The limp unconscious body of the once great and powerful Uther Pendragon lay on the bed in front the young prince.
"Sire the moonwart is the only thing I know that will save your father alas only one has ever been found," Gaius's voice was tired and painful.
Uther had not eaten for several days and was slowly wasting away. The ordeal with Morgana had taken a lot out of them all but mostly out of Uther.
"I...I must help him Gaius, I...we need him. Where can I find this moonwart?"
"The only time it was found..."
"Yes,"
"...It was found in the perilous lands."
"As I remember it wasn't that perilous last time I was there"
"Yes but without me and Guain there..."Called Merlin from the other room.
""
"Sorry" he said in a loud whisper"Without me and Guain there to save your princely arse you would have been dragon food"
"Dracon" the prince corrected then turning to Gaius said "We will ride at dawn"
After a short nights sleep both prince and servant were ready to leave. They met in the princes stables Arthur nimbly swinging himself on to the already saddled horse whilst Merlin struggled with the bridle of his own beast. Then patting her on the neck attempted to pull himself into the saddle, he succeeded in mounting his mule. However with a quick flick of her neck Merlin's horse sent him flying into a pile of straw much to the amusement of the prince.
"Merlin you great buffoon" Arthur shouted jumping out the saddle " We do need to ride today you know."
The prince stuck out a hand an helped Merlin up. Then began to help him into the saddle. Merlin pushed his foot into the stirrup. Arthur's hands snaked up one just below Merlin's knee the other resting under the thick material of his shirt at Merlin's skinny waist. For a brief moment their gaze locked and both men enjoyed true pleasure before Arthur pushed Merlin up and their touch was broken.