A/N: I'm so sorry I haven't updated for a while I update when the inspiration strikes and right now I don't have a computer so I have to use my granddads. I also apologise in advance for any errors and thanks to everyone who reviewed, followed and favourite. On with the story :D

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

'Telepathy'

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN MERLIN!

Silver light shone down on the white walls of Camelot as the moon stood proud in the dark sky lighting the way for the four cloaked figures diving in and out of the shadows. Merlin, Lucian, Will and Thomas quietly crept along the cobblestone streets using the shadows and abandoned alley ways as cover from the night patrols.

"Merlin are you sure we can just take horses from the stables?" Will whispered as they neared the stables.

"Not at all but ours are in Ealdor so what other option is there" Merlin replied.

The four stopped talking when they made it to the doors of the stables. Slowly Merlin snuck forward and opened the door quietly. Without a sound the four slipped into the stables and walked towards a horse each. Merlin walked over to his usual bay horse while Will, Lucian and Thomas mounted the standard black servant's horses. The group mounted the horses and rode bare back towards the back entrance of the stables.

"Hoods up everyone we can't risk being recognised" Merlin ordered as they set off at a canter through the streets and out the north gate towards Ealdor.

"MERLIN!" the princes voice shouted from the royal chambers as the he awoke to find no breakfast on the table and no clothes ready for the council meeting that morning. Suddenly the chamber doors opened and Georges head appeared around the corner hesitantly.

"Good morning Sire, Merlins not here today so he asked me to take over his duties for the day." George said as he stepped into the room and bowed his head in respect.

"Hello George, do you mind telling me where Merlin has gone?" Arthur asked politely.

"Um he went to Ealdor Sire, something about an illness sweeping through the village and some of the settlers needing a trained physician." George replied while setting his breakfast on the table.

"I see." Arthur said his brow furrowed slightly in concern.

Moving to the table Arthur sat down at the top of the table and began eating quietly. Nothing was said for a few minutes until George disrupted the silence with a question.

"Do you need any help getting ready My Lord?"

"No. You can go now George" Arthur waved his hand dismissively and continued eating.

George left the royal chambers as ordered to finish up on some chores while Arthur began to get ready. After emerging from behind the change screen in a red tunic, brown hunting pants and brown leather shoes the crowned Prince of Camelot exited his chambers and made his way to the council meeting that he was already late to.

"I'm sorry I'm late father I didn't get woken up on time this morning." Arthur said as he bowed his head in respect to the King of Camelot.

Uther nodded and motioned for the prince to sit down with his eyes. Arthur lifted his head and sat on his father's right. When the council members had settled Uther motioned for the nearest noble to start.

"Thank you My Lord." Lord Dixon said and bowed respectively to his monarch. "The cattle supply…"

The council members droned on about raising tax and food supply that Arthur tuned it out. It was the same every week nothing remotely interesting happened and with Merlin away Arthur was bored. Letting his mind wonder to Gwen, the prince didn't realise that the nobles had stopped arguing and Uther had stood to address the council.

"I have received a letter from King Cedric of Cameliard informing me he would like peace. I have agreed so the king will be here in a one week's time. Geoffrey I will need you to draw up a peace treaty for our guests I expect it done for our next meeting." The king said "Dismissed."

Streaks of sunlight broke through the overhanging canopy of trees as the four riders made their way to Ealdor. The sound of branches breaking and leaves crunching underfoot echoed throughout the forest as the horses hooves hit against the ground. No words were passed between the frantic riders as they closed in on their destination. Moments later Lucian asked "Merlin is that smoke?" while pointing in the direction of Ealdor.

The other three looked up and saw dark grey smoke billowing into the sky. They all paled and forced the horses faster towards the village, ploughing through bushes and stray branches blocking their path.

As the group neared Ealdor they saw flames licking at the roof tops and people running towards the woods for shelter.

"ADA!" "FREYA!" Merlin shouted as he took off towards the village of Ealdor.

A/N: And done :) I know it's not my best but I felt like I owed everyone a chapter. Hope you enjoyed! Please review :D