Page 30 of Kings and Monsters

"What if he wants to reinstate the Tithe, Merlin? We can't agree to sacrifice people," Rosa said.

"If he can ride the Seelie lands again, there will be no need of the Tithe. He'll be helping to restore the balance and freeing up the flow of magic. Something he will undoubtedly benefit from."

Eirianwen turned on him with narrowed eyes. "You are willing to let your children do something so reckless? They could die, Bleddyn."

"My children are old enough to make their own mistakes," Bleddyn replied. "Do I like it? No. Being a father isn't always agreeing with your children, but allowing them be free to make their own choices. If anyone could convince Gwyn, it is these three. If not, they will figure a way to get themselves out of trouble."

"Aw, thanks Dad," Merlin said with a smile.

"Besides, it doesn't matter what I think, they will find a way to go behind my back and do it anyway, so I might as well support and prepare them as best as I can. That's why I'm letting Rosa go. She will be able to charm Gwyn, and he will know that she too has been personally slighted by the queen."

"They've also met before, so he might hear her out," Merlin said sweetly.

Rosa shot dagger eyes at him.What the Hell, Merlin!

He shrugged.Bleddyn will find out anyway.

"You've met Gwyn? And he let you live?" Eirianwen demanded. "Bleddyn, did you know about this?"

"I had no idea. Rosa, is this true?" he asked.

"What Merlin has failed to mention is that I haven't met Gwyn. At least I don't remember if I have, but I did see him when I was little," Rosa admitted with a frown.

"Surely, not at Gwaed Lyn. I would've sensed his power?—"

"Remember that time I went to stay with Glenna in Wales?"

"But you wouldn't have been seven years old! How is it possible?" Bleddyn demanded.

"Glenna told me a story about him…and I thought I saw him that night in a storm. It could've been my imagination, but I swear it wasn't. He looked right at me. I thought he was going to come and let me ride Dormach," Rosa said awkwardly. "Honestly, I didn't even remember it until recently, but since you took the glamor off me, I've remembered all sorts of Wylt Witchy Woo that happened."

"Ride Dormach!" Eirianwen exclaimed, her horror turning to amusement, and she started to laugh. It was the first time Merlin had seen her so unguarded, the coldness momentarily melting.

"Well, I was seven. I didn't think I was big enough to ride a horse, but I didn't want to be left behind."

Eirianwen smiled at him. "No wonder you turned her, Bleddyn. She's recklessly brave like you used to be."

"I can't imagine Bleddyn being reckless. He's always been the stoic patriarch, ready to reign in his monsters," Arthur said with a mock salute.

"I'll tell you some stories sometime," Eirianwen replied with a wink.

"You will not," Bleddyn threatened. "Or if you do, please make sure you mention that you were the one encouraging me in my stupider escapades."

"I don't remember those details," Eirianwen said, batting her eyelashes innocently.

"How very convenient! I remember them well, my lady. The stories I could tell them about you would make Merlin's adventures seem positively tame."

"Then you had better not. I like my notoriety," Merlin said. He watched his father and Eirianwen teasing each other, and for a moment, he was reminded of what Bleddyn had been like when Merlin was a child. He had always been easier and carefree before Deryn's death. The more Merlin got to know Eirianwen, the more he could see why his father had loved her.

"I yield to your madness! Tell me what help I can give to you, Merlin," Eirianwen turned to him, humor still sparkling in her eyes.

"I need to know where the Tithe temple used to be in the Seelie lands so I can get Gwyn's attention," he said.

"I'm not sure about the Seelie side, but there is a temple devoted to him not far from here. That is if the queen's menhaven't destroyed it. There were some that used to sacrifice to him before a hunt," she replied. "I can draw you a map."

"That would be perfect. I'm sure we'll be able to figure something out when we get there."

"If it's still there, there is a bell that when rung was meant to summon him," Bleddyn said."Perhaps that will be enough."

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