Chapter One
"Merlin," Gaius tried to grab the young warlocks attention, "You will be careful today, won't you?"
"I'm always careful," the boy smiled at his mentor and returned to what he was doing; (packing for a hunting trip). He dashed around the room, stuffing random supplies into his bag and overfilling it slightly.
The elderly man cleared his throat and looked down at a book open before him, "Have you ever heard of the Amphiptere?"
Merlin spun around to face his guardian, wondering where this conversation was heading. It wasn't unusual for Gaius to be worried, (he was such a pessimist) but the sorcerer knew it would be foolish to ignore what the man had to say.
Seeing the wizard shake his head, the physician decided to continue, "The Amphiptere is a mythical creature, said to be from a far away land."
Merlin raised a curious eyebrow, "Is there a reason you're telling me this?"
"Several outline villages say that they have recently seen a large, winged serpent flying over local forests and rivers. Not only that, a few villagers – mainly hunters – have reportedly gone missing."
"And you think they are talking about this Amphiptere thing?" Merlin asked as he walked over to where Gaius was seated and eyed the book he was reading. On one of the two open pages, was an illustration of this 'flying serpent'. It looked both hostile and benevolent at the same time, but something told the young sorcerer that it wasn't friendly.
"Maybe. I just want you to be careful. This creature is dangerous, and you won't be prepared to face such a thing if it it really is out there."
Gaius had Merlin's attention for a while. He wasn't sure what to make of their short conversation, but there was one thing he was certain of: he had to protect the Prince from the possibility of being attacked by a large, lethal creature. "Should I warn Arthur?" he had to ask. If there was a dangerous monster lurking in near by forests, the last thing he wanted to do was become it's prey.
The medical man shook his head, "He would probably dismiss it..." He was right. The warlock knew what Arthur could be like, it was probably best to leave the matter for the time being,"After all, you leave today. I fear it may be to late to change your minds."
Maybe nothing bad will happen after all. Merlin kept telling himself, but he couldn't shake the horrible feeling he had...
For the next fifteen minutes, the sorcerer spent his time packing, and preparing for a possible creature attack. Using magic, he copied a few pages about the Amphiptere and stuffed them in his bag. Gaius didn't like it, but he understood. Even if he didn't, the dragon-lord could be stubborn and would have done it anyway. Now he would have some information with him if it was needed.
"I am going to wake his royal highness," Merlin announced, knowing that if he didn't go now the prince would never wake up.
"Wait," Gaius called after the boy as he grabbed his bag and swung it over his shoulders. The man picked up a small vial of green liquid and placed it in Merlin's hands. He took the bottle and stared at it wonderingly, "If anything does happens to you or Arthur, drink this potion! And, take care my boy."
"I will." Merlin wrapped his arms around the old man and said his good-byes, before making his way out of the door and dashing down the corridor.
The wizard was shocked to see the future king up and dressed, when he entered the room. He couldn't help gasping and exclaiming the obvious, "You're dressed!"
"Your observation skills are amazing Merlin," Arthur chuckled, whilst trying to tighten his belt. Mind you, he couldn't really see what he was doing until his servant strode over to the windows and pulled the curtains open – lighting up the room.
"Maybe you should wear you armour..." the boy muttered and watched as the princes mouth pulled into a smile. He was trying to suppress a laugh, causing the young warlock to frown at him. His features screaming 'what's-so-funny'.
"I will wear my wrist bracer's and neck plate, but I highly doubt I will need to go out in a full suit of armour. We are hunting deer and wild boar, not creatures of 'great evil'."
"What if we get attacked by... something else?"
"Stop being such a girl Merlin, you are coming whether you want to or not. I know you are pretty useless on hunting trips, but I need someone to carry everything," he obviously thought his servant was trying to make excuses in order to get out of going, "And fetch me my breakfast, I'm starving."
At that, the sorcerer slipped out of the room to fetch the prat some breakfast. He knew how moody the prince could be when he was hungry and he really didn't fancy having things thrown at his head. Arthur had a habit of lobbing the first thing he could get his hands on – one day that object would be deadly!
Firstly; I don't know how quickly I will update this. I have a very busy schedule recently, so please forgive me for that. Either way, I will try to finish this fiction in due time, (and not leave it unattended to)!
Secondly; this fiction will be a mild slash (Merlin/Arthur) fiction! So, if you don't like then this isn't for you. That being said, it won't get too fluffy!
Thirdly; The Amphiptere (Pronounced: Am-Fih-Tear) is said to have lived in Northern America and (Aztec) Mexico. I did some research on the creature, but will have to invent a few things. I'll explain a little more at the end. (I guess that gives a little bit away). ^^;