Disclaimer: I own nothing…

Me: *whining* OwwwWwWw! *glares at Jissai* Alright already! Here! Just don't tell your general that sending me messages is the best way to extradite the chapters… *wide eyes and turns slowly to the mob behind me* UIhhhhhh

Merlin: *whispers* You really aren't good at this.

Me: *sighs* I know… *turns to the mob* Enjoy?

"I hope you bring good news?" Cenred inquired as he glanced at the prince and the wrapping fibers in his hand. His gaze turned back to Uther as he addressed him.

"Indeed they have Cenred." Uther replied "But before we can give you your precious relic, let us sign the peace agreement." As he says this, he gestures to the table on the side that held the official parchments for the peace treaty, waiting to be sign. Merlin noticed the slight annoyance and anger flashing in Cenred's eyes but was quickly mask with the usual false smile.

"But of course!" He replied cheerfully as he gave Uther a brief bow. "I am a man of my word after all." With this, the two kings stepped forward and began the signing of the official documents. As they did this, Merlin couldn't help but hope for a sorcerer to attack at that moment. Cenred was planning something, he was sure of it, but Uther remained blind to the threat. He gazed beside him as Arthur grasped the wrapped staff between his hands in apprehension. Merlin appreciated that Arthur tried to make his father see reason but he knew that it was for naught. And even though they were unable of stopping whatever this was, he knew that whatever happened, he would have his friend right beside him. He snapped from his thoughts when Cenred's boisterous voice echoed in the room.

"There you go! You can now be certain that neither I nor any of my people will harm your kingdom." As he said this, he opened his arms wildly as he and Uther walked towards the middle of the room.

"May both our kingdoms prosper in this new time of peace." Uther stated as they stopped a few paces away from Arthur and Merlin. Directing his attention to his son, Uther gestured with his hand for him to bring the staff.

"Now Arthur, if you would…" Hesitating slightly, Arthur began to walk towards them but stopped as Cenred raised a hand to stop him.

"Wait." Cenred exclaimed suddenly as he turned his gaze towards Merlin. He eyed him and the staff and then turned towards Uther, smiling. "Let your sorcerer bring it to me." Everyone's eyes widened slightly in confusion at his request as Cenred continued.

"After all, if it wasn't for his help, I believe your knights would not be able to survive the journey." Merlin saw Uther's eyes harden at his words and he was almost hopeful that he would back off their deal but after a few seconds, Uther gestured Arthur to hand the bundle to Merlin.

"Of course…" Uther mumbled as he glared at the warlock, daring him to sabotage the exchange. "Merlin." His eyes widen at the prospect and as he stared at his prince wide eyed, he could see the same look of surprise. Reluctantly, Arthur handed the staff to Merlin as he steeled himself to grasp it. Arthur watched intensely at his friend, noticing the slight tremor in his hand. Merlin was certain that something was going to happen if we gave the staff to Cenred. Something terrible. But all he could do now is pray that his friends' instincts were wrong this time. As Merlin grasped the bundle gently, he approached the two kings slowly. Arthur notice Cenred staring at Merlin and the staff with a desperate, almost hungry look. He smile almost predatorily as Merlin handed him the wrapped bundle. He started unwrapping the fabric with a gentle touch, not wanting to damage such a precious artifact.

"You must be quite powerful indeed to have been able of retrieving the staff…" Cenred chided happily as some of the staff started to reveal. The sunlight struck the blood-like color of the orb, striking it at just the right angle that you could almost see something swirl inside. Gaius's eyes fell upon the enchanting patterns the silver tendrils created as they merge with the sword-like tip. His eyes widen in horror as he recognized the artifact now held expertly by the malevolent king. His gaze fell upon his ward and noticed he was to close to Cenred.

"Merlin!" He screamed making everyone's head turn towards him. "Get away from him! It's a trap!" Cenred smile finally showed its menace as he quickly twirled the staff and held the end like a sword. Before anyone could process Gaius's warnings, as Merlin turned to snap an incantation, his eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly as his hand fell upon the silver blade of the staff that was imbedded into his chest. Cenred leaned in forward as he pushed the staff even deeper into Merlin. As Merlin head jerk upwards trying to meet his assailants eyes he found Cenred smirking fiendishly.

"And I look quite forward to have you serving me!" As Merlin heard this, his head fell once more upon his chest, making him stare at the silver spike upon his chest. Because of this, he didn't notice the look of anguish on his uncle. He didn't see the look of astonishment upon the king. He didn't hear the slight gasp coming from the knights. And he didn't hear the gut-wrenching screams of his prince calling his name through the darkness. All he could hear was the maddening buzzing….

"Merlin!"

Me: *grinning* Huh? Bet you didn't see THIS coming! Did you?

Arthur: *whispering* You better start running… *gestured to the angry mob behind us*

Me: *wide eyed* R-right… until next time? *runs away*