Arthur's close friends had been supportive but he needed time and space to get himself together. He was in a state and really couldn't deal with them, all he wanted to do was see Merlin for himself. It was the only thing that would convince him that his husband was coming home. It was several hours later when Lance received word about Merlin's injuries and by then Morgana was on hand and Hunith had got up and was resting on the sofa.

"From what I have been told Merlin has a wound from a bayonet received as they were being rescued. He received a long gash across the chest and neck as well as a flesh injury to his face. He has been stitched up and had a blood transfusion. He will still be able to come back with the others." Lance looked at the couple. "Please try not to worry he is getting the very best of care and will fly back on a fully equipped and staffed plane with other casualties that are being repatriated."

Arthur and Hunith wouldn't believe Merlin was safe until they saw him with their own eyes. Some relief came within the hour, Gwaine was on skype and he spoke to Hunith and Arthur who were overjoyed to see him, even if Hunith was still a bit light headed from the sedation. Gwaine told Hunith that Merlin was still asleep would call later once he was awake enough. But he reassured her and Arthur that Merlin was OK. As was he, although they could see what difference his captivity had had on him. Gwaine had clearly lost a lot of weight.

"I know you both wanted to speak to Merlin, but he safe and receiving the best of care. I'm so sorry Arthur I couldn't keep him safe" Gwaine sounded devastated

"You did your best Gwaine and what's more you are both alive" Arthur reassured his friend Hunith agreeing.

"That's mainly due to Merl that we got through it, he was so strong he kept us motivated" Gwaine admitted.

It was a further three hours before a sleepy Merlin spoke to Arthur and Hunith via skype. They could both see he looked thinner and very pale, not his normal self. Merlin had a dressing across the left hand side of his face and was lying in a hospital bed. He had trouble speaking as his face was still numb. But it was just so good to see him. "I told you, you would lose weight without me to look after you" Arthur said softly "Once you are home me and your mum will soon feed you up"

Merlin rolled his eyes but it was clear he was as overjoyed as they were at being able to see each other. They chatted for a time but then Merlin closed his eyes and a nurse told them she would have to cut them off. But she reassured them Merlin was doing well. Before Merlin disappeared from the scene Arthur saved an image of his husband.

Morgana and Leon decided they needed to celebrate and after getting Arthur's permission rang their close friends and they had a small but happy celebration at Arthur's. Although Arthur insisted it be low key but that they would have a real party when Merlin and Gwaine were home and feeling up to it.

It would be three days before the men where back in the UK and the day after the men's recovery Arthur was spoken to by an Army doctor who told Arthur that Merlin had been present when both of the men had been beheaded and blamed himself for not saving them.

"You need to know for when he gets home. He has taken it hard. Altogether 23 of his troop died and a further 13 injured of whom 8 were serious, from the crash and what happened afterwards. Lieutenant Emrys was their commander in the field, so it is understandable that he feels he is to blame. Although he has been assured that he is not and no blame will show on his record. He will get professional help, but as always it's the family have the largest involvement" The doctor explained. "He insisted on knowing and nothing would have been gained by withholding that information."

Arthur was upset by the numbers and what Merlin must be going through. He took everything that happened to his men very personally, often seeming to sacrifice his own wellbeing rather than see his men suffer. This would surely come close to breaking him. Arthur asked "What can I do? And when will he be back? He needs me"

"You will be able to see him when he gets back in two days, you will just need to give him time to recover, let him talk if he wants to. The professionals will help you both through this." The doctor explained.

Arthur was also contacted by the Prime Minister who phoned Arthur just after he had received the news "Mr Pendragon the government and I would like to say how pleased we are that your husband and his men are safe. I told you we would do everything we could and we did…."

Arthur cut him off in mid-sentence not wanting to hear it. "No the Army and the SAS rescued them, you would have left them to rot. I hope you don't try to make political capital out of this because if you do I will give my side" Arthur was bitter about the whole issue. "And please don't turn up when they arrive back in the UK. Because it is not wanted" with that he put the phone down, not caring if he was being rude.

Hunith looked at her son in law "Arthur" she admonished "It wasn't easy for them either you know. One day you will see that"

"Hunith what I said was the truth. The Government sends our boys out to fight in wars without risk to themselves. Yet when the crunch comes they hide behind words and blame someone else. Harry Patch was right the leaders should fight if that's what they want, and leave our young men and women out of it!"

Hunith put her arms round the blonde and hugged him "We will have him back soon" she looked up tears in her eyes "I hope he decides to leave the army now, but you have to promise me you won't try to force him. Merlin is stubborn of you do, he will stay in"

Arthur stiffened "I won't let him!" then he looked down at Hunith "I couldn't cope if he did and nor could you, but I won't push him unless I have to, that's all I can promise." Arthur had tears in his eyes as he spoke. "But for now all I want to do is hold him"