A/N; So I've had about three different ideas for stories but the others are short and this will be a long story, so I'm going to do the great task of doing all three at once for all of you:) Please review and tell me what you think:)

Summary; Gwaine accompanies Merlin on a trip to Ealdor but they're attacked and Merlin gets kidnapped. Gwaine goes to look for him and when Arthur learns of their disappearance, he races off to find them.

Disclaimer; I don't own Merlin.

"You didn't have to come Gwaine", Merlin joked after about the twentieth time this hour the knight had moaned about being hungry.

"Nonsense. Not going to miss my chance of meeting Mummy Merlin, anyway it's not like Arthur or I would let you travel through bandit infested lands alone. Still, it might be quite nice to bump into a bandit, they might have some food," Gwaine replied smiling.

"Arthur?" Merlin asked. Now he was interested.

Had the King actually been concerned enough for Merlin's safety he made a knight accompany him on a visit home? Obviously, he was more than capable of protecting himself with his magic, but as Arthur didn't know that and just saw him as a servant who couldn't fight, it was a touching gesture.

"I was already packing and he came in to tell me to go with you. Have to say, he looked a bit too happy when I said I was already going. You know princess, he likes knowing you're safe."

Merlin chuckled.

"So I suppose that means you're my protector for this trip" Merlin stated teasingly.

"Well yes, I suppose it does." Gwaine agreed.

"And Gwaine, please do me one favour?" Merlin said seriously.

"What?"

"Don't chat up my mother."

Gwaine just laughed.

"Do you have such little faith in me Merlin?"

Merlin gave him a joking "are-you-being-serious-look."

Gwaine laughed.

"I'm hurt Merlin. Truly."

The two friends continued to laugh and joke the rest of the journey, completely unaware they were being watched.

"Is that him?" a rough, cold voice spoke out.

"No, that's a knight. We're not interested in him, just kill him on the spot. It's the servant we want, alive."

"Surely a knight would know more than a mere servant?"

The man gave a sickening happy smile.

"Yes, but you forget that knights are trained in dealing with torture and can withstand it without giving any information away. 'Mere' servants, are not."

The two men laughed as they sharpened their swords.

"Merlin, what are you doing? Arthur's not here, you don't need to serve."

"It's a habit I guess." Merlin smiled. "I'll go feed the horses."

Gwaine nodded.

Merlin did so much, he only wished Arthur would appreciate him a bit more.

The boy had been a loyal friend to the knight from the very first day they met, he was lucky to have him.

He was about to stand up to go help him when he heard a twig snap from the opposite direction Merlin went in.

He knew this was hotspot for bandits so reached for the hilt of his sword and cautiously walked forward.

At least he didn't have to worry about making sure Merlin was safe, he wasn't here.

But Gwaine heard more footsteps approaching and was starting to feel outnumbered.

He spun his sword around and took a deep breath.

It was well prepared as a moment after that, a man ran out charging at the Knight with his sword.

Gwaine couldn't help thinking he was much more skilful with a sword than just a regular bandit but he couldn't match up to Gwaine and he ran his sword through the man.

But he was sure he had heard more than one person hiding in the bushes, so why had just one man ran out?

And surely Merlin would have heard swords clashing and he would of come running to try assist Gwaine like the loyal friend he was?

Too much things weren't making sense and Gwaine didn't like where it was leading to.

He started to walk towards where the horses had been tied but wasn't prepared for what was in front of him.

Merlin's jacket was on the ground, covered in blood, but there was no sign of the actual man.

"Merlin!" Gwaine shouted in panic.

He spent the next 5 minutes shouting the man's name and walking around the area.

The footsteps had gone, but so had Merlin, the only thing left of him was his blood.

There was no time to lose. Gwaine got on his horse and raced off to find his friend.

He would find Merlin and bring him back to Camelot safely.

Gwaine didn't know where to start, but one thing he did know was whoever had done this for whatever reason would pay for hurting his friend.

A/N; There you go:) Hope you enjoyed and please review:)