How long can we keep this up? Merthur

Chapter Eleven

*Arthur's POV*

I sigh in frustration as I sit on my horse in the forest. I've searched everywhere; where could he be?
I look around, growing more worried by the minute. Maybe he's in Camelot and I'm just over reacting. I'm probably out here for no reason, I'm sure Merlin is fine.
No... I have a feeling. Like something is wrong. I must keep looking.
"Merlin?" I call out for what feels like the millionth time today. "Merlin?"
I shake my head at no response, telling my horse to walk forward. I hear a muffled scream and immediately stop my horse, being as quiet as possible. I hear it again and start to ride toward the sound, heart pounding.
That can't be Merlin. Why would he be screaming? He's fine, he's okay, he's not hurt... I think franticly, trying to calm myself down.
I soon arrive at a small, run down hut hidden deep in the woods. I slowly and quietly get off my horse, retrieving my sword as I do so.
I cautiously walk up to the door, taking a deep breath before peeking in through a small hole in one
of the wooden walls.
My eyes widen at the sight of Merlin passed out, bloodied and tied to a post. I grit my teeth, gripping the sword handle harder in anger. I glance around the inside of the hut for a sign of the person who hurt him. I see a glimpse of a large, tattooed man who sits at a table, reciting magic on a bloody knife.
Anger bubbles up inside of me after looking at Merlin, injured and weak. Who would want to hurt him? The man looks like a Druid, and obviously he has magic. I'll have to wait for him to leave to retrieve Merlin. Besides, the Camelot armor would probably be a dead give away.
I sneak over to the side of the hut where I can still peak in but stay unnoticed if anyone walks out. I resist the urge to barge right in; I can't stand seeing Merlin like that, but I also can't risk him getting more hurt by walking in.
I grow impatient fast, not taking my eyes off my lover or the man. My eyebrows raise slightly as I watch Merlin's eyes open slowly. He stays quiet, but looks deeply in pain. I notice he tries to get his hands out of the ropes that are tying them to the pole, revealing nasty rope burns on his wrists.
When will the Druid leave? I have to help Merlin, he's suffering! My face hardens as I make my choice; I walk up to the door, exhaling deeply before swinging the door open.

*Merlin's POV*

I lean my head against the wooden pole, closing my eyes in pain. If I let him know I'm awake, he'll just hurt me more. I have to stay quiet, no matter how much pain there is.
Suddenly, the door swings open to reveal Arthur, looking angrier than I've ever seen him.
I let out a sigh of relief, briefly forgetting the pain. "Let him go," Arthur orders sternly, teeth grit.
The Druid stands up from his table, smiling wickedly. "And who are you?"
I pray that he won't tell the man who he really is. Arthur glances over at me and I shake my head. "I am a knight of Camelot,"
"A knight?" the man laughs. "A knight will not help your friend now. He is far past saving."
He chants a small spell under his breath and my wounds are suddenly ten times worse, burning like someone poured alcohol all over them. I yell in pain, squeezing my eyes shut and clenching my fists.
"I said, let him go," Arthur says loudly, pulling out his sword as soon as I'm hurt more.
The Druid laughs, pushing his hands toward the king, throwing him against the wall with brute force.
"Stop!" I yell, despite my pain.
Arthur attempts to get up but slips, holding his ankle, his face twisted in pain.
"Oh, you care about him do you?" the man taunts. "All the more reason to kill him."
I notice Arthur giving me a look, hinting at me to keep distracting him. "Are you sure you want to kill him?" I ask, not sure of what my lover is going to do.
The Druid raises his eyebrows. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Because..." he slowly and quietly gets up, creeping up behind my torturer. "Because he's much smarter than you,"
The tattooed man gives me a confused look before Arthur whacks him over the head with the handle of his sword, causing the man to collapse on the ground unconscious.
He makes sure he's out cold before rushing over to me. I smile weakly as he unties the rope.
"Are you alright?" he asks worriedly.
"You have to get herbs," I say, my hands and arms shaking after he frees them.
"What herbs?" Arthur asks, helping me up carefully.
"He said there are only certain herbs that can cure me-" I start before groaning in pain as fresh blood soaks through my shirt.
"Where are they?"
"I... I don't..." I say, lightheaded.
"No, Merlin, stay with me," the king instructs as he searches the hut for any sign of herbs.
I find it hard to breathe, holding on to a wall for support.
"I don't see any herbs," Arthur says, frustrated.
I begin to say something, but fall to the floor, everything going hazy.
"Merlin, stay awake," he orders franticly, picking me up in his arms. "Don't you dare die on me,"
I smile as I look up at him weakly. "I love you,"
"No," Arthur kisses me repeatedly all over my face as my eyes close. "No, Merlin, please,"
I feel him fall to the ground, gasping in pain as his ankle gives a loud crack. I feel his body go limp as he holds me close. "You'll be fine," he whispers, rocking me slowly. "We'll both be okay. We'll live together in Camelot, we'll be happy with not a worry in the world. It'll all be fine," I don't have to open my eyes to know he's crying. "I love you so much, Merlin, please."
I slowly black out, Arthur's pleads echoing in my ears.