would learn from him.
A sudden thought strikes terror into my heart: What if my mother bears a son, what
then? I fly back to Merlin as quickly as I can and, as soon as I’ve transformed myself, I
question him.
He gives me a fond smile. “You have nothing to fear, Morgana. Remember: your father
has named you as his heir, even if Uther has usurped your position for the moment. But I
believe you have an even greater destiny, for while Uther dabbles here with your mother, he
is neglecting his duty as High King. The kings of Britain are jostling for power, leaving our
country disunited and increasingly vulnerable to attacks from across the sea. You have
courage, and intelligence, and you have shown great aptitude in the magical arts. I believe
that when the time comes, and with my help, you will have the strength and the knowledge
to unite all the tribes of Britain and bring them under your protection so that we may live in
peace and prosperity once more.”
I take comfort from Merlin’s words, for they justify my father’s trust in me. But Merlin
has not yet finished.
“A word of warning,” he says, and now his voice is stern. “When I bid you to return from
flight, or to do anything else, I expect you to do as you are told. No!” He raises his hand as I
open my mouth to argue. “I know it is a temptation to fly further and to test yourself,
especially when you are new to shapeshifting, but you must always respect your magical
powers, Morgana, and use them wisely. You are six summers grown now; old enough to
obey my instructions as well as learn from me.”
“Of course I shall do everything you ask, Merlin.” I am so grateful for the mage’s
reassurance of my destiny that I will promise him anything. I am also grateful to have
escaped a long lecture. Although I love Merlin, and will do anything to please him, I do hate it
when he’s cross with me!
Merlin is something of a mystery to me. He has power, I know that—the power of a
mage steeped in magic—yet he is not a member of our court. My mother has become a
devout Christian since marrying Uther, and anything to do with the occult has been banned.
But Merlin and I have always met in secret, right from the very first when, by chance, I
escaped my nurse and my sister, and ran into the forest beyond the castle looking for
adventure. Merlin found me—or perhaps he knew I would come that day and so he waited
for me? I know not, but since then we have always met in the forest, and I have told no one
about what he is teaching me.
He looks a bit like an elderly owl, with tufty white hair and piercing eyes that seem to see
right through me. I know that he believes in me, for he cares for me as a father would. And I
try to please him in everything, for there is much I can learn from him, lessons I need to
understand if I am to fulfill the shining destiny he has promised me. I am determined to do
well, to be the best. I am determined to justify his faith in me, and fulfill the oath I swore to
my father.
http://momentumbooks.com.au/books/i-morgana