How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[…] it was not the homecoming that made my spirits lift, but the fact that at last I had a job to do for Ambrosius. If I could not yet do a prophet's work for him, at least I could do a man's work, and then a son's. I believe that all the time I was half hoping that I would be asked to die for him. I was very young. (III.2.13)
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.
Quote #2
The purse of money jingled as it hit the ground at my cousin's feet.
I didn't turn. But as I went I saw, even without looking, the expression on my cousin's face, as with a quick glance to right and left, he stooped for the purse and tucked it into his waistband. (III.6.53-54)
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.
Quote #3
I did not even know if I was man enough for what might happen after she told them. I dared not speak again; I was afraid that if they used force against me she would speak to save me. And once they knew, once they started to question me… (III.7.41)
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.