A slightly random idea but let's see where it leads!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Merlin BBC otherwise Bradley James would be...well mine!

Arthur Pendragon, prince of Camalot, all 13 years of him stopping at the sight of the little girl curled up in the hay. Terrified, alone and so innocent. How could she be the one to cause such pain?

Flashback

"Please King Uther. We don't know what to with it. It just sits there. Two of the knights tried to move it yesterday-," the stable hand mumbled at the floor near Uther's feet.

"Then what is the problem," Uther was bored, in the mood to be petulant.

The stable hand shuddered suddenly. "It's sorcery. They were both found dead in their beds this morning. The creature is still holed up in the hay barn."

Uther sat up and his face thundered. "Arthur!!" He bellowed even though his son was standing near.

"Father," Arthur Pendragon replied, trying not to sound too eager. This could be it, his first assignment...if he played his cards right. Uther's face did soften as he surveyed his son. This could be it! Arthur stood straight, his face straight forward, but did not look his father in the eye for fear Uther would see his desperation.

"I want you to take two men and personally investigate this." Arthur bristled at the slight to his manhood, but did not show it.

"Yes father," Arthur hesitated. He wanted to leave like he'd seen some of the other knights do. But this he was the prince and he wasn't allowed to leave without his father's presence. Maybe he should shuffle out slowly?

"What are you waiting for Arthur?" Uther gave him the Look.

Arthur just bowed shortly and with a swift turn and straight back, walked out of the hall.

"They're saying that the man kills anyone who looks at him," Morgana commented looking at herself in Arthur's mirror. Behind her Arthur was practising his fighting. He didn't reply.

Morgana tucked a lock of hair swiftly back into its plait. "Are you sure you should go?"

"Father thinks I'm ready." Arthur allowed himself a seconds rest before continuing.

Morgana surveyed herself pouting in the mirror before replying. "What did he say exactly?"

Arthur stopped and smirked. "Oh yes. You aren't allowed in the hall anymore are you? Not since-"

Morgana had pulled the tie out of her plait and as she whirled around to face Arthur, her hair tumbled around her face. "He deserved it," she hissed.

"Cat's are meant to kill mice." Arthur insisted.

"He's still a bullying worthless oxen's hide." Morgana turned imperiously back to her reflection.

Arthur didn't bother hiding his smug grin. "Father gave me the assignment because he knows I'm ready."

Morgana was obviously debating with herself. Eventually she turned to Arthur. "Look. Even though the other knights tease you because you're so little, they do respect you."

"Huh," Arthur stopped mid kick, tumbled to the floor and looked at Morgana while caught tangled in his own clothes.

"You keep up in all the exercises, you're a brilliant strategist and you could best a good number of them in a fight even though you're half they're size." Morgana tried not to laugh at the hopeful expression on Arthur's face. Should she tell him she was lying?

The look disappeared from Arthur's face. His detangled himself quickly and held his head high. "Of course, I'm their prince."

Morgana didn't have the heart. "Just don't tell anyone."

Arthur nodded. "I'm ready."

End Flashback

My first Merlin Fic so play nice please. Hopefully that set the scene and you guys enjoyed it.

Let me know

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