The knife sped towards Arthur. Merlin lunged and pushed Arthur aside, like he had done all those years ago, but this time something was different. The knife didn't sink into the wood of the chair, like it had done all those years ago, it penetrated deep into Merlin's shoulder. Arthur regained his balance and looked around. He was met with the shocked faces of the courtiers. He looked round again to see Merlin slowly crumple to the floor, the shiny blade of the knife splattered with scarlet droplets of Merlin's blood. Arthur screamed in horror. He ran to Merlin's side but by then it was too late. Merlin was gone.