Chapter 3

Ok. Throw me in the stocks, chop my head off, burn me at the stake. Whatever you feel like! I deserve it. I'm an absolute cretin for not updating sooner. I won't even bother explaining! Seriously though, any gruesome punishment is fine. I'm prepared!!!

A cloaked figure drifted toward a small stone table, atop which stood carefully placed phials containing liquid of amber and jade.
A withered, bony hand hovered over the various potions, straightening a bottle containing small black spheres.
The figure turned on his heal, long veined fingers tugging up a coarse dark blue hood, a vicious smirk spreading up chapped lips, jerking against the burnt, ruined flesh scarred across a vindictive face.
A malicious chuckle echoed throughout the cave as Edwin took his leave, in search of his victims...

AMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA

Gaius stared at Merlin in shock and disbelief, silence ringing around the small room.
"..But how is that possible. I mean we saw-"

Merlin nodded his head slowly and sadly, rubbing his long, slender fingers over his temple.
"I know, Gaius. I know."

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "You saw him?"

Merlin nodded once again. "I-I was just fetching some more wine of Arthur. You know how he is. I was on my way to the kitchens. He was there. In the courtyard, Gaius. Just...standing there... smiling." Merlin frowned.
As did Gaius.

"Merlin. Promise me you won't do anything rash."

Merlin looked up at Gaius, his blue eyes sparkling. "I have to do something, Gaius. It's my duty." Standing quickly, he marched towards the door purposefully, yet still managing to look supremely lost.

"Merlin?" Gaius repeated again.

The warlock did not turn as he left the room.

AMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA

Edwin resumed his place in the courtyard, as he had on the previous night. Twirling on his heel, he glanced briefly at the sky. It was time. The warlock would be here.

Surely enough, a familiar thin figure emerged apprehensively from the gloom of the right wing's corridor.

Edwin smirked.
Merlin stood his ground.

"Ahhhh. The young...warlock." Edwin spat the word. "I knew you would come, boy. Only you would do something quite so foolish."

Merlin gritted his teeth.
"I'm not scared of you, Edwin."

Edwin's harsh cackle rang through the cool evening air.
"No? Well..."
Edwin began to stalk predatorily in a circle around Merlin, who was keeping his gaze fixed on the man.
"...Then perhaps... ", Edwin purred. "I should teach you to be..."

Edwin thrust a scarred hand forward, a burst of red light exploding from his palm.
But Merlin was ready.

Matching his movements, a equally powerful surge of golden light erupted from his palm, soaring to meet Edwin's.
The beams crashed together, light showering the two sorcerers in a terrific display.

Once again, Edwin's laughter shot daggers at Merlin's resilient bravery.

"Very good, boy. Very good... " Edwin's amusement was evident.
"Let's see how you fare with more advanced magic."

Once again, Edwin cast out his palm, this time red and green burst pouring into the air straight at Merlin. The magic shaped into long thick strands, wrapping themselves around Merlin like snakes, circling and circling until he was barely visible beneath the coils of light.

Edwin sneered unpleasantly as he watched his dark magic consume the young sorcerer. The courtyard of Camelot was dark once again as both the magic, its conjurer and Merlin disappeared into thin air...