The following day was a sunny one. Everything seemed to be in order and everyone in the kingdom seemed to be getting along fairly well. Until Arthur ran into the throne room interrupting King Uther's council meeting.

"What is it Arthur?"

"The guard unit you sent out to patrol the borders has disappeared…a peasant from the village found this in the wood." Arthur held up a torn piece of cloth that clearly bore the Camelot crest. "And this" he proceeded to hold up a helmet. Knight Leon's helmet.

Uther glanced around noting the reactions of his council. "And there are no other traces? Trails to follow?"
"No."

Uther nodded slightly "Very well. Arthur, take a group of your best knights and search for them. Take a messenger with you. I want to be updated on this. If by nightfall you have not found them…head back this way. We have recently been notified of a dangerous creature in the woods. One that would, I'm afraid be no match for a person of no….magic."

"With all due respect father, Leon is one of my best knights, I cannot just simply leave him-"
"And I cannot just simply put the future king of Camelot in danger! Do as I say."

Arthur was about to question his father further however he was silenced by Uther's dismissive hand.

Merlin was walking down the hallway toward the prince's chambers when he heard a voice calling his name.

"Merlin you dolt clean out your ears so you can actually hear me!" it was the prince

Merlin rolled his eyes before turning around to face the prince "Yes Sire?"

"Pack a few things; I need you to come with me"
"B-"

"And don't ask where we're going."

"Oh no this isn't another one of those I can't tell you otherwise I'd have to kill you journeys is it."

Arthur shook his head "What? Afraid of breaking a nail? Well get over it and get a move on!" Arthur ignored Merlin's possible response, went into his chambers and slammed the door shut.

Merlin begrudgingly walked back to his quarters where he packed a sack with food and a few bottles of medicine.

"Gauis?" he walked out of his room not finding the old man there

Merlin knew he was supposed to be rushing so he decided to leave a note

Gauis,

Cannot tell you where I've gone but only that I'm safe. Be back later.

M.

Merlin stood and put the note on the dining table before exiting the room. He had a feeling wherever they were going, things were bound to get dangerous.