Merlin's Son: A Tale old as Time • Merthur

5 - A Change in Fate

       A few weeks had gone by and here Merlin was, running for his life with Arthur in front. They were being chased by bandits, a whole lot of them and they seemed to be very determined to kill the pair of them. "This way!" He heard Arthur shout and Merlin followed without question. They still hadn't talked about the day Arthur found Leo, but he knew Arthur would bring it up sooner or later. But it wouldn't do to think about that now.

They hid from view and Arthur grinned as it went silent. "See, told you we'd outrun them!" He said cheerfully. Merlin rolled his eyes, looking around with concern. "Are you sure?" He questioned and Arthur gave him a look.

"Trust me," Arthur said with a warm smile and Merlin looked at Arthur for a moment, both unable to look away. Merlin's heart was beating fast but before he could reply they heard the bandits, charging from behind. Merlin looked at Arthur which said 'i told you so' written all over.  They started to run again, Arthur seemed to have a plan after a few minutes of running.

"Come on, this way." He shouted and Merlin didn't feel the need to reply as he followed Arthur. He thought of Leo in these moments. What if I get hurt and Leo and Gaius wouldn't know? What if I don't get a chance to come home? All of a sudden he felt powerful magic. He had to stop running for a moment.

"Arthur!" He shouted and Arthur turned around to find Merlin looking around, not wanting to step forward. "Come on, now!" Arthur replied and Merlin had no choice. He chose to run with caution, looking at the two statues, kings. "What is this place?" Merlin asked as they walked through the narrow path.

"The Valley of the Fallen Kings," Arthur responded as they walked, thinking they had got rid of the bandits. Merlin was out of breath so didn't reply straight away.

"It's cursed?" Merlin questioned and Arthur grinned. "Only if you're superstitious. Trust me, the bandits won't go through here..." Arthur said, not knowing that just a few minutes down the path the bandits were doing just that. Merlin didn't believe him, not one bit.

"If you say trust me one more time..." Merlin trailed off. The pair of them froze when they heard an increase in footsteps and Merlin swore inwardly. "Run!" Arthur said, grabbing Merlin's hand as they tried to get away from the bandits. Did Arthur realise he was holding my hand right now? Merlin thought as they ran.

Merlin felt time slow down as he witnessed an arrow strike Arthur in the back. Merlin put Arthur's arm around him, trying to walk with Arthur to the nearest hiding spot. "Merls..." Arthur spoke before collapsing into their hiding spot. Merlin made sure the bandits had all passed before attending to Arthur. Arthur looked pale, very pale. Merlin slapped Arthur lightly on the cheek, trying to wake him up but no such luck.

"Arthur you clotpole. Wake up. Please, I can't loose you just yet... There's so much I need to tell you..." He spoke, trying not to cry.

An hour went by as he made a package, hoping he would use it to make Arthur better. He had gotten worse, a lot worse. His breathing had slowed right down and for once, Merlin feared for the worse. He had tried healing Arthur with magic but it wasn't working. He didn't know why.

Merlin went to a pond not far from them. It was tiny, put perfect to wash his hands from Arthur's blood. He couldn't hold it together anymore. Merlin burst into tears, collapsing. He didn't know what to do.  He felt completely and utterly useless.

He never noticed an old man walk towards him. Merlin jumped when he spoke. "Young man, what upsets you so?" Merlin looked up, trying to stop his tears for a moment.

"My fr- friend... He is dying," It stung to call him a friend, yet he didn't know why. Why was he feeling like this? What did it mean?

"Then you may stop your tears, for his time to die is not yet apon us," the man spoke wisely. Merlin frowned, water still in his eyes. "Come, take me to him." Merlin nodded, not feeling like speaking just yet. He walked with pace over to Arthur, who looked worse, if that were possible.