authors note: yay another chapter! I've nearly finished this story, i think there'll only be a few mote chapters to go.
Chapter 12
Merlin and Robin make quite a good team.
A surge of adrenaline washed over Robin as he swung the sword, expertly taking out a guard. He gave himself a moment to look at his companion, the dark haired boy with glowing eyes, and found himself enthralled. So this is magic, he watched as two guards were toppled over by and invisible force, it sure comes in handy.
"Quick, back up the stairs!" Merlin interrupted his thoughts. All guards in their proximity were either unconscious or on the floor, and Robin noted this, stepping over a writhing body. They had a few minutes before another wave of guards were sent their way, and Robin wasn't particularly looking forward to it.
"Come on," instead of heading towards the stairs, Robin pulled Merlin a different way, "Use the servants passage; they won't stop us." They slipped through a door, and down a narrow hallway. Merlin's eyes widened as they passed the cook and several servants, but true to Robin's word, they did not offer anything more than a grimace.
The duo kept at a fast pace as the turned the corner. Robin stopped at the large door, and Merlin stumbled into the back of him.
"Sorry, what?" he frowned, not understanding why they had stopped.
"It leads to the courtyard." Robin stated quietly, "there'll be guards everywhere... we'll have to run."
Merlin let out a long, deep breath, "okay, so we run. It can't be that bad, can it?"
"On the other side of this door is about twenty guards."
"Ri-ight." Merlin grit his teeth, "You run, and don't look back. I'll be right behind you."
Somehow Robin doubted it, "TWENTY guards."
"Trust me."
Robin trusted him. He dodged an arrow as he skidded around the corner, wind flying through his brown hair. The wind blew unnaturally from behind him, and he could only suspect Merlin, giving the though a small sly grin. What he would give to be able to turn around; he was certain the sight behind him was impressive. Keeping strong willed, Robin kept looking forward, only offering his hearing to the magic he was so disappointingly missing out on. There was several thuds, followed by a cry (he thankfully identified as not belonging to Merlin).
"Keep going!"
Robin's eyes scanned the draw bridge as he approached it, the metal gate beginning to close. increasing his pace, he slid feet first underneath it, recovering to his feet in a cloud of dust. Only then did he turn around, spotting the dark haired manservant a few feet back, eyes glowing like gold.
"COME ON MERLIN!" He called above the noise, a knot of worry forming in his stomach. In a similar fashion, Merlin's legs began to move faster as he approached the metal gate with rapid speed. His tall frame slipped on the ground as he rolled through the tight gap. The gate slammed on the ground, the thud ringing victoriously in Robin's ears as his he held his fist up.
"See you later, Sherriff!" He laughed giddily, grabbing Merlin's arm and pulling him away.
"That was fantastic! You took out at least a dozen guards!" Robin threw his hands up in the air, eyes sparkling with adrenaline and laughter. he skipped a few steps ahead of his companion, comfortable now they were in the depths of Sherwood forest, "You were all BOOM and AHHH!"
Merlin rolled his eyes in good nature, smiling at the impression of his magic because no one had ever treated magic this way before.
"So you're not scared?" he couldn't help but wonder out loud.
"Scared?" Robin laughed, twisting on his feet to walk backwards in order to face Merlin, "I think it's great!"
"Not everyone feels the same way you do..."
"Arthur?" Robin nodded knowingly, "When people don't understand something, they fear it. It doesn't mean it's evil, just misunderstood."
Robin recognised that the atmosphere has suddenly dampened as Merlin gave him a small, sad smile, "but they WILL understand, just as I have done," -he walked a few paces towards Merlin and threw an arm around his shoulder- "and then everyone will know about your heroic deeds, like fighting off twenty guards at once!"
Merlin genuinely laughed, at complete ease for the first time in... well, forever. Everything would be okay.
