Hey all! I hope you're enjoying this story as much as I'm enjoying writing it! I just want to say a special thank you to lordstarlight and writergirl142 for the kind reviews. I can't begin to explain how much they mean to me. Thank you so much!
Sorry this chapter took so long to get up. It gave me soooo much trouble even though it was the one I was most excited to write. I don't think it came out right, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.
Any names that I use-for knights and such-are names that are actually in the Arthurian legends, but I'm just using the names and not the actual story behind the people. Just so that is clear.
The rest of my author's note is at the end of the story so please read that as well and leave some feedback on it, if it's not to much to ask. :)Sorry the author's note is so long, but their was a lot to say on this chapter. Now, on to the story!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Warning: This chapter is rated a very strong T. It has slightly descriptive gore and lots and lots of angst and drama.
Chapter 4: You Were My Brother
Once I called you brother. Once I thought the chance to make you laugh,
Was all I ever wanted. And even now I wish that God had chose
another. Serving as your foe on His behalf
is the last thing that I wanted.
-The Plagues from the Prince of Egypt.
Merlin walked down the hallway, barely acknowleding the friendly greetings he recieved. Several watched him curiously, wondering what was making the usually so friendly man so quiet. Merlin, for his part, didn't notice the curious looks that followed him. He was to caught up in his own thoughts.
He was finally going to do it. He was going to tell Arthur that he had magic. Or, that was the plan at least. Merlin wasn't sure if he would actually be able to tell Arthur after all these years. They had known each other for what? 17 years? 18?* And he still hadn't trusted Arthur with his biggest secret.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Arthur. Quite the opposite in fact. He trusted Arthur with his life. But telling the King of a magic hating kingdom that his manservant had magic and had been using it behind his back for almost twenty years wasn't exactly a pleasant thought. At times, Merlin wondered if he would be better off never telling Arthur.
Merlin shook his head. There had been to much lying. He was ready to tell Arthur who he really was, even if he wasn't sure Arthur was ready. Then again, he thought with a regretful smile, you've been thinking that for the past seventeen years. It was hard to believe it had really been that long. It seemed like just last year that he had come to Camelot and saved Gaius's life within five minutes of entering the city.
Merlin was so lost in his thoughts that he almost missed Arthur's quarters. Since Gwen's death, Arthur had moved back to the room he had lived in as Prince, whereas he had taken over his father's old room when he became King. Merlin noticed about two rooms down and backtracked quickly to stand in front of Arthur's room.
The warlock raised his hand to knock, but hesitated an inch from the wooden door. He brought his hand down slowly, before grabbing at his head.
"Come on, Merlin." He said quietly, rubbing his hand down his face nervously. "You can do this."
"Do what?" Arthur's voice asked from over his left shoulder.
"Arthur!" Merlin exclaimed, spinning around.
The warlock stumbled backwards as he came face to face with Arthur, who was standing just behind him, his arms crossed over his chest and an amused look on his face. Merlin blushed slightly, embarrassed at having been caught unaware.
"Were you about to knock?" Arthur asked, raising his eyebrow in a good imitation of Gaius.
"Well...um...no...of course not." Merlin stammered.
"Really?" Arthur clearly didn't believe him. "Because I could have sword I saw you raise your hand to knock."
"You did?" Merlin said stupidily.
"Yes, I did." Arthur replied, clearly enjoying his friend's discomfort. "Now what has you so nervous that you even considered knocking?"
"Um...well..." Merlin stammered, sudden fear overtaking him. "I just...um..wanted to talk to you."
"So you were going to knock?" Arthur questioned in disbelief.
"I thought about it." Merlin replied quickly, not wanting to talk anymore. "But I didn't want you thinking the world was coming to an end."
Arthur grinned despite himself and motioned for Merlin to open the door. Slightly reluctantly, Merlin opened the door and the two walked into Arthur's quarters, Merlin closing the door behind them. Arthur stretched and threw his jacket across a chair before collapsing onto his bed, not bothering to take his boots off.
Merlin turned slowly, his nervousness and fear returning and he wasn't sure if telling Arthur was a smart idea after all. He turned and saw Arthur relaxing and was grateful that the King seemed to be in a good mood. He moved over to the chair and picked up Arthur's jacket, before moving around the room picking up the rest of the dirty clothes and tidying up. Arthur watched him for a few minutes, before sighing.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"What?" Merlin said, surprised out of his thoughts.
"I said, what's wrong?" Arthur repeated, rolling his eyes.
"Nothing." Merlin answered a litle to quickly.
"Come on, Merlin." Arthur said, shaking his head in amusment. "You aren't being your normal annoying self. You're to quiet so something must be wrong. So out with it, what's wrong?"
"I told you, nothing." Merlin replied, fear beginning to creep in again.
"Merlin." Arthur said, sitting up and staring disbelivingly at him.
"Arthur." Merlin replied, barely glancing at his friend.
Arthur rolled his eyes and layed back down, his head propped up on his hands.
"You said you wanted to tell me something." Arthur prompted.
"I did?" Merlin said, turning his back so Arthur couldn't see the nervousness on his face. "I must have been mistaken."
"Come on, Merlin." Arthur laughed, curious as to what was bothering his manservant. "Just tell me what it is."
'It's now or never.' Merlin said to himself silently. He looked down at his hands and saw that they were shaking slightly. He took a deep breath and turned around to face Arthur to tell him his secret, regardless if he was ready or not.
"Arthur," he started, but was cut off by a knocking on the door.
"Enter." Arthur called, getting to his feet to make it look like he was doing something.
Sir Leon walked in and bowed respectfully. He saw Merlin and nodded in his direction, and Merlin nodded back, aggrivated and slightly relieved that he had been inturrupted.
"Yes, Sir Leon?" Arthur asked.
"Sire," Leon started, "Sir Hector's patrol returned a little while ago. They spotted the tracks of a giant boar in the forest about five miles from the castle."
"A boar?" Arthur repeated. "In Camelot? But they all but dissapeared years ago! I thought the one I killed back when Sigan tried to take over was the last one."
"It seems one either stuck around or has returned." Leon replied.
"This is great!" Arthur exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. "Merlin..."
"I know," Merlin sighed. "Pack your things for a hunting trip."
"And Gwydre's." Arthur added with a nod.
"Gwydre?" Merlin asked nervously.
"He's eleven," Arthur explained, "Plenty old enough for his first hunt."
"But a boar hunt?" Merlin exclaimed, not liking the sound of it at all. "He could get hurt. Boars aren't exactly the safest animals to hunt."
"He'll be perfectly safe." Arthur said with a slight frown. "He'll be surrounded by the finest knights of Camelot after all."
Merlin frowned, still not liking the sound of it. He remembered the last boar hunt he had been on, and he remember how dangerous it had gotten. He loved Gwydre like he was his own, and he didn't want the boy hurt. But he knew that if Arthur wanted Gwydre to come, then the boy would come. Not to mention that Gwydre would fight to come in the first place. He really was his father's son.
"Are you sure, Arthur?" Leon asked, just as concerned as Merlin. "He is only a boy."
"He's eleven." Arthur repeated, not liking having his judgement questioned. "I was the same age on my first hunt, why should it be any different for him?"
"If I remember right, Sire," Leon said slowly and carefully. "Our** first hunt was for deer, not a full grown boar."
"I also remember," Arthur replied in the same way Leon had, "That our first hunt ended with us bringing home a serkat carcus."
"Why would you want a dead serkat?" Merlin asked.
Arthur shrugged. "It attacked and nobody would believe our story if we hadn't had it."
Merlin rolled his eyes, not sure if he should believe the story or not. Leon wasn't trying to deny it, so he guessed it must be true.
"How do you expect Gwydre to hunt a boar?" he asked. "He's not strong enough to throw the spear."
Arthur frowned and thought for a moment.
"I suppose you're right on that," He admitted reluctantly, "But after we have killed the boar, I can take him hunting for deer as well. He can just tag along for the boar hunt.
Merlin frowned, but knew that Arthur wouldn't back down on this. He didn't like it one bit. Something felt off about this hunt, and he definatly didn't want Gwydre going on it, but he had no choice. Merlin turned, picked up the dirty clothes, and started to walk out the door when Arthur's voice stopped him.
"What was it you were going to say, Merlin?"
Merlin turned and saw that both Arthur and Leon were watching him. He sighed, knowing it wasn't time yet. Not anymore.
"It can wait." He replied and walked out to get ready for the hunting trip.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-Three Hours Later-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Merlin's eyes scanned the forest as they rode down the path. Along with Merlin, Arthur, and Gwydre, the Round Table knights, Sir Hecto and his patrol, and a few of the servants that had gone hunting before had come along as well. Some of the servants were along the path, beating the brush*** in case the boar had backtracked.
Gwydre was pratically bouncing with excitement. He kept looking every which way, eager for a chance at the boar. Before they had left, Arthur had made it clear to Merlin that he was to keep the boy back away from the boar. Merlin had quickly agreed, glad that the boy would be in his sight. It was hard enough protecting Arthur, but he had a feeling the boy would be twice as hard.
"This is were we ran across the tracks, sire." Sir Gavin spoke up, pointing off to the side where the boar's tracks were clearly visible.
"We'll continue on foot." Arthur announced, dismounting. "Two servants will remain behind to watch the horses." Two of the younger servants nodded and began collecting the reigns of the horses. "We'll spread out into two groups. Sir Leon will lead one and I'll lead the other. Leon, you take Sirs Bruce, Cai, Yvain, and Percival. I'll take Sirs Girard, Erec, Gwaine, and Elyan as well as Merlin and Gwydre."
Leon nodded and the two groups split, with an equal number of servants between them.
"Keep within sight, but spread out enough to cover a large amount of ground. You take the right, I'll take the left." Arthur continued. "If you find the boar, yell and go ahead and kill it, don't wait for the other group."
Leon nodded in understanding and the two groups headed out without another word. They spread out, the beaters hitting the ground with sticks and making as much noise as possible. Merlin and Gwydre stayed near the back, though it took a firm hand on the boy's shoulder to actually keep him in the back. Merlin was, as always, unarmed, but Gwydre had been given a lightweight spear, as well as the sword at his side.
"Stay alert," Arthur called out. He glanced back at his son and added, "Stay back with Merlin, Gwydre. You'll have you're chance later today."
"Yes, Father." Gwydre replied, sounding upset.
"Great," Merlin muttered to himself. "Another one that loves hunting. This is going to make my job twice as hard."
"What's your job?" Gwydre asked having overheard.
"His job," Arthur said, turning around with a grin, "Is to scare away all the game and then be punished for it."
Gwydre laughed and Merlin just rolled his eyes, though he made no attempt to deny it. Arthur turned back, the grin still on his face, and went back to watching the area carefully. They continued on for about thirty minutes, and Merlin was finally able to let go of Gwydre's shoulder, though he kept a close eye on the energetic boy.
Suddden shouting stopped Arthur's group in their tracks. All heads turned to look in the other group's direction. They were barely in sight, but even from the distance the group could make out the form of the giant boar charging straight at two of the knights, though they weren't sure which ones.
"Gwaine, Elyan, stay here with Merlin and Gwydre!" Arthur ordered. "Everyone else with me!"
With that, he and the others took off running toward the other group. Gwaine and Elyan, large boar spears in hand, moved closer to Merlin and Gwydre, shielding them from the giant boar. Merlin wanted to run after Arthur, but he was conflicted in that he wanted to stay with Gwydre as well. He looked down at the boy and saw the excitment written on his face. He then looked back toward the other group. Arthur and the others were only halfway over, but the boar was already on the ground, several spears stuck into it.
Satisfied that Arthur was in no danger, Merlin relaxed and folded his arms across his chest to watch the rest of the hunt. A strange snorting sound caught the attention of the four. Turning slowly, they saw another boar, slightly smaller then the one the others had killed, but still larger then the average boar.
"Stay behind me, Gwydre." Elyan ordered, pushing the boy behind him and lowering his spear.
Gwaine moved in front of Merlin, holding his spear loosly with one hand, ready to throw it. Merlin stepped back slightly, pulling Gwydre along with him to give the knights room. Gwydre's excitment had faded, and was no replaced with traces of fear and worry. He put up no fight as Merlin dragged him behind him.
"I'll throw first," Gwaine announced, "You hold off in case I miss or only wound it."
Elyan simply nodded. Gwaine took a deep breath and waited for the right moment. He didn't have to wait long as the boar snorted a few more times, then charged. Merlin stumbled backwards, pulling Gwydre with him. Gwaine shouted and took a few steps forward, throwing the spear as he went.
The spear flew through the air, hit the boar on the side, and bounced off the tough hide. Gwaine and Elyan's eyes widened as the boar charged toward them. Gwaine drew his sword and held it in front of him, not sure what a sword could do against the tough hide of the boar.
"Elyan." He said, glancing over at his friend. "Anytime now."
Elyan didn't reply and hefted his spear up in his hand, waiting for the boar to get closer. The beast snorted again and charged faster, heading straight toward Gwaine who moved backwards slightly, not sure how to take on a raging boar. Elyan moved quickly and threw the spear as hard as he could. The boar was closer now, and the spear embedded itself in it's upper shoulder, but the beast just snorted angerly and turned to charge at Elyan who quickly drew his sword.
"Run?" Elyan asked hesitantly.
"Run!" Gwaine agreed, and the four all turned on their heels and started running.
Merlin had a tight hand on Gwydre's arm, dragging him through the forest toward the rest of the men. He turned his head slightly to look behind and saw that the boar was chasing after them and rapidly gaining ground. He looked around for a weapon and saw the small lightweight spear still in Gwydre's hands. A memory flashed through his mind of the boar hunt before Sigan tried to take over Camelot. He sighed, knowing what he had to do.
"Keep running." He ordered as he reached out and grabbed the spear from the boy's hands.
The boy barely even acknowleged his order as he kept running, glancing back every few seconds to see how close the boar was. Merlin ran a few feet and took a deep breath, knowing he had no choice. If he didn't do it, there was every chance that he, Gwaine, Elyan, or Gwydre would die. They were getting close to the other men, but they were still to far away and with each second the charging animal grew closer. Taking one last deep breath, Merlin skidded to a halt and turned to face the boar.
"What are you doing, Merlin?" Gwaine shouted, slowing to a stop a few feet behind Merlin.
Elyan looked back and slowed down as well, but he kept going to give Gwydre, who was still running, protection. Merlin didn't answer Gwaine and instead stood waiting for the boar to grow a little closer. The animal saw the man standing and changed directions to charge at Merlin.
"Flíe fǽgð." He chanted lowly and threw the spear as hard as he could.
Gwaine's eyes widened as he heard Merlin say the spell. He watched as the spear flew, dropping slightly as it went, and buried half the spear into the chest. The boar roared once as it toppled to the ground, convulsing several times before growing still. Gwaine didn't pay the animal any mind and instead stared at his friend in shock. He knew Merlin had used magic. There was no other explanation on how a lightweight spear could kill a giant boar.
"You killed it!" Gwydre exclaimed, shock and awe in his voice.
He walked over to stand next to Merlin and stared at the creature, then looked up at Merlin and shook his head, not sure how the man had done it. Elyan walked forward to stand beside his nephew and looked over at Merlin, also in awe.
"How did you do that?" he asked, clearly having not seen or heard Merlin using magic.
"Lucky throw." Merlin shrugged, relieved that neither Gwydre or Elyan had seen his magic.
He turned to look at Gwaine and felt his face pale when he saw the accusing look Gwaine was sending him. Merlin felt his heart start to race and it was all he could do to keep a straight face. Gwaine motioned for Merlin to go to his side, and Merlin took a deep breath before reluctantly walking over to stand beside Gwaine.
Neither man spoke for a few minutes, both so lost in their thoughts. Merlin was having trouble keeping a straight face for the fear that Gwaine would tell Arthur and he would be killed. Gwaine, for his part, was having trouble figuring out why Merlin had never told him. He had thought they were friends, and yet Merlin hadn't trusted Gwaine with his secret.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Gwaine asked, his voice low.
"I wanted to," Merlin said, voice just as low. "I was scared."
"Of what?"
Merlin hesitated, not sure how to respond.
"That you would take it bad and kill me," He said and, before Gwaine could break in, added, "And I was scared for you. Practically every person that has known I have magic died shortly after."
"I would never kill you, Merlin." Gwaine said with a sigh.
"Tell Arthur?" Merlin questioned.
Gwaine started to reply, but a child's scream cut him off. They turned and, to their horror, saw Gwydre on the ground, the boar's tusk impaled in his stomach. Gwydre screamed again, a scream of pain, and Merlin saw what had happened. While he and Gwaine had been talking, Gwydre and Elyan had walked forward to inspect the beast. Elyan had walked around the back to retrieve his spear while Gwydre had gone to look at the boar's head. As he had leaned over the head, the boar had convulsed once more and the tusk had caught Gwydre in the stomach.****
"Gwydre!" Merlin shouted and ran to the boy's side.
Tears poured from the boy's face as Merlin slowly lifted him off the bore's tusk. Blood poured from the wound and Merlin felt himself get sick as he saw bits of intestines leaking out and hanging from the boar's hooked tusk. He pulled the boy into his arms and held him gently, seeing how pale the boy was as his life slowly faded. Merlin knew Gwydre was dying, and tears fell from his eyes.
"M...Merlin." The boy stammered, fear and pain in his voice. "H...how b.. is it?"
Merlin opened and closed his mouth, not sure if he should tell the truth or not. Gwydre saw him falter and tears poured down his eyes, knowing he was dying from the way Merlin was scared to answer. He moaned in pain and clutched at his stomach, trying to hold the blood and guts in, but he tried in vain.
"You're going to be fine." Merlin said, wiping at his eyes with blood stained hands.
Gwydre just cried harder, knowing Merlin was lying. The pain was overbearing, and already his vision was starting to blur and fade. The pain grew sharper and he cried out, a fearful, pain-filled cry. Merlin couldn't take it anymore and as the cry faded, he did the only thing he could think to do. He held his hand over the wounded, barely touching the blood that spilled from the wound.
"ágíeme sébealubenn." He chanted quietly.
His eyes flashed gold and a light blue light spread across the wound. Gwydre didn't see the blue light or the gold in Merlin's eyes because his eyes were closed against the pain, but he heard the words and whimpered slightly at the magic words and the pain across his stomach. Merlin heard Elyan gasp, but he ignored him and focused on the wound. It seemed the blood had slowed, but the spell didn't have much of an affect.
"ágíeme sé cnihtcild dæg bealubenn." Merlin tried, his voice raising as his eyes flashed gold.
The blue light started at Merlin's hands and slowly spread across Gwydre's stomach, slowing the blood flow, but not doing anything else. Gwydre forced his eyes open and gasped as he saw Merlin's eyes fading from gold to blue. He knew he should be frightened-all his life he had been taught that magic was evil-but here was Merlin, using it. And using it to help him if Gwydre had to guess.
"M..Merlin?" Gwydre struggled to say. Merlin looked down at him through tear filled eyes. "Th...Thank you."
Merlin started to reply, but a sob stopped him. He knew Gwydre had seen him use magic and here the boy was thanking him, though thanking him for what he wasn't sure. He was failing him. He couldn't heal the boy he had always considered as his godson, even if Arthur hadn't made it official. Gwydre's eyes closed and Merlin felt the life leave his body.
"Gwydre!" Merlin shouted, tightening his grip on the boy's limp frame. "No! Gwydre! "ágíeme sébealubenn!" The blue light spread from his hand, but Gwydre remained limp. "ágíeme!"
Tears poured from Merlin's eyes as he held Gwydre's dead body in his arms. Sobs racked his body and he pulled Gwydre's body closer, hugging him for once last time. He wasn't even aware that the whole hunting party had gathered in a circle around him and had seen his attempt to save Gwydre.
"You killed him." Arthur's voice broke the silence. "You killed my son."
Merlin looked up and noticed the group gathered around him for the first time. He felt the blood draining from his face as he realized that they had all seen him use magic. Arthur knew he had magic. And he thought he had used it to kill Gwydre.
"Arthur, I didn't..." he started, but Arthur cut him off.
"Don't lie to me, sorcerer!" His voice was full of pain and Merlin could see the betrayal in his eyes. The betrayal he had caused. "You killed my son!"
"Arthur..." Gwaine started to intervere, but Arthur held his hand up, silencing him.
"Get your hands off my son." Arthur ordered, his voice low and dangerous.
Reluctantly, Merlin did as he was told. Gently, he laid Gwydre's dead body on the ground and stood, taking a step back to let Elyan and Arthur come to their nephew and son's side. Elyan wasted no time, dropping to his knees and tearfully looking at his sister's only son's body. Arthur started to do the same, but he took a breath and waited, focusing all his anger and hurt on Merlin.
"Please listen to me, Arthur." Merlin begged, trying to hide the hurt he felt.
"How long have you been practicing magic?" Arthur asked quietly, his fists clenched as he barely held in his anger.
"I was born with it." Merlin answered.
"Impossible." Arthur snapped. "Magic has to be learned."
"It's incredibly rare," Merlin admitted, "But it does happen. Mother says I was moving objects a few hours after I was born."
"Enough!" Arthur snapped, yelling in his anger. "I've had enough of your lies, Merlin!"
Merlin looked down, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. For so many years he had wanted Arthur to know his secret. He had thought of, dreamed of, all the different possible ways that Arthur would reeact. His greatest fear had always been that Arthur would take it bad and try to kill him. And now his greatest fear was being realized.
He looked up at the sound of a sword leaving its sheath. Arthur held the sword in front of him, pointed at Merlin and took a step forward. Merlin took a deep breath and straightened up, ready for whatever Arthur was going to do.
"Everything," Arthur said slowly, threateningly, "you have ever said was a lie, wasn't it?"
"No, Arthur." Merlin tried, but Arthur wouldn't let him talk.
"You were my friend!" Arthur shouted, holding his sword up against Merlin's chest. "I trusted you and you betrayed me."
"I never betrayed you, Arthur." Merlin exclaimed, looking into his friend's eyes. "I only ever used my magic to protect you."
"To protect me?" Arthur asked disbelievingly, "And how is killing my son protecting me?"
"I didn't kill Gwydre!" Merlin exclaimed and he couldn't keep back the single tear that slipped from his eyes.
"Don't you speak his name." Arthur sneered, raising his sword until it was against Merlin's neck. Merlin raised his head slightly to avoid the tip. "Don't you dare speak his name!"
"I didn't kill Gwydre." Merlin repeated. "I was trying to save him!"
"Liar!" Arthur shouted, hate in his eyes.
"I swear, Arthur." Merlin said, trying to hide the hurt in his voice. "I would never do anything to hurt you or Camelot."
"Shut your mouth, sorcerer." Arthur barked, his sowrd moving slightly so that a small drop of blood came from Merlin's neck. "
The sound of another sword being unsheathed echoed through the group. Arthur and Merlin both turned slightly and saw that Gwaine had his sword out and pointed at Arthur.
"What are you doing, Gwaine?" Arthur asked, his voice hard and cold.
"Get your sword away from Merlin." Gwaine ordered, voice equally hard.
"Gwaine!" Arthur and Merlin said in unison, both shocked. Arthur made no move to remove his sword.
"Don't do this Gwaine. "Merlin warned.
"I'm not going to let him hurt you for something you didn't do." Gwaine said, not taking his eyes from Arthur.
"Put your sword away, Gwaine." Arthur ordered. "Do it now and I'll forget about this."
"I don't think so, Princess." Gwaine said with a shake of his head. He moved forward until his sword was against Arthur's side. "Get your sword away from him. Now."
The hunting party had been frozen in awe and shock as their King and his manservant yelled at each other. Now as one of their own drew a sword against their king, the knights all drew their own swords, though none made a move toward Merlin or Gwaine save Leon. Leon moved to Arthur's side and held his sword out toward Gwaine.
"Stop, Gwaine." Merlin ordered, turning his eyes toward his friend. "Let Arthur do what he wants."
"He'll kill you!" Gwaine argued, his sword unwavering.
"Let him." Merlin said, moving his eyes back to Arthur who raised his eyebrow in surprise. "I lied to him and if he wants to kill me, then let him."
"No." Gwaine replied, not even pausing to think. "I won't let him kill you."
"Put your sword down, Gwaine." Arthur ordered, eyes flickering back to Merlin.
Merlin took a deep breath and met his king's eyes. He could see the hate, the pain, and the betrayal in Arthur's eyes and knew that he was going to die. For all the times he had imagined the moment Arthur would discover his magic, nothing could prepare him for the anger he saw in his friend's face.
"No." Gwaine replied. "Let him go."
"He betrayed me." Arthur said coldly, eyes boring into Merlin's. "He's lied to me for years. There is no telling how many times he has betrayed Camelot to his kind. For the practice of magic alone, he deserves to die." Arthur's eyes narrowed and his voice grew slightly louder. "But for killing my son, he will die slowly."
"He was trying to help!" Gwaine exclaimed, not liking where the conversation was going. He especially didn't like the look of defeat in Merlin's eyes. "He didn't kill Gwydre."
Arthur spun on his heel and brought his sword around in a wide swing. Gwaine saw it coming and brought his sword up to block. They stood there for a moment, glaring at each other over crossed swords.
"Arrest them." Arthur ordered, eyes not moving from Gwaine.
Merlin looked around and saw the knights all move forward to grab him and Gwaine. A tear slipped from his eye as he realized what he had to do. If it was just his life, he would let them do as they wished. Yes, he wanted to live. But if Arthur wanted him dead, then he would go along willingly. There was always the chance that he could talk to the king when he had calmed down. But with Gwaine's life on the line, he had no choice.
"Fríese sé útanymbstandnes beornþréat."
The men facing him saw Merlin's eyes glow gold as they lost the ability to move. Several of the knight struggled to move, but they couldn't move even an inch. Merlin lowered his hand and looked down, the only one able to move.
"What did you do, sorcerer?" Arthur asked angerly.
"I can't let you hurt Gwaine." Merlin said, sorrow in his voice.
"Let me go, Merlin." Arthur ordered, wishing he could turn to glare at his ex-best friend.
"When me and Gwaine are far enough away you will be released." Merlin said and his eyes flashed gold.
Gwaine stumbled slightly as his ability to move was returned. He brought his sword back down and, putting it in his sheath, walked over to stand beside Merlin. With a supportive grin, he placed his hand on Merlin's shoulder. Merlin grinned in return, but it faded quickly.
"I'm sorry Arthur." Merlin said, moving to stand in front of Arthur. "I never meant for this to happen."
"Liar." Arthur glared, anger in his eyes.
Merlin sighed and lowered his head.
"I never wanted to lie." He said quietly. "But I had no choice. If I had told you, you would have tried to kill me. I was going to tell you this morning, but we were inturrupted." Some of the anger faded as Arthur remembered how Merlin had tried to tell him something. Merlin took a deep breath and continued. "I never wanted it to come to this. You're like the brother I never had. I never wanted to hurt you, Arthur."
"You should have thought of that before you killed my son." Arthur sneered and Merlin could see the pain in his friend's eyes.
"I didn't kill Gwydre." Merlin replied loudly, the pain he felt coming through in his voice.. "I was trying to save him. I would never hurt him. I loved him, Arthur."
"Get out of my sight, sorcerer." Arthur barked, refusing to listen to his son's murderer.
Merlin nodded and opened his mouth to say something, but closed it and turned away. He lowered his head and walked out of the clearing, Gwaine right behind him. Arthur watched as the man he had considered a younger brother walk away. Even though he fought it, a tear slipped from his eye as his closest and most trusted friend walked out of his life forever.
*I have no idea if that's the amount of time that has passed (and I'm pretty sure Merlin would have either told Arthur or Arthur would have FINALLY realized that Merlin had magic, but for the sake of this story neither happened. But dang that's a longer time then I thought it would be when I started this story.) Please read below for other thoughts on the Merage/year problems.
**Also, I made Leon Arthur's age. Seems about right, but I could be wrong. Stupid ages haha
***Ok, I've never been boar hunting (or hunting at all...) so I don't know why they send beaters out or if they really do, but they did in the Curse of Cornelius Sigan episode so I put it in here, so don't hold it against me please.
****On the website I used in the last chapter to come up with teh kids names, it says that Gwydre was killed by a boar. It doesn't say how old he was or when or anything else for that matter, so I took quite a bit of liberty on that part of the story.
Hey all! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are finding the story entertaining. Before I end this chapter, I just have one small question I need help with: Does anyone know how old Merlin and Arthur are suppose to be? I mean the characters, not the actors. I've heard several explanations on how old they are suppose to be, but I'm not quite certain. I've done the math myself, but I'm not good at math at all and I'm probably way off. I've always figured Merlin as being a year or two younger then Arthur, though I may be completly wrong. What I've come up with is as follows: (Note, a year passes between each season unless otherwise mentioned)
Season One: Arthur= 20 or 21. Merlin= 19 or 20
Season Two: Arthur=22/23. Merlin=21/22
Season Three: Arthur=24/25. Merlin=23/24
Season Four: Arthur=26/27. Merlin=25/26
(Two years passes now, between season four and the start of my story.)
Gwen and Anna's death: Arthur=29/30. Merlin=28/29
(Eight years pass now to this chapter)
Gwydre dies: Arthur=37/38. Merlin=36/37
So that would mean they had known each other 17 or 18 years by the time this chapter takes place? (I hope that's the right math...) Does that sound about right? As strange as it to imagine an old Arthur and a middle aged Merlin, I think that would be about their ages. Any input on this?
Spell Translations
Flíe fǽgð.- Fly, imminant death.
ágíeme sé bealubenn- Heal the mortal wound.
ágíeme sé cnihtcild dæg bealubenn- Heal the boy (of) his mortal wound.
ágíeme- Heal!
Fríese sé útanymbstandnes beornþréat- Freeze the surrounding troop of men.