Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 10 - Fire

Merlin's POV

The screams become gradually louder and louder the closer we get to the camp. Streams of druids come flooding from the direction of the camp, dashing in the opposite direction. We turn to look at each other in confusion and worry. What's happening? I try to grab one of the druids aside to ask them what is going on but they simply wriggle out of my grasp and run.

We continue to trudge on through the forest. Soon, the distinct scent of smoke starts to fill my nostril. Black billowing clouds rise from the trees, obscuring much of the sky above. We run quicker towards the camp. Now with more determination then ever.

We arrive to find the entire camp up in flames. Fire curls across the ground, lapping onto the tents and piles of laundry that were left forgotten. The trees that used to hide the camp from view are now charred beyond belief. A few have tumbled over, crushing druids or small huts. I stare in horror at the mess. How did this happen? Who's responsible for such an act of terror?

Before I can inspect the area more, I feel a hand close around my wrist and someone forcibly drag me away from the camp. I almost trip from the sudden jerk but I'm able to regain my balance at the last second.

"Merlin!" I hear Arthur shout from behind me. I turn around and see him slowly fade away in the distance. A group of men looming up behind him.

I face my head forwards to get a better look at the person who had dragged me. I'm surprised to see Aglain's back in front of me. His clothes are covered in soot and ash. A corner of his cloak is singed off. I quickly skitter to a halt, pulling back to force Aglain to stop as well. He turns to face me, panting and heaving either from the run or smoke that has entered his lungs. "We need to keep going," he says and tries to pull me again but I stop him.

"What's happening? Why did you leave Arthur behind?!" I ask angrily.

Aglain thinks for a moment, as if contemplating something. "He can get out himself. I'll explain later, right now we need to get you out of here."

"Not without Arthur!"

Aglain turns to me. "Arthur will be fine. Trust me. Nothing will happen to him. You on the other hand need to get away. Now."

I'm about to retort when Aglain picks me up and throws me over his shoulder. "Hey! Put me down!" I shout, kicking my legs out and flailing my arms.

"If you're not going to come quietly then this is what you get."

Aglain carries me through the forest. He seems unfazed by my constant shouts of protest and thrashing limbs. We soon reach another section of the forest. One that I recognized to be fairly close to the town. Many of the druids are gathered here. Families huddle together in fear, blankets wrapped around their shoulders as a few of the elders hand out water. Most are covered in soot from the fire. A few have clear burns on their skin and a few are in tears from loved ones they've lost.

Aglain finally sets me down. The second my feet touch the ground I start to bolt back towards the camp. My mind filling with worry about Arthur. Yes, I don't exactly forgive him but that doesn't mean I would leave him to die!

Unfortunately, Aglain seems to have expected this. He reaches out an arm and pulls me back. I land on my butt on the ground. The leaves crunching under when I hit. Aglain moves to stand in front of me, like a looming iron wall. I finally stop my futile attempts to run and remain quietly on the ground.

Aglain lets out a breath of exasperation. "I wouldn't have to be so rough if you simply listened," he states, crossing his arms over his chest.

I glare up at him. "You left Arthur behind," I scowl.