AN: Thank you to the commenter who complimented my fight scenes. :-) I "see" the scenes in my mind and sometimes worry that I put too much detail into them.Mersan123, you are a sweetie! No worries...Lionel is safe! Probably.Sandhopper, I *heart* protective Arthur and knights. And yes, Lionel has no idea what he's in for. But hey, if he can survive Gwaine, he can handle almost anything.For everyone, please enjoy this newest chapter, and thanks for staying with me for what is turning out to be a much longer story than I ever intended. I'm having so darn much fun writing it!

CHAPTER 18: Sound and Fury

Bits of grass and earth flew into the air as Galahad suddenly spurred his horse to a run. The knights startled, but, being professionals, all turned to see what threat was behind him. After all, he was trusted. As they looked, Galahad snatched the crossbow from the front of Leon's saddle. Turning the horse smoothly using just his knees, Galahad lifted the weapon to his shoulder. It was already loaded, since Leon believed in always being prepared. Sighting as he'd been taught, Galahad aimed for Merlin's chest and released the bolt before anyone else could react.

The thunk it made striking Merlin was louder than he'd thought, and he relished couldn't help but notice the look of utter surprise on the sorcerer's face as he slid from his horse...

No, that would never work. Galahad scowled as he saddled his horse. First of all, Leon had a grip like iron. There was no way he'd just let the crossbow go even if he were surprised. And though Merlin's death should release the spell, the knights' training might kick in and they would kill him before they realized why Galahad did what he did. And he wouldn't get more than one shot at it.

"Excuse me, Galahad, could you collect a few of those small yellow flowers that grow right at the water's edge for me, please? It's a bit difficult for me to bend that far," Gaius interrupted his thoughts.

"Of course," Galahad agreed readily. "Do you need the entire plant or just the flowers?"

"Just the flowers, thank you. Be certain not to touch the water."

Galahad gathered them, an idea forming in his mind. When he had finished, he helped Gaius pack up all of his medical supplies, and the physician was so pleased with the help that he didn't notice that one vial was missing.

Merlin stood next to the horse that had been Morgana's. It had been decided that the black mare had the calmest temperament. Unable to see or use his dominant hand, Merlin nonetheless had to ride back to Camelot, and it was essential that he not fall or even be jostled too much, or he could hurt his head more. He took a breath and rested his left hand on the horse's side. From behind him, Leon spoke.

"Go ahead and climb on, Merlin. I'm right here in case you have trouble."

Thus bolstered, Merlin pulled himself onto the horse with some difficulty. A sudden memory of literally climbing a pile of knights to get onto a horse when he was in his old form made him smile. There was something about the aging potion that made him both snarkier and more confident. In that guise, he somehow felt like he actually had the years of experience that he would have had at age 80. He was himself, but he did things that never would normally have occurred to him. Coming out of the memory, he realized that he was sitting comfortably. He'd have to be careful, but he knew he could do this. "Thanks, Leon. I'm good."

They had put him on the horse that had been Morgana's, and attached a rope between it and Gaius' horse to help ensure that it could not run. If someone saw fit to attack their party, Merlin was to pull up and get off his horse. This would put him between his horse and Gaius', and the physician would lead him to safety or at least keep an eye out on his behalf. "Just get off the horse and keep your head down," Arthur had instructed.

"Just get off the horse and keep your head down," Merlin had repeated in a snotty voice.

"I'm keeping track of the head slaps you deserve," was all Arthur had said.

For all of their precautions, it was a fairly uneventful ride. They startled a band of 7 Saxons, but Leon and Arthur each killed one without dismounting and the others fled. "Let them go," the king ordered.

"There are hell hounds all around us," reported Elwyn, breaking off the pursuit. "They're not doing anything but..."

They are following the sorcerer, thought Galahad, feeling the outline of the vial in his satchel.

"Next time, get off your horse like you're supposed to, Merlin," ordered Arthur as they began to ride again. "Let's keep moving."

Merlin didn't bother to argue. He knew the slow pace was because of him, and he knew Arthur wasn't really annoyed with him, just worried. But he also felt very disoriented by the horse's motion since he couldn't see, and it felt like he could tumble off at any moment. Worse, he was feeling nauseated as they went on, and it was getting worse. He'd asked Gaius if he thought his magic would heal him.

"I think it is," he'd responded reassuringly. "I believe that you are healing faster than someone else would, but it will still take time."

Time passed in kind of a blur for Merlin. The vague feeling of danger nagged at him, but his physical troubles pushed the fear aside. He didn't participate in the conversations around him, he mostly focused on staying upright and keeping his breakfast inside his stomach. He startled as a hand grasped his upper arm. "Whoa, careful," said Percival, who was the one who had steadied him.

"I think we should take a a short break," said Arthur. "Let's get something to eat."

Merlin wanted to protest, but he didn't. His head and stomach were rebelling and even though they had to get back to Camelot, all he really wanted was to sit still, not on a horse. He managed to climb down on his own but stumbled back a bit and fortunately came up against Gaius' horse, which helped him regain his balance.

He tried not to begrudge Gaius' arm leading him or his gentle, "careful, please Merlin." But he was grateful when he was seated on a bedroll leaning against a tree.

He heard Galahad ask, "Can we stop long enough for a fire? I have leftover stew I can heat up."

Merlin only stayed awake long enough to swallow two of Gaius' concoctions, hear Arthur agree to stop long enough for a hot lunch, and tell Gaius he didn't want to eat anything. Then he let himself drift in a state of half-sleep that he knew instinctively would help him heal. He didn't focus on any of the sounds around him, but just let it all wash over him. At least he did until he noticed that there wasn't any talking any more.

The extra sense that had warned Merlin of danger since he was a toddler screamed to life. He froze and listened as hard as he could and dared to use the tiniest sliver of magic to "feel" where someone moved toward him. It caused a hint of an ache in his already sore head. Slowly, he pulled his heels toward his butt and put his good hand against the tree. Then he inched himself carefully to standing. He could hardly feel more helpless, blind and injured and barely able to perform any magic. He wasn't going to face this threat sitting down.

"Galahad?" he guessed, trying to keep his nerves out of his voice. Every other person who had come with them was someone he'd known and trusted for years. "What did you do to the others?"

"They're just sleeping." Galahad was in front of him and slightly to his right. He sounded very, very young. "It won't last very long. You should have eaten the stew."

"So you could murder me while I slept?"

"I...I have to protect the king." His voice was almost pleading.

"Arthur is my closest friend. I have devoted my life to protecting him." Merlin couldn't help but jump. He straightened his spine, wishing he had his walking stick. He could hear the single-mindedness in Galahad's voice and knew there would be no changing his mind, but he had to try. Ignoring the pain it caused, he let out a little magic and sensed that an enchantment had been laid on him. Given time, and not injured, he could unravel it, but that wasn't an option now.

"You are lying! Magic is evil." Galahad's voice was closer now. Merlin pushed the blindfold up and squinted at the boy, eyes watering. His head throbbed in time with his heartbeat. The page was only a handful of steps away. His face was screwed up with emotion, but the sword he held in front of him was steady.

"Have you ever killed anyone? Can you look me in the face and kill me?"

"I have to. I have to kill you." He raised the sword and Merlin tensed. But Galahad froze instead of striking, and a wonderful, familiar voice spoke from behind him.

"I can't let you do that, lad."

"Gwaine!?"

The knight stepped to the side, so Merlin could just make him out. "Good to see you, Merlin. You look terrible, by the way." He waved behind him. "That's Lionel. He followed me."

Galahad recovered from his surprise and swung to attack Gwaine. Almost without thought, the latter did his special disarming move, and Galahad's sword flew from his hand.

"No, don't kill him!" called Merlin, as Gwaine started to slash at the younger man. With impressive dexterity, he rotated his hand and struck his opponent on the temple with the hilt of his sword. With a gusty sigh, Merlin pulled down the blindfold and allowed himself to slide down the tree.

"Whoa, whoa," Gwaine jumped over the downed man and helped Merlin. "Seriously, what have you done to yourself? And why are all of this lot sleeping?"

"Galahad drugged them so he could kill me. He's got some sort of spell on him. Thank you for saving me, and for not killing him."

"Yeah, well, thanks for sending the world's most obnoxious dragon to save my life."

"Dragon?" The young man who'd showed up with Gwaine stared, open mouthed.

"Yes, dragon. Keep up, Lionel. Oh, Merlin, Lionel. Lionel, Merlin. So, the dragon died but he talks in my head now. He told me that you were in trouble and where to find you. And we need to have words about you being a sorcerer and not telling me."

"Sorcerer?"

"Yes, Lionel. Merlin is a sorcerer who works for the king. Seriously, do you know anything at all? So, is it true Arthur was mortally wounded but you used your magic to save him and almost killed yourself? Or was that overblown lizard wrong about that?"

Merlin laughed. What else could he do? "Yes, it's true. And there's so much more. But we don't have time now. We have to wake these guys up and keep moving. There are hell hounds and Saxons and who knows what else all around."

"Hmmmm," Gwaine didn't seem to concerned. "Those fiery dogs are hell hounds? I noticed a group of them pacing us most of the way here."

"What?" Lionel's voice was a bit faint as he absorbed that news, but Gwaine ignored him.

"Lionel, tie up the one that tried to kill Merlin and help me throw water on these idiots to wake them. I get to do Arthur. You do Percival, though."

Galahad had told the truth, at least, and they were quite easy to rouse with a combination of water on their faces and taunting from Gwaine. Poor Lionel was horrified that they were treating the vaunted knights this way. Without thinking, he offered a hand up to the man closest to him, and was just absorbing the fact that he was facing his king when he saw a man with a crossbow aiming at Arthur's back.

Acting on instinct, Lionel shoved Arthur right back to the ground and the shot grazed his upper arm. Arthur assessed the situation with impressive speed. "Saxons!" he called. "Grab the horses. We have to get out of here."

"We have to take Galahad," said Merlin, struggling to his knees. "He only did what he did because he was spelled." Gwaine pulled Merlin to his feet, and the sorcerer froze for a moment, his hand hovering above Gwaine's chest. "Kilgarrah?" he whispered.

"Later," said Gwaine, as Arthur ordered,

"Percival, get Galahad on a horse. Gwaine, help Merlin." He continued his direction even as they were retreating from the more and more men appearing through the trees.

"I know where to go," called Gwaine, and Arthur had him take the lead without question. In very short order, Gaius, Arthur, Lionel, and Gwaine were on horses, with Galahad draped in front of Arthur, hands bound, and Merlin rode behind Gwaine. Merlin knew it had to grate on Arthur to have Elwyn, Percival, and Leon cover their rear without him, but everyone who was wounded (or old, in Gaius' case) had to ride for greatest speed, and Gwaine had to lead them.

They were fortunate, because the attack was swift and they were outnumbered, but the Saxons faded back quickly in the face of the fearless knights. The denizens of Camelot were able to make their escape.

"I hope you have a defensible place in mind, Gwaine," called Leon. "They outnumber us at least 4 to 1, and we have quite a few wounded."

"I'm worth at least 10 of them," called back Gwaine with his typical teasing bravado. "And we can leave Lionel behind to slow them down. He's pretty expendable."

"That seems like an ill way to repay the man who saved my life," called Arthur.

"But he's really annoying," stated Gwaine.

Lionel found himself bemused that they engaged in such banter while literally fleeing for their lives, but he did smirk when Pericval answered, "If we were going to leave behind anyone who's annoying, you'd be first on the list."

"Wait," said Leon. "We did leave him behind. He came anyway."

"And you're welcome for the save."

A crossbow bolt whistled through the trees, and they fell silent as Leon returned the shot.

"Alright, everyone who's not on horses, mount up now," yelled Arthur. "We have to move faster. I'm sorry, Merlin."

"'Sokay," sighed Merlin, trying to hold onto Gwaine with his one good hand without jolting his broken arm. His head swam, but he knew they had no choice. I hope this safe place is close, he thought morosely, listening to what sounded like 50 men crashing through the woods in pursuit. Or we'll never make it.

Suddenly, his magic screamed at him. "There's a barrier of some sort up ahead!" he called out. "We're trapped!"