Rating: K+ (Unspecified character death)
Disclaimer: I do not own any single part of the Merlin story. It all belongs to the glorious and amazing BBC network.
Authors Note: This is what happens when I'm defining words online, and I become distracted by the "word of the day," which was very perfect today.
Plus, I've always wanted to write a drabble. It's difficult, I tell you! I'll continue these as more interesting words appear.
Hamartia - a tragic flaw
The others warn him. They know the identity of the true monster. It isn't the victim on the pyre; it is the hate and betrayal living in his own heart.
But he doesn't listen. Kings have no need to listen to mere advisors. Kings are always right. He reminds himself of this, so he'll never forget the lessons he's learned.
Even when he hears the cries, the pleas for forgiveness, he does not listen.
He ignores them when they beg for the man's life. When they beg for mercy.
Even when the cruel flame is lowered on to the dark wood, the king does not stop to think about how he is damning his once faithful ally. He does not question his decision, even as the straw crackles and smolders, and the man on the pyre tries not to show fear.
Kings must never be wrong.
It isn't until the air is filled with smoke and the smell of charred death does the king pause. Vividly remembering the bright years past and the dark, fresher memory, he questions his rash decision. Should he have waited? Should he have listened? How much of a monster was the man who was once the king's greatest friend?
The king glances to his son, who is completely hypnotized by the unfolding events. To the boy, another nameless sorcerer has been destroyed, and he can sleep peacefully at nights without fear. Camelot has been saved yet again. He has made the right decision.
Kings are always right; kings must never be wrong.
Especially through the eyes of their sons.
I started writing this as an Arthur-centric piece, but as I dove a little deeper, it seemed like Uther too. Y'know, he must've been forced to execute some of his friends too. Take the case of Gaius, who was sentenced like a bazillion times. So I don't know who it ended up as.
Thank you for reading! Hopefully I can be semi-regular with putting these up, since they're pretty fun and short to write.