Albion: The Beginning of the End (A Merlin fanfic) - Book 2

The Thorn in His Side

The warlock and the shapeshifter continued to battle.

Thankfully, due to his magic, Merlin's reflexes were almost on par with Murrin's speed. He was able to dodge the swipes and launches of the beastly mongrel for the most part. 

Murrin took his time, almost toying with the warlock as he dodged the spells aimed at him. But then he grew tired and wanted to end this fight.

The shapeshifter's angry growl echoed in the throne room as he took a massive swipe at the warlock. His claws caught in Merlin's shirt ripping through the fabric and piercing his arm. Merlin fell crying out in pain at the unexpected attack.

The wolf landed and turned around to face the warlock, his claws clicking menacingly on the floor as he approached.

A deep chuckle came from the creature, a look of contempt crossing his eyes. "Well, you can most certainly put up a fight. No wonder she likes you."

Merlin pulled himself up to a sitting position quickly examining his arm before replying, "Who?" he asked.

Murrin chuckled mirthlessly, "That servant girl, of course. She was nice really." He watched the warlock's face contort with anger.

"It's too bad she and her uncle will never be able to truly be a family. Oh, and you know what's even better? You won't even be part of that family because they'll both be dead!" the creature mocked, releasing a dark laugh.

Merlin stood up, the anger coursing through his veins like wildfire devouring a field. "You will not touch Gaius," he said, the power in his voice growing with each word.

For a second the creature looked scared cowering from the power of the warlock. Within that small moment Merlin used his magic to thrust him against the wall.

The room shook at the impact the wolf made with the wall. He made a crack in the wall dislodging some stone from the wall. The creature transformed back into the form of a man.

Lord Murrin gasped in pain. He clutched his chest and slowly rose up.

Merlin stalked towards the man his grip on the sword was tight.

"Where is she?!"

The lord coughed twice and answered, "She is safe, in the dungeons just as she has always been. Although the matter of safety is dependant on perspective." A sly smirk made its way across his lips as he stood to face the warlock.

There was a murderous gleam in Merlin's eyes as he locked gazes with the shapeshifter. In all his years, Merlin didn't care if his life was being threatened but as soon as someone threatened his friends or family, there would be no mercy.

Merlin saw red and the next thing he knew he was holding Murrin by his throat pinning him against the wall. "You will die," said the warlock.

At that moment a blast came from the side knocking Merlin off his feet making him bash up against the wall. With his vision blurred from the collision he could make out a blurry shape.

It stood in front of him, arrogance and power radiating from it. Merlin's vision finally righted itself and he could finally see who had been causing him so much trouble for all these months.

Merlin locked angry gazes with Morgana.

It was the person who had caused him so much trouble for years.

He stood up and dusted himself while Morgana watched him haughtily.

"You don't seem very surprised to see me, Emrys," Morgana quipped.