Author's Note:

Hi everyone!
I finally have enough time to update... this story kind of vanished in the work for my other story, 'Master of Thiefs'. Well, actually, it really drowned
. That's why I'm wondering if I should write this story on or rather let it rest and concentrate on Master of Thiefs, given the small response I got for this.
That's why I've opened a poll on my profile where you can vote whether I should continue this now or later (which could be in a year or so). Whatever, I don't want to stop writing this story completely.
Still, thanks to everyone who reviewed, alerted or favourited. You are great :D!
Now, for the chapter... it isn't my best, but I hope you still like it.

Disclaimer: I've said it before. Am I here? Yes. So, you can simply conclude that I still don't own.

Everything had worked out far too well.
The warm and sunny weather, the peaceful journey, the friendly atmosphere, Arthur giving him a night off to visit his mother...

It was unusual calm. The silence before a storm. He should have known it.

But it was just so easy to relax for once. Only a few days of peace, a little free-time, safety...

And then the storm came.

It started relatively harmless with an attack the next afternoon.
The sunny weather hadn't changed over night and neither had the cheerfulness among the knights and soldiers. Merlin felt more in peace among them than he had in a long time. It was something familiar, more than the normal friendship, something he knew but yet couldn't place... like he was with family, or kin. It definitely felt good, so he wouldn't dwell on it.
Merlin smiled at one of Gwaine's tavern stories when suddenly he felt something way less comforting. Eyes rested on his back, pushing him down like a real weight. Alarmed, he rose in his saddle and turned round the exact moment the arrows began to fall. His mouth opened but no sound came out as he watched them, forming beautiful bows before they came down elegantly.

A soldier cried in pain. The sound shook everybody from their numbness, and within seconds they jumped to the ground- or, in Merlin's case, were pulled down rather roughly by Gwaine. The young warlock instantly tried to worm himself out rom under the knight, but Gwaine pressed him back to the ground. "Stay... down!" he shouted through gritted teeth. Merlin felt panic wall up inside him. It was really nice that Gwaine wanted to protect him, but how should he be able to protect Arthur whilst lying under the knight?

The young warlock tried to suppress the panic and magic rushing to his aid. Throwing Gwaine across the clearing wouldn't any good. If he at least could see what was going on...

They fought in silence, Merlin bucking and winding against Gwaine who hold him down with all his strength. The knight found it surprising how strong the servant could be, though he still went on shielding Merlin with his body. He was a good and loyal friend, but really had no sense of self-preservation.

All around them the arrows still flew, though now some of the attackers ran out of the forest with drawn swords. Arthur shouted a quick warning and the fight began even harder.

As Merlin heard the call he bucked again and this time, Gwaine couldn't hold on. In an instant the young warlock was on his feet, scanning the area. Men in red and black fought everywhere. The knight of Camelot were clearly outnumbered but still fought with all their might.
There was Elyan, finishing an attacker whilst dodging the sword of a secong. Owen, fighting against two or three at the same time. Percival, taking the men that only reached him to the shoulder down with pure force. Even Gaius hold a large branch in his hands.
Merlin's panic rose again. Where was Arthur?

He scanned the place again, looking out for the characteristic golden head... and there, finally!

The relief that washed over the young warlock was immense. Not that he didn't trust his master to be able to fight on his own, it was just that... well, he didn't really trust Arthur to fight on his own in an ambush like this. He looked too much after the others, forgetting to protect his life properly.
And surely the king fought against four bandits at once, still shouting commands and helping wherever he could.

Merlin allowed himself a quick smile as he strode towards them, already a spell in mind and a branch in sight, when he suddenly stopped dead and the grin vanished like blown away. One of the bandits on the floor a few metres behind Arthur had moved. Something glittered in the sunlight... and the knife flew, aimed straight at the king's back.

It was like time had slowed down, showing Merlin every cruesome detail. The knife cut through the air like butter, shining in deadly beauty. It was a good one, none that any farmer owned. The silvery steel was flawless, a masterpiece of work, a weapon that never disappointed its owner.

And it was only a few paces away from Arthur, who hadn't even noticed the danger. A loud scream broke the silence in Merlin's ears and it took a few moment for him to realize it was his own voice.

He cursed and darted forward, already knowing it was too late, there was no way to get there in time, but he still had to try. His hand rose, mind working frantically to find a spell, anything...

The dagger was now only a few feet behind Arthur... 5... 4...

Merlin didn't want to watch but still couldn't look away. His head spinned to call his magic. 3... 2...

Suddenly the knife stopped in midair before glattering on the ground. The time rushed back as Merlin closed his mouth in a mixture of relief and shock. His legs wobbled and he almost sank to the ground, panting.

Magic had once again saved the King's life.

But this time it hadn't been his own.

Now, please review :). And don't forget the poll.