When albion needs it most

Chapter 14

Chapter Text

Only You Can Save Me by Darin

Arthur grabbed Merlin by the arm, holding his lanky body up as they carried themselves out of the flat. The wizard complained without end but the King would not have any of it. He ignored the brunet's pleas as he forced them to continue their way towards the lake. He did not care what the man thought; the blonde knew that he was worth saving. To Arthur, he was worth everything, more than everything, more than worth the pain and complications of going through all of the troubles, and he would not accept anything less than that. So he ignored the discouraging words that were being repeated onto his ear, refusing to give them any attention.

The night was slowly dying as a few rays of light colored the sky pink. It was too late to be out and too early for anyone to be awake. They were alone with nothing more than them, their beating hearts echoing in their ear and the dead silence coming from the stale lake shore.

He placed Merlin on the ground, sitting the sick man on the rock that he had laid on the first night the King had returned. The lake stayed motionless under Arthur's stare.

"Freya," he screamed to the emptiness, hoping for something to happen, wanting anything. But the nature replied with silence.

"It's useless Arthur," the exhausted voice exhaled in his direction. Merlin was leaning onto the adjacent threes as his own body weight was too much for him to handle.

The King looked around, searching for a solution. An old row boat was badly hidden behind a few bushes, giving Arthur an idea. If the lady of the lake would not come to them, they would go to her, hunting her down in the middle of the waters.

"Common," he ordered as he pulled the gangly man from the ground. "We're not giving up just yet." He placed his friend in the boat before entering in the vessel himself. "What are you doing," Merlin whispered exhaustingly.

"Getting what you need," he answered with the straightest face.

"It won't-"

"Don't be an idiot Merlin; you know I never listen to what you say so save your breath," he angrily replied. He had had enough of the sorcerer's pessimism.

He rowed towards the monument in the middle of the lake, advancing with determination into the morning twilight. "Freya," he shouted into the empty sky. "I'm not going anywhere. It would be easier on us all if you show yourself now," he explained.

"Arthur Pendragon calling me out," a female voice came out of the empty space. "I dared not think of the night in which you would come to me. You surprise me."

"I am not a man to give up easily."

"You should though," she warned. "It would save you time. Your friend is right, coming to me was useless"

"How can you say that when you do not even know why I am here. Please show yourself, let me see you. It would make communication easier."

A wave of mist flew onto the lake as a slim figure approached their boat. Arthur squeezed his eyes as a lady in elegance revealed herself in front of him, dressed in a simple red dress. She flipped her hair as is stuck onto her skin with wetness.

"Thank you," the King politely addressed her.

"Arthur Pendragon, entertain me with your plea. It will not fail to amuse me to see you defend that man."

"Merlin is not simply 'that man'. Sure, he is a complete idiot and quite a useless buffoon. But he is loyal beyond compare, caring and kind. And now he is paying for a mistake he has suffered more than enough for."