The orange sky looked like it was saving the last warmth of the sun and sending all of it into a light breeze which met Merlin's face as he was gazing a last time upon the high walls of Namhilrok. He was going to miss this magnificent city and a sad grin displayed his emotions of not being able to see his beloved ones, especially Morgause.

Before he set out on his journey into enemy territory, Merlin was briefed by the scouts. They estimated that Uther's army will probably be ready within the next three months.

More then enough time for me, he thought with high self-esteem.

But even though Merlin thought that way he was not in the position to risk anything. Therefore he was searching for a faster way to travel inside the royal library. After four books of arcane movement, Merlin found what he came for. It was a highly difficult spell allowing him to go to any place just by calling its name inside the incantation. Because the warlock was not able to know what happens if he fails the spell he walked till he reached the near vicinity to cast the teleportation spell. Before his golden eyes the world was contorting and turning into an orange vortex sucking him in. The next moment Merlin found him self lying inside a dung pile, his face black from being covered in animal wastes.

That is probably the friendliest welcome in Camelot I could hope for.

Merlin's smirk showed his white teethes which were a complete contrast towards his face.

He stood up and scanned the area to make sure nobody witnessed his graceful magical entry.

No ones here. Seems like I have at least this much luck.

As he walked around the house he saw an imposing castle rising on top off a hill. Merlin walked towards it till he noticed a clothe-line full of pants, shirts and neckerchiefs. Slowly looking down on himself he wondered if it was ok to change.

Well, there is no way I can infiltrate Camelot looking like this. I think it is just fair to take some of these clothes when I leave mine behind, but before I have to clean myself.

"Alagna inhenges."

A short golden flicker in Merlin's eyes and his body was free from the dung. After that he changed his fancy clothes for a pair of worn leather pants, a woollen blue shirt and a red neckerchief.

All set and ready. It is time to free a dragon.

On his way to Camelot the sorcerer searched his mind for the last time he had to hike as much but the answer eluded him. After what seemed like an eternity he reached the gates of the city, the capital of hatred towards every magical being alive. He gulped as he made his way through the entry. The guards were staring at him but did not show any intent of holding or inquiring him.

Phew, that was probably the easy part. Now I need to find Gaius. Morgause said something about him being the court physician and his workshop being inside the inner castle.

It took him quite some time to find the words "court physician " written on a signboard. So Merlin followed the sign and was finally standing in front of a dark wooden door. Morgause gave him a letter for Gaius to describe the circumstances of Merlin's stay in Camelot. The young warlock seized the paper with a lot of effort from the right pocket of his much too tight pants and was silently swearing at his poor choice of clothing. The letter was now rather wrinkled but the seal which displayed a staff and sword crossed in front of an anvil was still intact. Ready and prepared Merlin opened the door, only to bump right into someone. The impact had enough effect to make him land on his ass while his adversary was still standing inside the door frame.

"Couldn't you watch out…"

Merlin tried to shot the person in front off him an evil glare but came right to a halt as his eyes met the emerald orbs framed by midnight hair and a smirk of extreme disbelief.

"I could say the same, but looking at you lying on the floor after running into a maiden is enough embarrassment, so I won't agonise you any further."

Merlin dusted his clothes as he regained his stand.

"Yes, ehm, yes, ahh, my name is Merlin. It is a pleasure to meet you."

He extended his hand to greet her. The beauty in front of him glanced at it for a moment than followed suit.

"I am the lady Morgana. And likewise."

Before he noticed he was smiling like an idiot and staring at her not letting go of her soft, white hand.

"You may release my hand."

"What?"

Merlin realised that he was still holding Morgana's hand and let go instantly, only leaving a trace of her warmth in his palm. He now used this hand to scratch the behind of his head and was laughing in an awkward way. The raven-haired woman smiled like this was not the first time she experienced a situation like that.

Well, figures that such a beautiful girl is being courted by a lot of men. She is probably familiar with the smitten behaviour of the opposite sex.

"I have to go now. Maybe we will meet another time."

"That would be lovely."

´That would be lovely´, you are better than that Merlin. Maybe…

She walked right past him and did not turn once while Merlin was staring after her, not being able to say another word, all the way till she turned around a corner and was now out of his sight.

"What are you doing there?"

The voice of an old male took Merlin back to the here and now and as he looked behind him a man with white hair and raised eyebrows was measuring him intensely.

"Are you perhaps Gaius, the court physician of Camelot?"

"That I am indeed. So tell me what business takes you to my quarters?"

"I think this letter will explain everything you need to know."

Merlin handed the piece of paper towards the man standing in front of him.

Seeing the seal he shot Merlin a knowing look and hinted him to follow him inside his chambers. Merlin closed the door after he entered and was know observing a concentrated Gaius reading the words his sister wrote to him.

"So your name is Merlin and you are Balinor's son?"

Merlin nodded in affirmation and the old man smiled.

"Please follow me I will show you your chambers."

He followed Gaius to the room upstairs and was amazed how little space this room had.

"Thank you, that place is going to be fine."

He unpacked the stuff, mostly worn-out clothes, he bought from the market and went back into the main chamber.

"Ahh, Merlin. Since you have nothing to do, can you please run some errands for me?"

That was a new for him. Running errands? He was a prince, he never ran errands. But that will probably be the best opportunity he will get to spy around without raising any suspicion.

"No problem."

"Thank you. The red one is for Sir Hardley and the yellow one is for Sir Humphrey. Did you get what I said?"

"Yes, red Hardley, yellow Humphrey. I will take my leave now."

Right as Merlin was about to open the door he heard Gaius calling for him.

"What."

Merlin turned and saw a red and yellow potion each in one hand of the old physician.

"Ooh."

He went back and took them from his new guardian.

It was quite troublesome to deliver the remedies, since Merlin had no idea where he was, but after some asking around he accomplished his errand and satisfaction filled him up. On his way back he saw an open room and walked right into it, curious because he had never seen a greater mess in his entire life.

"What the…"

He was speechless. There were pieces of clothes and armour scattered around the floor and it smelled like the things did not get washed for a long time. As he strode further inside the room he was seized by his shoulders.

"What are you doing inside my chambers?"

Merlin turned to look at the blonde man with the stern voice which gave him nearly a heart attack. He was a bit shorter than Merlin, what would look funny for any third party who could lay eyes on the scene where the shorter one tried to intimidate his taller adversary.

"Nothing much."

Merlin tried to calm the blonde in front of him with a goofy smile.

"Nothing much, ha? Do you know that you are right now inside the room of Arthur Pendragon, crown prince of Camelot?"

He raised a brow to emphasise his question. Merlin froze for a second. He was right in front of Arthur, the son of Uther, hater of all magic. But he regained his composure and his brain was working on a plan which might be able to speed his task of freeing the great dragon up.

"Of course I know. I am your … new manservant."

"I do not remember asking for a manservant."

"Well you did not, but you certainly need one. Just look at this mess. This place needs attendance and the smell, how could you live in this pit?"

"I beg your pardon?", Arthur said in a high pitched voice.

Merlin took another glance at Arthur and the young warlock was kind of puzzled.

"Are you wearing your shirt … inward out?"

"Ooh shut up! I do not wear my shirt inward…"

Arthur checked on his shirt and was silenced by the fact that his shirt was indeed inward out.

He shot an angry look at Merlin, who received it with a cocky smile.

"Ok, you are hired. Deem yourself honoured to serve the crown prince of Camelot."

Merlin giggled and whispered a "prat" before Arthur loaded him with chores of polishing, cleaning, polishing, mucking out stables and polishing. Merlin made a solemn smile knowing now that he was next to a Pendragon, the search for Kilgharrah will be a lot easier. As he was doing the chores his mind frequently drifted towards the lady Morgana and her emerald eyes and black hair, raising his morals while being surrounded by either dirty clothes or dung. Maybe, when luck is on his side, he will meet her again.