UPDATED! THIS STORY WAS REVISED ON AUGUST 20, 2015
A NEW CHAPTER has been added at the end as well as a NEW and REVISED EPILOGUE to expand and enhance the story.
The content has also been formatted into shorter multiple chapters for easier reading. (The new material is in Chapters 17 and 18 in the drop-down menu.)
**A special note of sincere thanks & appreciation to Merlin fanfic reader & author, wryter501, for her support & suggestions regarding these needed updates!**
PLEASE NOTE WARNINGS! no M/A slash but RATED M for a suggested m/m scene (not explicit) and other adult content; some language; violence (esp. in Arthur whumping scenes, but not overly gory); temporary character deaths (i.e. all is not lost. Merlin saves the day and even finds romance along the way)
Story Synopsis: A badly wounded Merlin is helpless to prevent Arthur's abduction by a ruthless enemy from the young king's past who is bent on the ultimate revenge, including the fall of Camelot. (takes place early season 4 and after Uther's death)
Story Themes/Genres: Dark Drama, Fantasy/Adventure, Friendship Bond, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on some of the characters from the popular British TV series, Merlin. I do not claim any ownership or other rights to the characters of Merlin, Arthur, Uther, Morgana, Agravaine, Ygraine, Gaius, Guinevere, Arthur's knights, King Odin, Kilgharrah or any others mentioned herein who belong to the series and its creators. This story is a work of pure fiction and is intended for entertainment purposes only. It and the additional characters of Sir Abersol, Alice, Godwin, Molly, Gerrid, Bertha, Cyrus, and others not part of the original Merlin TV series canon are purely those created from my imagination for the sake of this tale. No profit has or is intended to be made from this work of fan fiction.
Attribution for photo used of Chateau de Pierrefonds (setting of Arthur's castle in Merlin TV series) is courtesy of talented photographer Eric Pouhier at Wikipedia
Prologue
Evil Plottings
Two cloaked and hooded figures stood hidden in the deepening shadows of a narrow alleyway in a rough section of the lower town. Anyone observing them would have guessed that something nefarious was underfoot, such as the exchange of stolen goods, the purchase of illicit drugs, human trafficking, or in this case, the sale of sensitive information. The two men conversing were well-hidden in the foul-smelling narrow passageway. But even if they'd been seen no one would have dared intrude upon a clandestine meeting in this part of the old city; that is, not unless they wanted their throat slit or a dagger slipped between their ribs.
"You are sure that the boy will ride out in the early hours accompanied by only one servant?" the taller and broader of the two cloaked figures whispered.
"Aye, me-lord, as I told ye, I personally overhead his plan to leave the castle in disguise as soon as dawn breaks, and he seldom goes anywhere without the servant. They'll be traveling toward the deeper woodlands."
"Describe them."
Glancing furtively around, the informant replied in even lower tones, "They'll be wearing servants' clothing with cowls. They be of an age and height, but in other ways are as different as the day is to the night. The one ye want be fair-haired, with a face and form that draws the eye, while the other…the servant…be dark-haired and on the skinny side."
The taller figure nodded, teeth flashing behind his red beard, pleased with the information.
From beneath his dark cloak he retrieved a small brown leather pouch sagging with gold coins. "If your information is correct and we capture the boy, you shall be doubly rewarded," he murmured, handing the bag to the informant.