Rating: G

Notes: Future fic. Assumes Lancelot has returned to Camelot and his knighthood.

Disclaimer: I own nothing in connection with BBC's Merlin, nor do I make any money writing this fanfiction.

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Almost Made It

They rode out after receiving reports of a gang of raiders attacking villages. Smoke was seen in the distance. Arthur ordered the knights to ride fast but when they arrived the raiders had gone and the village seemed abandoned.

When they went inside to search for survivors they found the villagers had not fled but were slaughtered where they stood. Some had fallen in the street with deep fatal wounds in their back as they tried to hide underneath carts or shield their children. There were more inside their own homes, slumped over tables and workbenches. As the fires died down, it was found that some had been trapped within the flames, left to suffocate.

As the orders went out from Arthur to keep searching, Merlin looked towards Lancelot but couldn't catch his eye.

***

He found him outside the village, near the forest. Lancelot was on his knees and it was only when he came to his side did Merlin see the child. Like all the other villagers he was dead and when Merlin saw the dark curly hair upon the boy's head which was mattered with blood he felt a cold stab in his gut which made him feel sick.

"I'm sorry," Merlin said, placing his hand upon Lancelot's back and trying to figure out if they were thinking the same thing. That this was the child who nearly got away and that Lancelot was looking at what could have so easily been him. "Do you... think it's the same ones?"

"It doesn't matter," Lancelot said, his voice heavy. "When we find them I'll treat them as though they are."

Then Lancelot rose, taking the boy in his arms as he did. Merlin stayed close to him. When he met Lancelot's eyes he knew this time what his thoughts were. They wouldn't be able to tell who the boy's family was, but he needed to be returned to his village.

Arthur was the first one who met them as they went back into the village and for a moment he looked hopeful that the boy in Lancelot's arms was a survivor. Then he saw Lancelot's downcast eyes and Merlin's remorseful expression and knew otherwise.

As Lancelot passed him, Arthur reached out and squeezed his shoulder, despite knowing he probably couldn't feel it through the chain mail.

"We'll find them."

Lancelot nodded and Arthur knew he believed him.

END