Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

"No matter what, those unfortunate to be given such powers are forced to suffer," mumbled the cloaked Druid as his gnarled hand lightly traced across the blood-splattered tools. Further in the room stood a blond haired young man clad in armor and the brilliant crimson colors of Camelot; he stood stock still, hand hanging loosely at his side above where his fallen blade now rested. The knight did not even think retrieve his weapon from the grime on the ground. No he could not, not when this particular knight, King Arthur Pendragon himself, was now confronted with the worst possible outcome that this current situation could offer to him.

Merlin.

His best friend.

A friend that now lay before him broken and chained in the dank dungeons of Camelot.

It was too much to bear for Arthur, who soon found himself slumped upon the ground unable to tear his eyes away from his servant. It had been months since Morgana took over the citadel and Merlin's sacrifice to ensure Arthur's escape. Every damn day of the last four months Arthur was torn between thoughts of what the witch was doing to his friend, if she had even let him live, to questions on Merlin's true loyalties; for how is it possible for a sorcerer to willingly choose to protect the very kingdom that strives to destroy all of magic?

Yet here was proof of a magic user supporting such a kingdom. Nothing Arthur could come up with can explain the condition of the warlock that can prove any sinister ambitions. No one would willingly suffer torture if they only sought to annihilate that which they suffer for. It was at this moment that Arthur truly wished that Merlin was as evil as he was brought up to believe sorcerers to be, if only to alleviate the guilt. He could not help but think back to all those conversation with Gaius on the true nature of magic; the stubbornness for which Gaius had not realize was the King's fear for what the beliefs of his father have wrought upon those like Merlin. But no argument could really change facts. No words can take away the truth before his eyes.

Every inch of visible skin was covered in bruises of varying stages; some were fresh while others appeared to be week old. Gashes and burns littered across his body while a dragon, a cruel mockery of Camelot's crest, was carved viciously upon the center of his chest. Infection had set into the oozing wound, the origin of the fever that raged across the sorcerer's body. Crude chains engraved with harsh runes tightly circled the warlock' wrists, bounding them behind his back. Rope, knotted around the chain, was pulled taut above him barely allowing his feet to touch the ground. A cold shiver ran down Arthur's spine when realization struck him of the mangled condition the sorcerer' shoulders were in, the result of the awkward position warlock's bound arms were forced to. It was just as the king was about to reach for his sword to cut the rope when said rope snapped and the warlock crumpled to the ground.

With a deep breath and a nod of appreciation to the Druid next to him, Arthur forced himself off the ground, picking up and sheathing his sword, to kneel before what remained of his best friend. The warrior's hands, with far more gentleness than thought possible, grabbed the servant's chin and carefully lifter his head so that the King can meet his eyes.

Oh how Arthur hoped he would never look into such eyes.

Nothing remained. Eyes should be a window to the soul yet nothing can be seen. The idiot, seemingly carefree servant was gone. The twinkle that always seems to sparkle within those stormy blue depths was gone. All the King saw was a shell of his best friend.

"Why?" Arthur gave a strangled cry. It was not question of why his servant was targeted; the King knew full well that Morgana obsession over the identity of Emrys was to blame. But he could not help but question why such things could happen to a loyal, faultless man.

"It is as I said before, Sire," responded the druid, his eyes expressing over sorrow over the King and his Warlock, "In a world that persecutes all of magic, it is assumed that none would take part in such practices. Yet the world is not black and white, not the way the last decades of the Purge had forced the people to believe. In most cases, those capable of learning magic deny their abilities and live peaceful life. Then there are those that proudly embrace their gifts; people who chose to accept the consequences of the forbidden. However, that does not change the situation for those with little to no choice. Those few who cannot help but practice magic; those whose magic is so entwined into their souls that control is essential else the magic consumes them. There are few paths they can choose."

"And what is that," Arthur asked, his voice detached.

"To allow the darkness to consume them. To reject the persecution of their kind and pursue revenge against those who forced the hatred upon them," thoughts flashed through Arthur's mind of Morgana's crazed eyes as she tore down all who dare to defy her, "Then there are those who struggle against the oppression and rise against the ignorant discrimination, trying find a place in a society that only wish to reject them. They struggle through the hatred and inner darkness, latching desperately to hopes that all the suffering is not for naught, that one day they can be accepted. Even with all their strength, they are faced with countless sufferings only for the harsh reality of their situation to degrade them. The world chews them up and spits them out as filth. They turn bitter to their cause, spirits broken, and eventually join the ever increasing list of victims the anti-magic laws have created. That is one reason for the Druids chosen seclusion from the world. The world is cruel to magic users, and Emrys is no different."

Arthur knelt silently mulling over what had been said before finally letting out a slow breath and began to pull Merlin's body against himself to inspect the chains behind. A quick spell from the druid and careful maneuvering freed the servant from the cruel bindings. But even when the magic suppressors were removed, Merlin did not even stir.

Together the druid and King lifted the servant from the ground and wrapped his limp arms across each shoulder to support. Once settled, the two began to walk towards the exit, King purposefully ignoring the presence of the twisted tools within the room. It was a few minutes after the trio departed from the cells before the King spoke once again.

"We will defeat Morgana," Arthur declared, "We will recapture Camelot. And once Camelot is free of the witch's tyranny, and the kingdom is once again in peace, I promise this: I will do all I can to repay all debts and fix all wrongs against you, my friend."

The druid respectfully remained quiet. He knew the prophecies that spoke of the power between the Once and Future King and Emrys. What these prophecies have failed to mention, the druid now realized, was the deep bond between the two. No matter what hardships destiny throws at them, he knew that the two can meet each head on. Even with Emrys broken spirit, the druid knew that this was just another adversity for the two to overcome and achieve the Albion many have dreamed for.

Even in the darkest of times, the druid cannot deny his hope for a bright future when a quiet whisper, hoarse and strained, emanated from the man beside him.

"I'll hold you to that promise, Sire."

AN: Random idea I felt like typing, even if there are multiple amazing stories already out there that are similar. I just felt like typing this rather than be the responsible student and finishing homework *shrug* screw physics xD.

A bit short but I don't seem to have the talent to type up anything longer and hopefully I managed to edit most mistakes. Sorry for any I missed, it is late and I'm sleepy -.-

Also for those confused about this, I did change my pen name on here recently and may change it again when I come up with a better one ,

Reviews and constructive criticism are of course welcomed, especially any mistakes I made in here that I can fix and avoid in the future ^^

Thanks for reading!