Disclamier: I don't own any of the characters but I live in hope.
A/n: If anytime in the story you are confused by any horsey terms, or just what is generally going on, feel free to message me.
A/n 2: You need to remember that Merlin is a horse in this chapter, otherwise it'll sound really weird.
By the time Merlin slowed he was not far from Camelot. Stopping at a river to drink, the horse's instincts prompted him to roll on the bank. The warlock couldn't believe how enjoyable it was; he could see now why horses did it so much. Reaching down to crop at the grass, he didn't sense the danger until too late. Smelling something strange, he threw up his head as something snaked over the top of it. Pulling away, he shied from the danger; but that caused the rope to tighten around his next. Two more ropes threw from other directions, joining the first. Merlin had been captured a patrol of the royal guard.
"What are you doing here, big fella?" One of the guards said in gentle voice, reaching up to stroke Merlin's nose. He snapped back, only just missing the guy's fingers.
"We'd better take him back to the castle. He looks like a quality horse." Merlin preened a bit at this, before fighting the ropes as the guard started to lead him towards Camelot.
Merlin was still fighting when the clattered into the castle courtyard. Everyone stopped and stared as three of the guards held the ropes taut, bringing the warlock to a standstill. He continued fighting until a familiar voice rang out.
"What is going on here?" Arthur shouted, striding across the cobbles. Merlin stood stock-still as he watched his master approach. Although it was very unlikely he would, Merlin still hoped the prince wouldn't recognise him.
"We found him by the river, my lord. He has no brand and is unshod, so it is possible nobody owns him."
As the guard spoke, Arthur was running his hands along Merlin's back and down his legs. The warlock wasn't sure whether he enjoyed it or found it irritating. He took the opportunity to kick out at Arthur, wishing he could get away with it when he was human. The prince's quick reflexes allowed him to dodge out the way, but Merlin still felt satisfied.
"He's certainly feisty" Arthur said laughing. "Not very heavily muscled, but I bet he's faster than he looks. More of a hunter than a charger." Merlin was a bit offended but at least Arthur saw more potential in him as a horse than as a servant.
"I'll use him for the attack my father has ordered tomorrow. Make sure he is secure tonight; I don't want him to escape." With that Arthur marched off.
It took the guards an hour to manoeuvre Merlin into a stable. The only thing the warlock wanted was to get back to his book and change back into a human, not be stuck as a horse and roped into carrying Arthur into battle; he did enough of the prince's work as it was! Eventually the sheer number of guards got the better of Merlin, and he found himself tied by two ropes inside a stable with both doors closed. In the dark Merlin gave up and went to sleep, leaving the horse mind in control of the body.
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