Arthur and Merlin both had a bath in the morning before they set off, not knowing when they would get their next one. As soon as Arthur was ready George went down to ensure all the supplies were on the horses. When Merlin came in from the other room he dressed in something Arthur had not seen him in before. He had on a thicker version of his normal attire but over it he worn an armoured tunic with half sleeves it shimmered in a way Arthur recognised but couldn't place. Arthur touched it and asked curiously "I haven't seen armour like that before what is it?"

Merlin grinned his whole face lighting up "Kilgarrah gave me a few scales, it is a high honour to have such a gift. Not even Gwaine has any" Merlin paused "The Great Dragon said I might need it if I was going somewhere that hated magic. Freya and the armourer worked together on it as the scales are very tough to fix together, it will stop most things including a crossbow bolt"

"Handy" Arthur nodded "I approve you need protection, I am not totally happy about you coming with us. It seems wrong to put you in any danger. But with Sarrum here I have no choice"

Merlin chuckled "With my armour, Percival and Lancelot as well as my magic I am safer than you will be"

"Merlin! You are a target all the time you are out there, as my wife you would command a high ransom" Arthur explained

"Well they'd have that wrong, I think your father would pay them to keep me!" Merlin quipped.

"He might but I wouldn't, just be careful Merlin I couldn't bare for anything to happen to you" then realising he was being a sap Arthur quickly added "I am only just breaking you in and I wouldn't want to start again"

Merlin slapped Arthur's arm "I will at least be able to fulfil my destiny if I am with you"

Arthur face changed as he realised what Merlin was suggesting "You will not risk yourself for me, DO YOU HEAR ME!"

"I would have to be deaf not to, you clotpole, just remember I am not some maiden, don't get lost in the pretence we are carrying out. I am more than capable of looking after myself and you as well if needed" with that Merlin went back into his room where he found Freya sorting out the rest of her packing,

Freya looked up and saw Merlin's face, she had heard their conversation and could see both sides of the story "Merlin just be happy he does care, he loves you, you know"

"I know, but I just wish he would remember I am not a woman" the Pure One pouted.

"I am sure he does when it matters" as Freya realised what she had said she blushed furiously. "I had better go and make sure Lancelot and Percival have everything packed" with that she was gone.

Eventually the couple made their way down to the horses. Arthur's knights were waiting as was Merlin's. Percival had Apples well away from the rest. Merlin walked and took the stallions reins and led him towards Hengroen, making the two stallions face each other Merlin said quietly and firmly "Apples and Hengroen I want you two to be friends and no trying to find out who is the boss, you are equals so remember that, if I have to tell you off you will get no treats, Now say hello properly."

To everyone's amazement the two large destrier's sniffed and nuzzled each other and seemed happy for the other horse to be close. Merlin smiled and mounted her brother's horse and waited for his husband to do the same. Arthur glance at Merlin asking "Now you don't think they will listen to you do you? We will picket them well apart."

"You won't need to they will listen to me, unlike some prats I know" with that the group set of Arthur and Merlin at the front.

As they rode off out of the citadel they were watched from an upstairs window. Morgana looked at her husband "I can't believe he took her with him! I was looking forward to putting her in her place finally"

Agravaine sneered "I do believe he was left with little choice, don't forget the Gangani are savages who are known to take their women to war. But we can use this to our advantage my dear"

Morgana looked at the father of her child "What do you have planned?"

"You can work on your father, he is already less than enamoured with the Princess, use that and build on it, Get him to spend time with Mordred" he smirked "Make Uther realise what a mistake he has made in the match, and what a good lad our son is. Meanwhile I will send a message to our friends…I am sure they can arrange an ambush of sufficient strength to cause your brother problems, if not make his a widower. Maybe we can even be rid of the pair of them"

"Don't underestimate Arthur he won't be taken easily nor will his bride" Morgana's green eyes flashed "There is something about Merlin that worries me and I don't know what it is."

"Have you seen something?" Agravaine asked his beautiful wife, he had learned of her powers of sight before they married. He had no doubt from that point that she would be a formidable alley. Ever since his sister had died he had wanted revenge on the Pendragons for her death. It use Uther's daughter to achieve that would add to the satisfaction. To also see his own son take the crown and have magic restored would be the icing on the cake. He himself was from Tintagel an area seeped in magic, although hidden now to stop persecution from the King, it was far enough away from Camelot to get away with following the old religion.

"I have seen the Princess her belly round with child. I fear for that to be the case they will live through whatever you have planned for them. I also see them side by side on the throne." Morgana's green eyes flashed with anger "We have to stop that at all costs I will not see that bitch take my rightful place as Queen"

"Have no fear my dear we will succeed" Agravaine reassured his wife. "Have you had any success in your efforts to scree?"

Morgana had secreted a special copper bowl into her chambers and was attempting to learn the ancient art "I have had limited success, but alas not on Arthur or his wife. It is almost as if something is blocking me" Morgana admitted "But I have been able to see several of Uther's private meetings"

"I had hoped to get Merlin's knights implicated in the death of Sarrum but with them leaving I have had to drop the plan for now. Maybe if he visits again, I would see him dead!"

"As would I, but we need a scape goat to take the blame. Uther would not be satisfied without one, the pig is after all a King. I hate his ways when he is near you"

"Yet unlike Merlin I don't have anyone to challenge for my honour!" Morgana said bitterly.

Agravaine looked at his wife in surprise "I thought you agreed we do thinks in a different way and not draw to much attention to ourselves"

Morgana disgusted "So you are not enough of a man to protect your wife!" she paused "But then you have never been good with a sword have you, sneakiness is your mode of operation isn't it"

The Kings brother-in-law looked at his wife "Would you rather see me dead my dear, you knew I was no knight when you married me…I think we both prefer to operate in the shadows after all, we both have to if we want to keep our heads and get what we want. Anyway I know full well you can deal with the likes of Sarrum yourself."