Darkness had now taken hold of Camelot's mighty walls. Shadows were cast in all angles, as the diminishing moonlight shone from the night sky. The people were turning in for the evening, and the citadel remained silent. Arthur waited cautiously by his chambers awaiting approval of Merlin's return. But nothing. The two were practically the best of friends; which if anyone dared question the relationship between servant and master few years ago- Arthur would always deny. But now, he would happily admit that Merlin was indeed the closest and most loyal friend he has ever had. Waiting in the royal chambers after all the two had been through was now one of the most daunting experiences he had to withstand. Knowing that Merlin lived all those years alone and afraid, he would never once let him down.

"Sire-" Gaius rather rudely barged through the towering doors and approached the King.

"Gaius, is there any news on Merlin? Both me and Arthur are frightfully worried about him, considering his condition.." Gwen forcefully queried before Arthur could even give a breath.

"My Lady- I'm afraid there is still no sign of his return."

"We should never have let him go."

Arthur, with drowsed eyes sighed and stepped away from the window, "Don't be ridiculous.." Gwen shot him a threatening look, to which he took on board and continued, "Of course I'm worried about the lanky guy, but the druids are-"

"The druids are viscous when they wish to be." The queen almost sarcastically ended his sentence without hesitation, "Gaius?"

"Although the druids are of peaceful people- If they so much as found out about your death Arthur, they would believe Merlin to have broken the prophesies and wasted their centuries of lives work." The physician rightfully stated.

Giving another dreary expression around the room, Arthur steadily lifted his head and strolled face to face with him. "Tell me Gaius. Is he safe?"

After a significantly longer than usual pause, the old man slowly matched his eyes with his king, with a solemn glisten and sadness embedded deep within them. "No Sire." He drooped, "He is not."


"Fetch the horses." Arthur practically burst into the hall in an instant, "Send a patrol to accompany me." He then fluttered a hand toward few of the other knights, "Percival, Leon, you two come with me."

"Sire, may I ask what is it exactly we are doing?"

"Finding Merlin." He replied softly yet rapidly.


The woods grew darker and more begrimed as the night progressed. So dark that the moons glisten reflected off the surface of damp leaves scattered across the ground, but mystically hidden beneath the mounted soil. Further through the acres, lay deeply imprinted footprints in an outward direction from the cave. Merlin had evidently stormed out after his confrontation with the now distant druids.

He was weak. Tired. Vulnerable. Blood still smeared across his wrists and black circles beneath his sharp blue eyes, contrasting with his sickly pale skin. His throat was dry and worn from the great amount of poison thrust down his throat. Hair ruffled, shirt torn and protruding bones. He was indeed more of a mess than he had been for many years.

With the little strength he held within him, breathing heavily the Warlock managed to drag himself toward a large tree stump in an intent to rest. He lent his body carelessly against the wood and stared up into the mesmerizing stars above. Slowly drowsing off, he could barley keep his eyes open for more than a minute before he was completely out. Alone and unprotected.


The patrol had been riding for well over an hour now. The atmosphere was becoming dismal and wasted. The further they trekked, the further away it felt from getting any closer.

"Seen any sign Leon?"

"No Sire. None." He gave a pause before revealing his true opinion. "Arthur.. This is useless. It's too dark and at this hour-"

"We will find him. I would give my life for all the things he has done for us. The least we can do is return a fraction of the favor." Arthur's horse brayed as it rubbed it's nose against a tree, sneezing at the same time. Patting it's head, he continued forward to hear a quiet grunting noise from nearby. The king held his hand high and gestured an order to mount off their horses and investigate. As he slid off it's back and hit the moist turf, yet another grunt was heard, accompanied by a sniffle.

"Sire. Here." A knight beckoned in a lowly tone.

As he reversed to find what the man had discovered, he was greeted with a sight he regretted to see.

"Merlin..."

"What the hell happened to him?" Percival questioned, sounding intently worried at his withered condition. "He looks.. Well, he looks like hell."

The constant noise surrounding the servant had woken him, as with great struggle he lifted his head to find the patrol staring wide-eyed straight at him. And Arthur. With sudden surprise he blinked rapidly in order to get past the blurred vision.

"What... What are you doing here?" He let out with a long breath from his crushed lungs.

"Saving you're backside. I thought I told you-"

"Go Arthur. Leave!" The knights, Arthur included looked back at him puzzled. "It's too dangerous. The druids.. I thought they'd listen to me but they think you're dead. You're in grave danger... Please." He was now practically gasping for air.

"Calm down Merlin. We know about all that."

"Wha- how... Arthur..."

Percival was the first to speak what everyone had implanted in their minds. Stepping forward, he announced his presence with a cough, "Mate... I'm sorry but have you been eating?"

"Oh for gods sake.. For the fifth time. I'm fine."

"You don't look it..."

"Listen. I'm a physician. Yes, I may be surviving on the bare minimum but It's enough. Now please, get out of here."

"Merlin.." The royal prat interrupted.

"It's just old eating habits. You know.. From when... I didn't care." He sighed. Even the thought of those lengthy days alone caused him pain.

"I'm sorry Merlin." Suddenly feeling a deep sense of guilt and regret seeing the utmost pain within the warlock's eyes, "Well when we get back, we can all feast. Together."

Merlin grinned limply in return as he heaved his body forward before collapsing into Arthur's arms.

"Arthur- please just leave. I.. It's hopeless.."

"We came all this way to save your arse Merlin, don't think you can get out of it that easily." Although sounding aggressive in that last remark, he recovered with warm, friendly banter. The kind he knew his friend would appreciate more than anyone could possibly know. "Clotpole."

"D-Dollop head..."

Abruptly, withing the second dozens of raging sorcerers emerged from the darkness. Sparks of light dashing in all directions; knights dodging the flames shooting above their heads. Arthur immediately shot up to his feet whilst men were being thrown into tree trunks and singed with burning holes pierced in their chests. Then it dawned on him. The druids had returned for a reason, and one purpose only.

"MERLIN!"


Again thanks for reading- please review, it's much appreciated and criticisms are always welcomed so I can improve x I apologize if the waiting time for new chapters is growing, but due to exams (and my idiocy to procrastinate) It may be like that for a while. It's nearly ending now anyways so enjoy x