Chapter Nine

The War and The King 

Merlin was not permitted to accompany Arthur and his high knights back to the battle grounds, regardless of his many requests. He wasn’t sure why he was so disappointed. He shouldn’t have expected as much after he and Arthur’s conversation. 

He tried to busy himself in the library, reading books he had already finished. He walked the grounds of the castle over and over again, trying to calm his restlessness. 

It was while he thought he was alone in the dusty stacks of the library that he met Joan. She startled both of them as she rounded the corner sharply in the library. 

“Oh!” She clutched at her chest before a smile appeared on her lips. “Merlin.” 

“My lady, apologies.” Merlin said quickly, although he had been the one who was being intruded upon. 

She smiled again. “Joan. I don’t require such formalities.” 

“Joan then. Did you want to get back here, I was just finishing up.” Merlin offered. 

“Oh, don’t fuss yourself over me.” Joan said. She leaned against the large wooden shelves and peered up at Merlin through dark eyelashes. “Are you worried for him?” 

Merlin nodded. “I am. I wish he had allowed me admittance to his battle front. But he’s not ready for such measures to be taken I believe.” 

“Such measures? Arthur is the best knight there is, his sword is blessed by the gods.” 

Merlin shook his head. “That’s actually not correct. Excalibur was not touched by the gods. It was forged by the Last Dragon. Taken from his scales and blessed by his fire.” 

Joan stared at him. “The Last Dragon. But Excalibur was only imprisoned for a thousand years. How could a dragon have forged Excalibur if they’ve all died out.” 

“There are many mysteries of the world.” Merlin said. “Excalibur was made with the knowledge of who Arthur was. The Last Dragon prophesied Arthur, and forged his sword. He prophesied me as well. We would not have come to be born were we not first prophesied.” Merlin leaned against the large tomes. “Perhaps that is not something Arthur is willing to see yet.” 

“Well, he is incredibly stubborn.” Joan said. “But you seem to break down some of his defenses in a way no one else can.” 

Merlin chuckled, twisting Trinity in his hands. “It does not feel that way anymore.”

“Well, we can all see it. You’re changing him, Merlin. He’s a different person around you.” Joan said. “I’ve tried for years to get even half of the reactions he gives you.” 

“Well, I have an unfair advantage. We’re made to ignite each other.” Merlin said. 

Joan giggled. “You really believe all of that prophecy shite?” She asked.

Merlin met her eyes and nodded. “I’ve been given the gift of knowledge from the one who prophesied me.” 

Joans eyebrow scrunched in confusion but Merlin continued on. “Further more, had you seen Arthur lift Excalibur for the first time, you would believe it. Never in my life had I looked upon such majesty, until I looked upon the ancient one.” 

“You’re not making sense. Are you really telling me you’ve seen a dragon?” Joan asked. 

Merlin just smiled and stepped away. “Thank you for your company Joan. It has been seldom someone will allow me to speak so freely.” 

“Can I ask,” Joan said quickly. “Why do you tear his defenses down so easily?”

“It doesn’t feel easy. When we were children, he was so different. He was soft and untouched by the world yet. Then he had no defenses, not with me at least. Perhaps it’s the memory of our friendship, perhaps its the promise we made to one another. Perhaps he feels the pull as I do. I cannot say.”  he turned quickly then and left the libraries towers of books, three tomes clutched in his arm. 

Sharp pain traveled quickly up Merlin’s body as soon as he reached his chamber causing him to drop the tomes and fall to his knees. He gasped for air as he grasped at his chest. The pain was like ice in his veins. 

“Arthur,” he breathed. He closed his eyes and focused in on Arthur. He was hurt, everything beyond was hazy. Arthur’s pain was fierce and agonizing. Merlin climbed to his feet and raced towards the war room. 

He flung open the door. And three knights stood quickly. “You are not permitted in here!” One yelled. 

“Arthur is in terrible danger. One of you must take me to him now.” Merlin demanded. 

“You are not one to give us orders, mage. Arthur has made it clear he does not want you here.” 

Merlin stepped forward, brandishing trinity at the ready in his hands. “Take me to Arthur. He requires aide.” 

“We will not defy our King’s orders.” 

“Your King will die before days end if I cannot go to him.” Merlin said firmly. 

“You cannot know such a thing.” The youngest of the knights said quickly. “Besides, they’re a three days ride out.” 

“Not with me.” Merlin stepped closer. “Do not keep me from my destiny.” 

The young knight stared at Merlin, fear rising inside of him. 

“Take me to him.” Merlin commanded, his golden eyes boring into the boy until he had no choice but to obey. 

They were fitted with two horses immediately. “Fly faster than the dragon.” He whispered to the horses in the ancient tongue. “Take me to my King.” 

“What was that? That did not sound like a known tongue.” the knight climbed onto his horse. 

“It wasn’t.” Was Merlin’s only response as the horses began racing faster and faster. “Hang on tight, young knight. Your horse will not stop if you fall off.” 

“Fuck!” The knight was gripping the horse and leaned forward. 

They moved with incredible haste until evening began to creep upon them. “Just beyond this wood!” The knight called. 

Merlin raised Trinity to the sky as they departed the wood. The camp was shrouded in protection. No one would disturb him. The horses did not slow until they were in the middle of the small camp. Merlin leapt off the horse and ripped open the tent. 

“Get out of my way!” He yelled at the crowd of knights. They all moved quickly from their dying King. 

Arthur’s body was cold, his skin an inhuman shade of blue. “Describe the demon that did this! Quickly!” He commanded. 

“It was like nothing we’d ever seen. It was the size of a tree, built of ice. No weapon would pierce it’s flesh. Excalibur did, but the beast touched Arthur. The touch alone had killed many within an instant.” 

Merlin looked down at Arthur. “Everyone get out. Now! Fentry get them out!” 

Fentry obeyed without hesitation and they were alone. Merlin leaned forward, pressing Trinity against Arthur’s body, shoving his own forehead against Arthur’s ice cold brow. 

“Sanantor,” Merlin whispered. Nothing happened. Merlin pushed back the panic tangling in his stomach. Arthur was frozen by an ice demon. Merlin scanned his mind before pressing his hands against Arthur’s chest. “Interiorem ignum.” He said as warmth shot from his hands, infiltrating Arthur’s body. 

Merlin took a slow breath in as Arthur’s body began to thaw. His skin began to slowly regain its color. And finally he took a breath. Merlin fell to his knees, relief flooding his body and falling from his eyes. He was alive. 

Merlin kept the others out, shielding them away with his magic until Arthur finally woke. He blinked a few times before catching Merlin’s form. His eyes opened, the haze of trauma still clouding them.

“Am I back at the castle?” Arthur asked groggily. 

“No, I came to you. You were attacked by an ice beast from hell.” Merlin said evenly. 

Arthur sat up slowly before falling back down, Merlin caught him and helped him to sitting. “You were not permitted to come here.” 

“You would be dead if I hadn’t. You were almost dead when I arrived. Arthur… I could feel you get hurt. I could feel it through my own veins.” 

“I was only attacked hours ago…” Arthur whispered. “How could you have gotten here so fast?” 

“I gifted the horses with the flight of the dragon.” Merlin said. “Then I set a fire inside of you and thawed the damage done.” 

Arthur eyed him up and down. “How?” Arthur whispered. 

“I’m a sorcerer,” Merlin said as if it was obvious. 

“No… no. How did you know I was hurt?” Arthur said quickly. 

Merlin kneeled down next to Arthur, their eyes level with one another. “Arthur. You know the answer to that, you have been unwilling to see it. I know because my life force is linked to yours. I know because you are part of me.” 

Arthur eyed him up and down for a long time before reaching a hand out to clasp Arthur’s shoulder. “I’m afraid.” he whispered. 

“That’s good.” Merlin said slowly. “Fear can transform into bravery very quickly. Use your fear, Arthur. Don’t push it away. Don’t push me away.” 

Arthur watched him for a long time before nodding. “I trust you, Merlin. My life is in your hands.” 

Merlin could feel the flame ignite inside him, he was sure Arthur could feel it as well. “And mine is in yours.”