The Death's Bite

by The Guide for Earth Travellers

When Merlin throws himself at Arthur and into the path of the assassin's dagger, he realizes only too late that the dagger is Tiller's Bite, which causes its victim a slow yet certain death. How will Arthur and his friends save Merlin? And what challenges will they face on their way?

1. Chapter 1

Title: The Death's Bite

Disclaimer: I don't own BBC Merlin.

Author's Note: This is my first fanfiction! I've read lots of them before, but this is the first time I've actually written one. English is not my native language, and I still haven't figured out about how the betas work... But please, enjoy your reading!

Prologue

"Merlin!"

He should have read the signs, Merlin realized as the world spinned around him and voices became dull murmurs, only now it was too late to regret anything.

He should have seen the furious, maniac glint that seemed to dance in the eyes of Lifard, the new manservant, whenever he glanced at Arthur during the hunt.

He should have seen Lifard signal to the hidden bandits in the trees and turn to Arthur for the kill as the bandits charged at the knights.

But most of all, Merlin thought as he felt himself slip away to dark unconsciousness, he should have seen and recognized the dagger that Lifard held, which Merlin noticed as he threw himself at Arthur and sudden, blinding pain burst from the top of the right shoulder, was the one he saw in Gaius' book just this morning- Tiller's Bite, which causes a slow yet certain death to any creature that tastes its blade. Well, at least it wasn't Arthur that got it, he thought and felt himself smile despite the pain.

Then he finally gave in to the cold waters of blissful unknowingness.