3rd Person:

It took all of the knights to hold Gwaine back. They saw the traders, but more importantly, Merlin slumped over in the corner of a cage. Morgana tries to hold back sobs that threaten to blow their cover. She couldn't believe that even with magic it took a month to find her love. Then, they watch as a man goes up to Merlin and brushes his fingers against Merlin's cheek for a few moments. Morgana shakes her head with a hand over her mouth. "No. No," she repeats.

"Morgana, what is it?"

"Listen," and all of the knights turn their attention to Merlin and the trader.

"Poor boy. I think you are a good person," he continues to stroke Merlin's cheek, neck, and back. "I'm sorry that your king will never come." The knights have to hold Arthur back, before he blows their cover. "He doesn't deserve your loyalty," the man's voice is overly sweet, "Who is that girl you call for during the night? Freya, I think it is. Arthur and your mother. You also called the Lady Morgana. I am so sorry that they all failed you. But, we have saved you from certain death. Shouldn't you say thank you?"

Merlin just sits there, staring into one corner of the cage. Then, the man starts to kick Merlin and slap him. He takes a dagger and begins carving into Merlin's skin. "You are a worthless excuse for a life. You are useless and stupid! You deserve to die! You should be thankful that we are selling you! You are a freak and a monster. You are an animal and an evil sorcerer! You are discusting and despicable." With one last carve, the man throws the knife out of the cage, grabbing a metal rod. He takes it and begins smashing Merlin's left arm, shattering the entire bone. Merlin lets out an agonizing, ear-piercing scream and Morgana cringes. The man laughs and leaves the cage for a moment, but then comes back with a hot poker, deciding to sear Merlin's arm. "The 'e' stands for evil and the 'm' for monster." Merlin slumped over again, shaking. The collar was still on him, and Merlin was incredibly weak. He knows that he won't last much longer.

Then, the knights attack. All of the traders run except for about five of them, two being sorcerers. Morgana and Arthur focus on trying to get Merlin out of the cage, which Morgana has to blast open. Then they try to get Merlin to come out, but realize that he has no idea what is going on. Morgana sees that Merlin's magic is bubbling to the surface, and tells everyone to duck. Almost all of the knights and Morgana hit the ground as she breaks the collar. Merlin's magic, unable to be controlled, destroys everything in its way. Including all of the bandits, and nearly Lancelot. Lancelot was far enough away to only get a few cuts and bruises, but nothing too serious.

After Merlin's magic was released he fell into a deep sleep. Percival picks the warlock up bridal style and carries him as Morgana transports them to her hut. Lancelot limps up to his room with the help of Gwaine and Arthur. Mordred tries to help Morgana calm down because she can still see Merlin being tortured. Morgana's breathing is ragged and quick. Arthur is shocked at all his manservant went through. None of them realize that Merlin is broken and left in darkness. He doesn't believe in hope anymore, so doesn't want to do anything.

"Leon," Arthur says, immediately getting the knights attention, "Go to Camelot, and tell Guinevere and Gaius that everything is okay. Tell her that everyone will be back in about a week." Leon nods.

"Of course, sire." Sir Leon stands up and leaves, readying his horse. Lancelot also goes with him, saying that he doesn't want Merlin to see that he is hurt. The knights go off to Camelot, knowing that the queen will ask questions.

Morgana was able to heal Merlin's shattered arm, and stitch together his arms and chest. But, not the scars inside of his mind. Nothing could do that. Merlin began to stir. But when he woke up, he didn't make any acknowlegement that he knew of his surroundings. Morgana had to leave because she was too upset to see Merlin's blank, almost dead look. Merlin opens his lips to say something, but all that comes out is a small whisper, only heard by Arthur, "Worthless." Arthur tries to hold back his tears in seeing his best friend broken. His memories come flooding back, of their banter and adventures. But, then Arthur sees all of the insults that he said to Merlin.

Then, Arthur remembers what his father had drilled into him since he was a boy, "No man is worth your tears," and he realizes how wrong that was.

"Can I have a moment alone with Merlin?" The three knights that were in the room leave Arthur. "Listen, Merlin, I need you. I need you to snap out of this. I promise, you are safe. Please, just wake up. Listen, Merlin, you are my best friend and I can't bear to lose you. Wake up!"

"Art'ur?" Merlin whispers. Arthur wouldn't have heard it if he wasn't listening.

"Hey, Merlin. How are you feeling?"

"Don' ask."

"We can talk later, Merlin. Just rest." Arthur gently lays a hand on Merlin's shoulder, causing him to jump with wide eyes. Merlin scrambles away in fear.

"Please. Don't hurt me. I'm sorry." Merlin trembles looking at Arthur, a frightened look on his face. But, then his face relaxes. "I didn't mean to... I don't know what happened."

"Merlin, it's okay. It's fine. I saw what they did, and I don't want you to ever feel like that again." Merlin looks at Arthur, trying not to show emotion, holding it all in. Just like he always had to. But, now Arthur sees through the mask and the pain behind Merlin's eyes. "Merlin, don't you dare try to hide the fact that you are upset. I promise, I will help you get through this."

"Don't make a promise you can't keep, Arthur. I can't do this." Merlin still forces himself to breathe evenly and calmly.

"Merlin, all those jokes, about you being a coward. I hope you know that I never meant them. I always thought you were the bravest man I ever knew. I still believe that." Merlin looks up at Arthur, half afraid, half glad. "Rest, Merlin, you really need it."

Merlin leans back on the bed. He closes his eyes and clutches the blanket around himself. Arthur gets up to leave, but Merlin grabs his wrist, "Stay, please." Arthur nods and Merlin closes his eyes. At first, Merlin's breathing is slow, but uneven. Eventually, it becomes deep and consistant. Once, Arthur is sure that Merlin is going to be asleep for a while, he gets up.

"Gwaine, can you please stay with Merlin?"

"Of course." Gwaine knows that Merlin is not only Arthur's friend, but also his own best friend.

Arthur begins to walk away, but turns around, "Gwaine, be careful if you touch him."

Gwaine nods and goes into the room, sitting next to his friend. "Mate, things are going to get better. I promise." He runs his hand through Merlin's raven black hair. "I know you can get through this. Don't you dare think about giving up."

Arthur goes downstairs to talk to the weeping Morgana. She looks up at her brother, "Arthur, I am sorry. I should have taken better care of him. It's my fault." Morgana sobs into her hands. "I can't lose him, Arthur. Merlin was the first person to realize that I had some good left in me. I lost everything, I can't lose him, too."

Arthur rubs his sister's back, "Morgana, Merlin spoke to me."

"What did he say?" Morgana sniffles, and looks up at Arthur, trying to stay calm though she is happy at the sudden improvement.

"Well, not much. But, I can tell that he is scared and in pain." Arthur goes to continue, but just then, Hunith bursts through the door. She doesn't look happy.


So, I am very sorry for the wait. I had a lot of writer's block and I thought the chapter was finished, but it was only 500 words. So, I had to keep writing. Well, I know that this isn't my best work, but please review. They really make my day!

Merlin quote: "I haven't seen you smile in the past three days." -Arthur to Merlin

XOXO,

~Lunatris262~