How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"Do you think Uther is a king, Cadal? He's but a regent for him who went before and for him who comes after, the past and future King. And tonight, he is even less than that: he is a tool, and she's a vessel, and […] I am a spirit, a word, a thing of air and darkness, and I can no more help what I am doing than a reed can help the wind of God blowing through it." (V.6.62)
This is the last time Merlin speaks with Cadal before entering Tintagel, and he gives him a heaping of perspective about the whole situation. Merlin's speech here could be considered traitorous, considering that Uther is High King of Britain now, but Merlin doesn't care—he's operating on a different level, which means he has the power and authority to make such observations. What we know from the legends verifies Merlin's description of Uther here: he's only around to father the future King Arthur. That's really his only claim to power and authority. And, comparatively speaking, it isn't that much.