(A/N) I love all of you guys! Thank you for all the reviews and favorites, each and every one struck a chord in my heart. I know there is no excuse for how long I took to post this, but I was really busy. I hope that you will continue to read and review and know that you are amazing for sticking with me for this long. (Also if there are any spelling mistakes i am writhing this at 2:30 in the morning so yeah...)
Also a shout out to the person who gave me the encouragement to continue this story when I thought is was cookie cutter and stupid. Thank you Dawnfire11.
Disclaimer: I just need four words -I don't own Merlin.
Chapter 2:
"My village has been attacked and overthrown by bandits, my lord," the man mumbled.
"What village?"
"A small village in Cenred's lands named Ealdor."
Arthur glanced over at his servant. He noticed Merlin's pale complexion. His eyes were haunted by memories of the last time Ealdor was attacked.
Arthur suddenly spouted out orders, "Merlin gather provisions and saddle the horses. Gwaine, Elyan, Percival, Leon. Go. be in the courtyard ready to leave within the hour."
The king turned around swiftly, his cape billowing out behind him, and his hand went to his forehead, as he faced his tall throne.
"Agravaine stay, the rest of you leave." An agitated Arthur muttered.
While the room filled out, Agravaine approached Arthur. The door closed, and he looked at his uncle. "You are the only person I could intrust Camelot to uncle. I promise I won't be gone long. Gaius is a trusted ally, if you need anything ask him."
Arthur swept out of the room his cloak billowing behind him, leaving Agravaine standing alone, staring at his retreating figure.
-{[0]}-
The king reached the frost covered courtyard, to find Gwen saddling her white mare along with the Knights. Merlin stood off to the side, his expression grim.
"Oh no, you are not coming with us this time," Arthur scolded Gwen, heading to his own horse and checking the tack was securely fastened.
"And why not?" Gwen asked, astonished.
The king turned around to face his one true love, and whispered in her ear, "Because I love you and this mission could be dangerous."
Gwen looked exasperated at this statement. "But I care for Merlin too, and Hunith is my friend. I need to got to make that sure she is safe."
"You are not coming. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you."
"Okay, if I'm not coming with you, I'll just sneak out tonight, and risk bandits and robbers to catch up to you. No matter what you do, you cannot stop me. I have made my decision," Gwen said, climbing into the saddle of her horse, knowing that Arthur was going to give up.
Merlin smiled slightly at Gwen, and Arthur finally relented several minutes later, after brooding on the subject to try to find a loophole. She winked and smiled at him, when she saw his gaze.
After making the last minute runs through the castle to retrieve the items that Arthur, or one of the Knights had forgotten, Merlin finally was able to relax in his saddle for a whole two and a half seconds before Arthur gave the signal to ride out, and they set off at a gallop. leaving the safety and comfort of camelot behind.
Merlins butt was already sore, and from experience on previous patrols he knew that he would have to tough this one out. The pain wouldn't be alleviated until he had a good nights sleep on solid ground. He might have taken every opportunity to annoy Arthur with complaints about the biting cold, and how if he rode just a little farther in front of him, the king might be able to block the wind with his immense girth. But Merlin didn't have the heart at the moment to make another witty comment or joke when he knew that his mother could be in grave danger, as well as the other people in the village.
After a few hours of hard riding the company found a small clearing and dismounted, promptly dumping all the chores on a staggering and helpless Merlin. The knights and Gwen settled down on their sides as Merlin started to gather supplies for dinner. With his lapsing energy he could only manage to gather a small amount of wood before he got too frustrated and carelessly lit the fire with a whisper of "forbearne". In an instant, a small fire sprung up in front of him. As the orange glow hit his face Merlin turned in small fit of panic, afraid that someone had seen his momentary lack of judgement.
The group was completely oblivious to what Merlin was doing. he was relieved that an argument was brewing between Gwaine an Arthur that was distracting them.
"Anyone who is foolish enough to wake up before dawn should be punished with the severity of a traitor" said Gwaine like he was a little kid who didn't get that toy he wanted.
"Well I think that they should have a punishment in line with that of a sorcerer." said Elyan harshly. Gwen gave her brother a piercing glare of disapproval.
The knights continued agreeing with Gwaine and complaining to Arthur about how hard their lives were, when in a split second, an arrow flew out of the darkness. Merlin's head spun and saw the piece of wood, imbed itself with a heart stopping thud in Arthurs unburdened chest.