A/N: So this one is kind of weird and probably a bit disturbing. It's an alternate progression of "Ring of Ice" for Ihuntwithwinchesters where Merlin is actually taken. It may make sense without having read RoI, but probably not too much.

Ihuntwithwinchesters: I know this likely isn't what you were looking for, but it's all I could manage... ha... hope you enjoy.

He didn't regret it.

Plumes of smoke rose from what had once been Livenn's manor and he could see people fleeing the hungry flames, but he didn't pity them. These people had been the ones to pretend they didn't notice his abuse. The guards had obediently carried him about, trapped in that horrifying chest that smelt of blood that had been present before him, ignoring his weak pleas for help.

What Livenn had done to him... he didn't dare think about it. The physical damage alone should have killed him by now; his semi-frozen state was probably the only thing keeping him from bleeding out.

He probably does this a lot – knows just when to stop to keep his victims alive.

He shuddered and Kilgharrah looked down at him worriedly.

"We will land soon, young warlock."

Kilgharrah. It had been all he could manage to rasp out a call to the dragon once Livenn had finally left him alone, weakening the dorocha ring's influence enough for him to work that vital magic. The great dragon had made his feelings on the matter clear, tearing off the roof to get to his lord and breathing fire left and right as he carried him to safety.

"Your king comes."

Merlin tried to lift his head, but failed.

"I will leave you here with an enchantment to keep you safe on the journey. The physician will heal you."

The dragon sounded uncertain about the last part, and for some reason Merlin found that amusing.

"What, no 'it is not your time to die' or 'Albion will not come to pass without you'?"

The dragon laid him on the grass, golden eyes oddly compassionate in the face of the forced levity.

"There is more to heal than the physical."

Merlin said nothing to that; opting to close his eyes and take steadying breaths as the dragon bestowed his magic and left.

"Merlin!"

The servant jolted awake when he felt the burning heat of Arthur's hand on one shoulder – the dislocated one? Possibly. At this point it was difficult to distinguish the various hurts done him.

"Arthur..."

"Lords, you're freezing. Gwaine!"

He found himself quaking internally, desperately wanting to escape but physically unable. The only external signs were the fear in his eyes and a quiet whimper.

"Merlin? Are you-"

"Sire!"

"I'll be right back, Merlin."

The king stood and Merlin managed to catch a glancing view of survivors coming out of the trees; lithe young men and women with bruised faces and a wild look in their eyes which he suspected mirrored his own.

Things got away from him for a bit, passing by in a blur of noise and panic as someone manhandled him.

No; it's Gwaine. He's trying to help. Calm down.

His internal assurances did little but make him feel guilty as he sobbed, deeply wishing to be left untouched.

"Sorry, Merlin, I'm trying to be gentle."

His breathing sped up as his mind supplied a memory of Livenn's voice, promising to be gentle if he cooperated.

"Whoa there, hey, it's alright. Come on, take some deep breaths for me..."

Shouts for the king faded from hearing as black filled his vision and he passed out.

Upon waking he found himself in a cart, covered in blankets but blessedly free from human contact. Alongside marched the survivors he had glimpsed earlier. Livenn's other victims, probably.

More guilt nibbled at his stomach. He had attacked these people as well... hadn't even thought that there might be more like him...

"Merlin."

If he could he might have jumped out of his skin. Arthur's voice had come from above his head, somewhere in front of the cart. More memories of his tormentor had him slamming his eyes shut and clenching his teeth.

"You're alright now, we've got you. Soon you'll be back to Gaius and he'll take care of you."

The king's voice was strained with worry, but all Merlin could hear was Livenn's twisted words echoing in his mind. "You're mine now. I'm going to take good care of you..."

"Get some rest, Merlin. We'll be in Camelot by nightfall. Everything will be fine."

No, everything would not be fine. Maybe it never would be again. Still, his body seemed to like the idea of unconsciousness so for now he would sleep. Tomorrow... tomorrow he would regret.