Author's Note: Sorry! Big delay in the story, I know! But I'm hoping this chapter will make up for it.

I just can't stop killing people off now can I? *Evil smile* Yep, something to get the adrenaline pumping this one. Well, if you're easily excited it is I guess… I'm not that good!

Phwoah! Arthur is being pretty mean in this chapter!

Well, hope you enjoy anyway and please review! I might even let your reviews sway me a little towards what I'm going to do with Emrys! 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 Eight

Alone

The sunlight was blinding. But obviously not for the people in the crowd. They still managed to stare at him with terrified eyes, prepared if he would try anything. Emrys just kept his eyes ahead. He couldn't show them that he was getting a little desperate. Without his magic, he was running out of options. There were at least fifty guards lining the perimeter of the courtyard and an additional fifteen guarding the main gate. There was nowhere to run.

"This man you see before you is a thief, a murderer and a sorcerer. He has stolen from the people of Camelot for many years, killed two Knights and used magic against the city and the people in it. He will be burned today for the good of the kingdom; to rid it of this sorcerer," Uther thundered to the people below. Emrys didn't need to turn round. He knew that Arthur would be standing there proudly with his father, agreeing with his every word. He had lost what little faith he had in Emrys. Gwaine had been special to him. But this wasn't the time to be thinking about that. He had other things to worry about. He had an escape to plan and time was running out. He had reached the platform now and was being shoved up the steps and turned vigorously and forced back into the pyre. He hit it hard and his head was jerked back against it, gritting his teeth as the guards thrust his wrists behind his back and tied them tightly with thick rope.

Think Emrys, think! He couldn't. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth as he realised he had been biting down on his lip. Once his hands were tightly bound, the guards left the podium. One of them grabbed a burning torch and approached the pile, looking up at Uther for the signal. Emrys looked too, but something unexpected happened. Uther nodded at Arthur.

Arthur frowned at his father. Uther muttered something inaudible to his son and Arthur nodded. The prince stepped forward and gazed down at Emrys. In that gaze was all of the feelings that Arthur had felt towards him. Hatred, malevolence, betrayal, malice, loathing. The fire might has well have started. The hostility of that stare was enough to set the surrounding forest in a blaze. He narrowed his eyes and raised his hand. In that second of hesitation, Arthur said something in those eyes.

You took Gwaine from me, now I will take your life from you. You deserve this. Emrys.

Then he dropped his hand. The guard standing nearby sprang into action. He lowered the flames to the hay and it instantly went up in a fiery inferno. Emrys was trapped. This was it.

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! …Again ;P x