Chapter 5

Trotting along the woodland path keeping a steady pace, while trying to recall the wisdom of her one-and-only horse riding lesson undertaken years ago, Rose found herself enjoying the journey. The handsome man beside her admittedly aided the effects of the scenery, but the forest and approaching castle walls held an appeal all of their own.

Seeing far off futures and experiencing alien landscapes on distant planets was amazing and she wouldn't give it up for the world, but witnessing the past, and not just that but the past on Earth, well, it was more exhilarating by far.

"So Arthur, can I call you Arthur?" Not waiting to see if he would object Rose carried on: "How are things?"

The young King looked at her and seemed to be stuck between bemusement and irritation. Luckily the former won out.

"All is well with Camelot, if that's what you're asking." He stated, turning slightly on his horse to address her.

"Good, good," Rose sounded. "Guinevere all right?"

At this question the King brought his horse to a sudden halt and spinning around pinned Rose with a strong glare.

"How do you know Gwen?" he demanded and Rose figured that she had once again put her foot in it.

"Doctor!" she yelled before turning back to face the King with a hesitant smile. "Would you believe me if I said lucky guess?"

"Ok. Where to begin?"

"I've always found the beginning works best." Merlin teased before continuing on his walk, looking over his shoulder to throw the pair a cheeky grin.

"I like him." Jack declared, shoving his hands in his pockets as he moved to follow the boy.

"You would." The Doctor muttered before carrying on. "We haven't got years so the beginning won't quite work. Let's start with this morning and go from there."

The threesome began strolling along the woodland road, content for a few moments to just let the scenery wash over them.

"You know we know, right?" The Doctor continued after a while.

Both Jack and Merlin didn't seem to know. At all if the dumbstruck looks had anything to say about it.

"About you being a Warlock?" he prompted.

Merlin quickly opened his mouth to refute the statement but was silenced by the Doctor's raised eyebrow.

"Well, we know."

"But its ok." Jack hastened to assure him. "We won't tell anyone. Your secrets safe with us."

Merlin didn't look too convinced.

"It is." The Doctor reassured. "We're not here to cause trouble. Promise."

Merlin came to a sudden stop and spun to face the pair of men behind him. Restraining them with a steely look, his eyes glinting gold, Merlin had reached the end of his patience.

"Then why are you here? And you still haven't answered my question. Who are you?"

The Doctor opened his mouth to reply when a yell pierced the clearing.

"Doctor!"

Looking at each other Jack and the Doctor shared mirrored looks of exasperation.

"What's she done now?" Jack questioned as the pair took off on a jog to where Rose was probably in danger. Again. 'But let's face it' he thought, 'things wouldn't be the same without her.'

Rounding the bend to see Rose falling off a rearing horse, screaming at the top of her lungs, Jack realised things wouldn't be half as entertaining either. And he wouldn't have it any other way.