In recent years, the church had taken to persecuting Druids with determined hostility. He wasn’t looking forward to discovering the Pope’s reaction to a blood-drinking king. Which was why he needed to know all the implications, so he asked the next question that came to mind. “We’ll be able to work magic, as you do?” “The women will, but the males’ magic will be limited to shape-shifting—the ability to take the form of wolves—and self-healing.” “Why? You don’t have such a limit.” Merlin’s expression darkened. “My people have found males with the full spectrum of power sometimes use it to abuse their females. It’s best to ensure women have the advantage in order to protect themselves.” Arthur longed to protest that Gwen had nothing to fear from him, but he held his tongue. There was no guarantee the same would be true of everyone else who passed Merlin’s test.
