The Destiny of Love

Chapter 43 ~ The cup of life

I slowly open my eyes and see Arthur standing above me.  And a bunch of men surrounding us.

"Ugh. What were you saying about no trouble?" I ask.

Arthur bends down and helps me up, "You all right?" 

"Yeah, my neck is just a bit sore from the dart that went in my neck!" I say.

Arthur chuckles, then turns to Merlin lying on the ground, his eyes were barely open, but he is awake. He pats him on the cheek. 

Merlin shakes his head and looks at Arthur.  "What was that you were saying about me being a pessimist?" 

"Must have slipped my mind." Arthur bends down and helps him up.

Someone touches Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur grabs the guy's hand. "Touch me again. You die."

"Gwaine!?" Merlin exclaims.

"What?!" I spin around and see Gwaine.

"No manners, you royals." Gwaine walks over to us, "Merlin, old friend, you look terrible." 

"Likewise," Merlin says.

Gwaine looks at me. "Olivia, beautiful as always."

I chuckle and hug Gwaine. I step back and stand next to Arthur.

"What are you doing here?" Arthur asks.

"You know, wrong place, wrong time, wrong drink," Gwaine says.

"Nothing's changed there then," Arthur says.

"That's just unfair," Gwaine says.

"Where exactly are we?" Arthur asks.

"In the bowels of an old castle. Belongs to a fella named Jarl." Gwaine says.

"Never heard of him," Arthur states.

"Lovely bloke. Slave trader." Gwaine says.

"We're going to be sold as slaves?" Merlin asks.

Before anyone can answer him, A man walks into view above us.

"Right, you filthy  Vermin." The man who I assume is Jarl says.

We all look up at him.  I am standing in between Gwaine and Arthur.

"Which one of you is ready to face my champion in the arena?" Jarl asks. "No volunteers. Well, I shall have to choose one of you toerags myself. Let me see. How about you." The man points at me. I look around, yip definitely pointing at me.

"Me?" I ask.

"Yes, this will be fun. We've never had a girl before. It's death or glory. You should be honoured." 

Arthur steps in front of me. "Who is this so-called champion? Can he crush nothing but weaklings like this?" 

"Hey!" I whisper.

"Ssh." Arthur hisses.

"You think you could offer a better contest?" Jarl asks.

Arthur steps forward, "I guarantee it."

"Arthur, no," I say.

"Very well, but if you lose. I feel your little friend over there," He points at Merlin, "to the crows. And keep the girl. She will be my guest."

I step slightly closer to Gwaine. Arthur looks back at Merlin then at me.

"Are you ready, my champion?" Jarl asks.