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.
A/n 3: I know the chapters are short but it was intended as a very short comedy which seemed to lengthen and become more serious as I wrote it.
It was not yet mid-morning when the battle was finally over. All the remaining bandits had surrendered after their leader was killed and now stood, tied up, in a corner. A dozen new horses had been added to the line and all the bandit's food and drink had been seized. The loot had included several casks of wine, and the entire attack group had decided to wait until the next day to return to Camelot, preferring to spend the rest of the day celebrating. Merlin was left tied with the other horses, disappointed not to be joining in with the celebration but also busy trying to figure out how to escape. He stared at the knot tying him to the bar, trying to figure out how to undo it. Merlin had never been very good at knots but there was no way he could escape from the stables at Camelot. He had to get away that night.
Late in the afternoon Arthur came to visit Merlin. He was reeling slightly as he walked; it was obvious he had been celebrating hard. He approached the equine warlock, holding out a bit of apple. Merlin took it gently and nickered at the prince. Arthur leaned up against the wooden bar, absentmindedly rubbing the horse's forehead.
"You did well today boy. I've never had a more loyal mount. You saved my life (not for the first time thought Merlin) and I'll see you get the finest treatment back at Camelot." Merlin snorted at this, pushing Arthur with his head. "You don't believe me?" the prince chuckled. "You'll certainly get a better welcome than me! Even if Merlin gets back before I expect my chambers will be a mess and there will be no bath or food waiting for me. I swear he's the most useless servant ever!" Arthur laughed loudly, startling the other horses and causing Merlin to back away, offended. "You'll see when you meet him. Although he is loyal, the most loyal servant I have ever had. Don't ever tell him, but he's more like a friend than a servant." With that, Arthur said goodnight and returned to the party.
Merlin waited until it grew dark and all was quiet before pulling on a bit of rope to undo the slipknot. Staying quiet, he trotted out of the camp, circling wide of the lone sentry. Once out of earshot, he broke into a gallop, allowing the horse's innate sense of direction to lead him back to the clearing where it all started. Jumping the bushes, enjoying a final sense of power, he trotted over to where he hid the bag. Pulling it out with his teeth, he tipped it upside down, spilling the contents out on the grass. It was obvious that some little critters had got to his main food supply, but luckily the emergency rations were still intact. Merlin lipped the book open, gently turning pages with his sensitive muzzle. Having had plenty of practice over the last few days, he took control of the horse's instincts. Focusing all his will on the image of him as a human, he mentally said the ancient words. His body tingled all over and Merlin closed his eyes. When he opened them he was human again! Jumping about in joy, he ran his hands over his body, checking that everything was back to normal. Breathing heavily, he sat down on the grass and ate some food, before wrapping himself up in a blanket and falling asleep.
Please read and review. One chapter to go.