The Whip's Sting-Uther,Merlin,Arthur,Gaius,Hunith

[kinguthersqueen]

(...and maybe Gwen if her player chooses. Hunith only at the end, you'll see what I've got in mind.)

Although prisoners were held in the dungeon, the outside courtyard was used for the meting out of physical punishment. Aside form the obvious beheadings and burnings, it was occasionally used when Uther ordered someone flogged. It wasn't always a public affair, but anything carried out here tended to draw at least a few spectators. Aside from the necessary guards, a handful of the castle staff were watching the throng of guards near the pole that would be used.

Uther thought nothing of flogging the servant boy, but he did wish he had been able to avoid it with Arthur. The prince had to be taught a lesson, though, and if physical punishment and confinement were the only way, then so be it. He also ordered that the girl, Gwen, be there to watch as a way of hopefully imparting on her the seriousness of the issue. Of course, Uther wouldn't actually be doing the flogging, but he had something in mind for Arthur that might happen.

First one and then the other would be stripped to the waist and have their hands secure to restraints attached to the wooden pole. The whip was braided leather, ending in several strands with small bits of glass lodged in them, not unlike what the Romans used several centuries earlier. If the punishment were carried out properly, and the wounds treated properly by Gaius, both boys would recover, but the scars would remain and hopefully prevent them from acting in such a way again.

He ordered the prince brought out first, and started to speak.

"Prince Arthur, you have been sentenced to receive five lashes, after which you will be confined to the dungeon for a week's time. I take no pleasure in this experience, but it is my hope that you will learn from it and from the scars you will carry. Do you have anything to say?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not particularly looking forward to today. Well, perhaps that was an understatement but he knew he had no choice in the matter. And quite frankly, this was a very, VERY small price to pay for nearly losing Guinevère . . . for being the reason she had almost died. Arthur would gladly take a thousand lashes and spend a decade in the dungeon if it meant Guinevère was safe. He had not objected to anything his father had said . . . mostly because he was having trouble moving past what had almost happened. Even before his father believed he was enchanted, he forced a woman that he loved, to leave Camelot. It made Arthur wonder if his father cared at all about his son's happiness.

Arthur said nothing then and he would say nothing now. His relationship with the king had significantly changed even if this was not something he could openly show. He would be more polite than usual, as he now feared his father's wrath and all that he had done -- or threatened and tried to do -- against the woman he loved. Banishing her, arresting her, sentencing her to death . . . hitting her. All this rage would forever be inside Arthur but that was where it could only remain. If he showed the slightest indication that it had not only been an enchantment . . . then he knew his father would not hesitate in doing what he had nearly done to Guinevère.

As the prince was escorted to the courtyard, he kept a completely emotionless, formal expression on his face. The only thing he hated about this, was the fact that it was public . . . that Guinevère may have to witness this. The king could give him as many lashes as he wished, but why couldn't he have chosen to do this in private. To teach the Prince about humility no doubt, and the extent of how serious his actions would be taken. But still. Never the less, Arthur said nothing about it, even when his father asked him if he wished to say anything. And Arthur was certainly not going to apologize for what had happened either, for while it was assumed he had been under a spell, he was not going to say words to support this.

"No," he said in a formal tone. He just wanted them to get on with it. On top of everything else, he wished that Merlin did not have to receive double the punishment. . . but Arthur had learned the hard way what happens when he stands up for his servants, and now feared the King's wrath whenever he would do so. He was bound on the pole and he began to brace himself for whatever was to come, gaining strength from the fact that Guinevère was alive. That was all that mattered; this was nothing compared to the pain he would suffer had she died.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther had suspected his son would remain silent. He'd had a glimmer of hope for some form of apology, some acknowledgement that it had been an enchantment, but Arthur was having none of it. That was what kept Uther's suspicions heightened, making him question whether it was entirely an enchantment or not. It was obvious he was unhappy about the public nature of the flogging, but it was indeed an exercise in humility. The guards had readied him, inducing him to remove his tunic and securing him to the pole, bare back exposed. Uther raised his hand and gave the signal.

"One"

*crack*

"two"

*crack*

"three"

*crack*

"four"

*crack*


Uther then raised his hand, gesturing for the whip to be handed to him.

"I shall deliver this one final lash as a reminder to you. I am your king and the one you serve. Your loyalty must always be first and foremost to be and to Camelot."

Uther drew back his arm and brought the whip forward, cracking it one final time accross his son's already blood-splattered back. He motioned the guards to free him then.

"You will be allowed treatment by Gaius, and then you will be confined, as you were sentenced. And you will not see the girl during your weak of confinement. If I catch her sneaking in, let it be known that she will be flogged as well. Guards, bring me the servant now, and secure him to the pole. Arthur, you will remain long enough to watch, as a reminder that your actions, good or bad, always have an effect on others. Had you been a shrewder master, he would not be recieving his punishment now."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Each lash was more painful than the last. But Arthur would not show just how painful it was. He found himself holding his breath, and tongue, preventing him from yelling out. He tightly squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to think about it and only focus and concentrate on how things could have been far worse. This was nothing. Nothing at all. That was what Arthur had to think about to get through this physical punishment.

When the lashing stopped at four, Arthur opened his eyes. He cringed hearing his father's words -- though if anyone noticed his cringe would be easily explained by the pain he was currently experiencing. When in actuality, he had done it, hearing his father speak about how his loyalty would always firstly be to Camelot. No. His loyalty would always be to Guinevère first. If only his father had known that his son was actually going to leave with her. If only he knew that when he said he would relinquish all of his titles, he was not really enchanted but rather . . . the king had pushed him to that extent where he would give up anything and everything just to save Guinevère's life. But none of that mattered to his father, and that was why he would never be able to forgive him for what he had done.

When the last lash was administered -- perhaps the most painful one of all -- Arthur blinked back a couple of tears from the severe pain, hoping that no one would take any notice. The guards released his bind and Arthur used whatever strength he had left in him to stand on his own two feet. He would have time later to collapse in his cell. Despite all the lashes he received, the thing that pained him the most was the fact that he would not be able to see Guinevère for a week, and the mere suggestion of her getting flogged was horrible! But he could not protest -- no matter how badly he wanted to. He had found the perfect location for them to meet at, and now his father was telling him that he could not see her for seven days?! How would he know if she was alright?!

And as if things could get worse . . . his father was going to make him watch Merlin's lashing, as well as reminding him that it was the Prince's fault that he was getting this punishment. Arthur knew it was. He should have done more to try and defend Merlin. He should have guessed that his father would be angry when he found out that Merlin had let the sorcerer slip by . . . Arthur should have tried harder to keep this fact from his father. But now, there was nothing he could do. But watch. Watch as his close friend was going to receive a lashing as well. And this would be the first time Arthur spoke up.

"I accept all responsibility for what is about to happen," he began to say. His voice was raspy from the pain, and he was using whatever little strength he had to speak. He was trying to further allow himself to show humility rather than publicly defy his father. He made sure that it was evident in his tone so that the king would not take this the wrong way. "I implore you Sire, to show mercy and limit him to the same punishment I receive, decreasing his lashes from ten to five." The guilt that Arthur felt for what had happened to Guinevère and now Merlin was the worst punishment he could possibly suffer, so if there was any chance that he could decrease Merlin's, then he would at least try. Especially now since the Prince had been lashed with no protest. Would this not give his father with the slightest bit of sympathy to grant his son this one thing?

[pie]

Merlin had waited silently, even after Arthur was taken to be given his punishment. He looked calm, though it was forced. He wouldn't let fear show on his face, not until that last second, at least. Inside, though, multiple emotions swarmed within him. Amongst these were fear and anger. He did fear the whip's lash, and nothing would be able to lessen that feeling. To the anger... he was angry at Uther, and maybe even himself. There was no need for Uther to do any of this. Arthur surely didn't deserve this; Love should not be something you had to hide, particularly from your own father! Why couldn't the King just be happy for his son? About being angry at himself... if he had just been able to change back himself, and not had to rely on Gaius' potion... or at least found a better place to drink said potion or came up with a better excuse. . .

When the guards came to get him, he went willingly, forcing himself to cooperate. Still, he couldn't stop a slight squirm as he was brought outside in front of everyone. Why did so many people have to be watching? He let his eyes scan around, searching for Arthur, and sure enough, spotted him. And wished he hadn't. Just looking at Arthur, having just undergone his five lashes, sent even more anger through him. He didn't let it show, however, and lowered his eyes as he was brought towards the wooden pole where he would be prepared for the flogging.

He obeyed to having to take off his upper clothes, tossing first the jacket aside, and then the shirt underneath. While doing so, his hands only shook slightly. Before his wrists were bound to the pole, he glanced at Uther, and couldn't hide the slight look of pure anger at the King. This was all he had to endure for protecting Arthur and Guinevère's relationship? Then so be it. He knew he would wind up crying out in pain during the lashing, but in light of what he had accomplished to get to this point, he didn't regret it. What the king had planned for Gwen was wrong, in all senses of the word. She hadn't deserved to be banished, and she sure as heck hadn't deserved to be burned at the stake.

He let his hands be bound to the wooden pole without protest, and looked straight forward, biting his lower lip to ready himself.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther watched mostly silently as the boy was brought out and secured in place. Arthur was still talking, pleading with him to reduce the punishment to five lashes instead of ten, but Uther wasn't in a negotiating mood at the moment. He really didn't understand Arthur's attachment to the servant anyway, the nobles and royalty normally did not grow too close to the hired help. They were supposed to treat them well, but no one batted an eye if a level of abuse took place. Uther just shook his head at Arthur

"I am not negotiating with you, Arthur. I do not know why you plead for him anyway, he is just a servant. But in any case, my decision stands. Begin."

Uther once again began counting as the whip's crack rang out. He didn't step in this time, as he had with Arthur, but waited for the final stroke before ordering him released. Gaius could begin giving him treatment, and Arthur would be taken for the rest of his punishment. Uther was a bit surprised to see the boy's mother here, though he said little more as the event drew to a close.

[Deleted]

She had been looking forward to these couple of days, they were time that was very rare now. A year had passed since she had last seen Merlin, and she had managed to get away from her work at Ealdor for a couple of days to come and see him again. She wished she could move to Camelot, that she was not missing out on so much of Merlin's life, but she knew he understood her commitment to their home and all she did to help the village. They simply took what time they could get to be together and treasured it greatly.

She could see as she got close to the castle that she'd had the misfortune to get here during a flogging; it was bad timing. Uther's justice was always swift and brutal, and she felt that although he had brought peace to the land, he made too many suffer for his beliefs. She intended to get into Gaius's place as quickly as possible, so she wouldn't have to bear witness to any more than necessary. All that changed, though, when she could see clearly enough to see who it was attached to the post.

She felt helpless, pain-stricken. She wanted desperately to go to him, to take him down, to somehow shield him from the blows he was taking, but it would do no good at all. There was nothing she could do to protect him or help him, she could only wait until Uther had finished counting and ordered him released. She scanned the area for Gaius, he had to be waiting nearby, knowing Merlin would need treatment. Until he could get Merlin moved, she sat and carefully took her son onto her lap, stroking his face and hair. She wanted to hold him, comfort him somehow, but it would only hurt him worse if she did.

"It's all right, I'm here...I know it hurts, just try and relax, lay still until it's time to move you. My poor son...I don't care what happened, you did not deserve this. I'm only sorry I could not have done anything to stop it." She bent her head, pressing a sort kiss to his forehead.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur could not say he was surprised that his father rejected his plea. It just made him more frustrated towards him though. More so, because his father just did not seem to understand that servants were people. Living, breathing, human beings. They were not a plague. They were not the scum on their feet. They deserved to be treated with respect. Arthur's appreciation for them of course grew when he befriended Merlin and when he fell in love with Guinevère . . . but still. They were still people, still subjects of Camelot. And his father acted as they were completely insignificant.

Arthur did not watch the flogging. Instead he looked to the ground unable to see each lash struck against Merlin, because each one had been the Prince's fault. Each one was due to his father's inability to forgive. It was a horrible series of events, and Arthur did not stand to watch it. When it was finally done -- which felt like it took forever -- a couple of the guards began to escort him away. Arthur knew where he was being led to. His father had stated that he would first be treated by Gaius before being taken to the dungeon, and so, the guards led him to the physician's quarters and Arthur entered, to see Hunith lying by her son. The Prince felt even more guilty for seeing her so upset, and she had every right to be.

He stood there, helplessly, trying to find the words to say to her. "How is he?" He asked, taking a few steps towards them, wondering if she blamed him -- as Arthur blamed himself -- for what happened to her son.

[Not sure if we were going to end it, so I just had Arthur there to drag it out a bit. Hope thats alright! If not, let me know and I can change it!]

[pie]

Merlin's calm composure broke almost as soon as he found his wrists bound together on the pole. He felt trapped -- for surely he was! -- and vulnerable. Which, to him, seemed worse than the lashings could be. That, too, though, changed when it actually started. Nothing could compare to the stinging whip cracking against his back, the glass bits latched onto the strands tearing into his skin.

He managed to hold out from making any noise for the first two, even though tears of pain began to well up in his clenched eyes. However, when the third lash struck, he found himself crying out in pain, his voice carrying through the courtyard. He hadn't had the years of training Arthur had had, he wasn't as physically strong, and nor did he have the mental strength to hold out against the whip. He wasn't able to hold back his screams, which felt as if they were torn from his throat.

By the time it got to the eighth lash, only six lashes ahead from the third, he had screamed so loud and too much that he found that his voice didn't even want to come out anymore. Already had this seemed too long, and the last lashes were no different. By the time the punishment was over, Merlin was actually glad for the binding hold his wrists to the pole. It helped him support himself from falling over.

Even when he was released, he could barely comprehend that the person now stroking his face and hair, holding him in their lap, was his mother. He just did as told, trying to lie as still as possible, not wanting to increase the pain coursing through his body. Short gasps came from him, as he wasn't able to muster enough breath to do any more than that. He also never realized when he was finally moved to Gaius' chambers, nor that Arthur entered shortly after.

He did, though, hear Arthur's voice. By this time, he had got the notion that it was his mother with him, though he hadn't been able to speak yet. When he heard Arthur, however, he found what little strength he could to lift his head and stare -- at what he hoped was Arthur and not a wall -- and managed to call out his name. "Arthur?" He was more concerned right now with his friend than about himself.

[Deleted]

It had hurt her so much to see him going through that, especially when it had gotten so bad he had cried out, so loud and anguished. Tears stung her own eyes, and only the knowledge of what would happen if she lost control and went up there kept her from begging the guard to stop. She was unable to stop crying by the time he was taken down and she had ensured she was there to take him, to gently lower him to the ground. She had not wanted to let him go when he was taken from her to be brought to Gaius. She had glared at Uther and the guard with barely contained rage, wishing for all the world that she could make her true feelings known.

She had followed closely when they'd moved him, unwilling to leave him even for a moment. She noticed that he seemed to finally recognize her-he'd been too out of it to fully comprehend who was holding him before-but his focus right now was on Arthur and how he was doing.

"Easy, love, don't move more than you have to, just try and stay still. Arthur's here, yes, he'll be all right. As will you."She quited then to give Arthur a chance to speak.

She found herself wondering as she did her best to help Gaius with Merlin, if either boy truly recognized how deep their friendship really was now-now that they'd admit it. They both hid it well under jabs and name-calling, and friendly antagonism. But the bond showed through when it really mattered.