This is so much later than I had originally planned, but I might be able to get another chapter done soon, if I get everything done tomorrow.

Anyway, as promised, this is when the story begins to pick up! Not as long as normal either, but it's not the kind of chapter that can be dragged out. As requested though, we do see what happens to the delightful Lord Monteny.

Also, I'm still not sure on the name change for the story. Shall I stick with I'll Be, as it's the usual obscure name that will make sense in the final chapters, or think up something else? Let me know!

Enjoy!

XxX

Taken

Merlin stood to the side of the courtyard, frowning as he watched the stable boy saddle Gwen and Iyla's horses. The Knights were preparing themselves for the journey as well, with Elyan leading them to Thomas' grave.

'They're going to be fine.'

The Warlock didn't react as the King spoke, coming up to stand beside his friend.

'Why are you so nervous?'

He shrugged. 'It's just this feeling I have,' he muttered. 'It's probably nothing.'

Arthur frowned, staring at his Knights. 'I'll double the guards accompanying them.'

Merlin whipped round to stare at him, surprised. 'Sorry?'

'Merlin, you may be an idiot, but you have a knack for sensing danger. If you say you've got a bad feeling, then I'm doubling the guards. I'm not risking anything happening to our wives.'

His sigh of relief didn't go unnoticed by Arthur, who allowed himself a small smile. 'Thank you, Sire.'

The King chuckled slightly, bumping his shoulder into the Warlock's. 'You may be an idiot, but you're often right about these kinds of thing. Now come on,' his tone softened, and his eyes grew concerned. 'I'm afraid we've got a rather unpleasant Lord to deal with today.'

Merlin huffed, closing his eyes briefly. 'What are you planning on doing with him?'

'I don't know,' Arthur sighed, leaning against a pillar. 'We've gone almost four months without an incident... I'd hoped that would be the last. If I make an example of Lord Monteny, it will reinforce the message that magic is welcome, and sorcerers are under the protection of the law. But it could cause problems if I'm too harsh, because there are still those looking for an excuse to rebel against my decision to revoke the ban on magic. On the other hand, if I'm not severe enough, some may take that to mean they can start hunting those with magic again... And I know how much that would hurt you.'

'And the other sorcerers that have come out of hiding in the last two years?' Merlin asked, his eyebrows rising.

'Them too,' Arthur couldn't help but grin sheepishly. 'The point is, we need to tread carefully when dealing with this trial; which is why I want you opinion on the best way to handle the situation.'

The Warlock laughed. 'As always. Arthur, you always worry about the trials of magic haters, and it always turns out alright in the end. So stop worrying; everything's going to be fine.'

His friend smiled. 'When did you get so wise?'

'I've always been this wise,' Merlin smirked. 'You just took a while to notice.'

They both laughed, and stood for a moment, watching the Knights. 'I'll go organise another patrol.' Arthur began to move away, but stopped when he heard Merlin call.

'Arthur!' He turned, looking his friend in the eye. 'Thank you.'

The King nodded and disappeared into the castle.

Merlin remained where he was for several more minutes, before following him into the castle.

XxX

Merlin managed to catch Iyla just as she was leaving their chambers. She smiled at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. 'We shouldn't be gone long,' she whispered. 'I'll be back for dinner.'

'Do you have to go?'

'It's my duty to the Queen,' she frowned. 'Merlin, you know that. What's wrong?'

The Warlock bit his lip. 'You weren't well last night. What if you fall ill again? The Knights won't be able to look after you, and I won't be there.'

Comprehension dawned on her face and she gave him a gentle smile. 'I'm fine, Merlin. I've spoken to Gaius, and I was tired last night, that's all. But,' her eyes turned serious. 'We need to talk when I get back.'

'Talk? Why? What's wrong?'

'Nothing,' Iyla stroked his face as Gwaine rounded the corner. 'I have to go. We'll talk when I get back.' She gave him a quick kiss on the lips before she started to move away.

'I love you!' Merlin called, startling her. For some inexplicable reason, he knew he had to tell her that.

She turned, her gentle eyes showing her surprise. 'I love you too.'

And then she was gone, whisked away by Gwaine, who had greeted her with a low bow, his lips brushing against her hand. 'My Lady.'

But Iyla's melodic laugh did nothing to quell the uneasy feeling in the pit of Merlin's stomach.

The feeling that he wouldn't be seeing her that night...

XxX

Lord Monteny was a coward.

Merlin watched the quivering Lord through narrowed eyes, his lips pressed tightly together as Arthur circled the accused. Nobody said a word, and the only sound, besides the clacking of the King's boots, was the man's snivelling.

'You have been tried and convicted of attempted murder. As such, you will be sentenced in accordance with the laws of Camelot.'

Monteny gasped, his breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. Merlin closed his eyes.

He knew that Arthur had made the right decision; he had agreed with the King, after all. Lord Monteny needed to be made an example of, but he couldn't help but worry about the fallout it may cause. Arthur had been right; there were still many anti-magic groups throughout Albion, and Lord Monteny could become a martyr. He would never tell Arthur about his doubts, he couldn't... Not after everything the King had done for him in the last two years. But he still couldn't help the fear that bubbled in his chest.

'Your lands will be passed to your next of kin, your brother. Your people will be informed that you are no longer fit to rule your estate, and you shall be hanged for your crimes against the citizens of Camelot in three days time.'

'Over a sorcerer,' the ex-Lord muttered.

'Over a citizen of the Kingdom I swore to protect,' Arthur knelt down in front of the man, grasping his face between his hands. 'And that is all the people need to know.' He shoved Monteny away and rose to his feet. 'Get him out of my sight!'

The guards came forward in an instant, and the King turned to his friend, his face softening as he took in Merlin's hunched form.

'You alright?'

Merlin finally tore his eyes from the spot where Monteny had been moments ago. 'What? Oh, yes. I'm fine.'

'You're sure?'

The Warlock let out a low chuckle. 'It'll take more than another puffed up old Lord to knock me down, Arthur.'

The King didn't look like he believed him, but let the subject drop. 'Will you be accompanying me to the training field this afternoon?'

'Who are you going to fight? You sent everyone after your wife.'

Arthur gave him a sly grin. 'Well, seeing as I know how much you've missed holding my shield up for me...'

His hearty laugh couldn't drown out Merlin's groan.

XxX

Iyla pressed her hand against her stomach, taking a deep breath, before taking up the reins again. Gwen looked at her, worried. 'Are you alright, Iyla?'

She young woman smiled at her friend. 'I'm fine, my Lady. Gaius assured me it's nothing to worry about.'

The Queen frowned. 'You know you can tell me anything, Iyla. We are friends, after all.'

'I know,' Iyla looked around at the Knights, most of whom were trying not to listen to their conversation. 'I was wondering why Arthur employed half the Army to guide us to your father's grave. He normally only sends half a dozen.'

Gwen shrugged. 'I'm not sure, but he was worried when I spoke to him. I think...' she lowered her voice, glancing around at the surrounding forest. 'I think Merlin may have had one of his bad feelings again.'

Iyla's eyes widened. 'That's why he didn't want me to come,' she whispered back. 'He thinks something bad is going to happen!'

Both women bit their lips, drawing their horses to a halt. 'Maybe we should head back...'

Elyan reached out to touch his sister's shoulder. 'If you're not happy, Gwen, we go home. It's as simple as that.'

The Queen held her brother's gaze before nodding. Immediately, Elyan spun around, shouting orders to the Knights. They guided their horses round, and began to make their way slowly down the path.

Iyla relaxed, the closer they were to the citadel. She was feeling queasy again, but at least she would be able to talk to her husband sooner. Iyla wished that they could have talked as soon as she'd spoken with Gaius – Merlin would have wanted to know straight away – but both of them had duties to the crown. Maybe Arthur would even let them have another evening together; just the two of them.

She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, that she didn't notice the arrow until it was buried in the tree in front of her.

Iyla's horse reared, throwing her backwards, and she was lucky enough to land in a pile of dead leaves that cushioned her fall. 'Protect the Queen!'

In the panic she was forgotten, and then the bandit was looming over her. She opened her mouth to scream, but a cloth bag was pulled over her head, startling her.

And then she was in the air, being thrown over somebody's shoulder. And her world went black.

XxX

The shield rolled away to the side as Merlin threw his arms up, creating a barrier between himself and the King.

Arthur yelped as he was thrown backwards, blinking furiously up at the Warlock. 'That wasn't fair!'

His friend simply chuckled, holding out his hand. Arthur hesitated a moment, before letting Merlin pull him upright. 'I use magic, you use a sword. Either way, we're still fighting.'

'Excuses, Merlin,' the King laughed, clapping his friend on the shoulder.

'My Lords!'

Both men turned at Leon's cry, taking in the dishevelled Knights and frantic Queen behind him.

'Sir Leon! What's happened? Guinevere?'

Neither had time to answer, for Merlin had immediately noticed what was wrong.

'Where is she?'

All eyes turned to him, but Merlin focused his gaze on Gwaine, who shook his head.

'Where's Iyla?'

XxX

Sorry! But cliffhangers are just so hard to resist when it comes to stories! Anyway, that's the plot almost established!

Please leave a review, and let me know what you think! It saddens me to see this fandom dwindling now Merlin is no longer gracing our screens. I will update as soon as possible, hopefully before the end of the weekend.

TTFN
Valkyriexx