This idea just wouldn't leave me alone soo here it is

Enjoy =)

... and pls let me know what you think

p.s. thanks to Dawn that shines for editing :D

Disclaimer: Don't own Merlin...

Chapter 1

To an unobservant person the woods would seem still and unmoving on this cold, dark night, but when looking closely you could see shadows moving through the trees. However, no treacherous sounds could be heard as these cloaked men neared a clearing, where a campfire was fending off the cold.

In complete silence, using hand signs to coordinate their movements, the hunters approached their prey. After a signal from their leader, they spread out to form a semicircle to prevent their targets from escaping, while leaving an entrance so that newcomers wouldn't suspect anything.

Crouching down behind a boulder Prince Arthur, crowned prince of Camelot, observed his enemies. There in the open area before him were more than half a dozen people, no not people, sorcerers. Men, women, and even some children stood or sat around the campfire in front of hastily set up tents.

Having counted his enemies the blonde royal came to the conclusion that the number of his men was far greater than the enemies, but nevertheless he needed to be careful. Against normal foes his knights would have no problems but in a fight like this, where the opponents were unpredictable and had the ability to use magic, caution was in order.

Still, he was quite surprised that the story of the farmer who had come to the citadel to tell King Uther of a gathering of traitorous sorcerers in his woods was actually true. The man didn't appear very trustworthy, but now there were no longer any doubts about his claims.

To the prince's right his second in command Sir Leon, who he had fought countless battles with, had also finished his observations and turned to Arthur, silently asking him for further instructions.

One last glance at the 'druids' or however this group called themselves assured the blonde that they did not suspect anything and that a surprise attack was his best chance to minimize collateral damage on his side. About to give the signal to attack Arthur raised his hand, but suddenly he realized that the older men were pacing impatiently as if they were waiting for something or someone. The women also seemed tense and anxious for some reason the prince couldn't fathom.

Taking their behavior into account Arthur lowered his hand again and watched a little longer. Yes, he was right, the group continuously glanced into the direction of the castle and their anticipation was tangible. They were waiting. The only question was for what?

Considering all his options Arthur signaled his men to remain hidden and to stay put. Sir Leon looked a little confused, but after several hand signs he turned around to observe again and this time he too seemed to be able to see what he saw.

'So we wait.'

A very boring hour later Arthur really wished he had been allowed to tell his manservant, Merlin, about this mission and had brought him along. The idiot always managed to lighten the mood and keep things interesting. Of course if he actually had come along they would have long been caught as the clumsy oaf was not able to set one foot in front of the other without making a horrendous amount of noise or falling over something; but at least it would be more entertaining.

'God, I really hate waiting...' thought the blonde while he shifted silently to find a more comfortable position.

Another half an hour later Arthur considered just rushing in and forgetting about this damn... well whatever it was they were waiting for. He was already contemplating giving the signal, when finally there was a movement in the shadows beyond the fire. Interestingly the arrival was coming from the direction of the city.

Watching the edge of the clearing Arthur sat up slightly to have a better view of the newcomer. Right now he only was able to make out a tall, skinny figure in the shadows, but in a moment the person would be illuminated by the fire.

The man hesitated shortly before he entered the field, where the sorcerers had stood up to greet him and walked up slowly to them.

'Come on, just a little farther...' keeping a close eye on him, Arthur couldn't help, but feel a certain familiarity. Nevertheless he was shocked when the figure fully entered the clearing, so where his knights, as they all knew that man.

'Merlin.'

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