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.
It was a lot noisier but still dark when Merlin woke again. Guards were walking up and down the line, placing buckets of food and water before each horse. Merlin quickly ate his up, surprised at how good grain could taste. Looking around, he spotted Arthur walking towards him with a saddle and bridle. As no servants had come with them, every man had to tack up his own mount. The prince was surprisingly gentle as he put on the bridle and saddle, and Merlin didn't make any trouble. Swinging onto the warlock's back, Arthur signalled his men to follow him.
Half an hour later they had reached the crest of a small hill above the bandit camp, just as the sun's rays shone out from behind them. The few bandits that were awake shielded their eyes, only able to see the attacker's silhouettes. One, slightly more awake, man gave a cry of alarm as Arthur ordered the charge. Merlin felt an adrenaline rush as the pounding of hooves mirrored the beating of his heart. He surged to the fore as they reached the valley floor, taking Arthur to his rightful place at the front of the charge. They crashed into the first of the bandits, Arthur's sword removing his head from his shoulders. The prince and the horse waded through the men that now emerged from tents. Arthur's sword swung here and there, while Merlin's teeth and hooves took care of their fair share of attackers.
At one point, the pair was surrounded by four bandits, all rather intent on killing Arthur. The prince's sword gutted one as Merlin kicked out at the one behind him. Then the warlock reared, striking out at the man in front as Arthur, keeping perfect balance, brought his sword down on the last one. Merlin got a quick pat before they entered the fray again. A couple of minutes later the warlock had to jump sideways to avoid a flight of arrows that would have impaled Arthur unless Merlin hadn't heard them. But, nearing the end of the fight, something even worse happened.
Arthur and Merlin had been nearing the leader of the bandits and his bodyguards when a spear-haft smacked into Arthur's chest, knocking him from the saddle and winding him. Merlin stopped as soon as the prince's weight left the saddle, and spinning round he charged at the bandit, who was now standing over Arthur, ready for the kill. The man went flying and Merlin stood over Arthur, lashing out at any who came near him. When the prince had finally recovered his breath he gave the horse a quick hug, before mounting and leading a final charge to dispatch the bandit leader.
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