Let me stand by you (the honour is mine)
Title: Let me stand by you (the honour is mine) 5/8
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur, Gwaine/Merlin (one-sided)
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 3246/ 31k
Beta: Thanks to
aeris444
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or any of the recognisable characters. They all belong to the BBC and Shine TV. I only borrowed them.
Summary: As the King is travelling with his men, their group suffer an attack and Merlin is wounded. He has two options: to die or to reveal his magic. His choice to live leads to his banishment. The decision isn’t an easy one for Arthur and as he takes in the void left by the absence his manservant, he’s more than a little lost and conflicted. Yet he has no time to dwell on his feelings: bandits are roaming the Kindgdom and they could all be part of a plan to bring Camelot down.
Chapter 1 2 3 4
Chapter 5
Merlin sat leaning against a tree, a fire keeping him warm. He had reversed into his normal appearance but he was still slightly dizzy. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He hadn’t been completely himself in the body of the wolf. The beast’s instinct had taken more and more place in his mind. He was afraid what could have happened if he’d stayed in this form much longer. The memory of the knights he’d killed made him queasy.
His leg was still bleeding. He hadn’t dared trying to heal it without a spell. Now he was waiting for the dizziness to fade away.
“Merlin?”
The warlock jumped. He opened his eyes and saw Gwaine tying the reins of his horse to a tree.
“Gwaine? What are you doing here?”
“Oswin sent scouts to look for the King. I saw your fire.”
Gwaine walked closer. “You’re hurt!”
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry.”
“But-“
“Look.”
Merlin put hand over the cut on his thigh and recited a spell. As his eyes turned gold, the wound closed.
“That’s… handy,” Gwaine commented.
“Quite.” Merlin smiled.
The knight sat down next to him. “Who did that to you?”
“A man who attacked Arthur.”
“Protecting him again, were you?”
Merlin shrugged.
“You know he can actually fight?”
“He didn’t have a sword.”
“Wait. Does that mean he saw you?”
“No, well, sort of. I turned into a wolf.”
Gwaine stared at him, awestruck. “You can...”
“Please, don’t ask me to show you. I… I don’t think I’ll ever do that again.”
“Why?”
“I-I don’t want to talk about it.”
He was too ashamed of what he’d felt as a wolf. The way the beast’s thoughts had become his own.
“Oh… As you wish. So… Where is he now?”
“Arthur? I showed him the way to get that plant you talked about so he’s riding back to Camelot. And I should be doing the same.”
“Are you mad?”
“I need to protect Arthur! I know he’ll want to fight that monster himself.”
“You’ve taken enough risks! What if someone sees you?”
“I can’t just stay here. Besides I don’t think… Arthur recognised me. He had the opportunity to kill me when I was wounded but he didn’t.”
“You might not have such luck in Camelot. It’s one thing to let you go in the middle of the forest but in front of the whole court…”
“I know. But I have to go anyway.”
Gwaine sighed and leaned back against the tree.
“Let me come with you.”
“But the knights-“
“You’ll need a horse to get to Camelot in time. If Arthur’s riding back to the city, Oswin will have left a man at the camp to tell the others and send them back. I can report to him and pick you up on the way back.”
“It’s too risky. If someone sees us together-“
“I’ve known the risk since the first time I came to visit you in the cave, Merlin. You won’t make my change my mind now.”
Merlin put a hand on his friend’s arm. He wished he could do more for him. But he could only say: “Thank you.”
***
Gwaine and Merlin arrived in Camelot the next day. With a little help of magic, they sneaked past the gate easily. Then, as they had time before nightfall, they decided to visit Gaius. They found him busy mixing plants. He nearly dropped the vial he was handling when he saw them.
“Merlin!” His eyebrow rose higher than the warlock had ever seen it. “You shouldn’t be here!”
“Don’t bother,” Gwaine said. “I’ve already tried. You know how stubborn he is.”
Merlin didn’t even try to pretend he was offended. He was grinning from ear to ear.
“So? Did you miss me?”
“If I missed something about you, it is certainly not your recklessness.”
Merlin’s face fell at the physician hard tone. Then Gaius smiled.
“Of course, I missed you, you foolish boy!”
The warlock beamed. In three steps he had crossed the room and was hugging Gaius.
“Careful, I can’t breathe.”
“Oh, sorry.”
The warlock let go, still grinning. Gaius looked at him for a moment then turned to Gwaine.
“Did you eat the food you said you brought him? He looks famished.”
“Oi! I did what I could!”
Merlin chuckled but dropped his gaze. Now that he’d overcome the apathy he’d felt in his cave, he was slightly ashamed of it. He wondered what Gwaine had told the physician about his visits. Not too much, he hoped. Gaius was certainly worried enough.
Gaius gestured to the table and Merlin and Gwaine sat down. The physician put a ham and a loaf of bread before them before taking place.
“Eat,” he said to the warlock. Then he eyed the knight’s envious stare and added, “You too, Gwaine.”
Merlin chuckled when Gwaine rushed to a knife and cut a slice of ham. Then, after a brief hesitation, the knight put the meat on a plate and handed it to Merlin. The warlock smiled fondly.
“How have you been doing since I left?” he asked as he started eating.
“Busy. Winter illnesses are strong this year. And that was before Orthus.”
Gaius seemed tired indeed. Merlin hadn’t notice before but it struck him now that he took time to watch.
“But I hope you’re not risking your life only to take news,” the physician added. “What are you doing here?”
“That beast. Arthur’s going to fight it tonight, isn’t he? He might need a little help.”
“Merlin! You-“
“I’ve tried that too,” the knight cut off. “He is stubborn.”
“Gwaine’s right,” Merlin said with a cheeky grin before the physician had a chance to reply. “So you can try to convince me to leave Camelot. Which you’ll fail. Or you can tell me what you know about Orthus.”
Gaius sighed.
“You are impossible.”
He seemed to ponder adding something but finally gave up. Merlin’s grin widened.
“So? The monster?”
“What do you know already?”
“It’s a dog. It’s big. It has two heads.”
“Orthus has three heads. He has a snake in place of a tail.”
“Right, three heads, then. You need a plant to kill it. Oh, did I mention it’s big?”
The physician rolled his eyes.
“I’m glad you take the matter so lightly, Merlin. However, I’d like to remind you Orthus killed two hundred people and I don’t want to have to add your name to the list tomorrow.”
“What is the matter with the plant?” Gwaine asked. “The King didn’t say much about it.”
“You can’t injure Orthus with a common weapon. It needs to be coated in a mixture of plants, including the Firepoppy, to cause an injury. Otherwise the monster heals almost immediately.”
“Can I beat it with magic?”
“Orthus has been created with very strong sorcery. You could, though I wouldn’t presume the same for other sorcerers. However, the power you would need to release in order to defeat it could be a threat to Camelot if you came to lose its control. And even if you didn’t, you would hardly go unnoticed.”
“No magic, then,” Gwaine commented.
“I fear not.”
“Do you know what the King has planned?”
“He will take two knights with him. They will be in the courtyard at nightfall. Everyone else is to stay inside.”
“What weapons will he have? Spears?”
“Yes, he’s asked for a supply of spears coated with the plant mixture. And his and his two knights’ swords, of course.”
“Would you happen to have enough of that mixture to coat two more swords?”
“Two?” Merlin exclaimed.
“You don’t think I’m going to stay here while you get all the fun, do you?”
“Gwaine! It’s going to be dangerous. I thought you didn’t want to fight for Arthur anymore.”
“I’m not doing it for him.”
Merlin’s heart clenched. He felt so guilty. He wanted to tell him to stop taking risks for someone who could never reciprocate his feelings but the hypocrisy in it made him cringe. His gaze locked with Gwaine’s and he could see his own determination reflected in his eyes. He had no choice but to accept his help.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Gaius cleared his throat and the two men turned to him.
“I do have some mixture left,” the physician said.
“Good, I’ll find a sword for Merlin.”
The warlock hoped he wouldn’t actually have to use it given his poor fencing skills but said nothing.
“Thanks, Gaius. And for the food, too.”
“You’re welcome. Now, if you have nothing planned until the night apart from not getting caught, would you care to help me preparing potions? I have been busy.”
***
Merlin and Gwaine left Gaius’ chambers just before nightfall. Everything was silent outside and empty. People were cloistered in their houses or in the largest rooms of the castle turned temporarily into shelters. It hadn’t been enough for the two hundred that perished. Merlin preferred not to think too much about it. They hid under the archways surrounding the courtyard. Obscurity would help their presence remain unnoticed. That and the fact that the knights’ focus would be on the monster.
It wasn’t long before they saw Arthur walk down the stairs with Leon and Percival. They all carried several spears that they aligned against a wall. Once they were finished, the King gave a speech that Merlin couldn’t hear. Then they stood still and waited.
They heard the beast growl before they could see it. The loud, threatening sound sent shivers along Merlin’s spine. Then he saw it. A huge beast, at least twice the size of a man at the shoulder, with two enormous dog heads padded slowly in the yard. The serpent on his tail was hissing, guarding his back. Arthur walked alone towards Orthus. As soon as it saw him, the beast barked, baring huge, pointed teeth. The serpent turned around. Its long body arched and its head came standing just above the two others. Arthur didn’t tremble when the beast ran towards him. He had to take a step back as one of the dogs’ mouth snapped inches away from him. Then another when the snake reached to him. He raised his spear but couldn’t aim, to busy avoiding the three mouths.
He had almost gone back to the stairs when he seemed to realise he needed to change his tactics. He ran to the other side of the yard, letting a wide gap between him and Orthus as he passed the beast, then spun on his heels. The monster took no notice of the two knights and turned around. It charged. Arthur lifted his spear. For a few heartbeats, he stood still as the monster ran on him. Merlin nearly forgot himself and screamed. Then Orthus came within range and the King threw his spear. And missed. Leon ran towards him, quickly followed by Percival, but Arthur sent them back with a shout.
The monster was too close to avoid now. Arthur threw himself between its heads and managed to run under its body. He glanced around to find his spear but the beast was already charging back. Suddenly, he seemed stunned, his eyes going from Orthus to his weapon. Merlin sent the spear rolling towards him. Arthur bent to take it and used his momentum to throw it again as he stood up. The weapon hit one on the dogs’ eyes. The monster wailed. For a moment, the wounded head bent down, blood gushing down on its muzzle. Then the head rose again. It shook vigorously and sent the spear flying in the air. When its mouth snapped at Arthur, the blood had disappeared and the eye was healed.
“It doesn’t work!” Gwaine whispered.
Merlin’s stomach sunk. He didn’t even try to be subtle that time when he sent the spear back in Arthur’s hand. The King retreated to his knights and said a few words Merlin didn’t hear. Leon and Percival seemed to argue but finally they ran inside the castle. Thoughts went flashing in Merlin’s mind. Could Gaius’ books be wrong? Should he try killing Orthus with magic despite the physician’s warnings? Or was there another solution? Something the writings had not mentioned?
“Three heads! It has three heads!”
“Did you just notice?”
“We need to kill the three heads before they have time to regenerate.”
Gwaine stared at him.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely not. But it’s the only thing I see. That or Gaius’ books are wrong.”
It took a heartbeat for the knight to make his decision.
“I’ll go after the others and tell them. You stay here.”
“No way!”
“I know you want to fight. If things were different, I wouldn’t hold you back. But you’re banished, Merlin! They can’t see you.”
“I don’t care!”
Before Gwaine could say anything, Merlin was running away from the archways. He went after him with a curse. Just as he reached the sorcerer, two spears went flying from where they were aligned against the wall. One landed in Merlin’s hand and Gwaine caught the other.
“I take the snake,” he said before he ran to the back of the beast.
A heartbeat later, the warlock was beside Arthur, busy avoiding three jaws. The King’s eyes widened when he noticed him.
“Merlin! Go away! We can’t kill it!”
“We can! We need to kill the three heads at the same time.”
Orthus growled and the snake darted away. Whatever Gwaine had done to lure it seemed to work. Merlin moved away from Arthur to do the same with one of the dog heads.
“It’s too dangerous!” Arthur shouted as he ducked to avoid sharp teeth. “Go away and I’ll call Leon.”
“I can manage.”
Merlin threw his spear and controlled its trajectory to impale it between the beast’s eyes. “Got it!”
Beside him, Arthur hurled his weapon with the same satisfactory results. The dog heads swayed.
“Gwaine?” Merlin called. “We’re waiting on you.”
“I’m trying! That thing is fucking quick. And long.”
The heads slowly rose again. Merlin sent two spare spears to Arthur and himself.
“Gwaine! Hurry up!”
But it was too late. The heads shook and discarded the weapons. With a roar, they attacked again. Merlin kept his at a distance by thrusting his levitating spear around. He didn’t want to actually hit, this time, not before the others managed to do the same.
He could hear Arthur’s heavy breath a few feet away. The temptation was high to check on him, just for a heartbeat. But a heartbeat was long enough for the huge jaw to close on him. He needed to focus. The dog was quick. He had to keep his spear moving or it would just send it away with a jerk of the head. In the end, he thrust the weapon in the beast’s temple just to have a short rest. Orthus’ scream almost covered Gwaine’s. Merlin shouted his name.
“I’m alright.”
For a heartbeat, the warlock looked away from the beast, trying to catch sight of the knight. He noticed just in time the paw rising towards him. He hopped out of reach. The snake was continuously attacking with short jerks. Gwaine didn’t even try to kill it anymore. His right arm curled against his chest, he waved his spear to keep the beast away. Merlin wanted to run to him but just then, the dog head revived. It wouldn’t do, the warlock realised. They would all die if they continued that way.
Merlin killed the dog head again to be able to concentrate. He couldn’t defeat Orthus with magic but he might stun it just long enough for their need. A huge cloud formed quickly above Camelot. Then with a deafening crack, a thunderbolt fell on the snake head. The reptile crashed on the ground, wailing. Gwaine thrust his spear between its eyes. With a glance, Merlin ensured that the dog head he was assigned was still swaying limp.
“Arthur! It’s yours!”
The last head moved slower now. The King took a step to the side to avoid it and hurled his spear. It hit just below the ear. Orthus barked a last time then his legs gave way and it stumble on the ground.
The King bent forward, rested his hands on his knees and let out a deep breath. He’d done it. For a moment he’d thought Camelot was lost but he’d killed the monster in the end. All thanks to Merlin. His mind still in a blur, he stood up straight and walked to the sorcerer. Thoughts were swirling in his mind as their gaze locked. He couldn’t believe that Merlin was there, that he’d risked coming to Camelot for the sheer purpose of helping him. He couldn’t believe how glad he was to see his face again, despite the twist of guilt he felt when he noticed how thin Merlin was now. At least he had managed to heal his leg.
For what felt like an eternity, they just stood there. Arthur wanted to thank the sorcerer, to hug him, to say he was sorry, that he’d been wrong and yet his fears held him back. There were still so many things he didn’t understand. He couldn’t forgive Merlin yet, couldn’t quite trust him either. But he was ready to do what he should have done long ago: to listen.
He never had a chance to do anything, though, because he felt something cold and sharp on the nape of his neck.
“If you do him any harm, I’ll kill you,” Gwaine said behind him.
“No! Don’t hurt him! “
Arthur watched, astonished, as Merlin’s face was struck in horror. The man he’d banished was protecting him from a friend.
“Gwaine,” the warlock continued. “Put down that sword. Please. I don’t want to have to hurt you.”
The King put his hands in the air in surrender and finally found his voice again. He couldn’t let things escalade.
“Wow, there, calm down. No one is going to kill anyone.”
“Promise me,” Gwaine said through his gritted teeth.
“I won’t harm him. You have my word. Now sheathe your sword, please.”
Gwaine put down his weapon. That was the moment Leon and Percival chose to come running down the stairs, sword in hand. They slowed down as they saw the defeated monster. Then Leon noticed Merlin.
“You, traitor! How dare you?” he said and put the point of his sword on the sorcerer’s neck.
“It’s alright, Leon, put down your sword.”
“Sire?”
“That’s an order.”
Leon didn’t risk arguing.
“Bring the news that Orthus is dead. Ensure that people return calmly to their home. There’s no need to flee anymore. And bring Gwaine to Gaius. He’s hurt. Percival, you’ll escort Merlin gently to my chambers.”
Leon nodded and went to Gwaine. The latter was not ready to leave, though.
“If you try anything-“
“I gave you my word. Don’t insult my honour.”
His tone came out harsher than he’d intended to. He felt slightly guilty watching as Gwaine walked to the stairs. After all, the knight had just saved his life. And how could he blame him for defending Merlin? Arthur knew he would have done the same had their place been switched.
“Gwaine!” he finally called.
The knight turned to him with a cold gaze.
“Thank you.”
Gwaine’s eyes widened. He stared at the King for an instant then nodded and walked away. Percival, Merlin and Arthur soon followed them.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur, Gwaine/Merlin (one-sided)
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 3246/ 31k
Beta: Thanks to
aeris444Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or any of the recognisable characters. They all belong to the BBC and Shine TV. I only borrowed them.
Summary: As the King is travelling with his men, their group suffer an attack and Merlin is wounded. He has two options: to die or to reveal his magic. His choice to live leads to his banishment. The decision isn’t an easy one for Arthur and as he takes in the void left by the absence his manservant, he’s more than a little lost and conflicted. Yet he has no time to dwell on his feelings: bandits are roaming the Kindgdom and they could all be part of a plan to bring Camelot down.
Chapter 1 2 3 4
Chapter 5
Merlin sat leaning against a tree, a fire keeping him warm. He had reversed into his normal appearance but he was still slightly dizzy. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He hadn’t been completely himself in the body of the wolf. The beast’s instinct had taken more and more place in his mind. He was afraid what could have happened if he’d stayed in this form much longer. The memory of the knights he’d killed made him queasy.
His leg was still bleeding. He hadn’t dared trying to heal it without a spell. Now he was waiting for the dizziness to fade away.
“Merlin?”
The warlock jumped. He opened his eyes and saw Gwaine tying the reins of his horse to a tree.
“Gwaine? What are you doing here?”
“Oswin sent scouts to look for the King. I saw your fire.”
Gwaine walked closer. “You’re hurt!”
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry.”
“But-“
“Look.”
Merlin put hand over the cut on his thigh and recited a spell. As his eyes turned gold, the wound closed.
“That’s… handy,” Gwaine commented.
“Quite.” Merlin smiled.
The knight sat down next to him. “Who did that to you?”
“A man who attacked Arthur.”
“Protecting him again, were you?”
Merlin shrugged.
“You know he can actually fight?”
“He didn’t have a sword.”
“Wait. Does that mean he saw you?”
“No, well, sort of. I turned into a wolf.”
Gwaine stared at him, awestruck. “You can...”
“Please, don’t ask me to show you. I… I don’t think I’ll ever do that again.”
“Why?”
“I-I don’t want to talk about it.”
He was too ashamed of what he’d felt as a wolf. The way the beast’s thoughts had become his own.
“Oh… As you wish. So… Where is he now?”
“Arthur? I showed him the way to get that plant you talked about so he’s riding back to Camelot. And I should be doing the same.”
“Are you mad?”
“I need to protect Arthur! I know he’ll want to fight that monster himself.”
“You’ve taken enough risks! What if someone sees you?”
“I can’t just stay here. Besides I don’t think… Arthur recognised me. He had the opportunity to kill me when I was wounded but he didn’t.”
“You might not have such luck in Camelot. It’s one thing to let you go in the middle of the forest but in front of the whole court…”
“I know. But I have to go anyway.”
Gwaine sighed and leaned back against the tree.
“Let me come with you.”
“But the knights-“
“You’ll need a horse to get to Camelot in time. If Arthur’s riding back to the city, Oswin will have left a man at the camp to tell the others and send them back. I can report to him and pick you up on the way back.”
“It’s too risky. If someone sees us together-“
“I’ve known the risk since the first time I came to visit you in the cave, Merlin. You won’t make my change my mind now.”
Merlin put a hand on his friend’s arm. He wished he could do more for him. But he could only say: “Thank you.”
***
Gwaine and Merlin arrived in Camelot the next day. With a little help of magic, they sneaked past the gate easily. Then, as they had time before nightfall, they decided to visit Gaius. They found him busy mixing plants. He nearly dropped the vial he was handling when he saw them.
“Merlin!” His eyebrow rose higher than the warlock had ever seen it. “You shouldn’t be here!”
“Don’t bother,” Gwaine said. “I’ve already tried. You know how stubborn he is.”
Merlin didn’t even try to pretend he was offended. He was grinning from ear to ear.
“So? Did you miss me?”
“If I missed something about you, it is certainly not your recklessness.”
Merlin’s face fell at the physician hard tone. Then Gaius smiled.
“Of course, I missed you, you foolish boy!”
The warlock beamed. In three steps he had crossed the room and was hugging Gaius.
“Careful, I can’t breathe.”
“Oh, sorry.”
The warlock let go, still grinning. Gaius looked at him for a moment then turned to Gwaine.
“Did you eat the food you said you brought him? He looks famished.”
“Oi! I did what I could!”
Merlin chuckled but dropped his gaze. Now that he’d overcome the apathy he’d felt in his cave, he was slightly ashamed of it. He wondered what Gwaine had told the physician about his visits. Not too much, he hoped. Gaius was certainly worried enough.
Gaius gestured to the table and Merlin and Gwaine sat down. The physician put a ham and a loaf of bread before them before taking place.
“Eat,” he said to the warlock. Then he eyed the knight’s envious stare and added, “You too, Gwaine.”
Merlin chuckled when Gwaine rushed to a knife and cut a slice of ham. Then, after a brief hesitation, the knight put the meat on a plate and handed it to Merlin. The warlock smiled fondly.
“How have you been doing since I left?” he asked as he started eating.
“Busy. Winter illnesses are strong this year. And that was before Orthus.”
Gaius seemed tired indeed. Merlin hadn’t notice before but it struck him now that he took time to watch.
“But I hope you’re not risking your life only to take news,” the physician added. “What are you doing here?”
“That beast. Arthur’s going to fight it tonight, isn’t he? He might need a little help.”
“Merlin! You-“
“I’ve tried that too,” the knight cut off. “He is stubborn.”
“Gwaine’s right,” Merlin said with a cheeky grin before the physician had a chance to reply. “So you can try to convince me to leave Camelot. Which you’ll fail. Or you can tell me what you know about Orthus.”
Gaius sighed.
“You are impossible.”
He seemed to ponder adding something but finally gave up. Merlin’s grin widened.
“So? The monster?”
“What do you know already?”
“It’s a dog. It’s big. It has two heads.”
“Orthus has three heads. He has a snake in place of a tail.”
“Right, three heads, then. You need a plant to kill it. Oh, did I mention it’s big?”
The physician rolled his eyes.
“I’m glad you take the matter so lightly, Merlin. However, I’d like to remind you Orthus killed two hundred people and I don’t want to have to add your name to the list tomorrow.”
“What is the matter with the plant?” Gwaine asked. “The King didn’t say much about it.”
“You can’t injure Orthus with a common weapon. It needs to be coated in a mixture of plants, including the Firepoppy, to cause an injury. Otherwise the monster heals almost immediately.”
“Can I beat it with magic?”
“Orthus has been created with very strong sorcery. You could, though I wouldn’t presume the same for other sorcerers. However, the power you would need to release in order to defeat it could be a threat to Camelot if you came to lose its control. And even if you didn’t, you would hardly go unnoticed.”
“No magic, then,” Gwaine commented.
“I fear not.”
“Do you know what the King has planned?”
“He will take two knights with him. They will be in the courtyard at nightfall. Everyone else is to stay inside.”
“What weapons will he have? Spears?”
“Yes, he’s asked for a supply of spears coated with the plant mixture. And his and his two knights’ swords, of course.”
“Would you happen to have enough of that mixture to coat two more swords?”
“Two?” Merlin exclaimed.
“You don’t think I’m going to stay here while you get all the fun, do you?”
“Gwaine! It’s going to be dangerous. I thought you didn’t want to fight for Arthur anymore.”
“I’m not doing it for him.”
Merlin’s heart clenched. He felt so guilty. He wanted to tell him to stop taking risks for someone who could never reciprocate his feelings but the hypocrisy in it made him cringe. His gaze locked with Gwaine’s and he could see his own determination reflected in his eyes. He had no choice but to accept his help.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Gaius cleared his throat and the two men turned to him.
“I do have some mixture left,” the physician said.
“Good, I’ll find a sword for Merlin.”
The warlock hoped he wouldn’t actually have to use it given his poor fencing skills but said nothing.
“Thanks, Gaius. And for the food, too.”
“You’re welcome. Now, if you have nothing planned until the night apart from not getting caught, would you care to help me preparing potions? I have been busy.”
***
Merlin and Gwaine left Gaius’ chambers just before nightfall. Everything was silent outside and empty. People were cloistered in their houses or in the largest rooms of the castle turned temporarily into shelters. It hadn’t been enough for the two hundred that perished. Merlin preferred not to think too much about it. They hid under the archways surrounding the courtyard. Obscurity would help their presence remain unnoticed. That and the fact that the knights’ focus would be on the monster.
It wasn’t long before they saw Arthur walk down the stairs with Leon and Percival. They all carried several spears that they aligned against a wall. Once they were finished, the King gave a speech that Merlin couldn’t hear. Then they stood still and waited.
They heard the beast growl before they could see it. The loud, threatening sound sent shivers along Merlin’s spine. Then he saw it. A huge beast, at least twice the size of a man at the shoulder, with two enormous dog heads padded slowly in the yard. The serpent on his tail was hissing, guarding his back. Arthur walked alone towards Orthus. As soon as it saw him, the beast barked, baring huge, pointed teeth. The serpent turned around. Its long body arched and its head came standing just above the two others. Arthur didn’t tremble when the beast ran towards him. He had to take a step back as one of the dogs’ mouth snapped inches away from him. Then another when the snake reached to him. He raised his spear but couldn’t aim, to busy avoiding the three mouths.
He had almost gone back to the stairs when he seemed to realise he needed to change his tactics. He ran to the other side of the yard, letting a wide gap between him and Orthus as he passed the beast, then spun on his heels. The monster took no notice of the two knights and turned around. It charged. Arthur lifted his spear. For a few heartbeats, he stood still as the monster ran on him. Merlin nearly forgot himself and screamed. Then Orthus came within range and the King threw his spear. And missed. Leon ran towards him, quickly followed by Percival, but Arthur sent them back with a shout.
The monster was too close to avoid now. Arthur threw himself between its heads and managed to run under its body. He glanced around to find his spear but the beast was already charging back. Suddenly, he seemed stunned, his eyes going from Orthus to his weapon. Merlin sent the spear rolling towards him. Arthur bent to take it and used his momentum to throw it again as he stood up. The weapon hit one on the dogs’ eyes. The monster wailed. For a moment, the wounded head bent down, blood gushing down on its muzzle. Then the head rose again. It shook vigorously and sent the spear flying in the air. When its mouth snapped at Arthur, the blood had disappeared and the eye was healed.
“It doesn’t work!” Gwaine whispered.
Merlin’s stomach sunk. He didn’t even try to be subtle that time when he sent the spear back in Arthur’s hand. The King retreated to his knights and said a few words Merlin didn’t hear. Leon and Percival seemed to argue but finally they ran inside the castle. Thoughts went flashing in Merlin’s mind. Could Gaius’ books be wrong? Should he try killing Orthus with magic despite the physician’s warnings? Or was there another solution? Something the writings had not mentioned?
“Three heads! It has three heads!”
“Did you just notice?”
“We need to kill the three heads before they have time to regenerate.”
Gwaine stared at him.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely not. But it’s the only thing I see. That or Gaius’ books are wrong.”
It took a heartbeat for the knight to make his decision.
“I’ll go after the others and tell them. You stay here.”
“No way!”
“I know you want to fight. If things were different, I wouldn’t hold you back. But you’re banished, Merlin! They can’t see you.”
“I don’t care!”
Before Gwaine could say anything, Merlin was running away from the archways. He went after him with a curse. Just as he reached the sorcerer, two spears went flying from where they were aligned against the wall. One landed in Merlin’s hand and Gwaine caught the other.
“I take the snake,” he said before he ran to the back of the beast.
A heartbeat later, the warlock was beside Arthur, busy avoiding three jaws. The King’s eyes widened when he noticed him.
“Merlin! Go away! We can’t kill it!”
“We can! We need to kill the three heads at the same time.”
Orthus growled and the snake darted away. Whatever Gwaine had done to lure it seemed to work. Merlin moved away from Arthur to do the same with one of the dog heads.
“It’s too dangerous!” Arthur shouted as he ducked to avoid sharp teeth. “Go away and I’ll call Leon.”
“I can manage.”
Merlin threw his spear and controlled its trajectory to impale it between the beast’s eyes. “Got it!”
Beside him, Arthur hurled his weapon with the same satisfactory results. The dog heads swayed.
“Gwaine?” Merlin called. “We’re waiting on you.”
“I’m trying! That thing is fucking quick. And long.”
The heads slowly rose again. Merlin sent two spare spears to Arthur and himself.
“Gwaine! Hurry up!”
But it was too late. The heads shook and discarded the weapons. With a roar, they attacked again. Merlin kept his at a distance by thrusting his levitating spear around. He didn’t want to actually hit, this time, not before the others managed to do the same.
He could hear Arthur’s heavy breath a few feet away. The temptation was high to check on him, just for a heartbeat. But a heartbeat was long enough for the huge jaw to close on him. He needed to focus. The dog was quick. He had to keep his spear moving or it would just send it away with a jerk of the head. In the end, he thrust the weapon in the beast’s temple just to have a short rest. Orthus’ scream almost covered Gwaine’s. Merlin shouted his name.
“I’m alright.”
For a heartbeat, the warlock looked away from the beast, trying to catch sight of the knight. He noticed just in time the paw rising towards him. He hopped out of reach. The snake was continuously attacking with short jerks. Gwaine didn’t even try to kill it anymore. His right arm curled against his chest, he waved his spear to keep the beast away. Merlin wanted to run to him but just then, the dog head revived. It wouldn’t do, the warlock realised. They would all die if they continued that way.
Merlin killed the dog head again to be able to concentrate. He couldn’t defeat Orthus with magic but he might stun it just long enough for their need. A huge cloud formed quickly above Camelot. Then with a deafening crack, a thunderbolt fell on the snake head. The reptile crashed on the ground, wailing. Gwaine thrust his spear between its eyes. With a glance, Merlin ensured that the dog head he was assigned was still swaying limp.
“Arthur! It’s yours!”
The last head moved slower now. The King took a step to the side to avoid it and hurled his spear. It hit just below the ear. Orthus barked a last time then his legs gave way and it stumble on the ground.
The King bent forward, rested his hands on his knees and let out a deep breath. He’d done it. For a moment he’d thought Camelot was lost but he’d killed the monster in the end. All thanks to Merlin. His mind still in a blur, he stood up straight and walked to the sorcerer. Thoughts were swirling in his mind as their gaze locked. He couldn’t believe that Merlin was there, that he’d risked coming to Camelot for the sheer purpose of helping him. He couldn’t believe how glad he was to see his face again, despite the twist of guilt he felt when he noticed how thin Merlin was now. At least he had managed to heal his leg.
For what felt like an eternity, they just stood there. Arthur wanted to thank the sorcerer, to hug him, to say he was sorry, that he’d been wrong and yet his fears held him back. There were still so many things he didn’t understand. He couldn’t forgive Merlin yet, couldn’t quite trust him either. But he was ready to do what he should have done long ago: to listen.
He never had a chance to do anything, though, because he felt something cold and sharp on the nape of his neck.
“If you do him any harm, I’ll kill you,” Gwaine said behind him.
“No! Don’t hurt him! “
Arthur watched, astonished, as Merlin’s face was struck in horror. The man he’d banished was protecting him from a friend.
“Gwaine,” the warlock continued. “Put down that sword. Please. I don’t want to have to hurt you.”
The King put his hands in the air in surrender and finally found his voice again. He couldn’t let things escalade.
“Wow, there, calm down. No one is going to kill anyone.”
“Promise me,” Gwaine said through his gritted teeth.
“I won’t harm him. You have my word. Now sheathe your sword, please.”
Gwaine put down his weapon. That was the moment Leon and Percival chose to come running down the stairs, sword in hand. They slowed down as they saw the defeated monster. Then Leon noticed Merlin.
“You, traitor! How dare you?” he said and put the point of his sword on the sorcerer’s neck.
“It’s alright, Leon, put down your sword.”
“Sire?”
“That’s an order.”
Leon didn’t risk arguing.
“Bring the news that Orthus is dead. Ensure that people return calmly to their home. There’s no need to flee anymore. And bring Gwaine to Gaius. He’s hurt. Percival, you’ll escort Merlin gently to my chambers.”
Leon nodded and went to Gwaine. The latter was not ready to leave, though.
“If you try anything-“
“I gave you my word. Don’t insult my honour.”
His tone came out harsher than he’d intended to. He felt slightly guilty watching as Gwaine walked to the stairs. After all, the knight had just saved his life. And how could he blame him for defending Merlin? Arthur knew he would have done the same had their place been switched.
“Gwaine!” he finally called.
The knight turned to him with a cold gaze.
“Thank you.”
Gwaine’s eyes widened. He stared at the King for an instant then nodded and walked away. Percival, Merlin and Arthur soon followed them.