Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 21, Part 2

Ariella's P. O. V:

I didn't feel like dining with Arthur and Uther that night, as they were eating with Auredian. Instead, I asked Merlin to dine with me, in my chambers, after I'd had Gwen bring dinner up, for both us and Luna.

I spend the next few days keeping Merlin company and helping him tidy up Gaius's chambers. I'd also read to him most of the time, in an attempt to help distract him.

On the fourth day, I sneak into the dungeons with Merlin, and my heart sinks at the sight of our friend being hauled to Auredian's torture chamber by a couple of guards. We then rush down the tunnel to see Kilgarrah, hoping he might be able to help us.

We arrive to see the dragon just waking up from sleep. "What is wrong, Young Witch, Young Warlock? You two look so pale."

"I did a stupid thing. A stupid, stupid thing! And now Gaius is going to die for it!"

"Gaius means nothing to me," Kilgarrah says simply.

"But he means a great deal to us!" I say, glaring.

"Very well. Tell me what has happened?"

"The Witchfinder has come. He's arrested Gaius for sorcery, but I am the sorcerer!" Merlin explains.

"Yes, I suppose you are," Kilgarrah muses.

"Well, I'm going to confess. It's the only way to save him," Merlin says, making my heart stop.

"Merlin, no! You're not going to do anything! If anyone will confess, it's me! You're not the only sorcerer here! Besides, Arthur needs you more than he needs me," I tell him, panic on my voice.

"I can't key you do that Ari," Merlin says, his voice firm.

"You're always protecting me, so let me protect you, just this once!"

"I can't bear to watch you die, either, because I love you. I'm going to confess, and there's nothing you say that will change my mind," Merlin says firmly, making my eyes widen as frustrated tears start welling up in them.

I whirl on an entertained Kilgarrah and order him, throwing an arm out to Merlin for emphasis, "Will you talk some sense into that thick skull of his, you overgrown, talking lizard?! Make Merlin see sense!"

"She's right. And your stupidity continues," Kilgarrah says. He then adds to me, "And, I'll remind you, Ariella, that I am not a lizard, but a dragon."

I ignore him as Merlin says, "I won't sacrifice a friend to save myself! Just as I won't sacrifice the woman I love!"

"Bravely spoken, but Gaius is already doomed," Kilgarrah says. "If you and the Princess confess, the Witchfinder will just burn the three of you."

"But it's my fault! Don't either of you understand?!" Merlin exclaims.

"All too well, Young Warlock. But understand this: if you and the Princess were to die, you would endanger the lives of all those that rely upon you," Kilgarrah warns us.

"Well, there must be something I can do," Merlin breathes, tears welling up in his eyes. "There must be... please, help me!"

"Merlin... I see you and Ariella are distressed by this. But I cannot help you, because... I do not know how to," Kilgarrah says.

"I can't just stand by and watch Gaius die! I can't!" Merlin yells.

"Neither of us can!" I add, feeling tears well up in my own eyes at the thought of losing my friend, my uncle figure.

"I am sorry," Kilgarrah murmurs, amber eyes blinking. Then, with a flap of his wings, takes off toward the ceiling, and disappears over the ledge.