Part 7

Before either boy could react, Arthur had been torn from Merlin's side by Naran and Dreg. He kicked out savagely, but received only a mild grunt and a swift punch to the gut for his trouble. Merlin remained where he was, unable to move by himself.

Halden entered with a silence Arthur would have though beyond the giant man. He ignored Arthur and the other bandits, instead walking towards Merlin slowly, forcibly reminding Arthur of a predator stalking its prey.

Merlin tried to stand, but his arm gave out again, and he collided with the floor. He shuffled backwards as Halden stepped forwards, but all too soon was backed into the corner.

"Stand up. You're coming with me." Halden said, no trace of the unnerving mock pleasantry tone from yesterday.

"Why?" Merlin asked, not moving as he glared upwards.

"Naran, break the Prince's arm" Halden ordered, still not turning away from Merlin. Panic rushed through the warlock as the bandit grasped Arthur's shoulder.

"Wait!" He shouted desperately "I'm coming" He avoided looking at Arthur as he attempted to stand, grimacing against the pain.

Naran paused, looking at Halden for direction. The bandit leader nodded slightly and Naran readjusted his grip until simply restrained the prince. Merlin slowly managed to stand on both legs, but as soon as he took a step he nearly fell back down. Halden grabbed the back of Merlin's neck, keeping him from collapsing, but also not allowing the warlock to move unless Halden moved as well.

"Where are you taking him?" Arthur demanded, but Halden ignored him as they walked out of the cell.

They were halfway down the corridor when Merlin heard a loud thunk from the cell. He wrenched out of Halden's grasp and locked back worriedly, about to try and struggle back when Halden grabbed his neck again.

"Don't panic, your Prince is just getting to know my men a little better. " Halden's smile was wicked as he told Merlin this. The dark-haired boy glared at him, but Halden just squeezed his neck threateningly and forced him forward.

At first, Merlin thought they were taking him back to the dark cell, but Halden marched right past it, instead leading Merlin down a maze of corridors he couldn't hope to remember. Finally, they reached a large, dimly lit room. Halden released Merlin's neck, and clutching his ribs, which burned from the walking, Merlin sank to his knees in relief.

Halden sat himself in the only piece of furniture in the room, a large wooden chair, and for a few minutes just stared at Merlin.

"What do you want with me?" Merlin demanded, proud that his voice was steady.

"Why, I want to extend my hospitality of course" Halden smiled sickly for a moment, before he went back to staring at Merlin contemplatively.

"You're an interesting servant, boy. How does a servant become so valued that a group of highly trained knights and a prince surrender when his life is threatened? Or is so loyal to Camelot that he begs his master not to say anything , even when he is the one being tortured? And when faced with the man who tortured him, willingly goes as soon as his master well being is threatened?" Halden stared at the silent boy. "Answer me!"

"I wouldn't expect you to understand" Merlin bit out. Halden jumped up, roaring in anger.

"You will answer for your rudeness, boy!" He growled, slapping Merlin so hard he fell to the ground. The bigger man was on top of him immediately, grabbing Merlin's arm and twisting it up behind his back. "Let this be a lesson you don't forget" He hissed in his ear, before savagely pushing upwards. There was a sickening crack and Merlin screamed. Halden hit him once more and Merlin's screaming stopped as darkness took over.

Halden stood up, gazing angrily at the unconscious boy on the ground. He stormed over to the door where some bandits loitered. "Get me the Prince, immediately!" He shouted.

It wasn't long before Arthur was brought into the room, hands and feet retied as he was pused on his knees, and looking much worse than he had when they had left. His eye was bruised and there was a cut above it, and he was limping slightly. His face grew pale when he caught sight of his manservant.

"Merlin!"

Halden chuckled darkly. "Don't worry, Prince Arthur, your manservant is just taking a little- nap." He walked over and flipped Merlin over so that Arthur could see the slight movement in the chest.

"He's going to die if he doesn't get those injuries treated." Arthur said angrily. Halden sighed sadly. "Well, yes it does seem that way, doesn't it. Poor boy, I didn't want to go so far, but unfortunately, Prince Arthur, you just wouldn't talk." Arthur flinched.

"I've decided what I'm going to do with you." Halden told Arthur.

The blond's face was neuteral. "And what is that?" He asked calmly.

Halden smirked. "Well, you refuse to talk, so I can't sell Camelot's secrets, but it seems that there's still a pretty price for the heir to the throne of Camelot. King Odin seems particularly interested buying you. The wealth of a rich man's lifetime, all for one person." He said casually, studying Arthur's face carefully for a reaction.

Arthur tried to stop it, but the word slipped out. "One?"

Halden laughed. "Naturally. As I said before, my men could use a manservant-especially one so loyal." He mocked.

Arthur's face turned dark with hatred, making Halden grin even wider. He kept going.

"Of course, we'd have to teach him some basic manners first, the men won't stand to have a mere servant speak back to them. But don't worry, I'll take good care of him"

His eyes glinted maliciously as they met Arthur's angry blue eyes, and he laughed, kicking over Merlin's body.

And stop. SO sorry I didn't get this up yesterday, I was super busy. Final part should be up tomorrow!