Merlin

The New Wave

France Gamble

A/N: I know I seem to be starting another story without finishing The Storm, but don't fret. That one is also finished somewhere. I just have to find where I had backed that one up. I do apologize for being gone from writing for so long. I think with the world as it is, my muse must have gone into a deep depression. When my book signings were all cancelled, I felt too lost to really turn on my computer for no other reason than working on my other jobs.

Warnings/Triggers: This story has a dark premise. Do not read if you don't like seeing depression, suicidal tendencies, rape, or child harm. You have been warned. I do not know at this time if more warnings are needed, but this is my general one for now.

Disclaimer: I do not own the BBC Merlin show. Please understand that I just took their characters to create my own version of the ending to the show. I do own all of my original characters within this story, though. Please do not take them without permission. Later in the story, I do take a chapter idea from another story on AO3: Destiny Will Wait No Longer by kimirce When we get there, I will let everyone know. Thanks!

Chapter 1

He knew this position well. His arms were numb from being above his head too long, and his legs ached from lack of movement. He couldn't feel the ground this time, though. That was new. Merlin also couldn't remember much from what happened after he had been captured. Again. Well, he thought, again for having been in this position of capture by Morgana. That was the person who held him this time, too.

Another groan was heard within the cabin. A hitched sob came after the first sound. Merlin's mind was still groggy from whatever Morgana had given him earlier. He vaguely remembered something about her capturing a girl as well as him from the nearby village they had been in.

He couldn't help whoever was in the other side of the cabin without his memories. So, while the witch was gone, he would try to unmuddle whatever was wrong with his head.

Alright, his memories…

He was serving the king and queen their wine when the messenger knocked on the door. He didn't move right away to get the door, which cause Arthur to sigh at him and glare. Gwen giggled into her hand at them, but he put down the pitcher without even a smile. Really, Arthur could say they can just enter. He wasn't needed to open the door for whomever was outside.

The servant was maybe about the age of 16 summers old, with bright gold hair that would put Arthur to shame in the sunlight. Well, if it hadn't been dusted with sweat from the run through the castle. He bowed low to the monarchs as he handed a piece of paper to them. Then he scurried out as soon as Arthur waved his hand for dismissal.

The clanked shut as Gwen and Merlin both leaned over to try and see what was written. "Merlin, at first light we are leaving." He handed the letter to Gwen. Her brown eyes went through the page as he continued to give Merlin orders, "Plan for a few days on the road, please. Tell the knights."

Merlin nodded in his own version of a bow and left the two alone to speak. He still didn't get a clear look into the message, but whatever it was meant they were going on a quest again. They hadn't been on one in quite a while.

Leon was the first one he noticed in the armory, but not the last. It was nice to see the Knights of the Round Table all in one place. This made his running around a lot less. He appreciated that. The castle was a lot bigger than most realized.

"And where is this quest?" Elyan asked after he told them to be ready by dawn.

He shrugged, "I didn't get to read that part. I did see it was a village, though."

Gwaine snorted, "We need you to learn how to read faster over his shoulder without him knowing."

"He already knows that Merlin reads over his shoulder," Leon supplied. They all laughed as he left them to get ready for their training session.

It wouldn't have mattered if he knew where, anyway. He didn't know why they were going.

…his memories stopped as he heard the moaning sound in the other room again.

It sounded feminine or maybe a child. He pushed his senses out to the surrounding area. Morgana's power was all over the place, but not her actual being. He wished a lot sooner that he had freedom to do this more often. Though in his current state, no one would notice him doing magic. His head tilted up to his wrists. They were only on a rope around a hook above him.

He didn't need magic to get out of that, too. Being a servant for so long did give him some muscles now. Not enough to fight in a fair battle against a knight, but he was strong enough to take the brunt of their practice. Which meant he was able to bounce in the air to unhook his hands. He scrunched his legs to his chest and did a quick movement.

He made quite a bit of sound landing onto the dirt floor with a grunt. The sounds of the sobbing and moaning stopped in the other room. A different sound, besides Merlin sure his bones were creaking against each other, was a soft gasping sound. The person in the other room was now terrified. He knew the sounds of someone panicking. He grit his teeth together to stop more of his own voice coming out as he relearned to move his arms.

He was suddenly extremely glad that Morgana had taken over his mind before releasing him the last time. His arms had a new pain running through them. The sharp tingles of his blood going through to his fingers made him want to cry with the other person in the hut. He bit down on his lower lip to make his body move.

They needed to get out of here; the person in the other room and himself. Quickly, probably more quickly than most people would be able to, he got to his feet and stumbled past the little door to the other room. He stopped short and turned slightly away, "Let me help." His voice cracked from obviously screaming, but he didn't remember ever doing so. Looking around he found a rough blanket to gently toss over body. She was naked and completely tied to the bed. Why would Morgana do such a thing?

He remembered now that their mission to the village had been to investigate the missing women and girls. There was about seven gone. This was only one.

As he hurried along to untie her from her bindings, she started to sob lightly again. "It'll be okay," he assured her. Once she was free, she curled around the blanket to have it cover her more. He leaned down and tied the blanket securely around her shoulders. He did his best to make it more of a long dress or robe such as Gaius wore. It covered her for now, though. "I don't see your clothes anywhere, but we will get you dressed soon," he assured her as she shook underneath his hands.

Just as soon as he was sure her modesty was intact again, he pulled her from the bed to follow him safely out the door. He held up a finger to his lips to keep her silent as she nodded. Her tears didn't stop, but it was quiet enough for now. They rushed out of the doors and into the dark of the forest. He really hoped they would get far enough away for him to find out where they had been taken… and possibly the reason for their capture.

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