Sorry this one's so much shorter, but I reached a natural stopping point and couldn't make my creativity continue. So I've started on the next chapter already so you'll have a bit more to read than about 450 words. Please be patient and it'll be up soon! Enjoy!
- Love, Livvy xxx
Merlin focused entirely on his breathing as the pain from a huge slash took it's toll. He had been sliced across the torso with a dagger instead of being given the manacles straight after Nomed had produced them, as he'd noticed Merlin's face pale with horror at the sight of them and had apparently decided to have some fun by letting Merlin's terror grow before actually placing them around his thin wrists. Something Merlin did not believe he would thank him for later.
He winced as the cell door creaked open but kept his emotions of fear hidden under a mask of confidence: it was imperative that Nomed didn't detect his terror, for that showed weakness, and weakness was not something Merlin let people see especially his enemies. Unfortunately, Nomed saw straight through his act.
"You are wise to fear me, young sorcerer," he started, "I think no less of your courage for that."
Merlin just sneered, a foul metallic taste forming in his mouth, perhaps it was fear, but Merlin was more inclined to believe it was hatred.
"Mute now, are we?" Nomed sing-songed. "Oh come now, don't be grumpy! I've decided to give you one last chance before I use the manacles." At the mention of the disgusting restraints, Merlin started shaking slightly.
"Now, Merlin," the tormentor drawled,"will you or will you not serve under me?"
Said warlock rolled his fractured blue eyes automatically and replied, "You're mind is callous and your thirst for power blinding and I will not serve under a man like you."
Nomed's eyes flashed with anger and he raised his head. "I have the power to destroy your soul and ensnare your wills. You would be wise to respect my wishes." Merlin spat at his feet. "For your impertinence and refusal to comply to my demands, I will now kill you slowly and painfully."
"I'm not afraid of you, Nomed. I am only afraid for you."
"And why is that, boy?"
"Because if you kill me (as you state you wish to) your guilt over the destinies and prophecies you would've shattered would eventually crush you, that is- if my friends don't get there first."
"We shall see." And then, Merlin's chains were removed, and the new ones attached, and the cell door slammed shut, and the warlock felt the pain of a thousand ages as his magic slowly decayed from deep within his heart.
Ice gripped at the pulsing gold magic entwined with his lifeline, freezing it and tearing it apart. The young warlock felt his will crumble slowly and he couldn't stop tears falling and screams slipping from his lips. All he could hear was Nomed's laughs and his own broken cries.