Hellerrr, my lovelies!
Picture is of Karayan, the king's brother.
Summary: Karayan is displeased that his nephew is next in line to be king.

     Now there was one who wasn't so pleased at the news of Merlin's birth.
     Nicholas had a brother named Karayan. He was a powerful sorcerer and the eldest of the two. Being king was all he ever wanted.
     But when the day came that their father had chosen his heir, Nicholas was chosen rather than Karayan. He explained he thought Nicholas was more fit for the job.
     Karayan considered it an injustice. He was the eldest, the strongest, and the smartest. How his brother was considered more worthy was a mystery to him.
     What he wasn't aware of was that his father had seen the future. If Karayan were to lead, everything would lead to disaster!
     But Karayan didn't know this. All he knew was he was cheated out of his birthright. His only consolation was that he was next in line. But now Nicholas had a son who would become king and Karayan would be left as he always was...without a crown.
      He had no intention of seeing the boy, that thief of his throne.
      He was busy wallowing in self-pity when his brother just showed up with Nyx, his faithful servant, in tow.
      "Well if it isn't my little brother, descending from on high to mingle with the commoners!" Karayan said, in the most condescending tone he could muster.
      "Regina and I didn't see you at the presentation of Merlin."
      "That was today? Oh! I feel simply awful! Must've slipped my mind."
      Nyx stepped in. "Yes. Well as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother you should've been first in line-"
      "Well I was first in line...until the little runt was born."
      "That 'runt' is my son...and your future king."
      "Oh I should practice my curtsy." Karayan said, sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
      "Don't turn your back on me, Karayan!"
    Karayan turned to his brother, his green eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh no, Nicholas. Maybe you shouldn't turn your back on me."
      Nicholas grew angry and chased after his brother. "Is that a challenge?!"
      "Temper, temper. I wouldn't dream of challenging you."
      Nyx crossed her arms. "Pity. Why not?"
      "Well as far as brains go, I got the lion's share but it comes to brute strength..." He trailed off. "And I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the dream pool." He wandered off.
      "What am I going to do with him?"
      "It'll be ok. I'm sure your brother will warm to the idea."
      Nicholas wasn't convinced.
                           * * * * *
      As Merlin started to grow, Nicholas spent a lot of time teaching him things. It was always best to start teaching the children when they were young on how to run a kingdom. Doing so was a difficult thing.
      Merlin was a very energetic child would seemed to always be getting himself in trouble. He also seemed unable to focus on the lessons his father tried to teach him.
      Eventually, he had some business to attend to so he left to do it while Merlin, bored, decided to visit his uncle.
      Merlin saw Uncle Karayan quite frequently. He thought his uncle was funny and liked spending time with him.
      "Hey, Uncle Karayan! Guess what?"
      Karayan turned and gave one of his annoyed looks. "I despise guessing games!"
      "I'm gonna be king of Paradise one day!"
      "Oh goodie!"
      "My dad just showed me the whole kingdom....and I'm gonna rule it all...haha!"
      "Yes well...forgive me for not leaping for joy bad back y'know."
      "Hey, Uncle Karayan! When I'm king, what'll that make you?"
      "A monkey's uncle."
      Merlin started laughing. "You're so weird!"
       "You have no idea! So...your father showed you the whole kingdom did he?"
       "Yep. Everything!"
       "He didn't show you what's beyond that rise of the Northern border?"
       "Well...no. He says I can't go there."
       Karayan nodded. "And he's absolutely right. Far too dangerous. Only the bravest sorcerers go there."
       "Well I'm brave! What's out there?"
      "I'm sorry, Merlin. I just can't tell you."
      "Uncle!"
      "Merlin! Merlin! I'm only looking out for the well-being of my favorite nephew."
      "Yea right! I'm your only nephew."
      "All the more reason for me to protect you. An elephant graveyard is no place for a young prince...oops!"
      "An elephant what? Whoa!"
      "Oh dear! I've said too much!" Karayan said, dramatically. "Well I suppose you would've found out sooner or later. You being so clever and all that. Just do me one favor. Promise me you'll never visit that dreadful place!"
      "No problem!"
      "There's a good lad. You run along and have fun! And remember! It's our little secret!"
      Merlin ran off and Karayan grinned evilly. He knew the foolish child would go just to prove his bravery. And he'd find a little surprise waiting just for him....
To be continued...