A/N: Hey everyone! This story popped into my head last night and I spent ages writing a few chapters of it before my brain was satisfied and finally let me get some sleep.
PLEASE READ: So in most chapters there will be a little note form"Death". Basically, Death is personified and is kind of like a person, they help the dead get to their afterlife. The first bit of this chapter is a really short bit about Death. I will make all of Death's parts in bold, but the main story isn't written in Death's point of view. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: i don't own Merlin!
Chapter 1
In this age, I had quite a task on my hands. So many deadly illnesses were spread, killing whole villages at a time. And then there were the wars enemy kingdoms would have, and there would be more for me to take than there were left. But I still take them on. I take people to the afterlife, different people call it different things from place to place; heaven, paradise, Avalon. I take them and everyone's is unique. People usually shared it with loved ones and family, whereas others would be completely alone.
It wasn't often that I had to follow people, if there weren't any wars or diseases that killed a person, I would usually just wait until they died of old age. But there were some who would pull away from me at the last minute. There were these two in particular, from Camelot in Albion. One king and his manservant had escaped me numerous times. The two were like peas in a pod, and although their status' meant they had grown up very differently, on the inside they were as one. The best of friends.
In truth, I am glad they were still living in Camelot together, as it would destroy the other if one of them died. But there was once, one time of the many where I went to visit them where I had to take one. I had him in my hands and I was leading him to the afterlife. I had to take the sorcerer away from his king. I had to take Merlin…
"Hurry up, Merlin!" Arthur called down the corridor to his manservant.
Merlin was walking some way behind the young king. He sighed and pondered for the millionth time why he had to be present whenever someone asked for an audience with the king. He was only a servant after all. But he carried on regardless, and soon they were in front of the doors leading to the throne room, which the guards promptly opened.
Everyone turned and bowed their heads towards their king as he strode towards his throne, followed by his manservant. On arrival, Arthur turned to the knights and nobles stood in the room and Merlin took his place standing behind and to the left of his master, hands held behind his back.
Merlin scanned the room, he could see the Round Table knights standing in front of their fellows, looking somewhat bored. But soon enough, the doors opened once again and a middle-aged man walked in, followed by two guards.
The man was dressed poorly in undyed and too large clothes, which looked dirty and worn. He was quite a well-built man and Merlin presumed it must be from farm work.
"Your Highness," he said in a deep tone, bowing deeply and then straightened up. Arthur nodded at him, indicating for him to talk. "I am from the village of Maedore, only two nights ago, our village was attacked. Many died and few escaped."
"i'm sorry to hear that. Maedore is in the northern border, isn't it?" Arthur asked and the man nodded. "Where are the others that escaped?"
"They have gone to other villages, to seek refuge. My family and I came here to warn you of the attack, Sire"
"And, who was it that attacked you?"
"Well…" the man frowned, "they wore no crest, but fought in armour. They sneaked into the village at night and set the houses alight. They killed everyone they came across and there were at least twenty of them, Sire."
The king took a moment to think. "What is your name?"
"Euan, my Lord."
"Thank you, Euan. Guards," Arthur called, and the two behind Euan stepped forward, "Find Euan and his family somewhere to stay in the city."
"Yes Sire!" they lead Euan away after he had given Arthur a grateful bow.
"Sir Leon, round up our best knights, we ride for Maedore at dawn."
"Yes Sire." Leon bowed and left the chambers.
"Council dismissed." Arthur called and instantly loud chatter erupted from the crowds. The king made his way out of the throne room and called Merlin to follow him.
With another sigh, the Merlin made his way to follow his king.
Indeed, I had to take many from the poor town of Maedore, the poor souls had been attacked so suddenly and viciously. But they weren't the only ones who suffered at the hands of those brutes.