Never the Same, but Life Always Goes On
Galaya
Here's my fourth story. Don't know where the idea came from, but I liked it. I have a strange liking for injuring characters.
"We really should be careful," Merlin warned.
"That's what you always say, Merlin!" Arthur laughed.
"And you never listen."
"True. Come on, we're just hunting a couple bandits. Surely, even you aren't afraid?"
"You always ignore me, even when I turn out to be right."
"Don't be such a girl, Merlin!"
"Prat."
The two went on like that for quite some time, only stopping when the first signs of the bandits appeared. Arthur climbed off his horse to inspect a pair of tracks. He held up his hand to signal to wait.
Crouching low, he made his way over to a small cliff about a hundred meters away. The others soon cleared of their horses and followed suite.
The bandits had a comp just a little ways off from the base of the cliff. They had already prepared for the night, leaving a scrawny looking man to stand guard.
"Fan out. Move in on my signal," Arthur hissed.
The Knights began to disperse into the trees. Merlin stayed right behind Arthur.
Arthur waited for a couple moments, and then yelled, "Now!"
There sentry looked up, drawing a short sword. One of the Knights came up from behind him and slipped a sword into his back. The man didn't even scream; he was dead before he hit the ground.
The battle went out from there. Merlin tried to get on the edge of the fight where he could use his magic. A large bandit attacked him.
"Can't you attack someone your own size, or do you go after the weaker ones?" Merlin taunted, very irritated.
"Yarrrr!" was the response.
The bandit tried to cleave Merlin's head, but Merlin was quicker and managed to dodge the blade. Unfortunately, it cut above his right eye. His vision in his right eye began to swirl red.
"Is that the best you can do?" the warlock spat.
This time, the answer was a powerful kick to his ribcage. Merlin heard a crack and knew a rib had been broken.
Mind numb with pain, his eyes flashed gold. The bandit fell onto his sword, killing him.
The fight raged on for a while longer, but the Knights soon bested the bandits.
"Well, it's about time we headed back, I say," Arthur panted.
"I'm with you," Gwaine agreed.
"Merlin, grab the horses and gather our provisions."
"I… always … get landed with… the donkey work… don't I?" Merlin gasped. He was having trouble breathing because of his broken rib. The others believed he was just worn out.
As Merlin left to do his job, the Knights checked themselves for injury. Gwaine had a large gash on his arm and Elyan had gotten hit on the head fairly hard, but nothing too serious.
"Merlin, it's time to leave," Arthur said.
"Just give me a moment," the warlock groaned. He was on his feet, although in a daze. Merlin began to follow his companions while carrying all of the provisions.
The Knights were already in a festive mood. Merlin was very quiet, but no one took any notice.
That is, until there was a thud behind them.
"Come on, Merlin! Don't go dropping all of our supplies!" Arthur scolded without looking. "Merlin?"
Turning, the young king saw a still form lying on the ground.
So, how'd I do? Please review!