Fanfic: The Tinder Box (3/3)
Title: The Tinder Box (3/3)
Author: gal_znai
Prompt: The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen
Rating: PG-13
Length: ~ 7600 words (all of it)
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, hints of Valiant/Merlin, Valiant/Morgana
Spoilers: Merlin S1, The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen
Warnings: slash, character death, Valiant being lecherous
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction - none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.
Summary: Arthur and Merlin may be in love but Merlin has to flee before they can work out their feelings. Fortunately, Merlin comes into the possession of a tinder box with unsual properties. Based on the fairy tale The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen.
Author's note: First of all, a huge thanks to my lovely beta englaroma. This was written for the tobreakthespell challenge. The story was initially based on The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen. Read the original story if you want. I had to change lots of bits because it didn't make much sense. I used parts of the original dialogue and description in the fanfic so if bits sound more fairy tale-ish than the rest, it's probably because it's from the original. (NOT MINE!) Also, I'd like to apologise for Valiant's behaviour beforehand. He developed a life of his own and wouldn't leave me alone. I blame Will Mellor. I hope you enjoy this somewhat fluffy story!
<- Chapter 2
THE TINDER BOX
***Chapter 3***
What neither Merlin nor Arthur knew was that they both had met Peter. In fact, “Peter” hadn't been his real name. Who ever told their real name to someone they were going to rob? Definitely not Valiant. He had been a penniless nobleman until his encounter with Merlin. When he arrived in Camelot, he was a rich man and became quite popular at court shortly afterwards. Arthur didn't like him much. Valiant, on the other hand, despised Arthur. It all started with Valiant's first day at court. After one glance at the Lady Morgana he decided that he had to have her. That also happened to be the day Arthur announced that he was very much in love with her. Although Morgana didn't seem to be exactly impressed by Arthur's clumsy attempts to woo her, she didn't even deign to look at Valiant. But he wouldn't give up. He was determined to learn from Arthur's failures. This meant that every time Morgana and Arthur had a conversation, he would try to overhear them. The day after Arthur and Merlin's reunion was no different and so Valiant was sneaking around Morgana's chambers when Arthur came to visit her.
“My, my, you look good-natured today.”, Morgana commented bemused when Arthur entered her room.
“I have to talk to you. Alone.”, he said, motioning at Gwen.
“Whatever you've got to say, she can hear it. Gwen is trustworthy and you know it!”
“Alright, calm down.”, Arthur said nervously. “Right. So what I have to ask you is... erm... how do you know that ...”
Arthur didn't finish his sentence and started gesturing awkwardly instead.
“Arthur”, Morgana snapped. “just say it, for heaven's sake!”
“How do you know that you want to be more than just friends with someone?”, Arthur blurted quickly, blushing a tiny bit.
Morgana blinked. “You know that I let you tell your father about your big crush on me so you could leave your room. In no way did I suggest that we'd actually-”
“No!”, Arthur interrupted. “I'm not talking about you! Don't be ridiculous...” He shuddered.
“Who is it then?”
“I saw Merlin last night.” Arthur's look turned serious.
“Oh, do you mean you dreamt about him? It wasn't that kind of dream, was it?”, she asked bemusedly.
“No! Will you stop mocking me? I'm being serious here! He has this flying horse-bird creature that brought me to where he's hiding.”
“And what are you going to do? Elope?”
“Don't be silly, I have a duty to my people. I don't know what we're going to do. We'll figure something out.”
Arthur sat down and sighed. Why was talking to Morgana always so irritating?
“Okay. I get it, you've seen Merlin again and all the feelings came back. What's the big deal?”
“The deal is that I don't understand them!”
“Arthur, you can't understand love. You just fall into it and make the best of it. I mean, what did you feel when you kissed?”, she asked, trying to ban the amusement from her face.
“Well, it was all a bit overwhelming and confusing and... considering what followed I was a bit too upset to actually think about it.” He looked around and added, “And I don't even know whether he likes me that way.”
“Oh boy, if you want to know how he feels, just ask him. And if you want to know how you feel listen to your heart and snog him already.” Morgana rolled her eyes.
“Well, thanks for your advice. It was very enlightening.”, Arthur grumbled and left.
Morgana looked over at Gwen and smiled slyly.
“He's so clueless, it's almost sad.”, she mused.
“I think it's rather sweet.”, Gwen said.
# # #
Valiant was smirking. Finally he had a chance to get Lady Morgana. He had heard stories about this Merlin, he was said to be a wicked sorcerer who had enchanted the Prince's heart and Uther had put a ransom on his head. Valiant's plan was to follow Arthur to Merlin's hiding place and then to tell the king, who would be so grateful that he'd agree to give Valiant the lady Morgana's hand in marriage, even against her will. She'd be a defiant wife and he was looking forward to taming her. Yes, his plan was brilliant.
# # #
They were kissing fiercely. Suddenly, someone kicked open the door. Valiant was standing in the door frame, followed by Uther and his men. The lovers broke apart. There were bright lights and smoke and shouts and blood everywhere---
Morgana screamed. She was lying in bed, eyes wide, sweat running down her forehead.
“Gwen!”, she called.
“Yes, my lady?”, Gwen asked, rushing into the room.
“Have you seen Valiant?”, Morgana asked, still catching her breath.
“Actually, I have. He's sitting in the courtyard, staring into the sky. He's been there for hours. Why are you asking, my lady?” Gwen was frowning.
“I think he knows about Merlin. He's going to follow Arthur. We have to distract him. Gwen, please, go to him and tell him that I'd like to see him. Then you'll leave us alone and watch Arthur's window. When he's gone and the creature vanished, you'll knock at my door. All right?”
“I will, my lady.” Gwen bit her lip. “But what will you do to distract him?”
“I may have to improvise. Don't worry, I can take care of myself.”
# # #
As Valiant walked with Gwen to Morgana's chambers, he couldn't believe his luck. Morgana wanted to see him at this hour. Maybe he wouldn't have to wait until their wedding. By now he was convinced there would be a wedding; he'd follow Arthur the next night and get the girl and the glory. Gwen showed him to the door and closed it after him. He bowed and tried to hide his triumphant leer.
“My lady, you wanted to see me?”, he asked innocently.
“Indeed, Sir Valiant, I have problems falling asleep and I was hoping you could keep me company... for a while.” Morgana smiled seductively.
“It would be an honour. But may I ask why your maid servant left us alone? I thought she'd be with us.”
“Oh, Gwen has chores to do. I'm afraid we are all on our own.”
Valiant wasn't even bothering any more and threw her a lecherous look.
“So, Sir Valiant, tell me all about your heroic deeds, I'm sure there are plenty. I adore the chivalry of knights.” She batted her eye lashes at him and fought back a snort when he announced to be the most chivalrous of them all.
# # #
Meanwhile, Arthur was trying to sort out his relationship with Merlin and was failing at forming coherent sentences. He had always thought himself an eloquent man, but right now he was doubting his conversational skills.
“So, Merlin... what is your opinion on this … thing?”
His hand gestures implied that the thing was between the two of them and possibly something wobbly. Merlin raised his eye brows quizzically.
“Oh, don't be so difficult! Just say what you want to say.” Merlin demanded with exasperation.
Arthur groaned. “OK, Merlin, what about this? I will do something and you will give your opinion on that.”
After Merlin nodded, Arthur cupped Merlin's face in his hands, leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Nothing happened for exactly seven and a half seconds. Arthur pulled away a little and stared at Merlin with wondrous eyes. He breathed out slowly and tried to make sense of the tingly feeling in his body.
“So?”, Arthur asked.
“So...”, Merlin answered and his lips curled into a wicked grin.
Fortunately Arthur couldn't display any more of his conversational skills as Merlin's lips were covering his. Obviously that meant that his opinion was “Why yes, this is a fabulous idea”. Also, the movement of his tongue implied that talking was a complete waste of time when their mouths could be engaged in much more pleasurable things.
# # #
“You don't know how much I owe you. Valiant was bragging for hours. And when he had run out of lies he tried his hand at poetry. Thank goodness you came before he started singing. I was so desperate I considered actually seducing him just to make him shut up. Ugh! Arthur had better be thankful when I tell him.”
Valiant sank down onto the floor. He had heard enough. This woman was a deceitful witch, she had toyed with his feelings and tricked him. Under different circumstances he would even have found it appealing but she had ruined his cunning plan. He would have to settle for a less heroic approach.
When the sun rose, he finally had a chance to ask for an audience with the king.
“I hope the urgency of your request is justified.”, Uther said sourly.
“It's about Merlin.”, Valiant announced.
He told king Uther almost the truth; obviously he had to leave out the part where he didn't report to him immediately, to sound at least a bit heroic. He made sure to discredit Morgana completely in the king's eyes. As a result, the king went along with Valiant's suggestion. He arrested Morgana and her maid, while Arthur was to be left alone. Then he instructed his men to watch Arthur's window the next night and to follow him.
# # #
Maybe Arthur would have noticed Morgana's absence or the awkward behaviour of the knights and guards around him but his mind was otherwise occupied.
He had woken up late, hair askew and sweet memories of last night still lingering at the back of his head. He went through the day with a dopey grin on his face, anticipating his next meeting with Merlin. He should have thought a bit further ahead, but clearly the thought of Merlin's skin and lips and... Well, no matter what he thought about it eventually led to one thing: Merlin, preferably naked.
So when the sun set and the creature came to pick him up, he didn't notice his pursuers.
# # #
Valiant was staring at the door, waiting for the last of Uther's men to climb up the last flight of stairs. He was bursting with anticipation. Finally, when all of the men had gathered in front of the door, he signaled them to be alert and kicked the door in. The moment his foot touched the wood he felt like a hero. Not the self-sacrificing loser kind of hero, no; he would get the glory and the girls and maybe even a statue. He was a real hero. Valiant knew their only advantage against a warlock would be the surprise effect so he had to be quick and catch Merlin off guard. As soon as he could enter the room, he spotted the boys and moved towards them. They were topless, Arthur straddling Merlin, both of them panting, from the state of their swollen lips he could easily imagine what they'd been up to. While the two lovers were still stunned, staring at the soldiers with wild eyes, Valiant grabbed Arthur and held a dagger to his throat. He grinned wickedly at Merlin; only now did he recognize him for the boy he had left to die.
“You... well, the prince likes pretty things, I'll give him that.”, Valiant chuckled.
“Please. Release him. He's the king's son, you can't kill him.”, said Merlin calmly.
“Oh yes I can. Actually, the king has given me permission. He doesn't want a son who's infatuated with a sorcerer. He believes that the spell you have cast upon him can only be broken by death. So either Arthur dies or you. It's your decision, really.”
Valiant watched as Merlin's calm expression turned into shock once again.
“You know what to do, Merlin.” Valiant coaxed. “Surrender and Arthur will live.”
“Merlin. Don't.”, Arthur gritted out.
Valiant waited for Merlin's answer, who seemed to be thinking, considering his options. When he caught sight of Merlin's eyes, he nodded to the soldiers. He knew resignation when he saw it.
“OK. I won't fight back. Just don't hurt him.”, Merlin whispered.
“No! You have to flee!”, Arthur shouted as Valiant pulled him away from Merlin, still restraining him.
“We didn't think this through, Arthur. I can't stay here, you can't leave. We never had a future. Maybe it had to end this way. You should know though, I don't regret having met you.”
How sweet, Valiant thought, as he watched Merlin being taken away. Too bad the boy would lose his pretty head. His grip on Arthur had loosened and he didn't see how Arthur snatched the tinder box away from the window sill.
# # #
This time, Uther wouldn't give the sorcerer any time to escape, the execution would take place immediately after his capture. He wouldn't underestimate him. Arthur wouldn't be released until the head of the sorcerer would be rolling on the ground. Everyone had gathered around the scaffold on the main square, waiting for the condemned magician to arrive. Everyone would see how strong and powerful the king was. This would be his greatest victory over magic to date.
# # #
Merlin was led to the executioner's block. He was told to get on his knees. Before complying, he looked around, hoping to see Arthur for the last time. The prince was standing next to his father, Valiant's dagger still dangerously close to his throat. Merlin tried to catch his eye but the blond was fiddling with something. Typically Arthur, he couldn't stop being a prat even during Merlin's execution. Slowly, the warlock got on his knees.
# # #
Arthur had minutes, maybe seconds left. It was now or never. He was holding the tinder box behind his back. He was praying that he didn't have to be a warlock to make it work. He tried to strike light once, then twice and once again for good measure. Nothing happened at first. He cursed and Valiant gave him a suspicious look. Then suddenly a huge shadow appeared from nowhere. Valiant looked up, screamed and stumbled away from Arthur. When Arthur followed Valiant's frantic gaze, he saw a dragon as big as a tower hovering over the square.
“Your wish is my command, Prince Arthur.”, announced the dragon with a roaring voice.
“Anything?”, Arthur shouted back.
“Whatever you wish!”
“Help me! I want to be happy and still serve my people. I want to rule Camelot with Merlin at my side. I want to be with him... forever.”
“As you wish!”, shouted the dragon and flew towards Valiant.
The beast tossed Valiant high into the air, so high that in falling again he was broken in pieces. Then he turned to the king.
“How dare you...”, began Uther, but before he could finish his protest, the dragon had seized and swallowed him in one piece. Triumphantly, the dragon released an enormous flame into the sky. The noblemen, soldiers and commoners were all desperately frightened, about to panic and run for their lives when the dragon commanded them to listen.
“The king is dead!”, he proclaimed. “Long live the king!”
And with that he disappeared to where he had come from. Everyone turned to Arthur and bowed. Everyone except Merlin, who had gotten up and turned to Arthur.
“Release him!”, Arthur shouted to the soldier who was still holding Merlin's hands behind his back.
“Yes, your majesty.”
At the use of the title, Arthur stilled and blankly stared at the spot where - only a minute ago - his father had been. Tyrant or not, he had been his father. Arthur could not find any feeling of victory inside him, only a numbness that all his previous anger and fierce emotion seemed to have dissolved into.
A hand lightly touched his shoulder and Arthur turned, his gaze focusing again when it found Merlin's, who had gotten up and moved to stand next to him. As he looked into the warlock's blue eyes, which held not triumph but compassion, Arthur knew that eventually, things would be all right.
* The End *
<3
Author: gal_znai
Prompt: The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen
Rating: PG-13
Length: ~ 7600 words (all of it)
Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, hints of Valiant/Merlin, Valiant/Morgana
Spoilers: Merlin S1, The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen
Warnings: slash, character death, Valiant being lecherous
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction - none of this ever happened. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.
Summary: Arthur and Merlin may be in love but Merlin has to flee before they can work out their feelings. Fortunately, Merlin comes into the possession of a tinder box with unsual properties. Based on the fairy tale The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen.
Author's note: First of all, a huge thanks to my lovely beta englaroma. This was written for the tobreakthespell challenge. The story was initially based on The Tinder Box by Hans C. Andersen. Read the original story if you want. I had to change lots of bits because it didn't make much sense. I used parts of the original dialogue and description in the fanfic so if bits sound more fairy tale-ish than the rest, it's probably because it's from the original. (NOT MINE!) Also, I'd like to apologise for Valiant's behaviour beforehand. He developed a life of his own and wouldn't leave me alone. I blame Will Mellor. I hope you enjoy this somewhat fluffy story!
<- Chapter 2
THE TINDER BOX
***Chapter 3***
What neither Merlin nor Arthur knew was that they both had met Peter. In fact, “Peter” hadn't been his real name. Who ever told their real name to someone they were going to rob? Definitely not Valiant. He had been a penniless nobleman until his encounter with Merlin. When he arrived in Camelot, he was a rich man and became quite popular at court shortly afterwards. Arthur didn't like him much. Valiant, on the other hand, despised Arthur. It all started with Valiant's first day at court. After one glance at the Lady Morgana he decided that he had to have her. That also happened to be the day Arthur announced that he was very much in love with her. Although Morgana didn't seem to be exactly impressed by Arthur's clumsy attempts to woo her, she didn't even deign to look at Valiant. But he wouldn't give up. He was determined to learn from Arthur's failures. This meant that every time Morgana and Arthur had a conversation, he would try to overhear them. The day after Arthur and Merlin's reunion was no different and so Valiant was sneaking around Morgana's chambers when Arthur came to visit her.
“My, my, you look good-natured today.”, Morgana commented bemused when Arthur entered her room.
“I have to talk to you. Alone.”, he said, motioning at Gwen.
“Whatever you've got to say, she can hear it. Gwen is trustworthy and you know it!”
“Alright, calm down.”, Arthur said nervously. “Right. So what I have to ask you is... erm... how do you know that ...”
Arthur didn't finish his sentence and started gesturing awkwardly instead.
“Arthur”, Morgana snapped. “just say it, for heaven's sake!”
“How do you know that you want to be more than just friends with someone?”, Arthur blurted quickly, blushing a tiny bit.
Morgana blinked. “You know that I let you tell your father about your big crush on me so you could leave your room. In no way did I suggest that we'd actually-”
“No!”, Arthur interrupted. “I'm not talking about you! Don't be ridiculous...” He shuddered.
“Who is it then?”
“I saw Merlin last night.” Arthur's look turned serious.
“Oh, do you mean you dreamt about him? It wasn't that kind of dream, was it?”, she asked bemusedly.
“No! Will you stop mocking me? I'm being serious here! He has this flying horse-bird creature that brought me to where he's hiding.”
“And what are you going to do? Elope?”
“Don't be silly, I have a duty to my people. I don't know what we're going to do. We'll figure something out.”
Arthur sat down and sighed. Why was talking to Morgana always so irritating?
“Okay. I get it, you've seen Merlin again and all the feelings came back. What's the big deal?”
“The deal is that I don't understand them!”
“Arthur, you can't understand love. You just fall into it and make the best of it. I mean, what did you feel when you kissed?”, she asked, trying to ban the amusement from her face.
“Well, it was all a bit overwhelming and confusing and... considering what followed I was a bit too upset to actually think about it.” He looked around and added, “And I don't even know whether he likes me that way.”
“Oh boy, if you want to know how he feels, just ask him. And if you want to know how you feel listen to your heart and snog him already.” Morgana rolled her eyes.
“Well, thanks for your advice. It was very enlightening.”, Arthur grumbled and left.
Morgana looked over at Gwen and smiled slyly.
“He's so clueless, it's almost sad.”, she mused.
“I think it's rather sweet.”, Gwen said.
# # #
Valiant was smirking. Finally he had a chance to get Lady Morgana. He had heard stories about this Merlin, he was said to be a wicked sorcerer who had enchanted the Prince's heart and Uther had put a ransom on his head. Valiant's plan was to follow Arthur to Merlin's hiding place and then to tell the king, who would be so grateful that he'd agree to give Valiant the lady Morgana's hand in marriage, even against her will. She'd be a defiant wife and he was looking forward to taming her. Yes, his plan was brilliant.
# # #
They were kissing fiercely. Suddenly, someone kicked open the door. Valiant was standing in the door frame, followed by Uther and his men. The lovers broke apart. There were bright lights and smoke and shouts and blood everywhere---
Morgana screamed. She was lying in bed, eyes wide, sweat running down her forehead.
“Gwen!”, she called.
“Yes, my lady?”, Gwen asked, rushing into the room.
“Have you seen Valiant?”, Morgana asked, still catching her breath.
“Actually, I have. He's sitting in the courtyard, staring into the sky. He's been there for hours. Why are you asking, my lady?” Gwen was frowning.
“I think he knows about Merlin. He's going to follow Arthur. We have to distract him. Gwen, please, go to him and tell him that I'd like to see him. Then you'll leave us alone and watch Arthur's window. When he's gone and the creature vanished, you'll knock at my door. All right?”
“I will, my lady.” Gwen bit her lip. “But what will you do to distract him?”
“I may have to improvise. Don't worry, I can take care of myself.”
# # #
As Valiant walked with Gwen to Morgana's chambers, he couldn't believe his luck. Morgana wanted to see him at this hour. Maybe he wouldn't have to wait until their wedding. By now he was convinced there would be a wedding; he'd follow Arthur the next night and get the girl and the glory. Gwen showed him to the door and closed it after him. He bowed and tried to hide his triumphant leer.
“My lady, you wanted to see me?”, he asked innocently.
“Indeed, Sir Valiant, I have problems falling asleep and I was hoping you could keep me company... for a while.” Morgana smiled seductively.
“It would be an honour. But may I ask why your maid servant left us alone? I thought she'd be with us.”
“Oh, Gwen has chores to do. I'm afraid we are all on our own.”
Valiant wasn't even bothering any more and threw her a lecherous look.
“So, Sir Valiant, tell me all about your heroic deeds, I'm sure there are plenty. I adore the chivalry of knights.” She batted her eye lashes at him and fought back a snort when he announced to be the most chivalrous of them all.
# # #
Meanwhile, Arthur was trying to sort out his relationship with Merlin and was failing at forming coherent sentences. He had always thought himself an eloquent man, but right now he was doubting his conversational skills.
“So, Merlin... what is your opinion on this … thing?”
His hand gestures implied that the thing was between the two of them and possibly something wobbly. Merlin raised his eye brows quizzically.
“Oh, don't be so difficult! Just say what you want to say.” Merlin demanded with exasperation.
Arthur groaned. “OK, Merlin, what about this? I will do something and you will give your opinion on that.”
After Merlin nodded, Arthur cupped Merlin's face in his hands, leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Nothing happened for exactly seven and a half seconds. Arthur pulled away a little and stared at Merlin with wondrous eyes. He breathed out slowly and tried to make sense of the tingly feeling in his body.
“So?”, Arthur asked.
“So...”, Merlin answered and his lips curled into a wicked grin.
Fortunately Arthur couldn't display any more of his conversational skills as Merlin's lips were covering his. Obviously that meant that his opinion was “Why yes, this is a fabulous idea”. Also, the movement of his tongue implied that talking was a complete waste of time when their mouths could be engaged in much more pleasurable things.
# # #
“You don't know how much I owe you. Valiant was bragging for hours. And when he had run out of lies he tried his hand at poetry. Thank goodness you came before he started singing. I was so desperate I considered actually seducing him just to make him shut up. Ugh! Arthur had better be thankful when I tell him.”
Valiant sank down onto the floor. He had heard enough. This woman was a deceitful witch, she had toyed with his feelings and tricked him. Under different circumstances he would even have found it appealing but she had ruined his cunning plan. He would have to settle for a less heroic approach.
When the sun rose, he finally had a chance to ask for an audience with the king.
“I hope the urgency of your request is justified.”, Uther said sourly.
“It's about Merlin.”, Valiant announced.
He told king Uther almost the truth; obviously he had to leave out the part where he didn't report to him immediately, to sound at least a bit heroic. He made sure to discredit Morgana completely in the king's eyes. As a result, the king went along with Valiant's suggestion. He arrested Morgana and her maid, while Arthur was to be left alone. Then he instructed his men to watch Arthur's window the next night and to follow him.
# # #
Maybe Arthur would have noticed Morgana's absence or the awkward behaviour of the knights and guards around him but his mind was otherwise occupied.
He had woken up late, hair askew and sweet memories of last night still lingering at the back of his head. He went through the day with a dopey grin on his face, anticipating his next meeting with Merlin. He should have thought a bit further ahead, but clearly the thought of Merlin's skin and lips and... Well, no matter what he thought about it eventually led to one thing: Merlin, preferably naked.
So when the sun set and the creature came to pick him up, he didn't notice his pursuers.
# # #
Valiant was staring at the door, waiting for the last of Uther's men to climb up the last flight of stairs. He was bursting with anticipation. Finally, when all of the men had gathered in front of the door, he signaled them to be alert and kicked the door in. The moment his foot touched the wood he felt like a hero. Not the self-sacrificing loser kind of hero, no; he would get the glory and the girls and maybe even a statue. He was a real hero. Valiant knew their only advantage against a warlock would be the surprise effect so he had to be quick and catch Merlin off guard. As soon as he could enter the room, he spotted the boys and moved towards them. They were topless, Arthur straddling Merlin, both of them panting, from the state of their swollen lips he could easily imagine what they'd been up to. While the two lovers were still stunned, staring at the soldiers with wild eyes, Valiant grabbed Arthur and held a dagger to his throat. He grinned wickedly at Merlin; only now did he recognize him for the boy he had left to die.
“You... well, the prince likes pretty things, I'll give him that.”, Valiant chuckled.
“Please. Release him. He's the king's son, you can't kill him.”, said Merlin calmly.
“Oh yes I can. Actually, the king has given me permission. He doesn't want a son who's infatuated with a sorcerer. He believes that the spell you have cast upon him can only be broken by death. So either Arthur dies or you. It's your decision, really.”
Valiant watched as Merlin's calm expression turned into shock once again.
“You know what to do, Merlin.” Valiant coaxed. “Surrender and Arthur will live.”
“Merlin. Don't.”, Arthur gritted out.
Valiant waited for Merlin's answer, who seemed to be thinking, considering his options. When he caught sight of Merlin's eyes, he nodded to the soldiers. He knew resignation when he saw it.
“OK. I won't fight back. Just don't hurt him.”, Merlin whispered.
“No! You have to flee!”, Arthur shouted as Valiant pulled him away from Merlin, still restraining him.
“We didn't think this through, Arthur. I can't stay here, you can't leave. We never had a future. Maybe it had to end this way. You should know though, I don't regret having met you.”
How sweet, Valiant thought, as he watched Merlin being taken away. Too bad the boy would lose his pretty head. His grip on Arthur had loosened and he didn't see how Arthur snatched the tinder box away from the window sill.
# # #
This time, Uther wouldn't give the sorcerer any time to escape, the execution would take place immediately after his capture. He wouldn't underestimate him. Arthur wouldn't be released until the head of the sorcerer would be rolling on the ground. Everyone had gathered around the scaffold on the main square, waiting for the condemned magician to arrive. Everyone would see how strong and powerful the king was. This would be his greatest victory over magic to date.
# # #
Merlin was led to the executioner's block. He was told to get on his knees. Before complying, he looked around, hoping to see Arthur for the last time. The prince was standing next to his father, Valiant's dagger still dangerously close to his throat. Merlin tried to catch his eye but the blond was fiddling with something. Typically Arthur, he couldn't stop being a prat even during Merlin's execution. Slowly, the warlock got on his knees.
# # #
Arthur had minutes, maybe seconds left. It was now or never. He was holding the tinder box behind his back. He was praying that he didn't have to be a warlock to make it work. He tried to strike light once, then twice and once again for good measure. Nothing happened at first. He cursed and Valiant gave him a suspicious look. Then suddenly a huge shadow appeared from nowhere. Valiant looked up, screamed and stumbled away from Arthur. When Arthur followed Valiant's frantic gaze, he saw a dragon as big as a tower hovering over the square.
“Your wish is my command, Prince Arthur.”, announced the dragon with a roaring voice.
“Anything?”, Arthur shouted back.
“Whatever you wish!”
“Help me! I want to be happy and still serve my people. I want to rule Camelot with Merlin at my side. I want to be with him... forever.”
“As you wish!”, shouted the dragon and flew towards Valiant.
The beast tossed Valiant high into the air, so high that in falling again he was broken in pieces. Then he turned to the king.
“How dare you...”, began Uther, but before he could finish his protest, the dragon had seized and swallowed him in one piece. Triumphantly, the dragon released an enormous flame into the sky. The noblemen, soldiers and commoners were all desperately frightened, about to panic and run for their lives when the dragon commanded them to listen.
“The king is dead!”, he proclaimed. “Long live the king!”
And with that he disappeared to where he had come from. Everyone turned to Arthur and bowed. Everyone except Merlin, who had gotten up and turned to Arthur.
“Release him!”, Arthur shouted to the soldier who was still holding Merlin's hands behind his back.
“Yes, your majesty.”
At the use of the title, Arthur stilled and blankly stared at the spot where - only a minute ago - his father had been. Tyrant or not, he had been his father. Arthur could not find any feeling of victory inside him, only a numbness that all his previous anger and fierce emotion seemed to have dissolved into.
A hand lightly touched his shoulder and Arthur turned, his gaze focusing again when it found Merlin's, who had gotten up and moved to stand next to him. As he looked into the warlock's blue eyes, which held not triumph but compassion, Arthur knew that eventually, things would be all right.
* The End *
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