"It wasn't your fault," Merlin said, sounding a little groggy as he spoke.

"Shut up, Merlin," Arthur snapped. He turned his head to watch the bandits. Leon had stood up to flank them and Uther and the other knights were doing the same, closing in on the vulnerable pair. Arthur knew he should probably get up but now he was down holding Merlin seemed like the perfect excuse to hide the weakness he was feeling. He blinked little more than he ought to, trying to keep the world in focus. Gaius watched him and indicated to Gregory.

"Bring some water."

The servant hurried to do his bidding, putting it into Arthur's free hand and Gaius nodded at him, not commenting on the slight tremor of Arthur's muscles as he held the flask.

"It is for you Sire, but I would like to get some into Merlin."

"I'm fine, give me a minute," Merlin said, his voice still low, struggling to get past his throat. Arthur took several swallows for the sake of propriety before he offered it to Merlin. Merlin turned his head away.

"I feel sick."

Arthur handed the flask to his father. Uther nodded at him and Merlin found his head turned and tilted back. Uther's hand gripped his chin and water was carefully dribbled into his mouth. As he swallowed Uther increased the angle.

"Just drink it, Merlin."

Merlin did. He wasn't being given a great deal of choice. As he started to gag Uther stopped. Merlin's breath hitched a couple of times but the swirling of his stomach calmed as the water settled.

"Merlin can't ride, not the way he is," Arthur said.

"I'm fine," Merlin snapped. "I can manage."

"Merlin, you are not stable enough to ride behind someone and seating you in front would mean too much pressure on your back. You are not fit to ride."

"So you say."

"Yes, I do, Merlin, I do say."

Merlin then proved Arthur's point as he passed out. Arthur felt the weight press harder against him as Merlin went limp.

"Merlin?"

"He's just fainted Sire," Gaius said, trying not to sound anxious.

"We can't stay here," Uther said, looking around. "Put him over a horse, we just need to get them to the woods."

"They are not going to bother us now, father," Arthur said.

There were glances in the direction of the bandits, I'lian supervising the removal of his cousin's body. He didn't look all that upset by events. Without Barak in his way I'lian could do what he liked with the bandits. Had he wanted that, Arthur wondered to himself.

"We are safer off away from here," Uther said.

"I need a horse then. Gregory!"

At Arthur's command Gregory brought the large bay mare that he had been leading.

"We brought Alyssa for you My Lord. She's more than capable."

She was, Arthur thought. His oldest mare was a demon in battle, unfaltering in the joust and even liked Merlin. She took his incompetence in her stride, nipping and nudging him when he wasn't quite where she wanted him.

Arthur nodded at him and Gregory brought the horse close enough, without risking the two men on the ground under her feet. Arthur slowly started to move Merlin, lifting him off the ground with Leon's help.

Gaius stepped forward to supervise Merlin's transition as he was placed over the horse's withers. Alyssa snorted and stamped as she felt the weight, turning her head to sniff at what had been put there. Smelling Merlin she snorted again and turned back.

"Are you well enough to ride, My Lord," Gaius asked. Arthur took a deep breath, getting up was going to prove a little painful. Uther eased everyone out of the way and as Arthur took the reins and gripped the saddle, Uther hoisted Arthur up onto the mare's back. The king strained a little, but he managed to mount an armour clad Arthur with what appeared to be a minimal effort. It surprised even Arthur. The expression on his son's face made Uther smirk, and he patted Arthur's nearest leg.

The rest of them waited for Uther to mount his own horse before the rest of them followed suit. Arthur paused to turn and look in I'lian's direction again. The bandits were subdued now, they had the money but had also lost one of their own. It was through Barak's own folly that he had been killed. I'lian turned to glare at him, his eyes drifting down to Merlin's pliant form over Arthur's horse. Then he met Arthur's gaze again. The rest of the bandits had gone, carrying the body of their dead comrade. Then I'lian turned away, following the rest of his men. Arthur turned his horse, moving carefully as he walked Alyssa forward.

Arthur had to be careful. He didn't want to disturb Merlin, nor himself. As Alyssa negotiated the uneven ground she jolted him once or twice, making Arthur wince. He gritted his teeth as the pain rippled up his side, and he swayed in the saddle as his head started to swim. It was going to be a long ride back to Camelot. Arthur took a deep breath and pressed on, pausing as he felt Merlin's weight shift, and the youth tensed, raising his head.

"What happened? Why am I…?" Merlin paused, assessing his position.

"You fainted, it seemed the easiest way to move you," Arthur said.

"Well, I'm all right now, let me up."

"No, Merlin, let's just get out of sight and into the woods."

"Oh, 'cos that will be safer," Merlin snapped back at him. Gaius interrupted the bickering before they could get into full flow.

"There are soldiers waiting there, and we have a cart. I've got plenty of medical supplies. Once we get there you can both rest in the vehicle."

Uther glanced at Arthur, who nodded, only by a small degree but Arthur made it clear enough to his father that he was going to have to concede. The last few days had been stressful, both mentally and physically. Arthur knew when to admit the weakness.

"I'm fine," Merlin continued to protest, kicking his legs a little. "This is undignified."

"Oh, because you are the epitome of elegance the rest of the time," Arthur sniped.

"What would you know, crashing about in your armour," Merlin asked Arthur.

"I do not crash about."

Uther raised his eyebrows, and glanced around the rest of the group. Gaius was staring at Merlin with some disapproval, and concern. The knights in the group, by the looks on their faces, appeared to be entirely used to hearing Arthur and Merlin carry on like this.

"We haven't got far to go," Uther announced, scanning the area, glancing behind. Sir Bors and Sir Rupert were bringing up the rear, checking behind them as they travelled. The open ground was clear of any threats, and they were nearly to the tree line. Leon rode ahead with Oric. Uther was on Arthur's right and Gaius on his left, Gregory trotting just behind them.

"As soon as we are concealed Oric can ride forward to call the rest of the men, My Lord," Leon said to Uther. "The scouts should be watching, so they may do so anyway."

"Very well, I wish to waste no time."

"I can probably treat Arthur in the cart, while we're moving, Sire," Gaius said. Uther nodded.

"I did receive some treatment and I washed Merlin's back, and used some ointment," Arthur informed Gaius. Merlin's clothing had ridden up his back, thanks to his unfortunate position. Arthur didn't touch the damaged skin but he moved the shirt a little to reveal more of Merlin's back, wincing as he stared at the red raw welts. Merlin gave a huff of protest and attempted to keep his shirt from falling over his head.

"It seems to be fine, Sire," Gaius said. "But it wouldn't hurt to ensure it stays clean."

"I am fine, I don't need treating," Merlin objected.

"It might be a wise idea to perhaps strap him down, to prevent him applying pressure to the wounds," Uther said, watching the interaction. All he could currently see of Merlin was his backside and legs, but he had glimpsed the wounds briefly. Even the king had to privately admit it was brutal, and possibly, knowing the way that his son acted towards his servant, more a lesson for Arthur than any need to discipline Merlin.

As Uther spoke, Merlin went still, and quiet. He'd almost forgotten the presence of the king. Eventually Merlin broke the silence.

"I'll be good," he said, his voice taking on just the mildest strain.

"I hardly think that will be necessary father," Arthur said.

"Very well," Uther said. Proving his own thoughts, that it did not take any severe discipline to pull Merlin back into line and that Arthur never approved of it anyway.

That ended the conversation, as the group rode slowly into the trees, to be greeted by a soldier waiting for them. A little further down the path the cart was waiting. Five soldiers in position surrounding it. Uther ordered them to scout. They were all of the opinion that the bandits would not risk attacking them but Uther wasn't taking any chances.

Arthur pulled Alyssa to a halt and waited for two of the knights to carefully help Merlin down. Then Arthur, just as carefully, dismounted. He clung to the saddle as the world spun round him, obscenely fast. Then he felt someone take his arm.

"Sire," Leon said politely.

Arthur let him lead him to the cart and Arthur clambered in. There was a cluster of covers and a mattress set up for him. The prince felt a little ashamed at needing it, so he turned to Leon.

"Merlin had better take that."

"Sire, we can find some blankets for Merlin," Leon said.

Arthur just felt too tired to argue further, he let Leon put him on the bed and then as Merlin was helped in Leon offered Gaius his own bedroll, and so did Gregory. Merlin looked like he didn't want to complain either, although he protested a little feebly. In the end, however, he flopped face down on the proffered bedding.

"Do you need any help Gaius?" Gregory asked, carefully clambering in.

"Help Merlin undress, I'll look after the prince."

Arthur grunted through gritted teeth as he pulled his glove off his left hand. The stiff leather had given him some support, but the broken fingers were swollen and bruised, and looked worse than before. Arthur gritted his teeth and distracted himself from the pain by watching Gregory help Merlin. The servant adopted the simple strategy of easing Merlin's shirt and jacket up and then as Merlin lifted his arms Gregory just pulled the whole lot clear, with Merlin's head disappearing into the material as Gregory pulled to try and free him. Arthur gave a huff of laughter and as Merlin's head appeared he glared up at the prince. Gregory carried on pulling the material down Merlin's outstretched arms.

"What's so funny?"

"Ah!" Arthur gasped, tensed as Gaius suddenly reset his fingers. It made Arthur's eyes water.

"Gregory, I need that wooden splint."

Without a word he handed it over, and Gaius started to bind the broken fingers up.

"You removed the splint?" Gaius said.

"Yes, once, another time it fell off."

"This one has to stay on. The swelling around it will help hold the bone in place. It has to have time to heal. Gregory, just use water to bath those wounds and then apply that ointment. Merlin, keep still."

"Sorry," Merlin said, ceasing wriggling to look at what Gaius was doing.

Gregory again had to pause his treatment of Merlin to help Gaius get Arthur out of his armour and chain mail. Arthur gave a gasp of relief as it was removed and Arthur removed his shirt, wincing as he lifted his arms to pull it clear. At Gaius' order to lay back Arthur complied without hesitation, closing his eyes as he relaxed.

"Have you any other injuries Sire?" Gaius asked.

"A cut to my hip," Arthur said, loosening his trousers and moving them to reveal the damage. Gaius peered at it, checking the flesh around the gash for infection.

"This has been well treated. Merlin did you do this?"

"No, he didn't," Arthur murmured, sounding half asleep. "I'lian's son Galen did."

Gaius raised his eyebrows and said nothing. Arthur opened one eye and then closed it again.

"He's done a good job," Gaius eventually said.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The cart moved along at a slow steady pace. Uther had no desire to stop, and the knights pushed themselves to try and stay alert, they would have to pause eventually, but it would be close enough to Camelot for Uther to feel it was safe enough. Uther didn't doubt that Sir I'lian would leave the situation alone. There were rules surrounding this type of transaction. Unspoken rules, but they were usually followed. And it didn't seem to Uther that I'lian would mourn the passing of his cousin.

When they did eventually stop Arthur and Merlin didn't notice. They were both sleeping deeply, and stayed so as the camp was quickly set up. Uther made his way across the camp to the cart, opening the back to clamber in. He moved lightly, so Arthur wouldn't stir. The light from the torches outside pushed through the fabric of the carts cover to allow him to see the two people inside.

Arthur lay on his back, head tilted to one side, towards Merlin, who was sprawled face down, one arm tucked under his head the other flung out across the space towards Arthur. In returned, Arthur's hand was also out, resting gently on Merlin's forearm, holding him with a light grip.

Uther felt his jaw tense as he looked at them, Arthur's concern towards Merlin obvious. He resisted the urge to go in a separate them. It would no doubt wake them both up, when both of them needed to get some rest. Arthur's ribs were now bound up, the wound on his hip cleaned again, and his fingers reset. Merlin's back was exposed, the vicious welts on show. Quite often Uther had to resist the urge to send the impudent boy who was his son's manservant for a flogging, now and again only biting his tongue at the last minute.

As annoying as Merlin was, he was also loyal and he cared about Arthur. He had saved his life.

"Sire?" Gaius' voice snapped him out of his contemplation. Uther turned and glanced down at the physician, who was looking at Merlin. Very carefully Uther climbed back out of the cart.

"Arthur will be fine, once he's rested."

Uther nodded.

"And Merlin?" it was part question, part reassurance. Gaius winced.

"He may unfortunately be scarred. The whip used was brutal, and I can only presume Barak was the one who did it."

"That would explain Arthur's reaction," Uther said. "He is rather overprotective of him."

"You make that sound like a bad thing, My Lord."

"I know you are fond of the boy, but Arthur should not be risking himself for one person."

Gaius looked at Uther steadily. The pause between them heavy with something that Uther couldn't entirely define.

"With respect Sire, there is only one person that Arthur risks himself for, and you allow it."

Uther blinked, glancing back into the cart to look at Arthur, who, from the time he was born had been trained and taught to be a prince, and to be a king. It was what Uther wanted, and needed, it was important for the good of the kingdom. Gaius watched Uther for a moment and then turned away.

"Goodnight, My Lord."