The Patrol made good time and were well away from the citadel when Arthur called for a halt near a stream. "We will stop here for an hour to rest and water the horses and ourselves." He turned to George and Freya. George help feed and water the horses, Freya can you get out some of the cold supplies and give the out. We won't light a fire now, but have a hot meal later."

Arthur got of his horse and went to help Merlin dismount only to find he had already dismounted and was leading Apples to the picket line. Percy walked and took the reins glancing at the Prince as he did so. Arthur walked up to his spouse and took him by the waist, "Come lets stretch our legs a bit" He led Merlin alone the edge of the stream until they were out of sight of the others and then leaned in and kissed Merlin pushing him back against a tree.

Merlin responded then pushed Arthur away. "Lancelot will have followed us" he warned

"Well put up a barrier" Arthur growled "I want to have you to myself"

Merlin chuckled and his eyes flashed gold "We are on patrol Arthur, hardly the place for this" but despite his words Merlin kissed Arthur and held him close.

"Merlin you are MINE, and I can't get enough of you, just for a minute or two then we will go back to the others"

"OK a minute or two, but I am hunger and not just for you" the slender man's arms went round the blonde. Lancelot recognising the shimmer ahead as a shield leant against a tree, he knew Merlin could make his shields invisible so this one was clearly just to give the couple privacy without making him and Percy search for them. Sure enough it was soon dropped and Arthur glared at the knight when he saw him.

"I can look after Merlin you know" he told the grinning knight.

"Oh I know that Sire but I thought you might just be distracted" Lancelot stood up and walked back in front of the other two.

At the camp site everyone was sat around eating bread and cheese, except for Leon and Pellinore who were on watch. All the knights that were with the patrol were ones that had been selected by Arthur over the years. They were known to be loyal to Arthur before all else. This patrol consisted of six of Arthur's knights, Leon, Pellinore, Kay, Owain, Ewain and Rador, and Arthur as lead. Arthur stood before his knights making sure the two on guard could hear,

"As you see on this patrol we are accompanied by Emrys and the maid Freya both of whom are used to going on patrols when in Gangani, but as a precaution they have Sir's Percival and Lancelot with them. They will be responsible for also guarding Merlin. But Merlin has offered both herself and the knights to take their turn on guard duty. I know this is unconventional but due to the presence of King Sarrum in Camelot I saw no other alternative, but we will also make this a tour of the northern villages to introduce my spouse. One other thing both Merlin and Freya are armed and are proficient with weapons." Arthur looked round and all the knights looked happy with the explanation. "Well we pull out again in ten minutes, and men please make sure my wife does no show us up in teams of stamina or she will never let me forget it"

Once mounted they pushed on riding for three hours, walking for one then another three hours riding before making camo for the night, they had an extra horse apiece as well as three pack animals so it took some time to get them all fed and watered before they finally got to eat themselves, the men were pleased to have Freya and George along, both of whom could cook. The knights had shot several rabbits that afternoon so they had a hot stew that night. A tent was set up for Arthur and Merlin but the rest were sleeping under the stars. Freya found herself curled up with Lancelot, both fully clothed, it was something that both had done in the past and was accepted by the Gangani as their parents were very close and the two considered themselves as siblings. Merlin had already warned Arthur, who was happy for the practice to continue whilst they were on patrol. Once Arthur and Merlin were in their small tent, not much more than a sheet over a line in reality, Merlin made sure they had privacy and the two were soon in a passionate embrace. They truly couldn't get enough of each other. They made sure that when they were on watch they kept away from each other, even with Merlin's magic watching the boundaries they had no intention of allowing any of the others to catch them at less than full alert.

The next morning they were soon on their way once more, after one more days full traveling they were in the area that they were to patrol. The very first village they visited complained of bandit attacks that were getting more frequent. Arthur listened to their stories and vowed to help them. Once the people realised they had the Crown Prince and his consort in their midst they couldn't do enough for the patrol. But Arthur declined their offers of food knowing full well how difficult it was to feed a village without raids by bandits. He sent his men out to kill a couple of deer to leave for the villagers to share so at least they would have full bellies for a few days.

After searching they found the tracks of the bandits and set off in pursuit. It took them three days, and a further village, before they caught up with them. In fact they arrived as the second village was being raided and soon fought of the bandits. Merlin stayed on the edge and used his magic, as he could not allowing anyone to realise what he was doing. Branches fell and men tripped or fell from their horses enabling the Camelot knights to beat over whelming numbers with superior strength and magic on their side. One even fell with Merlin's dagger in his shoulder only to be finished off by Pellinore. Lancelot and Percival dealt with anyone who got anywhere near Merlin. George and Freya were left at a safe distance with Kay and the supplies. Once they had finished off the bandits the knights helped the visitors to take the bodies and burn them in a clearing away from their homes. Two villagers who died were given individual burials. Merlin and Freya helped to treat any injured including Owain who had a sword slash to his shoulder. Merlin carefully used his magic to enhance the poultices he placed on wounds. After they had finished the men went to the river to bathe. Freya used a bowl in one of the huts to wash down and Arthur took Merlin further upstream to a quiet spot. Merlin and Arthur both took the opportunity to change their clothes and later George and

Freya washed them afterwards and dried them around the fire.

The next day the patrol headed to a small town that serviced this part of the Kingdom. There they would visit the local lord and Arthur would introduce Merlin and they could spend a night in a bed instead of on the hard ground. Arthur sent one of the knight ahead to warn of their arrival then Arthur turned to Merlin and quietly told him "Lord Anstey hates magic as much as my father so take care my love. His wife is also a shrew and the most hateful woman I think I have ever met"

Lord and Lady Anstey were at the steps of their small castle as the patrol rode in to the town. Stopping before the steps Arthur looked at the lord and Lady and out of curtesy waited to be greeted before dismounting. The Lord stepped forward "Prince Arthur until your man got here I was not aware you were leading the patrol. Quite a surprise and honour Sire. Welcome to our home"

Arthur dismounted and then helped Merlin off his horse as Merlin tried to remember to play the 'wife' Arthur wasn't happy that the Lord had not greeted Merlin as he knew Kay would have told them Merlin was with the group. He turned to the lord and Lady "May I introduce you to my consort Merlin, we wed a couple of months ago." Without pausing he added "We hoped to spend the night here."

Lord Anstey looked at his wife in horror "Of course Sire, Please bring the Princess in, we will arrange a meal and a room. We had no idea I'm afraid you have quite caught us on the hop"

The lady turned and spoke the person behind her and spoke quietly before turning back to the Prince. "Your men can be put up in the block to the right" she pointed to a building that looked like a barn. We have a room I will get ready for you. How long will you be staying Sire" she clearly wasn't happy at having her castle invaded.

"Overnight only, I need to discuss the safety of the people with your husband my Lady." He turned to his knights "Either there or if you prefer camp out." Looking the building he was sure what his men would chose. Looking back at Lady Anstey the Prince asked "My knights hunted on the way here mam and have some game to help replenish your larder as we are imposing on you, can you arrange for it to be collected."

"Thank you Sire, your men are of course welcome to join our knights for a meal later." Lord Anstey told the Prince having little choice as they were providing the meat. He looked even more surprised as Freya got of her horse and walked to Merlin's side. Seeing his expression Arthur smirked "My wife is from Gangani as I am sure you have heard. Her people are more robust than ours and their woman folk are used to traveling." By now Arthur and Merlin were being shown inside the castle and into a room to wait as their room was still being prepared.

Lady Anstey had left to supervise the work Lord Anstey gave both Arthur and Merlin a goblet of wine. "I hope your journey was uneventful"

"I'm afraid not it seems you have a problem with bandits, we came across two villages who have been suffering raids. If you are having difficulties you should have informed the King" Arthur wasn't pleased by what he had encountered, he knew that no requests for help had been received in Camelot and the only reason he had been sent on patrol was due to King Sarrum's continued visit.

The Lord flustered "Sire you know how the villagers exaggerate. I can assure you we have everything under control"

Arthur's eyebrow shot up "Yet we saw for ourselves and killed a large group of bandits. Your people pay taxes they deserve your protection. How many patrols do you send out and how frequently?"

"Look Sire I am sorry but you from Camelot have no idea what it is like away from the citadel. We do our best."

"I asked a question. I will need to give my report to the King I need those figures to see if we need to increase our patrols or even take them over. Of course that will mean a smaller stipend from the taxes for you." Arthur said in a firm but unthreatening tone. "The entire Kingdom and its peoples need protection especially in the border areas."

"We send out patrols monthly or more frequently if we receive information of activity. But as I said Sire the villages are prone to exaggeration, they seem to think we have a never ending supply of men to namby pamby them" Lord Anstey did not look at all happy at the thought of more frequent visits from Camelot's knights.

"My first knight will happily look at your records and suggest a better plan of irregular patrols that allow the bandits less chance to predict when they are safe to raid. I will ask him to speak to whoever organises them. Is that your eldest son still?" not waiting for an answer but seeing the Lady of the castle return Arthur smiled "We missed you at the wedding"

"We are getting to old to travel and our sons were busy." Lord Anstey replied "But we did send our good wishes"

"Indeed, that was another reason for the visit to introduce my spouse to those who were unable to attend. I'm sure you heard that Emrys's people are from Gangani in Hibernia. Her people are more used to travel than we are and Merlin was keen to see the Kingdom. Where you not my dear" Arthur smiled at Merlin

Merlin nodded a spoke for the first time "I was my lord and lady. Such a beautiful kingdom. And you people are so kind". Merlin smiled "We appreciate you giving us and our men a meal and a bed at such short notice. Although if it is too much trouble I am sure our tent will suffice"

"There is no need of that your highness, your room is ready if you wish to rest and chance to clean up before the meal tonight"

Arthur and Merlin left following the servant who was told to escort them. Arthur turned as he left "I will speak to my first knight once I have settled Merlin, then he can speak to your son".

As Merlin and Arthur were shown into their room Merlin turned on Arthur "You were harsh on them, we arrive with little notice and yet they welcome us. I agree they don't seem to be protecting the people but you could have let them explain."

Arthur turned to Merlin "I sent a knight ahead, yet they made no effort to give you the respect you are due as my wife. That reflects on what respect they give the crown. Lord Anstey receives a very good stipend to protect this area. To find bandit's is not a surprise, they are always more numerous in the borders but to blame the villagers is not acceptable. Nor was the accommodation they offered my knights. Normally even small manors offer the use of the main room for shelter not a barn! And this is bigger than many" he took Merlin by the shoulders "I will not have you insulted in any way"

Merlin smiled "It would take more than that. I agree they do seem less than pleased to see us. Did you say they are friends of your fathers?"

"No, not friends but strong allies in the fight against magic, their eldest son in particular is said to be cruel in the extreme to any sorcerers he finds. I believe he treats his wife badly as well" Arthur grimaced "The whole family needs a shakeup, when I become King they will find themselves replaced here. They were given the land and title by my father during the purge due to the amount of sorcerers they killed as they tried to escape over the border. Rumour has it the eldest son, who was in his late teens at the time, raped and tortured the women and children in front of their men folk the killed the men by ripping them apart between horses. They consider themselves above the rest of us. My father ignores them as he knows they keep the fight against sorcerers going and they are too far away to cause problems."

Merlin shivered as Arthur told his tale. Arthur took his young lover into his arms "Keep away from them unless I am with you. I will send Percival and Lancelot up now and someone will be with you at all times. We will leave the table as soon as we have eaten tonight. Oh and keep Freya with you or have one of the knights with her. Both their sons are known to be letches. I wouldn't have come here at all but the King requested it. The lord we visit is a far better man, you will like him and his wife"

Arthur left but he wasn't gone long when Percival knocked on the door and let Freya in "We are outside the door if you need us Emrys"

Freya unpacked one of Merlin's lighter set of clothes and hung it up help remove the creases ready for the meal that evening and then as hot water arrived Merlin had a bath before getting into sleeping clothes and resting in the bed. Freya tidied and sorted the luggage whist she waited for the Prince to return. Then she retired to a small room at the side of the chamber to rest.

Arthur walked in and looked at Merlin led asleep in the bed. He looked so peaceful. George soon arrived with water for a bath. Arthur stripped and bathed before joining Merlin. He pulled the rave haired man into his arms and kissed the pale neck. Before they went down to the meal Merlin and Arthur dressed in their finery. Arthur had on his crown and Merlin his circlet, his shoulder length hair shining and clear of the dust that had been ever present on their journey. The walked down together with the two knights following them. Once sat in the room to eat the knights left and went to join the others at their seats set further back in the room. Arthur ensured Merlin was comfortable before taking his seat. As Lord Anstey and his sons spoke to Arthur Lady Anstey and her daughter in laws turned to Merlin.

"Such unusual clothing, have you not adopted the style fashionable in Camelot?" Lady Anstey asked

"No, I find this style practical and comfortable and the Prince likes it" Merlin couldn't believe how obsessed with clothing the ladies of Camelot were. Brenda the eldest sons wife looked somewhat browbeaten and defeated and looked at her mother in law and Merlin before asking anything but later in the meal when Lady Anstey was talking to her husband she asked quietly "Is the Prince kind to you?"

Merlin smiled "He is, Arthur is the kindest man I could have wished to marry, only don't tell him I said that I wouldn't want his head to swell"

The other girl looked across at her husband and grimaced "You are very lucky" then she fell silent as her husband looked at her.

Merlin felt sorry for the girl, from what he could see her husband was every bit as bad as Arthur had suggested. Although the younger son seemed more pleasant. As they finished their meal Arthur smiled at Merlin "Come my dear I think we should retire we have more riding tomorrow and I want you rested"

Merlin stood and took Arthur proffered hand as they left the table. He was pleased to get away from the sad eyes of the eldest sons wife and the piercing ones of the Lady. The minute he was in their room he placed a ward on the room to stop himself being overheard and said "I feel so sorry for the eldest sons wife she is so miserable. Why should a woman have to stay with such a beast?"

"That is the way of the world I am afraid" Arthur hugged Merlin yet again "Once a woman is married she becomes her husband's property."

"Then I am thankful for two things firstly I am not a woman and second that I have you as a husband."