"Quickly, lie him down," a voice called. "Merlin!"
"Arthur," he groaned.
"Oh, Merlin, I'm so sorry," Arthur began.
"No," Merlin gasped, "Don't be sorry. It's not your fault." Arthur held the gaping wound in Merlin's side, trying desperately to stop the endless bleeding.
"Merlin, you're going to die," Arthur cried. Merlin managed a smile.
"Yeah, well," he murmured, "Who wants to live forever?"
"I wish there was something I could do."
"I need to tell you something," he whispered, "Before I die. I -" he groaned in agony and his eyes suddenly glowed gold, the last of his power draining from him. As his heart beat its last, he managed to breathe out the word "Magic."