I'm surprised at the lack of reviews for the last chapter, apart from georgiaj3...I hope you are all still enjoying this story! :)
Chapter Three (Arthur's POV):
Arthur woke to find himself alone in the forest in broad daylight, and was about to call for Merlin - a natural reaction, his servant was always nearby - before remembering.
Merlin was a sorcerer. He had magic, he had betrayed Camelot, but more importantly, he had betrayed him.
His king, his master...his friend?
No, friendship was not allowed between a master and his servant.
Friendship was most definitely NOT allowed between the king of Camelot and a sorcerer!
Merlin...Merlin of all people! How could it be even possible...?!
No words could describe the rage of his emotions.
Wonder, puzzlement, anger, betrayal.
To think, his servant had been practising magic under his very nose!
Arthur attempted to get up, but it was a struggle to even sit, and he fell back with a sigh.
Now Merlin was gone, he had no one to help him or...Arthur suddenly realised, no one even knew where he was, or if he was even alive.
Merlin would be long gone now, far away from Camelot, where its king wouldn't be able to execute him.
Arthur's eyes opened with shock...did he want to execute Merlin?
A snap of twigs nearby jolted him from his thoughts.
It was probably a bandit. How the hell was he going to fight if he was wounded? The bandit would pick him off easily!
Drawing his sword from its scabbard, he realised he looked ridiculous, lying down like an invalid while trying to hold a sword upright.
Making a strong attempt, Arthur managed to get to his knees before dropping his sword and falling back to where he started as he reached for it.
Cursing silently, he then caught sight of the figure through the gap in leaves from the trees.
Red and blue.
He was looking the other way, but there was no mistaking who it was.
Arthur relaxed, only to tense up again as the boy's head turned towards him.
Arthur instantly shut his eyes and ordered himself to remain still and breathe deeply, as if asleep, although his heart was thumping at an accelerated speed.
He heard Merlin make his way towards him slowly. "Arthur?" He whispered.
Arthur heard the tone in his voice, hoping that his king was still sleeping.
He internally agreed that for both their sakes, he should feign sleep, so he didn't respond.
But one thought raced through his mind constantly.
He had come back. Even after the threats, Merlin had returned to his friend's side.
Arthur had no idea how long they remained like that, sensing that Merlin was sitting nearby and hadn't moved an inch.
He didn't think he could take it any more, being this close to his traitor friend and not being able to accuse him, when he heard Gaius' voice.
"Merlin?"
Arthur heard Merlin get up and, feeling like an intruder, listened in on their conversation.
"Merlin, you did the right thing. From what you told me, and what I could gather from my resources, Mordred's blade had been breathed upon by a dragon. Now, it isn't normal for a piece of a blade forged by a dragon's breath to snap so I believe it to also be enchanted by magic. We cannot hope to counter it, but he must be taken to the lake of Avalon, where all can be saved."
Gaius paused long enough for Arthur to hear Merlin whisper "Okay" when he spoke again. "Go and water the horses, I brought some herbal seeds to feed him and keep him strong - well, strong enough to reach the lake in time."
"Is that it? What about a bezoar?"
"A bezoar is not used in this case. It counters poison."
"But it could be, maybe magic will enhance its effects, maybe the sword has been poisoned, maybe - "
"Merlin. Go to the horses. Please."
Arthur couldn't believe his ears. Merlin was questioning Gaius' remedies? He must be really worried!
His eyes snapped open when he was sure Merlin had gone far enough away to not be able to hear them.
Grabbing his physician's arm, he leant in close. "Gaius...Merlin has magic..."
Gaius' lack of initial response startled Arthur, but he understood instantly.
"You knew." Wearily, he lay back down.
Of course Gaius knew, Merlin was his ward. How could he be so unseeing?
Gaius appraised him for a few seconds before responding. "Merlin was born with magic sire, it's woven into his very soul. You, sire, must see him with no doubt clouding your eyes. He is not like any other magical being you have known, for he will be the most powerful human to have walked this land. He has yet to fulfil his destiny of protecting you until no other danger rises."
Arthur blinked, a heartbeat of silence passed before "Merlin...? Before now I would have thought we weren't talking about the same boy."
Traces of a smile tinged Gaius' lips before he patted the king's shoulder. "You will understand in time, sire. For now, you two will travel to the lake of Avalon, the waters of which will heal your wound."
In a panic entirely unknown to the young king, Arthur grabbed Gaius' arm, darting a glance to where Merlin stood with the horses. "You're not leaving me with him?"
Gaius sighed, while simultaneously helping him up. "I'm afraid so. I must return to Camelot."
Arthur winced at the pain the embedded fragment gave him, and ripped the royal ring off his finger. "If - if anything should happen to me, during the journey..." alone with a sorcerer was left unsaid "I mean, if the sword eventually kills me - "
"Hush sire, do not mention such things."
"But I want Guinevere to know that I approve of her as the heir to the throne. Please - please pass this signet on to her..."
"I will not."
Arthur glanced up into the old man's face, surprised. There was a fierceness to Gaius' eyes not usually so dominating.
"You are the king sire, rightful heir for many years to come, should fate allow it. But you are not giving away your authority just yet."
"But - a precaution..."
"Do not presume you will not survive. You don't know our Merlin."
Arthur was helped onto a horse, while Merlin and Gaius said their farewells.
"No," he whispered "I don't..."
He wondered what kind of journey lay ahead for the king and the sorcerer.
Please review :)
I will now slightly alter the course of the episode's storyline, to suit the story :D
The journey of Merlin and Arthur has now begun! Adventures await :D