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Farro tore a small chuck of bread off the roll in his hand and chewed on it, barely taking his eyes off the castles gates. He was stitting on a small log just inside the tree line. The town was small as a doll's city from here, but he could still pick out every person. Not that it would take much for him to recognize Prince Arthur and Lady Morgana, who had yet to leave Camelot. He had watched Arthur from a distance for most of the day, but nothing of great imprtance had happened. Arthur had simply directed his guards on where to look for the Sorcerer before retiring to his chambers, somewhere Farro couldn't follow him to. So now, Farro waited for Arthur to accompany Morgana on her walk, as he had said he would. It surely shouldn't be long now. Farro settled more comfortably on the log and pushed the last of the bread into his mouth before reaching for his sword, more out of habit than for defence.
Figures he recognized emerged from the castle gates on horseback, pausing to say something to the guards. Farro rose to his feet, moving to the very edge of the treeline to watch as they approached, making sure he wasn't mistaken. Yes, it was them. The Prince and the Lady. Farro slipped back into the shadows and waited. It wasn't long before he heard the clip-clop of horses hooves, and then the two passed him, talking in lowered voices. Farro moved silently after them, moving from shadow to shadow, his leather jerkin melting into the shadows easily. It was hard to keep up with the horses, but he soon managed to settle into a steady pace, half jogging and half walking. He made sure that he could see at least one of the couple at all times.
By the time they finally stopped, sweat was sticking Farro's shirt to his body and he was clenching his teeth to muffle his panting. Realizing that the horses had stopped beside a tree, he ducked into the bushes and crept closer, keeping low to the ground.
"... becoming suspicious," Arthur was saying. "I don't want him having me followed again. He did it once before, remember, when he thought I was playing with the village kids too much."
"That was six years ago, Arthur."
"Yes, but I still wouldn't put it below him."
"Where are you going to go?"
"I want to talk to the guards who helped us that night, and make sure they're not feeling any different about what they did."
"I'm sure Merlin would like to see you."
Merlin? Had the Sorcerer's name been Merlin? Farro had only known the man vaugely, just recalling his face. He knew his name did begin with M, but if he got this wrong Uther would destroy him. He had to be sure... although the evidence was pretty strong so far.
""I know he would," Arthur was continuing, and Farro quickly turned his mind back to the couple. "But I can't let anything happen to him now when we've got him out. Tell him I'll try and get back, but if anyone close to Uther sees me I'll have to stay and pretend I'm helping with the guards." He turned his horse around, and it swished its tail and reared its head at the bushes around it. "Say hello to them both for me."
"Of course."
Farro watched as Arthur rode away, withdrawing into the darkness just in case, but the prince didn't notice him. Morgana turned and nudged her horse, pushing it into a gentle walk. Farro quickly moved after her, locking everything he had heard into his head. If he could just get one good look at this Merlin, he would know. No one could forget the face who had directed all that power only a few days ago.
Thankfully, this journey was much shorter than the last one and a small house soon came into sight. A woman came to the door to greet Morgana and help her dismount. Farro quickly skirted around to the back of the house and ran over to it, keeping his footsteps silent. He crouched beneath the first window he reached and listened. He could hear the two women talking on the other side of the house. So they wouldn't see him, unless there were more people inside... he could take that chance. He was a fast runner, and maube he could steal the horse if he became desperate. Farro stood up and looked in through the window for a mere second before dropping down again.
A second was all he needed to recognize the black hair and pale skin. The Sorcerer. Merlin.
Farro knelt on the damp ground for a few moments, running his tongue over his lips. Then he turned and ran back into the forest before anyone could discover him. He turned in the direction of Camelot, only slowing to a walk when he was a good while away from the cottage.
Uther would be interested to hear about this.
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Merlin leant against the wall outside the cottage, looking up at the darkening sky. He didn't know if it was the magic in his blood or if the disgusting mixture Gaius had been giving him was actually working, but he felt much better. It took no effort to stay awake and not that much to walk. Morgana had bought the book of sorcerey Gaius had given him, and he planned to look through it later to see if there was anything he could do to heal himself, although he doubted that he was up to much sorcerery just yet. Gaius had told him to give himself time to rest and recuperate, and to be honest, for once he didn't think he should argue.
"Merlin?" Gwen appeared in the doorway, and Merlin looked over at her. "Want to help me make the food?"
"Sure, sure." Merlin pushed himself away from the wall and the world span a little. He felt Gwen's steadying hand on his arm and felt his cheeks flush.
"I'm fine. Sorry."
"Which reminds me, its time for more of your favourite medicene."
Merlin's face fell. "Aw, Gwen! Can't we give it a miss just this once?"
"Sorry, Gaius's orders." Gwen grinned. "Come on."
Merlin groaned and followed her inside. "Why do I get the impression you enjoy torturing me?"
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Farro watched the two figures move into the cottage and the door close before glancing at Uther, who was standing in the darkness just beside him. Uther's face was hard as stone, his eyes flickering dangerously.
"Sire? Is it not him?"
"It is," Uther murmured. "Arthur has betrayed me..." he shook his head, unable to continue.
"You can punish him later, sire," Farro replied. "But now, the Sorcerer is right here..."
Uther nodded and gestured to the ten soldiers ready in the dark behind them. They started forwards, moving silently but steadily. Farro and Uther stepped into place behind them, both drawing their swords.
"Sorcerer," Uther said softly. "You will pay dearly for disobeying my law."
Okay, I dare anyone reading this to say that they don't hate Uther right now! Hope you liked the chapter, sorry it was shorter than usual but I've had so much to do and I thought a short chapter was better than putting nothing up at all. Please Review!
SUPRNTRAL LVR.