Hey all. Was just browsing through my stories folder and realised I'd never posted this. It's short and kinda old, but I figured I might as well. Enjoy!

EDIT 25/07/12: So this now has a second chapter. And, in honour of that (-cough-) I went through and edited this chapter, adding a few bits here and there.


"Hey, Arthur…"

"Yes, Merlin? What is it now?"

"Do you remember, when we first met, before I knew who you were—"

"How could I forget."

"Well, do you, by any chance, remember what I said then, when you threatened me? You said that you could take me apart with one blow, and—"

"And you said something about being able to take me apart with less than that. Yes, I remember. Please tell me how that's relevant to our current situation."

"Well, I was thinking-"

"Never a good thing. Please stop before you hurt yourself or anyone else. Namely me."

"I was thinking that now's- now's probably a good time to show you what I meant."

"Wha—"

Something, almost like a whispered, "Please forgive me, Arthur," sounded next to the prince's ear, but he couldn't be sure. Between the howl of the wind which had suddenly sprung up around them and the blood roaring in his ears Arthur couldn't really hear much of anything. Blue, blue eyes shimmered gold and worn yet soft hands stretched out, small sparks of lightning playing along the ridges of long, lithe fingers, and Arthur suddenly couldn't do anything – think anything – but watch as his clumsy, stupid, idiotic, useless servant easily defeated the twenty bandits that had, until moments ago, had them completely surrounded and helpless.

With magic.

Glowing, glistening, powerful magic the likes of which Arthur had never seen before; the likes of which was only spoken of by bards in their ancient legends. The likes of which made the heavens roar and the earth sing, clouds gathering across a suddenly too-bright sky and plants and animals hiding themselves as best as possible from the outpouring of pure, absolute power.

And yet only two thoughts swirled through Arthur's head in that moment.

Magic.

Merlin.

Magic.

Merlin.

Two thoughts that slowly melded into one, terrifying and incomprehensible thought.

Magic.

Merlin.

Magic!

...

Sorcerer.

...

Magic.

...

Merlin!