Merlin's magic (Oneshots) 1

Agravaine's mistake

A.N.:// Summary: 
 Agravaine sided with Morgause. A shield maiden who wanted nothing more than Camelot to fall. He sided with the Vikings in heart and mind.

Now he is faced to be judged by Arthur Pendragon, his nephew.
Arthur sentences him to death, but allows him to choose his executioner.
That's when Agravaine makes a major miscalculation.

WARNING: mentions of blood and organs and torture, obviously

Also, Merlin is Viking himself. But technically doesn't have to be to do whatever he'd going to do.
(Art: by me lmao)



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It was by far not the first situation that Merlin's behavior, his opinions and sometimes practices differed from Camelot's standard.
But how far the differences reached was made public when Agravaine betrayed Arthur.

The man, a man Arthur had trusted, that Arthur had depended on, was now standing before the court. Morgause had left him on the battlefield, where Agravaine had just shown which side he was on.
Morgause was a shield maiden.
A warrior beyond what Arthur knew of his own knights.
She was reckless, lacked empathy. She didn't care about blood and murder and she didn't care for the causes of it.
Agravaine adored her. And he stood with her in a fierce battle that Arthur barely managed to win for his people.

Now his uncle stood before the court to be judged. He had killed too many of Camelot citizens in the battle not to be.
"You have betrayed me. You have betrayed Camelot. The only sentence I can pass is death.", Arthur said. His voice sounding stronger and more apathetic than he felt.
The chain mail and his royal cape Arthur wore, gave the impression of a fierce leader. One who would make any sacrifice without blinking. Without remorse.
But Arthur couldn't do this. His heart was broken at the sight of all the rage and hate in Agravaine's eyes. He wanted to cry or to fight someone. He didn't want this to be real. But it was. And there was nothing he could do about it.

What had Arthur done to cause such betrayal? So much disloyalty.
"However. You have given me good advice in the past. I shall not forget about that. You may choose the executioner."
Agravaine grinned. "Your mercy isn't worth anything, Arthur Pendragon!
I may die, but I will die with honor. I will get to Valhalla and feast with the gods of the northmen.
I am one of them."

Arthur took a deep breath. The man had converted to the enemy. Not just as an alliance. Mentally as well. He saw no fault in what had happened. In what he did.

"Choose.", Arthur said and tried to ignore the glances of the witnesses on him and his uncle.

Agravaine just smiled as he looked around. Probably hoping to find someone who would make the execution fast and swift.
And then his eyes fell on Merlin. Arthur's eyes widened. No. Agravaine wanted to inflict pain even on his deathbed. Arthur was about to call out and take back his sentence, when Agravaine smiled and said the servant's name. "The boy. Merlin."

Merlin perked up, his expression unchanged as he locked eyes with Agravaine.
Again, Arthur was to pipe in, but Merlin stepped forwards as he was called. Just like a servant should. Just that Merlin had never really behaved like a proper servant.
The weak sound of his leather boots clacking against the stone floor echoed in the silent room, where the knights exchanged panicked looks.
They all believed, no knew, that Merlin had never killed before. This was gruesome. This was...

"I feel honored.", Merlin said and all heads turned to him in surprise. "But I will make you regret your choice."

"Merlin, you don't have to -", Arthur tried, but Merlin's expression was firm.
"Oh no, Arthur. I'll do it.", the wild look in his eyes intensified.
And for the first time this evening, Agravaine looked unsure about his decision.