"Why the scarf?" Gwaine asked.

"I don't know, it feels right." The boy tied the knot around his pale neck. "So, how does it look?"

"Somehow it suits you. That red scarf, it is perfect for someone who calls himself Robin."

"I like birds. I think my name was somehow connected to a type of bird."

"But that is definitely not Robin. You don't look like a robin. More like some kind of falcon."

The boy laughed. They purchased new clothes for the boy from the nearest town and hearkened the news. Because Robin had some money, Gwaine had taken care that the boy had gotten everything that he needed. He didn't want to ask why the boy was traveling so poorly. That Kilgharrah sounded a little bit too cruel in Gwaine's view. They were camping outside again, to save some money, and because it was summer and not raining, it was just perfect to spend the night under the stars. And it was going to be a hot day ahead.

"So, did you hear anything interesting?"

"There are some slave traders in the south. It is a rumour, but we should take it seriously."

"Have you ever run into them?"

"Couple of times. Nasty people." Gwaine didn't really want to talk about it. The memory was too painful for him. He saw how his newly named travel companion Robin worked with their late dinner. It was odd how bonded he felt with the boy. He wanted to protect Robin. And he wanted to know, who Robin really was. When they were traveling, Gwaine was noticed that Robin knew a lot of herbs and healing. He hated hunting, but was good cook. Robin believed in equality, but he seemed to know how to act around the noblemen. They were run over one unlucky gay in town and Robin was handled the situation like it was nothing. The people around Robin were always smiling. That boy was a full mystery to Gwaine. And he liked it.

()

Uther looked out the window and saw the heat make the air tremor. There was no cloud in the sky. The hottest times of year had started. He was startled when someone knocked at the door.

"Come in."

It was Leon. He looked worried.

"There is some news. It seems that there are some slave traders moving into our realm." Leon handed the report to Uther. The king read it and nodded.

"This is bad. Send the patrol out and investigate this as soon as possible."

Leon turned to leave but hesitated.

"Sire, what if they went Arthur's way?"

Uther was a little bit surprised by the question and looked at the knight.

"I'm sure that there is nothing to concern ourselves with him. He is a knight of Camelot and a champion." Uther said with absolute confidence. Leon didn't bite it, but he didn't want to remind the king, that usually Merlin was with Arthur. Leon had gained a new perspective for Arthur's adventures when he heard how many times Merlin had saved the prince. But to remind the king about that? Leon wasn't so foolish, he wanted to keep his head. Magic was still prohibited in Camelot .

"Yes sire." Leon left. He thought for a moment when he shut the door behind of him, then he headed to Gaius' chambers.

()

Arthur felt like his head was going to explode.

"Easy. You have a really nasty hit on your head." The female voice calmed him.

"What, happened? Where is Lancelot?" Arthur tried to open his eyes. It really hurt.

"Trap." Was simply answer.

"That I got." Arthur murmured

"Your friend is fine, but not with us. Percival, could you be so nice and give me that water and help him to move to his side."

Arthur felt someone near him moving, then there were big hands that easily helped him to turn.

"Easy. Drink. Slowly. You don't want to vomit."

Arthur felt the bowl and water touch his lips and he drank. His nausea eased a bit and he squinted his eyes. He appeared to be in some kind of cage, but the ground under him seemed to move. His eyes focused onto the woman who was talking.

"This is the slave traders caravan." Old woman said and smiled sadly.

"Heather?"