The Man: A Merthur Fanfic

Chapter 8

HOLY CRAP! GUYS, GUESS WHAT!? I HIT 1K!!! YAAAASSSS!!! You guys are the best, and couldn't make me happier! I'm not sure how anyone found this book interesting, but I guess you peeps like what I write, so I'm just gonna do what I've been doing! I know where the story is going, but I fear that its all going to end too fast!!! Maybe I should do another Merthur book..? A sequel? Prequel? PLEASE. LEAVE. SUGGESTIONS!!! LOVE YOU GUYS! -Maiya

The sun bore down on Merlin's back as he tore at the clearing he had so thoroughly secured, and he finally made it out, creeping towards the castle, staying low and in the shadows. His thoughts flickered to Arthur, and the sickening crack as the griffin pinned him down echoed in Merlin's head.

He crouched in the blackened, burnt feild, staring longingly at Arthur's chamber on the right side of the castle. He had to see him. Merlin stared at his hands, wondering what magic could get him into the castle unnoticed. Perhaps a disguise? Or knock out the guards?

It suddenly dawned on him what he was trying to do. His thoughts. All of this wouldn't had happened if he had just stayed out of Connor Bowen's way, if he had, he wouldn't have been bedridden, and Arthur would have never had the chance to kiss him. Tears streamed down Merlin's face, and he fell to his knees.

No, he would not knock out the guards, or break into the castle. He would not go see Arthur, or beg Uther for forgiveness. He would go see him. He would go see the dragon.

Years ago, when Merlin had first become a manservant, he had wandered into the dungeons of the castle, where he discovered a massive red dragon, the only one left as far as he knew, chained to the walls. Uther had imprisoned it, as any form of magic was forbidden. This dragon, called the Great Dragon was wise you see, and he knew Merlin was the key to his freedom. But Merlin would have to do something first.

He would have to help Arthur on his journey to becoming king. Then, and only then, would the dragon be free. Arthur. Arthur was the key, and Merlin felt as if the key had been swallowed by a gaping black hole, as if it was gone. He had failed to help Arthur. He had ruined his life.

These thoughts ran through Merlin's head as he pulled several stones from the side of the castle, a secret passage way that led into the sewer, and climbed through, quickly replacing the bricks and shining the light in his hand at the damp tunnel ahead. He walked and walked, until the familiar sounds of rattling chains echoed in the stone tunnel, and

Merlin reached the barred window separating him from the dungeon. Mumbling a few words, wisps of orange light soared from his hand and curled around the bars, which melted quickly. Merlin shimmied through the tight window, falling onto the stone floors on the other side. The dungeon.

He hurried down a flight of stairs, the chains getting louder, and finally burst through a wooden door, revealing a gigantic cave, dark, and wet, with rough, rocky ceilings, and smooth rock walls in which the Great Dragon's chains were imbedded. Merlin watched as the massive red creature seized tugging at its restraints and flew down to the ledge in which Merlin stood, gripping a burning torch.