With that the ambulance arrived and Lance handed over to them. But also continued to be involved in caring for Merlin. He turned to Balinor and Arthur "Please give us space we need to get him on his way, you can follow to the hospital but I suspect it will be sometime before you can see Merlin, as the first task will to clean up that hand and he will need theatre for that."

Balinor was more shocked than he thought possible. After all he had only known Merlin for a short time. But he knew he would do anything for his son. "I'll go and get Hunith and join you at the hospital" With that he walked out not even looking at Arthur.

Arthur looked at Lance "I'm going with him"

"No you're not, we need to work on Merlin and you will be in the way. I suggest you sort out whatever else you need to do and come to the hospital in a few hours" Lance said reasonably. "I mean it Arthur, you can't help him now, but he will need help later."

Arthur pushed his way to were Merlin was laying on the ambulance gurney and bent down and kissed his forehead. "You WILL get better, see you soon" and then looking at Lance said "He has everything he needs regardless"

"I'll make sure he does" Lance reassured the gang boss, with that the paramedics moved Merlin towards the ambulance and he was gone blue lights flashing.

Arthur turned to Gwaine and nodded to the door. All the men followed, wanting to know what to do next. Leon had already gone with the two prisoners. Arthur checked around then spoke to the men, "Get the wounded if any on both sides treated, any dead find out who they are, any of ours inform their relatives and take to the undertaker. Then identity Sarrum's men and them put them in the pit, unless they are claimed. We'll cover them later."

With that he got out his phone and called Bayard "We're finished up here, you can take over your side and get sorted. Leave the pit open for a while I will have two more bodies to go in before it's filled. I'll pay for the concrete"

Calm as a cucumber Bayard asked "Get your boy back?"

"I did, but someone needs to pay for his condition. Speak to Leon about the new boundaries. He will call you later."

"Pleasure doing business Pendragon" with that Bayard hung up.

Arthur left instructions for the men and then he and Gwaine headed back to their own headquarters, this time going the quicker route. It was clear that word had got out as they saw no one on the journey. It had been years since the last big fight between the gangs, but the ordinary citizens were too wary to show their faces until they knew it was safe. Living in Sarrum's territory had made them all cautious. Once back Arthur headed straight down to the basement. Leon and Elyan were guarding the two prisoners who were in separate cells. Sarrum looked up "Stop this bloody nonsense Pendragon and let us go, then I'll tell you where your boy is, if not he dies alone""

Arthur ignored him and looked at Leon "Go to Amata and negotiate with Bayard, as long as the split is about 50 50 I don't' care. Then start calming things down and letting the citizens know that Sarrum is…going to take a long sleep." He turned to all the men "Leave us. Four remain upstairs the rest go with Leon. Gwaine you stay here"

Gwaine grinned at the two men in the cells "Sure thing wouldn't miss this for the world."

Arthur took off his jacket and carefully placed it over a chair, then he walked over to Sarrum and stood looking at him before speaking "Your first mistake was snatching Merlin, and you're second hurting him, but the third and biggest mistake was underestimating me" he said chillingly. "So now you are going to pay the price….you and your second here. Your territory has been split between Camelot and Mercia."

"You won't get away with this" Sarrum snarled "You're just a kid playing in the grown-ups world."

Arthur looked at Sarrum "I learnt one thing from my father, that I am thankful for, how to use my fists. You knew Uther of old, no one betters a Pendragon, and I was bought up being told that every day." With that Arthur started to remove his shirt and placed it with his jacket. Before going and picking up the keys from the table.

Gwaine spoke for the first time. "Want some old trousers Boss"

Arthur didn't take his eyes off Sarrum "No, I have plenty more." With that he went to Alban's door. "We'll show your boss what to expect" his voice was cold and angry as he picked up a hammer. "I saw you using one of these on Merlin, so I figure you'll want to know what it feels like. Gwaine hold his hand down."

Alban tensed and there was a brief struggle before Gwaine and Arthur had the man just were they wanted him. Alban glared at Arthur and snarled "Can't take me fair can you?"

Arthur gave a cold chuckle "I could, but I rather want you to feel what Merlin did. After all he couldn't have taken you at all, but that didn't stop you." With that he brought the hammer down several times smashing the hand and fingers. Then he gave Gwaine the hammer. "Keep that safe I'll need it later."

Then he stood and waited for Alban to recover just enough to know what was happening "I don't care if this is far, it's not supposed to be, but what it will be is painful and the last thing you remember. So understand this NO ONE TOUCHES MY MAN AND LIVES"

What followed was a brutal and ruthless beating that lasted over half an hour. Until the last moments Alban was aware of what was happening to him, Arthur had been taught well by Uther, Alban's pleas to end it were ignored.

Gwaine spoke to Sarrum several times during the onslaught. "You guys have riled the boss good and proper, will you beg I wonder? I wish he would let me take you apart, Merlin is my friend, but seeing how well your mate is fairing I guess I will just have to watch. But one thing I guarantee no one will ever touch his man again."

When he realised that Alban was dead, or as good as, Gwaine stopped his boss "He's gone boss, he can't feel anything now."

Arthur stood and walked to the basin in the corner and washed his hands and drank some water, before returning to stand in front of Sarrum who no longer looked so confident. Arthur let his breath settle. He looked a Gwaine "No more Princess?" he asked

Gwaine grinned "Nah, I figure your all growned up, anyway I don't want to get on your wrong side, What about Queenie?"

Arthur grimaced "I think not, by the way I thought you might like Camelot's new territory, bigger than your present one and I figure Balinor can have that, if he wants it."

Gwaine grinned "Sure thing, could do with a challenge." He turned to the prisoner "What do you know about that, the new King here has given me half of your old turf."

Sarrum looked from one to the other "You are both mad! Let me out and I will tell you where you can find my stash" his voice cracking.

Arthur snorted "Snivelling coward, I don't want anything from you" he looked at Gwaine "Let's get this over and I can go and see Merlin." He picked up the hammer.

"Same thing boss?" Gwaine asked.

"Why not, he ordered it."

Sarrum out up a struggle but to no avail. Once Arthur had smashed his hand Sarrum passed out, so Arthur waited for him to recover "You have got soft" Arthur told him as he opened his eyes. "Take it like a man." Arthur paused "Your friend isn't dead and I won't kill you" Arthur saw a flash of relief in the other man's eyes, then he continued "No you will be alive when you go in the pit. You will see the concrete as it covers you up, I'll make sure you have enough air for a short time so you slowly suffocate. Just like Merlin thought he was going to. He believed you had walled him in. Rather apt don't you think?"

Like Alban, Sarrum's beating was clinically ruthless and brutal. When Arthur had finished He turned to Gwaine "Get them loaded up in the van, but try not to finish them off. I'm going to shower and change. Phone Leon and tell him I want as many of Sarrum's lieutenants as he can by the pit. Also have the concrete wagon there. As soon as we are done I'm going to the hospital."

"You're really going to bury them alive" Gwaine asked, senseless cruelty wasn't the blondes normal way.

"I don't lie Gwaine. I don't reckon they'll last long anyway but…yes I am. I will send out the message good and loud, no one hurts what's MINE" with that he was gone.

Gwaine nodded to himself, he always knew the younger Pendragon could be ruthless and now he was showing it in a way he never had before. Gwaine knew it would also make his job taking over the new area easier. But he also knew that level of cruelty would mean he would have to work harder to make the ordinary citizens believe they would be better off under Camelot.

Arthur had mostly left the man's faces alone, so they could easily be recognised. Arthur was driven in his red trademark car to Sarrum's old headquarters, the van following. When they got there it was to find Bayard waiting. Arthur walked up to the other boss. "Don't worry I know this is your area now, I've just come to make use of the pit and we will be gone."

Arthur made the signal and the two beaten men were brought forward and half carried half dragged into the cellar their hands tied behind their backs. Once there and in front of Sarrum's most trusted men Arthur spoke:

"This is what happens to anyone who dares touch what is mine. You have a choice, work for Bayard or me, and work to our rules, or get out and keep going." He walked up to the two barely conscious men and looked them in the eye "Now you get to know for short time what you put others through, the pit was your cruelty and that's where you die" With that he had them put in on top of the dead already there. The pit wasn't as deep as it once was. Then he had a dome lowered on top of them. It hardly gave them any air but enough to keep them alive for a short time. Then immediately the concrete was poured sealing their fate.

Bayard looked at Arthur with a grudging respect "I didn't think you had it in you."

Arthur looked at the other boss "We can work together if you're interested, I want a city where the people are looked after, think about it. We'll leave now and thank you for your assistance."

With that he walked back to his red car and was gone, Gwaine looked at the assemble men "I watched Mr Pendragon, today and I for one never want to cross him so I suggest you do as he says" He then walked out and get into the van and followed the car. Leon told his men to go and went with Bayard to finish the negotiations.

After they had settled everything, and before he left, Bayard turned to his men "Knock this place to the ground I don't want one brick on top of another by the time you've finished. We have a lot of work to do men so get busy" As his men dispersed Bayard looked in the direction Arthur had driven a thoughtful look on his face. Then too himself he muttered "I don't want you as an enemy, but do I want you as a friend?"

At the hospital Balinor and Hunith were sitting waiting. Their son had been taken to be examined then they had been told he needed to go to theatre to see if his hand could be saved. The surgeon pointed out that Merlin wasn't in the best state for an operation, but that they had no choice. So Hunith has signed the consent forms and now they waited. Hunith hated hospitals especially this one. This was the same hospital Merlin had been brought to at fourteen, in fact it had been the very next ward to where she was siting now. Although at least this time she had Balinor's support.

Balinor had been split in two, he had wanted to punish the men who had taken Merlin, but at the same time he knew he had to be with his wife and son. His need to support his family had won over, he would have to trust that Arthur would settle the score. Maybe he would have his chance later. It was several hours later before they were allowed to their son's side. He had been in theatre and recovery and was now back on the ward. Before they went in the surgeon spoke to them and informed them what had happened. Merlin had been put in a side room, seemingly Lance had arranged it. Walking in they found Merlin led in bed. His left hand was prompted up on pillows and was wrapped up almost like a boxing glove, he had a drip running into the other arm and looked pain and fragile. Hunith sat down and took her son's right hand and held it gently. Balinor sat at the other side and felt sick at seeing his son looking so delicate he knew Merlin was slender but somehow he looked lost in the bed. They sat in silence just keeping vigil.

It was half an hour later when Arthur arrived, he saw Percy stood outside the door and was about to walk in when he was stopped by a nurse. "I'm sorry Sir, family only."

Arthur glared at her "I am family!"

Balinor had heard his voice and came out, looking at Arthur he said "I want to speak to you first."

He took Arthur by the arm and walked to one side "I need to know what happened." he demanded "And I think perhaps it might be best if Hunith didn't hear."

"I want to see Merlin first" Arthur protested "How is he?"

Balinor sat down clearly distressed "He has just come out of theatre, they had to clean up his hand….they had to amputate two fingers and part of his hand. The fingers were too badly smashed and the infection had spread into the bone."

Arthur paled and sat down beside the older man "Which fingers?"

"The little and ring luckily, his thumb was spared so he will still be able to use his remaining part of his hand. That's as long as there is no more infection. He is covered in bruises but we need him to wake up to see what physiological damage has been done." Balinor looked at Arthur "Have you dealt with them?"

"I have, they won't be hurting anyone again." Arthur looked around "I didn't make it easy for them. I want to see him." he insisted.

Balinor looked at Arthur and made up his mind deciding that now was not the time or place to ask for details of what happened after he left. He would just have to accept it for now. Turning to the nurse saying "Mr Pendragon is as good as family."

The nurse clearly knew the name and blanched slightly, not wanting to get on the gang leaders bad side she agreed Arthur could visit. Arthur gave her a reassuring smile seeing her expression. He didn't wish to upset anyone who would be looking after Merlin. Then he followed Balinor in and walked straight to the bed and to Merlin's side and bent down and smoothed the hair away from Merlin's forehead and kissed him gently before looking at Hunith "He will recover I know he will."

Hunith nodded still unsure of Arthur and his intentions, and pulled a face at the display of affection, but she knew from her husband that the gang leader had gone all out to rescue Merlin "He is strong" she agreed. "I just want him to wake up."

Balinor moved to his wife's side and place a comforting hand on her shoulder "Give him chance love, he hasn't been back long."

After a further couple of hours sitting waiting Balinor turned to his wife "You need to get something to eat love, they've said he might not wake up until the morning. Let's go and get something while Arthur's here he can call if Merlin wakes."

"No, I'll go when he wakes and not before" Hunith insisted "You go if you like"

Balinor shook his head and sat down again. The nurses clearly had the same idea suggested someone go and get a drink so reluctantly Balinor left to get something for everyone. Promising to get back as soon as he could. The minute he left Hunith turned to Arthur.

"Balinor seems to think I should give you a chance" she paused looking at the blonde "I won't have you railroading my son into anything! It has to be his choice"

Arthur gave her a forced smile "I think too much of Merlin to force him to do anything." he told her "Look I know you don't like what I do but eventually I hope to change things so people like you are safer. The Government doesn't care a damn. If it wasn't for the gangs the poorer areas of the city would have no one running them!"

Hunith snorted "And you are better than them, you take your money and that's all you're interested in, don't justify what you do as if you are doing it for anyone but yourself!"

Arthur was stunned for a moment "I do NOT! My men make sure peace is kept, we keep the drug dealers out and the pimps for most part. I donate to the hospitals and do in most part what the government should be doing. I've written of a lot of the high interest loans my father had going, not to mention a lot of his practices have stopped" he paused to calm himself aware his voice was rising "Look Mrs Emrys give me chance, and let Merlin make his mind up, I know what he's been through and I promise you I won't force him to do anything he doesn't want to"

Balinor choose that moment to arrive with tea and sandwiches, he clearly realised something had been going on and sat and took his wife's hand.

Arthur looked at Merlin's parents "This probably isn't the best time to say this but Balinor do you want to take over the running of Ealdor area from Gwaine, as he is going to take over our new area vacated by Sarrum. Let me know as soon as you can or I'll hand it to Pellinore."

Before Balinor had time to answer Merlin started to moan and try to remove his oxygen mask. Arthur immediately placed his hand in the way "Leave it Merlin, you need it."

At the same time Hunith squeezed her sons hand "You are in hospital son, you're safe now."

Merlin started to hyperventilate as Balinor called for the nurse and Hunith and Arthur tried to calm Merlin. He was clearly confused as to where he was and believed he was still either in the pit or with Sarrum. He was given a sedative to calm him. Once he was calm the nurses suggested they leave and come back in the morning as Merlin would sleep until then. They did as asked, as it was clearly more an order than a request. Balinor and Hunith promising to be back first thing and leaving their phone number in case anything changed.