The Five Times Merlin Died

Sickness

The first time Merlin died, he was only 3 years old. It was a particularly hard winter, and food had been short. So it was no surprise when Merlin, ever the thin, small child, fell ill. To her credit, Hunith did all she could and more to care for her son, but the illness was too strong. Merlin's body, aided by his magic, had staved off the sickness for a while, but he was weak from the harsh winter and lack of food. Despite everything Hunith did, Merlin died within the week.

Hunith heart broke the moment her son, the last relic she had of Balinor's love, drew his last breath. Merlin was her heart, her joy, her son. With a sob, she drew the blanket over her son's face. As she sat at the side of the bed, cradling the body of her child, the shadows seemed to darken. For just a moment, an invisible force seemed to pull at the world, and then Merlin opened his eyes.

"Mom!" He coughed, gasping weakly.

Hunith gave a choked cry, and held Merlin as if she would never see him again. The two sat like that for a while, not knowing what had happened, but so very glad it had.