It was the next day when Merlin was woken up by Morgana with the news that he was going out for the day. "Elyan will be going with you and Aithusa you will be going for a ride and then a nice long walk. You can't do it every day but at least you will be outside for a change"

Merlin beamed at her and threw his arms round her neck "Thank you"

"Don't thank me Gwaine came up with the idea thank him next time you see him" Morgana was pleased to see her brother looking happy.

"Gwaine coming?" he asked hopefully

"No Merlin he isn't well enough yet but he will see you when you get back. Now I want you to just wear the clothes we have for you, it's so you don't stick out." The Princess explained

Merlin looked at the clothing his sister pointed at there on the chair was a shirt and trousers just like the soldiers he had seen when they went to visit the tanks. Merlin turned to Morgana wide eyed and full of questions.

"You're going out on the army ranges. That way you will be safe. Gwaine has it all arranged for you. Have fun" she smiled at her brother.

Merlin asked his sister "Aren't you coming either?"

"No Merlin I'm a city girl not that interested in getting dirty, don't worry Elyan will be with you all the time. Now hurry up and get dressed" she left her brother to Morris's care. She wouldn't have minded joining with Merlin but they needed to make sure the secret was kept. So Morgana would eat her lunch in Merlin's chambers. To help keep up the pretence he was still there. As far as everyone besides Morgana, the close protection officers and Morris knew Merlin had been there all day. As soon as Merlin was dressed he was taken down to the exit and into a range rover rather than the usual car. Elyan was joined by several other protection offices in the vehicle as they drove anonymously through the streets. The blacked out windows stopping anyone seeing who was inside. Without the normal motorcycle outriders there was nothing to suggest a Royal was being carried. They drove out of London and through the country side before pulling of the public roads and onto Army ranges. Once on the ranges the barriers were down. The red flags had been up for several hours showing locals that live firing was taking place and explosions and low flying aircraft had been seen. Nothing showed that it wasn't a normal exercise. Once onto the ranges the range rover stopped and Merlin and the protection officers got out of the vehicle. They changed from their suits to combat gear before joining the Prince once more.

General Balinor Emrys greeted the Prince "Your Royal Highness my men will come join yours and I hope you enjoy your visit" he smiled at the Prince who grinned back.

"Thank you and please call me Merlin" as always Merlin hated anyone being formal with him.

The General nodded "My cousin has told me that you like the fresh air so off you go Sir and enjoy it. Your protection officers will be joined by several of my soldiers and they will make sure you keep to safe areas for your walk"

Merlin set off with Aithusa and walked for miles. He loved the open area and saw several deer as well as birds and other wildlife. The wide open spaces with no other sign of human habitation had allowed Merlin to relax. He was amazed at how far he could see without anyone being in view and the quietness of it all. Merlin stood for some time just listening to the skylarks singing overhead. He was out for well over three hours before returning to a hut where he was given refreshments before heading back to London. Merlin had had a wonderful time and the General told him arrangements would be made to bring him out again. The General had used his best available men and the whole thing had been on a clear need to know basis. The SAS often trained in different locations and as it happened this visit had been planned for some time, just not the same operation. He had been pleased to help out and was making plans for the next visit at a different training ground. Balinor had been as disgusted as the rest of the population by Uther's actions. The difference being he had never liked the King having met him on several occasions. The man had always seemed off to the General and now he knew why. The General had spent his entire career trusting his instincts and that of his men, and although Gwaine had left the army his word still carried weight with his old boss. The day had also allowed him to briefly meet up with Elyan once more.

The Prince and his escort were soon on their way back to London without anyone being aware he had left the castle. The protection Officers were back in their suits and when they pulled up in the now enclosed area outside the door Merlin was soon hustled inside and up to his rooms. When he go to his suite he was greeted by Gwaine who was sat waiting for him. Merlin soon told Gwaine all about his trip then Gwaine warned Merlin not to mention it to anyone but the protection officers and the Princess and King "That way we can do it again. But it has to stay secret so you are safe"

Merlin said he understood and sure enough when Freya visited him, the next day, he said nothing of his excursion. It had done what they hoped and lifted his mood. He was even happier when his brother returned from Canada. Although Arthur had spoken to his brother every day they still missed each other. Even though Morgana had become even closer to her brother as they had spent more time together.