"Arthur what are you doing? Go!" Merlin screamed as Arthur picked him up, slung his arm across shoulders and attempted to carry him.

"Shut up Merlin, I'm not leaving you." He stated as he shuffled as fast as he could to safety. But his rescue attempt was in vain for in moments they were outnumbered and surrounded.

"I told you" Merlin said as Arthur let him go and reached for his sword.

"Now is not the time Merlin." Arthur shot back. But before they could continue their dispute a voice interrupted.

"Well well, what have we here?" A man emerged amongst the crowd. He was a tall, bearded, burly looking man; an unfamiliar yet intimidating sight.

"I am Prince Arthur of Camelot and I demand you release me and my servant."

"Prince Arthur, how nice to finally meet you." The man responded with an exaggerated bow before he continued.

"Call me Bayard and I must deny your request sire." He said as he displayed an unnerving smile. He then walked over to one of his men and reached a hand out as one placed a dagger within his grasp; he then continued to stroll over to them twirling it in hand.

"We have no quarrel with you Bayard." Arthur claimed authoritatively

"You are right My Lord, and yet I happen to know quite a few men who do." Merlin looked at the man venomously. He would tear that man down in an instant if Arthur had just left like he was supposed to.

"What is it that you want from me Bayard?" Arthur asked in a commanding tone.

"Only your head your highness. Grab him" Bayard barked as his men swept over them and tied them down. The last thing Merlin noticed was Arthur shouting spiteful words right before a man came from behind and knocked him unconscious, then proceeded to do the same to him.

"Merlin, Merlin get up" Arthur yelled in an irritated manner. Merlin slowly opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. It was dark and damp, he was surrounded my three concrete walls and a set of bars; he realized quickly that they were stuck in a dungeon.

"What happened?"

"We were taken prisoner obviously" Arthur snapped.

"What's your problem?"

"Oh I don't know maybe the fact that we're stuck in a dungeon!" Arthur hollered as he rose and hit the wall with rage.

"Seriously Merlin I knew you were clumsy but you really do have impeccable timing." Merlin took offense to that.

"Are you saying this is my fault? I didn't ask for you to come back!" he shouted back, rising to his feet but faltering once the sharp pain in his ankle returned. Without hesitation Arthur was at his side to steady him and caught his eye. Arthur could see the surprise in Merlin's face from his action yet he remained attached to help his friend.

Despite the situation Merlin couldn't help but take note of how blue Arthur's eyes were in the dreary scenery. They were absolutely breathtaking, bluer than the sky on a cloudless day.

"You didn't have to ask." Arthur replied, his voice softer now.

"I refuse to leave you." He began again nearly whispering.

"Why?"

"Because you are my friend and I couldn't bear to lose you." Arthur concluded. Merlin yearned to reach out and hold the prince in his arms. He wanted to yell and apologize and embrace him all at once. He wasn't the only one at fault here but he didn't care because for once Arthur showed him that he wasn't completely insensitive.

"Well well I see his highness has awoken." Bayard interrupted as he sauntered to their prison bars.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Arthur spat, as he tore away from Merlin and made his way over to Bayard. His fury returning to him.

"Sire I only need you for a short while do not fret." Bayard proclaimed.

"What do you plan to do with us?" Merlin questioned. Bayard looked over with surprise as if he had just realized he was there.

"With you? You are but a servant, I will do with you as I please." He said smirking darkly at Merlin. Merlin's skin began to crawl.

"As for you sire, I plan on selling you to the highest bidder. There are many throughout this land that wish to end your life, and I shall let them, for the right price." Merlin could feel the heat rise from his pores. He would not let Bayard nor anyone lay a hand on Arthur.

Seeing the two of them in such distress gave Bayard a sense of accomplishment so he simply offered a disconcerting grin before making his exit.

The two stood in silence for a moment and allowed Bayard's words to slowly sink in. Merlin did his best to control his breathing for fear he'd lash out. He wanted nothing more than to rip him apart and get them out of there but he wasn't sure how just yet. He began to devise a plan just when Arthur interrupted his thoughts.

"Do not let his words scare you, he is but a coward." Arthur said as he took a seat by the damp wall across from the bars.

"I do not fear him Arthur." Merlin quickly answered as he looked down at his prince.

"Then why are you trembling?" Merlin had to take a moment to collect himself before he could respond.

"Because this is an outrage." He responded as he sat across from him.

"That is true, but do not worry. He will not get far in his plan."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I am confident that my men will come for us."

"And if they don't?"

"Then I suppose it is up to us. But my knights are loyal, they will find us." Arthur exclaimed with a bit more force than before as if he we're trying to convince himself instead. Merlin could sense the troubled mind that plagued him and placed a reassuring hand upon his shoulder.

"Arthur, I swear on my life I will get us out here."

"I know you will, you always do." Arthur beamed unexpectedly.

"Merlin out of anyone I could've been captured with, I'm glad it was you."

"I would hope so, who else would tend to you sire?" Merlin replied with a sly smile that spread across his lips and lite up his face. Arthur couldn't help but send a genuine smile in return. The low chuckle that escaped Arthur's lips was unexpected but inviting, allowing their clammy surroundings to feel just a tad more bearable.