Welp here's the chapter. Not proofread, cause I'm a lazy little poop. Anyways this one is mainly explaining things to Arthur Gwen and Morgana, as well as explaining that cliffhanger. Mildred is okay. Merlin whump in the next chapter.

Arthur's horse had been readied along with Morgana's and Merlin's which Gwen was riding. The horse was stubborn, and only liked Merlin but it tolerated Gwen. The horse had a calm temper, but it almost took on Merlin's personality when Arthur was around. It was almost like having the warlock there.

They were heading out on the path. "So Uther really believed you?"

Morgana smiled, "It was incredibly easy. Surprising, really. If I didn't need his approval for this trip I would have told him to kill himself." She said nonchalantly in response to Arthur's question. Gwen found it humorous but said nothing, only giving a knowing look to Morgana, she didn't want Arthur to say she was committing treason.

The path was rather clear til they got deeper into the forest. Arthur was one who liked to lead, but seeing as it was Morgana who knew the way to the Druid camp she took the lead. A smirk on her face much to Arthur's dismay.

"What will we do when we get Merlin back?" Gwen asked. "The king will surely have him killed if he returns."

Arthur contemplated the question, "We'll bring back Aredian and accuse him of lying and deceit to the throne."

Morgana turned her head, "And what of Merlin? Are we just going to let him hide out in a cloak, or even better let's put him in a pointy hat so he draws even less attention to himself." Her tone was sarcastic.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "I was thinking we would keep him in one of the dungeons, make sure Leon, or someone I trust is making sure he is fed properly and well taken care of. That way he's still a prisoner til we accuse of Aredian."

Gwen nodded, "How would we accuse of Aredian though?"

Morgana smirked, "I have an idea."

"No, no magic. We will do this the good normal way."

Morgana stopped her horse and turned it around, "Are you saying I'm not normal because I have magic, Arthur?"

"Morgana, you have never been normal."

Morgana narrowed her eyes, and Gwen attempted to stifle her laughter. "Maybe we should hear what Merlin, or Gaius thinks we should do?" she offered.

"Brilliant idea Gwen, no use making the plan without a key player," Arthur said, pretending like the idea was all his own.

"Isn't that what you do as your job?" Morgana jested.

Arthur ignored the comment. And Gwen spoke again, "Speaking of Gaius, do you think he knows? Of Merlin's magic?"

Morgana replied, "I think he might. I think he knows a lot more than he lets on. His eyebrow probably holds more secrets than the vaults."

Gwen and Arthur laughed at the comment. It seemed to make sense that Gaius knew of Merlin's abilities. Merlin probably saved his mentor with it, he seemed to do that, not like Arthur knew that or anything.

As they continued further into the forest, Arthur began to notice things. Broken branches, tracks, things that showed scuffles had occurred. When the approached the camp, the bad signs just got worse. It was clear it had been raided.

Where the druids were though, that was uncertain. Morgana hopped off her horse, "What happened here?"

Arthur followed in suit, "A fight, or more, someone was after them." He looked around, "It was recent," he had bent down and was examining one of the fire pits.

He looked to the ground, "A large group went that way, but they were not druids, some kind of soldiers."

Gwen spoke, "You don't think Uther sent them do you?"

Arthur shook his head, "No, the order would have had to go through me first." He continued scanning the area, he saw many foot prints, all heading in various directions. He wondered if he followed a few sets, if they would eventually lead to the same place. It was worth a try.

So that's what the group did. They followed a set of tracks that looked like it was more than one Druid. Arthur was correct they ended up meeting with others. They were lead to an area that was in the face of a cliff of a ravine, a cave.

Arthur hopped off his horse, and removed his weapons he wanted to show he was here in peace. Morgana did the same.

They approached the cave and that was when they heard a young voice, "Morgana!"

She looked in the direction, and it was Mordred. Mordred looked to Arthur and Gwen giving them both nods of acknowledgment.

A druid with graying hair came up, he gave them smiles, "Prince Arthur, welcome. I am Elisedd." He gave a bow.

Morgana looked around, the Druids seemed frightened. "What happened?" she asked. Mordred who had hugged her looked down at the ground.

Elisedd frowned, "I'm afraid I bring no good news, we were attacked."

Arthur stiffened he reached for the hilt of his sword but realized it wasn't there. "By who?"

"Knights of Essetir."

Arthur's eyes hardened. He did not like the sound of that, "Why were they so far in Camelot's territory?"

A red headed woman came forward, "I believe I can answer."

Elisedd stepped in and looked at the woman, "Mildred please go rest, your ordeal has been anything but easy."

Mildred glared at him, "I'll have you know I am the healer here, and I know full well how much rest I need." She looked to Arthur, who had a feeling he was going to take a liking to her, "I believe they were after Merlin."

Gwen's hands went to her mouth, and Morgana went to give her a side embrace for comfort. She then asked, "Why were they after Merlin, sure his town is in Essetir, but Cenred has never paid any mind to it."

Mildred frowned, "My lady, I do not feel as that was the reason."

Morgana's eyes widened, she looked to Mordred, and they had a silent exchange. Morgana paled and looked as if she had seen a ghost.

"Pleas why don't you three sit," She offered. Morgana and Gwen did so. Arthur remained standing. Merlin had once mentioned that when Arthur sat he could see how tense he was. "I was not with Merlin when he was brought here. For his safety of course, but he was not in good shape."

Elisedd then supplied a portion of the story, "I, Mordred, and two friends Brennus and Cathasach followed him, thanks to a tip from Morgana. He was, I fear to be utilized in some way by King Cenred."

Arthur's fists clenched. He wanted to declare war, but he couldn't do that, not over a servant as his father would say. But he wanted to. He would, Merlin was worth a war, sorcerer or not.

Mildred continued the story, "I helped with his wounds, though, his wrists were not something I see being healed, at least not for a long time. We heard our warning of an attack. I was tasked to help him leave since he was in my care. On our way were surrounded. He bargained to save my life."

Morgana shook her head, "That sounds like him. I bet he didn't use magic to save himself either."

Mildred shook her head, "He used it to help me though."

Gwen felt the tears prick the corners of her eyes, and she rubbed them away quickly with her hand. "He always will think of others before himself."

"Stupid, selfless, servant." Arhtur mumbled. "Thank you for telling us."

Mildred nodded, "You will get him back, Prince Arthur."

Arthur sighed, "Or he'll kill himself trying to get back to me." It was meant as a joke, but the truth and validity of the statement hit Arthur. Merlin would do that. He wasn't sure if Merlin was brave, or just completely stupid, it was probably both.

"What are we going to do?" Gwen asked when the druids let them be. The news was hard, and they were understanding people. Mordred however stayed.

Arthur looked at her, "Going to get him would be an act of war."

"It's probably what they want. They are probably prepared for a war of some kind." Morgana responded.

Arthur nodded, "Very true, so our best bet, is to rescue him."

Mordred spoke, "I can help."