Merlin Alternate Ending

Chapter 8: Arthur

"Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again."

~Saint Augustine

Arthur's POV

"Merlin. Merlin!" He hangs limply from Kilgharrah's talons, too far away for me to reach him. His face is even paler than usual, and I can tell he's lost a lot of blood. Saving me. he was protecting me, just like he's always done, though I never noticed. If he dies...

No. That is not an option. All of my previous anger at him melts away and I know that I have been wrong to reject him.

"Kilgharrah!" I shout over the wind screaming in my ears. "Merlin's injured. We need to set down so I can stop the bleeding."

"We're almost to Avalon. We've lost enough time already. We have to get there. If Merlin has any chance of healing you--"

"I don't care!" i burst out. "I don't care. Just help Merlin."

"Kilgharrah sighs. "We'll be there soon. For now, you need to calm down. All this stress and movement is only making your wound worse, and Merlin still has to heal you. Help Merlin by helping yourself."

I know he is right. My whole body aches and my chest burns with a hot, fiery pain. I feel weak and shaky and I can't breathe deeply enough. I force my muscles to relax and rest against the gentle pressure of Kilgharrah's talons wrapped protectively around me. I close my eyes. The pain threatens to engulf me, but I fight it back, for Merlin.

Next to me, Merlin coughs. "Arthur?" he calls weakly.

"Here." I calls back. I look up; Merlin's dark blue eyes are locked on my face, full of concern. I force a weak smile, and he smiles back.

We both relax.