Song: "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult
Category: Canon AU
Characters/Pairings: Merlin, Arthur Agraviane, Gwaine
Rating/Warnings: T, character death
Word Count: 299
Author's Note: This is set in season 4.

Don't Fear

This wasn't Arthur's doing. No, this was Agravaine's. Arthur wasn't even aware of what's happening. He was in Mercia trying to draft a trade agreement. Camelot had been unnaturally dry this summer, which meant the crops hadn't fared well. Mercia had had a bountiful crop. Camelot had no choice but to try and barter with the neighboring land.

Gaius had needed my help. There was a pestilence amongst the villagers – everyone and their mothered seemed to be coming down with it – and so I had stayed behind. Something in the back of my mind nagged me. It said, Go with him. He needs you. I ignored it.

Then, the basilisks attacked. I had no choice but to use my magic. Gwaine had been in danger. A bite from one of these snakes was deadly. The knight had been shocked at my abilities, but very pleased and relieved at being saved. Agravaine, who'd been given Arthur's signet ring, had seen things differently. Before I had been able to explain anything, he'd thrown me into the dungeons after sentencing me to death.

And now, a day later, here I was being marched to my doom. I stared at the pyre, my blue eyes wide. I know I could fight. I know I could use my magic and disappear. But, what would be the use? It was time to face the reaper – we all die, after all. Somehow, being murdered by Agavaine seemed better – at least I wasn't betrayed by my friends. In fact, they stood in the crowd and watched as the guard led me forward.

Stepping onto the pyre, I was pushed against the pole and lashed. Staring at the torch as it lit the wood beneath me, I hear a scream. It was Arthur. But he was too late.