Merlin's journey to get Arthur out of the castle had been eventful which consisted with a few stops on the way.
The first stop Merlin made was when he accidentally bumped into the two guards who were guarding the corridor.
The second stop Merlin had to make was when he knocked Gwen over which caused her to drop the basket full of Morgana's washing. Merlin was soon punished for it when Arthur dug his claw into Merlin's side.
"Just because you like her" Merlin whispered in a mocking way.
Their banter was soon interrupted by the third and final stop which happened to be Uther.
"Where's Arthur"? Uther demanded.
Arthur prodded Merlin with his paw as if he was trying to say get rid of him!
"He's not here" Merlin replied to Uther's question nervously.
"I can see that "Uther retorted before adding in the same rough tone, "Where is he"!
"He's out hunting" Merlin said rather quickly.
Uther gave him a questioning look before saying "alone, why aren't you with him"?
Merlin fidgeted nervously, "he said that I scare off all the animals because I'm such a clumsy idiot" Merlin replied.
"I can see that" Uther said then left which gave Merlin a clear way out of the castle to somewhere to hide Arthur.
Merlin traipsed around the village of the poor people to find nowhere to hide Arthur without the risk of getting found out.
Merlin was about to resort to a plan B when he was tapped on the shoulder by Gwen.
"Merlin what are doing"? She asked kindly.
"Um I was just doing some errands for Gaius" Merlin lied.
Gwen then saw something move in Merlin's bag and looked at him as if she knew he was hiding something.
Gwen went up to Merlin and whispered in his ear, "Merlin I know you've got something in there".
Merlin sighed and grabbed Arthur and showed her the ginger cat which Gwen gave a little smile to.
"Why have you got a cat"? Gwen asked kindly.
"I found this cat in the royal kitchens and the cooks nearly beat the cat to death with their broom sticks and I just couldn't let this innocent cat die at their grubby hands" Merlin lied but this time with more confidence.
Gwen smiled a full smile, "If you want I could take the cat in for a bit "she offered.
Merlin smiled back before accepting her offer. As Gwen went into her cottage Arthur turned to Merlin and said "Don't tell Gwen that it's me".
"I won't, I promise" Merlin confirmed.
Merlin took Arthur into Gwen's cottage and put him down on to the wooden table.
"Look after him for a couple of days, nobody will search here" Merlin said.
"I will" Gwen replied with a lot of trust in her words.
Merlin was about to leave until Gwen asked, "What's the cat's name"?
Merlin had to think of a name on the spot, "His name is... Goldie" Merlin improvised.
Arthur gave him a is that seriously the best name you could come up with look.
With that Merlin walked out of the cottage, now proud that he had sorted out the temporary home for Arthur.
Walking back to his own room Merlin was stopped rather suddenly when Uther came storming over to him.
"Where's Arthur I need to speak to him now"! Uther demanded but with more volume than last time.
"He's still hunting" Merlin replied trying not to let Uther see that he was shaking.
Uther groaned, "Well when he returns tell him I need to speak with him urgently"! Uther grunted before stomping off.
"Phew that was close" Merlin whispered to himself once Uther wasn't in hearing distance.
Meanwhile at Gwen's cottage Gwen was giving Arthur the ginger cat a tummy rub which Arthur was enjoying every second of. He especially loved it when he made Gwen smile at the sound of his purring.
Later in the evening as Gwen got into bed Arthur jumped up onto the bed and curled up next to her. She stroked his head before saying "good night little puss".
Arthur laid his head back on the side on Gwen's back, realizing that this was the closest he may ever get to being with her in this way.
Before sleep claimed him Arthur thought to himself, maybe being a cat isn't so bad after all.
