The journey took longer than expected, but Merlin managed to learn a lot about his mysterious companions. Torant's parents ha used magic to protect their land from bandits looking to steal their crops, they'd been killed for it. It hit him hard, being only eight or so at the time. Gilead lost his wife to Uther's cruel decree. Halbar, well, he didn't speak of why he joined the 'resistance'. What a strange name. Merlin liked it though, he thought it was a clever new word. The resistance; those resisting against a cruel higher power. Clever men really, all of them. Halbar said that they were taking Merlin to their safe house, no doubt where the rest of the men would be.

The leaves crunched beneath them as they continued. It had been a few hours since they'd started up again, and it was Halbar's horse that he rode now, his arms tied around the man's chest. He wasn't necessarily complaining... It was until the third hour that Merlin felt eyes on them, light bustling in the trees, even the odd sensation of being stalked. Was someone following them? As calmly as possible, Merlin whispered into Halbar's ear, "I think we're being followed."

"I know." he replied, rather relaxed.

Merlin flinched, "You know?"

"I'd be surprised if the boys don't by now as well." Halbar lowered his voice steadily, as not to alert their stalker.

"What are we going to do?" Merlin asked, hesitant.

"Whatever happens, keep with me." Halbar insisted, shifting the reigns of his horse to one hand before moving the other to Merlin's.

Merlin felt himself redden as Halbar loosened his bonds, their hands making close contact. The thanked god that Halbar couldn't see his face. The teamwork of the men came into play as the horses slowed, Torrent immediately dismounting, bow in hand. Halbar raised his voice until it boomed and echoed throughout the path, the wall of rock at his side distancing it, "Make yourself known stranger."

Nothing.

"We'd prefer to do this the easy way if you don't mind." Halbar nodded to Gilead, who also dismounted, his hand stationed at the hold of his sword as he neared Torrent. "At the least state your business?"

There was a short pause, before a young voice called in reply, "I have come for the boy, Merlin."

"Then I think we've got a problem." Halbar returned, "I cannot hand him over without knowing your identity."

"I wish to remain secret." the voice replied.

Torrent and Gilead were starting to near the rock wall, climbing silently as the voice spoke. "I've no quarrel with you."

Halbar laughed heartedly, "Nor I you, be on your way and we'll have no issue."

"I can't."

"Why's that?" Halbar questioned. The boys were nearly to the top of the rock by now.

"It's personal."

Merlin narrowed his eyes, he could swear he knew that voice. It was familiar...

"Very well." Halbar replied, more to himself, "Merlin, hold onto me tightly."

Merlin didn't have time to speak before Halbar slapped the reigns on the horse, forcing it into action. "Hya!" It neighed and whined before jolting forward, sending them potentially flying across the road, kicking up dirt and leaves. Merlin managed to turn only for a moment, hearing Torrent and Gilead charge the stranger above the rock wall. He hoped they'd be alright, they were skilled fighters after all... but he couldn't shake the feeling. He knew that voice.

It hit him suddenly. That was Arthur behind them wasn't it?

It was only moments before Halbar noticed the sound of a horse behind him, Torrent and Gilead we're joining him. He smiled widely before slowing. "You lads sure took care of him fast-"

The horse caught up with them, just the single one, with a single rider. Merlin caught his breath as the cloaked figure stared at them, angered. Arthur looked dangerous with his cloak, the one that shaded his face and hid him from the world. "I'll be taking Merlin now if you don't mind."