Once again, I want to thank all you lovely people who have reviewed and/or alerted this story. Well, here comes part 3. Hope you enjoy it :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin
Chapter 3
The next day found the Knights searching the forest thoroughly for any signs that the Sorceress responsible for kidnapping the King's ward had been in this direction. Merlin tried to keep up his regular cheerful banter, but it wasn't long before he started to lag behind.
He was feeling even more drained today. The night before had been full of nightmares, growing worse each time he managed to get to sleep. He couldn't understand where they were coming from. He'd never suffered like this before. Maybe he had reached his limit and hadn't realised it? Maybe the weight of his destiny was finally proving too much for him to bear?
Still deep in thought, he barely even noticed as he staggered suddenly, tripping over a protruding stone. In fact, the next thing he knew he was flat on his face being hauled up by an exasperated Arthur.
"Oh for goodness sake Merlin! That's the fifth time already today, and it's not even half-way through the morning!"
"Sorry sire"
"If you can't do anything useful here, just go back and wait with the horses already!"
"Yes sire." Merlin trudged off back the way they had come. Just great. Once again, he had made a complete and utter fool of himself. On the upside, at least he had an excuse this time. If he had been so clumsy during a regular hunt, and when he wasn't this sleep-deprived, he had the feeling Arthur may just have skinned him alive.
Forcing himself to stay awake, he took the time away from the group to gather some more wood and start the fire up once again. He had no doubt that when the others returned they would be hungry, and he darn well wouldn't give Arthur the opportunity to say once again that he'd been lazing about doing nothing for the day.
Gaius was just readying himself for bed when he noticed a faint light emanating from Merlin's room. Wandering over, he cautiously opened the door. Looking around, he noticed that the source of the light seemed to be hidden beneath the young Warlock's mattress.
Making his way towards the head of the bed, he lifted the mattress slightly and found a small flower, glowing, bathing the room in a soft yellow light. He sighed wearily, assuming it was just another of his ward's unnecessary magic tricks.
"Honestly, what is that boy up to now?"
Searching around for a box to ensure that no light would escape and catch the attention of a passing guard, he laid the flower in it, closed the lid and placed the box safely under the bed. He'd have to have another word with Merlin when he returned.
A few days passed in the same manner for the search party. Every morning after the breakfast they would move on to a new location. Then Merlin would be left behind to set up camp and see to the horses while everyone else continued searching.
Merlin took the opportunity while the others weren't there to rest. He could barely even find the energy to move- he just sat there staring out at his surroundings, too exhausted to stay awake, but too scared to fall asleep.
The search party rarely returned until evening, choosing to either miss lunch or eat as they searched, munching on dried bread from pouches they kept tied round their waists, and occasionally killing a rabbit or two that they happened across as fresh meat for the evening. The king had ordered that Morgana be found, and God help them they were going to try their utmost best to do just that.
Arthur, meanwhile, found himself becoming more and more concerned with his manservant. He took the first watch each night, and as the boy often refused to attempt to go back to sleep after he had woken up for the forth or fifth time, while everyone in the camp knew that Merlin was having trouble sleeping; Arthur was the only one who heard what the younger man said each night in his sleep.
That night started much the same as those that had preceded it. After a hearty meal around the fire, swapping stories and jokes, most of the Knights retired, leaving just Arthur sitting by himself. It wasn't long before he once again heard the mumblings he had come to expect.
"Please. You have to. I can't. Can't do it alone. You have to come. Please. Hurry. Arthur!" Arthur snapped his head around. It was the first time he had heard Merlin say his name. He was tossing and turning now.
"Hurry. Danger. It's in the water. It's coming." Arthur listened intently. Something in the water- could Merlin possibly be dreaming about that time they had faced the Afanc? But that was almost two years ago. The Afanc was dead, killed by the flames from Arthur's torch. For what possible reason would he be recollecting it now?
"No. Sword's not good. Fire's not enough. Not big enough." Arthur frowned, leaning closer to his servant, and speaking his name. But Merlin just ignored him.
"Fire's not enough. Need… need wind." The manservant's eyes fluttered, and Arthur could have sworn he saw them flash gold as the boy suddenly snapped up straight, yelling Arthur's name.
At the sound, the others around the camp began to stir, some sitting up, only to stare in shock as a huge gust of wind blasted through the encampment, stirring the fire up to three times it's original size before passing. Sir Leon was the first to break the silence.
"Sire. I heard a shout. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. The yell was just this idiot having a nightmare. Go back to sleep." Nodding their acknowledgement, the Knights turned back over where they lay. Within a few minutes, the soft sound of heavy breathing filled the clearing once again. Arthur span back around to face the servant boy.
"Now. What on earth was all that about?"
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