Thank you: TheReinbachDragonlord, Tolleren, TeganL74, Revenge of the Red Pen, Starkid191, .127, brynerose, and Boxerbee for your reviews. Your support has inspired me to keep writing.

...I don't know what to say exactly. There's lots of whump, BAMF, and bromance all wrapped up in this chapter. I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: IDOM

Chapter 25 - Were-Wyvern

Arthur was dead.

Okay, well that was a slight exaggeration but death was on the young prince's mind. With no weapon and nobody by his side, his fate was sealed. The were-wyvern was looming over him, its massive form casting a dark shadow and blocking out the moon's radiant light. With every step the beast took, the prince pushed himself back, trying to create as much distance as he could in order to get out of there safely. To his dismay, Arthur eventually found himself trapped between the edge of the wall and his best friend's malicious presence.

"Fight it Merlin!" Arthur yelled as the beast stood on its hind legs. In response, the were-wyvern slammed against him, pinning him harshly to the cold stone ground by his shoulders.

"Sire!"

"No!"

"Arthur!"

His friends desperate pleas resounded in his throbbing head on top of the noise of battle. His heart sped up and blood rushed to his ears. This was the end and the prince knew it. Arthur gazed once more on Merlin's bestial face, begging him to stop. Not because he didn't want to die - not that he would complain if he didn't - but because he knew that Merlin would never forgive himself if he knew that the prince's blood had been on his hands. Arthur was so deep in thought, that he failed to see the gold that tinted his friend's white eyes.

He didn't bother struggling - he had been through this before but last time, the Great Dragon had been the one to save him. The prince, refusing to close his eyes and meet his death face on, watched as the were-wyvern bent its neck over Arthur's right shoulder, the same shoulder Merlin had been bitten. He waited bravely for the pain and after what seemed like eternity, he felt the cold scales of the beast brush against the side of his head.

This is it. I'm sorry Merlin. I should've been there for you.

Absolute silence.

"I told you Arthur... I will always protect you or die at your side"

Morgana and Morgause were not amused in the slightest. They had been betrayed (guess it runs in the family) by their own kind and were now trapped in a make-shift prison, tied to the trunk of an old tree and their magic bound by runes carved in the earth around them. Moments ago, Anatol had just sent a good portion of the army to 'witness the destruction of Camelot' by the wyverns, leaving a few sorcerers to guard the prisoners. Now with the were-wyvern gone to join the battle, the sisters were left alone with the traitor.

"I really do hope you're enjoying your stay"

Morgana glared at Anatol. She knew she shouldn't have trusted her.

"The silent treatment. I must say Morgana, I didn't know you could go so long with running your mouth off. I swear, you must like the sound of your own voice"

Before the young witch could protest against the statement (she didn't talk that much), a bitter and angry voice beat her to the punch.

"Why have you betrayed us Anatol? I thought we were friends"

The red-haired sorceress dramatically paused to think about the question, obviously knowing the answer but wanting to tease her captives. "We were friends Morgause. I haven't seen you in years and when you do call for my assistance - which I very busy stealing transcripts of forbidden magic when you called, I have you know - you only did it to take advantage of my infinite knowledge of curses. And then your sister has to be a spoiled-brat witch who, though she can only perform a minute amount of magic, criticizes everything I do" Anatol paused to catch her breath after ranting. "All in all, I just opened my eyes to the truth. Why do I need you two when I hold all the power? And even if another kingdom were to challenge me, they would stand no chance now that I have the were-wyvern. With its power, nothing can stop me"

"You're a fool and a coward Anatol! Stop hiding and face us with your own power" Morgana yelled.

Before she could respond, a throbbing pain echoed in her head. She recognized the sensation, but this time it was stronger and more fierce. Closing her eyes, Anatol quickly connected her mind to that of the were-wyverns. Instead of sensing the darkness that shrouded every corner of Merlin's lost mind, a bright light powered through, causing the red-haired sorceress to take a couple of faltering steps back.

This can't be. No-one has ever broken free.

Morgause, seeing the distress look on her ex-friend's face and knowing the only thing that would worry her at the moment, smiled maliciously before saying, "What's wrong Anatol? Losing the battle of wills already?" The message was vague but it hit the nail on the head.

Turning around, refusing to make eye-contact, Anatol left the two sisters. "I'm going to see how Camelot's army is fairing" she told the second-in-command. "Watch the prisoners" and with a flash of gold, she transported herself in a whirlwind.

As three men came into view to guard the prisoners, Morgause found herself grinning. If things were going the way she suspected they were, then she and her sister would be out soon enough.

"Merlin?!" Arthur asked before shifting himself in order to stare up at his friend. The were-wyvern grinned at him, confirming what the prince knew to be true.

"Merlin!" he shouted before picking himself up from the ground and awkwardly hugging his friend. Merlin bent his neck over his friend's shoulder before ruining the moment by saying, "Wow! The Prince of Camelot has a heart. I'm deeply touched Arthur. Really, I am. But Gwen might get jealous"

Sure enough, as if somehow burned, Arthur immediately detached himself from the were-wyvern. The prince looked like he was about to reprimand his manservant but when he met his friend's white eyes, his gaze softened and worry and relief, all rolled into one, showed itself on his youthful face.

"I'm glad to have you back Merlin". The cursed warlock didn't respond, but nodded his head in agreement. "I thought you were..."

"Arthur. I'm not going anywhere. I promise"

"Darn it Merlin, I thought you were gone for good! And there was nothing I could do to save you". Arthur bent his head to avoid Merlin's gaze. He felt a small dampness filled the corner of his eyes. "I'm sorry Merlin. If I hadn't left you behind...if I didn't let the were-wyvern attack you, then you wouldn't be in this situation." he said through cascading tears, the weight of the situation finally hitting him like a stone wall. Merlin was touched by his friend's words and he knew, with all his heart, that Arthur meant every word.

After all, he wouldn't be here without them.

"I'm so sorry" the prince choked out, a tear or two sliding down his checks.

A moment of silence.

"And you call me a girl" the warlock mumbled loud enough for the prince to hear.

Arthur chuckled. "I'm trying to apologize here, Merlin" he complained weakly before wiping his eyes with one hand and swatted his friend's scaled arm with the other.

"That's much better. Now, if you're done being a girl, then I believe we have more pressing matters at hand"

Arthur looked around. He had almost forgotten about the wyvern problem he and his knights were having. Speaking of...

"Oh hell! The knights!" he said, looking around for his brothers in arms. It took the glimmer of Sir Percival's sword to finally see his knights huddled practically in the corner, bombarded by the multitude of attacking wyvern. He looked around at the other knights - they weren't doing any better.

"Merlin, we have to do something!" Arthur yelled. Merlin was just about to respond when the sound of many footsteps approached the gates. The enemy's army, instead of attacking, stood back and watched the fighting with a cruel smile plastered on their faces. Both friends didn't bother asking what they were doing. It was clear these men were here just to 'enjoy the show'.

"Merlin, what are we going to do?" Arthur asked motioning to the vast crowd of wyverns.

The were-wyvern contemplated the problem for a moment before a thought suddenly struck. Smirking a toothy-dragon smile, the cursed warlock looked to his friend. "I have an idea" he answered. Before Arthur could ask what his plan was, the were-wyvern thrust his head to the night sky and roared. "Cymþ mín gebróðor ond ástyntaþ þes andgietléas déaþcwealm. Féheþ æt min héafodwóþ. þú nídriht néadhæs!"

All the fighting stopped when the boisterous roar of the were-wyvern rang through the area. Though Arthur didn't understand what was being said (and he doubted anyone heard the spell besides him), he recognized that Merlin was speaking in the Old Tongue, but this was different. The voice was deep and guttural, like if it came from the very depths of the earth, and it strangely reminded him of a dragon. An eerie silence descended on the area for a few moments before the wyverns made the first move. To the dismay of the army, the creatures flew to the sky and stayed in the air, waiting for their next command. Camelot's knights and Morgana's army just stared in awe and shock.

The were-wyvern's eyes flashed gold and the wyverns, in sync, swooped to attack. All the Camelotians ducked in a futile attempt to protect themselves from the wyverns renewed wrath... but nothing ever came. When they looked up from their crouched positions, they met a confusing, but not unwanted sight.

The tables were turned! The army was running away as the wyverns began to attack them. Some tried to attack the creatures with little luck. Swords were of little use as they barely dealt any damage and what magic they had was easily dodged with a quick movement to the side. No matter what, the army was done for and they knew it. Running was the only option if they wanted to live. The Camelotians ran to the gates and roared in victory as their foes fled for their lives.

"Merlin, that was brilliant!" Arthur exclaimed. At the sound of his name, the Knights of the Round Table, who were already heading in his direction, quickened their step (almost running), eager to greet their long-lost best friend (as Gwaine so nicely put it).

Everything was all right. The battle was won, Camelot was safe, and...

"NO! What have you done?!"

The angry red-haired sorceress screamed in horror at the sight. All of her men were fleeing from the wyverns while all of Camelot's army cheered at their victory. But what made things ten times worse was the sight of the were-wyvern next to the prince, not dead but very much alive. Immediately and without thinking, Anatol snuck past the crowd of Camelotians and briskly walked towards Arthur.

"You're going to pay for that Merlin."

The were-wyvern and prince, now joined by the knights from the previous night, glared at the witch with an amused smile.

"It's over Anatol. Give up while you still can"

At the cursed warlock's words, she lifted her hand towards him and shouted, ''Drýcræft sylfum deorcnes aríseeþ" and to her dismay, nothing happened. She tried again and again, but still nothing worked. She was powerless against him.

"That won't work anymore. It's over" Merlin said.

"Then I'll just have to kill the prince and be done with it" Anatol screamed as she raised both hands towards the group.

"Protect the prince!"

Anatol quickly turned around at the knights currently charging in her direction. After making sure the enemy had left the castle completely, the knights returned to celebrate their victory with Prince Arthur until they saw the witch, hand raised, ready to use magic against their leader.

Anatol mumbled a curse under her breath. None of this was going according to plan and if she returned after failing her men...well, it wouldn't be good. Her best option was to kill the prince quickly or get the heck out of there. Arthur and the Round Table Knights (all brandishing their swords) moved closer to surround the witch as she tried to back away. She was going no-where.

Just when the other knights reached them, something happened that Arthur should've seen coming. The knights split into two groups, one going after Anatol and the other going after...

"Sire, stay back!" a knight yelled, stepping behind Arthur.

Slash

The sword swiped and Merlin roared in pain at the shallow cut on his arm. The others began targeting him, pushing the were-wyvern back. Arthur and his Knights shouted for the over-zealous knights to stop, which caused the knights who were attacking Anatol to keep taking short glances behind them to see what the shouting was about. All in all, it was a confusing situation and taking advantage of it, Anatol smiled mischievously before raising both hands.

"áhréraþ!"

Immediately, the crowd was thrown to the sides. The lucky few who didn't hit the stone wall were thrust into their armor-clad brothers. In the end, no-one bothered to get up. Only the were-wyvern was left unaffected. The prince, who was trying to gather his bearings, barely registered the glint of the sorceress' Blood Guard dagger.

"Die Arthur Pendragon!" she hissed. The dagger flew through the air with great speed but to the prince, everything happened in slow motion. A shadow crossed his peripheral vision as his name was shouted by an unknown source. Arthur closed his eyes as he heard the 'squelch' of the dagger digging into flesh. A fatal blow.

Blood dripped on the ground, its dark color creating a thick pool under the figure. The prince opened his eyes, preparing himself for the pain that would ripple through his body.

It never came.

He looked up and his eyes widened in horror. A painful thought struck the prince as he looked at his savior.

Merlin…no!

Morgana was the first to hear the screaming. Her head shifted to the left and before she knew it, several men were running past her, looking like death was snapping at their heels. Another shriek rang through the camp and a wyvern flew overhead. Morgause and Morgana didn't know what was going on but it was very clear that some part of the traitor's plan went awry. In the midst of the panic, a few men trampled over the runes binding their magic, allowing the sisters to break themselves free.

"What's going on?" Morgana asked.

"I don't know but let's not stay and find out" the blond witch responded as a wyvern scooped up the second-in-command. Well, he's a goner, Morgana thought to herself. Morgause grabbed her sister's hand and began incanting her teleportation spell. A couple yards away, a wyvern looking for its next prey saw the two sisters standing idly by. Seeing its opportunity, the wyvern lunged for the kill. The loud shrieking of the wyvern caused Morgana to visibly jump while Morgause just continued to incant faster. As the last words of the spell left her lips (causing a whirlwind to blow around them), the wyvern's sharp talons hit one of its targets.

Morgana and Morgause roughly landed back in their cave. The green-eyed witch, seeing that they had escaped, jumped from her kneeled position. "Morgause, we made it!" she exclaimed, waiting for her sister to join in her praise. It was only when no response was uttered that Morgana closely looked at the only living person she considered family.

Her eye widened in horror as Morgause, still bent over on her knees, was clutching the right side of her face, blood seeping through the gaps her fingers created. Dropping next to her sister, Morgana gently, and with all the tenderness of a mother, helped the blond sorceress to the old cot she was in before. Laying her down, she grabbed the nearest piece of cloth (grudgingly remembering that it was the discarded neckerchief of that meddlesome servant), dunked it into the stream of water that trickled into the cave, and began cleaning her sister's wound.

"Rest now my sister. I'll take care of you and once you are better, we'll make our enemies pay"

Silence was the only thing that responded to Morgana. Bowing her head to hide the tears that threatened to break forth from her eyes, the green-eyed witch looked at her sister before wringing the access water from the neckerchief.

"I promise"

A painful roar filled the whole area. Merlin took a couple steps back, causing the dagger to shine under the moon's light. It was instinct for him to jump in the way of the dagger to protect his future king – his friend and brother - but it didn't mean that the pain hurt any less. He pressed his claw to the wound as if he needed to make sure that everything happening was real and not some twisted dream. He brought it in front and looked at his blood-soaked claw.

Everything was real.

This wasn't a dream.

He staggered back a bit more until he ran into a stunned prince, who was just getting up from the ground. "Merlin…" he whispered, his mind trying to catch up with everything that just happened.

"You're a fool Merlin" Anatol taunted. "How will you break free of your curse if you die? And to think that after everything you two did for each other, it will all be for naught. Tell me though; is the prince really worth dying for?"

Merlin shifted his gaze from Arthur to Anatol. With every movement, every breath he took, he felt more and more blood flow out. This was his end, but he sure wasn't going down without a fight. Smiling a toothy-smile and with all confidence, he simply stated, "Yes"

"Your actions were in vain then. Your death won't be the prince's salvation – you've only just furthered the length of his demise. You cannot defeat me Merlin. No-one can" she said.

"That's where you're wrong Anatol" the cursed warlock said. Throb. His heart beat quickened as it futilely tried replacing the blood it was losing. This was it - his final act to protect those whom he loved.

"I can" he said gritting his teeth in pain. Before Anatol could respond, Merlin threw his head up and faced the night sky. "O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo!"

The sorceress' eyes widened in recognition of the dragon tongue (although she didn't understand the words). A chilling shriek pierced the air, coming from the forest. "What have you done?" she yelled.

"I summoned my kin"

"Kin? Only the were-wyvern itself can control the other wyvern. You alone shouldn't be able to do anything. How…" she paused when another thought hit her. Sweat falling down the side of her face, she looked at Merlin with a new sense of fear.

"Th…that's impossible. All the Dragonlords are dead!"

"I'm not just a Dragonlord, Anatol" he paused to catch his breath. "I'm Emrys"

At the mention of the powerful name, she backed away immediately. "There was no way that you're Emrys. He would never side with the Pendragons" she said, her voice shaking. A black shadow was cast on the ground in front of her and, upon looking up, she noticed a few wyverns were gathering around, like vultures to a carcass.

"I am Emrys, Anatol, and I warn you; you have threatened me, my home, and my family, and your actions won't go without consequence. Leave now while you still can" By now, more wyverns had joined the flock above, each one awaiting the command of their lord. Hands raised above her head in a sign of surrender, she slowly began backing away.

Arthur, seeing Anatol retreating, made his way to help his friend when the unexpected happened. Merlin, growing ever weaker and thinking that Anatol was peacefully surrendering, let down his guard. Seeing her chance, the red-haired sorceress opened the palm of her hand and said, "Ásnæsaþ!"

The dagger, still lodged in the were-wyvern's chest dug further into the skin. Merlin cried out in pain.

"Merlin!" Arthur screamed as he rushed to his friend's side. When he saw what the dagger was doing, he grabbed the hilt and pulled it with all his might, trying to prevent it from going further in.

"If you want it out so badly, here – let me help" and with a flash of her eyes, the dagger was ruthlessly ripped from Merlin's lightly scaled chest and flung back in her hand. Seizing the moment (and wanting to get away from the wyverns), Anatol began uttering a transportation spell promising herself that she would be back to enact her revenge on Camelot.

Arthur screamed at the witch as the dagger flew back to her ironically-delicate hands. It wasn't because Anatol was getting away - he could care less about her - but the fact that his friend was now bleeding profusely from a hole in his chest (he prayed it wasn't fatal).

His whole body throbbed in pain and the familiar burning-itching sensation crept from under his skin. He looked to his right to see his friend frantically trying to find a way to help. He looked to his left to see the Round Table Knights waking up. He didn't want to die alone, but he wanted to protect them, even if it was from one sorceress so that they could live another day. He would protect his loved ones, his family, until his dying breath.

Roaring to his brethren above, Merlin mustered what little strength he had left and launched himself at the red-haired sorceress. He heard a frantic "Stop!" being yelled from behind but he ignored it. This was the only way, he thought to himself. Just as he was about to tackle her, Anatol transported herself in a whirlwind, leaving Merlin flying fiercely into the forest outside Camelot's walls. With no strength left, the were-wyvern crashed into the dense trees.

And that's where he stayed to breath his last.

Okay, one or two more chapters to go...and I know I'm mean to leave it there for you guys but if I didn't, where would the angst be? :)

Spell Translation:

Come my brethren and stop this senseless violence. Listen to my voice. You must obey.

Drýcræft sylfum deorcnes aríseeþ - Dark magic arise!

Astrice! - Strike severely!

áhréraþ! - Move!

O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo - I honestly don't know what this literally translates to, but I took it from the series (Season 3 Episode 11 The Sorcerer's Shadow). All I know is that it summons the dragon. :)

Ásnæsaþ – Stab

The last bit with Morgause and Morgana - I was trying to explain in my own way how Morgause got the scar on the right side of her face season 4. I know the producers infer that it was due to the fact that Merlin slammed her into the wall with magic at the end of season 3, but it just doesn't make sense to me how a hit to the head on a stone column could do that to any person...but I digress.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review. I took me a while to write it.

Until later,

-STL13