A/N: It seems like there are already fewer and fewer new Merlin fics and chapters to read- this saddens me. I'm crying inside. *sniff*
"Sorry, took a bit longer than expected- I grabbed us some food."
Merlin tossed an apple to his young traveling companion and saw him wince as he raised his arm to catch it.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing- just a little banged up from sneaking in."
"Here, let me see it."
Daegal shied away from Merlin's gentle touch.
"My sister's the one in need of attention."
"It will only take a moment." He grasped the boys shoulders and sat him down on a fallen tree.
"Where are we headed, by the way?" He asked, producing a magical light to work by.
"The Valley of the Fallen Kings."
"That's a dangerous place for a peaceful people to make camp."
"There are many bandits, but everyone else avoids the area."
The warlock gave him a measuring glance.
"You mean the royal patrols avoid it."
Daegal looked away.
"Yes."
"Arthur doesn't have anything against druids- he promised that things would be better for you."
Both remained silent for a moment before the servant continued.
"Things will be better for all of us. Arthur is a much greater king than his father- and a greater man."
Daegal only nodded in response.
The conversation was enough to distract the patient and before he could do more than flinch a bit Merlin was tying off the bandage and pulling the sleeve back down over top.
"Now let's get back to it. If we hurry we may reach the Valley just after daybreak."
He mounted the horse and pulled Daegal up behind him by his good arm, witch-light floating ahead to illuminate their path.
True to his prediction, the two rode into the valley just as the sun was beginning to pierce the trees, silhouetting the familiar imposing statues that marked the entrance to the pass.
"Where do we go from here?"
Merlin asked telepathically, well aware that nothing good happened in the Valley of the Fallen Kings and there was no need to draw attention by speaking aloud.
"Ride along the ravine for a short distance and-"
The rest of the directions were lost as both riders found themselves flying through the air, Merlin landing on the edge of the short cliff while Daegal tumbled down into the vale. The horse shrieked and took off in the direction of Camelot as Morgana strode from the shadows.
"Why hello there, Merlin- imagine finding you here." She said coolly, obviously unsurprised.
The servant looked up at her, too dazed to move.
"Look how easy it was to get you out here alone! All I had to do was curse this little boy's sister and plant the idea of getting you to help." She gave a light, humorless laugh. "For a magic-user that healer's mind was pitifully easy to influence."
Glancing carelessly over the edge, she spoke to the unconscious boy below.
"Don't worry, your precious sibling is fine- she was never actually in danger. Unlike you two."
Kneeling at Merlin's side she pulled a bottle from her tattered dress and uncorked it.
"The pain you feel will make you wish for death- but it will be long in coming."
She sneered at him as she forced the thick black liquid down his throat before kicking him down into the ravine to land next to the druid.
"So long, Merlin" she chuckled, disappearing into the forest once more.
Meanwhile, Arthur was searching frantically for his comb; calling out to Merlin before remembering his servant was absent.
"What is it, Arthur? Sarrum will be arriving soon and you haven't even gotten dressed yet."
Guinevere swept into the room, looking particularly regal in her scarlet gown.
"Yes, well, as you know, Merlin isn't here and I can't find my comb..."
"This comb?" The queen asked innocently, reaching forward to pluck the object from the shelf directly below the king's searching hands.
"It must have been under something." Arthur pouted.
"I know you're worried about Merlin, but he'll be fine- he always is."
The king opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by his wife.
"There's no use denying it- I know you too well- but you need to focus on this alliance. You know Sarrum is a ruthless man; he will take advantage of any perceived weakness in you."
Arthur sighed, running a hand through his tangled hair.
"You're right, of course. Where would I be without you?"
He smiled and pulled her close, leaning in for a kiss- which was cut off when Guinevere blocked his pursed lips with the comb.
"You'd be late, for one thing. Now hurry up and get ready."
She made a hasty retreat then, leaving her husband looking petulant before he shouted:
"But who will dress me?"