Prolouge

The wind howled mercilessly, as the rain poured down upon the poor shivering victim below as he trudged wearily through the mud. Frantically trying to reach his destination before his clothes became to heavy with water to move. Tightening his worn cloak around his shoulders he picked up the pace sighing in relief as the entrance to the cave finally came into view. Hurrying into the darkness beyound the entrance he wearily unclasped his cloak shaking out the water as he cautiously gazed around him. Taking in each gray stone, and each quiet chirp of the bats hanging above him. Placing his cloak back around his shivering shoulders he straightened his back, and with a hardened glare that could move mountains he bellowed into the darkness.

"DEMON! I KNOW YOU ARE IN HERE! I HAVE COME TO STRIKE A BARGAIN!" For a moment all was silent before a deep quiet chuckle could be heard within the cave, before glowing golden eyes could be seen peering out through the darkness.

"My my aren't you a polite little human Uther Pendragon. Coming in here shouting and calling me a demon. Didn't even bother asking my name. My how this generation has fallen." The creature sneered in a voice masked by the magic swirling around him to hide his identity. Taking a step into the light his glowing golden eyes glared at Uther beneath the confines of his cloak of shadows obscuring his face from view.

"I have no time for such trival things demon." Uther scoffed waving away the creatures remarks as if swatting a fly.

"Hmm maybe not, but as i personally don't like being called a term created by humans, you may instead call me Rumplestilskin. Tis not my true name but it will do for now."

"Yeah whatever. Now about the bargain?" Uther impatiently prompted brushing off the name as if it were trash.

"Impatient as ever. Very well what is it you seek little human?" Rumple sighed folding his arms over his cloak covered chest.

"I wish to be king of camelot. I am tired of sitting by watching my brother Agravain rule the kingdom and gain all the glory while i sit cast away to the far reaches of the kingdom. I want my revenge for my brother banishing me and making me live as a peasant for all these years. I want whats rightfully mine. The throne and for Agravain to be the one forced to live in such awful conditions. I will pay any price you demand. Just give me my throne." Uther demanded taking a small step toward Rumple.

"You ask no small feat of me little human. Are you sure you are willing to pay the price for such a huge feat. For the price is a steep one?"

"Yes yes, whatever you desire will be yours." Uther carelessly huffed tapping his foot impatiently as he waited for his prize.

"Very well. The price i demand for you taking the throne is the life and soul of your first born son. When your son reaches the age of 22 years I will come and devour his soul. Do you still wish to continue with the bargain?" Uther merely rolled his eyes nodding as he had no wife therefore was not afraid of the price. Rumple smiling a full toothed grin extended his hand toward Uther for him to clasp to complete the unbreakable vow. Once Uther had clasped Rumples arm he began chanting in a foreign language as black and golden ropes sprung out and entwined their arms together vanishing within their skin. Sealing the promise forever more. As soon as the magic had vanished Uther immediately snatched his hand back and glared up at Rumple.

"Well is it done?"

"It is done. Tonight is the last night you will sleep as a peasant. Tomorrow when you wake you will wake in the kings chambers a crown upon your head. As for my price I will come to claim your son 22 years after his first birthday. Until than Uther." With that Rumple vanished into the darkness leaving Uther standing there an evil smile forming on his face as he thought of what Tomorrow will bring. With no thought to his future sons future death Uther turned on his heel and headed home to his little cottage for the last time.

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19 YEARS LATTER

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"You Boy what is your name?" King Uther demanded staring down at the lanky young man standing timidly beside his son.

"Merlin your highness."

"Well Merlin you have just saved my boys life you must be rewarded. " Uther declared gesturing to the daggar embedded in the throne right where Arthur had been standing only moments ago.

"No really Sire that is not necessary."

"Non sense you must be rewarded, this merits something quite special. From this day forth you will be prince Arthurs manservant." With that Uther turned and swept from the room oblivious to his sons horrified sputtering, and merlins slightly glowing eyes as his plan to steal the princes soul slowly unraveled. Yes soon the prince would be nothing but a memory.