He foils their attempts to burn him by summoning rain. The next day the headsman finds his axe too hot to handle. That night they find a way to break him. Contraband chains that sap his magical and physical strength. He can't stand or make a flame appear without knocking himself out.
It isn't a public execution. He's humiliated them twice. The cell door creaks open and a shadow slithers in, holding a sliver of moonlight. No, a dagger.
He doesn't have the strength to fight. As the blade pierces Merlin's ribs, he awakens gasping. The shadow had been Arthur.
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The best present I could get would be a review! And thank you, hollyblue2, for your reviews on the last two chapters.