Hello hello you lovely readers! Here we are with the next installment of Merlin's tragic story. I really have enjoyed hearing back from all of you!
FreyaMyth10- Thank you for your support I'm glad you are enjoying the story as much as I am enjoying writing it!
LilOtaku- I'm glad my writing can cause such an emotional response. Thank you for all the support you've shown my writing!
As usual I own the concept but I don't own Merlin!
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Gwaine was the first to return, carrying a bucket of water in his arms. Worry was etched into his features, "will he be alright?" He asked softly.
"I don't know Gwaine!" Arthur snapped as he looked up at the knight. Relief showed on his face when Lancelot came running with some cloth for Arthur. He snatched it from the knight and dipped it in the water. He gently wiped the blood from Merlin's face his hand shaking.
"Sire if I may?" Lancelot whispered as he gently took the cloth from the kings hand. He cleaned his friends face with a steady hand, one that came from helping Merlin when the boy was dealing with wounds.
"I think this will do it sire." A new voice said as Elyan joined the group, the man was holding a metal bar in his hands. He kneeled besided Merlin and stuck the bar in the key hole. He forced the bar down causing the cuff to break. With a sigh of relief he quickly did the other one.
The reaction was almost instant, Merlin's body relaxed and his eyelids twitched slightly. He let out a ragged breath and slowly opened his eyes.
"Art'r?" He asked weakly, his tongue felt like lead.
Arthur nodded quickly, not bothering to wipe away the tears on his cheeks "God, I almost thought I would have to train another Manservent." He teased as he hugged Merlin close.
Merlin just chuckled and closed his eyes "Just don't get a boot licker okay." He said relaxing into the embrace. "Arthur... everything hurts." He whispered.
Arthur was about to say something when a vial was shoved into his hand, in all the excitement he didn't see Leon join them. "Take this." He whispered shifting Merlin into a better position.
The boy nodded gratefully and downed the potion.
Finally someone else spoke up "No more running off like that Mate." Gwaine said smiling "my mead soaked heart can't handle another scare like that." He told him as he ruffled Merlin's hair.
"I'm sorry." Merlin whispered "I was just so hurt by your reactions... I overreacted." He whispered.
Arthur's grip on him tightened "Don't you ever apologize for this." He whispered keeping the boy close "We are at fault for making you run."
Before Merlin could speak, Lancelot cut in having seen Merlin after Iron cuffs before "Hey Merls, why don't you show them some magic?" He asked glancing at the others encouraging them to nod.
But Arthur was the only one who spoke "Yes Merlin, please show us something." He whispered. And that was all the encouraging Merlin needed.
He lifted his hand slowly, and his eyes flashed gold. Slowly an orange dragon materialized above them. It appeared identical to the Pendragon crest. It flew above their heads for a moment before erupting into a golden sand.
No words were spoken as they all stared in awe, and for the first time. Most were see in the beauty in magic.
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The trip back to Camelot was a long and silent one. Merlin was wrapped in Arthur's cloak, leaning against Lancelot and fast asleep. Everyone once in awhile someone in the party would glance at him and wonder how they didn't known he was so young.
Arthur on the other hand was thinking over other things. Like how many times he had taken a boy into battle, or how he pushed him to hard at practice. But he mostly thought of how close he came to losing his best friend.
They were all exhausted by the time Camelot's walls came into view. Instead of being struck by the beauty as they usually were, they simply nudged their horses towards the gates requiring some much needed rest.
Once they reached the stables Arthur picked Merlin up from the back of Lancelot's horse and carried him to the castle. Gwen was waiting by the doors concern crossing her face when she saw Merlin.
"What happened?" She asked laying a hand on the boy's cheek.
"I will explain tomorrow." Arthur promised, "but tonight we must rest." He said as he carried the boy inside. He told a passing servant to prepare a fire in his old chambers, he wanted Merlin close that night.
Once everything was ready Arthur took the boy to the room and put him in bed. As he walked out he looked back at the child. Merlin was curled on the bed, draped in Camelot red. He looked like he belonged. Arthur smiled and gently closed the door before headed to his own chambers.
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It was late in the night when the King and Queen were awoken by panicked screaming. Arthur was quick to his feet, he grabbed his sword and ordered Gwen to stay in bed before rushing out the door.
As he followed the sound he was quickly joined by the other knights. They burst into the room where Merlin slept, only to find him alone.
The boy was thrashing on the bed screaming, his face twisted in pain. Lancelot was first to lower his sword and move forward, he obviously had experienced with this.
Lancelot sat on the edge of the bed and laid a hand on Merlin's leg "Merlin, it's alright, wakeq up, it's just a dream." He promised, gently rousing the raven haired boy from his restless sleep.
When Merlin woke with a shuddering gasp, he launched into Lancelot's arm and gripped onto him with a quiet sob. Lancelot wrapped his arms around him and held him close. With one hand he stroked Merlin's hair, with the other he waved the group off knowing he could handle this.
One by one the others slippered from the door way, Arthur being the last to go. He watched the scene with slight curiousity. Lancelot laid on the bed with Merlin in his arms, he was whispering comforting things to his friend. Arthur had to admit he was slightly jealous, why did Merlin never come to him to seek comfort?
With that thought he wandered back to his chambers. Once he calmed Gwen down he climbed into bed with her. He pulled her close and kissed her head. "From now on, I'll be there more often for Merlin. I swear it." He whispered before falling asleep with his wife.
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So there we are! Chapter four yay! I plan on keeping this quicker upload schedule, but I can't promise constant updates. I however can promise that I will be responding to comments each chapter. So if you have thoughts or ideas about the story you want voiced, just leave a review! Bye bye!