The Falcon And The Wolf

by A Dwimor

An expedition to investigate the nature of a miracle working physician is interrupted unexpectedly for Merlin and his enemy, and they find themselves miles away from Camelot. (No slash, probably no romance of any kind whatsoever)

1. Chapter 1

Merlin readjusted his position in his saddle, cursing. He had been on a horse's back since sunrise. Arthur, Percival, Leon, SIR Ewan (a recently knighted young nobleman), Gwaine and Mordred were clumped around him, in similar stages of exhaustion and discomfort. Arthur had decided to investigate rumors of a phenomenal physician setting up shop at the foot of the white mountains.

Ordinarily a random village physician would have been beneath the notice of Camelot, if not for the miraculous cures that had been heralded far and wide. People brought back from the edge of death, and even the dead themselves brought back to life.

Merlin's shoulders tightened. He did not know this sorcerer's agenda, but Necromancy was a dark art, and required no small feat of power. If the rumors were true, then his response would need to be quick, and lethal. He was not afraid for himself. By now he feared little. He knew the extent of his power. A small part of him recoiled from the knowledge that he would have killed another by tomorrow; but he brutally crushed the feeling. Arthur had to be kept safe.

The needs of the many outweighed the few. One life sacrificed was acceptable. Albion was more important.

Merlin's shoulder blades prickled, and he twisted in his saddle. Mordred was behind him, looking at him pensively. He blinked, and kicked his horse to pass him up. Merlin frowned at him as he passed. It was ironic that Mordred was the only one that could actually sense his disquiet, and was able to read his true thoughts.

Merlin's gaze automatically flicked to Arthur at the front. The bastard seemed to be enjoying their little "jaunt" to the white mountains; as he had sadistically called it. What a prat. Although, sitting in the castle dealing with stuffed nobles and sycophantic advisors while his knights defended their borders was probably frustrating to the man. He had always liked going on patrols, and hunting: being out in the air.

Merlin supposed it was Arthur's only escape from his father when he was alive. Uther was the kind of parent that you needed to have an escape from, permanent or temporary, simply to retain your sanity, individuality, and goodness.