Dark Merlin: The Man Called Emrys

I

THE SOUND OF HINGES squeaking loudly alerted his brain enough to cause his eyes to flutter open. Feeling his heart pound against his bruised chest, he tried steadying his feet but his toes barely brushed against the cobble floor making it impossible; his wrists, hoisted above his head, throbbed as the cut flesh burned.

"Good morning, Merlin. You're not looking too well."

Merlin allowed his vision to adjust before gritting his teeth as he stared at the Lady Morgana standing inside his cell, a smug grin on her face.

"Come now," Morgana continued, taking another step closer. "I thought you'd be happy to see someone after days in solitude." She raised a brow. "Or at least enjoy something to eat?"

On those words, a servant girl stepped into the cell carrying a plate of food in one hand and a cup of water in the other. From where he was standing, he could see the ripples of water swaying in the cup and his dry throat yearned for relief.

Clearing his throat, he returned his gaze back towards Morgana. He clenched his jaw and his words came out hoarse, "I don't want anything you have to offer."

Morgana's grin never wavered as she twisted her body to the side. "Suit yourself." She gestured towards the opened door, and the servant girl left taking the food and drink with her.

Morgana turned to follow but right as she stepped outside the cell, Merlin couldn't help but shout, "Why are you doing this? I've done nothing to you! If this is because of the poison, that was years ago."

"Oh, Merlin ..." She giggled, turned her head to the side to meet his tearful gaze, and her words pierced him like no sword ever could. "I'm doing this because you told me to."

Startled, Merlin sprang upward. He was coated in sweat, his clothes and bedding damp. He panted as the memory replayed in his mind, the same memory that haunted him day and night.

His heard jerked towards the door as it swung open, his heart jumping into his throat, and Gaius walked through. Relief washed over him upon seeing his mentor and father-figure and he knew that no harm would come to him here, but along with that relief sprouted a hint of anger.

Gaius stared at Merlin with saddened eyes and trudged to Merlin's side sitting down on the edge of the bed. He placed a hand on Merlin's knee. "You know you can always talk to me, right? About the nightmares that plague you."

Sucking in deep breaths to douse his anger, Merlin answered plainly, "I know. I just didn't want to fall asleep."

Gaius looked at him tenderly giving him a soft smile. "You haven't slept in days, Merlin," he said lowly. "Not since your escape. You need re—"

"But I told you not to let me fall asleep!" Merlin interrupted, with a shout. Tears pricked his eyes as his voice softened. "It isn't just about the nightmares." He paused and his throat tightened. "You know what happens."

Gaius let out a soft sigh. "Merlin, nothing suggests you've done anything. The accident with that boy was just that. An accident. Just because you have dreams that come true doesn't mean anything."

"But I did something," Merlin argued. "I know I did."

"Morgana has the same magic—"

"And look who she turned out to be," Merlin snapped. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Am I just like her? Am I ... evil?"

"Don't ever say such a thing!" Gaius replied hastily. "You are more powerful than any sorcerer I've ever known. There's more to your magic then you realize and still much to learn."