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I am but a slave to your whims. Be sure to read to the end. Hope you like it.


Challenge 3: The Chains That Bind Us

Category: Gen (Canon)

Characters: Merlin, Arthur

Warning/Rating: T

Word Count: 294

A/N: Sequel to Where is the light? Because I couldn't leave it there.

Beta'd by caldera32.


Repentance:

Decision made, Arthur turns toward the cell - it's pitch black and silent. I'm too late.

"NO!"

Sprinting forward he crashes to his knees, fists pounding the ground. His hands tremble as they search for the body. Merlin's corpse is still warm, Arthur hauls him toward his chest, gripping tight as he rocks back and forth.

"I'm sorry, Merlin. So sorry." He whispers repeatedly.

Pressing his face against Merlin's scalp, tears soak into ebony hair; his limbs grow cold and numb but he can't let go.

"I won't leave you here." He staggers to his feet, attempting to pull Merlin onto his shoulder, but the chains stop the movement.

He places his former servant gently down, smoothing out his fringe. Arthur's eyes have adjusted to the gloom and he sees the full horror of what he let happen to his friend. He swallows the bile that rises, his throat constricting. "I'll get you out." He croaks, unsheathing his sword.

Lifting the blade high, he brings it down with a loud clang - the manacle doesn't yield. He attacks again and again. There's too much noise - he doesn't care - shouts and the sound of footfalls don't stop him. Let them try; if I can't take Merlin with me, I'll die at his side.

The last blow cleaves it apart. Heat and light explode from the cuff, slamming Arthur against the wall.

He opens his eyes to blue sky and a breeze on his face. The building is destroyed; bricks, boulders, and enemy soldiers lie strewn across the hillside.

"You came back."

"Merlin?" Arthur lets out a strangled laugh. "I thought I'd lost you."

"No."

His best friend is battered, bruised and barely moving but alive. He grasps his hand.

"Let's go home, Merlin."

THE END

A/N That any better?