That afternoon Arthur was due to train with the knights, he was unwilling to leave Merlin alone so took him with him to the training grounds, and told him to sit and watch them all train. George helped Arthur with his armour and carried the swords and maces down to the training ground as usual. Then the prince asked him to ensure that Merlin didn't wander off. George was not impressed he was not a babysitter, but as was his habit he did as he was told. The Prince wasn't a bad master and he didn't want to upset him, it wasn't his place to say what his duties were. He knew some of the other servants had a harder life. Yes, the Prince could be a bit arrogant, but then he was the Crown Prince.

Merlin sat down on the grass and watched the men fight. It seemed such a waste of effort to him, when he could knock them all out with his magic with a lot less effort. But he remembered the Prince telling him that if the king found out he could still use his magic he would kill him. It frightened him, and at the same time it reminded him of his mother, she always told him to make sure no one ever saw his magic, she made him promise. Now look at him, he had let these men see him and now he was a prisoner. As he thought of his mum a tear started to roll down his face. George noticed the tear and felt sorry for the young boy. He must be scared; he knew he would be if the king wanted him dead. George moved a bit closer and touched the terrified boy's hand. He was very stiff and awkward he wasn't used to showing sympathy but Merlin seemed to understand and gave George a small smile.

"George pay attention" Arthur shouted "Get here and hold the shield." George jumped up and grabbed the shield. He hated this part of training. He ran as Arthur threw knives at the shield. He stumbled and fell, as he did so the prince shouted at him "You're useless you know that, all you have to do is run and hold the shield."

"That's not nice, you're a bully." shouted a small voice, as Merlin appeared between the Prince and Manservant.

Arthur looked down at Merlin in amazement. "Did you just call me a bully?" he asked.

"Yes! You are, Mum says it's not nice to bully people, I thought you were nice."

Arthur knelt down in front of Merlin. All the other knights looked on in surprise.

"I have been trying to get you to talk for days, and all it took was for you to think me a bully. Well I'm not; George needs to do his job."

Merlin looked at Arthur his eyes once more as big as saucers, he was obviously scared but he still spoke up once more "George is smaller than you, that wasn't nice."

"You're a brave boy, for speaking up, now will you speak to me all the time or go back to just nodding?" Arthur asked a smile on his face.

Merlin shook his head.

"So you won't speak to me?" Arthur said shaking his head. "That's silly."

"You probably scare him, and he's right you are a bully." Came a voice from behind Arthur.

"Keep out of this Morgana." Arthur replied without looking up. "Come on Merlin speak to me, this is silly."

Morgana came forward and bent down next to them both. "I expect his mother told him not to speak to strangers." She smiled at the small figure in front of them "That's right isn't it Merlin."

Merlin nodded tears coming into his eyes at the mention of his mother.

"Merlin, listen to me, you know me now, if you speak to me we can try and let your mother know where you are. I haven't hurt you have I?" Arthur asked.

Merlin's hand went up to his neck and the metal collar hidden there. He looked at Arthur then at the knights who had come forward to find out what was happening.

"He's a brave sprog I'll give him that Princess." Gwaine said behind him. "Here you are lad, for being so brave." Gwaine held out an apple to Merlin, who looked at it before taking it quickly.

Arthur glared at the knight. "That's not helping Gwaine." Looking at the rest of the knights he said "Go on the lot of you, continue with the training. Merlin doesn't want you lot towering over him.

He turned back to Merlin "Come on Merlin, let's go and see Gaius, perhaps you can help us find your mother." He held out his hand and Merlin put his small hand into it and walked with Arthur. "You can go and clean my armour George."

Morgana followed Arthur and Merlin to the physician's chambers.