"And yet young warlock, here I am."
"I can't save this world Kilgharrah, the prophecy has put its faith in the wrong warlock."
"Prophecies are never wrong warlock, you are fighting against the current far too much."
"Drowning…" I whispered.
"You will save Albion, young warlock. Your destiny hasn't changed." He replied as he took flight again.
I always hated how quickly he seemed to disappear and with his never ending riddles. I was lost in my annoyance for a minute I didn't notice the rustling bushes a few feet behind me. My mind racing through the events of the past couple days trying to ground itself in some type of emotional response, when a leaf behind me crunched promptly bringing me back to reality. I jumped to my feet blade still in my hand but all I got in response was a gasp.
"Merlin I've been looking everywhere for you! Are you okay?"
"M'fine sire. We should start heading back these woods are dangerous. Think Morgana is here."
"Yes we should." He replied directing me towards where he had left the horses.
I noticed he was shaking slightly and it didn't seem to be because of the weather. I was about to ask him about his current disheveled Appearance and attitude, when his voice broke through my thoughts.
"I'm sorry. I – I was wrong for what I said. I just don't understand Merlin. Why are you disappearing? Why do you think you have failed me? You know when I say you do things wrong I don't mean it."
"I know sire." I replied slowly. I didn't want to do this again and the woods weren't safe. We didn't have time for this.
He stepped in front of me blocking my path.
"Merlin talk to me! The scars, the nightmares, the fear. How do I help? What do I do? I'm losing you, you're standing in front of me but you're gone Merlin. Help me."
The air was thick and I felt like I couldn't breathe there was nothing I could say. I didn't know how to help myself with all the weight on my shoulders few knew of. I felt hazy and everything around me felt farther and farther away. I felt years away from where we stood so locked in my own thoughts I didn't hear the footsteps come behind me. I heard the hiss of a spell from the voice I'd been dreading, I knew we should have left the woods. "Arthur!" I yelled as I was thrown backwards and everything went black. My nightmares were becoming reality and there was nothing I could do but watch.