Love Conquers All

Chapter Four

I'm frightened by what I see
But somehow I know
That there's much more to come
Immobilised by my fear
And soon to be
Blinded by tears

-Whisper, Evanescence

—————

*Merlin's POV*

Flames flickered over the field, the stench of death overpowering every other sense.

Merlin trudged through the mud and blood, gagging as he almost tripped over a limp arm.

He  couldn't remember what had happened, where he had to go. So he just kept making his way through the bloodshed.

"Help me, please, someone, anyone."

The weak voice came from a very small-statued man whose face was obscured by a heavy helmet.

Merlin rushed to his side and pulled the helmet off, gasping in shock at the face below him.

He was only a boy. He couldn't be any more then twelve years, and he was unmistakably Mordred.

"Mordred?" Merlin whispered, cradling the boys head gently as he gasped for breath.

"Funny, isn't it? Children are so innocent, so vulnerable. So weak."

Merlin looked up, tears pouring down his face as he held the dying boy in his arms.

Adult Mordred gazed down at the child-Mordred without pity.

"This is your fault Emrys, or I suppose I should call you Merlin. Emrys is the selfless god I believed in, the reason I tried to be loyal to Arthur. You Merlin... you're a coward who only cares about yourself. I was a child, you betrayed me. Morgana is the only one who understands me, who cares about me. You destroyed me Merlin, and now I am going to destroy everything.

"Please...Don't," the child gasped and Merlin looked down, horrified to find a dagger in his hand, a dagger which was buried in the boys chest.

The boy let out one final shuddering breath, then was still.

"No," Merlin whimpered. "I didn't.."

"You killed him Merlin," adult Mordred taunted, his face blank and his eyes void of emotion.

"Now it's my turn to take everything from you."

Arthur appeared behind Mordred and Merlin screamed a warning, but it was too late.

Mordred turned around and thrust his sword straight through Arthur's heart.

Merlin's king and best friend fell, shock and betrayal covering his face.

"Why did you let this happen Merlin?" The dead king asked, his mouth not moving.

"No, ARTHUR! Please, no this can't,"

"Merlin you know this is your fault," Mordred laughed, a spark of madness filling his previously empty eyes.

"Merlin, Merlin!"

"I'm so sorry, Arthur. Mordred, I'm sorry I failed you."

"MERLIN!"

Merlin jerked awake, his body covered in cold sweat.

"Get up sleepy head or you'll be late for work... Merlin are you alright?" Gaius asked in concern when he saw Merlin's face.

"Yeah.." Merlin shruddered. "Just a nightmare."