Merlin continued strolling through town. It was a very lovely evening with not a cloud in the sky and a slight breeze. He continued walking and noticed people gathering at the castle court yard. An execution. Merlin dreaded these things. He looked up and saw a regal looking man perched on the balcony where he could view the execution perfectly. He was surveying the parameter and his eyes met Merlin's. For a second he just stared but then his face was filled with anger. He was leaning against the railing and stood straight up.

"You!" He shouted and all eyes met Merlin.

He just stood there having no idea what was happening. People began whispering around him making Merlin feel slightly embarrassed. What was going on? What had he done? Merlin glanced back up at the man who was now gone. He quickly turned on his heel and made his way out of there. He was almost running and weaved through the busy men and women. He looked back and realized he was being followed now. He turned around and tripped over a box that was next to one of the shops. His face met the ground and his legs flipped over him. He rolled onto his back and laid there for a moment trying to process what just happened. He sat up and saw the person who was following him. He looked straight into Merlin's eyes and walked up to him. He stood in front of Merlin and held out his hand. Merlin stood up on his own.

"Uh-hi?" Said Merlin suspiciously.

"Hello, Merlin. So we meet again?"

"I'm sorry? Who are you?"

"Oh. You're trying to tell me you don't remember me?" He snickered evilly.

"Yes I am." Said Merlin innocently.

"Why don't you come with me. Hm?" He reached for Merlin's arm, who jerked away.

"No." Said Merlin defensively.

He gave the man a confused, slightly angry look and backed up. He turned around and ran away. Once he was out of the man's sight he stopped, bending over catching his breathe for a moment. When he looked up he was startled to see the man again, but he was accompanied by two large men.

"What do you want with me?" He asked quite frightened.

"No harm will come to you."

"I don't know who you are!"

"Just come with me."

"No!" Merlin tried to get away from the two men who grabbed both of his arms. The grip was too tight. He struggled, looking up and them and back at the man. "Stop!"

"This would be much easier if you wouldn't fight it." He smirked.

One of the men held a cloth up to Merlin's nose and mouth. His vision blurred accompanied by a horrible head ache and he blacked out.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Come in," answered Giaus.

Arthur quietly stepped in.

"Oh hello, Sire."

"Where is Merlin?" Asked Arthur.

"He went for a walk, but I did not expect him to be out this long." Giaus looked worried.

"You let him go out while he is still injured?"

"Well yes. I gave him some intense pain relievers and if he doesn't come back soon they will wear off and-"

"Giaus! I know he's not fully recovered. "

"Yes, sire."

"And you let him go out for a walk?"

" Sire, the medicine I gave him is one of the finest in the land. It could help a man not feel his hand was cut off."

"I'm going to go look for him."

Arthur swiftly exited and headed for the village. He didn't know why he felt so protective over Merlin. It wasn't his fault he was injured but it felt like it was. Arthur was overcome by guilt and wished to repay Merlin. To make up for what he had done. His throat burned as he held back tears. It was his fault. The more he though of it the more guilt spread through his body. He suddenly realized why he what he was doing. Find Merlin. As he turned a corner he ran into Gwen.

"Oh, Guinevere."

"Hello, Arthur." A fein smile spread across her face.

"Have you by any chance seen Merlin?" He asked looking down at his feet.

Gwen's face turned a bit more serious,"Yes. I saw him walking. He seemed fine but I just thought it was awful soon for him to be up and about."

"As did I. Giaus said merlin had been out too long and was worried."

"Well... Maybe, Arthur, you should find him and see if he is alright." She gave him an stern look.

He blushed slightly and walked off. She made him feel even worse.

He didn't know where to start so he just walked around looking for him. He looked ahead and thought he saw something on the ground. He walked up to it and squatted next to it. He picked it up and realized it was something familiar. Merlin's neckerchief. This didn't seem right. He stood back up and looked ahead. There was a shadowy alley way right in front of him. He had never noticed it before. He slowly stepped into the darkness. It seemed as though all the noise and busyness of the town faded in the shadows of the alley. He slowly walked further down, his boots clicking on the cobblestone. It was eventually pitch black. Arthur felt very uncomfortable walking in the dark but continued forward with his hands in front of him. As he walked along he took another step and rather than the hard stone under his feet he felt his foot sink slightly in sand. He took another step and both of his boots sunk in the sand. He took another step and noticed he was now walking on a decline. He took and step and stumbled. It was very steep. And the sand was wet. He felt his feet sink more until it was eventually to his knees. He pulled as hard as he could to pull his legs out. He began to panic and struggle, but the more he struggle to deeper he went. He quit moving and continued to sink. He was up to his shoulders now and as the sand touched his neck and filled his shirt he felt the pressure on his feet suddenly relieved. His chin was covered and he felt his feet dangling freely. As the sand made its way to his mouth he took a deep breathe and waited. His head went under and he felt his whole lower body hanging. Suddenly he dropped quickly and landed I'm a pile of straw. It was lit here which made Arthur very much happier but now he did not know where he was. Or what he was to do.

I tried very hard to make this 1000 words but I've been very busy with school lately. Tell me if you like it and if I should continue further. Also any critique is appreciated. Another note: in the first chapter the boy's name was Malin which mean young warrior just to let you know. It's not some lame version of Merlin. Please review!