In Camelot Hunith was still on top of the world after seeing Merlin and talking to him. She even managed to sneak off and see Kilgarrah. After she had told him what had happened Kilgarrah warned her "The young Pendragon is still a boy it will be years before he takes over from his father, take care my lady"
"I will but Kilgarrah I actually spoke to my son, I cannot believe it" Hunith wouldn't let anyone spoil that for her.
"The witch must also take care, her dreams must be hidden from Uther, and the potions Gaius makes her will not help much longer. But beware of one called Morgause, she could turn the witch from her path and lead her into the dark side. You must stop that at all costs my lady"
"I will do my best Kilgarrah but remember I am but now a servant" Hunith told the dragon
"You are no servant and not to the Pendragon's you are better than that!" Kilgarrah roared.
"Well that's what I am for now and my cousin seems to care little"
"Do not trust Cenred my lady, should you ever escape never go to him, go instead to the druids they will care for the mother of Emrys"
"I won't escape unless I can take my son and uncle with me, But one day I promise you I will get you free. I don't know how but I will" Hunith promised
"My lady remember a decade or two is but a wink of an eye to me, it is you that needs to be free you and Emrys, if you get the chance leave me and the old one the boy is the most important, destiny needs his freedom" Kilgarrah flew up into the cave. Hunith always found he spoke plainer with her than with Gaius when he often spoke in riddles. But them the great dragon had always been good to her. Hunith carefully made her way out and past the sleeping guards. She may not have Gaius's potions but she knew to arrive after the man had eaten there main meal. They were always dozy then and never expected anyone to visit such a fearsome beast.
The next morning the Prince and Knights had breakfast and broke up camp then headed out towards where recent bandit activity had been reported. Merlin and Edwin once more on their old worn out horses. Arthur called Merlin up by him "Stay by my side boy" he growled, in honesty not that he would admit it he wanted the youngster close in case they were attacked. Not for his safety ironically but so he could make sure the young sorcerer wasn't hurt. As they rode he handed Merlin another apple.
"Eat that" he told Merlin with a smile. He wasn't sure what it was but there was defiantly something about Merlin that made the Prince feel protective of him. Merlin flashed him a goofy grin and bit into the apple with delight.
The group rode through the morning and it was nearing noon when they were attacked by a large group of bandits. The two sorcerer's collars were set so they could fight, their main duty was to protect the knights or in Merlin's case the Prince. Although they were outnumbered two too one and the other side also had a sorcerer the fight didn't last long. The enemy sorcerer escaped but the rest of the bandits were killed. Only two minor injuries were sustained by the knights.
Arthur suspected that Edwin had held back allowing the sorcerer to escape and wondered whether his father's collars were as effective as he thought. But at the end of the day he didn't blame the man. After all he was being forced to kill and if he could save one of his own kind it was only to be expected. Merlin was at the edge of the site and was throwing up against a tree. Arthur walked across to him and put a hand on his shoulder "Are you injured?" he asked.
Merlin looked up at him looking very ashamed. "No Sire, but I killed and that is wrong, magic should not be used that way"
"I'm sorry Merlin, but in killing you save one of us." Arthur knew the boy was being forced and he was so young for such a task, especially as he hadn't chosen to join them. He turned and called out "Edwin"
The sorcerer arrived by Arthur's side "Can you look after Merlin for a bit, killing still comes hard for him"
Edwin looked at Arthur in disgust "It comes hard to any who kill against their own wish and Merlin is but a lad, Sire"
The Sire was said with less than respect. "I know that Edwin" Arthur walked off not saying more.