Sorry about the wait and mean cliffy! And thanks very muchly for the support, especially if you reviewed. You guys rock!
Mmmm groggy. Where am I? Don't remember...
Why am I in bed? I feel like my head's been hit by a staff wrapped in velvet. I rub it and yawn, what on Earth happened...?
I suddenly sit bolt upright in my bed as if struck by lightening. Appropriate, since my sudden understanding surely must have the same effect. Alert, shocked, frightened, confused -
Merlin.
I throw back the covers to see my room is flooded with bright sunlight. It was only dawn when...
No.
Please no!
I clumsily stagger to the window that overlooks the courtyard in a blind panic. My armour has been taken from me, but I still wearing the same red-and-brown outfit. I can't have been asleep for long then. Could I? Could I?!
I look out the window and the pyre is gone. The pyre is gone and I remember.
"Merlin."
I whisper it, wanting to scream but the words won't come. Too numb. The world begins to spin and I feel sick. I feel hot and my eyes are blurring and my chest hurts and my heart is breaking and I can't breathe.
Can'tbreathecan'tbreathecan'tbreathe...
I gasp and stumble yet my tears are still reluctant to fall. He can't be gone. It's impossible. He's Merlin. My servant, my friend, my equal and so much more. More than I could ever... More than I will ever be able to tell him now because he's...
I wretch, nearly falling to my knees but sheer will prevents this from happening. Will and rage. I cling to it like a life-line. Rage is strong. Both powerful and distracting. Not like useless despair. Not like drowning.
Earlier, I felt as if I would die if Merlin did. But this is worse because I'm so helpless. I'm still here though there's this immense pain inside. Pain - and anger - that I know may subside to a raw emptiness one day. Like the way I felt when I was told about my mother for the first time. That it was all my fault she wasn't... unless he lied. My Father. He lies, he controls, he kills... Today my so called Father needs to pay.
I race to my doors, not thinking. No physical weapons, just grief and rage - the most powerful weapons a man can possess. Except for love. But who is there for me to love now?
I storm through the corridors, shaking with fury. I pass servants who are but blurs to me. They say things but I don't listen. They're not the one I need. One hazy shape is persistent -following me, tugging at my sleeves. I shrug them off and march to the Halls of Counsel - where he'll be.
"Arthur wait!"
"No... Gaius." It is only the realisation of who was addressing me that kept me from striking him. I don't want reason. I've lost it.
"But Arthur you have to come with me!" He's gasping from trying to keep up with me but I barely notice, nor care.
"He's caused too much suffering. And it is ENOUGH!" I roar, close to falling apart.
"But Sire, please he's alive!" Cries Gaius. "Merlin is alive!"
Bet you guessed that - if Gaius isn't telling porkies that is...
Sorry for the shortness, but this felt like a natural/dramatic place to stop. Next part will be uploaded shortly if you want it.