Toman of the Cherokee 7

Eyeing the ‘guards’ that Merlin had made, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t attacked while he and I talked. Merlin noticed my uneasy gaze, and then turned to hiss and growl at his ‘guards. All of them hissed back then moved off back into the high grass.
 
“Now we can talk, though I am unsure of why you are here.” Merlin stated.
 
Sighing I nodded, “I was told that you were the only one that could help me. You see I am a wild magic user.” I saw Merlin’s eyes go wide then he nodded as he extended a hand toward me.
 
“Ah! You’re Tollan and Drenna’s son! A fine pair of mages!” Merlin said then suddenly his face twisted into a mask of rage. “How dare they!” With a sigh Merlin shook his head. “I am afraid that I cannot leave here for a bit. I need this recharge if I am to survive. Though I can teach you all that I know.”
 
“That’s why I am here sir.” I stated to Merlin. 
 Merlin stood there a moment as I felt him scanning me again then his eyes flew wide. “By all that is holy! You are a total user also! As I can see, you have almost complete control! Why have you come to me? Better yet who told you I was here… wait! Ah I see. Reginald is your grandfather!”

I nodded, “Your brother Mordaf wanted to though Pops didn’t think he was strong enough. As I saw he wouldn’t have been.”
 
Merlin nodded then his eyes opened wider, “So— you and my niece are to be joined. A very good marriage I feel. Though, as I can also tell she has the Wyllt temper!” Leaning close Merlin whispered, “Watch that one! She has a fiery temper much like the rest of the family!”
 
Touching my arm I nodded my agreement with him as he started to chuckle again. “Yes I am well aware of her temper!”
 
Nodding Merlin’s face suddenly got serious, “I will teach you all I can. As have you, I also found that the level learning and skill retention makes things so much easier.” Turing back toward me he looked harder. “Ah! I see that you can also turn them off. Keep that to yourself as long as you can Toman, as long as possible. Even if you do reveal it, do so to a very few!”
 
Waving his hand Merlin made a modest Mage house appear. Smiling I nodded, “After what Pops and I have experienced the last few months. I welcome this!” I told Merlin.
 
“I am afraid that it will take a few days, I am still recharging, so I will have to start with the strongest first.” Merlin advised me.
 
“It’s fine sir,” I said. “Anything that I can learn that also increases my control will help.” I was staring at Merlin seeing all the power he had. Obviously his was also starting to decline a bit. Reaching in, I saw that a small, very small part of his completely open power was a little dull. Flicking at the spot I saw Merlin’s eyes open then he turned toward me and nodded.
 
“It’s always good to have another to help. I’d felt that decline for years now.” Then I suddenly felt Merlin
within me moving a few things. Suddenly I felt like I had almost total control! I was astounded! Was this for real? Looking back at Merlin he laughed a bit as apparently my mouth was hanging open! “I take it you like the shift in control better?” Merlin asked.
 
“Like!?” I almost shouted. “It feels fantastic!” Then I felt something else almost slip in me. I felt a sudden rush of energy coursing through me. Looking at Merlin I could suddenly see a few things that I hadn’t before. Reaching out I felt an old magical wound that hadn’t healed. The thing is it was extremely close to the source of his power.
 
Shaking my head I reached further feeling almost a tear releasing far more energy than should be. Barely able to be near it I started to close the tear as fast as I could. Damn it! It was so hard! Suddenly I felt Merlin beside me as he was watching what I was doing his mouth open in shock. Reaching out I felt him add to what I was doing though I could feel myself fading. Almost complete I pushed as hard as I could to finish. Then I withdrew, lying on the ground panting from the effort.
 
“I think,” I said panting trying to regain my breath. “That is why you have been having such a hard time recharging.” I told Merlin gasping harder for breath. Damn it had taken a hell of a lot out of me.
 
Merlin was beside me a moment later, and then we were suddenly within the Mage house. “What you did was foolish Toman; though I am glad that you discovered it. I am not about to sacrifice you to be whole again. What you healed was from hundreds of years ago. A parting gift from Morgan le Fay,” Merlin said a distant look in his eyes. “She was many things though a truthful mage she wasn’t. Beware a female mage that always agrees with you!”
 
I nodded at Merlin’s words or rather I tried as I felt my strength slowly evaporating. “I’ll try sir.” I replied.
 
“No, after today call me Merlin. What you have done for me should enable me to return far faster than I thought.