STEEL AND SORCERY
Disclaimer: I own nothing whatsoever to do with 'Merlin'. I make no profit whatsoever from this, I'm just borrowing them to pass the time
Note: utmost apologies for the 'Mills and Boon' sounding title- I will need to get to grips with better titles but this will need to suffice for now
It had started off as just another of Arthur's occasional sojourns to various parts of his father's kingdom to check on the state of the land and its people. The Crown Prince of Camelot would travel disguised as an ordinary citizen and usually he would take only Merlin with him, the two friends travelling under the pretext of young men on their way to make their fortune in the castle city.
Lady Morgana had long been a tad envious of Arthur's trips as propriety demanded that she should travel with an armed escort for most, if not all, of the time. On the run-up to this latest outing, Morgana had been badgering her guardian's son whom she looked upon as a close brother – a close brother who had stubbornly refused any suggestion that she would accompany him on the basis that the risk to personal safety was too great. The dispute was finally settled by the challenge of a sword-fight resulting with the King's ward defeating the Prince and reminding him of how she had also bested him when they were children – something that Arthur always vehemently denied.
As a result, Morgana and Gwen had changed their clothing for attire more fitting for the journey ahead and packed what supplies they might require for the days ahead.
Things had started off uneventfully, the quartet making steady progress to the outlying settlements at the northern borderlands and meeting subjects of Camelot. The young Prince had been able to use his natural charm to quickly put those he met at ease and none suspected that he or his companions might be anyone other than the hopeful job-hunters that they pretended to be.
The innkeeper of that night's accommodation had noted that the small group, whilst not necessarily nobility, were nonetheless not dressed like the most humble of subjects in threadbare clothing. He concluded that they were probably the younger children of some mildly successful farmers or craftsmen who were obliged to find their fortunes elsewhere since any type of inheritance would pass to the firstborn of their families. Whatever the reason, the innkeeper was glad for any business that came his way.
The small group's presence had also not gone unnoticed by local outlaws who had watched their progress with care and who were now planning their attack for the following morning.
Although they were not unarmed, the four were obliged to conceal any larger weapons amongst their packs- only having knives readily to hand and so when the band of outlaws began their stealthy assault, they managed to quickly overpower the (disguised) royal party. Luckily, Arthur and Morgana had had the presence of mind to not take anything that was of too much monetary worth and so it was now that the young travellers found themselves still prisoners whilst their captors decided what to do with them despite having taken anything they found to be of value.
Tied back to back, Morgana to Merlin and Arthur to Gwen, they were sat on the ground off to one side of the outlaws' rudimentary camp trying find a way out of their predicament.
"What's the plan?" whispered Morgana across to the other pair of prisoners just a couple of paces away. She had been considering various means of escape but had discarded each idea as quickly as they came. The long-haired brunette knew well that as soon as it was decided that the outlaws had no further use for them, their fate would be sealed in a most fatal way.
Arthur's blue eyes blazed furiously as he briefly looked over at the bandits. He had been struggling with the bonds that tethered his wrists to Gwen's but with no luck, the person who bound them knew his knots and the rope had not loosened in the slightest, leaving him and the maid with little else but chafed, raw wrists and hands.
"I don't know yet, I need to think" Arthur hissed in reply. He was becoming increasingly frustrated and angry. He was the heir to Camelot, used to being in control with people jumping to attention at his slightest command. He most definitely was not used to being trussed up like the boar he regularly hunted. The blond man closed his eyes as he paused to gather his thoughts. Momentarily, he let his brain register the warmth of the body tied to him but he quickly pushed the thought away, he couldn't let himself be distracted.
Behind him, Gwen felt the steady rise and fall of his back as he took in a few calming deep breaths. She didn't know how they were going to escape but she had the utmost faith in Arthur's abilities and when the time came, she would be ready to fight.
Merlin had also remained silent as he pondered the situation. He had the power to secure their freedom anytime he wanted but the consequences that would result from him revealing his magic would be great and far-reaching for him and for others, many of whom he had grown to care deeply about. Nevertheless, the sorcerer was prepared to do so if left with no other option but until such time arrived, Merlin had to trust that his regal friend and master would have a plan before he would have to take that course of action.
After a few minutes, Arthur's eyes snapped open. He was at a loss and it galled him to think that he had been defeated by such unworthy foe. Had it been some great, monstrous creature he was fighting to the death with he could understand – but this? It was unbearable!
The prisoners' attention was caught by the sound of the bandit leader's approaching footsteps. He was known only as Colmer and he was tall and lean, his rough nondescript clothing revealing arms that were corded with sinewy muscle and silvery scars marked the exposed parts of his body. Most noticeable of all was the long and ragged one that ran the full length of the left side of his tanned and grime-covered face.
He stood over his prisoners while two of his men loomed behind him, hands ready on the hilts of their swords. "Well now, what to do with you all? That is a question I have been pondering for some time." His voice was surprisingly deep and held a quiet menace. Green eyes glinted with amusement at the fierce and defiant glares that came from the quartet.
He crouched down besides the Prince. "The two of you," he nodded over to Merlin as well, "I have no need for." Colmer turned his attention to Gwen, whose chin he cupped firmly in a rough, dirty hand and Morgana who he acknowledged with a direct look. He fixed a stare at Gwen's deep brown orbs. "But you ladies are another matter." He chuckled and the sound sent a shiver of fear through both women which the men they were bound to felt quite clearly. "It has been a long time since we have had any women in my humble company and my men do so enjoy the pleasures of the fairer sex."
The two henchmen with their leader laughed crudely at this last comment and they leered openly at the women.
Merlin felt anger rise within him at the thinly veiled suggestion as to the fate of Morgana and Gwen. He felt the magic course through his veins and for the first time had to work hard to rein in his desire to smite the outlaws with a giant fireball.
Arthur's heart was thudding against his ribcage as fury surged through him. The very idea of harm coming to Morgana did not bear thinking about but to think of Gwen being touched, let alone harmed, by these bandits sent a red mist to begin forming over his brain.
Colmer eyed the young men scornfully then spoke. "Ladies, I suggest you rest well this night. I fear tomorrow will be a busy day of socialising for you." He bowed towards them with a mocking flourish before walking away and leaving his prisoners to ponder their fate.
Morgana's cool grey eyes met Gwen's brown ones and they shared a look of horror at the thought of what was to happen to them.
Note: so tell me what u think. reviews are love :D x