Hey Guys, I hope you have enjoyed the story so far I promise the plot will start to thicken soon as loose ends get tied up (and more created ). Thanks to all those who have reviewed so far its great to get such encouraging feedback being my first fic and all. The chapters will get longer from now on as the action starts to build so enjoy!

Merlin silently set about building the fire, he gathered sticks and twigs from nearby all the while being watched by one of Hendricks guards. He was a big build with armour covering his broad chest, a belt with various weapons including what looked like a whip was tied around his waist. His hair was short, one could almost be forgiven for thinking he was bald. Merlin however could see the dark, thick strands just starting to pop up contrasting with his arms where it was near impossible to see them properly as he had so much coverage. He wasn't fooled though; Merlin knew that they were likely to be muscular and strong much like every other bandit in the camp. Chancing a glance around him Merlin knew the likelihood of escape was slim; guards surrounded the whole area, all armed. Merlin knew that even with his magic he would not be able to defeat them all. A sudden opening caught his eye; in between two large trees there was a path that lead straight back out into the forest. True this opening was guarded as well by two men but they wouldn't be a problem. Merlin was no fool, he knew that they wouldn't stand a chance is they followed the track but all the three of them needed was an escape, they could simply leave the path and track their way through the forest away from Harker and his guards.

"Oi, get building this fire or you'll become part of it!" A snarling voice interrupted his thoughts as the bandit took a step towards him. Merlin set about collecting more wood but was unable to resit muttering a insult towards the man as he did so.

"It wouldn't be such a bad punishment if the alternative was staring at your ugly face for the rest of the night"

Suddenly a blinding pain seared in his side as he felt a boot connect with his right rib. Eyes watering he fell down to the ground rolling away in case of anymore attacks. Dimly through a haze a pain he heard a voice shout "Merlin!" but the next thing he knew he was lifted up by the guard who held tightly onto his shirt twisting it in rage.

"You listen here boy, I will not take snide remarks from anybody especially a arrogant serving boy like you. Now build the fire!"

He let go of Merlin, pushing him once more behind towards the pile of sticks waiting to be set alight. For several more minutes he collected debrits trying to shut out the dull ache in his right side, he knew that the rib wasn't broken just bruised but that didn't mean he was willing to try his luck again so soon. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Arthur and Gwaine still tired to the tree, Arthur now supporting a bloodied lip. Merlin could only hazard a guess how but he knew it had been Arthur who had shouted out when he was kicked. He guessed the guards had delt with him as well. Arthur and Gwaine were both watching him with concern, he gave a small smile to show he was fine and kept going. Their pale faces giving him the courage to do what he must do next to get them out of here. Merlin turned to the guard.

"Where is the flint?" he asked innocently

The guard pointed to a cart "Over there in the first box"

Merlin made his way over, gasping slightly as his rib protested, halfway through grabbing the flint something caught his eye. A box filled with large bottles of some sort of alcohol. Glancing over at the guard who was now staring out at the unlit fire with little interest Merlin grabbed two bottles hiding them under his shirt.

His breathing quickened as he surprised himself by his own daring, surely this was foolishness, but as soon as the idea had struck him he knew it would work, it could be their only chance and thoughts of those back in Camelot who he missed dearly such as Gaius and Gwen forced him onwards. The three of them had to get home and he was going to get them there. Mind made up he quickly made his way back to the fire hiding them under the pile of sticks and leaves hands shaking slightly as he did.

He hurriedly lit the blaze and stood back, trying desperately to look innocent.

The guard lead him roughly to Arthur and Gwaine where he was tied back up against the tree.

"Sleep well for you wont be getting any for a while yet" he said a cruel smile playing on his lips as he walked away.

"Are you okay?" Gwaine whispered his eyes betraying his concern

"I'm fine just a bruised rib"

"Merlin I don't know how many times I have told you this but you are the worlds biggest idiot! When will you learn to keep that mouth of yours shut" Arthur said angrily, his bloodied lip stood out against his pale skin and his eyes were filled with anger born of frustration.

"You can talk! I suppose got that cut lip from staying quite and keeping a cool head" Merlin shot back

Arthur opened his mouth and shut it again, looking away. Merlin could see the bags lining his eyes as he struggled with six weeks of worry and frustration.

For a moment Merlin thought he was on the verge of tears before Gwaine mercifully broke the silence

"Any plans on how we are going to get out of this one, why I for one am happy to sleep at night for once I have a feeling we wont be getting back to Camelot at all if we don't do something"

Arthur began rattling off about some strategic battle plan that they could attempt while Gwaine agreed eager for some action, both however feel silent when they caught sight of Merlin's face, a cheeky grin slowly spreading across it. A look that Arthur knew all to well.

"I have a better one….."

Merlin watched as the blaze grew bigger, its warmth welcoming in the cool air. As more bandits gathered by the fire Merlin whispered to Gwaine and Arthur what he had done, they had both been shocked when he first told them. Gwaine was the first to break the silence

"Bloody brilliant Merlin! Now that's what I call thinking, seems you've done this before" The man gave Merlin a look faint admiration as he applauded the plan.

Merlin looked equally happy at Gwaine's approval giving the man a cheeky smile. He valued Gwaine's advice and knew the man would see the genius of it. However as he turned to Arthur his face fell.

Arthur was quite, his brow crinkled in a frown as he heard what Merlin had done.

"What happens is this doesn't work, they'll know it was you Merlin"

Merlin looked into Arthur's pale face, determination filling his own.

"It will work, besides it's too late to do anything now" Merlin was confident that with the bottles of alcohol and a little help from his magic that they could escape. He knew they had to act quickly and the opportunity had been to good to miss.

Arthur sighed in resignation "Very well, we will be ready to act but if this all goes wrong Merlin I will put you in the stocks for a week"

As the night wore on and the group of bandits seeking the comforting warmth of the now roaring blaze the three of them silently waited, tension thick in the air as Merlin prayed for all their sakes his plan would not be a failure.