A/N A gigantic thank you to everyone has read, reviewed, favourite or subscribed. Anyway on with the story…

Chapter 3

Arthur didn't get any more sleep; in fact he spent the rest of the night glumly poking at the fire that was halfway to going out. As dawn approached the others began to wake up and then not long after they were ready to set off again on their quest to find Merlin. Percival slapped Arthur on the shoulder and gave a little grin before following the others to gather their supplies. Arthur still couldn't get the dream from his mind, but he knew that they must finally be near. All they then had to do was survive the trap, rescue Merlin and ride home. Simple really thought Arthur with little smile.

The canopy of trees got thicker as they rode forward, branches snagging on the Knights clothing. It made riding very slow, Arthur lead them looking for any traps Merlin's captives may have left for them. It seemed however that they wanted for them to get there in one piece. This worried Arthur more, because it meant they didn't see them as a threat.

'Bet Merlin's kidnappers have a right earache' Joked Gwaine suddenly, the others all turned to stare at him. 'Just trying to lighten the mood.' Arthur sighed and turned away.

'They might have even released him by the time we get there.' Percival joined in 'you know how annoying he can be.'

'Or Merlin might have escaped.' Leon chortled 'Be just like him, sat outside saying, what took you so long?'

Arthur tuned them out and began using his sword to clear a bigger path for them. The trees eventually began to get thinner and they realised they must be approaching the edge of the forest.

'Have you noticed' Gwaine said suddenly, whispering 'that It's gone very quiet in here.' Arthur looked around cocking his head slightly, he realised Gwaine was right so he encouraged his horse to walk faster to the approaching light. Then the air suddenly stired and bandits came charging out of the woods and towards the knights. There were more bandits than there was knights but the knights had the tactical advantage as they were mounted. The path the horses were on was narrow and as the swords began to clang together Elyan's horse reared in fright the man was thrown heavily from the horse and quickly surrounded by four bandits, Percival realising this gave a roar and leaped of his brown horse landing on top of one bandit and quickly disposing of another, fighting to get Elyan back to his feet. Arthur was easily taking care of his share of the bandits swinging his sword down upon the Bandits. Leon recognising the struggling Elyan and Percival turned his horse on the narrow path and headed towards them knocking down any of the bandits in the way. The bandits numbers had been decreased from around twenty to just one. The others had either been killed or had ran away. Arthur held the last man as he jumped from the horse, he then pushed the man to the ground and hovered his sword over his neck.

The man was scruffily dressed with a dirty face, he bore the looks of a man who had gone far too long without a decent meal. His watery eyes were darting around looking desperately for an escape. Gwaine came and stood by Arthur, his own sword drawn but hanging loosely at his side.

'Who sent you?' Asked Arthur. The man shook slightly before shaking his head.

'No one'

'Stop lying to me.' Arthur ground out, his sword moving even closer to his throat 'tell me and I will let you go.'

'I don't know nuffin' I swear.'

'Tell me' the man trembled looking fearfully at the sword.

'A woman, with dark hair. She told us to kill everyone except you.'

'Do you know where she is?'

'She's in an old castle, bout' a mile away.'

'Go.' Arthur said. The man paused for a second before dashing away and into the woodland. Arthur turned to access the state of his men. Elyan was on the floor with a wound to his stomach, it wasn't deep his chainmail had protected him from the worst of it, but he was unconscious. Percival had suffered a wound to his thigh meaning he was now walking with a limp. Leon was tending to Elyan wrapping the wound. He had only suffered a minor gash to his cheek. It was painfully obvious to Arthur that he couldn't take three of his knights with him. Gwaine and Arthur tied the horses up and found a small clearing where the set a small fire going and rolled out their bed rolls. Arthur and Leon then carried Elyan and placed him on a bed roll while Gwaine helped the limping Percival.

'Do you think he will be all right?' Arthur asked nodding towards Elyan. Leon shrugged

'He needs proper care, but he should be all right.'

'Me and Gwaine are going to get Merlin, you need to stay here with Elyan and Percival.'

'But sire!' Leon protested 'It was risky enough with five of us, but with two?'

'We have no choice.' Arthur said grimly prodding the fire with a stick.

'You stay here, I will go in your place.'

'No' said Arthur sharply. 'I have to go.'

'Sire do not forget, you are King now.'

'How can I forget?'

'Sire…'

'No Leon. Merlin is my man servant and my friend. I will go.'

'Please sire?'

'No, that is my final decision.' Leon nodded at Arthur and he continued 'If we are not back within a day, go to Camelot and ready the forces. Morgana must be dealt with.'

'Yes Arthur.'

'Thank you Leon, you've always been a good friend.' Arthur clapped Leon on the back before standing and gesturing to Gwaine who quickly grabbed his sword and gave a wave to Percival and Leon. They left the clearing leaving Leon in an uneasy silence.

A/N I know there is a lack of Merlin in this chapter but it didn't feel right to switch pov's. I know this chapter is really short but it felt like this was the point it should end. I hope you enjoyed, keep reviewing and alerting Stay happy and healthy guys.