Decision Time


Hey everyone! It's me again. I guess I've never updated so fast before.

I hope you're as happy as I am that I got this chapter ready today.

So here's the answer to the question we all wanted to be answered.^^


Oh and of course thanks so much for reviewing the last chapter!

Please enjoy reading!


Shaking, Merlin awaited Arthur to kill him. He couldn't fix his eyes on the prince. His gaze wavered in panic. Silent panic because he knew that it had to be done and that he wasn't allowed to escape. He felt the deadly sword approaching his neck and didn't want to see it happen.

His eyes narrowed until they finally closed to save their owner from a horrible picture.

How often did Merlin have this nightmare? Too often he had woken up in his sleep, sweaty from the fear that tormented him. Shivering he had been sitting in his bed, panting for air, trying to calm himself while realizing that it had just been a dream. Having the vision of Arthur killing him because he had found out about his magic was just horrible.

But today it wasn't a nightmare. It was reality with the only difference that Arthur wasn't doing it because he knew about Merlins secret. Never would he have thought that he would die like this. What a waste to be afraid all these years to die because of his the revelation of his powers when it finally came down to something like this.

Merlin nearly smirked inwardly thinking of his "great" destiny. Man, the Great Dragon will be really disappointed! Merlin wouldn't be able to see if Arthur could Albion without his service.

Though no matter how much he tried to laugh over his death Merlin couldn't forget about his fear. It returned at once as he took a last glimpse on the prince holding the sword ready to kill him.

But all he felt was a weak hit on his shoulder that Arthur gave him, causing Merlin to look back at the prince.

„Stop talking such nonsense, Merlin! You just want to escape your duties. I won't allow you to skip serving me.‟

Arthur obviously enjoyed watching Merlin twitching under the touch of his sword.

Merlin found enough strength through his shaking body to smile back weakly. Arthur still hadn't understood how serious this all was. Did he really have to remind this stupid prat what was on the stake?

"Haven't you heard what the sorcerer said? You have to get rid of me or he won't let you go!"

Arthur still didn't lose his smile, responding easily.

"There are other ways to solve that."

First Merlin looked irritated but suddenly Arthur saw how his servant seemed to realize what kind of idea his master might had.

It shot into Merlins head: Wait, is Arthur actually planning to ... oh no!

Furiously he shouted back at the prince.

„But I won't abdicate my tongue!‟

Arthur broke out into some huge laughter. Merlin watched him uncomprehending and slightly bugged. How could this matter be funny?

Merlin felt very offended and wished for nothing more but to slap his master for his childish behaviour.

The prince needed some moments to regain enough seriousness to speak up again. But he failed awkwardly at it as his response was still interrupted by some little giggling.

"Come on, Merlin, just put out your tongue! I promise it won't hurt ..." Arthur paused just to snort once more.

"... at least not until my sword takes care of it!"

Merlin couldn't join this humour at all. He just rolled his eyes, considering seriously bringing the prince back to his senses with some straight punches.

But soon Arthur calmed down and was back to a sincere composure, giving Merlin the chance to word a simple question.

"Do you really want to ... slice out my tongue?"

„Thinking of that ...‟ Arthur began to wield his sword easily in front of Merlins face.

„... I could probably get over not hearing your disturbing mumbling and impertinences anymore. Especially considering your insulting remarks of today.‟

Reproachful Merlin looked at Arthur who's at first serious face shifted back to a grimace and added quickly:

„But without your hands you wouldn't be able to serve me right. Just think of the poor stables, they would definitely miss to be mucked out by you. So just taking your tongue wouldn't make any sense. Besides, never hearing your disturbing voice again and just looking at your stupid face would be far too abnormal than I could possibly get used to.‟

The prince loved watching his servant getting near to explode. Merlin had to bring up every self discipline for not running at his master and beat him up to pulp.

But finally Arthur stopped toying around with his sword and pointed it on his own hand, causing a cut on his left palm.

Merlin gasped.

„What are you doing? … Hey!‟

„Hold still!‟

Merlin squeezed his eyes close and shook under Arthurs hand with which the prince tried to spread his own blood on Merlins cheek.

Finally as Merlin didn't stop to move, Arthur let go of his sword and grabbed Merlins shoulder to make it harder for the servant to move away.

After Merlins fruitless attempt to fight Arthur off, his face was totally covered with Arthurs blood.

Satisfied Arthur let go of him and watched Merlins face with a grinning.

Still confused Merlin looked at Arthur as if he had gone totally mad.

„What's the meaning of dirtying me with your blood? Do you want me to look like an overgrown tomato to smuggle me out?‟

„Dammit, Merlin, you're such an idiot! I can't understand how I once thought that you have some wisdom in you.‟

Waiting for a moment the prince wanted to see if his servant had finally got the point. But as Merlin still thought about feeling offended, not seeming to come up with it, Arthur sighed and explained.

„Remember what the old man said before. 'Only those who carry the royal blood of the Pendragons are allowed to leave this place'.‟

„'And if another without this blood is still alive, no one will proceed', yes, I've listened to his words closely. Do you really believe, this could fool his magical barrier?‟

„There's only one way to find out, you have to try it.‟

„And what if the old man returns and attacks me again?‟

„Stop acting like a girl, Merlin, be a man and go for it! Or do you want me to chase you with the sword until you find the right way?‟

„Well, I just … hey!‟

Merlin couldn't end his sentence because Arthur already kicked his servants butt to make him realize that he wasn't allowing any more discussion.

„Arthur … would you … stop … this silly … hey!‟

As Merlin tried to outrun the prince in circles, Arthur didn't let himself be fooled and grabbed his servants huge ears which looked just too inviting as not to offer themselves as resource to pull Merlin out of the cave.

Though Merlin still tried to get himself free, Arthur easily dragged him through the barrier and before Merlin achieved anything with his wild arm waving, the prince had already let go of him, making Merlin realize that they had passed without being held back by any magic or the old man himself.

Still not really able to believe it Merlins astonished eyes met the giggling face of the prince whose eyes pointed out more than obvious that he was sure of the outcome from the start.

„See, everything worked as I had planned. You should never doubt me again!‟

Merlin rolled his eyes while cleaning his face with his sleeve.

„Yeah, sure, as if it hadn't been your idea to enter this cave in the first place. I've warned you, that it is said to be infested with magic but no, your highness doesn't have to listen to his servant, no matter how often he had proven to be right with what he said in the past.‟

„Oh come on, are you still mad that I covered you with some blood? Thinking of it, maybe it really was the wrong decision because you aren't really worth that honour, Idiot! I guess this will leave a scar on my royal hand!‟

„Oh, you will surely die from it, Prat!‟

"Merlin!"

"What?"

"Shut up!"

Merlin remained silent for a moment but as Arthur was about to put his sword back to his side he heard his servant giggle.

"No! I'm not in the mood today."

Arthurs gaze bounced up, watching Merlin how he looked defiant but grinning at the prince. Even Arthurs threatening look couldn't stop Merlin. He just whistled around ignoring any order.

And without needing any more encouraging the prince started to hunt his servant out of the cave until they arrived outside.

Suddenly the world in front of Merlins eyes went dark and he heard the strange voice reappearing in his head. And for the first time he was able to understand what it said.

"Sleep!"

It was a harsh order and before Merlin was able to fend it off, the unknown magic made him unconscious.

Arthur couldn't know anything of this. He just saw his servant running away from him until he suddenly trembled. The next moment Merlins foot met a root which seemed to have just waited for him to help him falling to the ground so that Arthur could finally catch up with him.

Rolling his eyes Arthur crouched down beside his fallen servant and still out of breath but laughing he patted Merlins shoulder.

„The gods are my witnesses, Merlin, you really are useless. I can't remember why I've even bothered cutting my hand for you. The wound will take several days to heal and all that just for a servant who isn't able to walk straight.‟

He waited for Merlins usual disrespectful responding but nothing followed.

A little bit concerned Arthur turned the lying Merlin around so that he was able to see his face.

Merlins eyes were closed and he was obviously unconscious.

Sighing Arthur wanted to wake him up when suddenly the old man reappeared out of nowhere.

„So there you are, treacherous prince who isn't worth to be named a Pendragon!‟

At once Arthur rushed to his feet, unsheathing his sword and stepped in front of Merlin to protect him.

"Stop sorcerer, I won't allow you to lay a finger on him!"

"You should better let me end his life if you cannot do it on your own. You might have fooled my magic but you cannot fool me. If this boy does not die right now, terrible things will happen. I can see that."

"Leave me alone with your nonsense! I trust Merlin, he won't betray me or tell anyone of this stupid weapon. I know he's loyal to me. So there's no way I would let him die. And now leave us alone!"

The sorcerer just shook his head in disbelief and anger.

"You are a foolish one. Realize what you have done! You might think that what I told you isn't true but I assure you, this weapon is more important than you could imagine. You're about to sacrifice the future of the Pendragon family for a mere servant!"

"I can't see how his life should be a threat to my family."

"You would see ... soon! But I will not let that happen."

"I've said it before! I won't let you harm him!"

"There is no need for that. I have already taken the necessary steps."

The sorcerer grinned evilly. Arthur watched him suspiciously but finally had enough of this. Again he turned down to Merlin and tried to shake him awake.

"Come on, Merlin, there's no time for sleeping! Get up now!"

The old sorcerer laughed.

"He will not wake up. He can't."

Arthur realized that Merlin really stayed unconscious no matter how hard he shook or slapped him. Fearing that the sorcerer had some truth in his words the prince turned back to him.

"What do you mean? What have you done? Answer!"

"No need to shout at me. I will tell you. I have casted a spell on the boy. He will never wake up again unless I lift the spell."

Shocked Arthur looked back to Merlins sleeping face. It was pale and uneasy. Not like someone who just had some peaceful sleep. He looked like he was tormented by nightmares.

Arthur rose to his feet, sword ready to attack.

"Then you will lift your spell at once or I'll cut you down!"

Again the sorcerer laughed.

"Do not waste more effort on this. You have seen that your sword cannot harm me no matter how hard you try."

Though Arthur knew that the sorcerer had a point he didn't lower his sword but stayed determined.

"It doesn't matter. You'll lift it, now!"

"I take no orders from you. And I advise you to stop bothering about your servant and make your way back to Camelot! The kingdom is still in danger and will perish if you do not leave at once. For me, I will take my leave now."

"Wait!"

But it was too late. The sorcerer had already vanished, leaving behind a troubled Arthur.


Soooo, what do you think? Question answered and some new arising? I hope so.

Wow, this was hard to write. It wasn't easy to keep the balance between humour and seriousness. I hope it was okay.

Just tell me what you think. I look forward to your reviews!

So everyone, have a nice week and always remember (please imagine some kind of commercial): 'Arthur-Pendragon-Blood might save your day!'

Feeling how Arthur throws an angry look at me.

Okay, I shut up now.^^

Bye, Cennamace