Authors Note: I honestly cannot believe that I have nigh 130 followers. This is crazy. Thank you all for reading and (hopefully) enjoying the story. You are all amazing. Your reviews are amazing, you dedication to this show and fandom is amazing. Thank you.
Down in the dungeon, Merlin sat still, not moving, not thinking, just staring numbly into space.
I'm going to die.
The guards had left his door, he was completely alone. He seemed to vaguely remember Gwen telling them off and making them leave.
He sentenced me to burn.
Gwen had come down to see him. She seemed to be full of strength that was masking the sobs that tried to make their way up.
I am going to be executed.
Gwaine and Gaius had also been down to see him, each assuring him this wouldn't happen, not while they were still alive.
My best friend wants me dead, as an example to other sorcerers.
All three of them had told him to take any chance to escape.
That was probably why Gwen sent off the guards. They looked uncomfortable here anyway.
Merlin had considered the possibility of Arthur sentencing him to death. He had formed a vague idea of what he could do in the face of that challenge, but he had hoped it wouldn't come to it. One thing he knew for sure though.
I will not run away.
He would not let Arthur win this fight. Arthur had sentenced Merlin to die; Merlin would make sure he saw and understood what his actions brought. He would walk out to the pyre in three days time, and watch Arthur as he slowly burned to death. He would make sure that Arthur watched him as he burnt at the stake for no crime whatsoever.
Merlin had quite forgotten what he saw behind Arthur's eyes; there seemed to be a forgetful kind of magic about them that he couldn't recall as he focused on anything else.
But Merlin had a plan. When Gaius had come, he made sure that much had been conveyed, even if not directly, for fear of an eavesdropper.
Gaius ran into the dungeons, not caring that the guards were gone and Merlin sat alone in the dungeons. He immediately came to the doors of Merlin's cell and gave him the best hug he could through the bars.
"My boy… my boy…" Gaius repeated several times.
"It's ok, Gaius, I'll be ok," said Merlin.
"No, it's not okay. I'll speak to the King, something needs to be done, this is not okay."
"No, Gaius, I'll be alright, I promise."
"Don't you lie to me anymore," said Gaius, still clutching Merlin as close to himself as possible. "I'll make sure you get out of here. I see the guards aren't here, you could make an escape."
"No," said Merlin forcefully. "Gaius, look at me."
The old blue eyes met the young.
"I. Will. Be. Okay. I promise," Merlin looked intently into Gaius' eyes. He apparently still didn't understand.
"Come three days time, I will go out to the pyre. But I will be fine. I will be okay." Merlin now tried to give him certain looks to emphasize what he was saying.
Comprehension finally showed across Gaius' face.
"Ahh. I see."
"But I can't tell you any more; just know that I'll be alright."
"Of course, my boy," said Gaius sadly. "You are the closest thing I have to a son. It pains me greatly to live through this."
"I understand. I'm so sorry about all this Gaius. But please trust me on this."
Gaius smiled. He knew that he would soon be missed from a sickly patient waiting for him in his chambers.
"Good bye, my boy. I will see you soon."
Merlin smiled as Gaius turned to leave. A thought suddenly came into Merlin's mind.
"Gaius," he called. "Please… don't tell my mother about this. At least not until afterwards. I don't want her to… worry over this."
Gaius filled with sorrow and bitterness as soon as Hunith was mentioned. She would need to be informed eventually.
"Of course."
And with that, Gaius left Merlin's cell, leaving the young warlock to work out the details in his plan.
Author's note: I know this is a really short chapter, I will be posting a new one soon! Hope you guys like it!
