Author's Note: Well, I got what I deserved I guess. Yep, just made my will and I hope you all lead good lives. I can see the ominous glow of the burning torches in the distance and the yells of angry Gwaine-fans… Goodbye all, this may be my last chapter… (Not really! Don't worry, I'll be back!)

But got some really lovely reviews as well that didn't consist completely of abuse and insults! Seemed some of you really liked it so yay!

Just like to say, the only reason we don't really see any emotion from Arthur in the last paragraph is 'cause I don't really think he's trying to let much emotion get through to him right now. Just trying to get through what's happening around him and doing what he has to do. Phew, just wanted to tell you that in case some of you were wondering if I had just given up on writing proper paragraphs!

Well, hope you like this chapter and please review! x

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters of the BBC's TV programme Merlin (wish I did!) but any added characters and plotlines were completely my genius! All mistakes are also my own.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Dejected

A commotion had started up outside. Emrys looked up, squinting in the still-glaring sunlight. He pulled himself up from the ground and peered out of the window. There were about sixty pairs of feet all bustling round the courtyard and four wooden legs of some sort of platform. There was a stake being put into place. Now Emrys knew what was going on. Arthur's last nerve had broken. Abruptly, Emrys threw himself back onto the ground and pushed himself back into his corner as he heard footsteps approaching from down the corridor. Two guards rounded the corner, deep in conversation.

"So Gwaine died? Just like that?" one guard asked.

"Yeah, from that Thief's spell. You'd think that Uther would have done something about it, what with Arthur protecting him so much," the other replied.

"Well, not for long. Arthur has been seeming much less reluctant to let Gwaine go recently. I mean, look what he's doing now. He's already got the stake ready outside for that Thief." The other guard grunted in agreement and passed Emrys' cell without even noticing that the subject of their conversation was sitting right there. They headed off down the passageway, talking about something else. Emrys' head was spinning. That stake outside was waiting for him, taunting him. He tried to stay confident that he would find a way out of this. He always did. Emrys never got caught. He would come up with something. But he couldn't help just a tiny bit of doubt creeping into his mind.

xxx

Ceira went to get up from her window seat. She had better go and see Arthur.

She had put it off for as long as she could. She didn't think she could face him after what had happened last night. But now, she knew she would have to go and show her face, no matter how embarrassing it may be. She was just about to get up when she saw something down in the courtyard that made her heart falter. There were a collection of guards all hauling out the pyre and platform that were used for public burnings. Ceira hadn't heard of any burnings that were meant to be happening any time soon. Apart from… No. They couldn't be… They can't. Emrys.

But that must mean… Gwaine was dead. And that would, of course, make Arthur angry. So now he was going to take it out on Emrys. By burning him. Ceira had to get down there. She glanced out the window quickly. There was already a small crowd gathering as the guards started to pile up stacks of hay and straw against the platform. Ceira leapt from her seat and dashed to the door. Arthur would have to wait. Emrys needed her.

xxx

Arthur slammed the door to the Thief's cell open and strode in. The Thief had already got up and was walking confidently towards the door, as if he already knew what was waiting for him and was striding into it undauntedly. Arthur's guards looked at each other, trying to establish whether they should grab the Thief or just let him pass. They decided not to touch him, just following closely behind him. Arthur watched him suspiciously and followed on behind them all, closing the door behind him. They walked up the flights of stairs and along the corridors until they reached the packed courtyard. Arthur could already hear the ominous hum of murmurs from the people but everyone seemed to be too scared to talk out loud. As the guards began to get a little more bold, one of them pushed the Thief out into the light of the courtyard. The light hit his hood but shed no brightness onto it. The crowd instantly scurried as far back as they could from the Thief, forming a pathway leading straight to the platform. The Thief walked, unflinching, through the throng of people. The people either stared at him or turned away altogether. Their fear was radiating around the area, making everyone feel on edge. Arthur watched the Thief go and turned away. He hurried up the steps to where his father was waiting for him on the balcony, ready to address his people. The time had come.

xxx

Author's Note: Aha! Little blue button! We meet again…

Look guys, I'm pretty sure you know what to do by now… CLICK DOWN DER!