreciation of the skin uncovered led her to pull the blanket up over her torso.
“None of that, you old goat. You're the one that said they'll be looking for us soon,” she said.
“I was just looking. Can I help it if I appreciate the female form? Especially yours?”
Merlin did his best to look innocent, and failed miserably. Through his ensuing laughter he continued.
“I did say they'll be looking for us soon and while I would love to dally, I wouldn't have gotten dressed if I thought we had enough time to do so.”
Nimue waved a hand in dismissal.
“Shoo, go down and tell them I'll join you in a moment.”
Merlin gave a melodramatic sigh and headed for the door. Just before he opened it, he peered back over his shoulder. Nimue caught his look and let the blanket fall, smiling wickedly when he broke into a grin. Then she waved her hand at him again and started gathering her clothes.
Merlin headed downstairs and found the rest of the party there. Gunter
and Grigor seemed much the worse for wear.
“Indulged a bit too much last night Gunter?” Merlin asked, a touch louder than normal.
Gunter winced away from the loud voice before looking up at Merlin.
“Grigor is a treasure trove of experience. It seemed as though I wouldn't have another chance to learn from him, and so we talked late into the night. Is it my fault that the man could drink a platoon under the table and insisted that I drink with him?”
“I didn't insist you match me drink for drink though,” Grigor added softly. “That was your own decision.”
Merlin shook his head.
“I'm glad neither of you has any responsibility beyond getting in the automobile. I don't know that I'd trust you to carry it out in your current state if you did.”
“Grigor will be fine in half an hour,” Brenda said. “I've seen him like this before. I don't know about your man though.”
“I think that Gunter will be fine by the time we finish the drive. Nimue will be down shortly, she insisted on privacy for dressing.”
“Good, we women need to keep some secrets from you men, even the ones we love.”
She glanced fondly at Gwyddon, who was eating a light breakfast at a nearby table.
“Praesagium visited me this morning. He asked me to tell you that you should be sure to take care of his gifts before you leave Anglesey,” Brenda said.
“Speaking of his gifts. Would you know where I can find a decent size chunk of iron? Scrap or rusted may do, I'm not sure yet.”
“Why?” she asked.
“He recommended that we feed Anguis silver or iron. It seems that part of Praesagium's gift to Anguis is going to involve a bit of growth. I think Anguis needs the metals for the raw materials so he can grow larger.”
“I can probably find some rusted iron parts that no-one will miss. Will that do?”
“I hope so. Anguis is exhausted and sleeping right now. When he wakes, I'll ask him if scrap or rusty pieces will be acceptable.”
Nimue came down the stairs. Somehow she looked as though she got a full night's sleep and was wearing clean clothes, despite Merlin knowing it was the same outfit as the day before.
“Are we ready to go now then?” Brenda said.
