Chapter 10 [Camp]

[A/N: In case I haven't put this in yet, here goes. Blancheflor is Percival's love interest from Chretien de Troyes' Perceval.]

Gawain stared into the fire. His eyes watched sparks break off and dance through the night air. Much like Summer's fireflies, they seized his attention. His teeth tore off a piece of meat. He sighed. Not like Merlin's. Wish Mith and Rodor would let him cook. He shook his head.

Then again, given that his friend had slept the entire way between Camelot and there, he understood their rationale very well. Merlin just cannot stop. He thought back to their near misses. Lance killed himself to protect Merlin and make Gwen happy. Bloody hell. Remind me never to be with a woman. Rots your brain.

"Merlin's been gone too long." Percival looked over in between bites. His eyes scanned the forest. His ears picked up on nothing.

No threats…no night birds or bugs either….

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Percy." Gawain chugged a mouthful from his water skin. "Merlin's all right."

"Remember the last time he went to fill water skins?" Percival tapped his fingers. Granted, his mind and heart were already in Whitgate. His thoughts already focused on a certain countess from Riversmore. Still, he knew threats could come up at any time….

…as their last time down this literal road…

"The big threat to ol' Merlin is right here in this camp." Gawain snorted. "Did you see Mith? She was steamed. Merlin's going to get it."

"Merlin and Princess Mithian?" Incredulity shook his head. "They cannot stand each other."

"Oh yeah…right. He cannot stand her. So why did he nearly kill himself to save her the last time? Got news for you. The only other person he'd do that for is Arthur." Gawain coughed. "He's whipped."

"He's a servant and she's a Princess." Percival shook his head.

"So was Gwen. So was Arthur. Arthur's bloody double standard and Merlin's compulsion to be a servant." Gawain leaned back against the wheel further.

Percival nodded. "Arthur trusts Merlin. If the time comes, I am sure he will let him go."

"Ask Gwen for a second opinion on that." Gawain shook his head. "He should have knighted Merlin along with the rest of us. Bloody hell!"

Percival nodded. "If not then, then after that mess on the Isle of the Blessed."

A deep roar echoed from the river.

"Nothing wrong?" Percival jumped to his feet.

"Me and my big mouth." Gawain drew his sword. "Come on!" He rushed off toward the woods' edge.

"Stay with King Rodor!" Percival directed to the other two Camelot knights. He hustled off after Gawain.

"It is all right." Merlin pushed through the foliage and into view. "We are all right. We even found someone who was lost." He stepped into the clearing. "We are all right, Princess."

She escorted Malodius into the clearing. "After Lady Morgana, I believe we can deal with anything else, Merlin."

Merlin's stomach rumbled.

Satisfaction spread the smirk across her face.

"I thought I could refill the water skins and get back to camp." Merlin shook his head.

She giggled. "Come along." She saw the two knights running at them. "Sirs Percival and Gawain! Stand down!"

"We are all right." Merlin took a deep breath. "Let us get back to camp. This is Malodius. I guess he serves King Rodor too." He shrugged. "Morgana wounded him with a magic sword."

"Malodius?" Rodor approached them from the camp. "We thought she had killed you!" He touched the scar on his servant's face and snout.

Shame bowed Malodius' head. He nuzzled up against his King's hand.

"Sire, Malodius' wound was infected and festering. He was in pain." She bit her lip. "And then he was healed. Merlin and I will explain."

"A dragon found us. He healed Malodius and me I guess." Merlin exhaled a sharp breath. He walked a razor-honed sword's edge between explaining the events and keeping his own secret.

"That thing healed you?" Disbelief glowered in Percival's face. "It did that and just flew off?"

"It did." She glanced at Merlin. "Sire, it said it knew you. Kilgarrah sends his regards."

"Kilgarrah? My word! Aye I knew him and his rider about the time Prince Kay and you were born!" Rodor smiled. "We owe him a great deal. I wish I knew more about his rider."

She leaned close to her father. "We will talk in private about that. Kilgarrah told us."

Rodor nodded. "Well then, we should finish our evening meal." He patted Malodius' head. "You as well. I know you ran for help. There is nothing to forgive. Come. I have a full meal as well."

See? Everything is all right. Merlin rubbed his new friend's side.

Indeed you did, Balinor's Son. Thank you. Malodius nodded his head ever so slightly.

With healing attended to and matters resolved, Appetites needed assuaging….