Author's note: Thank you guys for the reviews. Also this story has crossed 100,000 views which is amazing. Thanks to all of you again.
The first part of the chapter is a recap from a previous chapter of which I am very fond and many of guys panicked reading it. Also this chapter is very much dialogue based. Anyway, I think you'll like it at the end of the chapter.
Lastly, I'll start another Merlin story within this week called ' Your Brave Shine ' mainly focussed on Mordred and Merlin set after S2E3. Can anyone guess what the plotline will be?
Sorry for my long chatter. Let's get on with the story.
Chapter 41
The gate of Uruk
Merlin was shaking terribly. His body was cold. That bastard Sauron had made the Nathair bite Merlin for five bloody times.
What's worse was that the Amatan king tortured not a full-grown Merlin but a thirteen year old teenaged Merlin. Arthur didn't know how it happened but when that mysterious liquid touched Merlin on that night in the forest, his body changed and he turned into his teenager self.
Even though Merlin became smaller and younger, he had retained his memory. His body was deteriorating and today, it got much worse than the previous days. Arthur could hear Merlin's screaming from the other chamber clearly. He bet that the entire city could hear his friend's inhuman scream of pain and anguish.
When Merlin had been brought back to the cell they had been held captive, he had been shivering violently. Arthur had gone instantly to help him but there's little he could do. His body temperature had been severely low. So, Arthur held him. He held Merlin so that he wouldn't freeze to death.
At first, it looked like it was working. His shivering was slowing down and his body temperature was increasing. But then, things began to go downhill. He was becoming cold again.
What should he do?
What should he do?
" Ar-thu-r. " A timid voice called out. Arthur almost jumped up in surprise. He looked at Merlin and saw he was looking at him.
" Ar-thur, I ne-ed to tell you som-ething. " Merlin's young voice was hoarse because of all the screaming.
" Shhh. Shhh. Merlin, don't talk. You need to get better. Talking won't help you. " Arthur insisted.
" I am not fool, Arthur. I know I won't survive this time. The Nathair's poison is destroying me. My young body doesn't have the power to repel the poison and it can't wield either the power of The Calling or Emrys. I know what will happen. I need to talk to you before it's too late. " Arthur could see that each word that Merlin was taking a heavy toll on his already weakened body.
" Stop talking like that, Merlin. You'll live. Freya's waiting for you, Rey's waiting for you. Aren, your mother, Gilli, your friends. For their sake, Merlin. Live. "
The words ' For my sake ' went unspoken.
" I'm sorry, Arthur. " Arthur's eyes widened hearing it.
Was he hearing right? Was Merlin apologizing? Why?
" Arthur, I'm sorry for the way I've acted with you. " Arthur was going to stop Merlin but Merlin weakly raised his hand.
" Please don't interrupt. I don't have much time. Please, Arthur. Listen to me. Just one last time. " Arthur was at the verge of tears but he held them back for Merlin's sake. He needed to be strong now. He nodded and a smile beamed on Merlin's face.
Merlin took a ragged breath and started.
" When I was a boy, other boys in Ealdor used to beat me up. They called me bastard, freak, monster and many things. During those days, I only wished for one thing. A big brother. A brother who would protect me. A brother who would love me. That wish was never granted as I was the only child and no big brother figure appeared in my early life.
Then, I came to Camelot and I met you. I admit at first, I have hated you. But then things began to change. You began to care for me. You tried to protect me even though I didn't need it.
Thus I realized, I got my wish. I got myself a big brother. You became my brother that I never had. "
Tears were now flowing freely from Arthur's eyes.
" That's why your act after Dunwall broke me. I never expected you to turn on me. After all, you were my brother. So, I hardened my heart so it could never be broken again. I didn't trust you because I didn't want to get hurt again. I said those harsh words to you to push you away. To block you off. So that you couldn't hurt me again.
But now I know, Arthur. I know you meant every word you have said to me. All the pain and sufferings you've endured for me do make me realize one thing. You still care for me.
I'm sorry, brother. For not trusting you. For behaving cruelly towards you. For hurting you. I'm sorry. "
Arthur could read desperation on Merlin's face and it broke his heart. Merlin didn't deserve it. He deserved to be happy. Not dying here in this cell far from his family.
" Promise me, Arthur. One thing. Promise me you'll tell Rey that I love him. Promise me you'll tell Freya and mother that I love them and I am sorry. "
Arthur couldn't say it because saying that would mean admitting Merlin couldn't be saved.
" Promise me, Arthur. " Merlin spoke forcefully this time.
" I promise. I promise. " Arthur said in a shaky voice.
Merlin smiled a little. " Arthur. Arthur, I'm scared. I don't want to die. Not yet. Don't let go off me, Arthur. Please. "
" I won't, Merlin. I am here for you. " After that, both of them became quiet for some time. Then, Merlin spoke again.
" I've been trying to tell you something for sometime. "
" You're not going to say goodbye. I command you. "
Merlin gave a weak chuckle and said, " Stop being a prat, Arthur. I'm not saying goodbye. I just want to say... " Merlin coughed and through painful breaths said,
" Thank you for being my friend, big brother. "
Then... Merlin's eyes closed his breathing stopped. His heart stopped beating.
" Hey, Merlin. Merlin! Talk to me. Don't leave me here. What will I say to Rey? Call me a prat, you idiot. I won't hurt you again, brother. I promise. I'm sorry, Merlin. I'm sorry. "
But Merlin didn't talk. He was gone and Arthur knew nothing could bring him back now. He placed a soft kiss on young Merlin's forehead. He looked so peaceful and calm and young. He looked nothing like the powerful king of Elmet. He looked like an innocent boy sleeping peacefully in his big brother's arms.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
" Master, what do you think they are doing? "
" I believe the phoenix is trying to lend some of his body heat to the king of magic. All those bitings of nathair did take a toll on him, after all. "
" Your brother is becoming more and more pedophile, don't you agree, master? "
" Only because of my wretched aunt Mellisandre's influence. Don't forget that, Aveian. "
" Still, I can't say that neither your nor his mother would have been proud of what he has become now. "
" Nothing was ever good enough for my mother and as for his mother; Well... I guess, you're right. My step-mother wouldn't be too happy if she saw her son now. "
" Anyway, shouldn't we go in there now? The king of magic looked almost unconscious from here. It's a good time to use the cup of life, master. "
" Hold just a minute, Aveian. "
" What is it, my prince? "
" You said that your people near Irithyl had seen the flame of Herron Valley rekindled again, right? "
" And your point, master? "
" My point is that the awakening of the immortal army might be the trigger which was prophesized to bring back the ancient magic of mythical era. "
" So you're suggesting that your new found power is not just any random event, instead it's the return of ancient magic itself? Isn't that too far fetched, master? "
" We'll see it soon if the phoenix king's tears do their job right. "
" And what if it doesn't? King Arthur might not be the phoenix king that you have predicted. The king of magic might die, master. "
" We can use the cup of life then. So don't worry, Aveian. Look. King Arthur has begun crying just as I expected. "
" It's cruel to watch someone crying and not help. You know that? I thought my mistress, your mother taught you that. "
" Yes, of course. My mother was the leader of your clan and an arch mage of the firespawns. She always lectured me about being a perfect prince. I still wonder what made my father to fall for her. "
" She was a beauty to behold and she was prophesized to give your father a son who would unite his and her people together in a great war. I told you that almost twenty times, master. "
" I still doubt that. I mean I may hold the loyalty of my firespawn kins but most of my human kins treat me as a monster. I wonder if my brother thought... "
" TOMMEN! "
" What, Aveian? "
" Look, the king of magic is glowing. You were right. Arthur Pendragon is the phoenix king. "
" I told you so. Let's get in. "
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Arthur couldn't understand. He just couldn't.
What just happened? Did he just do magic?
But that's impossible.
Then, if it isn't magic, how could he explain the breathing of Merlin. Arthur saw his brother stop breathing only a moment ago. And now by some miracle, Merlin was alright. He was not only breathing but also it seemed that all his injuries were gone.
Bang!
Arthur jumped up in surprise hearing the sudden opening of the iron cell door and out of reflex, he hugged Merlin tightly and then, he realized that Merlin was back to his former size.
' That would explain the tattered attire. ' Arthur thought.
The one who entered the cell was not Sauron's guards as Arthur had feared. Rather it was a boy in his late teens with white hair, pale skin and red eyes.
Even in this messy situation, Arthur had to admit that the boy was hauntingly beautiful. But who he might be? Arthur wondered.
The boy gave Arthur the answer.
" King Arthur Pendragon, sorry for the intrusion. I am Tommen Erestris, second son of king Sarrum, heir to the throne of Amata and younger brother of king Sauron. I am hear to break you free. "
The boy talked so fast that Arthur barely understood what he had just said.
" What did you just say? "
" I said I am here to break you free. Now get up. " The boy said in a commanding tone.
Before Arthur could react, the boy looked towards the door and said, " Do it, Aveian. "
Another boy of the prince's age materialized from thin air. His skin was reddish in colour but his eyes and hair were same as the prince.
He raised his hand and his eyes glowed gold. Arthur raised his hand anticipating an attack but instead, Merlin was elevated from his lap in the midair and his attire changed; more suited for his true physique.
The prince smiled. " Don't worry, King Arthur. I won't harm the king of magic. I swear by god. Now follow me and you two will be out of this hellhole in seconds "
" What about his injuries? " Arthur asked while getting up. He still wasn't sure whether he should trust this prince or not. But something was telling him that the prince was telling the truth.
" Your tears healed them and returned him to his original state. After all, you are the prophesized phoenix king. "
" The phoenix king? " Now Arthur was very confused.
" No time to talk. Merlin and his court full of scholers can fill you in about that. You have to make it quick otherwise my brother will catch you. Let's go. "
After that, Arthur was running with the two white haired boys along with the floating and still unconscious king of Elmet.
In the coming years, Arthur would question himself why had he trusted those two boys.
And he would always get the same answers. He had wanted to get his brother out of the hellhole of Amata.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Unfortunately, they weren't able to go far. They were in the courtyard of the Amatan Royal Castle when...
" Where do you think you are going? " Arthur looked towards from where the voice was coming and his breath was caught up in his throat.
King Sauron was floating in the air with the red haired witch by his side. Although surprisingly, there was no soldier in sight.
' He is confident enough to take us all on alone. ' Arthur thought and he feared that Sauron might be successful.
Tommen had given him back Excalibur and also the cup of life saying that it would be safer in Elmet than in Amata. But he still didn't know what changes he was going through and his swordsmanship was always useless against a spellcaster. Not to mention, Merlin, the only one who would have had a chance against Sauron was still conscious and floating in the air limply.
" Brother, please stop. Let them go. Hurting him will bring severe consequences on our kingdom. " The prince pleaded.
" Oh? And what type of consequences? " Sauron asked and he was shaking in anger.
" The dragon queen is coming with two of the dragonns. You know that even your magic won't be able to withstand the might of the old dragon's flame. " The prince was clearly panicking.
" How do you know that? " Sauron asked. His anger seemed a little dissipated.
" I told him. " The other white haired boy said.
" Who are you? " The red haired witch asked for the first time.
Surprisingly, it was Sauron who answered. " You don't need to know. "
The red witch raised an eyebrow. " You know him, nephew? "
" Yes, and you don't need to know. " The king said again.
Sauron looked towards the prince again.
" Why did you fr... "
He stopped in the midway and grunted in pain.
" Brother, are you alright? " The prince asked frantically.
Arthur wondered how this white haired boy could care for such a wretched man like Sauron.
Sauron's beathing was fast but he answered the prince.
" Yes, you're right, Tommen. They are at our doorsteps. My barrier is falling apart. "
All on a sudden,the red witch held up her hand. " Enough of this. "
" Kill all of them. "
Suddenly, the courtyard began to shake and out of every knook and corner of the courtyard that was obscured in the shadow came out numerous soldiers. There were thousands of soldiers and they all surrounded Arthur, Merlin and the two white haired boys in a second.
" What is the meaning of this? " Sauron demanded.
The red witch produced a knife from beneath her robe and slit the king's throat in a split second.
And just like that, the king of Amata, the torturer of Arthur and Merlin died. That's how fragile the body of a human being is no matter how much power they hold.
" NO. BROTHER! " Prince Tommen gave an earth piercing cry and Arthur could imagine just how much pain the boy was in it for losing his only family.
The red witch gave out an eerie laugh and said, " I was sick of baby sitting your brother, Tommen. He should've listened to your warning. I was gathering followers while your brother tortured your new friend. His birds were so scattered around the land that they were unable sniff out my plans. The recent war's failure made many soldiers to think about their loyalty to Sauron and I promised them success with the help of the lord of darkness. . "
" And now they all obey you? " Prince Tommen said. His voice was shaking but Arthur couldn't tell if it was in anger or in fear.
" Well, not all of them. Many are still loyal to your brother. In fact, Strauss's army is turning on the loyal city watch as we speak and general Reynaad's soldiers have most of the castle guards under chains by now. Only General Firo and General Maiza's army near the southern border remain free from my grasp.
But with you soon dead, they will have no choice but to bow to me as I will be the sole survivor of the Erestris family, Queen Melisandre, first of her name. The queen in the north. "
By the time, the red witch's speech was complete, Prince Tommen was already on his knee and the other boy was whispering something in his ear.
" You are already bowing? That's good, dear nephew. Unfortunately, I'll have to kill you anyway, you white haired freak. I can't even imagine why my brother had let a basterd like you to stay in the castle. " Saying that, Melisandre nodded.
And all the soldiers who were around them, began to approach them brandishing their swords and axes.
Arthur panicked.
I had to something. I had to save all of them.
Then...
Suddenly, numerous giant glowing golden holes began to appear in the sky and out of them thousands and thousands of lances, spears and swords began to fall with swift speed and deadly precision towards the attacking soldiers. And within seconds, they were all dead. Their blood got splattered on Arthur's face while their souls left the realm of the living. Every single one of them.
Stabbed by the weapons fallen from the heaven.
" Impossible! That's the power of The Gate of Uruk. The power of the Legendary first king, Gilgamesh of Mesopotemia. You are Emrys. You are not supposed to have that power. That's not fair. " The witch screamed.
" Life's not fair, witch! " Arthur turned back and saw the one who spoke those words.
He was back on his feet. His eyes were blazing. His body was glowing. Just like that day on the battlefield. Powerful, terrifying and yet, magnificent. The king of magic.
Merlin Ambrosius Ignotus.
He raised his hand and the same golden giant holes surrounded Melisandre.
" No. Please, have mercy. " The witch screamed.
" No mercy for the merciless. "
And then, Melisandre was obliterated. Her body got ripped into pieces.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
" Come on. We've to get out of here. No need for anymore blooshed. "
Arthur was in a trance like state when Merlin said those words. He was still awestruck by his friend's display of tremendous power. All he remembered was grabbing the shocked prince and holding Merlin's hand.
The next time, he opened his eyes, he found himself in a vast field.
And before him, he saw an army bearing the banners of Ambrosius Phoenix, Ignotus Pegusus and Linorien Griffin.
Someone shook him by his shoulder and only then, Arthur came out of his reverie. He was with the two white haired boys and Merlin.
His brother.
Who was smiling at him radiantly.
" Thank you. "
He said.
" My brother. "
Arthur would always deny through the rest of his life that he had cried then but he would never forget how good it felt to embrace his brother again.
He had found his other half at last. He had become whole. Two side of the same coin.
Together.
" You're welcome. "
He said.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
So, did you guys like it? I hope so. Drop me a line, will you? Your feedback is always welcome. Next chapter: An emissary of darkness lands on Albion and faces an unexpected adversary.
Have a good day ( or night ). Be safe.
Adios.
- Assassin of Syria.