First one. Will be many to follow.
[Gone.]
The boat glides across the shimmering water.
The sand swirls at his feet; he does not notice. The water laps on his boots; he does not notice.
If only it is him on that boat, that vessel aflame. But it's not his destiny. A gull flies past, disturbing the trees behind him. He does not notice.
If only it is him on that boat, that beacon on the water—that beacon of death. But the pain is his. It's his to bear.
If only Merlin can be on that boat, if the weight of his grief would not cause it to sink.
The boat glides serenely on, as if it knows a peace that cannot exist, not now. The world continues to be; he does not notice.
If only.