Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Arthur's stomach clenched as their captor turned on Merlin, sword raised.
This shouldn't be happening again.
Memories flashed before the king's eyes.
A poisoned drink gulped down without hesitation.
Merlin falling.
A deadly dorocha, confronted head-on in stupid bravery.
Merlin falling.
The sickening sound of a violent blow and a pained gasp.
Merlin falling.
He had seen this too many times. A king shouldn't have to watch an unarmed, untrained, servant fall in his defense even once. Yet Arthur looked on, helpless to do anything as his closest friend prepared to die at his side.
This shouldn't be happening again.