His world was shattered. The warlock had nothing left. Arthur was dead. His home was destroyed. Gaius was dead. He had failed in fulfilling his destiny. That was just in the last day. Within the last five years, The warlock had lost his friends, his father, his one true love, and his innocence.

Yes, Merlin's world was shattered. The pain of all the loss and grief was overwhelming. It was worse than the moments. His emotions constricted his throat like a hand squeezing from the inside out. His stomach felt sickeningly heavy, as if someone had poured pebbles down his throat. Merlin's chest didn't even want to expand and constrict properly - it was as if he were wrapped in chains.

Gwaine seemed to notice Merlin's all encompassing grief. His brow was furrowed and he'd planted a hand on the warlock's shaking shoulder. "Mate, we need you. You have the skills to defeat these fire throwing blockheads. Use it. For Arthur," the knight encouraged with a nod of his head.

Merlin nodded as he clenched his jaw. "I can't fight them all," The warlock said.

"Dot worry. We've got your back...well front," Gwaine said. With a roar worthy of a battle cry, Gwaine raced forward with Percival keeping up with him and Merlin hanging behind the two.

His hand was outstretched and his eyes constantly glowed. With a look and flick of the wrist the enemy was sent flying. Merlin didn't have to think about what he was doing; the warlock just did it. It was old habit, Merlin had had to protect Arthur so many times in the past by using this skill.

Hearing a gasp, Merlin lowered his hand. Gwaine and Percival turn after beheading one of the enemies. With flaming arrows falling all around, the four men stood there staring at each other.

"You have magic," Leon said. "And you never told anyone."

"Yes, I have magic. I was born with it. Yes, I lied. What else was I supposed to do? I'm considered the most powerful being to ever grace this world and it was my duty to keep Arthur safe. But, that does not matter. What matters is to protect Camelot and protect the Queen," Merlin replied. His tone was curt and his gaze was defiant.

"Who are these villains," asked Gwaine. "Where do they come from?"

"Vikings from the West," replied Leon, "and they took Guinevere. Where's Arthur?"

"He's dead," Merlin muttered as the defiance changed to sadness.

Leon bowed his head and breathed out. He let himself grieve for a moment. Then, the knight raised his head and looked at the three other men before him. "We have to fight. We will win and we will get our Queen back. Even if it is the last thing we do. Today we fight for juctice and honor and all the things Camelot stands for," the man proclaimed.

With a nod from Gwaine, Merlin, and Percival, the four of them head out to join the other knights of Camelot. The men in red were dwindling, Merlin noticed. If something drastic didn't happen fast, Camelot would fall. Shouting about hidden treasure, Merlin headed away from the falling city with the Vikings hot on his trail. Things were going to get interesting.