Chapter 4! I'm coming to the end of pre-written chapters, and I failed to write any more so I apologise for any longer waits. Also how is this story so far? I feel it's a lot slower than my first one and I'll try to speed it up and add some more action/excitement. Let me know though.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed and followed this story. It's amazing! You are the best!

Anyway, hope you enjoy...

Chapter 4- Refuge

His mind swirled in unconsciousness as he struggled to surface but he didn't want to return to the waking world. He was so tired. A voice called to him through the darkness from so far away and so faint that Arthur almost missed it. He tried to wave the voice off so he could sleep for a bit longer. It couldn't be time to get up yet. This must be Merlin's idea of a joke. The voice persisted until it became a bit clearer and Arthur realised it was his name being called and it was not the irritating voice of his servant but was full of much more concern.

Slowly his eyes slid open and the scene came to him, misted over. Darkness still clung to the air around him and confusion filled him until he realised that it must be night. Not time to get up yet. His eyes began to close again until...

"Arthur!"

His eyes snapped open again and slowly his gaze shifted to a face close by. Leon was knelt beside him, concern filled his reactions, slowly to be replaced with relief at seeing his king awake. Arthur's eyes fell back to the sky which was barely visible over the roof of trees high above them. Stars glistened faintly and the only source of light was the crescent moon that cast a ghostly shade over the two. As much as Arthur wanted to lie there and forget the world, he knew they had to move and tried to pull himself into a seated position only to find that his left arm was bound tightly across his chest. With Leon's help he sat up and examined the red material that held his arm in place. He was dimly aware of a dull ache in his left shoulder and the throbbing pain of his leg which was also wrapped tightly in a red material to staunch the blood flow. Arthur noticed that it was Leon's cloak which had suffered for this. It lay in rags around them and the knight looked strangely bare without the red cape pinned at his shoulder like all the other knight's of Camelot.

"What happened?" Arthur managed.

"I don't know," Leon replied slowly, a frown crossing his features, "There was this strange blinding white light. At first I thought that lightening had somehow struck but it lasted to long. The next thing I know everything's gone black. I woke up somewhere back there," Leon waved carelessly behind him, "I started walking to find someone and within minutes I saw you lying there unconscious. I feared the worst when I first saw you...but you've pulled through just like you always do, Sire." Arthur gave a faint smile.

"You've got a dislocated shoulder," Leon continued, motioning to his bound arm, "I fixed it but you should still rest it and I managed to clean the wound to your leg. I'm surprised you slept through it really."

"Merlin always did say I was a heavy sleeper," Arthur muttered to himself.

"What, Sire?"

"Nothing," Arthur addressed the knight now, "What about the others? Any sign of them?"

"No Arthur," Leon's expression turned down cast, "There's been no sign with the others. They're not around here at least. I haven't really searched for them yet."

"Then we best get started then," Arthur told him, managing to push himself to his feet where he stumbled until he balanced himself on his good leg,

"Arthur, I must protest-"

"You can protest all you like Leon, but we need to find them."

"Arthur! You can't possibly walk. What help are you going to be if you do find them. You're going to make yourself worse. We should find somewhere to rest for the night then we can see what we can do about the others. Those men who attacked us could still be out there somewhere."

It felt strange giving the king orders and Leon hoped it wouldn't be taken the wrong way. Arthur looked like he was going to refuse but pain sparked in his leg when he put weight on it and he reluctantly agreed with Leon. With Leon supporting him, they both made their way unsteadily through the forest. Arthur didn't know where they were going but he didn't argue with Leon. He was right. They wouldn't be any help to the others like this. Already Arthur's strength was waning. The moon hung high in the sky, lighting their path as the two made their way through the forest.

Arthur tried to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. The pain in his leg and shoulder had grown to a constant throbbing ache and his head felt heavy. He was well aware that he was leaning more and more on Leon, relying on him to remain on his feet. Despite the frosty night air, his head was burning and he could feel the beads of sweat that hung on his forehead. He couldn't continue on like this for long and both he and Leon knew this.

It wasn't long after he had come to this conclusion that he stumbled over his own feet in his exhausted state and pulled Leon to the ground with him though the knight managed to slow their fall and lowered Arthur more gently to the ground. Arthur panted heavily, trying to recover the energy he had lost, lying on his front on the forest floor, head resting on his free arm. Leon was kneeling beside him, scanning the surrounding forest alertly for any sign of danger. Once Arthur's breathing had steadied, Leon helped him back into a seating position, his back against a tree. He leaned his head back against the rough bark watching the stars high above them now.

His thoughts fell on his friends. Were the lost too? Were they alone? Were they hurt? Arthur desperately hoped not. He wouldn't be able to cope if he knew that he had lost any one of his friends. He hoped they were together and safe, waiting out the night until they could regroup in the light of day. Maybe they were looking for him. That thought reassured him and he allowed this fantasy to distract his aching mind. He pictured the other knights crowded in a clearing somewhere, the glowing embers of a fire illuminating the faces of his friends. Elyon would be joking around, teasing Gwaine most likely, the rest would be laughing. Percival would be the solid presence among them, his silent nature spreading calm among them, maybe making sly comments here and there, probably also at Gwaine's expense. Gwaine would be complaining about something or pretending to be offended at the teasing by his friends, whilst laughing inwardly at it all. Merlin would be defending Gwaine or being a klutz as usual, making a mess, tripping over his own feet. Leon would be trying to get the knights to be serious for one moment as if that was possible.

No Leon was here with him. That realisation pulled Arthur from his fantasy and he found himself staring back upwards at the starry night sky. He began to wonder where the others were now, well aware that his imagination was far from the truth. Maybe, wherever they were, they were looking at the same stars in the same sky somewhere. That thought comforted him, made him feel closer to the others despite their separation.

He looked back at Leon, more determined to move on.

"Arthur, I don't think we can go on like this," Leon said ruefully, "I know you want to move on but this is doing no good for anyone, especially you. I have an idea. I can scout out ahead. I'll be quicker on my own. I'll see if there's anywhere we can stay for the night and make sure that there is no sign of those men anywhere, then at least we'll know and have somewhere to go."

Arthur thought for a moment. He didn't like the idea of Leon going off on his own but was well aware that he was his most capable knight. The thought of being left on his own whilst he was weak and helpless like this wasn't a pleasant thought either but they didn't have any other ideas and he couldn't form any other plan with his sluggish brain right now.

"Okay," Arthur replied slowly, "But hurry and if you see anyone, any sign of danger, come back here, don't face it on your own okay?"

Leon raised his eyebrows and gave him a look as if to say 'I know what I'm doing' but replied with a simple, "Yes Sire" before rising to his feet. He head off, vanishing into the shadows of the forest nearly immediately, leaving Arthur to wait in the stiff silence that was left.

Arthur's nerves began playing on his senses once he was sitting alone on the cold forest floor. The quiet whisper of the leaves through the wind sounded like an attacker making his way slowly towards him, or some fiendish monster intent on an easy prey, coming up slowly behind him, crouching low, ready to pounce and snuff the life out of him whilst he sat unbeknownst to the danger lurking behind him until it was too late. No. He was getting ridiculous now. The wind was just the wind. His mind was playing tricks on him as his worry seeped in but this knowledge did little to calm his racing heart. He took slow deep breaths to get his thoughts under control.

His eyes darted left and right, sweeping the dull land around him, though he couldn't see far in the darkness, straining his ears for anything unnatural in the night coated forest. Somewhere in the distance an owl hooted dronely and the noise sent Arthur's heart thudding again. He closed his eyes to block out the panic but snapped them open again when he remembered he had to be alert in case his worries were more than just that.

How long had Leon been gone for? Ten minutes? Half an hour? An hour? Arthur didn't know but it felt like days that he had been sitting here. His head was burning now and he could feel the beads of sweat slowly tracing track down the side of his face and his whole body felt frail and weak. He hoped against hope that the wound in his leg had not become infected but luck didn't seem to be on his side right now. He shifted his damaged shoulder, trying to see if it was any use to him right now. The pain that shot through him was his answer. He wanted to untie the red material that pinned his arm in place but knew that it would only cause more harm than good. Besides that would mean that Leon's poor cloak had been destroyed for nothing. Arthur promised that he would personally see that a new one was made especially for the knight.

Okay now he definitely knew he had a fever. Only that would cause the delirious concern over a cloak. Did knowing when you were thinking ridiculously make you any more sane? Okay he was definitely making no sense now.

A twig snapped somewhere ahead of him. His good arm reached for his sword, the cool grip of the handle reassuring against his warm palm. He half raised himself from where he sat, ready to defend himself from whoever was hidden out there. Heart hammering in his chest, breathing low, mind racing, he waited.

A moment later, Leon emerged from shadows, bringing himself to a sudden stop when he saw Arthur who lowered himself back the ground in relief.

"Couldn't find you for a moment," Leon explained then continued when Arthur said nothing, "There's a village not too far away," he pointed an arm behind him in the direction Arthur assumed the village lay in, "I saw fires burning around the borders and it looked safe from what I could see; just a simple farming village by the looks of it. We should be able to get there easily."

"Very good, Leon," Arthur commented, glad to finally have somewhere to go, "We best get going." He struggled to his feet, more difficult with only one arm and leg. Leon rushed forwards to help and draped Arthur's good arm over his shoulders, ready to help him walk. Arthur nodded his gratitude and together they made their way slowly towards their destination. The way was painstakingly slow. Arthur knew Leon must be able to feel the heat radiating off him but nothing was said, at least not yet.

It had felt like they had been going for days until finally Arthur saw the bright glow of fire up ahead, bright against the black trunks of the trees around them, They came to the edge of the forest line and he saw the land open up to welcome a small village, a dozen houses at most, crops and plants springing to life in ordered segments around them and the soft braying of animals on the night air. The wind seemed softer here, warmer. A mud track, the ground compacted to form a steady path over years of use led to the centre of the village between two empty fields separated by a thin wooden fence. They followed it dutifully towards the houses.

"What's your business here?" A withered voice called out and both knights jumped in surprise. They turned together to find an old man leaning heavily on a twisted wooden walking stick and examining them warily through pale blue eyes. His thin wispy grey hair fluttered in the breeze and a silver beard coated the bottom of his face. Leon didn't reply, allowing Arthur to choose their answer. It was up to him how they would play this.

"We're looking for somewhere to rest. We mean you no harm."

"Aye, you say that now but give me no reason to trust you."

"I give you my word as a knight...and as king of Camelot."

So he was going for the truthful approach, Leon thought, maybe a bit risky.

The old man physically stumbled back at that news. He seemed momentarily stunned staring in awe at Arthur, trying to figure out if this was some sort of trick but his eyes fell on the red cloak which indeed belonged to a knight of Camelot and the regal way in which Arthur held himself when he stood and knew that it couldn't be a lie.

"King of-? My lord!" The old man stuttered, bowing low so that he nearly overbalanced and his grip on his walking stick was all that kept him standing, "What brings you to this village?"

"We were attacked in the forest and were split up from the rest of my knights," Arthur told him, wanting to keep a simple explanation and not mentioning how they had been split up, "We just need somewhere to rest for the night then we will resume the search for the others and return to Camelot. We do not wish to burden you and would be very grateful for your help."

"A burden-? My lord, it would be an honour to be of use to you. Please come this way, come this way," He beckoned over his shoulder as he hobbled along the path, his walking stick tapping a steady rhythm as they went. The two knights followed behind. The houses loomed closer and they walked among the heart of the village quickly. They were lead to a house in the centre which appeared to be one of the largest though still relatively small in comparison to what Arthur was used to seeing in Camelot. The thatched roof was only a few metres high and the stone wall washed with age. The man pushed open the crooked wooden door then shuffled out of the way to allow the two to enter.

Cosy was Arthur's thought of the room. A fire burned in a fireplace on the back wall, a steady stream of smoking rising out through the ceiling. Two beds stood in the corner of the room, the blankets neatly upon them seeming like no one had slept there in a while and a single table and chair stood at the opposite side of the room.

"Do you have any bandages? Hot water?" Leon asked the old man after surveying the room. The old man noticed how Leon was supporting Arthur and nodded.

"Of course, of course," He hurried out of the room, the tapping of his cane echoing out of ear shot as he left. Leon carefully lowered Arthur down onto one of the beds.

A moment later the old man returned, bandages clutched in his arms and pulled a pale of water along the ground, carving a trace in the ground and sloshing water of the sides. Leon immediately felt guilty for making the old man struggle and rushed forwards to help. The man smiled gratefully at him and straightened up, his back creaking as he did. Leon carried the supplies over to Arthur who was sitting with his head hung low.

"This is the only spare room I'm afraid," The old man apologised, still stood in the doorway, "It's been empty since..." his voice trailed away and Arthur thought he saw a flicker of pain in the old man's eyes and decided not to question him any further. He cleared his throat, "Is there anything else you'll be needing, Sires?"

"No, thank you," Arthur replied. The old man gave a simple nod and backed out of the room.

Leon set the water by the fire to heat up then made his way back over to Arthur to unwrap the feeble red cloth of makeshift bandages and see the damage of the wounds. There wasn't much to be done about the shoulder but he still checked to see if anything was broken or if there was any other injury. He then moved to his leg which had stopped bleeding but was still a bloody mess. He went back over to the water and brought it over. He began to clean the wound as carefully as he could but there was only a sharp intake of breath from Arthur when he started to indicate the pain. The water was soon dyed a sickly red colour and the cloth he was using was worse for wear. He grabbed the bandages and began to wrap the wound, making sure he didn't put too much pressure on the wound to put Arthur in any more pain than he already was.

Throughout the whole ordeal, Arthur had sat with his eyes screwed shut to cope with the wave of pain and to keep from crying out, knowing it was better to not resist. He only opened his eyes when he felt Leon move away. He sighed in relief and flexed his shoulders, ignoring the ache it sent through him.

"We'll have to head back to Camelot tomorrow," Arthur said needlessly, more for something to say, "The others would have returned there if they could. If not we can send out search parties for them when we get back." Leon nodded. They let silence fill they gap, neither mentioning the chance that the others might not make it back to Camelot.

The silence was interrupted by the creak of the door and the old man entered once more.

"Ah, Sires," He greeted, "I know you said you didn't need anything more but I thought that you would need something so I bought you some food," he set the bread he had brought on the table, "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you need, and if there's anything you need, please ask right away, Sire." He bowed once more.

"Thank you," Arthur told him earnestly, "for everything. We are truly grateful."

"Ah, but it is my duty, Sire," the old man replied, bowing again.

Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at the old man. There was something about his manner and croaky aged voice that seemed amiable and endearing.

"Please, you don't have to bow," Arthur said with a shake of his head, "You can call me Arthur."

"Arthur," The old man said as though testing the word out, "Of course, Sire." Arthur suppressed another laugh.

"What is your name?" Arthur asked curiously.

"Adam, my lord," He replied.

"Well, Adam, if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask us."

The old man looked slightly taken aback by this and stuttered over a few beginnings of sentence before falling silent, not trusting his voice. He opted for leaving the room, then quickly re-entered, bowed to him once again, and left.

Arthur's eyes met Leon's and neither could help the laughter that erupted from them at the oddity of this old man. Leon was first to recover.

"Do you want any of this Arthur?" he indicated to the bread on the table.

"No, I don't think I could eat anything right now," He said, still grinning.

Leon took this answer and the bread. He kept half for Arthur in case he changed his mind but he was starving from the days events that seemed so long ago. Before long he heard steady breathing from across the room and saw how Arthur had finally succumbed to his exhaustion and fallen asleep.

"Arthur!"

Not again. Arthur was woken the next morning by Leon's voice. This was becoming a routine now, though his voice sounded a bit more panicked this time.

"Arthur!"

Arthur shot up from the bed, jarring his injured shoulder and sending pains shooting up his leg. Leon burst through the doorway, the weak wood crashing back against the wall. Arthur was immediately on his feet as he saw the worry on the knight's face.

"What is it?" He asked striding over to the open doorway.

"One of the villagers have reported seeing people out in the forest when they were out collecting herbs. They said they were knights," Arthur's heart leapt but was shot down as Leon continued, "in blue cloaks."

"The knights who attacked us yesterday."

"Yes, it sounds like it, and according to the villager, they're coming this way, right towards the village."

"What?!" Arthur exclaimed, and Leon flattened himself against the door as Arthur pushed his way past outside.

"Where?" he glanced up and down the path outside. The village seemed staggeringly different in the daylight. The roofs glowed yellow in the beams of the sun and colour enhanced every detail; the bright hue of the grass that coated the sides of the path like a border, the pale stones that shone almost white against the pale morning sky, the deep brown fences that lined every field, even the wind seemed to grab some of the colour and spread it around, swirling white waves and green tints though the houses. Arthur would have stood to admire it but his mind was racing too much to take anything in.

"This way," Leon called heading out to the right and turning a corner left down the dirt track. Arthur was close behind him, running with a limp but trying to push the pain to the back of his mind as he hurried along. He recognised the path as the same they had gone down the night before that lead straight into the forest.

A crowd of villagers were gathered on the path, staring intently into the forest for any sign of these knights. Adam was among them, standing beside a woman with similar silver hair tied back into a loose bun. Arthur followed Leon to the front of the group and scanned the forest for any sign of movement but it was still.

"Are you sure?" He hissed at Leon after a few more minutes of waiting.

"Yes," he replied and nodded at a young man near the front of the crowd with dark black hair and stern brown eyes. He stepped forwards gingerly.

"I saw them with my own eyes, Sire," He informed them.

Great. Adam must have told everyone who he was.

"How many?"

"I don't know. I could not see much. I ran back as soon as I saw them. At least half a dozen, I think."

Arthur gave a nod of understanding to him before focusing back on the forest. They were outnumbered and he couldn't see how they could hold out against that many knights with just the two of them, himself injured, and a group of innocent villagers who had probably never witnessed a fight before in their life, let alone been in one. Still they had to try. Arthur's hand went to his sword, closing reassuringly around the cool hilt and unsheathing it half way. Leon gave him a nod and did the same. He didn't need to explain the odds to him. They both knew.

Suddenly a rustling up ahead alerted them to the approach of the knights.

If they were to go down they would go down fighting.

Arthur braced himself, intent on protecting these innocent people behind him for as long as he could.

His knuckles turned white on his sword as a silver form burst through the tree line.