Chapter 1: The Dragon’s Call

The sun was just beginning to rise over Camelot. The castle stood tall and proud, its towers glowing golden in the early light. Inside the great courtyard, a crowd had gathered. Their eyes were locked on the platform where a man stood, chained and trembling. Beside him, King Uther Pendragon sat tall on his throne, his expression cold.

“Let this be a lesson,” Uther’s voice boomed, “magic is forbidden in Camelot. Those who practice it face death.”

The guards stepped forward. The axe rose and fell. The man’s head dropped. Silence fell like a stone.

Far from the castle, a young man named Merlin walked the forest path, carrying only a small bag and a letter from his mother. His eyes were full of curiosity. His heart beat with nervous excitement. He had never seen a city so large.

When he arrived, he paused in the busy streets. People rushed past, selling goods, shouting prices, laughing, living. But Merlin wasn’t here for that. He was here for something greater. Something strange inside him—it stirred and whispered, like a secret.

He walked until he found the court physician’s chambers. Gaius, a kind old man with a white beard, opened the door.

“You must be Merlin,” Gaius said.

“Yes, my mother sent me,” Merlin replied, handing over the letter. “She said you could help me… understand things.”

Gaius read the letter and raised an eyebrow. “You have magic.”

Merlin stepped back. “You believe in magic?”

“Of course. I’ve seen it. But be careful, boy. This is Camelot. Magic is punishable by death.”

That night, Merlin stayed in a small room above Gaius’s chamber. But sleep didn’t come easy. His mind raced with thoughts of what he’d seen, what he could do. He had always known he was different. Strange things happened around him—cups flew, objects moved, and sometimes he saw things before they happened.

Suddenly, a scream pierced the night.

In the royal chambers, Lady Helen, a famous singer, lay dead. But her eyes glowed for a moment—and her body rose, shapeshifting into a dark sorceress. She had come to Camelot with a plan for revenge.

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The next day, Merlin wandered through the castle halls, eager to see more. That’s when he saw a young man bullying a servant, forcing him to hold a target while he threw knives.

“Stop that,” Merlin said without thinking.

The young man turned. Tall, golden-haired, and dressed like a prince, he smirked. “Who are you to tell me what to do?”

“I’m Merlin,” he said boldly. “And you’re an idiot.”

Gasps came from the crowd.

The prince raised his eyebrow. “I’m Arthur Pendragon.”

Merlin’s heart sank. He had just insulted the prince.

Without warning, Arthur swung. Merlin ducked. The crowd cheered. A chase began through the marketplace, ending with Arthur pinning Merlin to the ground.

“You’re brave,” Arthur said. “But stupid.”

“Maybe. But I’d rather be that than a bully.”

That night, Gaius scolded Merlin for confronting Arthur. “You could’ve been executed.”

“I can’t just stand and watch,” Merlin argued. “It’s not who I am.”

Later, while alone, Merlin heard a voice. It wasn’t Gaius. It came from deep below the castle, whispering through his mind.

“Merlin…”

Drawn by the sound, he followed it to a hidden chamber under Camelot. There, chained in a deep cavern, was a great dragon—his eyes glowing gold, his wings stretching wide.

“Who… what are you?” Merlin asked.

“I am the Great Dragon,” the creature said. “I’ve waited for you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. You are destined for greatness, Merlin. You have a gift, a powerful magic that will shape the future of Albion. And you must protect Arthur.”

“Protect him?” Merlin laughed. “He’s a royal pain.”

“Nevertheless,” the dragon said, “your paths are joined. He is the Once and Future King. And you… are his protector.”

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The next day, Camelot prepared for a feast. Lady Helen—or rather, the sorceress in disguise—was to sing for the king.

But Merlin felt uneasy. Something was wrong. Gaius had given him a book of magic. Late at night, Merlin studied it in secret. He read about dark spells, illusion, shapeshifting. The signs pointed to danger.

He rushed through the castle to find the king. The feast had already begun.

Lady Helen stepped into the hall, her eyes glowing faintly. The crowd quieted. She opened her mouth to sing.

Merlin burst in.

“No!” he shouted.

Magic flashed. A dark wind swirled through the hall. People screamed. The sorceress unleashed her voice—a deadly spell meant to kill Uther.

But Arthur jumped to shield his father.

Merlin focused. With all his strength, he spoke the words from the book—an ancient incantation.

A blast of light knocked the sorceress back. She screamed and crumbled into dust.

Silence fell.

Arthur turned to Merlin, stunned.

“You… saved us.”

King Uther stepped down. “You did a brave thing, boy.”

Merlin bowed, unsure what to say.

Later, Arthur found him alone.

“You’re not like other servants,” Arthur said.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” Arthur replied. “I need someone like you around.”

Merlin smirked. “Lucky for you, I’m staying.”

And so began a strange friendship. Prince and servant. Hero and guide.

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That night, Merlin sat in his room, staring out the window at the stars. Magic pulsed quietly in his veins, but for the first time, he wasn’t afraid. He had purpose now. The dragon’s words echoed in his mind.

“Your destiny is to protect the future king.”

And he would.

Even if Arthur never knew the truth.

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