How To Write A Short Story: Merlin

Wha... what?" Merlin's voice was soft and it trembled with the effort to speak. Had he just heard right? Had Balinor been a noble lord, not just a Dragon Lord? The lands of Gedref, between Camelot and Nemeth, were where Anohora resided and guarded over the unicorns and the labyrinth that led out to the sea. He'd watched as Arthur had drank the poison along the shoreline in order to prove his worthiness after killing a unicorn. Even parts of the Valley of the Fallen Kings had been marked on some older maps as part of the lands.

His mind reeled and began to wander. Just outside of Gedref was the Isle of the Blessed. Perhaps it had been part of Gedref at some point. It was a question he'd have to ask Gaius about at a later time, if he ever
For the first time, someone on the outside seemed willing to help fill in the blanks.

"Judging by your reaction, I would say you at least knew his name and that my assumption was spot on." Rodor chuckled at Merlin's floundering, and ignored Arthur's protests for the time being. "Tell me what you know about your father."

Merlin's eyes darted nervously about the hall. Mithian had a hopeful look on her face; a small hint of a smile at the prospect that the man she loved might not be just a common servant. Arthur glowered, his gaze shifting between Gaius, Rodor, and Merlin. The younger king was completely out of his element and trying to keep peace, while battling inner demons that Merlin could only begin to imagine. Gaius stared at his ward. The warning in his raised eyebrow was a red flag telling Merlin to keep his head down and mouth shut.

Leon gave a hint of a nod. It seemed the knight had figured things out and was willing to accept the outcome. The revelation of Merlin's parentage didn't seem to come as a shock. Instead, it appeared to serve as confirmation to something Leon had already been considering. Though how he had a clue about anything in Merlin's past was a mystery to the