"True Heart" (Rose)

Gaius, Guinevere, and I tend to the wounded- so many burns and deeps cuts. I have never been so grateful for having studied in my life. I know just what to do for each problem I encounter without asking tedious questions that take up time. Should we get out of this, I will make it a point to thank Gaius for his teaching. I can only hope I'm doing my mother proud.

"I don't think people can suffer a third night of this," Gwen says doubtfully.

"You must trust in Arthur," Gaius counteracts.

"I do," she ensures, "But even he has little chance."
I cannot help but feel responsible for all of this. Maybe I should have dissuaded Merlin from even considering letting the dragon loose. The creature does not have a true heart like I had anticipated. "We'll make it through," I try to convince those around me, although I, myself am apprehensive, "We always do." My heart goes out to Merlin, out there, braving the wildfires with Arthur and his men. I pray for his safety with diligence.

"Spiraling" (Merlin)

Tramping to the upper walls, I apologize to Arthur, "I'm sorry you're having to do this."

"Why?" he asks as I hand him a crossbow, "You're not to blame."

I turn my back and lean against the brick, breathing heavily from agonizing shame and dread. This circumstance is all my doing and he has no clue.

The archers stand at the ready along the edge of the wall, crouching in a defensive position, arrows in place. "Flame up!" Arthur gives the order as the dragon appears in the night sky, flying right for us. They heed his command and light fire to their ammunition, aiming them steadily in the face of destruction. "Stay strong!" encourages the Prince, "Tonight is not your night to die. I'll make sure of that," he shouts a promise to his soldiers.

I look around skittishly as I notice the men becoming jittery, as the beast looms overhead. "Hold firm!" Arthur instructs, and the dragon swoops lower, "Hold! ... Hold!" The monster continues its advance. "NOW!" he gives the war cry. The arrows whiz through the air, barely reaching the dragon, let alone doing any damage. This only angers him, and he responds by shooting an engulfing fire from his mouth. We tuck ourselves swiftly behind the wall, scarcely eluding the blaze.

I just want to yell and scream. This is spiraling out of control. This cannot go on much longer. It shouldn't even be occurring now.