Chapter 7


Even though it was warm out, Arthur felt cold when he opened his eyes. From what he could tell he was lying on something hard and it smelled like a forest, but it was dark so it was hard to tell. His mind was still a little foggy but he soon remembered what had happened to him.

Merlin noticed the prince was awake by the sound of his breathing but he didn't want to say anything right away for fear the conversation would once again turn to the spell he had Arthur use to break their bonds. He always knew he would have to tell him one day, but this was not supposed to be how it happened. And now that Arthur had to use the magic before he could tell him about it only made things worse. He had no idea of what prince would do to him now that he knew.

Arthur moved his body and instantly regretted it. He felt like something was still sticking in his leg, but he knew that the arrow had been pulled out awhile ago. He moved his hand to where the wound was and felt something wrapped around his leg. It made him remember that it had been Merlin who had put something over it to stop the bleeding. He looked around for his servant and found him sitting there watching him.

Merlin couldn't ignore the prince now that he was awake and looking right at him. Hopefully the conversation about what happened would come later. They needed to figure out how to get out of their latest predicament. "How are you feeling Arthur?"

"I'll be fine Merlin. Where are we?"

"We're in a cave. I figure we're safe in here for now, but we really need to keep moving".

Arthur was having trouble remembering anything after the wagon ride, but he was bound to get his questions answered, "How did we manage to get away from the Duke? Is he out there looking for us, is that why we need to keep moving?"

Merlin nodded his head, "Yes it is. Do you think you are well enough to travel?"

He didn't think he was but he knew they couldn't stay out here like sitting ducks. His leg hurt but he could manage. He had sustained far worse injuries before, but he had to remember that he wasn't in his own body. He didn't feel as strong in Merlin's body but he didn't really have much of a choice. He had to work through the pain and find a way out.

Arthur pushed himself up against something solid and did his best to stand up, "Let's get moving".

When Merlin saw Arthur stand up he wanted to go over and help him, but if there was one thing he knew about Arthur, it was that you let him do things his own way. Helping him would only have caused tension in an already stressful moment.


It was still dark out when they left the cave. Traveling in the dark would be dangerous, but it would also help to keep them concealed.

Merlin had wanted to take the lead, but Arthur never gave him the chance. They went in the direction that seemed to make the most sense, but he had no idea if it was the right direction. He just hoped that they were not making their way toward the Duke. He knew that once their escape was discovered they would most likely be hunted.

Their travel was slow going but Arthur refused to rest his leg. They had to keep moving.

With the first rays of sunshine filtering through the trees, they were finally able to see where they were. They were still in the forest and there seemed to be no end to it in sight. Both men finally paused to take shelter under a tree as a light rain started to fall. The weather could be brutal this time of year and neither had any desire to get caught in it.

Merlin looked at Arthur and could tell he had a fever. He wanted to suggest they rest longer, but the rain didn't last long and the prince was ready to keep moving. He just wished they had some water. It might help to keep the fever at bay.

He could see that Arthur's wound had bled quite a bit while they walked and the rain didn't help the bandages he had put around the leg, "Sire, perhaps we should rest a moment so that I can change the dressing on your wound".

Arthur looked down at his leg and saw that the blood was seeping through the cloth. The last thing he needed was for it to provide a trail to the enemy. "Yes, you are probably right Merlin. Just be quick about it, I don't like sitting still for too long".

Merlin was grateful for the chance to stop. He took off the old strips of cloth that were now soaked in blood. The wound didn't look too bad, but it was all red and puffy which meant that an infection could be setting in; which explained the fever he was starting on the princes face.

As gentle as he tried to be, he still caused distress to the Prince, who let him know by hitting him on the head. Merlin thought it kind of ironic that while Arthur was angry with him, he was actually just hitting his own head.

They were soon on their way again and were now making good time. Neither had a clue as to their exact location, but something in the woods indicated they were coming to the end of it. At least they would be able to see where they were finally.


Duke Dubois and his men had been traveling for a good part of the evening when it was decided to stop and make camp. It would still be awhile before they reached his castle and traveling at night was something he didn't like to do.

As his men were clearing out some space for their gear the Duke went back to check on his prisoners. He would let them sit with his men tonight, but once they were at the castle he hoped they didn't expect the same treatment. He had only been planning on having one guest with them so it was a nuisance to have two. He only wanted Arthur, but his man servant seemed to be ever where he was so he had no choice but to take both of them. Perhaps the one they call Merlin would get an infection from the arrow and perish soon. He hoped so.

There were a few of the men who had been in the back of the group that were just riding up as he made his way to the wagon. He didn't bother to acknowledge their presence except to ask a few of them to help him with the prisoners.

About 4 of the men stayed while the others went to help set up camp. The four that stayed watched the duke as he went to open the back of the wagon.

The duke pulled back the opening and when he didn't see anything thought that they must be pressed against the wall away from the opening. He went in further as his eyes adjusted to darkness and suddenly let out a loud cry.

He didn't see anyone in the wagon. It was totally void of anything except for the broken chains that once held his prisoners.

He rushed out of the wagon, "The prisoners are gone. How could they have escaped?" He glared at the 4 men that had stayed behind. They had allowed this to happen, but he didn't have time to deal with them. His main concern was finding Arthur and his servant. He could not allow them to make their way back to Camelot.

He started yelling orders to his men to fan out and search the surrounding area for any signs of when they might have escaped or where they may have gone. He ordered a few men to get on their horses and go back through the trail they had just come through to see if there were any signs.

This night would not be as restful as he had hoped.


Arthur was the first to come into the clearing. He had finally exited the woods and could now see what lay beyond. What he saw however wasn't much to look at.

Merlin exited the forest directly behind Arthur and was disappointed to see a big wide open space that didn't look familiar. He could tell that Arthur wasn't happy, but he could also tell that he wasn't doing very well, "Maybe we should rest here for awhile".

Arthur walked toward a tree stump and sat down. "Yes Merlin, that sounds like a good idea".

When Merlin didn't get any objections from the prince he knew he must be feeling poorly. He would never have let them rest while there was daylight still left to travel by. He didn't say anything, but walked over to Arthur and started inspection his leg.

The wound had started to fill with pus and had turned a nasty shade of red. There was no doubt about it, the wound was infected. Time was crucial now if he was to get the prince back home. He was also concerned that the infection was farther along that he would have liked. Arthur had not complained once while he had removed the make shift bandage. He could also see by the sweat on his face that the prince had a fever for sure.

Arthur was numb the whole time Merlin was checking his leg. He didn't feel well and felt like just lying down and going to sleep. He was warm, yet he felt chilled so he knew he had a fever, which left unattended to could lead to something worse.

Merlin finished covering the wound and stood up to get a better look of the land. He wished he had his magic because that would have given him the ability to see farther, but he could only look through Arthurs non-magical eyes.

He knew that Arthur needed help, but would only slow him down while he looked for which direction to go in. He had to leave Arthur behind in order to help him.

He looked back toward the woods and realized that it was Arthur's only hope while he searched. "Arthur, I am not sure which direction to go, but I could make better time if I went alone. I think it would be best if we find a hiding place in the woods for you while I scout ahead. Once I see the closest town I'll know which direction to take you in".

He looked at Arthur for any signs of agreement, when he didn't get any he knew he had to hurry. If Arthur was not complaining about this then there was no time to waste.

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