Chap 8 - To Hell with it
It had been three days since the attack on Camelot. Bodies had been cleared from the streets; indentified and buried. Rubble had been removed that had fell from buildings and homes.
Gaius or Gwen had not had a chance to visit Merlin; alone in the dirty dungeons of Camelot. They were too busy, still tending to the wounded and dying. Morgana had even joined in the effort.
Arthur had remained in his room the entire time. He wouldn't eat, wouldn't talk; he was nothing like his former self. Arthur had been going over in his mind all that was said that fateful night. How Merlin could be a sorcerer was unbelievable still, even though he had the confession of Merlin and Emrys. All the unexplained circumstances that had happened over the last year made sense now. Merlin had used his magic to save him time and time again, and now he most likely to die for those acts.
Arthur got washed and dressed this morning for he was needed in court today. Today was Merlin's judgement day.
A few hours later Merlin came to stand before Uther, Arthur and Morgana. Gaius and Gwen still were attending to the injured so were unable to come and plead for the boy. Gaius was enraged with himself for not protecting Merlin. Hunith had entrusted Merlin's welfare with him and now Merlin had been found out.
Merlin was held in chains and shackles; restrained.
Uther began.
'Do you deny that you are a sorcerer?'
'No Sire.'
This was going to be easier than Uther thought. 'You admit that you practise sorcery.'
'Yes Sire. I practise to enhance the powers I already had.'
'What do you mean by this boy.'
Arthur wanted to speak, to say something to help Merlin but the facts were all ready there laid out before his father. Morgana was too emotional to plead for justice like usual.
'I was born with magic. I am magic.'
'And does anyone else know of your sorcery?'
'No Sire.' Merlin lied.
'Very well. Then by order of the laws of Camelot you shall be put to death.'
' No Uther, you can't.' Morgana screamed.
Merlin smiled at her, thanking her for caring. Arthur stood still.
'I accept my punishment.' Merlin announced.
'Tomorrow at midday you shall be burnt at the stake.'
The guards began to walk Merlin away as Morgana ran for them, pleading to not take him. Pleading to Uther to stop this madness. Pleading to Arthur for help. She could not believe the he could just stand there and watch as the man he loved was to be took away for death.
Knights around the room pulled her of Merlin as the guards finally managed to get out of the doors, sorcerer in toe.
Later that night Arthur was in his chambers staring out of his window, looking at the night sky, searching for answers. He was meant to hate magic; yet Merlin was magic itself, and he did not hate Merlin, far from it; he loved him.
The sound of his bedroom door crashed open before being slammed shut immediately. 'Three guesses who' the Prince thought.
'What the hell are you doing Arthur Pendragon!' the fiery voice of Morgana yelled at him.
'What am I supposed to do.' Arthur answered, knowing what Morgana was on about.
'Save him, take him away from this place.'
'It's too late, there's nothing I can do.'
'Nothing you can do! Nothing you can do!'
'Well there isn't.'
'You told me you loved him.'
'I do.'
'Then what's stopping you Arthur! You once told me to be a true knight you had to be brave, noble and true to your people and yourself. So be true to yourself; to your heart.' Her voice softened. 'Go and rescue him, take him within the forest and I shall send word for your return when things are well. I will talk to Uther.'
'He won't change his mind.'
'I'll make him change his mind.'
Arthur knew she was right. She was always right, so he grabbed his sword and sheath, as well as a hooded cloak.
'Go Arthur, and good luck.'
Arthur nodded and ran out of his room, heading for the dungeons.
Merlin was sitting chained to the dungeon wall. It was dark and damp as he sat feeling as if he had failed. Failed everyone, himself, Arthur, just everyone. He was meant to protect Arthur, but maybe he had done what he had to. This was as far as his destiny was meant to take him.
His train of thought stopped as he jumped slightly from where he sat.
The guards that had been positioned by his cell were on the floor unconscious. A hooded figure then jumped into view, pulling the keys from one of the fallen guards.
The hooded figure opened the cell door and released Merlin from his shackles.
'Don't say I don't ever do anything for you Merlin.'
'Arthur' Merlin recognised 'What are you doing?'
'Rescuing you; you idiot.' Arthur shoved the chains away and pulled Merlin to his feet.
Merlin pulled back Arthurs hood so he could look at him. 'No, I'm staying here.'
'The hell you are Merlin. Morgana and I have a plan, trust me.'
'And trust me that me staying is the right thing to do. You are going to be a great King, do not let saving a servant ruin your chances.'
'You're no mere servant Merlin, and I'm sorry.'
'For what?'
Arthur pulled his sword out and with the hilt thumped Merlin at the back of the head, knocking Merlin out. Arthur caught him on the way down and laid him on the floor while he placed his sword away and brought his hood back over his face.
'For that.' Arthur answered Merlin's question. Arthur then picked him up of the ground and carried him out.
Arthur took Merlin to the stables where he placed Merlin up on a random horse before seating himself behind the younger boy and raced out of the stables into the middle of the night.
...
