A/N - And so begins season Two just as the entire Merlin saga is ending. I feel like I'm setting myself up for heartbreak. I really hope I can continue this story as canon and then continue writing after season five.
If I hadn't watched ahead in the series I might have thrown the towel in after season 1, my shock at seeing Gwen with Arthur left me going "wait, what...wh...what? But Arthur and Merlin!" But my mind came up with this strange scenario that fills in the gaps.
Anyway I hope you like it. Te first chapter is nice and simple. Warning I took inspiration from the popularity of the bonus chapter lemons and slash ahead.
Disclaimer - I only wish I owned Merlin
Merlin had been obediently sharing Arthur's bed. The Prince liked it, for at least six hours at night he got to know that they both were safe and that everything was right in the world.
A loud banging dragged him abruptly out of what little sleep still hung around him.
Reaching over Arthur felt nothing but empty sheets, he rolled onto his back and pondered for a few moments where on earth Merlin had got to.
"Merlin! Merlin!"
He burst back into the chambers, fully dressed. Arthur wasn't even going to ask.
"Yes Sire?"
"Are you deaf?"
Merlin rolled his eyes. "I wish."
Arthur supposed he'd been woken by the banging and decided to wonder out of bed. He didn't like that. He knew he'd been taking more and more sleeping hours away from Merlin who needed to be up earlier than him most days. Despite it being his father's orders for the men to dig beneath the palace, they needed to stop so Merlin could come back to bed with him.
"I want you to go down there and tell them to stop." Arthur sighed.
"But they're working under the King's orders."
"Yeah. And you're working under mine."
Arthur fell back into bed and closed his eyes.
When Merlin didn't return he got up and dressed. This was infuriating. It was the middle of the night and he was forced to stalk about the palace to look for him, Arthur hoped he'd fallen down some stairs or something.
"Arthur!"
The Prince spun around to see his father approaching.
"Come with me, they've found treasure under the vaults."
Arthur listened. The banging had stopped. Perhaps Merlin was still down there then.
"That wasn't a suggestion."
Arthur shot after him and followed him down the stairs.
Finally beneath the floors Uther and Arthur saw nothing but empty passages, where were all the guards?
"This is an outrage. They are meant to be guarded at all times…Idiot!"
Merlin was in front of his father. Picking something off the ground, something he'd dropped no doubt.
"Were you born clumsy or do you work at it?"
"I's just one of my many gifts.'
Arthur blanched momentarily. It had been he who had told Merlin that he was very gifted but that was in relation to other matters that he didn't want brought up in front of his father.
The vaults were dreadful, dreary. A huge tomb stood monolithic in the center, a heart-shaped jewel glowed atop it. It was like nothing Arthur had ever seen before. But still his skin crawled. Unlike his father who seemed lit up with joy and greed.
Both spotted the body on the floor, pale and mangled.
"How did he die?" The King inquired.
"He seems to have unwittingly triggered a trap here." Said Gaius pointing.
"To deter grave robbers." Arthur added, his stomach roiling.
"Well there's plenty here people would want to steal. Have them secure the tomb. Guarding it is your responsibility Arthur."
Of course it was.
"Yes father." He answered. This would be one dreadful task. He made to leave the tombs.
"Ah, Arthur, wait."
Arthur looked at Uther who seemed displeased.
"I trust you haven't forgotten the keys?"
Gaius quickly passed them to Arthur who took them.
"We best all leave then, so we aren't locked in for the night." The old physician said.
Arthur was grateful for Merlin automatically came to his side, not that there was much night left but now there would be other ways to spend it that weren't of the sleeping variety. All four left the tomb and Arthur locked it. As soon as they were out of the sight of Gaius and the King Arthur grabbed Merlin's hand.
"Come on." He whispered and they both ran, full pelt toward Arthur's chambers, where the doors were abruptly closed behind them.
"Are they locked?" Merlin asked against Arthur's ear as the prince pushed him against the heavy doors.
"Doesn't matter." Retorted Arthur with a smirk, sliding his hand under Merlin's clothes, the other boy didn't hold back his moan. Arthur unlaced the rough spun trousers Merlin insisted on wearing.
Merlin had other ideas. He pulled Arthur away from the undressing to kiss him, it was soft and deep, Merlin ran his hands down Arthur's back. Soon the Prince was doing the same, it was discerning how easily Merlin took control.
His shirt was pulled off, and without feeling Merlin unlaced him, his trousers dropped down.
He caught a look on the warlock's face as he pressed his hands against his chest.
"What?" He asked slightly breathless, Merlin's skin was touching him and it made him feel hot all over.
"You're very…"
The look re-appeared, a small grin and dazed eyes. Arthur heard a small chuckle escape his lips. "Very what?"
Merlin was no smith with words, he would say something stupid and Arthur knew it.
"Princely." Merlin said. Arthur knew what he meant by the way his hands ran over his muscles, hard knots bred from training and battle. To make a show of them Arthur grasped the thin tunic Merlin wore and ripped it away.
"Oi!"
"I'll have another made."
"Oh yes, just go and have the royal seamstress make a brand new tunic for your servant."
"I was thinking you could mend it." Arthur grinned. Merlin's hand reached down and without warning he had a firm hold of Arthur's cock. He pressed their mouths together hard, meeting their tongues. His other hand trailed lightly from behind Arthur's ear, down his neck where he was especially sensitive and rested on his heaving chest as he began to move his other hand up and down Arthur's length, not bothering to be slow about it.
No matter how many battles Arthur fought, Merlin would always be more powerful, he could conjure a typhoon after all and no matter how much Arthur ordered him around in their day-to-day lives, Merlin would gain the upper hand on him in situations such as this.
He turned around, equally by his own will and of Merlin's whose mouth pressed against the back of his neck. Arthur placed his palms against the door for support, Merlin had reached around to take hold of him again but his other hand had begun to work his fingers inside, preparing him, Arthur felt his knees might just give way.
"Do you want to do this?"
He heard the whisper so faint it may have been his imagination.
"Do you have to ask?"
"Just checking."
Merlin planted several kisses on Arthur's neck as he pressed inside of him. It didn't hurt at all anymore, not like it had the first time, it simply felt incredible. Arthur fought to control his breath as sweat sheened on him and Merlin moved against him. A tongue ran along the top of his spine as the movement hastened and gentle teeth sunk into his shoulder.
"Ah…Merlin!" He should have kept quiet, he knew, but it was near impossible to do so, one hand was continuing to stroke as the other held his hip, he felt himself nearing more rapidly then he would have liked, it seemed he would finish before Merlin.
But behind him the hastened movement became bucks and his own name was moaned into his ear, it was all he needed and both arrived together, gasping for breath and slick with sweat.
"Hurry up Merlin."
It had been a mistake to forgo sleep, now Arthur was cranky and Merlin was being slow and clumsy.
"Sorry."
However they had a plan to lighten spirits. They wanted to see how far they could push the servant-master ruse they had going. It was side-splitting watching the reactions of the townspeople as Arthur and Merlin took things further and further.
Merlin got down on his hands and knees to allow Arthur to mount his horse, using his back as a step.
A fat man walking past with a pale dropped it, and a woman almost ran into a guard.
However the staring people were given more of a show than planned for as Arthur slid right off the saddle and landed on the cobbled ground.
"Merlin!" He growled, getting to his feet, Merlin was standing too.
"I don't understand."
"Well, there's a surprise." Arthur half suspected he'd undone the saddle on purpose as an extra prank.
"I did the girth up myself."
"Well, I think that might have been the problem!"
"It wasn't my fault."
The look on Merlin's face suggested he hadn't done anything on purpose, Arthur felt a little sorry for snapping.
A skinny man with a face horribly resembling a rat brought his horse back to him.
"Would you like me to fit the girth properly for you, Sire?"
"Thank you." Arthur said.
"It's an honor to be of service to the Prince."
Arthur turned to Merlin with amusement.
"An honor. Do you hear that Merlin?"
Arthur knew to be careful though, of late he'd been more of service to Merlin than Merlin was to him, and no doubt if Arthur taunted him too much he would start hinting at that in public.
"Allow me the honor of brushing your clothes down."
Arthur needn't have worried, Merlin was too busy clenching his jaw to speak, Arthur half expected him to attack the stranger. So his lover was the jealous type? Arthur rejoiced as he thought of how much of an advantage he had now that he knew that.
"The honor." He whispered to Merlin, who just about bit his own tongue off by the looks of him.
"Anything else I can do for you sire?"
"Well, you can give Merlin a kick up the backside."
Merlin didn't find that funny, he glared at Arthur. It should have made the Prince feel bad but this new side of Merlin, jealous and brooding seemed just so sexy, he couldn't stop.
"I wouldn't want to deprive you of the pleasure, sir."
Arthur laughed, caught off guard by the wit of the man.
"What is your name?"
"Cedric. I've come to Camelot in search of work."
"Good. You can be a beater on the hunt. We're short of a man or two."
Arthur walked over to his horse, she looked restless and he needed to check the girth.
"You're too kind sire!" Cedric shouted after him.
Arthur looked back over his shoulder to see Merlin stick him in the gut with a beater. "Oh, sorry!" He faintly heard him say, with no hint of apology.
Arthur quickly faced away so he could grin. This was tremendous.
The grin soon dropped when he saw the girth. Gently he picked up the saddle to look closer. It had definitely been cut; the break was too precise to have been an accident. He didn't like the look of it at all.
It was a short an easy ride to the hunt. The men of Camelot seemed in no mood for a difficult day and so they remained nearby the commonly used trails, walking slowly over the even ground. Out of the blue every Knight and beater stopped moving. Something was coming. A noise erupted accompanied by a huge beast that crashed its way toward the company. Arthur had no time to run, he was square in its path with no protection save a flimsy spear. It rebounded off the boar's neck, that he had not expected. From behind him another hit the beast squarely, killing it. Shakily Arthur straightened himself and turned to his men.
"Who threw that?" He asked, whoever it had been had just saved his life.
For a moment it seemed no one would answer, it had to have been Merlin then, if he had used magic he would not draw attention to himself by admitting his deed. Arthur began to feel stupid for asking.
"Ahem."
Arthur looked to see Cedric with his hand by his mouth, having just cleared his throat and looking nervous.
"Was it you?" Arthur asked him. The rat-man shrugged and nodded. "You just saved my life." Arthur didn't think he had, by the sight of him he was skinnier than Merlin, if that was possible, though a damned sight more ugly. Nonetheless if Merlin had stuck the spear into the boar with magic Arthur had better deter the attention away from him.
"Honestly, Sire." He flexed his twig-like arm. It almost definitely had not been him. "It was nothing."
"I shall be forever indebted to you. You must be rewarded." Arthur announced, walking over to him. Some of his Knights seemed as unconvinced as he was that Cedric had killed the boar and were looking around for the true killer, one had already glanced at Merlin twice.
"No, I couldn't possibly." Said Cedric; even more nervous now the Prince was mere feet from him. Now all eyes were on them, just as Arthur had planned.
"Come on. What do you wish for?" Arthur seized the opportunity and grabbed Cedric's arm, no muscle was hidden under his ugly clothes, skin and bone was all that was there, the Prince dropped it.
"I desire only one thing, sire."
"Anything." Arthur told the fraud.
"A position in the royal household."
"Good. Consider it done." Arthur spun away from Cedric and locked onto Merlin's face. It was precious. Arthur knew then that he had killed the boar. Merlin was beside himself, Arthur grinned at him. He could not hold back the short laugh that burst from his chest.
As he walked away though he could hear his Knights, none believed Cedric had thrown the spear, some swore they'd seen the man throw his away, but from there it had somehow picked itself off and caught the boar. None were saying sorcery but Arthur wasn't happy either, Merlin had been careless and put himself in danger, he needed a rest it seemed Arthur was dominating his time in two aspects and he knew which one he was willing to give up on and which he wasn't. It seemed Cedric the liar had a position in the royal house after all, Arthur wasn't happy about it but it wouldn't be forever.
Merlin slept in Gaius' quarters that night, in his old servant's bed. Arthur told himself it was for the best, he was resting for once. But each time he told himself that he felt the need to toss over and punch his pillows enthusiastically. He hated sleeping alone.
When he awoke it was light out and the sound of his chamber doors opening met his ears.
"Get in here." He barked. He was very lucky in that instant he had said here and not to bed for when the person at his door spoke.
"Sire?" It was not in Merlin's voice but Cedric's. Arthur could only imagine if he had said what he'd intended, Cedric could have run off and informed his father, or worse, he could have complied. Arthur physically shuddered and crawled out from his cold covers.
"Breakfast my lord." Said the confused serving man. Indeed it was, fresh, steaming breakfast and a good deal earlier than Merlin usually brought it. Arthur threw a tunic over his head and sat down to it.
"Shall I dress you sire?" Cedric asked.
"No need." Arthur said quickly. "I'll get Merlin to do it when he decides to show up."
As if by magic the door opened just as Arthur brought the first mouthful to his lips.
"Is that lunch?" The Prince asked jokingly as Merlin walked in.
"No, it's breakfast…"
Arthur watched him assess the situation. Cedric leant over and added ham to his already filled plate.
"This is lovely, Cedric." Arthur commended the man truthfully; the meal was warmer than he'd become used to.
"Is there anything else that you need doing, Sire?" Merlin asked obviously peeved.
Arthur chewed for a bit.
"No, I think Cedric's got it all covered."
Arthur knew he had to stop, Merlin looked as if he would throw Cedric in a pit of fire and it made Arthur feel like tearing his clothes off…again.
"Oh, I regret, Sire, there is one thing I failed to do. Uh, muck out your horses." Arthur felt impressed with the cheek of the man. But he also knew that despite his winging Merlin liked the horses, he always took longer at the stables than needed and Arthur was always sure not to snap at him for it. At least not since he'd caught Merlin talking to them and upon eavesdropping discovered he'd named them all.
"Off you go." Arthur told him.
It was not enough. Merlin stared at him.
"I'll get the door for you."
Cedric galloped around the table and opened the doors. Arthur had just shoved a mouthful of food in his mouth and almost sprayed it straight back out. Not even he would have gone as far. Merlin walked out stiffly.
It was a mistake Arthur regretted immediately.
"Shall I dress you now, Sire?" Cedric asked.
"Not necessary, I'll do it myself."
"A prince who dresses himself?" Cedric asked, leaning in closer than Arthur deemed appropriate.
"I really only trust Merlin with such things, you can take leave now and see if he needs help. After that my hounds are in need of some exercise." Arthur tried to smile politely.
"My Lord." Cedric bowed out of the chamber.
After crudely dressing himself around the old tunic he'd had on at breakfast Arthur left to the square, he was in need of more guards, as the vaults required heavy guarding. It was looking like a cold, miserable and long day ahead as he trudged through the dreary marketplace. He spotted Doherty, a respected guard of the palace. He would know who was good and looking for work and who already in uniform could be trusted at the vaults. Arthur made toward him. Through the mundane noise and chatter came a whinny followed by an unholy racket. Several shouts erupted, as crashes and hoof beats approached.
He'd been facing Doherty and it was he who shouted, "Sire!" and pointed behind the prince. Arthur turned toward the commotion. His heart sank. They were most definitely the royal horses. He dodged left of them just in time. As he looked around he saw them everywhere crashing through people's stalls.
There was no way Arthur could catch them all.
"Don't you worry, Sire, I'll have the boys round them up." Doherty said and Arthur nodded gratefully. He knew where he had to be.
The Prince had to search through every stable until he found the one he was looking for.
A long, thin figure, resting soundly in the hay caught his eye and Arthur walked silently over. At Merlin's side he leant down, he would have kissed him then out of affection but stopped himself on seeing his lover's head had fallen in a pile of horse shit.
He must've passed out from exhaustion. It broke Arthur's heart to see.
Merlin slowly opened his eyes and raised his head with confusion clouding his face. When he looked up at Arthur half his face had brought with it the dung it had lain on.
Arthur raised his eyebrows and tried not to laugh out of compassion.
"Sire!" Merlin jumped up, remembering he was at duty and not in the Prince's bed.
"What are you doing?" Arthur asked.
"Nothing." Merlin got to his feet and put his hand to his head.
"I can see that." Arthur sighed.
Merlin looked around confused. "I wasn't sleeping."
Arthur nodded at him.
"I was, I was just bending down."
Arthur continued nodding. Merlin was extremely cute but he was worried for him.
"Looking for something?" Arthur aided.
"Yes."
Merlin obviously didn't realize what he'd done; he had no clue how exhausted he was or how dangerous he was in that state.
"Perhaps we're looking for the same thing." Said Arthur, standing up.
"What?"
Arthur mocked looking around.
"Oh, I don't know, the horses!"
"The hors-ses." Clarity came to his face. "Oh!"
Arthur stepped up to Merlin, all his concern rushing up in a bout of agitated rambling. "One mistake I can understand. Everyone has a bad day now and then, but this is one thing after another!"
Merlin raised his hands to his head.
"I-I don't know what happened!"
Arthur was going to say something like. "I don't know, perhaps it's sharing my bed every night? You need a rest from your work, come back to my chambers and you can get back to it when you've slept"
"Sire. Please, Sire, don't be too hard on him. He's a good servant, he just…he's tired."
Arthur felt sick. It was lucky Cedric had interrupted so rudely; he hadn't seen him standing there at all.
"I am not!" Merlin snapped, pulling away from Cedric's outstretched arm. Arthur narrowed his eyes at him. He was too.
"Maybe…maybe if he had the evening off..,"
"I don't want the evening off." Merlin said, shaking his head.
"A good night's rest…"
"I did not fall asleep!"
Arthur could see Cedric was being shifty, it was fruitless for him though, no way was he getting Merlin's job. Still Merlin needed the rest and Arthur intended to explain that to him when they got a moment's time.
"I'm more than willing to take over his duties tonight." Cedric offered slyly.
"Perhaps you're right."
"No." Merlin pointed his finger at Arthur.
"Shut up, Merlin." Arthur said softly, closing his eyes and praying for him to drop it until they could talk.
"Can't you see what he's trying to do? He's trying to get rid of me, and if you weren't such a clotpole you'd see that!"
Arthur narrowed his eyes. He felt torn between laughing and screaming. "A what?"
Merlin's eyes had grown wide as he came to realise what he'd just said.
"Clotpole. He, he said clotpole." Cedric enlightened helpfully from the side.
Arthur raised his eyebrows. It didn't make any sense but it stung. Fine, Merlin could think his job was in danger for all he cared.
"Cedric's right. He can look after me tonight. You can go home and think about whether you want to be my servant or not."
"But…"
"Go."
Cedric handed Merlin his coat like the sly little rat he was. Arthur wasn't too happy with the arrangement. But for the time being he had to go and help the guards rescue all the horses.
When he got back to his chambers it was already dark. The day's work had been harder than it needed to be. One of the stallions had made it all the way to a neighboring village before it could be caught and after that Arthur had been unsuccessful finding an adequate amount of guards for the vault. It was more important to have them posted outside where lives were concerned rather than with the cold metals and jewels below. Besides he had the key in his protection.
On top of all that had been Morgana and her dreams. He knew they had reached a new level when she dreamt of his death before the Questing beast had almost fulfilled the prophecy. Now she was once again shaken, thin and pale, confined to her chambers she called on him.
"Gwen is all that soothes me, she means everything to me but I'm making her life miserable with these visions."
"You mustn't call them that Morgana." Arthur had hissed at her.
"It's what they are."
She'd dreamt of a crow this time and Gaius had seemed to think it meant something, something to do with the vaults.
"Keep them secure." She had informed him. "And keep Merlin close, last night I dreamt he saved your life."
"How so?" Arthur had asked, intrigued.
"He stood in between a pig and your grave. Make of that what you will. He saves you so many times Arthur, I don't need my dreams to tell me he must grow tired of it."
Arthur had left her feeling more aches than the spooked horses had given him.
He was weary and picked morosely at the dinner Cedric provided. He undressed himself, locked away his key and crawled into his once again empty bed. He missed Merlin, Morgana was right, Merlin held his life in his hands, he had no business sending him away, it was Merlin's choice when he should need rest and Arthur could make do with the mistakes.
"I'll be outside in the anteroom should you need anything.'
"That'll be all, Cedric." Arthur sighed, closing his heavy eyes. He rolled over and succumbed to sleep immediately. He thought Cedric said something more but he really didn't know.
"Arthur."
Arthur shot up. Merlin was beside him, he didn't know if it was a dream or real, he pulled him close. His efforts were rebuffed.
"Get up, I'll dress you."
"What for? It's the middle of the night."
"I was awoken by something, I think something's wrong."
Arthur furrowed his brow, most likely it had been a nightmare Merlin had, but then he remembered his conversation with Morgana.
"The vaults." He gasped.
Merlin rushed to get his things and hastily dressed him.
"Gaius is already awake. We should bring him."
Arthur nodded.
"What you heard was it down in the vaults?" Arthur asked. Merlin shrugged. They rushed out of the chambers.
"I suppose it was."
"It must have been loud then, did anyone else hear it?"
"I suppose Gaius did."
"You suppose?"
They continued jogging.
"What did it sound like?" Arthur tried.
"…Screeching."
They reached the tomb, having met Gaius along the way and commenced searching it. Someone had definitely been there.
"Sound the warning bell." Arthur demanded and marched off to find the guards who were meant to be on duty.
It was not so late at night as Arthur had imagined, emerging to the upper floors of the castle he found light breaking through and the servants bustling about their duties. He supposed he would go up to his chambers to write the full report and apology to his father and then he'd have to find out where the last night's guards had got to before he would most likely have to fire them and hire new ones for what was left.
Cedric was leaving his chambers and he nodded politely.
"I'll be back shortly." He informed. Arthur found inside his bed was made, his curtains drawn and the place tidy. It was a nice change. He had sat and began scribbling with the quill, the oh-so-sincere report when Merlin crashed in.
"Cedric is possessed by an evil spirit."
"What." Arthur couldn't gage if he was joking or serious, or even worse, still jealous.
"He tried to steal the jewel, but it wasn't a jewel, it was a soul of an ancient sorcerer, Sigan."
"Merlin, have you been on the cider?" It was the wrong thing to ask apparently.
"Please, listen to me." Merlin implored with a distressed sincerity that had Arthur worried. "Camelot is in mortal danger. Sigan is using Cedric's body to take his revenge."
It seemed very silly since Arthur knew full well that Cedric was standing outside.
"This nonsense isn't helping you keep your job."
"You are not listening to me!" Merlin screamed with fury. Arthur stood.
"Since you're going to shout anyway. Cedric!"
The servant in question entered. "Will you escort Merlin out of the palace?"
Merlin shocked Arthur beyond words as he dove on Cedric. They were fighting viciously as Arthur approached.
"Merlin." He warned as the fighting continued, Cedric scrambled away and Merlin chased him, Arthur was bowled over somewhere in the process. When he got up he saw Cedric clamoring out from under the bed and knew Merlin would soon follow. Wasting no more time he jumped him and dragged him to his feet.
"You've gone too far this time, Merlin! You can spend a few days cooling off in the cells! Guards!"
Arthur really meant a few hours, perhaps until he could find other work for Cedric and pay him to keep his mouth shut, but Merlin was really beyond reason in that moment.
It was a horrible day after that and Arthur was glad when it was over and he could make his way back to his chambers. A guard was coming toward him at a fast pace.
"You there!" Arthur called him. "Could you go down to the dungeons? There's someone I need let out."
"Believe me, they're safer down there, Sire. Massive creatures are attacking the lower townspeople, no one knows where they came from but there are reports from all over, I've seen people fleeing."
"Does my father know about this?" Arthur asked
"He requests your presence." The guard informed, bowing.
"Retrieve my Knights, I need them at once." Arthur ran as fast as he could, he would need to armour himself.
"Where have you been?" Uther asked from outside the council chambers.
"I only just heard." Arthur protested. "What information have we got?"
"I don't know what this creature is, where it came from." Uther barked, crashing through the doors, Arthur followed with his Knights.
"There's more than one, Father. We've had several reports. There's panic in the lower town. People are fleeing the city."
"Then you must hunt these creatures down and kill them."
"Yes, Sire." Arthur led his men back out at once. By the sounds of things they were already at the palace. All he could be grateful for was that Merlin was safest in the dungeons.
In the square the creatures found them. They were not mortal, black, faceless and as hard as stone they kept attacking and took no wounds. Arthur struck and struck at the terrifying beast, he was all who stood between it and those in the palace, Merlin in the dungeon. It knocked him on his back. Before he could see clearly again a small figure had run in front of it. Whoever it was helped him to his feet.
"Guinevere?" He asked in shock and confusion. "That thing could have killed you!" He thought of Morgana, he knew she loved Gwen dearly.
"And it still might! Sorry, Sire."
She knocked him over and he hit his already concussed head. But he was alive and for that he was grateful.
"No. My pleasure." He ground out. She scrambled off him and helped him up. Morgana had to have foreseen this. He was grateful. Both girls were family to him, he loved them both as sisters, not only did they lend a hand in saving his life but they were friends to Merlin, especially Gwen, and Arthur was sorry he was not kinder to her at times.
"I'll get you something to stop the bleeding." Gwen said softly once Arthur was seated.
"Guinevere." It sounded stupid using her proper name when Merlin and Morgana called her Gwen. "I wanted to say…just, uh…you always surprise me."
It wasn't exactly kind words, but it was a start.
"Is that it, Sire?"
"That's it. Oh and uh…thank you."
Morgana came and sat beside him.
"I'm glad you're kind to her. She is more than a servant."
"I know that, I know you care for her."
"We're all connected, you know. You, her, Merlin and me."
"Another dream?"
Morgana nodded. "Several of them. Each was different but in each she died and not long after so did he." On saying he Morgana's eyes drifted up, Arthur's followed and he saw above them, by the banister someone who looked dreadfully like Merlin. But it couldn't be, he was in the dungeons.
"I fear for them both." Morgana whispered but before Arthur could ask he heard his own name shouted. Uther ran through the wounded to reach his son.
"It's nothing." Arthur reassured.
"Have we driven the creatures out?" He asked, looking pale.
"They have control over the lower town. The market place has been all but destroyed."
"How many dead." Arthur wished he hadn't asked.
"Too many to number." He answered mournfully.
"I'm sealing the citadel." The King announced.
"You can't." Cried Arthur.
"I have no choice. I have to protect those who have a chance. If I don't, we will all fall."
Arthur rose in anger and marched away.
"Where are you going?" Uther asked.
"There are people trapped on the drawbridge." He informed.
"I forbid you."
The words were feeble, Uther knew he was wrong and Arthur could see it.
"I'm not leaving them to die."
"It's suicide." Uther tried to pull him to a stop.
"It's my duty to Camelot! And to myself!" Arthur left. It was liberating to see that several of his injured Knights were already following him out of the palace.
By the time he reached the drawbridge their congregation had grown as townspeople took up arms and guards reached them.
There, only lifeless bodies were present, it seemed they were too late and the creatures had beat them.
"Check for survivors." Arthur ordered sadly. Another screech sounded overhead, the horrifying beast landed in front of them with a thick thud.
Swiftly all men followed Arthur, taking positions of defense.
"On me! Charge!" Arthur hoped they were listening, even with their numbers they were no match for it. The creature seemed blind it did not attack Arthur while he remained still.
"Arthur!" Someone shouted from behind him. "Retreat! We'll regroup in the square." He heard them backing away. Arthur took the chance, landing several blows on the beast he disoriented it and gave the others the head start they'd need if any re-grouping was to be done. Arthur backed away when he was sure he had injured it, he turned around and tried to run for the group but the monster took flight and cut him off. This was his doom.
"Save yourselves! That's an order!" Arthur could see dimly past the beast and caught sight of Sir Geraint; it had to have been him who had ordered the group away before for now he screamed. "Retreat! Retreat!"
Arthur knew he was one of his best; he would get them to the palace.
He swung his sword, he planned to go down fighting but before he could glance one more blow off the monster blackness overcame him and he fell. It had gotten him.
Hands touched him and he heard breathing that had to be Merlin's but he was so far away, he couldn't speak or move.
"Who would have believed it? You, a sorcerer, and a powerful one."
The voice was unfamiliar, and locked deep inside himself, shaken and broken, Arthur felt fear grip him. Not on account of himself but on account of Merlin.
"I won't let you hurt him!" Merlin shouted from somewhere above.
"And you're going to stop me?" Came the cold reply. Arthur needed his sword but he couldn't feel his arms.
"I'll stop you."
"He does not deserve your loyalty. He treats you like a slave."
"That's not true."
Even deep inside himself the pain of guilt struck Arthur, like a dagger to the heart.
"He cast you aside without a moment's thought."
"That doesn't matter."
Yes! It does! Arthur tried to shout. It does and I'm sorry! But he couldn't, the feeling was coming back to his head and it was outstandingly painful, like a thousand heavy rocks pummeling him at once.
"But it must hurt so much to be so put upon, so overlooked, when all the while you have such power."
Merlin's voice came out almost choked. "That's the way it has to be."
"Does it? You're young Merlin. Look inside yourself. You have yet to discover your true power. I can help you. Think, Merlin. To have the world appreciate your greatness. To have Arthur know you for what you are."
"That can never be." Merlin's voice was sad but determined.
"It can, if you join me. Together we can rule over this land. Arthur will tremble at your voice, he will kneel at your feet."
Little did this evil speaker know that Arthur already did those things for Merlin, just not in the way he meant. The Prince in question had regained control over his arms, he had tried to reach for his sword, the pain almost caused him to black out again. Knives, hacking at his flesh, past his tendons and deep into the bone, it felt like, he couldn't move, it was all he could do now not to scream, with his head pounding.
"I don't want that." He heard through all the rushing pain.
"You'd rather be a servant?"
"Better to serve a good man than to rule with an evil one!"
Arthur was struck by the words and the pain seemed to lessen.
"So be it. If you will not join me, I will become you and your power will be harnessed to my will."
Arthur finally pried apart his eyes. Merlin was saying something incomprehensible, a spell.
As Arthur lifted his head he saw Merlin jerking on the ground. No! He made to get up and struggle his way over to save him. This time the pain did cause him to black out.
When he awoke a nurse was cleaning some bandages and telling him he'd broken several bones and shouldn't be moving at all.
"Apologies ma'am but I have an appointment in the physician's quarters."
"I assure you I have seen to everything."
"It's not for medicinal reasons."
"Than I'm afraid you must stay here."
Arthur stood and glared at the old bit menacingly.
"Is your name Merlin?"
"N-no , Sire."
"Then I'm afraid you have absolutely no power over me."
And with that he left and in a fog of medication, ignoring the cries of pain from is ribs he marched out. He had a few things to do first, but he'd find Merlin in no time.
"I've come to see Merlin." He announced unnecessarily upon entering. He approached the table where he was eating.
"I've not forgotten about your lazy, insolent ways, or the fact you called me a clotpole, but I do have to admit that there was some truth in your accusations against Cedric."
After all no one had seen the rat man about, though the voice Arthur had heard the night before was dissimilar to what he remembered Cedric to sound like. The memory of it was chilling.
"Does this mean you're admitting that in this occasion I was actually right?" Merlin grinned.
"Not exactly, no. It means I have a knighthood to bestow first thing tomorrow and no one to clean my armour." Arthur emptied the sack he'd carried in with him and then gently threw it at Merlin's face. A note was pinned to it.
"All that?"
"Yep"
Arthur stood outside the door.
"Clotpole?" He heard Gaius ask and he heard laughter. Minutes followed and soon Merlin had run out into the hall. I thought you had died last night. Arthur wanted to say, but he couldn't.
"Sorry." Was all he managed. Pulling Merlin in for a tight embrace.
"Careful with your ribs." Merlin chastised, pulling away.
"I wasn't replacing you with Cedric, I was trying to give you a break."
"I never wanted one."
"I see that now. It's just between you warming my bed and polishing my armour, I'd rather have blunt gauntlets."
Merlin grinned. "But I do, do a very good job on your armour."
"Oh yes." Arthur's voice came out gruff; he leant in to Merlin's ear. "But you do such a better job on me."
"We can't." Merlin sighed as Arthur kissed his neck. "You're all broken and this corridor isn't exactly empty."
"Then come with me to my chambers."
"Arthur."
"No seriously, I don't think I can walk anymore."
All pain medications and potions had worn away and Arthur felt faint.
"It's okay, I've got you." Merlin grunted and Arthur felt the ground coming nearer.
Sorry if the editing is worse than usual, now that I'm home I can't access the internet at night and it's awkward to say the least when my family are hovering around.