And here's another bad installment of FATAL SECRETS!! XP
Enjoy and sorry for another late update, moving sucks

Arthur stood up quickly when a shriek burst through the air. The sudden change in height made him dizzy again but he didn't fall.

The sight of a bleeding Nimueh all the way across the courtyard shocked him, and told him someone else was here. He scanned the courtyard, ready to fight, but grinned when he saw the sweat plastered face of the worst manservant he'd ever had.

Despite the nauseating air Arthur ran towards his friend. Well, he hoped that Merlin was still his friend. But even though no words were said, the instant Merlin's face lit up and he flashed a smile at Arthur, he knew everything would be ok.

With one swift slice of his sword the chain holding Merlin to the altar was cut and the two were free for now.

"You came!" The relief in Merlin's voice was almost tangible.

"Well, someone has to keep you out of trouble."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "That's ridiculous coming from you."

Arthur helped Merlin up and although he was as gentle as possible his manservant let out a cry of pain as his chest straightened.

With a worried look Arthur asked Merlin if he was alright. Merlin nodded, and even though Arthur knew he was lying there was nothing he could do now.

The two started off the island, going as fast as they dared. Both boys were equally supporting each other but as they got farther away from the courtyard Merlin's strength was already almost out. By the time they were in the small boat Merlin was even paler and shakier.

Arthur picked up the oars and started to row away. As they got farther and farther from the island Arthur's strength returned and it became easier and easier to move the boat, and he started to move faster. Nimueh might have been unconscious but she would soon come after them again.

"What'd you do to piss her off then?"

Merlin laughed. "I choose you over her."

Arthur was stunned. If Nimueh was a sorceress she could teach Merlin everything, and after he'd treated his friend it was all the more surprising.

"I'm not evil." Merlin had noticed Arthur's shock.

"Right, well, let's get back to Camelot."

"Please."

CAMELOTCAMELOTCAMELOTCAMELOT

Gwen quickly made her way down an empty street, hood up and eyes down. If anyone saw her that night they would never admit it. Something about her nervousness told them not to.

In a particularly dark area on one of Camelot's worse streets Gwen walked towards another hooded figure.

The normally chatty girl was quiet when the mysterious other woman whispered something in her ear.

Then, just as soon as she'd appeared, the slimmer woman quickly walked away, trying hard to keep from limping.

Gwen wiped away a tear and headed back to the castle, terrified.

It had been hours since Merlin and Arthur had gotten to land. These hours had been spent walking for a short time, then resting, then repeating this process. Arthur was trying to hide it but he was getting rather annoyed. Merlin was trying to move as fast as he could but it was impossible for him to go for more then ten minutes without having to stop for five to catch his breath and have the pain in his chest die down enough for him to be able to even stand again.

Nimueh was even more powerful then he thought.

"Come on!" Arthur urged.

Merlin was resting again, pale body leaning against a tree and shallow breaths coming out in short bursts. With a pained nod he pushed himself off the tree and instantly crumpled to the ground. Arthur caught him before his face met dirt but the damage was done. The sorcerer's chest was enveloped in even more pain then before and he was desperately trying to keep the tears from falling.

It was a futile attempt though and Arthur helplessly held his friend as he cried into his shoulder. All annoyance was gone at this point and he felt guilty for even being angry in the first place.

"I'm sorry." Merlin gasped out between sobs.

Arthur stayed quiet because he couldn't think of anything to say.

By the time Merlin was able to walk again it was almost a half hour later. Arthur slowly helped his manservant up and Merlin let out a triumphant grin when they got going again. Instead of walking ahead like he had been before Arthur hovered behind Merlin, ready to catch him if he fell.

As soon as darkness fell Arthur got paranoid. Every rustle of the bushes made his hand fall to his sword hilt. Finally Merlin yelled at him. "Arthur it's fine!"

Arthur nodded. "You're right."

Merlin went on to tease him for being jumpy and the two quickly fell into the old banter that always got them into trouble on hunting trips.

A while later though Arthur heard a loud snap not too far away and he stopped. Merlin groaned. "Arthur-"

Arthur shushed him and listened carefully. After a few seconds of waiting Arthur heard whispering.

"All I'm saying is that it's strange he ordered the death of his own son's manservant."

"Shut up! Just keep going. We have a job to do."

"Why would King Uther do that?"

"Be quiet!"

Arthur quietly pulled Merlin behind a large rock and clamped on a hand on his mouth just as two men came into view. The men were knights that Arthur recognized but he couldn't recall their names. The knights looked around quickly.

"They aren't here!" The smaller one whined.

"Alright, let's keep going."

They walked in the opposite direction and Arthur waited a few minutes before he let go of Merlin.

"They're…" Merlin didn't want to say it.

Arthur shook his head. "Come on, let's keep going."

"We can't go back to Camelot now!" He shut up when Arthur glared at him.

"No, but I'll figure something out. We can't stop now."

Merlin hesitantly followed Arthur who was being even more careful then last time. Merlin had known that some day he'd probably be hunted down because of what he was but the thought that Arthur was with him while he was being tracked scared him. He didn't want Arthur to get hurt because of him.

Review peas! I love reviews and soooo need them because life sucks lately
Oh, and in case I haven't made it clear this isn't gonna be Merthur

I debated about that and decided I'd rather do a more friendship based fic before a romance one
No worries for you Merthur shippers though, I'll write one sometime