Chapter two. Woo hoo! I realized after I posted chapter 1 but that I should have added this with it. Oh well, at least it's here. Enjoy.
Merlin didn't have any time to think. He saw the wave and he saw Arthur directly in its path. Reacting on impulse he did the only thing that made sense. He pushed the prince out of the way. Of course it didn't occur to Merlin that he was placing himself in its path instead. He probably would've done the same thing regardless; it just would have been nice to know when certain doom was going to crash down upon oneself ahead of time. Just one of Merlin's own personal quirks he supposed.
Actually, the young warlock wouldn't mind the water if it weren't for the constant push and pull of the current that combined with the endless pelting of rain. Somehow he managed to keep his eye on the ship and when Arthur threw the rope, Merlin felt the thread with his magic and gently guided it to his hands. It took every ounce of strength he possessed to hold on, and even with the slickness provided by the water the thick cord bit deep cuts into his skin.
Despite the ferocity of the storm, Merlin felt himself being pulled forward, albeit slowly. He had begun to allow hope to creep into his thoughts. He might actually make it through this debacle after all.
Wave upon wave continued to assail his body but he still clung to the precious life line. No matter how many times he went under the raven haired youth would always fight his way to the top. The ship grew blessedly closer and Merlin even found the strength to pull himself along the rope, but that's when everything went horribly wrong. Just as a wave bucked the ship to its left, a mighty current grabbed hold of the warlock, dragging him under.
After an impossibly long time Merlin broke free and gasped for what little are he could catch between raindrops. By then, however, it was too late. He had felt the rope give way, unable to withstand the strain, and the current had pushed him so far out that the once massive Chimera was now a mere speck in the mist. The crew couldn't try again, he knew. It was too dangerous. The young warlock was content knowing he had protected Arthur and knew death had always been a possibility considering how much trouble the foolish prince got himself into. But still, how could Merlin achieve his destiny if he were dead? Arthur still needed him.
Merlin grappled for anything, any spell that would save him. There had to be something, but he was tiring quickly and was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate. Relying on pure instinct, the sorcerer sent out a surge of his most powerful magic. Ripples pooled out from his center sending shockwaves through the whole of the ocean. Merlin could do nothing more now but close his eyes and allow the darkness to overtake him.
Oh no! Will Merlin make it? Eh, maybe. R&R please.
P.S. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. I really appreciate it. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy