More and more neckerchief pieces had been found as they journeyed that day, and Arthur held onto every single one of them. It seemed the trail would never end, and after all- they could find it to be a hoax with nothing at the end. However there was something about this that kept spurring Arthur on.

It was beginning to turn to dusk again and each man slumped with the knowledge that Merlin had still not been found. Hope was leaking out of all them, that was until a larger chunk of neckerchief was spotted- tied to the trunk of the tree and with it a note:

'Come come just a little further over- for your friend's end is getting closer.'

"They're a maniac… How could someone possibly…?" Gwaine tried to say but was shaking violently with rage.

"Alright calm down, from what this is saying Merlin still has time, and I don't think they'd let us find him dead. It's obvious that this is all a trap. Do you really think it's wise to continue sire?" Leon said.

"I know Leon- I think we've all known that from the start. But this is Merlin we're talking about, and I will not just leave him." With agreed nods the trio set off once more.

"Meerlin, wakey wakey!" Everything was fuzzy. He tried to look upward but was startled by the features of the pale man- his eyes looked to be burning with silver adrenaline. "Today's the day!"

"What are you talking about?"

"My spies have spotted your friends entering my domain. They are soon to encounter this castle and, naturally, yourself" The man wouldn't stop smiling.

"And then what? What do you want with my friends?" Merlin demanded.

"Come now- that's private I'm afraid… although, seeing as we are expecting these guests, I will need to make you look more presentable."

Merlin didn't even get a chance to ask what that meant before the man started a monotonous chant- it was of the Old Religion, but a foreign spell to Merlin. The words were too quick for him to understand. However, looking down at his body he saw black, blue and red colours form around his frame as bruises and cuts of all sizes drew themselves onwards. Dropping his head after the spell, the man glared at the floor for a moment before revealing an evil, toothy smile. Merlin looked between the man and his new bruises in shock.

"There now- isn't that much better? And exactly where I wanted them to be- oh don't worry I wouldn't coat your whole body in them, just enough to frighten your friends… You see Merlin if you want to use magic in a place like this you need to stay away from certain people" He cackled.

"But-" Merlin started before recoiling in on himself in agony.

"Oops- almost forgot" the man snapped before coming to kneel before Merlin "Although I didn't physically touch you, you're going to feel each and every one of those as though men were punching them into you a thousand times over!... Isn't that exciting?" The man gleefully laughed before once again slamming the door shut on Merlin, who screwed his eyes up in pain, senses of confidence and hope washing away from him with every second.

They were here. Arthur could feel it, as well as seeing the various red eyes in the bushes content on staring at the trio as though they were food.

"This is definitely the place" Gwaine whispered.

"Uh-huh… Just wonder what exactly this madman has in store" Arthur thought aloud.

"That's the plan then? Just see what happens?" Leon questioned, not liking their strategic weakness.

"I don't know what else to do Leon; we don't know what this person is capable of and where Merlin is… Let's just go in with one goal" Arthur ordered.

"And that would be what Princess?"

"Getting Merlin back."

Emerging from the undergrowth, all men turned astounded heads as they sized up the structure in front of them- it wasn't a huge castle and it seemed to have a fairly simple design. This simplicity was contradicted by the huge lake of fire that surrounded the castle, orange and red flames licking the walls and spitting out embers which made the surrounding fields glow.

"Merlin's in there? This person sure does know how to look threatening." Gwaine complimented.

"This is no time for jokes Gwaine. The real question is- how do we get in?" Arthur said.

Whilst the men considered their options they failed to spot the group of Eernseth's men approaching them and within minutes they were surrounded.

"Oh, crap."

"Shut it Gwaine"

"You three are to be escorted into our ruler's castle. Follow me" It was ironic, really- said man spoke as though they had an option. Yet with several swords digging in to them all they could do was march behind the burly man leading the way, right into the mouth of the flames.

"Time to shine" Eernseth wickedly remarked as Merlin was pulled into the throne room "I bet you can't wait to see your friends again" However, when this sparked no reaction from Merlin the man's amused smile faltered and he marched towards the manservant. Grabbing his chin again, he made sure he had the boy's eye contact before yelling "YOU WILL ANWSER ME!"

Arthur, Gwaine and Leon were mentally preparing themselves for what was coming. Tension was building up, they were inside now and had stopped before two mahogany doors. Shouting was clear to hear from the inside and Arthur knew exactly who would be the victim of said shouting. The doors flew open just as the man finished, so everyone witnessed Merlin… who spat right in his captor's face.

Gwaine knew a good shot when he saw one, and whistled appreciatively.

Merlin hadn't been thinking straight. He had felt Arthur's presence straight away, but seeing that man's face again up so close again had shaken him to the core- of course he hadn't showed that because that's exactly what that man wanted. However, he also knew keeping an eye on things would be key if he was to keep his friends out of danger.

With a disgusted stare, Eernseth whipped his hand from Merlin's face, pushing the boy to the floor and drawing his hands up to his own face, hastily wiping away the contents that had been spat there. Arthur was impressed by his manservant's actions; however, as funny as it had been, he knew it would only turn out worse for Merlin. Eernseth stormed towards his guards, ordering them to restrain Merlin as he bent down and whispered in the boy's ear, before blowing a punch to his stomach. Gwaine tried to race forward in anger but Arthur and Leon held him back, knowing that things would only get worse. Everyone came to staring as Eernseth composed himself before dramatically turning around to face the three 'guests'.