Hello! As promised, here is a mystery fic! I love Agatha Christie, and couldn't resist making a mystery where Merlin and Arthur save the day- though it won't be as good as the Queen of Mystery herself.

WARNINGS: May contain spoilers from season three, though won't clearly state any plot of a certain episode.

NO SLASH- Friendship only. Sorry slashers!

Is that all? Well, let the games begin!

"Merlin!" Arthur huffed with a roll of his eyes. "You can't eat my food!"

Merlin looked at him, one eyebrow raised. "Why not? You steal my sleep by making me get up early."

Arthur raised his eyebrows. "You see, Merlin, that might be fair- if you weren't my servant and you actually got here on time in the mornings."

Merlin gave a sheepish grin that only resulted to Arthur rolling his eyes and pulling his half-full plate towards him. Though, when Merlin turned away to face the knocking on the door, the prince did give a small grin. "Come in!"

It was a guard who stood stiffly in the doorway, causing Merlin to turn away and roll his eyes.

"His majesty says it is time to move 'The Box'."

Arthur nodded, with a sigh, looking at the breakfast on the plate longingly. He shrugged, then motioned for Merlin to follow him before they got to the dungeons, where the King, Gaius and what looked like the entire army of Camelot were gathered.

"Ah, Arthur. It's time. Take up your position with 'The Box'," Uther hissed the two words like they were evil, "and make sure no one touches it. I shall be at the front."

Arthur nodded, then took the box carefully, taking his place in the middle of the huge army that would soon march through the halls of the castle.

Merlin shivered, looking round suspiciously. There was magic at work somewhere here, he could feel it in the air. He cast a side-ways glance at Arthur, who was marching proudly, facing straight ahead. He was TOO proud, if you asked Merlin. He'd talk to him about it later. Merlin looked round the corridor and army again- there was nobody acting suspiciously… they passed the kitchen and finally got to the throne room. Maybe there was nothing wrong after all…

Merlin could finally breathe a sigh of relief as Arthur passed the box to his father, who set it down on a grand, oak table that stood in the middle of the hall. The army had been dispersed, and guards stood outside the door. Everyone left the room, and Uther locked the door behind him. Merlin ran behind the King and his son as they continued in a stride down the corridor.

"So what exactly is this box?" Arthur asked curiously.

Uther waved it aside. "A magical object that is dangerous."

Arthur fell behind so he was in step with Merlin as they continued towards the Prince's chambers. "A magical object that is dangerous? What does that mean?"

"It means," Arthur told him grimly, "That he doesn't know."

Arthur was lying in the dreams of Guinevere when he was rudely awoken from his slumber by a lazy and ungrateful manservant. Arthur's hand groped for the nearest thing, and he chucked it half-heartedly in the direction of Merlin.

Arthur's eyes opened automatically when there was no reply, instead a hurried, "Arthur, for once, get up- it's urgent."

Merlin hadn't needed to add that last bit- Arthur had already gathered that from how Merlin's voice had lacked that playfulness and banter that usually was there in the mornings.

In no time, Arthur was dressed and hurrying down the corridors, past the whispering maids and servants that were darting round the castle. Arthur decided to question the paler than normal servant. "Merlin, what's happening?"

"The box-"

"What about it?"

Merlin frowned. "It was stolen."

Arthur gave a sigh of relief. "Is that all?"

"Your father's been really angry. Arthur, I swear, nobody can remember him being this angry…"

"So why are people scared?"

Merlin sighed. "Some are saying that he'll bring back the witch-hunter…" The end of the sentence was left open, and Arthur watched as a maid quickly hurried along the corridor, nearly tripping in her haste to get out of sight. She looked over her shoulder worriedly, looking scared stiff.

Arthur's face turned resolute. "Then we'll have to find out who took it before he does call in another witch-hunter."

And they entered the throne-room, ready to face the anger that was Uther.

I know it's short and not that great… but it will get longer and hopefully I can improve my writing! Other characters will come in the plot at some point, don't worry. Please REVIEW! =D