Disclaimer: WB/DC own these characters. I'm only borrowing them for a while. I own the original ideas found in this.
Summary: AU drabble where Malcolm Merlyn has been captured by Ra's, after receiving Moira's tip. Merlyn has an idea in order to get out of Ra's' dungeon.
AN: This idea still enthralls me, but the Muse refuses to carry it through into a story. So, instead, I am going to leave it as a drabble for now.
The quiet of the darkness was interrupted only by the pounding of boots as the soldiers marched with their prisoner into the Fortress.
The man chained being dragged to his death tried to get his legs under him, but was finding it impossible to do. Before he could, he was thrown to the floor. Looking up, he met the eyes of the man who he knew was expecting him to die that night.
"Rise, Al Sa-her."
Before he could rise on his own power, the man felt his arms being grabbed roughly and he was brought to his feet.
"It took us a year, Al Sa-her, but we finally tracked you down."
"Liege, I beg you. Give me another chance, and I will prove my loyalty."
"How would you do that?"
"I have an idea. You have been dissatisfied with how the Heir of the Demon has been conducting herself, have you not?"
When silence and a stony glare met that remark, Merlyn continued. "I…I have an idea that will address several of your concerns. You are angry with Ta-er Sah-fer for breaking your daughter's heart and interfering with Nyssa's loyalty to the League. You need a replacement for your Heir. I…I have one in mind."
"Who is that?"
"Oliver Queen."
"The man from Starling City? The son of the woman who told us where you were?" Ra's took in the man kneeling in front of him, in chains, and shook his head. "What would make him qualified to take the position?"
Malcolm rolled his lower lip into his teeth. "I know you have followed his progress in Starling. What he has been doing. How he has been trying to bring change to Starling." Desperately searching his mind for another argument Malcolm quickly added, "Something along your line of business."
"Perhaps that is true. How would making him my heir also get rid of Taer Sa-fir?"
"I will willingly sacrifice my daughter, who is also Mr. Queen's half-sister, to the cause. She will assassinate Taer Sa-fir, who would not suspect my daughter of wanting to kill her. It will take Taer Sa-fir by surprise. Mr. Queen will do anything to protect his sister. If you say there is a blood debt on her head, because of Taer Sa-fir's murder, he will have no choice but to meet you on the field of combat. There you will see for yourself how worthy he is of being your heir, plus setting up the process of bringing him into your fold."
Ra's al Ghul, fearless leader of the infamous League of Assassins, looked at the cowering man in front of him. He hated to admit it, but Al Sa-her's idea intrigued him.
"I will consider your offer. For now, please enjoy my 'hospitality' in the southern dungeon. I will let you know what I decide." Nodding to the guards on either side of his prisoner, Ra's watched as Al Sa-her was dragged away.
AN: Hope you enjoyed this little drabble, and hope you will let me know what you think. Always appreciated. Hope to see you next time!
