A/N: Thank you all so very much for your reviews etc. It is very much appreciated. Apologise for the lateness in updating. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 3

Arthur watched as the sun disappeared behind the ridge and blanketed them in darkness - save the fire which was now lit at Merlin's feet. Several hours had passed and Merlin had drifted in and out of consciousness. Conversation had all but petered out and all that was left was the eerie silence which swept over the forest like the darkness creeping in.

High up on the hill a familiar face was watching them from under her hood her dark eyes shone golden in the growing darkness. She smiled her wicked grin and laughed.

"You are in a dilemma my dear brother" Morgana held a small amulet in front of her, the small jewel on its surface glowed blue. "shame you will not see dawn" She began to chant, the language of the old religion spilled from her mouth and within a blinding flash the amulet was all but gone. And with that she turned and departed with the grin on her face.

As the essence of magic swept over the forest and the two friends, Merlin's eyes shot open. He looked around in panic for a moment. His reaction had not gone unnoticed.

"What is it Merlin?" Arthur rolled his eyes at his servant.

"Nothing"

"One of your funny feelings again?" Arthur mocked him, but realised that he was far from joking.

"Maybe" The warlock replied, looking from the blacked forest back to Arthur. The kings face dropped. Unfortunately many of Merlin's 'funny feelings' had resulted in something.

"Well its a good job no one knows we are here then isn't it" Arthur threw a few more pieces onto the fire and the flames danced upward in excitement. "and besides, by tomorrow morning my knights will be out looking for us, if they are not doing so already"

Merlin half heartedly smiled and tried to evade the feeling of magic from his being. But somehow he could not shake the feeling that there was something lurking in the shadows. He could not rest until he could find out what it was.

A couple of hours had passed by the time Arthur began to moan of his hunger. He had already raided Merlins satchel and eaten half his servants emergency supply of apples and cheese. They had very little left to last the night.

"I need to go" Merlin piped up from his position by the fire. He began to pull himself up and the King was by his side to aid him. "I'm fine Arthur" Merlin batted his friends hand away as he managed to stand alone with all but a small groan. He hobbled forward, surprised that he was able to do so much without the aid of his friend, every step caused a barrage of pain to shoot up Merlin's side. "I wont be a second" he moaned, hiding the discomfort as best he could, but Arthur could see it written on his face. He needed Gaius, and he needed him soon.

Merlin staggered several meters away from the fire under the watchful eye of the King. He turned his back and relieved his full bladder. As he went to turn back a small rustle caught his attention. He opened his mouth to shout his friend but within a split second he was sent sprawling to the ground. The warlock managed stifle a small scream from the agony which ripped his side as he hit the dirt.

"Arthur!" He moaned out, his head swimming. But it was too late, the creature was already on the King. Luckily for Arthur he was fast, and on his feet in a flash, sword drawn and ready.

The creature was taller than the King and nothing more than what seemed like a giant snake. Its blue shining eyes pierced into Arthurs, causing terror to run through his veins. He would not show it though. Its long tongue licked outward, tasting the air, and tasting the panic within it. It hissed, shaking the leaves and branches nearby. Arthur swung his sword, hitting the snake square on, the blade shattered against its scales and shattered his only remaining good arm with it. He screamed.

"Leave him alone!" Merlin had clambered to his feet and stood strong behind the creature. It turned in a flash, and rapidly lunged for the warlock, Merlin dodged sluggishly and far too slow and its fangs caught him neat in the shoulder, piecing his skin and tearing it. Merlin stood strong, even though the pain was almost unbearable. The creature bowled him back to the ground and his head struggled to keep him conscious as it bared down on him, tongue licking at his face.

"Merlin!" Arthur's voice came through the servants hazy hearing. The snake turned once again, hissing in annoyance it turned back to the king and charged again. Arthur could not win this battle, this creature was magical and Merlin knew it, he needed to do something and fast.

Arthur was helpless. His other arm now broken he struggled to grab his remaining dagger from his belt but the pain was too intense. He was a sitting duck and the serpent scooped him up, sinking its jaw and fangs into the king.

"No" Merlin was back on his feet, he did not know were his energy was coming from but it was draining fast, he managed to pitch forward grabbing his own sword from the ground.

"Leave me" Arthur whispered weakly from within the serpents grasp, "it's over Merlin"

"Not if i have anything to do with it" Warlocks eyes glowed golden and he chanted, the ancient tongue flowed. Arthurs eyes widened in horror of his servants unnatural stance and voice. The sword in his the warlocks hand began to radiate a brilliant white and his chanting became almost deafening to the kings ears. As he finished in one battle cry Merlin plunged the glowing sword into the beast.

It screamed, dropping the king it convulsed onto its side and Merlin brought the sword down in several blows watching as the creatures life drained from it. Only once he saw its eyes glaze over he turned to his friend, dropping to his knees beside Arthurs, he was all but spent. He gasped for air and struggled against the blinding pain he felt for the Kings pulse finding a weak thready one.

"You have magic!" Arthur muttered, breath escaping him and struggling to stay conscious.

"Don't talk Arthur, not now" Merlin cradled his head and tried best not to touch his broken arms. The king glowered at him trying to move from his grasp he did not stop staring him in the eye with disgust.

"You betrayed me" He murmured, his hostile eyes fluttering shut, "I" he shook his head weakly "I trusted you" he struggled weakly and with that he lost all consciousness and his breathing swallowed considerable.

"No" Merlin shook him gently, "your not dying on me Arthur, not now" Arthur made no effort to wake, his breathing slowed and finally ceased.

"No!" Merlins eyes brimmed with salt water, "Arthur!" he screamed, and then and his body began to give out his muttered out in ancient tongue once again.

"O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo"