Thanks for all your reviews! :)

I am soooo sorry that I took so long! Was a little busy in the last week, had loads of exams and stuff like that.

Here you go:

Chapter 4

"Arthur?"

The young Prince just had finished dressing up ( alone of course, he still hasn't found a new manservant) when Gaius entered the room. "I'm sorry for just bolting in, Sire, but the door was ajar."

"Gaius, you were the last one I've expected to see in my chambers. But... what´s the matter?"

"Arthur, as you know Merlin's missing for a few days now..." The Physician began hesitantly and it was conspicuous that Merlin's disappearance was grieving him. " I just wanted to know... well, you were the last one who's seen him before he left. I was wondering if you might know something about it?"

" I'm sorry, I don't. His leaving was as much surprising for me as it was for you. I can't make a sense of it myself."

Arthur had tried to make his voice trustworthy and to lower his soaring pulse while letting an encouraging smile touch his lips.

"Don't worry Gaius. I'm sure he's fine."

" I hope so. But why did he left? I thought he was pleased with coming to Camelot. He always seemed so happy… . If something had been wrong with him I must have noticed. In the last few weeks there was a lot to do even so I should have looked out for him better. "

Arthur couldn't bare watching this old man sinking in feelings of guilt any longer, so he put an end to that.

"Gaius... you are not to blame."

The physician sighed and eventually nodded. He avoided to look into Arthur's eyes because he supposed the Prince probably must be missing Merlin as much as he did. Maybe even more.

"I'm sorry, Sire. I just worry about him a lot."

"We all do." Arthur responded.

"But what if he 's fallen victim to a crime or if he's had an accident and needs help? I couldn't live with myself never having tried to find him."

Arthur felt how the intensity inside of him grew again steadily. But then he had an idea. Comforting he laid his hands on Gaius' shoulders.

" Just calm down. Today I will have a search party out in the woods looking for Merlin and I will do everything in my power to find him. I promise you, I'm going to bring him back no matter the cost."

Gratefully and a little relieved the old man bowed his head. " Thank you, Sire. I'm glad Merlin can call such a caring person, as you are, his friend." Then he left, having faint hope that Merlin will soon come back to him. Well and unharmed.

After Gaius had closed the door, Arthur tore his hair. That was the last thing he needed. He had not known what else to say therefore he'd promised to search for Merlin. But there was no reason for the old man to know that the Prince never had the intention to send out a search party, was there? Why should he?

In the next few days nobody mentioned Merlin in Arthur´s present. He had them all believe that he was too upset about the loss of his manservant that he wanted to be left alone. Also the so-called search party was never sent by Arthur, everybody knew this. Except Gaius, as the Prince had forbidden everyone to talk to Gaius about this little "secret". And his father? Well, he never had cared about Merlin, so he didn't inquired after him at all.

Gradually Arthur got this situation under control and everything seemed to go back to normal. If there hadn´t been the damn rain.

This day the King came to the conclusion that this constant rain couldn't be normal at last. It must had something to do with sorcery. Gaius was the only one who cringed at this thought, not because he was afraid of magic but rather worried that someone could discover Merlin's secret.

Arthur watched the Court Physician closely as he left the throne room quickly. If he still hadn't known the truth, the Prince wouldn't have waste any extra look at the old man's weird behaviour, but now everything had changed.

After a few unspectacular nights Arthur dreamt himself back to the well-known clearing.

The cold air seemed pretty thick and embraced the young Prince like a wall. Somehow he knew what had to come next and he was sure he would bounce back this time. Still this was his dream and he was determined not to let Merlin gain the upper hand again.

"Merlin! Show yourself!" he shouted into the nothingness. "I know you are here. So don't be a coward!"

"You call me a coward? You are very brave for such a pathetic human, Arthur Pendragon." Merlin, who had appeared out of thin air, smirked. "It's a pleasure meeting you again."

"Same here." Arthur answered sarcastically. "Why did you brought me back to this place? Spit it out!"

"Now, now. Where are your good manners? Do I need a reason to talk with an old friend?"

Arthur watched his movements straight faced.

"You did not answer my question. Why am I here?"

Merlin didn't respond. He only laughed and acted as if he was thinking of the right answer.

"Answer me!" The Prince's patience was wearing thin.

Suddenly Merlin's face darkened. His expression made Arthur's blood run cold.

"You know damn well, why you are here!" Slowly he started moving towards the Prince, who kept himself in place, didn't even allow himself to blink. "Stop denying it! I can read your mind, Arthur. You know what happened in that night but you're too weak, too pathetic to admit it!"

Merlin stopped only inches before Arthur's strained face, locking eyes with him.

"Don't know what you're talking about..."

The Prince was startled how shaky his voice had sounded.

Merlin kept a straight face.

"I am not surprised." was his only comment while turning around and walking away from Arthur. Then he came to a stop but still having his back turned to the young Prince.

Instinctively Arthur reached out for his sword.

Sorry for the cliffhanger. Hope you liked it and hope you'll forgive me possible mistakes.