Vigilante

by BigDamnReader

An unknown hero stalks Camelot's streets at night, rescuing the common people. Arthur, however, is under pressure from the court to find,arrest and ship him out to Stonebarge prison. But what happens when a big secret is revealed? Chapters being remastered and improved. Contains Merlin whump and some bad language and maybe torture in later chapters.

14. Saved

Merlin barley flinched as the rope was secured around his taunt neck. All his energy had disappeared and he found himself not caring about his imminent death. Eyes slipping closed, he thought of Camelot and Ealdor, his friends and his family. A lone tear slipped from his eye but he made no noise. Through his watery hearing he heard Morgana issue a command and, with a final sigh, he waited for the lack of air that would quickly overcome him. But it didn't. Around him he could hear metal clashing and men shouting. Pained cries filled the air and when Merlin opened his eyes, they watered up for there, in front of him, were the knights of the round table. Their backs to him, stood in a line , they fought off attackers and when he looked around, Merlin could see no sign of Morgana. The battle was over as soon as it started and Merlin found himself tumbling into large arms. Percival. And, despite his efforts, he started to cry.

Percival turned to the sleeping hero beside him. The boy had collapsed out of pain and emotional stress and it was to be expected as, when they had arrived, Morgana was giving the order to pull the rope and it was obvious that Merlin had been tortured. They had, of course, searched the base for Raven but they found nothing but his costume which Percival now carried in his bag. The boy was sweating but the droplets were cold despite the warmth of his skin. His breathing was laboured and he winced every time he breathed or moved. Hastily applied bandages smothered his chest and legs which were visible as he wore no shirt and his trousers were ripped at the knee, offering no cover for his shin or foot. Occasionally he would moan or cry out in pain or fear and every time Percival's heart broke a tiny bit. The attitude around the camp was subdued as each man paid his respect and prayed for their frail friend next to the fire. Tomorrow they were to ride for Camelot but the pace would have to be slow otherwise Merlin could become worse and if that happened, there was a chance he would not survive and, as his fellow knights fell asleep, Percival knew he might die with the boy if that were to happen.