Arthur's heart goes cold as he hears it. How dare they?! His knees go weak and he presses his back against the tree stump as he squeezes his eyes shut. He knows that it is cowardly, but he can't bring himself to watch.
But he cannot do anything about the sound. Ten times he hears the terrifying crack, but never once does Morgana cry out.
He is proud of her for that. She hasn't changed, then, he thinks. But that's not going to get out of this mess. Only he can do that. But how? He forces himself to think of his options, running them over and over in his mind.
He could charge in and demand that the bandits hand Morgana over. But there are at least ten grown men, and that would most likely result in his capture, too, as well as the bandits discovering Morgana's true identity.
He could go and get help, but somehow he can't bring himself to leave her here alone.
Or he could wait. Nightfall is only an hour or so away, and even bandits have to sleep at some point, he reasons.
So he stays where he is, hidden behind the tree, planning his next move.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who's reading this. I'd love more reviews, as I love your opinion, even if it's just one line.
K