"MERLIN!" Arthur shouted at the top of his lungs. He watched as the blade sliced into the warlock's side. No one could stop it; he saw Gwaine deal with the bandit that attacked Merlin but no one was there to catch him as he fell. Arthur sprinted over to him; he grabbed Merlin and held him close to his body as they fell to the ground

"You're alright," Arthur whispered

"I'm not…" Merlin drifted. His eye lids were growing heavy and kept slowly falling over his clear blue eyes

"Merlin come on you dollop-head, please" Merlin looked at Arthur

"I'm sorry"

"Don't be"

"I c-could done s-so much more"

"Merlin you've done so much"

"A-Arthur"

"I'm here" Merlin smiled but it was clenched in pain. Merlin looked at Arthur, his eyes serious but drowning in his pain

"You p-promise me s-something"

"Anything Merlin"

"You p-pay Gwaine's bill to t-the tavern a-and don't m-make him do c-chores" a small chuckle escaped Arthur

"Why?"

"You d-don't know h-how painful it is l-listening to his s-stories about a-apples" Merlin's eyes slowly began to close over again

"No Merlin please, come on"

"Arthur…it-it's m-my time" Arthur looked away. Gwaine was standing near them. His sword planted in the ground and after a minute gave Arthur a small nod

"What do I do Merlin?"

"Nothing…j-just be h-here" Merlin smiled. Gwaine walked over and kneeled beside the pair

"Merlin, buddy"

"H-hello Gwaine"

"Goodbye old friend" Merlin let some tears roll away and smiled

"Don't g-get too drunk"

"Have a pint waiting for me up above" Merlin smiled and then turned to Arthur. Before he took his last, pained breath he whispered softly

"Thank-you" and at that the young warlock closed his eyes. Gwaine stayed and looked at Merlin, his only friend was now dead. He stood up, grabbing his sword and slicing the tree next to them. Arthur just remained there. Holding Merlin who was now getting colder

"Say hello to Lancelot for me" he whispered and took another deep and sorrowful breath.

When they returned to Camelot, there was no smiling or laughing. No cheers for the trio, instead they were greeted by the sad faces of the Kingdom. Gwaine dismounted first. He looked around and suddenly shouted

"If I hear one of you speak against Merlin I swear on Camelot's walls I shall make you regret every word you say!" the whole courtyard listened. Gwaine stormed away, his read cloak filed out behind him. Percival followed after his friend to calm him. All that was left was Gwen and Arthur. They stood there as Arthur held Merlin's limp body. Gwen kissed Merlin's forehead and then Arthur's

"He's free now Arthur, he's free" Arthur nodded and in the breeze he heard a whisper, so soft and sure he knew at once it was Merlin's

'Thank you Arthur, until we meet again'