How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
The enemy was at the gates, and what Vortigern needed now was not logic and an engineer; he wanted magic, and something—anything—that promised quick safety, and kept his followers loyal. (III.10.37)
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.
Quote #5
"What the King's prophet must do now is to take the heart out of these Saxon-loving vermin, and drive Vortigern out of this tight corner of Wales into some place where Ambrosius can smoke him out quickly and destroy him." (III.11.67)
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.
Quote #6
"When a place is full of superstition and fear, you get to feel it. I tell you, it was breathing goose-pimples all over me. She must have felt it, too. You might almost say she took the same line as I did, trying to face magic with magic." (III.11.25)
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?