How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
If this was so, and they had brought me here because of my reputed powers, there might be some way in which I could help Ambrosius right from the enemy's camp. Perhaps after all the god had brought me here for this, perhaps was still driving me. Put yourself in his path.[…] Well, one could only use what was to hand. (III.8.19)
Merlin's still not sure about his role with "the god" and Fate, but he's beginning to put the pieces together. His "trip" to visit Vortigern feels like a detour on his planned route, but he's also willing to believe that it's all part of some plan that he doesn't fully understand.
It turns out that the cosmic plans for this encounter were laid years ago, when the vision in the crystal cave led him to the mineshaft below the hill where Vortigern's doomed tower now stands. Cool.
Quote #8
"I've learned that the god comes when he will, and how he will, rending your flesh to get into you, and when he has done, tearing himself free as violently as he came. Afterwards—now—one feels light and hollow and like an angel flying. […] No, they can do nothing to me, Cadal." (III.11.73)
After his encounter with Vortigern, Merlin finally understands: he's a minion of "the god." Nothing can ever happen to him that isn't part of some higher plan. Merlin knows for certain that they will escape Vortigern's clutches, because Vortigern is destined for death—not them. Not a bad perk to the whole supernatural deal, we must say.
Quote #9
The voice that had said so, that said so now in the musty dark of Camlach's room, was not my own; it was the god's. One did no lie awake looking for reasons; one obeyed, and then slept. (IV.2.89)
It turns out that Merlin's really the perfect vessel of Fate: he's willing to roll with whatever "the god" throws at him. In some sense, this makes Merlin a bit spineless—he's totally okay with giving into something he doesn't fully understand. On the other hand, Merlin's embracing his "purpose," which is a heaven-sent plan for his life. Who are we to judge?