I know! I'm horrible and took soooo long! Writers block! Anyway here is the newest Chapter!

Reminder- this is the Sequel to "The Plant" and takes place between season 4 and 5.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing from the Merlin universe!

Please enjoy!

Arthur woke, laying on a a cool patch of moss on the stone floor and the sounds of a gentle wind and birds.

It was almost peaceful.

He then became more aware of his surroundings and what had happened the night before. He turned to find Merlin, pale and still.

"Merlin," He shook his friends shoulder, getting a moan in response. As his heart made it's way back to his chest from his throat, Arthur studied Merlin and shimmied his way out of their little den. He looked around the area to see where they were. He found that they had made their way on the side of a mountain, which had a town in view, which he calculated would be maybe two days journey on foot, with a wounded Merlin.

And no sign of their captors.

He turned back and entered the den. He felt a pang of concern that Merlin had not moved. He knelt down beside him and turned him slightly. Pulling at Merlins shirt, he looked at the scars from the lashings. They looked like they were healing nicely.

Then why was Merlin so weak and pale?

Arthur paled when he realized.

The fernswag.

Merlins supplies were in his pouch, which was on his horse which was...somewhere not with them.

"Merlin," Arthur inquired. "Merlin, answer me." He pulled Merlin up into a sit, a hand supporting his head. Merlin finally opened his eyes and shot up looking around confused.

"Arthur...what..?"

"We have to keep moving," Arthur informed him, pulling him out of the den and into the sunlight. "We don't have any fernswag for you."

Merlin looked t Arthur surprised. Arthur looked at him concerned, "what is it?"

"I'm just surprised you realized that..." Merlin said honestly.

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Well don't freeze in your amazement," he said, as they started down the hill. "We need to keep going. Where could we find fernswag?"

Merlin stared cautiously ahead of him as they made their way down. "By water."

"Well there should be a river nearby, or something," Arthur said hopefully.

*M*

"Here!" Mila called, pointing out more magical prints. Gwen followed after her as they steered their horses onward.

They had hardly slept and started their search again with the rising sun. now they found more than just prints, but a spot where a fire was. Prints were all over the place, it was very confusing.

Both woman had dismounted and were looking around for further clues.

"The fire isn't old..." Mila noted. "It was put out merely hours ago..."

Gwen glanced around, taking every footstep into account. Many seemed to go in circles, as if searching. Some lead away from the camp, others to...

Which one was different?

She finally saw two prints side by side. It would have been easy to miss...one of the prints was missing steps, which she could only conclude...

"Mila," The Queen called. Milamade her way over and looked at what Gwen was pointing out.

"One of them is hurt..." she confirmed Gwen's suspicions. It was hard to tell at the moment which one of them was hurt- since their shoe size was very close.

"Doesn't look like they were followed," Gwen added.

"Lucky them," Mila said, turning to climb her horse. "Let's move forward before we are."

Agreeing, Gwen mounted her horse and they continued forward and up the hill.

*M*

Arthur felt like they had been walking for hours when they finally found a stream. He put Merlin down against a tree and looked around.

There was no sign of fernswag anywhere. He pursed his lips and knelt by the water, creating a cup with his hands to drink with. He looked back at his companion. Merlins eyes were closed, his body slumped. Merlin had closed his eyes while they were walking, mumbling something about being dizzy. It must have taken all his will-power to keep his legs going.

Arthur looked around. They seemed safe here. He could leave Merlin alone for a few moments. He wasn't going to walk far- just look for the fernswag.

He headed in one direction. He only went several feet when he heard a crunching of leaves and twigs under foot.

He quickly pressed himself against a tree, and glanced back to where he could vaguely see Merlin. If he could at least lead this person away, he may have a change. It only sounded like one person...perhaps two...

He heard the walking stop, not that far from him. He let out a breath as he quickly stepped away from the tree, only to find a blade at his throat.

He looked up at the bearer of the sword and pursed his lips, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Milasande."

"Sire," She said with a smile and a tilt of her head. She lowered the blade and reached her hand out to him.

He looked at her extended hand and laughed as he took it, but pulled her into a friendly hug. "Am I ever glad to see you..." He said with a laugh. "But...what are you..?"

"Arthur!"

The King looked over in not-so-shock as his Queen dropped the horses reigns and rushed into his arms.

"The knights couldn't find your trail, but I couldn't give up," She explained quickly.

"Merlin..." Mila looked around.

"Back over here."

Mila ran in the direction Arthur pointed and dropped by Merlins side. Arthur and Gwen retrieved the horses and guided them over.

Mila checked Merlin over and turned to Arthur, who was holding her horse. "In the front pouch, there is a vial of fernswag," She instructed.

Arthur felt his heart jump for joy.

"You were prepared," He said, as he pulled it out and handed it to her.

"Well, Gaius put it in the kit," She admitted as she placed some on her finger, which she then placed in Merlins mouth, rubbing against his teeth. Merlin instictively, moved his tongue to lick at the herb and swallowed. Mila did it again, then looked back up at Arthur with a smile, "I guess he figured you two would be in trouble."

Merlin groaned at this and opened his eyes slowly.

"Mila?"

Mila looked at him and smiled. Gwen nudged Arthur and gave him a smile, indicating over to Mila and Merlin. Arthur just smiled back.

"Hello Merlin," She said. "Getting yourself into trouble?"

Merlin licked his lips, in which Mila handed him her water pouch. "Would've been fine..."

"Yes...you seemed to be doing so well," she raised an eyebrow. Merlin handed her back the pouch, but just as she took it, his hand went limp and his eyes closed.

"Merlin?" Arthur rushed over.

"It's ok," Mila said. "His body needs rest and needs to take in the medicine."

"Well we can't wait around here," Arthur said. "We were captured by bandits and they may still be close by..."

"You could say that," came Darin's voice from behind them.

dun dun dun!

Anyway- hoped you enjoyed it! Please review!

We are getting closer to the conclusion- 2 more chapters - so one or two lucky reviewers will get a sneak peak at the next story before everyone else does! (as I like to put "previews" at the end of my stories)