Burns Too Bright, Lives Too Fast

It had not been a good night for poor old Gaius. While Merlin had been released in the wake of his arrest, Gaius himself had been cast into a cold cell. Occasionally, Aredian would visit, and the visits were less pleasant every time. Sometimes because of actions, though those weren't the worst.

The worst were the promises.

Gaius had thought to save Merlin and his friends with his sacrifice, but Aredian was now promising him otherwise. Gaius would be only the beginning. After him, Merlin would follow. Then those two little maids, and then perhaps the Lady Morgana. He had spoken to her, too, and well... she had this stench about her...

... though as it turned out, Aredian did not get permission to question Morgana until after he had measured Gaius's reaction.

"You have corrupted them, Gaius. And so they must answer for your crimes."

Morning was not going to be a happy affair.

[[ for those in camelot Warning: for torture references. ]]