Until the Last Breath Leaves My Body

by Camelotpointe

A collection of short stories about the characters of 'Merlin'. Includes friendship, drama, comedy and more! Chapters 50 - 53: Too Much to Bear - Merlin is overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the weight of his responsibilities and the secrets he is forced to keep. Gwaine and Arthur are worried about their friend and try their best to help.

9. Death Song Interrupted

Death Song Interrupted

This was inspired by Season 5 Episode 3, 'The Death Song of Uther Pendragon', so there are some spoilers for that episode.

Disclaimer: I do not own the show 'Merlin' or any of the characters.

….

"Merlin has m-" The past King was drowned out by the sound of a horn. His eyes widened and he opened his mouth in a silent scream of rage as he was sent back to the spirit world. Arthur lowered the Horn of Cathbhadh from his lips, hands shaking slightly as he stared at the spot where his father's ghost had stood mere moments ago.

Merlin remained frozen in place, also watching the place where Uther had vanished, taking with him the warlock's greatest secret. He exhaled suddenly, his body relaxing into the wall behind him. Arthur pocketed the horn, striding forwards to help his friend. He reached out a hand and Merlin took it, allowing Arthur to pull him away from the wall and the spears which had trapped him.

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked, dropping his servant's hand. Merlin nodded mutely.

"What was he trying to say you had?" The King asked curiously. Merlin's shoulders stiffened slightly, but he cocked his head to one side in a good imitation of confusion.

"Probably that I've manipulated you into doing things differently to how he did them", he replied casually, trying not to show his anxiety.

"You know that's not true", Arthur stated, watching his friend closely. "Right?" Merlin nodded again, but the King was not convinced. He bit his lip in thought.

"Merlin?" he pressed. The servant looked up, a questioning expression on his face. "I'm sorry", Arthur said solemnly. "I should have listened to you sooner." Merlin looked at the ground, embarrassed, then looked back up at Arthur, a cheeky grin playing around the corners of his mouth.

"Does this mean that you're actually admitting that I was right?" he asked. Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Don't let it go to your head, will you; most of the time you're a complete idiot."

…..

Hope you liked the chapter! I thought it was kind of strange that Arthur never asked what Uther was trying to say, so I wrote this.