I
don't
own
Merlin!
Warning: A little bit of torture inside…
Weeks had passed and the encounter with Ronald had gone to the background of their minds.
Merlin had soon returned to be his idiotic self.
Arthur had been almost nice for days but had fallen into his role of prat again and the knights were who they were,
Gwaine eating apples and flirting with maidens, or was it the other way around?
Lancelot was silently admiring Guinevere from a distant, ever the noble man he was.
Leon gave the others instructions on 'how to be a proper knight'.
Elyan went through his daily duties without complaint.
And Percival observed them all without saying much.
Everyone is sitting in the council room around the round table, save for Leon and Elyan who are on patrol. They are going over crop prices and other uninteresting but important stuff. Suddenly the large doors fly open.
"Sire, there are rumors about bandit attacks, in the forest north from the city." Leon says, interrupting the meeting.
He walks up to the table as he says this, followed closely by Elyan.
"Did you come there on your patrol?" the King asks.
"Yes, sire. There are signs of attacks all around that part of the forest. We didn't see any bandits though." the older knight replies.
"We'll ride out immediately. Get yourselves ready." the royal says to his men. "And Merlin, get the horses ready, will you."
They all nod and rush out the room, happy to get out of the boring meeting.
"We'll have to talk another time." Arthur says to his council members while getting to his feet. "Please excuse me."
He leaves the room immediately and goes to the armory to collect his sword and armor. The others are already there, putting on their own armor. Knowing that he had sent Merlin to take care of the horses he decides that it would be a good idea to put his armor on by himself for now.
Half an hour later they are all sitting on their horses and riding towards the forest. They only have to ride an hour before the first signs of an attack get visible.
"Dismount your horses, we'll go further on foot." the royal orders.
They all do as their King commands and tie their horses to some trees that are hidden behind a few bushes.
"Stay together and keep your eyes open." Arthur instructs.
He knows he doesn't need to tell them but he does it anyway. He's still the King after all. As they inspect the forest they find arrows, most of them are broken, a lot of footsteps, but no bodies. It seems like there has been a fight but other than a few weapons, there's nothing more that indicates an attack. The King motions to go further into the woods were they find even more signs of a struggle but again, no bodies or other evidence.
"Strange" Gwaine whispers.
"Sire, doesn't it strike you as odd that we haven't found any body?" Lancelot asks.
"Or blood for that matter." Elyan says.
"It's almost as if someone wants us to think that there has been an attack here." Leon agrees.
By now they have stopped moving and are looking around.
They should have seen it coming. It had been too peaceful for a long time. The bandits that come running from behind the trees and bushes doesn't surprise them really. They come from everywhere.
"We're trapped!" Percival shouts.
They all make a circle, guarding each other's backs. Arthur pushes Merlin behind him to make sure he can at least try and protect his unarmed friend. The young warlock doesn't complain. At least from this spot he could use his magic without the chance they'd see him use it.
The bandits shout, trying to bring fear into the knight's hearts. Quiet unnecessary actually because if they knew who they were attacking, they would have known that the knights in front of them aren't easily scared by enraged shouting. Within seconds the sound of metal on metal can be heard throughout the forest. Arthur is quick to get the first attacker down while Gwaine fights off three culprits at once. Percival is using his fist as much as his sword, knocking out one man after the other. Leon and Elyan aren't doing bad either, both having wounded their opponents. Lancelot tries to keep an eye on Merlin, making sure he doesn't do anything stupid. And the young warlock himself is working miracles, letting branches fall just when one of the ruffians is standing under them, making swords glow with heat so their wielder needs to let go, makes swords become magnetic so they attract every piece of metal that's close by,… Lancelot shakes his head. 'The real miracle here is that no one ever finds out about that boy's magic' he thinks silently before getting engaged in yet another fight. The knights slowly expand their circle, having killed or knocked out many of their opponents already. Merlin steps back a little in order to get a better view over the battlefield. A bandit is running towards Arthur who is fighting two others and thus doesn't notice the man who's about to attack him from behind. Luckily Merlin did see him and he makes the rogue trip over an invisible branch. The raven haired man is so busy, protecting his friends that he doesn't see the men stalking up on him before it's too late. Someone twists his arm around his back and he manages to yelp loudly before a large hand covers his mouth. He becomes aware of a strange smell and immediately starts to feel lightheaded. He can hear someone shouting his name and it looks like someone is running towards him but then everything turns black.
When he opens his eyes again he notices that he's in a dark room. There's only a little bit of light that creeps through a window high above him, telling him that evening has settled in already. He groans and wants to rub the sleep out of his eyes but becomes quickly aware that his hands are tied behind his back.
'What happened?' he wonders. 'Okay Merlin, think. You were out with the knights because there were rumors about bandit attacks. Those rumors had to be true because otherwise I wouldn't have gotten here. Arthur! Did they take him too? And where are the others?'
The raven haired boy tries to look around and finds that he is on his own. He slowly tries to sit up and shuffles to a wall for support. His head is pounding and it seems like his world is spinning but other than that he feels quiet well.
'Where am I?' he questions himself but he doesn't seem to know the answer.
'Well, wherever I am, I'm not going to just stay here.'
The young warlock tries to use his magic to untie the ropes but finds he can't reach it. He tries again but still, nothing happens. Merlin begins to panic slightly.
'What's happening? Why can't I use my magic? Ooh God! What if Arthur's in trouble, I can't help him now.'
His thoughts of doom are suddenly interrupted when a door opens and the light of a torch falls into the room. The young servant blinks with his eyes until they get adjusted to the harsh light.
"Awake, are we?" a voice asks.
Merlin doesn't need to see who is speaking. He would recognize that voice anywhere. He begins shaking involuntarily and tries to disappear into the wall behind him. 'Ronald! This can't be good!'
Wherever he is or whatever happened, he can't use his magic and he's alone. Well, alone with a man who doesn't shy back from physical abuse. Or mental for that matter.
"Did you lose your tongue, boy?" the red haired man sneers.
"What do you want from me?" Merlin asks. He knows it's a stupid question but his foggy mind couldn't come up with anything else.
Ronald laughs maniacally while stepping closer to the dark haired man.
"I think you are smart enough to answer that question yourself, aren't you?" he asks while crouching down in front of his prisoner.
"Where are we?" the servant asks.
"We're at the remains of castle Neodrach*. Not that this information is really important." the rogue replies.
Little does the man know that this is in fact valuable information. Not only does Merlin know exactly where he is, he also knows what kind of place castle Neodrach is.
Gaius told him about this place. In the days of the old religion, the castle was meant to be neutral ground for magic users. Meaning that sorcerers, witches and warlocks would come together at that place for important talks, without the fear of getting attacked. His mentor had told him how a powerful, unbreakable spell was making sure that no magic could be used inside the castle.
Knowing this, the young warlock becomes even paler than he was before. He knows he's helpless without his magic and he can only hope that Arthur and the knights are alright and maybe looking for him.
A strong hand that grips his upper arm painfully reminds him of the situation he's in and he turns his attention back on his captor.
"Why are you doing this, Ronald?" the raven haired man asks.
"You know why! You ruined my life!" the rogue shouts.
"It was not my fault!" Merlin screams back. "You are the only one to blame!"
Ronald growls furiously and hits the young servant's cheek, the force from the attack sending Merlin's head against the wall.
"How dare you say that! If it wasn't for you, I would have never been send away!" the red haired man yells.
Merlin bites his lip, not wanting to anger the man even further, though he fears that it won't matter what he says or does, the bully was angry already and out for blood.
"It's all because of you!" Ronald goes on. "You're a bastard! A nobody! You shouldn't even exist! And yet, people seem to like you! It's against nature! You're nothing but a freak! You don't deserve any kindness!" the man rants. Somewhere during the shouting he had grabbed the young man's arm and started shaking him harshly.
"Stop! Please, stop!" the servant begs and to his surprise he feels the tight grip slip away from his arm.
Ronald gets back to his feet and towers above the warlock.
"I'm going to make you wish you were never born!" he sneers and leaves the room, closing the door behind him with a loud 'bang'.
Merlin shivers and pulls his legs up, trying to find a little bit of comfort. 'They will come for me.' he tells himself and he closes his eyes in order to calm himself down.
Merlin wakes the next morning thanks to a bucket of cold water that gets thrown over his body.
"Good morning" Ronald says with a taunting tone in his voice. "Did you sleep well?"
The young warlock narrows his eyes as he glares at his captor.
"No need to answer, I don't care really." the red haired man says with a mocking smile.
He pulls Merlin to his feet and drags him towards the door.
"Where are you taking me?" the servant asks and he tries to pull himself free from the painful grasp.
"You should not be so eager to find out." the rogue answers with a malicious grin.
They pass through a few dark corridors, guarded by a few fully armed men. Ronald drags his prisoner along and pushes him inside a badly lit room. Only one torch is burning and creates haunting images on the walls. In the middle of the room stands a large wooden plank with manacles placed in the four corners. A table is standing against a wall. A few torture devices have been laid out on top of it. Merlin tries to pull himself free again but it makes no difference. Ronald is simply too strong. The rogue unties his hands, only to push him with his back against the plank. He forces his arms up and locks them securely inside the manacles. He then turns away and walks over to the table. His hands slide over the tools and a grin appears on his face. He decides to take the dagger and walks back to his captive.
"You don't have to do this! Please!" Merlin pleads but Ronald only laughs in response.
He places the knife against the boy's chest.
"This is going to be so much fun." he says with an amused smile on his face. "Do try not to scream to loud."
The rogue uses the dagger to rip open Merlin's tunic. The young boy shivers when he feels cold air brush against his bare skin.
The raven haired boy bites his lip when the tip of the dagger cuts into his flesh. Immediately he feels warm blood running over his torso, down to his hips, soaking his pants. It seems like Ronald is carving something in his flesh but the pain is too overwhelming to take any notice. It doesn't take long before Merlin screams out which makes the red haired man laugh.
"How easy that was" he says with a smirk. "I thought you were tougher than that. Breaking you will be easy!"
"You will never break me!" Merlin hisses.
"We'll see about that."
Ronald walks to the table again and picks another dagger. This one has barbs and the young servant can only guess how it will be used. The villain quickly steps closer and with one movement he slips the dagger inside the warlock's side. The pain is terrible but not even close to the agony he feels when the weapon gets pulled out of him again. Merlin cries out at first but the pain becomes too much and he passes out.
As he wakes again, he finds that he is back in his cell. He tries to move but his wounds are screaming at him to stay still. The door to his prison suddenly opens and Ronald comes in. He walks over to the young servant and smiles down on him, happy about his handy work.
"Awake again? I must say, you're no fun, passing out so soon."
"You're a coward, Ronald! Always were!" Merlin shouts as he tries to look brave.
The red haired man growls and kicks at his prisoner's legs. The young servant groans as the movement agrevates his wounds even more.
"Hold your tongue, boy!"
The secret warlock glares at his captor but decides it would be best if he did as he was told, for once. Ronald grins and kneels next to the man on the ground.
"I have a little something for you." he says while showing a vial with a greenish liquid inside of it.
"What is that?"
"You'll find out soon enough!" the rogue says while he grabs Merlin's chin, forcing him to open his mouth. The young servant tries to fight him off but his injuries make it almost impossible for him to move. Ronald pours the liquid in the boy's mouth and quickly uses his hands to close the servant's nose and mouth.
"You better swallow it if you want to breathe again." he says dryly.
From the moment he is sure that Merlin has swallowed it all, he lets him go.
"Enjoy your evening." the man says with a malicious grin on his face as he leaves the room, locking the door behind him.
The drug immediately started to do its work, Merlin could tell as much. His body is slowly getting numb and he can't see clear anymore. Yet suddenly he can see a figure standing inside his small cell. He has blond hair and he could vaguely see the red color of a cape.
"Arthur?" he asks, not believing his eyes. This couldn't be true, could it? The young warlock shook his head. 'No, this is just the drug, Arthur isn't here.'
He blinks his eyes a few times and the vision of his King disappears. Only a minute later he can see yet another figure standing next to him. The person crouches down and his face becomes clear.
"Lancelot?" Merlin reaches out to the knight but his hand goes right through him, making him disappear as well.
"You won't fool me!" he shouts into the empty room. "I know what's happening! I will not fall for it!"
But as minutes pass by, the visions are becoming stronger and Merlin's mind is getting weaker. He slowly starts to lose grip on reality.
"Merlin! Finally!" Arthur's voice sounds through the darkness.
"Arthur?" he asks for the second time that evening. He knows it's the potion's work but somewhere inside his head is a small voice, telling him that this is real.
"What are you doing here, you lazy idiot!" the King shouts.
"I'm sorry, Arthur, I…" the young servant stops himself there. He's imprisoned, the prat can't punish him for that, can he?
"I don't know why I keep you around! You're worthless!" the blonde yells angrily.
"Go away!" Merlin yells back. "You're not real!"
And just like that, the vision vanishes. The secret warlock curls himself into a ball, as much as his wounds allow him. He groans softly and closes his eyes.
"Don't look, don't look, you'll be fine, don't look." he mutters to himself as he can hear heavy footsteps close to him.
"I never thought you were such a weakling." Gwaine's voice resounds in the small room.
"You get captured once and I find you, crying like a baby. Tell me, why did I become friends with you again? You're certainly not worth it."
"It's not real, he isn't here, he isn't real." the secret warlock mumbles.
"Keep telling yourself that!" Leon's voice interrupts him.
"Look how pathetic he is!" Elyan mocks.
"Stop that, all of you!" Lancelot's voice suddenly sounds right next to his ear. "It's alright, Merlin. I'm here. Look at me."
The raven haired boy can't stop himself from opening his eyes and looking up. The voice of his friend had sounded so much different from the others. So much kinder, so much like himself. But from the moment he lays eyes on the men standing inside his prison, he realizes his mistake. They all start to laugh loudly. Their faces look horrible, like those of haunted men. Their laughter echoes through the dark and morphs into the taunting howls of wolfs, stalking upon their prey.
"You are not real! Leave me alone! They would never talk to me like that! They're my friends!" Merlin shouts desperately, trying to convince the last decent working part of his brain that he was only seeing things.
"Ooh we are, Merlin! But don't worry, we'll leave you alone."
"We don't need you anyway."
"You're nothing but a worthless bastard."
"We don't care about you! Ronald can do as he wants."
"Be thankful we don't burn you at the stake, you filthy sorcerer!"
"Enjoy the rest of your meaningless, piteous life!"
Merlin covers his ears, squeezes his eyes and shakes his head as their laughter fills the room again. He can't belief it. They abandon him. After all he did for them. How could they? By now his whole body is trembling and tears are streaming down his face. He slowly slips into a restless sleep, haunted by nightmares.
Merlin wakes when he hears the clinging of swords. The harsh sounds from metal on metal pierces his ears. He can't wrap his mind around what is happening. The potion is out of his system by now but the hurtful things he heard and saw are still swimming around in his mind.
As the noise becomes louder and the sounds of battle are accompanied by shouts, the young man crawls into the far corner of his cell and tries to make himself as small as possible. His injuries shout at him to stay still but his mind orders him to get away as far as he can. When he hears the sound of a key being turned in the lock, he stares at the door, eyes big with fear. The cell door flies open within a second and blinding light falls into the dark room. Merlin has to shut his eyes in order to protect them.
"Merlin! Thank God you're still alive!"
The young warlock recognizes Arthur's voice but he refuses to look up. He covers his ears and shakes his head like he did before.
"You're not real, it's not real. Don't look." he mumbles to himself.
"Merlin?"
_
*Neodrach means 'neutral' in Irish.
I've got a little inspiration out of 'The dark tower' for this one.
A big thanks to Chatterbox818! I had no clue I was switching between those two names. They look so much the same, I didn't notice it at all. I changed it now.
Also, I hope the chapter is as you hoped it would be. Thanks for reviewing! :)
