Chapter Text
CHANGING THE TIDES
CH1 - DEVIL'S LAKE
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I
Passing over blankets of river-weed, Merlin swims as quickly as his little fins can carry him. But still, he falls behind. His mother glances back, seeing the small Mer tiring she tightly clamps her hand around his wrist pulling him roughly forwards through the waters. They were fleeing for their lives. Bubbles blur his vision caused by thrashing tails in front, which only sought to hinder their panic ridden escape.
Up where the river folks, the males had split from the group in a desperate attempt to lead the Knights of Camelot away. Surfacing regularly to keep their hunters distracted and in pursuit, to at least give their young a chance to escape.
While the males continued up river, the group of females and children raced downstream, staying underwater so not to be seen by the King's men. No one dared to look back. Merlin cried as his father left with the others and his mother tugged him away. One thought raced across his mind over and over again:
'Uther Pendragon is a monster.'
He isn't sure when they stopped, but the waters have turned dark with the night. He's so tired he can barely keep his eyes open. In the moonlight, he sees Mothers cradling their pups in comfort, knowing their mates would never return. The severed clan dived deep into the lake they had found, encased by trees and most likely somewhere in a forest. That night Merlin could only dwell in his hate and anguish, burning his insides and twisting his soul.
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