Yet, he still couldn't really understand it.

He had returned to his room to find Percival, Lancelot, Gwaine and Gwen all sat outside the room. They gave him various facts about the altercation and then Percival, as he unlocked the door and gave Merlin the key, murmured that Arthur had got out of bed to hear most of it.

Merlin let himself into the room, letting his power ripple out and the candles sparked into life, the fire in the hearth following suit. Merlin lifted back the curtain at the end of the bed, tucking the thick fabric out of the way. Arthur slept through the procedure, probably still exhausted from last night. He had rolled on the bed, pushing the blanket aside, one arm flung up over his head. His hair glowed in the firelight, and Merlin examined the contours of his face, part in shadow, as Arthur slept.

Half of Albion appeared to be obsessed with Arthur, most of that sexual. Although, what they did to him appeared to have very little to do with sex and more to do with power. Merlin sat down on one corner of the mattress, still staring at him. Power was something Arthur did not have, yet the way he was treated seemed to Merlin to indicate that they were afraid of him.

It wasn't a situation he had ever considered. He had stayed sheltered safely with the Druids until he was sixteen. Then he had seen what could happen, when raiders had attacked the camp. Only he had used violence against them to protect the group. After that his father had retrieved him and brought him to the ruins of Camelot. It was as he had turned nineteen that the idea had occurred to him, that someone needed to protect the people who were the victims of the raids and battles that had always seemed commonplace.

Armed with his idea, he had travelled to the meeting that some of the kings were having, to give them the idea. It had taken some persuading but it had been achieved, taking twenty men from each kingdom.

Then the likes of Lancelot and Percival had come along. Those who had believed that he might actually be doing the right thing. And he had, for seven years. In all that time he had never encountered Arthur Pendragon, although, he had heard a great deal. It had shocked him to find Arthur so easily in Cenred's camp, especially because he didn't live to the expectations that Merlin had.

He was so ignorant of his own life story that it was ridiculous. Merlin half thought that perhaps Arthur just carefully evaded opening up to people. But time in his company told Merlin that wasn't true. And Merlin couldn't shift the nagging feeling stirring inside him. There was a significance to Arthur that no one could see, they were blinded to it, yet answering the call. No one thought to kill him, they fought over him like scrapping dogs, and still treated him as if he was insignificant.

The only conclusion that Merlin could come to was that Arthur Pendragon was not insignificant. Whatever that meant just hadn't revealed itself.

In the meantime Merlin could do nothing more than what he had vowed he would do, after he had witnessed that raid that slaughtered so many of his kin. He would protect those who could not protect themselves. If anyone was an example of that, it was Arthur. He didn't even think that what happened to him was wrong, he just lived with it. Except for yesterday. Merlin had seen it, and again his instinct had stirred.

"Maybe I need to talk to a seer," he murmured to himself. Arthur stirred, rolling onto his side, resettling in his sleep. Merlin stared at him. The blanket falling askew showed the injuries that Arthur had received. Merlin stared at them feeling the rage rise again. At least he had now assured that Arthur wouldn't receive anything like it again. For Arthur's own safety he couldn't leave him in Camelot, Merlin would have to take him along. There wasn't really much of a choice.

Arthur stirred again, huffing as his eyes opened, they closed again for a moment then it clearly registered that he was not alone. He tensed lifting his head and staring at Merlin with wide eyes.

"Sorry, My Lord, I didn't realise you were there," Arthur said, his voice still thick with sleep. He pushed himself up, propping himself with one arm and using the other hand to rub the sleep from his eyes, and also run his fingers through his hair.

"It's all right Arthur, no need to panic. I see you haven't eaten anything."

Arthur hunched his shoulders. "I didn't feel very hungry."

"I heard what happened. How do you feel now anyway?"

"Fine, My Lord," Arthur said, a little too swiftly. Merlin raised his eyebrows and gazed steadily at him, waiting patiently. "It aches a bit, but I'm fine," Arthur eventually confessed.

"Good, however, I don't want you collapsing halfway through the day tomorrow. We need to be ready to head out by noon. Eat at least three things off that tray, and I'll get Gwen to bring you some more soup, which you can actually eat."

Merlin peered with distaste at the cold, congealed liquid in the bowl Gwen had brought earlier.

"Yes, My Lord," Arthur said, heart sinking a little, wondering if Merlin intended to bring him along as well, or leave him with someone else. Merlin appeared to sense the apprehension in Arthur. He stood up again, intending to go and give orders to his knights outside. Looking down at Arthur he met the blond man's troubled eyes.

"Don't worry, I think you are safest within my line of sight, so that is where you are staying. As the Equinox festival is almost upon us, I can't wait any longer to start travelling. If you are not up to riding, we'll have to make space for you in one of the carts."

"Yes, My Lord."

Although Arthur's tone remained more or less neutral, Merlin could see the relief in his eyes. It relaxed Merlin a little, at least Arthur seemed to show some level of trust towards him. Merlin didn't want Arthur to be frightened on him.

"Eat something," Merlin ordered. "You can stay confined in here tonight, but you'll be able to make yourself useful."

"Yes, My Lord," Arthur said as he reached for a chunk of cheese.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The journey appeared to be a slightly more exclusive affair. Merlin intended to leave Leon in charge of the soldiers, who could spend the next week or so at the barracks, resting for some of the time. Although Merlin left a substantial list of orders. As well as Arthur, there would be Percival, Lancelot, and Balinor. Plus Gwaine had somehow managed to invite himself along on the trek. Merlin wasn't sure if Gwaine had any ulterior motives, but if he did, Merlin realised they had nothing to do with acquiring Arthur.

Over the morning Arthur had been forced to move a little slower than usual. Normally a situation which caused him unaccountable stress, but if he had problems, Percival seemed to appear, lifting things with ease into the cart they planned to use. Arthur had carefully left himself a small space at the back of the cart, and it would be easy for him to get in and out when they paused for rest stops. He might also, if Merlin allowed it, walk a little bit.

As he struggled with a pack of food he almost dropped it as two horses clattered into the courtyard. Merlin, who had been checking everything over, turned and smiled in the direction of the dark-haired woman.

"Lady Morgana!" Merlin's voice sounded delighted at the sight of her.

Merlin walked over to them, waving a hand at Arthur to take the horses' reins, which he did so carefully, not looking at Morgana. Merlin helped Morgana down from her horse. While her male companion dismounted easily.

"Lord Gorlois," Merlin said politely.

"Merlin, good to see you."

Arthur flinched as Gorlois casually threw the reins in his direction, hardly seeing him. Merlin didn't miss the reaction.

"Arthur see to the horses. I presume you two are planning to travel the rest of the way with us?"

"Morgana couldn't wait to see you," Gorlois announced, his eyes moving in Arthur's direction as he shakily gathered up the horse's reins and led them away.

"Have those horses ready with the others when we set off," Merlin said.

"Yes, My Lord," Arthur murmured.

Merlin frowned, watching as Arthur made his escape. Then Morgana linked her arms with his, and Merlin turned, putting the reaction to the back of his mind, until he could find out what had caused it.

"I can offer you some refreshments, it won't be until noon before we actually set off."

"That would be lovely, we rushed to get here," Morgana told him.

"And how have you been?"

"Not too bad, I will be glad to get back to see my sister. I'm hoping to stay for longer."

"And leave me all alone," Gorlois moaned. Morgana turned back to smile at him.

"You know I love you father, but I want to join the priestess'."

Behind them Gorlois chuckled.

"How are your dreams at this time?" Merlin asked, leading them into the castle. Morgana fell silent, looking away. Merlin gently squeezed her arm.

"Anything troubling?"

"Nothing I can understand. That's why I want to spend some time on the Isle. Maybe the sisters can help me understand what they mean."

"That is unusual," Merlin said. "Your gift is usually so clear."

"Yes," Morgana answered, looking at Merlin curiously. "And what is troubling you?"

"The usual," Merlin said, as they turned a corner. Gwen hurried in the other direction, carrying more provisions. She smiled as she saw Merlin and gave a small curtsey as she saw Morgana.

"Could you bring some refreshments to my room Gwen, Morgana and her father have had a long journey."

"Of course."

Gwen hurried off. Gorlois rolled his eyes.

"Actually it wasn't long, just very swift. I hoped that Morgana would tell you what is bothering her."

"The only thing bothering me father, is that I can't understand it."

Merlin smiled at her snippy tone as he led them into his chamber and pulled out a chair for Morgana.

"So how is your father?" Gorlois asked.

"Well enough," Merlin answered, his tone hardening slightly. Relations remained a little strained between the two of them. Gorlois settled into the chair next to Morgana's, leaning back he said, casually.

"Who now owns the Pendragon brat?"

Merlin raised his eyebrows. Gorlois shrugged.

"I wondered, since he seems to be taking orders from you."

"I own him," Merlin said. "I took him as my tribute for dealing with Cenred. Weren't you Uther's closest friend?"

Merlin watched the man's jaw harden, his brown eyes darkening.

"I was, until he put my wife and daughters in danger. I had to make a choice between friendship and family. Uther's madness was out of control. Surely you would agree with that."

"I think I was too young to understand at the time," Merlin said calmly. "But quite frankly, it seems the easiest way to control the kings is to take their toy away."

Gorlois chuckled. "Arthur certainly is that."

"You never owned him?"

"I had no desire to have Uther's son anywhere near my family."

Merlin controlled his surprise at the venom in the man's voice and Merlin decided to change the subject, while Gwen appeared carrying a tray of refreshments, with almost impeccable timing.

"So, how is Morgause?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Arthur concentrated on untacking the horses, brushing them down and giving them some water. He came back with some hay for them when a voice sent him up into the air.

"My adorable princess! You couldn't bang the dent out of this, could you? I swear Percival is some sort of... what's the matter?"

Arthur slumped against the wall, still clutching the hay as he stared at Gwaine with wide eyes, focusing his attention on Gwaine's shoulder rather than his face.

"Sorry, Sire. You startled me."

Gwaine regarded Arthur steadily.

"Maybe, but I'm not that scary. What's the matter?"

"Nothing Sire, I just wasn't concentrating," Arthur murmured. He pushed himself away from the wall and staggered over to give the horses their hay. They had at least an hour to rest before they would need to be made ready again. Arthur turned his attention to the piece of armour Gwaine held, heavily dented on one side.

"It's only the spare," Gwaine said. "So no rush, just if Merlin doesn't mind me borrowing your services… what's the matter?"

"Sorry, Sire," Arthur said, glancing up and then down again. "I can probably do it this afternoon."

"I can hardly see me indulging in a major fight any time soon. Sooo," Gwaine drawled out the word. "What's the matter?" he asked again.

As Arthur now had hold of the armour Gwaine reached out and took Arthur's uppers arms to stop him scurrying away. Arthur's shoulders tensed but he didn't try to escape the hold, even though Gwaine's grip remained relatively loose. He knew Arthur well enough to know he wouldn't go anywhere.

"I'm fine, Sire."

"Whose are those horses?"

"Lord Gorlois and Lady Morgana's."

"Ah,"

Arthur looked up, Gwaine's expression one of understanding. He glanced away as he heard voices and he carefully propelled Arthur's backwards a few paces so they were completely out of sight. Arthur took a short breath.

"All right, calm down. Merlin is not going to let anything happen to you."

"He was pleased to see them."

"Okay, so I won't let anything happen to you and that inhuman beast that is Percival probably will not either. How much does that guy eat?"

"A lot," Arthur said with a slight smile.

"That's better."

Arthur cringed slightly as Gwaine brushed his fingers through his hair, lifting it off his forehead and attempting to meet Arthur's eyes. Not that Arthur ever made such a thing very easy.

"I'm fine, Sire."

Gwaine eyed him for a moment before pushing Arthur back against the wall. He tensed again, eyes widening as Gwaine rested his hands against the wall on either side of Arthur's shoulders, effectively penning him in. Arthur clutched the piece of armour to his chest, almost as if he could use it as a shield. Gwaine lowered his head, still trying to look Arthur in the eyes. Arthur pressed back against the wall.

"Come on, Princess," Gwaine drawled persuasively.

Arthur shook his head.

"I've missed you."

Arthur closed his eyes as Gwaine's fingers twined into his hair again, his fingertips stroking against Arthur's scalp, causing him to give a shiver. Gwaine chuckled as he felt it, and he brushed his body against Arthur's, causing him to gasp. Gwaine's hand brushed along Arthur's jaw line, easing his head up.

He shivered again as Gwaine gently pressed his lips down on Arthur's, easing his tongue out to open Arthur's mouth, deepening the kiss. Gwaine pressed himself against Arthur continuing to gently kiss him until Arthur responded. Gwaine ran his fingers to the back of Arthur's head, cradling his skull gently.

Arthur gave a muffled whimper, knees quivering as Gwaine moved his hips to rub against him. He couldn't help the reaction as the blood rushed to his groin. They stayed locked together for a moment, Arthur's hands clenching on the armour as Gwaine slowly pulled back, resting his forehead against Arthur's.

"Gwaine, I need to finish packing," Arthur whispered. Gwaine smiled wrapping an arm around Arthur's waist, easing him away from the wall and pulling Arthur against himself. Arthur sighed and relaxed into the embrace.

"Okay," Gwaine whispered back. "And I'll make sure Gorlois doesn't go anywhere near you. Merlin won't let him hurt you."

"I know," Arthur said. He leant against Gwaine, trying to get his breath back, knowing he would be in trouble if anyone caught them.

"Neither will I," Gwaine added. Arthur smiled, keeping his head down to try and hide the reaction. Gwaine's hand rubbed up and down his back in a light, and familiar, gesture even though Arthur hadn't felt it for nearly five years. Gwaine stepped back a little and looked Arthur up and down.

"Are you sure you're all right?"

Arthur nodded. "I'm fine. It just shocked me for a moment."

"I don't suppose it can be particularly pleasant to run into the man that nearly beat you to death once. Does Merlin know?"

"No," Arthur glanced up and saw the expression on Gwaine's face. "Gwaine, you can't tell him."

"Why not?"

"Just don't, please. I'll just make sure I don't go near him. I don't even know why he doesn't like me."

"That I don't understand. I find you immensely likeable."

Arthur smiled again, Gwaine gave a mock frown.

"You're supposed to return that compliment."

"You're going to get me into trouble, again."

Gwaine's expression turned serious. He reached up and ran his fingers through Arthur's hair.

"I won't. Now, will you be all right?"

Arthur nodded, frowning a little as Gwaine took a step back, putting distance between himself and Arthur. He understood a moment later as Percival walked into the stable, pausing to stare at the two of them in confusion.

"I can probably do this now, Sire," Arthur said, looking at the armour again. "I've got a bit of time before I need to get the horses ready."

"We're pausing for lunch first. Merlin wanted me to make sure you ate something as well," Percival said to Arthur. Gwaine raised his eyebrows again.

"I'll join you. I am interested to see how much you can actually eat," Gwaine said to Percival.

The big knight grinned at him.

"That's another area where I will trounce you."