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It's scary... Terrifying as the Knights wrap him tightly in nets before he has a chance to attack, to defend himself. Their rough hands lift him from the soothing river-water and into the cold, unforgiving air. He hisses and snarls, but although the humans seem wary and hesitant, they don't let him go. Twisting in their hold, Merlin screeches at the way one of the Knights has grabbed his tail to keep him restrained. It hurts, hurts, hurts and Merlin can feel patches of his scales ripping off. The human's grip tightens, causing Merlin to bare his fangs menacingly, desperately. The other battles the Mer as he tried to scratch the first.
"Easy, Leon! Easy!"
"His gonna bite my bloody hand off, Percival!"
"Quickly, lift him into the coffin." The Knight commands.
"It's struggling so much. Do you have any idea how much it weighs?! The tail alone has to be pure muscle!"
In his frantic bid for freedom, Merlin's eyes lock with Mordred's. He whines hopelessly, begs for him to call forth the sunlight and scare these Knights away. But it's with sinking horror, as he watches Mordred stand steadfast with the other humans, Merlin realises he is one of them. The ones who's cloaks are stained with blood and bear the golden dragon that chases the Mer in his dreams. Betrayal lights his heart. He had trusted Mordred, trusted him enough to allow him close, to spare his life when the girls sought revenge. He may have fled before, but only because leaving the water was a dangerous risk. And one Merlin was not willing to take.
Taking advantage of Merlin's shaken state, the two humans quickly move him into a strange water holding object. The nets are then removed with just as much hast and a see through barrier is placed over his head. Merlin wakes from his stupor. He instantly begins to panic again, screeching and hissing until his throat feels sore.
"You're sure about this Mordred? He doesn't look at all pleased. We are rescuing him, right?"
"Of course, my Lord. Think what would of happened if bandits had stumbled upon him before us?"
The other human nods in agreement.
Frantic, Merlin uses his tail to twist and bang against his invisible container. They ignore his violent protests in favour of staring. His mind tries to justify his surroundings and the only conclusion it could supply is magic. He's more than terrified, he's afraid. The water inside barely covers his body, just enough to keep his fins and his scales from drying. But that's the least of his worries.
What if he doesn't see the girls again. What if he never sees his mother again? Why didn't he kiss her goodbye? It was such a small thing, but he was so selfish and now, Merlin fears he may never get the chance again.
"Back to Camelot men, my Queen seems overly excited about this whole idea anyway."
"You cannot be serious, sire! This creature will tear her apart."
"I meant while he's in this coffin, it's see through for a reason." The blond replied sarcastically.
"I wonder what made him stop before, he obviously wasn't very happy at being handled."
"Maybe he run out of breath, it's a mermaid after all."
A round of laughter flooded the Knights.
"Very well then, we'll rondavu with the others at Camp and head straight back to Camelot."
When Merlin realises no one is paying him any heed, he rests his hands against the barrier and tries a different technique. He coos and purrs and presses his forehead against the invisible container. Nothing. Nothing but a few frowns cast his way by the Knights in red capes. Otherwise he is completely and utterly ignored. They drape blankets over his prison, stealing away the sunlight and leaving Merlin to cuddle in dark waters which slosh back and forth. He's scared, no he's terrified. Those same thoughts circle his mind.
He should of kissed his mother goodbye, he should of. . . so why didn't he? Merlin bits down on his lower lip and tastes blood as his breaths. He's going to die. These Knights will kill him as they killed his father during the purge. He's alone and then-
He's not.
'Emrys, I'm so sorry I had no choice.'
Mordred's voice rang his head.
'This is your destiny. To be by Arthur's side and return magic to Camelot.'
Merlin wasn't entirely sure what a Camelot was, but that wasn't what struck him most. Never before had he verbally communicated with a human. Neither had he thought it possible.
'I have no magic.' He whispered back.
The presence in his head seemed too shocked, baffled to reply. It was the first time he'd engaged back with not emotions but words. Merlin waits and then Mordred seems nervous. As the young Knight pulls away from the connection, his word sound distant.
'You do.' He replied, a sadness colouring his tone. 'You've just never released it.'
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