Kidnap and Ransom

by See Me As I Am 101

Arthur has been kidnaped along with his knights and Merlin must save them. But it isn't Arthur that is in danger this time, and this latest challenge could prove too much too soon for one certain knight with awesome hair. Contains Gwaine!whump, possible swearing, plus some gore and slash in the later chapters. Rated T for safety, and involves Gwen, Leon, Gauis and Elyan too.

4. Chapter 4

Meanwhile, Merlin was having a day that rivalled Percival's in the winner for most suckish. He had been having a relatively nice time before Lot came in, listening and sometimes joining in to the knights banter, laughing as Arthur chased Gwaine around the camp for stealing his lunch and relaxing in the general quiet and peace of the forest.

And then Lot came, taking Arthur, the man he was destined to protect, away to be ransomed along with Elyan and Leon. Merlin wasn't too worried about them, he knew that Lot would treat his prisoners well, in order to both give Camelot less reason to be angry and to make more profit. No, Merlin was worried about Gwaine. He knew that Gwaine had been shot by Lots men, and he knew that the slave wagon they had been lead into was full of armed men. He could feel them. For a moment he debated following them, then changed his mind and set off towards Camelot.

Gwen knew instantly that something was very wrong when Merlin walked through the gates alone and horseless. Maybe Arthur was hurt and Merlin had been sent to get help? No, that couldn't be it. Gwaine would have accompanied him, or if Gwaine too was hurt then he would have made sure somebody went with Merlin. Besides, that still didn't explain why Merlin was on foot.

Gwen rushed down the stairs and across the courtyard, her hair flying and her beautiful dress getting in the mud. "Merlin? Merlin, what happened? Where is Arthur?" Gwen asked concernedly, her heart in her mouth. "He's been kidnapped, along with Sir Leon and Sir Elyan. I have a letter you need to read." Merlin added, showing it to her. "My chambers, quickly. Go get Gauis and bring him with you." Merlin nodded and ran off, leaving Gwen to process her thoughts.

Arthur...kidnaped? How was that even possible? His knights would never allow for this to happen unless...
It hadn't escaped Gwen's notice how Merlin had said that Arthur, Elyan and Leon had been kidnaped, but not Gwaine and Percival. What had become of the gentle giant and the loveable rouge? Shaking her head it clear it, she slowly headed towards her chambers.

Gauis had also know that something was very wrong when Merlin burst into the physicians quarters, calling his name. "What is it Merlin, what's wrong?" Gauis said worriedly, hurrying forward. "You are needed in Gwen's chambers right away. No, nobody's hurt." Merlin assured as Gauis went to collect his bag. "Then what is it?" Gauis asked, clearly very confused. "I'll explain when we get there." Merlin called back, already halfway out of the door. With a sigh, Gauis followed behind.