The Crystal Cave Duty Quotes

Merlin admits that he's being a little intense here when he says he's "hoping to die" for his dad. But that just goes to show how much loyalty he feels to this guy. Merlin's also eager to be active in service to Ambrosius' cause because he knows it's just. In that sense, he also feels a duty to Britain, which will eventually become his life's cause.

Let's face it: Dinias is kind of a turd. He bullies Merlin throughout childhood and probably doesn't even care when his entire family thinks that Merlin burned to death in Cerdic's funeral blaze. But he's truly affected by the possibility that he's just sold his cousin up the river to Vortigern's men. Merlin knows that he won't die on this adventure, but Dinias doesn't have that comfort. He has to spend the time wondering if he's betrayed his only living kin.

Merlin's in a tight situation. Vortigern is demanding that Niniane reveal the identity of Merlin's father. To drive the point home, there's a guard poking a sword into Merlin's side. If Niniane tells the truth, then Ambrosius' life and mission in Britain will be in danger. Can Merlin do the right thing by his dad and resist under torture? He'd like to believe so. But seriously, he's seventeen. He has no idea how strong his sense of duty will be under those circumstances.

Vortigern is ultimately looking to save his own skin, but he's also thinking of what will motivate his forces to save themselves. In some sense, he's being a good leader. It's just too bad that he's relying on some shady people (like his priests) to save him. At the very least, Merlin will give him a true answer to his situation. What Vortigern does with that is his business.

Cadal suggests that he and Merlin make a quick exit out of Vortigern's tents while they still can. But Merlin learns that his father is coming to the rescue, and he feels bound to help him out in the coming wars. He'll risk his life one more time to misdirect Vortigern and lead him to a place where Ambrosius has a better chance of coming at him.

Merlin describes the atmosphere in the tent before King Vortigern, his priests, and guards. Once they know that he is demon-seed, all of their old fears are awakened. Through it all, Niniane and Merlin seem to be working on the same wavelength: they prey on the fears of the superstitious crew in order to protect each other and Ambrosius. The family that preys together stays together, right?

Merlin's really eager to put himself to practical use on the battlefield to help his father. But everybody in Ambrosius' army knows that Merlin has supernatural powers and has given them a favorable prophecy. No way they're going to let a valuable commodity like that become food for the crows. Merlin hates sitting out the battle, but he obeys to show respect to his father and the men.

Merlin knows a lot about family duty: he's just come from a battle in which he played his part to help his father. And now he's eager to do the right thing by his dead mother. Seriously, though, he's seventeen. He can't stop himself from thinking that maybe—just maybe—the gorgeous porter at the nunnery will still be there to let him in. We might say that in hoping so, he's being loyal to himself.

Merlin spends a lot of time promising his loved ones that he will carry on their legacies in some way. This promise to his dead father is no different: Merlin's erected the stones at Stonehenge precisely, in a way that will draw the first rays of light on the winter solstice straight across his father's grave. It's a monumental achievement. But for Merlin, it's another sign that he's obedient to the destiny that shapes his life.

Merlin feels hugely responsible for Cadal's impending death, so he makes sure to let him know how his friend's life will matter for the health of Britain. Merlin shows his concern and love for his friend by acknowledging how much he's learned from him, and he gives him the promise of glory: he's going to teach the young King Arthur Cadal's wisdom.