Haven's End
The day was terribly irksome. The warlock had already gotten used to those sword fights, to those horrible noises and screams that a mind intoxicated with alcohol could produce. He hated this atmosphere, the air polluted with madness and cruelty, the struggle for power and wealth, which encouraged friends to turn into predators, hyenas craving for the goods of their friends. It was disgusting. And though, in that world of misery, there was a girl who smiled so lovely…
He'd been fighting against the same adversary for days. Merlin had spared his life several times and he was tempted to do it again, if it hadn't been for the misery his enemy was forced to endure. Well, that poor creature was hardly his enemy, he was just an ordinary man cursed to keep losing and because of that he was sentenced to death. If he were to survive the battle, he would died of starvation or because of an infected wound.
This once glorious fighter whose only crime was that of being overmatched by another, had been condemned to misery and death.
Merlin's sword skills hadn't improved too much, but his intelligence was enough make up for his lack of practice. However, in this few months the warlock had progressed more than other fighters had in years of practice and training. Yet, he never spared himself, Merlin kept testing his limits everyday, despite of pain and tiredness.
That day, though, something was different. The lady came close to him, pretending she wanted to congratulate the winner and she handed him a letter.
Back in his cell, Merlin found a furious Morgana, resembling a hungry panther in a cage. Well, she was theoretically in a cage and she was hungry, too. But, even in that panther's glance, the Dragon Lord could find something seducing. The fascination of fighting with an untamed panther as he liked to define his relation with the High Priestess, was something Merlin wasn't able to explain himself. But he wasn't fighting with her, he preferred to tame her.
This time, the warlock didn't offer her bread as he'd usually done. Instead he waited for her to come. Merlin sat down near to the witch and opened his letter, pretending to ignore her glances. Having chosen his position as to be able to spy on her without being seen, the warlock placed the bread in front of him and started to read the letter.
Dear mysterious knight,
I would like to help, but I fear I can't do much. Father will be traveling tomorrow and maybe I will be able to bring you something. Tell me what you need. I know that the key is more precious than anything I might bring you, but the soldiers are so afraid of my father than none of them would risk so much, not even for me. Yet, I will do my best to set you free. I promise.
Give me your answer tomorrow.
Princess Helen
Having nothing to write with, he used his own blood to compose a short note on the other side of the paper.
Food, please and a blanket for my friend. It's freezing cold here and I'm afraid she won't survive otherwise.
You're so brave, my lady, I will never forget your kindness and I will never forgive myself if anything bad happens to you because of us.
He had mentioned Morgana on purpose; she was hardly a friend to him, but Merlin considered it better if the princess were to think the sorceress meant more to him than he'd let her know.
Time passed and the witch didn't come to him. Trying to ignore her, he started his daily training, a sword fight with an imaginary adversary and some banal spells which resulted in a faint sparkle. Day after day, it became harder and harder for the warlock not to lose hope; yet he had to pretend for Morgana's sake.
The night came and the stubborn enchantress didn't intend to speak to him. Exhausted by her arrogance, Merlin gave up and he brought her the food together with some apologizes she not even wante to hear and with a 'what have I done to you, Crazy Panther" look.
Morgana didn't answer to him; instead she began to build a wall between them. She had been gathering rocks all day- from who knows where- and she was determined to keep him away. And as if it wouldn't be enough, the last High Priestess threatened him with death if he dared to come close.
No matter how much, Merlin tried to adopt a serious face he couldn't help imagining those rocks falling down like an avalanche on a mountain slope and a furious Morgana screaming and threatening under the layer of rocks.
He decided to stay away from it. The last thing, the warlock wanted was a rock to his head. Yet, Merlin couldn't sleep for fear they might crash down on Morgana, giving the witch headaches for months if she were to survive. So, he used his magic to keep the wall safe, but eventually the bored sorcerer abandoned the idea and allowed the wall to collapse, but not until he'd made sure they wouldn't hurt his snappy friend.
Obviously, when his snappy friend woke up, she saw an innocent sorcerer sleeping peacefully.
Next morning, Merlin gave Helen the letter, his heart full of hope and joy. Their nightmares were close to an end.
Stupid boy. He left too soon to catch the glitter of hatred and fury which appeared in the princess' eyes as she read his note. It was the beginning of his nightmares.
