Merlin – Just Another Day Saving Camelot
(A/N - BBC Wales owns all characters of Merlin, not me.)
The mythical beast roared once more, flexing its leathery wings before lurching forwards to snap at Arthur and Merlin with its razor-sharp beak. Ducking under a deadly set of talons, Arthur thrust his sword into the beast's chest with all his might. The impact sent shockwaves of pain down his arm and across his shoulders. Gritting his teeth, Arthur twisted the hilt deeper, ignoring the creature's ear-splitting screech of fury. The beast stumbled backwards a few steps, eyes narrowing dangerously. Arthur couldn't take his eyes away from it.
"Merlin," Arthur said, in a deceptively calm quiet voice. "Run!"
Glancing over at his manservant, he saw that Merlin had yet to move. Arthur slowly backed up and gave Merlin a none too gentle shove.
"Run!"
Blinking, Merlin turned on his heel and ran, making sure that Arthur was right behind him.
The creature's beady black eyes caught sight of their sudden movement and dropped onto all four legs. It charged after them, breathing heavily on their heels. The beast was in biting distance of Merlin when suddenly one of its back feet caught on a gnarled root, tripping it up. Falling forwards, the giant beast fell on top of Arthur's sword, cutting its own heart in two. With a death rattle, the creature caused the ground to shake before finally lying still.
Arthur felt the ground buck under his feet moments before he was launched off his feet and forced forwards, flipping through the air. Merlin was lifted off his feet and he saw the forest blur passed him before his chin acted as a makeshift brake, stopping his momentum across the ground. Blood poured from his scraped chin but Merlin didn't notice. He watched, horrified, as Arthur flew through the air and dropped over a steep drop that led to a rocky ravine miles below.
Scrambling to his feet, Merlin launched himself over the edge and managed to snag hold of Arthur's wrists. The weight of Arthur's armour dragged Merlin further over the side but Merlin dug his feet into the ground in a desperate attempt to anchor himself. With Merlin pulling and Arthur trying to find safe footholds, Arthur managed to drag himself to safety.
On shaky arms and legs, Arthur crawled away from the edge and a watery grave below. When his arms gave out, Merlin dragged him a couple of more feet for good measure, before collapsing on the ground beside him.
After calming his nerves and catching his breath, Merlin rolled onto his side to check on Arthur. Arthur nodded his head and gave him a grateful look but it was soon replaced with a look of amusement.
"Merlin," Arthur said to him, patiently. "It's all well and good that you are loyal and willing enough to die for me, but you have to let go."
Merlin frowned in confusion. "Let go?"
"Yes," Arthur nodded, with a familiar wry smile. "Before I'm forced to snap your wrist."
Merlin stared at him blankly before he felt something tugging under his hand. Looking over at Arthur, Merlin felt his cheeks flush as he realized that he still had a death grip on one of Arthur's wrists. Bruises were already forming under his fingers. He quickly let go.
"Sorry," muttered Merlin, with an embarrassed smiled.
Arthur flapped a dismissive hand before letting it drop on the ground again. After a moments rest, Arthur dragged himself to his feet.
"Come on then, you've got work to do," Arthur told Merlin, stepping over the manservant before hauling him to his feet. "I want my sword back."
Merlin groaned in protest but obediently followed Arthur back into forest. After all, someone had to keep him out of trouble.
The End.