- Merlin sees that he's right: it was Belasius leading the sacrificial meeting of the druids. Belasius isn't happy to see him, but he doesn't seem that surprised.
- Merlin tells Belasius not to be mad at his servant Ulfin. Merlin just knew that something was up in the woods and that he had to find it.
- Belasius tells Merlin that Ulfin's not a problem, since he has a hold over the servant: Belasius has promised to free him so that he won't have to be killed when his master dies.
- Merlin asks Belasius about the sacrifice. Belasius tells him that the worship of the Goddess (Nimue) is even more ancient than that of Mithras.
- Belasius explains more about the worship of this goddess: it used to be in the grove or forest (called Nemet) that they worshipped, but now, they have to take whatever venue they can find. He also fesses about that blood-curdling scream: it was a human sacrifice. But he tells Merlin not to sweat it, since the guy they killed committed sacrilege.
- Turns out, Belasius' worship (and sacrificial killing) is pretty darn illegal—and it's clear to Merlin that Belasius is willing to kill more to keep it secret.
- Belasius is mightily impressed by Merlin's courage, what with the creepy stuff going on out there during the equinox.
- But Merlin tells Belasius to save his admiration: he's not afraid because he knows that no danger will come to him.
- Merlin feels more concern at the moment for the two servants, Ulfin and Cadal. He doesn't want them killed for spying on Belasius. Merlin promises to take on their punishments himself.
- Belasius tells Merlin that he has plans for the kid's "sight," so he has noooo problem making the boy "pay" for spying.
- Belasius ends by saying that Merlin will have to pay the Goddess for his spying. He also predicts that Merlin's fate will be more like the mythological dude Endymion at the Goddess' hands.
- In plain English: Belasius wants to induct Merlin into the secrets of his religious worship. Merlin isn't down with it, but he remembers his mantra: "Take power where it is offered."
- Merlin regrets that Ulfin will be punished for failing to keep Merlin out of things, but he knows that Belasius won't kill him. Whew.
- Merlin and Belasius head back toward home, but they hear Ambrosius' men on horseback ahead of them. Belasius sends Merlin ahead with a warning: don't say anything.
- And, of course, it's Uther and his men.
- Uther's not pleased to see Merlin and is automatically suspicious of his brother's favorite being out at night by himself.