Hey. So I am soooo sorry you had to wait so long! I was doing the nanowrimo and I had to devote all of my time to my novel. I am pleased to say I wrote 45,000 words out of 50,000 yeah. Anyway here is the next chapter. :) I hope you enjoy and comment! :D

Martin grumbled as he walked outside to the stables, "If Alex really thinks he is going to get away with this every time? Oh, he has got another thing coming!"

"What are you doing?" a voice called out from a horse stable.

Martin stopped his grumbling and looked up startled, "Is someone there?"

A young man, who looked about eighteen, poked his head around the stable door. His brown hair was messy and had a few pieces of hay in his hair. His brown eyes twinkled, "Just Jared."

Martin cocked his head, "Who?"

The young boy, who called himself Jared, walked out of the stall, and carefully locked the door behind him.

He held his hand out towards Martin, "The name is Jared. I am Alex Pane's groom."

Martin took Jared's hand, "It is nice to meet you. My name is Martin."

Jared smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Martin. So what brings you to Alex Pane's stables?"

Martin sighed, "I made the mistake in saving Alex's life, so now I am working for him as his personal doctor."

Jared chuckled, "And I thought my job was rough, but still what is a doctor doing out at the stables?"

Martin groaned, "Alex needs me to help you 'muck out his stables'"

Jared laughed, "I see he is just trying to make you miserable, because he doesn't like the idea of staying home."

Martin chuckled, "Yeah, especially when I condemn him to bed rest for two weeks, and house arrest for 3 months…"

Jared roared in laughter, "I think I like you already."

Martin smiled, "So what do you need me to do out here?"

Jared scratched his head, "Well, I have most done most of the work out here already…"

Martin nodded, "Ok."

Jared gave a sly smiled, "But… have you ever ridden a horse?"

Martin shook his head, "No, I have never been near a horse. I am a human doctor, not a vet."

Jared chuckled, "Yes, well, the horses in here need exercised. We usually hook him up to the device out there, to walk them in circles, but they really could use a good run. Especially since Mr. Pane hasn't ridden them in quite some time."

Martin looked nervously, "I don't think can ride them."

Jared brushed Martin's comment off, "Don't be silly it isn't that hard. I will help you mount the horse, and I will teach you how to ride. It will be a piece of cake."

Martin sighed, "Ok."

Jared very quickly got the horse ready and turned to smile at Martin, "Ok, he is all yours."

Martin stared at the beautiful brown horse, with the black mane and tail. He was a handsome horse, he would give him that, but the horse was huge. He probably could very easily crush him. Martin walked up slowly to the horse, and looked at Jared for instructions.

"Place your foot in the stirrup," Jared instructed, lifting up the stirrup to show Martin.

Martin nodded, and did as he was instructed.

"Now, go ahead and put some weight on that foot and swing your leg over the horse. Then place your foot in the other stirrup," Jared commanded.

Martin did as he was told and sat on the horse with a small smile. It felt, comfortable, normal.

"Very good," Jared praised.

Jared untied the horse from the stall door and took the reins. He led the horse out slowly, constantly watching Martin. Martin sat upon the horse with ease. He seemed to balance himself perfectly, like he had ridden his whole life. Jared stopped the horse, and gave the reins to Martin.

"In order to tell the horse to go, give him a little kick to his flank. To stop him, just pull back on the reins. Be sure to hold onto the reins in one hand, and you are good to start. Start out at a speed you are comfortable," Jared smiled.

Martin nodded.

"Oh and remember if you fall off the horse, get right back on. The horse needs to know who is in control," Jared laughed.

Martin nodded again, swallowed hard, and kicked the horse.

The horse leapt forward, eager to finally be able to ride. Martin found riding a horse was easy and a walk was too calm for his taste. He kicked the horse again and the horse began to trot. This was still too slow, too easy. He squeezed his legs, urging the horse to pick up speed. The quarter horse needed no more encouragement. He tore across the path.

Martin smiled as he guided the horse in circles around the stables. He loved the feel of the wind as the horse galloped. It felt natural to be on the horse, and the horse was clearly enjoying himself as well. The horse let out a joyful nicker, as his hooves dug into the dirt path. Martin pulled back on the reins and the horse came to a gradual stop. He kept pulling back on the reins, and the horse backed up. He steered the horse over towards Jared, and trotted over to him slowly. Martin swung off the horse, his face flushed with excitement.

Jared let out a low whistle, "Where did you learn to ride like that?"

Martin dismounted the horse, "I don't know, but that was great!"

Jared shook his head, in shock, "I have never seen anyone ride a horse so well!"

Martin blushed, slightly, "I had no idea that riding a horse was that easy."

"It isn't," Jared stated bluntly. "You, my friend, are one of the greatest naturals I have ever seen. You even knew how to back up a horse! That isn't taught until one stays on a horse! I thought for sure you were going to fall, but you never did, you kept perfect balance! You are a phenomenon!"

Martin rubbed the back of his neck, nervously, "Yeah, well, um. I suppose I should go check on Alex."

Martin began to walk briskly away.

Jared called after him, "Martin!"

Martin turned around.

"Next time Mr. Pane tells you to go muck out his stables, come see me about riding again. I think you are just the guy we have been looking for to give the horses proper exercise," Jared grinned.

Martin nodded and turned back to enter the house.

Jen stared up at the crystal chandelier in dismay. It needed a dusting so badly and she wanted to take care of it. But Alex had her so overburdened with the paper work he couldn't receive yet. Jen sighed as she turned down the hall to the "home office." Sometimes she wished Alex didn't work for Knight's Furniture, it seemed to bring their family nothing, but trouble. If Alex had died in the accident… she quickly brushed that thought away. Dr. Martin had saved him, it did not matter. Dr. Martin would help him heal. She had complete faith in Dr. Martin. He was already so loyal. He followed Alex's every whim and wish, in order to keep Alex happy. She owed Martin everything, and soon. Alex would be back on his feet. His first two weeks were almost up and she hoped Alex would heal quickly; for both of their sakes.

Martin climbed up the steps and carefully entered Alex's room. Alex was sound asleep and lay comfortably on his three different pillows. Martin smiled as he crept over, and pulled the covers up to Alex's chin.

Jen stood at the door and watched Martin carefully take care of Alex. He was so gentle, a good friend really, whether Martin would ever admit it... or Alex for that matter.

Martin turned around and saw Mrs. Pane watching him. He blushed slightly and walked over to the door. She moved out of the way, so he could exit and shut the door quietly behind him.

"Thank you Dr. Martin, you can have a good weekend," Jen smiled.

Martin looked at Jen in surprise, "Pardon, Mrs. Pane, but..."

Jen interrupted, "Please call me Jen. You look worn out. I think you could use a day's rest. I will care for him until Monday. Then you can return your duties."

"That is three days of rest," Martin protested.

"You have earned them. You need to rest so you can help Alex with his physical therapy starting Monday."Jen declared.

Martin sighed, "Thank you Jen."

She smiled, tiredly, "You are welcome Martin. Enjoy the time with your little girl."

Martin nodded, "I will."

"Daddy!" the black haired girl cried in delight as Martin entered the house.

Martin knelt down and scooped his little girl up in his arms. He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. She kissed him back.

"Oh Daddy, I have been waiting for you all day!" his little girl grinned.

Martin smiled, "I am sorry, sweetheart."

"I have to tell you about what I did in kindergarden!" Martin's daughter declared.

Martin chuckled, "Ok."

"Put me down Daddy, I have to show you! I hung it up on the fridge," the little girl commanded.

Martin followed his daughter's wishes, and set her down on the ground. He watched his bright eyed daughter go running into the kitchen.

Feliciana, who was standing in the doorway, came over and gave her husband a gentle peck on the lips, "How was work?"

Martin sighed, "Good. I got a couple of days off, so I can rest up for the next few weeks."

Feliciana nodded, "Oh is it time for his physical therapy already?"

Martin nodded.

"Wow, those two weeks flew," Feliciana gasped.

Martin shrugged, "Sort of."

Feliciana laughed again, and gave Martin a gentle kiss.

"Here it is Daddy!" his little girl cried, tearing out of the kitchen.

Martin hugged his wife, as he watched looked down at his little girl. She proudly held up a picture, and Martin stooped down to look at the precious work of art.

"It looks very nice sweetheart," Martin smiled.

His little girl grinned, "Thanks Daddy! Guess what it is!"

Martin whispered softly, pulling her onto his bended knee, "Why don't you tell me about your picture."

His little girl nodded, "Ok. This is a camel. This is a horse, and this is a castle. This is you and me."

Martin smiled, "That is very nicely done, Isabelle."

Isabelle beamed, as she looked up at Martin, "It is us in the story you always tell me about! Will you tell it to me again Daddy? Please!"

Martin took a deep breath, "Yes, dear."

He scooped up his little girl in his arms and sat down on the couch.

"Now which story?" Martin smiled.

Isabelle snuggled up to her dad, "Um… the one about Camels. Like the one I drew, with the king and his knives."

Martin chuckled, "Do you mean about King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot?"

Isabelle nodded, "Yes and the Merlin."

"In a land of myth, and a time of magic, the destiny of a kingdom rested on the shoulders of a young boy…" Martin began.

Isabelle grinned.

"His name…" Martin continued on.

"MERLIN!" Isabelle cried gleefully.

Martin nodded, "Merlin."

Feliciana snuggled up next to Martin as he told the story to his eager 5 year old daughter.

Martin began the rest of his tale, as the night moon rose in the sky, "Now in this kingdom, called Camelot, there was a boy destined to be the Once and Future King. Another boy was destined to be the greatest warlock ever known. Together they would bring a land of magic together, and Avalon would be born…"

Author's Note: So I hope you enjoyed this. Just so you all know, I am considering ending this fan fiction. I don't seem to be having a lot of support, and I am finding it hard to continue. I hate to do this, but it just doesn't seem to be worth it. So please let me know what you think, if you want this to continue.