'Merlin! Who's this?' Thalia had instantly noticed the woman with Merlin. Dressed in earth-coloured clothes, a large and painful-looking black eye and bruised side of her face, she shared a fair resemblance to the warlock beside her.

'This is my mother, Hunith. Mother, this is Lady Thalia, Crowned Warrior of Camelot.'

'Oh my goodness! My Lady.' Hunith curtsied only to see her actions mirrored. Thalia was smiling and Hunith frowned. 'Please do not curtsy on my behalf, My Lady, I-'

'Nonsense,' said Thalia with a smile at Merlin, 'it's a privilege to meet you, Hunith.'

'Uh… thank you my Lady.'

'Thalia, please.'

Hunith nodded.

'Might I ask how you got that injury?'

'Our village is being terrorised. This was the man, Kanen.'

'Have you come for an audience with King Uther?'

'I have, yes.'

'Very well. I will be glad to arrange one. But first you must go see Gaius; I can tell he hasn't had a look at that yet.'

'Thank you.'

Merlin and Thalia nodded at each other and they set off in different directions.

'The winters are harsh in Ealdor and there are many children. Some of them just won't be strong enough to survive. We barely have enough food as it is, and if Kanen takes our harvest, our children won't live to see another summer. Please, we need your help.' Hunith was in front of Uther who had Arthur and Thalia on either side of him. He frowned.

'Ealdor's in Cenred's kingdom. Your safety is his responsibility.'

'We've appealed to our king but he cares little for the outlying regions. You're our only hope.'

Uther clenched a fist in thought. 'I have the deepest sympathy for you and would have this barbarian wiped off the face of the Earth.'

Hunith's bruised and sorrowful face brightened. 'You'll help us?'

'I wish I could.'

Arthur spoke up. 'Surely we can spare a few men?'

Thalia spoke for Uther. 'Recourses are not the problem.'

Morgana looked at her haughtily. 'Then what is?'

'Ealdor lies beyond the Ridge of Essetir. For an army of Camelot to enter it would be an act of war.'

Thalia nodded, hating the truth as much as Uther. Hunith dropped to her knees.

'I know you're a good king, a caring man. I'm begging you, help us, please.'

'The accord we've struck with Cenred was years in the making. I cannot risk hundreds of lives for the sake of one village.' Uther was plainly hesitant when adding,

'I'm afraid Camelot cannot help.'

Thalia resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Morgana shot them a glare. There wasn't anything to be done. Uther was absolutely right. But there was just one way around it. Merlin.

'Sire, if I was to go back with Merlin and maybe Arthur and a few others we could pass it off as a small party helping out our friend, rather than Camelot moving through territory?' They were walking together down a corridor.

'I see what you are saying. But who would go?'

'Well I intend to and you'll have trouble stopping Morgana and Gwen, her maid. Arthur will probably turn up as well. I alone could defend them, even without my powers if I was careful enough. But surely we have to try.'

'I agree. Do what you can to ease their way. I'm proud, Thalia. You understand the weight of things more than Arthur or Morgana.'

'In my life I've learnt that there is always more than meets the eye to any problem and logic prevails more than anything else.'

'I agree, my dear.' He put a hand on her shoulder. 'Good luck.'

'Sire.'

Thalia found Arthur and Merlin on the green overlooking Camelot.

'I'm sorry. If it were up to me, we'd be on our way there now.'

'You tried.' Merlin saw Thalia walking over to them. 'Thalia, thank you for getting an audience with the king.'

She nodded and Arthur kept his bitter face.

'I wish that Camelot was able to help regardless of how far away they lived.'

'Facts of life prevent that, I'm afraid.'

'I'm going back to Ealdor.'

Arthur and Thalia turned to look at Merlin.

Arthur nodded. 'Of course.' He turned back to Camelot.

'… It's been an honour serving you.'

Arthur looked at Merlin sharply. 'You'll be coming back?'

'Well, she's my mother. I have got to look after her before anyone else. You understand?'

'I'd do exactly the same,' Arthur and Thalia said at the same time in the same quiet tone.

'Well, you've been terrible.'

Thalia and Merlin laughed.

'Really, I mean it, the worst servant I have ever had.'

'Thank you, sire.'

Thalia gave Merlin a hug before he walked away to pack his things.

'Merlin.'

He paused, watching the prince.

'Good luck.'

They nodded at each other as Thalia passed him a dagger from her belt. 'Learn how to throw that.'

'Thank you, Thalia.'

'So! You coming?'

'What?'

'Uther's given me blessing for a couple of us to go help Merlin, we can pass it off as going with a friend and helping him out.'

'Merlin is not my friend.'

'Yeah, yeah. Come on,' Thalia threw a bag at him, 'start packing.'

Arthur grinned. 'You're on.'

'I bet I catch up to them before you do.'

'And why's that?'

'Well firstly because I'm already packed. And secondly… I've got the faster horse.'

'Hey!'

Thalia laughed and ran down to the stables to saddle Leroy. Arthur meanwhile started packing.

It took half an hour's worth of waiting before Arthur finally turned up at the gates with his horse.

'You took your time.'

'I was as quick as I could be.'

'Oh, of course. You usually have Merlin for that sort of stuff.'

'Let's catch up to him then. I'm certainly not untacking my horse.'

'Prat.'

'What was that?'

'I said…' Thalia turned Leroy onto the path, 'prat.' She then urged her horse and they set off trotting for two strides before galloping out of Camelot, Arthur laughing and close behind.

'Where do you think they are?'

'Well there's light over there, so I imagine… over there.' Thalia was humouring him.

'Oh. Right.'

'Not to mention their horses are right here.'

'…Shut up.'

They dismounted and tied their horses up, Thalia taking off both saddles in under a minute.

Arthur turned back around. 'How did you do that so quickly?'

'I am a horsewoman. Come on.'

They walked toward the fire when they saw Merlin turning on the spot, a sword held in his hand with perhaps the worse technique and form Thalia had ever seen. A devilish smile crept across Arthur's face and they snuck up on him, Arthur's sword pressing into Merlin's back. He froze.

'I'd ask you for money. But I know you don't have any.'

'Arthur!' Merlin spun round causing Thalia and Arthur to duck in time for Merlin's sword to sail harmlessly over their heads. They fixed him with an annoyed and patronising look, earning a sheepish one in return.

Arthur scowled and walked past. 'Put the sword down, Merlin, you look ridiculous.'

Thalia laughed and followed him, leaving a happy Merlin to trudge behind them.

'How much further is it?'

'Maybe a few hours.'

'How many men does Kanen have?'

'Um, I'm not sure. I think from what my mother said, maybe as many as 40.'

'You should get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow.' Arthur stoked the fire.

'Thank you. Um, I know you didn't have to come.'

Thalia smiled and spoke up. 'Of course we did. Go to bed, Merlin.'

'Arthur…' Thalia squinted.

'What?'

'Merlin, that's Ealdor isn't it?'

'Yes.'

'Then Kanen's there.'

'Hurry!'

Thalia and Arthur, the warriors they are, spurred their horses faster and went ahead of everyone else.

Just before a man was cut down by Kanen, Arthur and Thalia reached the village. Arthur threw a sword and jumped off his horse. Thalia had vaulted off by that point and cut down three men.

A fight broke out and Thalia killed all who were near her. She noticed someone behind Arthur and went to kill him but Morgana beat her to it. In three movements she had killed her opponent and turned to a watching Arthur.

'Bring back memories of when I used to beat you?' She grinned and ran to another opponent.

'That never happened,' Arthur shot after her.

Thalia gave a chuckle and patted his back. 'Yeee…s it did.'

'You'll pay for this… with your lives, all of you!' Kanen rode out of the village.

While a din rose up Thalia caught sight of Merlin laughing with a boy. Then Arthur spoiled it.

'Merlin! Gather the villagers, I need to talk to them.'

'In a minute, I'm just-'

'No-ow, Merlin, there isn't much time.'

'Yes, sire.'

Thalia hit the Prince over the head.

'Ow!'

'Stop being a prat.'

'Humph.'

All the villagers had gathered in the cold and Arthur stood on a bench. He started by pointing to the last place Kanen had been. 'I know Kanen's kind. He'll be back and when he is; we must be ready for him. First of all we have to prepare-'

'Am I the only one wondering who the hell this is?' the boy Merlin was talking to had stepped forward.

'I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot.'

'And I'm Prince William of Ealdor.'

'Keep quiet,' Hunith scolded, 'he's here to help us.'

'He's made things worse! Kanen will be back and when he is he'll be looking for revenge. You've signed our death warrant.'

'He saved Matthew's life!'

'It's alright, Hunith. This is his village. What would you have us do?'

'We can't fight against Kanen, he has too many men.'

'So what's the alternative?'

'We give him what he wants.'

'Then what? Those of you who don't starve to death will face him again next harvest. And the harvest after that.'

'We manage, we'll survive.'

'How?' someone else had spoken.

'The only way he can be stopped is if you stand up to him.'

'No, you just want the honour and glory of battle. That's what drives men like you. If you want to fight then go home and risk the lives of your own people, not ours.'

Thalia frowned. 'Your lives are in danger if Kanen is still at large. What have you against us?'

'And who are you?'

'Thalia.'

'Thalia…?'

'Thalia Brightsword. But I'm one of Camelot's best fighters.'

'You're not noble blood?'

'Ha-ha! Blooded? No. I am a noble but I earnt that title by saving lives.'

'That's not right, how does that work?'

'William of Ealdor, I'm the Crowned Warrior of Camelot.'

William walked off, Merlin running after him.

Hunith stepped forward slightly. 'I'll follow you. If I'm to die, then I want to go out fighting.'

'That goes for me too.' Matthew.

'Count me in.'

'And me.'

'I!'

Thalia nodded at each one as they stepped forward with a determined shout.

Thalia readjusted her rug to wrap around her like a cocoon. She, Arthur and Merlin were sleeping on the floor. Merlin was in the middle up the opposite way.

Arthur was lying with his hands behind his head. 'Have you always slept on the floor?'

'Yeah. My bed in Camelot's luxury by comparison.'

'You should try ours,' Thalia flicked a strand of hair away from her face.

'Must've been hard.'

'Mm. It's like rock.'

Thalia laughed as Arthur rolled his eyes. 'I didn't mean the ground, I meant… for you. It must have been difficult.'

'Mmm… not really. I didn't know any different. Life is simple out here.'

Thalia by this point was highly amused, both with Merlin's comments and Arthur's current facial expression.

'You eat what you grow and everyone pitches in together. As long as you've got food on the table and a roof over your head you're happy.'

Arthur looked doubtful of the concept. 'Sounds… … nice…'

Thalia laughed.

'You'd hate it.' Merlin too was chuckling.

'No doubt.'

'Spoilt prat.'

'Thank you, Thalia. Why did you leave?'

Thalia moved her head to get a look at Merlin's face.

'Things just… changed.'

'How?'

When Merlin didn't reply Arthur stuck his foot in his face.

'Come on, stop pretending to be interesting, tell me.'

'I just didn't fit in anymore. I wanted to find somewhere that I did.'

Thalia reached out from under her rug and squeezed Merlin's hand tightly for a moment before pulling it back into the warmth.

'Had any luck?'

Thalia turned her head back to Arthur who held a small smile.

'I'm not sure yet.'

Arthur took his hands away from his head and rolled over. 'We'll start training the men tomorrow. It's gonna be a longday. Get the candle.'

'Please,' Thalia added pointedly.

Merlin blew it out and in the darkness Thalia put her hand out from under her rug once more to hit the Prince over the head.

'Ow.' But in spite of himself, Arthur was smiling.

'Have you still not learned how to dress yourself?' Morgana fiddled with her sleeve as Merlin helped Arthur into a jacket.

'You don't have a dog and fetch the stick yourself. No offense, Merlin.'

'None taken.'

'For goodness sake,' muttered Thalia.

Hunith walked from the table holding out a bowl. 'Prince Arthur, you didn't finish your breakfast.'

'Didn't I?'

Morgana shot him a stern look. 'Come on… eat up.'

With a sense of awkwardness Arthur lifted the spoon to his mouth, noting Thalia's crossed arms.

But his mouth never opened and he dropped the spoon, passing the bowl to Gwen. 'Mmm… right let's get going. We need wood and lots of it.'

'Hang on. Arthur?'

He turned back. 'Thalia.' Then he saw her eyes and made to dive out of the way but her punch to his stomach hit before he could move. '… Ow.'

'You deserved that.'

'No I didn't.'

'If you don't think you do then you deserve this as well.'

'Ow!'

'Now stop being a prat.'

'Come on, Merlin, lots to do.'

They left Gwen who finished Arthur's untouched meal.

'How do we train this lot? By stances or rhythm?'

'Rhythm I think. Standard positions.'

'Right.'

Thalia let Arthur do the talking and simply walked amongst the men, adjusting feet and position.

'One! Two! Three! Four!'

'You, what's your name?'

'Thom.'

'Thom, adjust your left leg. Like this. Much better, yes, excellent.'

Morgana walked over to join Thalia and Arthur at the water pump. She nodded to the men that were lying down on the grass, panting and exchanging breathy small talk. 'Looks like the battle's already fought.'

'They'll toughen up.'

'They need to.' Gwen sounded worried.

'How are we doing for weapons?'

'There isn't much be we should be able to scrape together what you need.'

Gwen spoke up. 'It's not the weapons that worry us; it's having enough people to use them.'

Thalia raised an eyebrow as she passed Arthur another full cup of water. 'Go on.'

'We think the women should be allowed to fight.'

When Arthur looked away Morgana added; 'you haven't enough men. If they were trained soldiers maybe you'd stand a chance but they're not.'

Arthur looked at her. 'It's too dangerous.'

He walked away, leaving all three women glaring after him crossly.

The next morning they were in a shed, Arthur pacing slightly. 'We're not going to be able to defend Ealdor with sword and sinew alone. We need a plan. We need to find some way of limiting their mobility and drawing them into a trap.'

'Hidden gate, light a fire.'

All heads turned to Thalia who shrugged.

'Care to elaborate?'

'Well, -'

A scream interrupted Thalia's sentence and she ran out of the shed, shoving even Arthur out of the way.

'NOO….!'

Matthew was lying tied up over his horse, an arrow in his back with a note as the horse cantered through the village. Thalia caught the reins and brought the horse to a standstill, pulled her sword out and cut the ropes holding Matthew down and caught him.

By that time everyone had crowded round. Thalia pulled the note off the arrow and passed it to Arthur.

'What does it say?' Merlin kept his voice even.

'Make the most of this day. It will be your last.' Arthur looked from the note to Matthew's lifeless body.

Thalia put two fingers on Matthew's eyelids and closed them and gently lowered his head once more. Then she stood up, walked a few paces and kicked a nearby bucket with so much force it flew through the air.

'MATTHEW! NOOO!' A woman pushed her way through the crowd and knelt beside the body. Thalia shoved Arthur out of the way to get back to Matthew's side and held the crying woman tightly.

'You did this!' William pointed at Arthur. 'Look what you've done! You've killed him!'

Despite his guilt and shock, Arthur glanced down at Thalia who didn't seem to be paying attention but he noticed her fingers were fiddling with the handle of her sword.

'It wasn't his fault.' Merlin was still calm.

'If he hadn't been strutting around, treating us like his own personal army, this would never have happened.'

'These men are brave enough to fight for what they believe in even if you aren't.' Arthur gestured to the villagers around him.

'You're sending them to their graves! You've killed one man. How many more have to die before you realise this is a battle that can't be won?'

'Oh, really?' Thalia's voice was quiet as she was still by the sobbing woman, hugging her tightly. 'And tell me, William, how many people here do you think will die a slow death from starving if you don't make a stand. What would you do if you didn't take this chance? Judging by everyone's faces you've always been a bit of a troublemaker. Would it help if we covered ourselves in mud? I don't know what it is you have against Arthur and I but you aren't hostile toward the Lady Morgana or Merlin. So what is it about Nobles, hm?'

'…. … When Kanen comes you haven't got a chance. You're gonna be slaughtered.' He walked away, leaving Arthur to look down.

They were sat in front of a fire sharpening swords when Merlin came to join them. He sat down on the left beside Thalia.

'William's father was killed fighting for King Cenred.'

'That explains it.' Thalia stated, frowning at the tip of her sword.

'So he doesn't trust anyone of nobility.'

Arthur waved his sword a little. 'Do you think the villagers believed him?'

'No… he's… always been a troublemaker. They're used to ignoring him.'

Thalia smiled with Merlin while Arthur's jaw looked about ready to start gnawing his teeth to dust.

'And if he's right?'

'He isn't.'

'I'm treating these men like soldiers and they're not.'

'But,' Thalia rested a hand on Arthur's arm, 'they have more courage and motive than any knight could understand.'

'But you've seen them fight, they… they haven't got a clue.'

'Clearly you're not cut out for this whole village thing or you'd be ignoring William as well.'

'Shut up, Thalia!' that wasn't teasing; it was cold.

'Excuse you.'

'… (sorry).' It was the smallest mutter but she heard it. 'We need to tell them all to leave before Kanen returns.'

Merlin shook his head. 'No, we're going to stay, we're going to fight… and we're going to win.'

'Merlin, it can't be done. The odds are too great.'

'Not for me they aren't.' Thalia knew Arthur ignored that comment for now.

'It can! We're going to make Kanen rue the day he ever came to this village. All you need to do is get the men ready for battle and the rest will take care of itself.'

'How?!'

'You've just got to believe in them. Because if you don't; they'll sense it. And the battle will be lost before it's even begun.'

Arthur was still leant forward and fiddling with his sword. Thalia moved forward a tiny bit and leant on him. Merlin nearly smiled at this, but knew he'd get killed by Arthur if he did. They were just… sweet.

Arthur found comfort in Thalia's weight on his side and back. Apart from anything else she was warmer than the cold wind he was so perfectly aware of blowing through the village. She was tired, he could tell. He was too but neither of them would ever give in to a stupid little thing like fatigue. They both had a very large stubborn streak.

'What did you mean; not for me there isn't?'

'Huh? Oh, that. If it comes to it then…'

'You'll use magic?'

Arthur felt her head move; a nod on his shoulder.

'Well… just… be very careful.'

'Yes, Arthur.' She humoured him once more.

'Coming?'

'Into a shed full of shouting people? I hardly think so.'

'It's called briefing and raising morale.'

'Arthur, I know the plan and someone has to make sure the gate is ready.'

'… Fine.'

Thalia was throwing hay over the gate when she heard shouting, female voices included. She smiled. Perhaps Arthur can listen to people even when she's not around.

The next morning Thalia followed Arthur to the river. He turned around like a startled rabbit when he heard a twig moving under her boot, sword at the ready. But he relaxed when he saw who it was.

'Don't do that.'

'Sorry. You right?'

'Perfectly.'

'Yes, you look it.'

He looked at her as she sat down beside him. 'Why is it you always read me like one of your damn books?'

'Because I am observant and I've known you for six or so years.'

'I've known many knights for that long and it's not the same.'

'Mmm, but they never tended to chase you round the castle or had to study you out of boredom at dinner tables.'

Arthur turned his head away from the river, a look of near wonder on his previously nervous face. 'I always thought you did that for humour.'

She inclined her head. 'That too.'

He smiled. 'Glad I could help.'

Thalia took one long look at Arthur, who became aware of her gaze after a few moments. He leant back by an inch and glanced around slightly uncomfortably.

'Ummm… what?'

She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. Arthur, after a moment's uncertainty, gave a low and content hum, put his arm around her and watched the river. Then they heard footsteps.

Arthur turned his head. 'It's Gwen. With a… oh no.'

'What?'

'Another bowl of stuff for breakfast.'

A hand hit his side. 'Sorry.'

'Mhm.'

'Arthur, Thalia…' Gwen reached them.

Thalia sent her a smile as she and Arthur hauled each other up.

'Hunith made you some food.'

Thalia took a bowl. 'Thank you.'

Arthur took the other. 'Thanks… I think.'

Gwen, who had already started walking away turned. 'Food is scarce for these people you shouldn't turn your nose up at it.'

Thalia paused, spoon mid-air and an eyebrow arched high in amusement.

Gwen's stern face turned to horror. 'Oh no, I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I'm sorry.'

'Gwen.'

Thalia's other eyebrow raised.

'I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking, it won't happen again.'

'Guinevere!' Thalia and Arthur said in unison.

Gwen paused and faced them once more.

'Thank you. You're right. And you're right to speak up, I should've listened to you and Morgana, we'll need all the help we can get.'

'We'll be fine.'

'How can you be so sure?'

'Because I have faith in you two!' Gwen looked at Thalia to Arthur and back again. 'I mean… we all do.'

Thalia smiled warmly.

'Thank you.'

Once Gwen had walked away Arthur met Thalia's eyes, her head shaking back and forth.

'What?!'

'You really are a prat. Now eat the damn thing.'

He smiled at her and ate without complaint.

'Merlin, you're putting that on back to front.'

'Huh?'

'You've never put armour on yourself, have you? It's different to putting it on other people. Think about it. That's your right hand.'

'Oh. Right...'

Thalia looked up a second later to see Arthur doing the strap for Merlin. She grinned.

'You ready?'

'My throat's dry.'

'Me too.' Arthur held out his hand. With stupor Merlin shook it. 'It's been an honour.'

They turned away from each other.

'Whatever happens out there today… please don't think any differently of me.'

'I won't. It's all right to be scared, Merlin.'

'It's not what I meant.'

'What is it? If you've got something to say, now's the time to say it.'

Thalia glanced between them. 'Merlin, we don't have time for this. Come on.'

Morgana walked in. 'Arthur! They've crossed the river.'

Arthur followed her out while Thalia stepped in front of Merlin. 'No matter what happens, I take responsibility, do you understand me, Merlin?'

'… yes.'

'Good. Let's go.'

Thalia crept to her position on the far side of a pointed roof, hidden from view, bow in hand, an arrow poised, ready to be pulled back.

Kanen and his men rode in like kings and Thalia crouched on the roof. She heard the faint noise of the hidden gate swinging up and waited for the fire.

'Come on, Morgana…' she risked a look over the roof. Merlin had appeared and was running toward where Morgana was fiddling with two stones.

'Merlin, be careful.'

'Yes, yes.'

'They've seen you.' Thalia looked around and noticed crossbows pointed at Merlin. 'Head. Legs. Nice work!'

'Thank you.'

The fire erupted moments later and Thalia stood up on the roof and fired her first arrow. Then another, watching her targets drop like flies. She stayed there until she had no more arrows then slid down the roof, drew her sword and joined the fray.

One. Two. Three. … Four. Arthur appeared beside her at one point and they fought back to back, cutting down any attackers. All around her she could hear fighting but slowly they were losing. In a break between attackers she looked around but before she could cast her spell a strong wind blew. She knew Arthur had seen Merlin and William standing still while everyone else cowered and she grimaced.

'Arthur, you idiot, stop gaping like a fish and get down!'

Arthur shook his head and crouched down like her behind his shield. When they wind grew stronger they looped their arms through each other's and leant forward.

When the wind died down and everyone was smiling Kanen walked into the village.

'Brightsword! Pendragon!'

They glanced at each other and Arthur stepped forward, giving his sword a single swing.

Within five blows Arthur had disarmed his angry opponent of his axe but was kicked back. By the time he had recovered his balance Kanen had picked up a sword from one of the men Thalia had shot down.

They exchanged two blows and were locked in a stalemate but Arthur pushed back and after three loops Kanen was exposed but he head-butted Arthur who fell back.

Add five more blows and he left himself open again and found Arthur's sword going through his armour and abdomen.

Kanen fell to the ground and while some people celebrated quietly Arthur stormed forward.

'Who did that?' he was glaring between William and Merlin.

'What?'

'Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it-'

Thalia smirked, remembering every time he hadn't had a clue.

'One of you made it happen.'

Merlin and William glanced at each other and Merlin looked to Thalia for help who shook her head. She couldn't do anything, Arthur knew it wasn't her. 'Arthur…'

'Look out!' William had noticed Kanen aiming a crossbow at Arthur. He pushed the prince out of the way only to be shot himself.

'WILL!' Merlin was at his friend's side in an instant, as were Thalia and Arthur.

'You saved my life!' Arthur looked at the boy in shock.

'Yeah. Dunno what I was thinking.'

'Come on, get him inside!'

Between the three of them they ran into the closest building carrying Will. Thalia let go of him when they made it and in one swift motion swept all clutter off a table.

Then they all stood around the panting Will.

Arthur stood there, not knowing what to do and when Thalia pushed him closer to Will's head so she could get to his wound Will spoke up.

'That's twice I've saved you.'

'Twice?'

'It was me. I'm the one that used the magic.'

'Will, don't.'

Thalia noticed the look Arthur gave the crying Merlin.

'It's all right. I won't be alive long enough for anyone to do anything to me.'

'Not if I can help it,' Thalia ripped his tunic slightly and pulled the chain mail apart and grimaced.

'I did it. I saw how desperate things were becoming. I had to do something.'

'You're a sorcerer?' Arthur looked down once more.

Will smiled. 'Yeah.'

Merlin looked to his mother but turned back when Thalia reached across the table and seemed to accidentally brush his hand. She knew Arthur would notice before too long.

'What are you gonna do? Kill me?'

'…no.' Arthur looked to Thalia on his right. 'Of course not. Do what you can for him.'

'Doing it.' Thalia had carefully removed the arrow and pressed a handful of fabric against Will's wound but knew he was losing this fight.

Arthur rested a hand on Will's shoulder and ushered Gwen and Morgana out.

'Will, Merlin, … I'm sorry there's nothing I can do. The wound's so deep and bleeding internally too much, not even magic could save you, I'm so sorry.'

'Not even magic?!'

'Merlin, I'm sorry. I've been over every spell I know, but there's nothing!'

'Wait, you're… you're a sorcerer?'

'I am, yes.'

'… Wow. You should marry Merlin!'

Merlin chuckled. 'No way. I'd get killed by Arthur.'

'Poor you. Being Arthur's must be tough.'

'I am not Arthur's!'

Merlin and Will laughed and Thalia inclined her head in a bow to Will, acknowledging there were winding her up and also clashed Will's shoulder before leaving him with Merlin.

'Well?' Arthur was waiting outside.

Thalia simply shook her head sadly and kept walking.

Arthur hesitated, looking at the people around him and went after her.

He joined Thalia sitting on the end of a cart full of hay, half of which had been blown to the ground by the magic.

'You okay?'

'Ha. Take a guess.'

'… No?'

'Not that bad, I'm just sorry I couldn't help Will.'

'Was it really him that used the magic?'

Thalia turned her head to look at him properly. 'What do you think?'

'Well there's no way it could have been Merlin.'

Thalia smiled and looked away. Then Merlin walked out and she sprang up and ran over, pulling him into a hug. He sobbed and cried into her shoulder.

'I'm so sorry, Merlin.'

They stood watching the fire.

'I'm sorry.' Arthur spoke to Merlin who was stood beside him. 'I know he was a close friend.'

'He still is.'

'You knew he was a sorcerer, didn't you?'

Thalia felt like sending her sword through Arthur's harsh tone.

'That's what you were going to tell me.'

'… yes. It was.'

'You know how dangerous magic is. You shouldn't have kept this from me Merlin.'

Thalia snapped. She sent the round hilt of her sword into Arthur's stomach with little movement but a lot of force. He made a low grunt and bent over and glared at her. Or would have had she not already patted Merlin on the back and walked off.

Limping slightly, Arthur walked after her.

'WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?'

'Well, let me see. Merlin had just lost a friend that happened to save your spoilt, self important life and you were using tones far too harsh for declaring war, let alone a funeral, telling him he should have told you something about his friend, who was good to the heart despite his distrust of nobles, which would have ensured his death!'

Arthur's anger was lost and he blinked stupidly.

'Oh, not to mention the fact you said that magic is dangerous. Perhaps it is, yes, if you get the people who wield it mad at you! If you want an example, look to your father! He treats magic like it's the darkness in which poison is made and because of that; that's what he sees it to be and that's what he faces! And yet here I am, a royal warrior of Camelot that happens to wield magic helping to defend a village from evil and a servant from unkindness by you!'

'… Oh.'

Thalia let out an angry and disgusted noise and walked past Arthur.

'Merlin, it's time to go.'

'Coming.'

'I'm sorry about how Arthur spoke to you.'

Arthur, who was outside the house, paused and didn't move a muscle.

'Well, I suppose I see where he's coming from, I should have told him?'

Thalia scoffed. 'Told him what? There's no way you could've done that, Merlin, stop being stupid. Arthur's the one to blame, he didn't even think for a reason why you didn't tell him.'

'I suppose, but it doesn't make things any easier.'

'It doesn't make them harder, either. In fact that didn't even make sense, how tired are you?'

'I'm alright to ride.'

'If you say so.'

Merlin nodded. 'Thank you for coming.'

'I wouldn't have missed it.'

'I owe you a lot.'

'Perhaps not as much as Arthur owes you.'

'How do you mean?'

'Oh come on, Merlin. You've saved his bloody life so many times I've lost count, most of them he doesn't even know about.'

'Well that's true. I wish I could tell him so he doesn't look down on me like I'm useless every time we get into a battle.'

'One day, Merlin. Until then, you'll just have to put up with him thinking you're a coward.'

'At least you know I'm not.'

'Of course.' Thalia reached into her cloak. 'Now, I don't want to hear any arguments…'

'What?'

'But I've got a gold coin for everyone in the village.'

'You haven't!'

'I have. You've all earnt it.'

'I don't know what to say.'

'Just say it's from the Lady Thalia when you deliver them.'

'I will, thank you!'

They were saddled up and were riding out when Thalia turned on her horse and waved to Hunith from the front. Everyone followed her lead and Hunith waved back to them all.

When they turned back to the front Arthur caught up with her.

'I suppose there'll be a million jobs to do when we get back.'

'For you, maybe. I've got nothing and so will probably help Merlin with his chores.'

'I didn't know you do that.'

'Well you drive him to exhaustion, Arthur, especially considering he never volunteered to be your servant.'

'Oh, I suppose,' Arthur grumbled, 'but still.'

'But still?'

'I don't know, I… wanted to sound like I had an argument.'

'I see.'

Arthur cast a sidelong glance at Thalia who had started fiddling with a saddle bag strap. In the years they'd known each other they'd worked this out. Thalia sends a few hard truths he hadn't realised his way, usually in a grumpy manner, and they forget about it after an hour or so, Arthur remembering what she said. So it was no surprise she was talking to him. What was a surprise was when she threw something at him.

'What?'

'It's an apple you idiot.'

'Oh. Right.'