Merlin and Arthur sat in a shadowy corner with a cowl over their heads, both with a half-empty tankard of mead. The Rising Sun Tavern. What once was a proud and prosperous gathering point for all of Camelot had been warped into a cheap brothel for a scoundrels and criminals. The scent of musk, ale, and rot, permeated that crumbling walls and ceiling of the hall. Men cheered as the wenches danced around the floor.

"What are we doing here? We're wanted by the Queen and you choose to go to a brothel?" Merlin peered around as a sense of unease crawled up his spine. He desperately wanted to leave Camelot but Arthur had insisted to come to the tavern first.

Arthur peered around the floor. "I know Gwen's in here somewhere. And we are not leaving till I find her," he said and waved over a nearby wench. The lady dressed in a coarse corset and draped over rags smiled and sat with her legs sprawled over his. "Well you're a handsome lad, we don't get many like you around here. For two silvers we can let your friends join us," she said flirtatiously, rubbing her hand down his chest to his thighs. Merlin felt repulsed and looked down at his tankard.

Arthur grabbed her hand before pushing it away. "I'm here looking for someone. Her name's Gwen"

A face of disappointment spread across her face. "Why Gwen, I'm so much more fun," he said, reaching out her hand to brush his hair. Again, Arthur grabbed her hand before she could touch him. "Well you're no fun. She's over the," she pointed to a woman at the other side of the hall.

Merlin nearly spat his drink when he saw Gwen. Just like the other girls, she was dressed in a dirty corset with rags tied around her wait. Her hair now a tangled mess covered what once was a beautiful face. She was sitting on the lap of another man, letting him grope her as she laughed along. Merlin sat on his chair stunned by her actions.

Arthur stood up immediately, knocking the other woman to the ground. His face lit up with anger as he grabbed the man by the collar and tossed him aside. The noise in the room quickly quieted. Merlin ran over to Arthur's but was stopped by the small circle of people that had formed around him. Arthur was ready to knock him out, but as he raised his arm to punch him he felt a sudden stinging pain as a small blade was jabbed into his shoulder. Quickly he turned around to see Gwen holding onto the grip of the dagger and ripping it out of his back.

"Get out of my tavern!" Gwen yelled, kicking Arthur in the stomach. The impact hurt but not as much as seeing her in this state. Arthur slowly rose to his feet, "Gwen please remember. It's me Arthur," he said with desperation, grabbing hold of her hand. In response, she spat in his face and shook him off.

Seconds later, the Queen's guards came bursting into the tavern with weapons drawn. The patrons all scrambled to get out as the solders approached. Merlin needed to react quickly and looked around for an escape. "There! Take her and go!" he yelled at Arthur, points at the kitchen door.

"Come on!" Arthur pulled on Gwen's wrist. He screamed in protest as she tried to wrench her arm out of his grip. Arthur didn't have time to fight her. The soldiers were circling them and soon the exit would be blocked. "I'm sorry love," he picked her up from the waist ran to the door. "Merlin, let's go!"

There was just to many of them. He knew that Arthur and Gwen would not all escape unless he stayed behind to distract the guards. "Go, I'll catch up! Go!". Merlin distracted the guards long enough for Arthur to exit the door. "Gewicad ge stanas!" The second floor of the tavern came crashing over the soldiers by the door, giving Arthur time to run away. But it was too late for him. The soldiers slammed him to the ground and took him back to the castle.


An update! Yay! To be completely honest I was going to give up on this fiction but re-watching the series inspired me to continue. Again, please review/follow. I love reading the reviews!