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It took them a week to dock in the marina in Greece. The Catha did a nifty 18 knots all the way. It was clear Alitor was in a hurry to get home. Once moored that were picked up and taken to Alitor home. It was a small island and totally owned by Alitor. The population was small and mostly worked for the family. They were soon greeted by his sons and daughters who had clearly been told the news. Finna introduced Arthur and Merlin to Marla and Gorgio the parents of Aithusa. Leaving them Finna left to find Aithusa. Merlin went forward to shake their hands but both seemed reluctant. Maria she spoke almost hesitantly “We thank you for all you did for your daughter we will forever be in your debt”
Gorgio moved next to his wife “Forgive our reticence but we find this meeting difficult due to our religious beliefs”
Arthur frowned slightly but bit his lip. But Gorgio continued “We will be at the dinner tonight but then we will return to our home. We will be taking our daughter with us and ask you do not contact her in future.”
This was to much for Arthur who was disgusted by the reaction. Merlin was clearly confused but Arthur knew exactly what the cause was “Tell me would you have allowed my husband to operate on your daughter if you had known he was homosexual?” He paused for a brief second before adding “Either way it shows your religion in a bad light.” He turned and took Merlin arm “Come love we are not wanted here.”
Maria spoke her voice broken “You don’t understand, we are deeply religious” she tried to explain “We mean no offence”
Arthur looked at the couple “We don’t judge others we leave that to people like yourselves. My husband was invited here and we came in good faith. Merlin does not deserve your judgement. I have lived with a homophobic father and know the damage it does. If your god is so all powerful then he gave Merlin the talent necessary to help your daughter have you considered that? Good day to you and please don’t expect us at the dinner tonight we will return to the UK tomorrow” Arthur took Merlin’s arm as if to leave the room.
Merlin spoke out his voice shaky “I am sorry for you to be so torn. I am sure you love your daughter I remember how distraught and desperate you were after her accident. Would you react this way if one of your children came to you and confessed to being gay? I am glad I helped her and would do so again if I could. To salve your conscience, I had no idea of my sexuality when I operated on your child. I was too busy perfecting my skills. I would like to met Aithusa and accept your reasons even if I don’t understand them. I hope you will agree to me meeting Aithusa before we leave.”
Before they left the room Alitor stepped forward he had clearly heard everything from the door. He looked at his daughter in disbelief. “Enough I didn’t bring you up to have such bad manners and to blame it on faith! The pair of you should be deeply ashamed. I invited The Duke and his husband here to meet you all so we could show our gratitude from Aithusa life. You disgrace our family name”
His daughter stepped forward speaking rapidly in Greek. He husband backing her up. “Speak English in front of our guests do not pile on disgrace after disgrace.” Alitor was clearly very angry.
Merlin stepped forward “Please no family rows because of us, we hold no malice. You are and will remain a good friend.” He looked towards the couple “We accept your thanks and reasons, albeit we don’t agree. Please reconsider allowing me to met your daughter but if not please give her my regards”
With that he followed Arthur back to their room where he turned and hugged Arthur “Don’t let them get to you my king, we know there are still people out there who don’t accept us, but let it be their problem not ours.”
Arthur kissed Merlin “You are to good and kind for your own good. But I meant it we will fly back tomorrow, I cam manage one flight for you”
They got no further before there was a knock on the door it was Alitor “I apologise humbly for my daughter and son in law. I knew they weren’t pleased when they found you had married a man but I never thought they would be so rude. That was inexcusable. They are leaving now but Aithusa will remain I will take you to see her. Please remain as my guest as agreed, I guarantee you will have no more insults.”
Merlin spoke before Arthur could “You have no need to feel responsible, as I said do not allow this to bring upset to the family. It isn’t the first nor will it be the last time we encounter prejudice.”
Arthur added “I would rather leave than cause a family rift or have Merlin feel uncomfortable”
“I would rather you stay, you are my friends and you saved my granddaughter. My family you will find, is much larger than those two people.” He gave a resigned shrug “They will have to get used to change, one of my sons told me today that his son had ‘come out’ so they will have to choose whether church or family count the most. They will return to their home on Crete today to consider their words.”
Arthur looked at Merlin “I leave it to you love if you want to stay we will or I am happy to leave”
Merlin shrugged “I would like to see Aithusa, can we see if she wants us here first?” he asked.
“Then I will take you to her, she knows what had happened and is cross with her parents.” Alitor gestured to the door and took the couple to another room. Aithusa was sitting in her wheelchair she looked very nervous. With blonde hair, Arthur assumed she had bleached as the rest of the family were dark then he noticed how pale her skin was, it hit him the young lady had albinism. Aithusa was looking at Merlin and smiling “You have a beard, I like it”
“Thank you I grew it when we went to Antarctica to keep my face warm” he took Arthur hand and used the blonde too help him bend down so he wasn’t towering over the young lady.
“Oh no please stand up or better still have a seat” she pleaded.
Merlin sat down and Arthur sat beside him “This is my husband Arthur” Merlin explained “I think I forgot to tell him how beautiful you are that’s why he looks surprised” he paused then added “I am sorry to have caused troubles in the family.”
“You didn’t cause those problems, my parents have some backward ways. But they are kind at heart, I am sure one day they will realise the world has changed.” She held out her hand to Arthur and shook his hand “You have very good taste and must be kind if the good doctor married you” Aithusa had a sweet laugh “You still have those lovely blue eyes I can remember them.” She looked Merlin again and spoke Arthur. “Dr Emrys was the only doctor I had who asked me what I wanted, he also held my hand when he spoke to me. I was in so much pain but I knew I could trust him. I was only ten but I have never forgotten him. I was so excited when Grandpa told me had had found you.” She looked at Merlin, she also had pale blue eyes behind her glasses. Like most albinos she had affected sight.
“It is good to see you again and looking so well. I am sorry we couldn’t mend your spine.” Merlin said softly.
“I don’t mind, thanks to you I have everything else. The other doctors told me you were the very best and the only one who could have done what you did. I was upset I didn’t see you again afterwards but Grandpa told me what happened. I am so sorry you were a wonderful doctor.” She held out her hand to Merlin who took it. She had tears in her eyes. “I wish we could have been there for you like you were there for us.”
“It was hard, but like you know, you can rebuild your life. I am married now and very happy” Merlin paused “What are you doing with your life?”
“I have a fashion business for wheelchair users. It was so hard getting clothes that looked good in a chair. So Mama suggested I make them and Grandpa gave me the money to start my business.” She looked at Merlin “Can I hug you please”
“Off course” Merlin moved so the young girl could give him a hug. “I want you to stay friends with us forever” Aithusa told him. “Please ignore my parents most of my family are much more open minded. “I will even go on Grandpas yacht if it means I get to see you sometimes.” She was clearly bargaining
Alitor laughed “Your grandpa will love to see that happen, but I won’t hold my breath.” he looked at Merlin “She has always refused in the past, saying she would rather stay on dry land.”
“I love it” Merlin told her. “I need to use my crutch or I wobble sometimes but I love the dolphins and other wildlife and its so peaceful”
“I am frightened I might fall in and drown in the wheelchair.” Aithusa explained.
“I fell in once, another yacht hit ours when I was walking up the gangplank and Arthur jumped in and got me out. I know your family wouldn’t let that happen to you. Maybe Arthur can get his design team too make an inflator for your wheelchair, a bit like an airbag in a car.”
“I’ll get them on it” Arthur told his husband. “You would love the sea. Merlin had a mobility scooter for when we go on long walks and something called a Joulette which might suit you. I will show you grandfather what they are like. Merlin has been so many places even though he can’t walk far.” Arthur instinctively liked this young lady in front of him, in many ways she reminded him of Merlin. Wanting to make the best of what she had been dealt.
They sat and talked for a while before all heading into the main lounge. Merlin was soon surrounded by the rest of the family who couldn’t thank him enough. Merlin caught Arthur eye and the blonde force through to his side. It was clear Merlin was getting overwhelmed. Looking at Alitor Arthur asked “Can we retire for a bit I think Merlin is getting tired.”
Luckily Alitor caught on quickly and showed the couple to the room they would use. “I will get your people to say at the door and keep this lot out. Sorry Merlin but they are so excited we have found you. If you need anything just pick up the phone a staff member will answer day or night.”
Merlin looked at their friend “Aithusa looks happy she is a wonderful young lady”
“That is thanks to you. You not only kept her alive but you listening to her and talking to her as if she mattered as always stuck with her. I think we were all guilty of acting and not asking. That was one of the first things she said when she woke up after surgery. That you cared enough to ask. She might have been 10 but it changed her ways she is a very good listener. She always swore she would find you one day.” He looked at Arthur “I would watch her I think she might try and keep Merlin”
Merlin blushed “I am far to old and gay to boot.”
Alitor laughed “Not that way, she has had a boyfriend, until he upset her. But she wants you in her life you are a hero figure to her. As soon as I told her I had found you she told me she wanted you to live on Greece that I had to buy you a house here. I am afraid I do spoil her. I told her you had your own life and a beautiful home and a husband who loves you. She told me if ever I thought Arthur was unkind, she wanted me to make him go way. I feel I might have created a monster” He grinned “Sometime I think she believes I am able to do anything I want like some sort of mafia! Just watch your back Arthur, Merlin has become like some sort of God to her over the years. She has mentioned him whenever she thinks the rest of us don’t live up to expectations.”
Arthur looked at Merlin and laughed “Oh is she in for a disappointment.” He looked at Alitor “What will she do when she finds out he is as flawed as the rest of us. You should see him when he sulks. I love Merlin to bits but he is as flawed as the rest of us. I must introduce her to Merlin’s Mum she has some stories”
Alitor took Aithusa and left them laughing as he went down the corridor. Merlin turned to Arthur “When do I sulk?” he demanded.
“When Gwaine nicks the last bacon roll. Or when you have to use the Joulette and you don’t want to for a start” He hugged Merlin “But I love you flaws and all, no one should be perfect love. Even if you do nearly make it.” Looking at Merlin he asked “You didn’t mention Aithusa was albino why?
“To be honest I didn’t think of it. When I saw her she had brown hair, it was dyed of course, she was teased at school, even though it was a very selective school. I guess I was more concentrated on saving her. It surprises me she remembers me she was barely conscious when I spoke to her. I really didn’t think we would save her. The family were building her parents house here on the island, Aithusa and her cousin had gone to have a look. A large ruined wall in the garden fell on her crushing her very badly it missed her cousin who ran for help. She had massive internal injuries. I have no idea why she was still aware let alone alive. Her family were distraught as you can imagine.” He paused as if the memories were to much. “I spoke to Alitor in Camelot, he told me although the operation I did stabilised her she has needed more surgery over the years. That’s one of the reasons they wanted to find me, I had told them I would help.”
Arthur squeezed Merlin hand “I suspect the hospital had a blanket ban on giving out information on you and someone took it too far”
“I guess, not that I could have helped.” Merlin sounded bitter.
“You saved her life, the surgery you did was vital the family told me that. You repaired the worst of the damage. Everyone agrees you saved her life” Arthur smiled. “Alitor said he confronted some of the other surgeons they had consulted and they agreed to a man that they couldn’t have done such a good job. One team even admitted they were going to try things they had no idea if they would work.” Arthur was in awe of his husband he had been in his very early twenties when he has saved Aithusa.
“The fee offered was obscene, I had already refused it and said I wanted expenses and a donation to Smile. Alder Haye would be paid for the time I was away from them.” Merlin admitted.
“I don’t know but I expect Smile got the obscene amount but don’t feel guilty the family make me seem as poor as a church mouse” Arthur grinned “Now have you got over being crowded out by your adoring fans?”
“Just about, sorry it was a bit much. Especially after earlier. I met the father of the son how has just told his family he asked my advice. He also apologised for his sister and her husband.”
With that there was a knock on the door. Arthur went and opened to to find Aithusa. “Just to let you know dinner will be in about an hour. I will come and knock and take you to the dinning room. Oh, and when all the tribe are here it is formal wear. Not as far as dinner jackets but do you have a suit with you?” The young lady asked.
“We do I made sure I had one packed.” Arthur told her “And thank you for the heads up. By the way your English is very good”
“Thank you, the benefit of a private education, I guess. I am sorry the family got a bit overwhelming earlier. I have warned them to tone it down” she smiled “They won’t be here for the rest of your stay; it will just be immediate family and Grandpa and Grandma”
Merlin had walked over “Thank you Aithusa, I apologise for being a whimp.”
Aithusa had a laugh full of warmth “That lot would scare anyone. All I will say is I warn you grandpa intends to spoil you and it won’t be any good saying no. He doesn’t understand that concept.” She blushed “I am his favourite grandchild you see; he says I am special and a gift from the Goddess Lexica who gave me my looks. He wanted me named after her so I am Aithusa Lexica, mama didn’t like the idea of my first name being from a goddess.” With that she was gone.
Merlin smiled to Arthur “Lexica is the blonde goddess.” He explained. “Well I guess we best suit and boot.”
Arthur gave a smile of his own “The easiest I have ever got you in a suit, and by the way I have had our dinner suits packed just in case I have the feeling this won’t be much of a casual holiday. Tonight you have your blue one that matches your eyes.”
Aithusa arrived as promised she looked splendid in her gown, she explained it was one of her creations made to look good in the wheelchair. David and Kathy were waiting to walk down with them. When they arrived in a huge dinning room the table of which rivalled the size of the Tudor one at Camelot in length and was much wider. It had enough silver and glass on it to scare the hell out of Merlin. Arthur whispered “Just use what I do”
As Merlin looked around the room he was stunned by the amount of jewellery on show by the woman folk. He wasn’t surprised by the discrete protection officers stood at the side of the room and spotted both David and Kathy walking near spaces left near the two empty seats where they were clearly going to sit. As they sat down everyone else did clearly waiting for the guests of honour. There was no sign of Aithusa’s parents.
The meal started with a speech by Alitor in honour of Merlin who blushed all thought it. Realising he need to reply he stood and said what he hoped as appropriate comments, but in honestly couldn’t remember what he said afterwards. The meal was a long one Merlin gave up counting the courses after ten, the food was delicious and luckily each course was small. He made sure to glance at Arthur if he was unsure what to do, but it was easy once he had the hang of it. He was sure the meal took hours which at least allowed him to digest some off it before the next course arrived. He started refusing wine after the second type was offered. It seemed each course had a different accompanying wine. Once the meal was finally over, they moved into a large lounge area where more drinks were served. Merlin had been drinking water for sometime now and declined further drinks. When asked if he would like something else Arthur rescued him “Can we have coffee please. It has been a long day”
His host seeing this also changed to coffee and the evening began to wind down. By the time they got back to their rooms they were exhausted, even Arthur had found the day to long. Helping Merlin to get ready for bed he found extra pillows and made Merlin’s usual nest to support his shoulder and hip. Once snuggled in together it didn’t take long for them to fall asleep.
They woke up late the next morning Merlin complaining he was still in a food coma. “I hope they don’t eat like that every night.”
“I wouldn’t think so that was a welcoming banquet for you” Arthur told him “But I admit it was a bit much.”
“You could have fed the starving of India on that one meal” Merlin exaggerated.
“What’s it like to be so appreciated. By the way you coped very well with your speech”
“I don’t even know what I said!” Merlin grinned.
“We best get up and greet the world. But I for one don’t need breakfast” Arthur said rubbing his sore stomach.
“There were so many people last night were they all family do you think?” Merlin asked him
“Yes they were extended as well. The man sat next to me was Alitor’s brother, he said they had come from several other islands just to greet you. What’s it like to be famous” Arthur grinned expecting the slap he got.
“I hated it, I wish I hadn’t come now”
“No you don’t, you wanted to see Aithusa. I know it wasn’t pleasant with Aithusa parents but the rest of the family seems accepting. I think most have gone so today should be quieter.”
The men went downstairs followed by Kathy; they suspected David had been outside all night. They were greeted by Alitor “Good morning if you still want breakfast we can order for you”
“No thank you. Do you have tea? If not coffee will do” Arthur said smiling
Alitor held up his hand and a maid entered and took the order for tea. “I have some business this morning but Aithusa will be here in a moment she will look after you. This afternoon I will take you down to the marina I have something I want you to see”
With that he was gone, Aithusa arrived at the same time as their tea, she ordered coffee. She was going to show them the gardens this morning and also some of the local wildlife. Merlin asked if he could use his camera “Of course you can” came the reply.
They went down to the water front where there were several waders and also smaller birds in the trees and bushes. Although it was clear Aithusa was nervous of the water. She admitted a couple of time when younger she had got her wheelchair stuck in the mud on the edge and once it had tipped over. They also walked around the very well maintained gardens. They were very extensive. Seeing the house from a different angle that was much larger than both men thought.
“Grandpa had the house extended when he bought the Island twenty years ago. He wanted somewhere all the family could gather. We used to live just down the road in the old house. But my parents moved to Crete a couple of years ago. I divide my time between here and with them. I love this island so much.” Aithusa explained.
“Do you really not like the water? It must be difficult living on an island.” Merlin asked her.
“Not really Grandpa has several aircraft as well as yachts. I am just nervous about the water because of the wheelchair. I want to try to overcome it as Grandpa loves his yachts, he has four now but mostly uses Catha One and Two.” Smiling and looking at Arthur “He says you won’t fly is that right?”
“It is, I do but very rarely and use diazepam if I do. That’s why I bought a yacht and I love that.” Arthur admitted
“Grandpa was mad when you stole the captain of his ice breaker, but he also thought it romantic. He had known Balinor for years, he used to sometimes came here to stay. I think he is the only crew ever to be invited.”
Merlin immediately spoke in Arthurs defence. “He didn’t steal him. My Mum did! She knew him years before and they lost touch, when they met again they found they were still in love”
“I am only teasing!” Aithusa protested “Is it right Balinor is your father and you had never met him?”
“It is, in fact its strange how our paths crossed in so many ways, without us knowing” Merlin said thoughtfully
“Destiny, that’s what it was. I am a firm believer on destiny” Aithusa looked out to sea. “I believe there is someone out there for me, that’s if my family don’t scare him off first. Men either get frightened or want me for my family wealth”
Arthur put a gentle hand on her shoulder “I used to think the same, but then I met Merlin. It was worth the wait”
Aithusa looked at Merlin “You haven’t got a younger brother I don’t suppose”
Merlin laughed “no siblings” he admitted. “Don’t rush you have lots of time”
“Its clear you are no Greek. I need to be married with a brood of children before I reach 25! Or so my family tell me”
Aithusa changed the subject and they headed back to the house where a light lunch was waiting. After lunch Alitor appeared and took the men down to the marina. Going on the Catha two he had the crew open up the tender garage and get out a mini submarine. “The Captain will take you down to see what you think. I decided to get one when I got back from Antarctica. It came a short time ago I have been out in her but would like you opinion”
It didn’t take long for the machine to be in the water, It was a smallish machine with a large glass bubble shape cabin. It held three people in total. Arthur got into the mini sub easily from the swim platform , David and one of Alitors protection officers helped Merlin. It was a case of helping hm onto the edge with his feet in the sub and slowly lowering him into Arthur and the captains arms where they settled him into his seat. The submarine held three people, once the hatch was shut the sub was released from the yacht and they started to submerge. Going out into deeper water. It was fantastic the captain explained the submarine could safely go down to 1000 feet and stay down for 12 hours. But like his said with just three seats that would be a long time. He went on to say
“But you have plenty of time to explore, I like the triton3300/3 it’s a good thing”
Arthur was clearly impressed “How much are they?” He could only dive 40 meters at the moment with his oxygen tanks
The captain shrugged “Not sure Sir I didn’t buy it but they can’t be cheap”
The pair had a great trip and really enjoyed themselves. They saw a couple of wrecks and species of fish they had never seen before. Once back up on the surface they got out and found Alitor waiting
“What did you both think?” he asked
Arthur smiled “We loved it. You have made me think. Maybe one day I will get one. I dive with tanks at the moment and one of my protection officers is a trained tandem diver so Merlin goes down sometimes but this would be so much more comfortable for him. Do you mind me asking how much they are and why you choose this one”
Alitor smiled “I looked a quite a few but this one has a very good safety record. Being a three-seater offers more scope. They do a larger one but then it needs more storage space. Its easy to use as well pilot training is 20 hours. It fits into the beech club space. As for the price its negotiable but as I ordered three the deal was a good one”
Merlin quietly shook his head, this family clearly had no problems with money who needed three! Why not just move it from yacht to yacht. But he thanked him for the experience. As they went back to the house Merlin could see Arthur thinking. He also was searching on his phone at one stage. He had a bad feeling about this.
After a much smaller and more intimate meal that evening the couple went to bed. Merlin challenged Arthur “You aren’t going to buy one are you? They will be super expensive”
“Not at the moment no, I will need to wait a bit. But maybe in a few years. I cant find a price without asking the company but the info I could get suggested about 4 million pounds.” He looked disappointed. “It would have been great though”
“Arthur! Stop now, think what good we could do with that money, we have a great life we don’t need that”
The blonde looked at Merlin and kissed him “OK Little Falcon. I understand I promise I won’t buy one unless we discuss it first and you agree so probably never, but I can dream”
The next morning over breakfast Alitor handed Merlin and envelope with a smile “Your belated birthday present from the family and as a thank you for the what you did for us.” Putting his hand over Merlin’s before he opened the envelope he added “It is a matter of honour so can’t be refused. It would bring shame to our family. I have spoken to my granddaughter and she agrees. Promise me you will not refuse and you will enjoy our gift to you”
Merlin stopped at looked at Alitor then at Arthur, who clearly had no idea what was happening. “If you put it that way” he smiled “But please I hope it’s is nothing extravagant I am a man of simple wants.”
“It isn’t enough to repay you. And I can well afford it without even noticing”
“Now you have me worried that’s the sort of thing Arthur says before spending a fortune on opal cufflinks”
Merlin opened the envelope and went white as a sheet. “No!”
“You promised” Alitor said. “It is to late it will be delivered before you get back to England.”
Arthur leaned over and took the paper from Merlin and his eyebrows disappeared upwards. “This is more than generous”
“No it’s not enough, now enjoy if you look it comes with training for two, either yourself or crew or your protection staff” he smirked “I told you I bought 3 and I did. One for me, one of Grettir who wanted to buy one and this one. It was good business”
Merlin registered what was said “You bought it before we even tried it!”
“I had two on order over a year ago but when I found out who you were I added the third and luckily they could accommodate Grettir can wait for his, his yacht is not yet finished. It is something anyone would want. I have seen your photos how could you not. I knew it would go in Grettir’s beech club so would fit in yours.” He then added “This is yours Merlin, do with it what you will, but I fear your husband wont’ be happy if you sell it.”
Arthur laughed “Sell it and deal with Gwaine he will kill you if you stop him having a go at piloting it and I suspect Percy won’t be far behind, if he can fit in it of course.”
“How big is your friend?” Alitor asked
“Six foot 5 inches” Arthur replied.
“He will fit. My eldest son has been in mine and his is about the same”
Merlin just got up and walked out saying no more. Arthur went to stand and decided against it. Looking at his friend he spoke “That was a very good thing you did, there wasn’t much you could have given him. I know I have tried. He is not materialistic. He will understand once its sunk in”
“Tell him I have also donated the same amount to Smile if it takes the sting from my gift. He deserves it and more. I have looked into what happened to him and how he and his mother have helped the young mother, your husband is truly one in a million. As a family we feel shamed we didn’t keep looking for him. I don’t suppose we could have done anything but he could have had our full support. And then my daughter and her husband shamed me again with their bigotry.” Alitor looked upset and Arthur knew he meant every word.
“You have no need for shame, Don’t blame yourself for Merlin’s sake, because he will carry your guilt.” Arthur now followed Merlin from the room.
He found Merlin in the garden looking out to sea. He approached and put his arms round Merlin’s waist and pulled his back into his chest “He can afford it Merlin and he wants you to have something nice, he has even matched the value in a donation to Smile. To be honest with that mans wealth its small change, and I bet he got a good deal the third one was for Grettir”
“I understand Arthur, I do but I don’t want things.” Came the quiet voice back
“I understand as well so to help you out you can give it to me for Christmas!” Arthur teased kissing the top of Merlin’s head.
Merlin turned round and returned the kiss. A voice came across the grass “Get a room you two”
It was Aithusa “Grandpa told me you were upset Merlin, please don’t be. Just enjoy your submarine. Now you have to give her a name”
“That’s easy Aithusa, Arthur can pay to have it painted on her side” Merlin gave a small smile “So young lady you will go in the water one way or another”
“If I ever manage it I want to come down with you and see if I can spot a merman” Aithusa said smiling
“Don’t you mean a Mermaid” Merlin asked
“What good is a mermaid to me!”
Merlin and Arthur spent another two weeks getting to know Aithusa. They went down in the submarine twice more. By the end of the fortnight they had formed a very strong bond with the family and promised to return with Ygraine one day when they would explore the islands and find the hidden places that most tourists never got to see. The Mediterranean Sea and many good places to take the submarine as well as dive and snorkel. Merlin had explained the Aqua Scooter to Aithusa and thought maybe with a lot of help she could be persuaded to go into the water. Merlin had sort of come to terms with being the owner of a submarine. Arthur suggested that one day Aithusa flew to Camelot to stay “As long as it doesn’t cause a rift with your parents.”
She gave a wry smile “Grandpa will sort them out. Like many in the family they rely on Grandpa for too much to upset him for long. They are not bad people but the priest at the church we go to is very traditional and preaches damnation. Their world and friendship group are intwined with the church. Mama used to say it was their prayers at the church that found you and I was saved. I heard grandpa remind them and ask if god disapproved of you so much why did he use you to answer their prayers? That made papa think, at bit at least. If papa sees sense Mama will come round. Besides I am 17 not a child.”
When they left the island with what is seemed was half the population of Greece saying goodbye, Alitor took them back to Poole Harbour where they went to see Merin’s birthday gift. It was bright yellow and did fit in the beech club but they wondered what the toy hating George would make of it. Gwaine had come to pick them all up and as the protection officers had been swore to secrecy, he had no idea about the submarine until Merlin took him to see it. With a straight face he explained he had been given a ‘toy’ by Alitor and would like Gwaine to help him with it.
The look on the Irishman’s face when he saw the Aithusa was worth so much, when Merlin told him he wanted him and Percy too go on the course to use it he was happy beyond measure. Merlin explained that the course wasn’t mandatory but he wanted then to take it and any others recommended. Arthur asked his yacht management company too find out if any equipment was recommended for on the yacht in case of accidents and to add it to the yacht. They came back saying a decompression chamber that Arthur had already had fitted into the Yacht for diving. The mini sub training was also added to the crew training list and insurances. When Percy found out he was also very keen to be part of the new venture and thanked Merlin for asking him. Once word leaked to the crew several people asked to be involved and Arthur agreed, it was always better to have more people involved. Tristan, George and Sefa were added immediately. George had been a surprise but he pointed out that a submarine was a serious piece of kit for exploration and not a toy. By the time they used the yacht the name ‘Aithusa’ had been painted on the submarine and all the other details complete.
Arthur secretly felt the submarine had made his yacht far better as an explorer yacht and wished he had been the one to have purchased it. But admitted the lack of expense was nice