Arthur cursed internally as Merlin went running across open ground to help Morgana with the fire trap, his breath catching when the servant went down.
Had he been hit?

Apparently not, or if he had it was minor, judging by the way he continued sprinting toward his goal.

Any thoughts about his servant were then thrust from his mind as the flames blossomed and he gave the signal for the villagers to attack.

Between opponents, the prince made sure to check on Merlin, slightly comforted when he found that Will was now guarding his back.
He wasn't happy with the way the youth was hunched over, however, but only had a moment to frown about it before two more bandits aimed their swords at him.

As if by magic the defenders suddenly found themselves with no more opponents, and Arthur made his way over to his servant- who was now being forced to sit on a bench by a frantic-looking Will.

The prince hastened his step and arrived just as William took off at a run.

"Merlin, what's wrong?"
His overly-pale face was dripping with sweat and his face contorted in agony.

Cloudy blue eyes swiveled to meet the royal's.
"Ar-thur."

The voice was faint, disturbingly so.

"Merlin, tell me what happened- I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong."

The servant huffed a laugh.
"Nothing... you can do- I'm dying."

Arthur looked at the man then, really looked, and saw the blood pouring out of his side between pallid fingers to join the river running down his chain mail and soaking his trousers.

It upset him to admit he had noticed this some time ago but simply refused to acknowledge it.
Merlin couldn't be dying, it was inconceivable.

"Merlin, don't talk like that. We'll get you inside and patch you right up."

The servant weakly shook his head.
"It'll be less painful to just die here."

The prince tried to interject but Merlin wouldn't let him.

"Listen, prat. You're going to be a great king some day, and I'm sorry I won't get to see it. Just... remember to listen. Listen to your people, to Gaius, to Gwen and Morgana- listen to your heart."

Just then Will returned with Hunith who fell to her knees in front of her son.

"Merlin!" She wailed, weeping bitterly.

The boy favored her with as wide a grin as he could manage.
"I love you, mother" he whispered, dripping red hand falling into his lap and body slumping further as he passed out from the blood loss.

"Merlin, no, you can't do this..." Arthur shook the younger man's shoulders.

"Prat..."

The prince leaned forward to hear the barely-whispered words.

"Thank you."

Arthur let the tears fall down his face as his first true friend passed from the world.