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"So why did I have to punch that guy?" Gwaine asked as he came back from his dare.

Merlin didn't know exactly how to reply. "Its a long story."

"Well it's a long ride back to Camelot, and that way I won't bore you, the other knights, or Arthur with my tavern stories for a bit."

This made the other knights agree. They'd rather hear a new story from Merlin then a story they'd heard a hundred times already. It wasn't that they didn't like them, it was just something new was slightly more appealing. Gwaine knew this. Either way, when Merlin told stories, they always touched those listening, in some way. If they weren't touching, then they'd be extremely humorous, or just make the men feel the emotions that Merlin felt towards the story.

"Well where should I start?" Merlin muttered more to himself then to the knights.

"Where ever that man first had influence on your life I believe would work best," answered Gwaine.

So Merlin started explaining.

"Well that man's name was Flint-" he started.

Flash back:

Flint had slipped his way into Humith's home. Doing a kind deed and helping her pack all of her stuff up before the rain got to it. When he came in with Hunith Merlin had ran in front of his Mother to protect her from this strange man. Merlin had hated him from the moment he set foot in their cold, small, dwelling. Their hut was home, and he did not want this man there. Bullying made Merlin skidish and not feel safe. Home was the only place he felt he could be himself.

As time went on Flint did more and more favours, and never did he ask for anything in return. Humith was grateful, for she had little to give, and although it was possible to survive with only her and Merlin, Flint made her life much easier. Now she had more time to clean, bake and wash clothing. Her small family had become more presentable.

Slithering in like a snake, Flint spent more time with Humith, and she assumed he liked her company. In reality it was to keep Merlin from going to her about some of the things Merlin had seen Flint do.

Flint would do many cruel or harsh things when not around Hunith. Such as punishing children for small mistakes, killing animals whenever possible, and his favorite seemed to be kicking any animal that even looked at him. He'd done this many times with Merlin's dog Gretchen.

Sweet as honey, soft as silk, and her heart must have been made of pure gold. Love was in her nature. Gretchen loved Hunith, but her love for Hunith was nothing compared to her love for Merlin. Snuggles with Merlin were often, she often would play with him, and Gretchen would always follow him, or listen to any commands he gave her. They were thick as thieves as some say.

Kind Gretchen would never fight back if Flint attacked her. She would simply run to Merlin if she could, or sometimes she would be beat until she was unconscious.

Merlin had tried explaining to his mother what was happening, but before he could even get close to finished, Flint came in. Luckily Merlin had been able to tell some. Now Humith knew there was something wrong. She knew Merlin would never come to her with his problems unless they were serious. From what she had heard from Merlin, Flint was not as kind hearted as she thought.

Hunith attempted to distance herself and Flint, and it was slowly working. Until Flint noticed what she was doing. He was enraged and had started beating Merlin when Hunith wasn't around. Used to pain from bullies, this was not big change for him there were only slight differences. Now the bully was bigger, stronger, and closer to his mother.

Bruises covering Merlin's face showed Hunith that Flint needed to go. Now. When she told him this he'd become a new person to her. In place of the gentle, kind man was now a harsh, unforgiving man. He'd beaten her that day, along with threatened her.

Another time he had sexually assaulted her in front of Merlin. Although Merlin hadn't been the target, he knew someone else was now. He just hadn't realized it was his mother.

One day Flint started hitting Merlin with Gretchen around. Gretchen could endure pain, but when pain was inflicted upon others, it seemed she was no longer passive. Flint had gone running. She had gotten many rewards from Merlin. He had hugged her, and treated her like queen.

Then Flint had come back with a small group of Men who killed Merlin's first friend in front of him. These men seemed to believe Gretchen was the monster, while the real monster was among them killing the purest animal Merlin would ever meet. The phrase 'Man's best friend' had become literal for Merlin. Now he was once again left friendless.

Somehow Hunith and Merlin had managed to convince the rest of the towns people what had happened, and drove Flint out of town. Damage had already been done, and Merlin was mourning. Two of the nine men apologized to Merlin, while the rest held too much pride. He hadn't cared. Gretchen was gone. Gone forever.

End of flashback.

"And that, Gwaine was why I dared you to Punch him as hard as you could in the face."

After he'd finished explaining, all the knights were shocked. Gwaine had tears in his eyes.

Gwaine was afraid to ask, but his curiousity reined over his fear.
"H-how old were you?"

"Eight." Muttered Merlin.

Arthur then spoke up. "I believe we should go back."

All the knight's heads along with Merlin's turned to him at lightning speed.

"Why?" Merlin asked.

"To kill him." The sharp edge in Arthur's tone obvious.

Shaking his head Merlin told him not to with many reasons that Arthur half heartedly listened to. Deciding Merlin most likely wouldn't let him kill Flint now, so he would do it later. Flint would be summoned, and beheaded on one of Merlin's days off.

At first the knights told Arthur that they should go back and kill him. They soon realized that there was no use. The rest of the ride to Camelot the knights were silent, even Gwaine. Their minds most definitely were not silent though.

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