« In a land of myth and a time of magic … » I would own Merlin's rights and be able to use english like my maternal language. Sadly neither of those things are true. I hope you'll enjoy though. Snapepotter.

The Coming of Arthur

They were celebrating Beltane with a feast when Morgana striked and Merlin ran faster than anyone had ever run, searching for Arthur after she had helped Gaius tending to the wounded. She found him fighting off an opponent who had managed to cut through his chainmail and she didn't lose any time taking his hand when he came her way.

« Have you been hiding in a cupboard this whole time, Merlin ? », he teased wincing.

« We need to get out of here », she replied, pushing him in the direction of Gwen's house while her eyes turned gold, creating a fire haze to prevent anyone from following them.

Unfortunately, if she had been able to prevent their ennemies from following, she wasn't able to prevent Arthur's heart from break ing when he spotted Agravaine and Morgana followed by about thirty soldiers in the courtyard. Roaring, he was about to throw himself into the battle when she caught his arm and hissed in his ear :

« They are too many of them Arthur. You can deal with your uncle later, alright ? Go! »

And they carried on walking, Arthur's hand safely maintained by Merlin's.

« The city's on its overrun », announced Percival when they entered Gaius's chambers. « We can't hold on much longer », added Gwaine, grimly.

« How long before they reach us ? » asked Gaius.

« A few minutes at best », the taller knight replied.

« They are coming for Arthur », stated Merlin. « If they find him they'll kill him. »

« We must bring him to safety while we still can », he agreed.

« Arthur will never abandon his people », Gwaine said. « He'd rather die ».

« Barricade the door », ordered Merlin suddenly. « Give us as much time as you can ».

« We need to get Arthur out of here whether he wants it or not », Merlin told Gaius, once they were alone. « Is there some calming potion you could give him to knock him out ».

« I don't have anything stong enough », he replied. « In my chambers perhaps but Morgana controls the palace ».

« There must be something ».

« I'm sorry Merlin. Maybe there is something you can do », he added after a while. « Arthur won't go willingly. What if he suddenly looses his will ? »

« Are you suggesting magic ? », she asked.

He nodded.

« Can you do it ? »

« I can try », she replied, hoping the spell she had in mind would work.

It did. Using the posting gate, they fled the city, Perceval carrying Arthur and Merlin cursing her unpractical skirts, while silently praying for Gaius and Gwaine's safety. Reaching the woods, they were joined by Elyan who remarqued :

« They'll look after us. They know Arthur is still alive. We have to cross the border and find sanctuary anywhere we can ».

« I know a place », replied Merlin. « Ealdor. It's beyond the white mountains. Let's go ! »

« Wait », she said suddenly. « Listen ».

Stopping they kept their ears open and made out the sound of horses galoping towards them.

« Run », shouted Percival and they did, the two knights carrying Arthur while Merlin followed. Next thing they knew, they were flying, Merlin getting up quickly and taking Arthur's hand, urging him to get up and run.

« Where's Percival », she asked stopping.

« I don't know », Elyan replied, « but we've got to go. »

« Go ! », he repeated once they reached the Valley of the Fallen Kings.

« What about you ? », she asked.

« Don't worry about me », he answered, urging her to carry on running, « Go ! Bring him to safety ! ».

They ran for another hour before Merlin felt the need to rest. Stoping, she breathed deeply, forgeting to warn Arthur who collided with her, sending her flying.

« My fault », he apologised loudly, « sorry ».

« I think we're safe for now », she explained, looking around them. « But we need to find you some kind of disguise » she added, eyes taking in the identifiable chainmail and red coat.

« Whatever you say, I am entirely in your hands », he replied and she would have laughed if the circumstances had not been so dire.