Chapter 1

The look on Arthurs face said it all. His face hardened as he heard the situation report from King Uther, his father. If one looked close enough, you could see his cheeks widen ever so slightly as he clenched his teeth in anger and disgust. His eyes became more focused. The sleepless look that bore itself upon him day by day by daily princely activities was relieved, and allowed Arthur a cleaner, more determined state of mind. He rose slowly from the feet of his father, still slightly bowing in respect. His short brown hair sat comfortably upon his head as he raised his helm and slid it on with a soft thump.

"We ride for Cantalian immediately my lord. Those bandits will think twice before raiding anything within ten leagues of Camelot's boundaries"

He made one final bow to the king, Carmen followed suit. Unlike Arthur, Carmen had long, brown hair contrasting to Arthurs short. Carmen's face lit up as he made a slow solemn bow to the king.

"Arthur!" cried Uther desperately.

Arthur's heavy, metal cranium turned slowly around to face his king.

"Yes father" came Arthur's swift, but impatient reply.

"Use caution. These bandits have been known to use somewhat-unhonourable- tactics to make sure they get what they want. They are not to be underestimated, nor are they to be shown any mercy. Do you understand?"

There had been a change in Uther's voice. One of which Carmen rarely heard. One of concern. One that reminded his people and his son that his heart was not one of stone, but one capable of compassion. Arthur seemed to recognise this and once again bowed, turned and left with Carmen close at his side.

As the throne room doors slammed shut, a deep, powerful boom echoed around the hallway. Carmen felt Arthur's heavy hand fall on his shoulder.

"What is it sire?" inquired Carmen. "Need I send for a small group of soldiers or is this a solo assignment?"

"Neither" he replied. "It is a partnership, as it has always been. Me. You. My horse. Your horse. I see not the reason why you feel the necessity to ask me every time we are sent to relieve a village from oppression or scout the mountains for carnivorous beasts. If I need a task force, I will ask for one. In my opinion, you are much more trustworthy and I know I can rely on you to cover my back in the middle of a snake pit."

His eyes stayed sharp and unchanged, despite the complement. Carmen decided to avoid the friendly accusation of flattery as he translated the look on Arthur's face and understood its message. This was not time for jokes, it was time for action.

"Yes sire. The horses were prepared last night as I heard the rumours spread through the castle of a village raid, just off the border of Cantalian. So I assumed that we would be inevitably riding out so I prepped both our horses, fully fed, warmed up and ready to go with extra munitions in each saddle"

Arthur's deep scowl shifted into a wide smile.

"Now that's what I like to hear. Why can't the other men show such promise? Were are the horses now?"

"What time is it?"

"Around mid day. Father still had remnants of chicken form his early lunch; also the sun is almost at its highest."

Both heads rose slowly to glance at the shining ball of hot, golden gas, lingering in the sapphire sky.

"Then they should be waiting at the castle gates, tied up, awaiting our arrival"

"Excellent. No time to waste. Let's move"

They took off with swift strides, covering over ten bricks in one stretch. There was a clear air of excitement about Arthur. His posture, straight and excited like a little farm boy, receiving a wooden carving from his farther on his birthday. He was having …fun.

Carmen took the walk to the gates as a time to relax. He had to remember what Gaius said: calm the mind and still your patience, and you will find that most dead end endeavours will prosper and reward. Carmen thought he finally knew what this meant but he still had to put it into practice. Finally reaching the gate, Arthur approached his horse and stroked its rear while checking the equipment in the pockets of his saddle.

"Arthur I don't think he likes you doing that…" remarked Carmen, restraining the urge to chuckle.

"Ha Ha, Oh you are so… not funny, like I haven't heard that one before… well all I'm saying is this… lets see who's stallion remains loyal in the midst of battle shall we?"

"Fine, but don't come grasping to my horse as yours has run away from his gender confused master…"

Carmen jumped as he felt a sharp pain on the back of his head. He swivelled around to discover the cause. Arthur's gauntlet. He looked relieved as he sighed and breathed deeply.

"Like that hurt" lied Carmen.

"I could turn my gauntlet over and smack you one with my special knuckle spikes if you want it to hurt Carmen, id be more than happy to oblige, they were made specially for annoying little pests, just like yourself."

Arthur grinned as he flipped his fist over to reveal wicked, twisted knuckle spikes, unique to his gauntlet.

"I don't know…"delegated Carmen as he climbed elegantly atop his steed. "I don't think your friend there would like you to be touching anyone but him"

Before Arthur could even draw breath to reply to Carmen's witty comment, Carmen was already half way across the draw bridge shouting:

"Last one their buys enough beer to get the other drunk for at least a week"

"You're on" thought Arthur as he quickly clambered upon his horse and galloped noisily after Carmen.