Prince Arthur sat in his chair, by the long and cluttered table. Merlin hadn't been in to serve him that day, or for the past five days. He was on holiday visiting his family in Ealdor, "Lucky sod!" thought Arthur. He had been spending the past five days up to his eyeballs in paperwork, and had remained in his room. He was tired of been asked to follow proceedures and ettiquette, he wanted some fun to go on an adventure again like he'd used to. Making up his mind Arthur pushed the chair away from the desk, stood up, and went for a walk.

It was a pleasant evening outside, dark but warm and clear, the way Arthur liked it. Slipping through the gates and past the guards were easy to someone who knew how to do so. Before he knew where he was going, he had strolled out of teh city and into the forest that surrounded the lands. Trudging along Arthur suddenly heard a snap, and turned to see what or who had made the noise, his hand consciously reaching for his sword. SNAP! The sound was closer now and starting to annoy the prince, who for the darkness was all but blind. A large silhouette moved up behind Arthur, who only spun around when it was to late. The shadow moved into the nearest patch of moonlight attracting the prince's gaze. Arthur's jaw dropped open when he saw what was in front of him. It was a faun at least a head taller than him, with blue eyes, grey skin, and sharp pointed ears. The faun looked at him before bending down to meet Arthur on a level. "So looking for an adventure?" the creature chuckled at Arthur's expression.

Arthur struggled to find his voice again, his pale slim body trembling silently beneath the faun's gaze. "Hmmm!" The faun said "I think I've got the perfect thing for you!" again another sly chuckle escaped it's mouth. It stood up and produced a book from behind it seemingly from nowhere. Arthur was now having regained composure controlling his expression and drew his sword, but the creature merely tutted at him and held out the book. Hesitantly Arthur took it and studied it quickly. It was old brown leather bound, with yellowing torn pages and incredibly thick. "You must open the book at the next full moon!" the faun said "Then you must read the challenge riddle upon the page and follow it. There will be three tasks that you must complete before the moon wanes again, but be warned, failure to complete a challenge will result in how shall I say ... painful consequences!" Arthur looked up at the faun except it had vanished , looking around desperatly Arthur could find no sign of it anywhere. He turned back to the castle, as he did a voice drifted in the winds as he did. "Let the challenge begin," it hissed "The labyrinth is open once more!"

2 weeks later

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled for the twentieth time today. "Where's my supper?"

"Hold on!" came a groaning reply but Arthur could tell that Merlin was just playing with him. Merlin hurried round the open door, carrying a tray of soup and bread, stumbling to the table he set it down, and went to stand by the window as Arthur sat down. "It's a full moon tonight!" He commented dryly "Guess that means Gaius will have me collecting supplies tonight." he sighed.

"A full moon?" Arthur quizzed looking up at Merlin.

"That's waht I just said, honestly Arthur learn to listen!" Merlin grinned cheekily.

"Your'e not meant to address me like that!" Arthur said shooting his servant a sharp look , but was unable to hold it. Although he'd never admit it he was close to Merlin and valued him more as a friend than a servant. Consequently Merlin got away with more than he should. Arthur knew bit hadn't the heart to punish him as Merlin was his only trustable companion.

"Yeah well I do, and you've never complained before," chuckled Merlin "Anyway I'd best be off, Gaius will skin me if I don't get those supplies."

"Go on then, out!" Arthur smiled "and take the dish too," Merlin shot him a tired look, but took the dish.

"Goodnight Arthur oh I mean sire!"

"Goodnight idiot oh I mean Merlin!" Arthur replied smirking. When Merlin had gone, Arthur looked out the window and saw it was a full moon. He crossed his chambers to his bed and took out the book from where he'd hidden it, on the canopy ohf his bed. He sat down at the table and after studying the book again opened it.