A/N: This is set in the Prince of Magic universe. Merlin is 9, Arthur is 11, and Morgana is 12.


Uther, Arthur, Merlin and Morgana all sat down to breakfast. "It's a beautiful day," Uther observed. "What do you say we all go for a ride?"

"Okay!" Morgana said cheerfully. "Where will we ride to?"

"I thought we might ride along the river."

Merlin perked up. "Will there be ducks?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "What is it with you and ducks?"

Uther laughed. "Possibly."


An hour later, they were all riding along the river with an escort of knights. Merlin kept his eyes peeled, but he didn't see any ducks. "Father, where are they?" he called.

"Where are what?" Uther replied.

"The ducks!" Merlin said plaintively.

"The only duck here is you," Arthur complained.

Morgana sighed. "Can we race?" she pleaded.

"All right," Uther relented. "But only at a trot!"

His words came too late, for Morgana had already kicked her horse into a gallop. Merlin's horse followed suit, ignoring all of Merlin's attempts to slow down. The rest of the party galloped after them, hoping to catch up and help Merlin control his horse. Just as they reached the younger prince, Merlin looked to the side, leaned over and fell off his horse. He tumbled straight into the river.

"MERLIN!" Uther yelled. The river flowed swiftly, and Merlin was having difficulty remaining afloat.

"I'll get him!" Arthur called. He cantered further downriver before his father could protest. Once he had gone several paces past Merlin, he dismounted and swam into the river. He struggled slightly against the current, but he managed to grab his brother as the latter was swept towards him. He tried to set out for the bank, but he lacked the strength to fight the current and keep Merlin afloat at the same time.

Fortunately, a couple of knights had shed their armor and swam out to help. A couple minutes later, Merlin was lying on the bank, his eyes closed. Arthur fretfully hovered over him. "He's not breathing!"

Morgana started tearing up. "It's all my fault! I started the race!"

"Don't give up just yet," one of the knights growled. He gave Arthur a light shove. "Move." The knight began pumping Merlin's chest. After a few moments, he bent down to breathe into Merlin's mouth. He repeated this several times. Eventually, Merlin coughed and spat up some water. Everyone heaved a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Sir Ector," Uther said gratefully. "Merlin, don't ever do that again."

"I'm sorry," Merlin replied in a small voice.

"What were you thinking?" Arthur demanded.

Merlin looked sheepish. "I thought I saw a duck."