Thank you so much once again for all of the fantastic support. Only one more chapter to go after this one, but I'll come clean and admit there is a third story being planned, so it won't be quite over! :)

Hope you like this chapter!

Arthur knew that he hadn't made a sound as he slipped from the house in the dead of the night. Merlin had been asleep next to him, and seeing the frown still present on the younger boy's face caused Arthur's resolve to stiffen. It was because of him that Merlin still didn't have control over his magic. Arthur knew that he had only been trying to help, and he knew that Merlin knew it. But Leon had always tried to teach him that his actions had consequences and that he needed to think before doing anything rash. Arthur hadn't stopped to think for even a second when he had rushed to save Merlin, and now he couldn't help but wonder whether he had made things worse.

He knew that Merlin would never say anything about it. But that didn't mean that he wasn't thinking it, and Arthur couldn't bear looking him in the eye and finding resentment looking back at him. Maybe it wouldn't be for a few years yet, maybe even just a few months. But he was sure that hatred would come as Merlin got older. Arthur knew himself how much he wanted freedom at that age, and Merlin was a captive far more than he had ever been bound by his increasing duties. Rather than make Merlin deny how he was feeling in order to save his own feelings, Arthur knew that he had to leave now, while everyone was still sleeping.

He had truly intended to go when they had found out, Leon stopping him for just long enough for the emotions to catch up with the prince being the only thing that had stopped him from fleeing there and then. But he had been thinking about it as the afternoon wore on and knew what he had to do. If he went when there was no one to stop him, everything would be fine. Leon would figure it out as soon as he woke where Arthur had gone, and if it came to it, he would still probably be close enough for Merlin to sense with their new bond.

There had been a tense moment when he had made to untie one of the horses when he thought that he had been caught out. The beasts seemed restless and simply refused to stand still even when Arthur attempted to soothe them. Knowing that as a knight, Leon was a light sleeper, Arthur had come to a decision. Leaving the horses where they were, he had crept from the house on foot instead. He had gone through years of training now, he knew how to handle himself out in the forest. It would only take him a few hours until he reached his father's camp, especially as the moon was bright enough for him to follow any tracks.

If it had been any other occasion, Arthur would have been the first to admit that he was once again doing something rash. But not this time. This time, the prince had spent hours thinking it through, barely touching his food and not listening to a word that was being said. Thankfully, as Merlin was still so upset at hearing that he would never be able to see the friend he had spent years wanting to meet up with again, both Hunith and Petra were distracted with trying to cheer him up. Arthur knew that Leon had suspected something, his knight always knew when he was up to something. But the knight had still been sleeping peacefully when Arthur had checked on him, and the young man was sure that even Leon wouldn't see this one coming. He wasn't being rash, he was trying to save Merlin. Even if the person he had to save him from was himself this time, Arthur didn't care. He was not going to be responsible for keeping him enslaved.

Arthur travelled steadily, making it up the familiar hill and disappearing into the forestry. He had no idea he was taking the exact same route that Merlin had when he had fled all those months ago, he just knew that the bandits camp had been further down the river that ran through Ealdor to the east. If they were that way – or at least, what was left of them – then Arthur was sure that he would find his father in that direction as well. He wasn't planning on going anywhere near the bandits camp, but was just using that as a general direction to find everyone else.

Being out in the forest on his own made Arthur shiver slightly. Despite immediately telling himself that he was fifteen and therefore far too old for childish fears of the forest in the dark, Arthur knew that he was fooling himself. He had never had much luck when being out on his own when he shouldn't be. Last time he had strayed from Leon's side when he shouldn't have was when Jarta had managed to kidnap him in the first place. Arthur didn't know what else he should have done – even before recognising Merlin he had known that it was a child that was about to be on the receiving end of the bandit's knife, and he had learnt enough as a knight and a prince that he had to protect those weaker than himself. The fact that Merlin had just been the bait and his abductor all in one was irrelevant – Arthur knew now that he would have done the same thing even if he had known about Merlin's magic.

But despite knowing he would always try and go to someone's aid, Arthur couldn't stop another shudder from trembling through his body. His back still stung slightly from where Jarta had whipped him with the belt and there was heavy bruising around his wrists from spending so long bound by either the chains or the ropes. He might be determined to think that he was beyond childish fears, but Arthur knew in the eyes of the dangers out here, he was still just a boy.

Determinedly pushing those thoughts aside, Arthur plunged on through the forest. He knew that if he stayed near the edge, he would be following the course of the river. He had heard it trickling nearby when he had been chained to the pole and knew his way around the forest enough to know what to look for. Still, he found himself wishing that he had managed to bring one of the horses. It was cold out, and he knew what would have been a few hours ride would take him most of the night. He would be lucky if Leon didn't catch up before he even got there. Arthur was determined that his father was going to see him arrive on his own. It would be enough for the king to see his son knew how to take care of himself, that he was ready for his training to be taken to the next step.

Still, Arthur knew he just had to focus on the here and now. There was no point wondering what would happen if Leon caught up with him or how his father would react until one of the things happened. Right now, all was quiet in the forest and the only worry Arthur had was to keep moving before he got too cold. Before he had been walking for too long, however, Arthur stopped.

He was certain he could hear something. It wasn't hooves, meaning there was no way it could be Leon unless the man had been shadowing him from the house. But Arthur knew his knight, knew that there would be no way Leon would have let him come this far without taking him back again. But there could be no denying what he was hearing, there was someone else out here. Arthur swallowed hard, making sure he kept his pace even. He knew that running would mean he would swiftly tire, and slowing down would alert them to the fact that he knew they were there. So instead, Arthur just kept going at the same speed that he had been traveling at, altering direction slightly so that he could begin to make his way to higher ground.

"Well, well, well, look who it is."

Arthur only just bit back a gasp. His hand flew to his waist, only to realise that he didn't have a sword on him. He could do nothing but take a step backwards as Jarta suddenly appeared in front of him. One side of the man's face was bruised and bloodied, his arm held at an awkward angle. But he was very much alive.

Arthur found himself cursing. They had never checked what had happened to the bandit, instead focusing on getting him away from Merlin. Leon wouldn't have checked either, he would have made sure that Arthur was as far away from danger as possible. The prince had been assuming that Jarta would have been rounded up with the others when the rest of his father's men had attacked and if he was honest, he hadn't given it much thought, he had been too preoccupied with discovering he had control over Merlin's magic.

Still, the man was wounded. Arthur knew he wasn't completely defenceless. He lifted his chin defiantly, slowly letting his arms relax and hang by his side. Jarta grinned at the movement, also realising that Arthur was weapon-less.

"Did the little prince forget his lessons? Never to go anywhere unless armed?" Using his good hand, Jarta pulled a knife out and Arthur found himself glad it was dark. Maybe the bandit wouldn't be able to see the fear flickering in his eyes? He took a subtle step backwards, glancing around for anything he could use to defend himself. He could still run, but where was the question. Now he knew Jarta had escaped, Arthur knew there could potentially be more bandits roaming the forest. Enough had seen him at the camp to be able to recognise him now and know how valuable he would be. But he couldn't go back to Ealdor either, there was no way that he was about to lead Jarta straight back to Merlin.

Jarta moved a few steps closer, clearly seeing the indecision on Arthur's face and smirking coldly.

"I played nicely with the boy, I needed him. You have no idea what you are messing with."

"Neither do you if you think you can do anything to harm me and get away with it." Arthur tried to sound how he had heard the king speak, making sure emotion couldn't be heard in his voice in order to betray how he was really feeling. Jarta just chuckled.

"Maybe not if I wanted to hurt you as the prince. But you've taken his magic, haven't you?"

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Of course you don't. But you know, if I were to simply drive this knife into your heart, he would be free. Well, free until I can repeat the ritual again."

"Why can't you just leave him alone?" Arthur didn't realise that he was gradually backing up as Jarta stalked towards him. The man's eyes never left Arthur's face and the prince realised just how insane he was looking. He had had however long controlling extremely powerful magic. Having that ripped away had changed something in Jarta.

"So you do know what I am talking about? You do have his magic."

"No, I…" Arthur froze as a hand came out of nowhere, landing heavily on his shoulder. Before he had time to even turn his head, he was shoved forward. Falling heavily, Arthur only just managed to get his hands out in time to break his fall, looking back to see another man step from the shadows. At Jarta's feet, Arthur knew he was shaking. This was the man who had casually beaten Merlin on Jarta's orders.

Arthur tensed, preparing to spring upwards again. He knew how to fight with his fists as well as his sword. He would not let them either kill him or use him against Merlin. He had promised his friend that he would free them both, and that is what Arthur intended to do. Giving into the bandits would not be keeping that promise.

But what Arthur didn't know, however, was how to fight dirty.

He hadn't even made it into a crouch before a foot collided with his stomach. The force was so great that it flipped him onto his back, driving all the air from his lungs. Arthur gasped, struggling for breath and only vaguely aware of Jarta and the other man moving closer.

"Hold him down, Dantor."

"Sir."

"No…" Arthur hated the way it came out as a pathetic moan. It made him sound like a child, and the prince had been doing all he could in order to prove that he was almost a man. He squirmed backwards along the floor, but didn't make it very far before Dantor was crouched by his head. He took Arthur's wrists in his hands, pulling the boy's arms up and over his head, pinning them down on the ground. Arthur bucked upwards, twisting in the grip, but it took no effort at all on Jarta's behalf to avoid his kicking legs.

In fact, he simply stepped over them and dropped down to his haunches over Arthur. Arthur knew that in this position, nothing he did would touch the man. His hands twisted in Dantor's grip, but he knew that he was no match for the man's strength. The bandits let him struggle for a moment. Jarta grinned and nodded at Dantor, immediately causing the man to tighten his grip and for Arthur to wince.

"Why should I kill you swiftly? You denied me my magic, little princeling. You are of no use to me alive anymore."

Craning his head up, Arthur glared at the man in the way he had seen his father do.

"Go to hell."

Jarta chuckled, lightly drawing his knife over Arthur's chest. It didn't quite break the skin, but Arthur could feel every touch through his shirt. His heart was pounding harder than he had ever felt it before and Arthur knew that he was gasping for breath again. He had to calm down, he was a prince. He would not be a frightened child any longer.

Jarta, however, didn't seem to agree. He watched Arthur bring his breathing back under control for a moment, and then put more pressure on the knife. Arthur gasped as his shirt sliced away at his side and a long, thin cut appeared, blood flooding to the surface.

"Maybe I should take you with me?" Jarta murmured, meeting Dantor's eyes over Arthur's head. The pressure on his wrists increased again and the knife was once more returned to his torso. A few more slices had his shirt in pieces around him on the floor.

A few more slices after that broke Arthur's resolve not to show fear. Only he knew that this time, no one would hear him screaming.

MMM

"Leon! Leon, wake up, you have to wake up!" Merlin was moving almost before he truly registered that he was awake. He sprang up from his pile of blankets, hair mussed and eyes wide as he ran through the house. The knight had heard him on the first shout and was already sitting up. As Merlin almost crashed into him, he swiftly caught the boy's hands and held him still, eyes burning in concern.

"What's wrong?"

"Arthur's gone!" Tears ran down Merlin's face as he pulled against Leon's grip, trying to get towards the door as he spoke. He didn't realise that he was still shouting, his mother slowly making her way into the room while pulling a shawl over her shoulders. Leon cursed and felt alertness crash back into him properly.

"It's okay, Merlin. He won't have got far, I'll find him."

"No, no you don't understand." Merlin tugged against Leon's hold, still struggling to get to the door. "He's hurt! He's being hurt, I think he is dying! Leon, come on!"

"Merlin, stop. What do you mean, Arthur is hurt? How do you know?" Merlin finally fell still, looking up at the knight with wide eyes.

"I don't know. But it was like I could hear him yelling for help. It woke me up, and then I realised that he was gone. Please, Leon, it wasn't just a dream. He's really in trouble."

"Fine." Leon decided not to question it. He knew by the look on Merlin's face that Arthur clearly wasn't in the house anymore. Besides, if he was, there was no way he could sleep through that shouting. It didn't matter whether Merlin was right about him being hurt or not, it was bad enough that Arthur was out there. Grabbing his sword, Leon's hand caught his cloak on his way out of the door, fastening it as he strode towards the horses. In a way, he was glad that Arthur had not taken one. It would make tracking him harder, but would mean he wouldn't have had the time to get any further into the forest.

Before the knight could mount, however, he was aware of a hand tugging at his cloak.

"I'm coming as well."

"Merlin, no. You have to stay here, with your mother. She's only just got you back, you can't come with me." Merlin stared up at the man as Leon gently pulled his hand away and swung himself into the saddle. Even as he made to touch his heels to the mount, Merlin started running. Only, he didn't go back into the house but took off up the hill. Hunith called after him, but Merlin didn't stop running. How else were they going to be able to find Arthur before it was too late if he didn't let his magic guide the way? He just instinctively knew where to go, his magic knowing what direction to travel in to find its new owner.

Hearing thundering hooves behind him, Merlin glanced over his shoulder to see Leon coming at him full speed. Merlin shook his head and tried to make himself go faster. But he was still exhausted from his ordeal and the horse seemed to gain on him in seconds. Merlin thought that Leon was going to cut him off, drive him back towards the house until Hunith could grab hold and not let him go.

What he didn't expect was for the knight to almost shoot past him. Even as the horse drew level with the child, a hand fisted in the back of Merlin's shirt and he was lifted clean off the ground. Before he could so much as yelp in surprise, Leon had managed to get his legs to fall either side of the horse and settled the boy on the saddle in front of him.

"Come on then."

Merlin grinned on realising that he wasn't about to be sent back, but then let his magic take control. He didn't have time to think, he just needed to react on instinct. It had been a very long time since he had let his magic take control, normal he was trying to fight the feeling because he knew that Jarta was using him. This time, however, he knew that there was no choice. If he didn't listen to what his magic was telling him, Arthur was going to die.

"Follow the river!"

"Damn him, he knows that this is the route to the bandit's camp." Merlin swallowed in concern at the worry underlying Leon's tone and unknowingly leant back into the man. The warmth of his body and the pounding of his heart through his shirt made Merlin relax. He knew that Leon was not going to let anything happen to him – to either of them – if he could help it. Leon seemed to notice what Merlin was doing and let go of the reigns with one hand to squeeze Merlin's shoulder reassuringly.

"We'll get him back, I swear."

Merlin simply nodded, believing him without questioning it. They rode in silence for a few moments, Merlin trying not to think about this being the fastest he had ever travelled before. The pull of the magic was getting stronger and stronger, reassuring him that they were going in the right direction. Merlin knew they were getting close, but before he could say anything to Leon, the man suddenly pulled sharply on the reigns and brought the horse to a stop.

"What?" Merlin almost fell off as he tried to twist around in order to see the knight. Leon put one hand on his side to steady him, but jumped off the horse. He had a frown on his face and Merlin did as he was told as the knight motioned for him to stay quiet. The horse nickered and Leon soothed her quietly. It was only then that Merlin realised what Leon was hearing.

Muffled sobs coming from somewhere close by.

Merlin attempted to leap off the horse, knowing it was Arthur. It was only Leon's quick reactions that meant the knight caught him around the chest and lowered him gently to the floor before Merlin fell.

"Keep quiet." He warned, unsheathing his sword and beginning to creep through the trees. Merlin nodded and followed silently, never being more than a pace away from the knight. Just as they made to step into a small clearing, Merlin was unable to stop a gasp from escaping. He knew that Arthur was there, but he also knew that he wasn't alone. Leon glanced back at him and seemed to see enough in Merlin's face to not ask what the boy was sensing. He looked as he was about to tell Merlin to go back when the sob turned into a grunt of pain. Leon wasn't quick enough to stop Merlin from darting into the clearing in front of him.

Merlin had no idea what he was planning to do once he had found Arthur. He didn't even know what he was about to find. What he wasn't expecting, however, was for it to be Jarta and Dantor crouched over a form on the ground. They shifted and Jarta grinned as they faced the newcomer, but Merlin only had eyes for Arthur. Dantor still had hold of his hands, pinning them to the ground. Arthur's shirt was in tatters, one strip being used to gag him. He was covered in blood and Merlin felt his stomach roll at the sight. Arthur was pale, his eyes shut and Merlin hated the way that he barely seemed to be moving.

"Just in time, Merlin. Dantor?" The man nodded, letting go of Arthur and striding towards Merlin. Terror seized the child's mind and he stumbled back a step, almost screaming when he crashed into something and realised that he could go no further. A gentle hand on his shoulder made him realise that it was Leon and he tried to stop himself from trembling. Leon moved swiftly, pushing Merlin behind him and striding forward to meet Dantor. Unable to stop himself, Merlin started edging towards Arthur, keeping an eye on the fight at the same time.

Dantor produced a dagger out of nowhere and tried to lunge towards Leon. It was almost scary how quickly it was over. The trained knight simply held his sword out in front of him and the bandit practically impaled himself. Merlin shut his eyes quickly, his stomach churning with even greater intensity as he heard the sickening thud of the body falling to the ground. He knew even before he looked that Dantor would no longer be able to harm him. His eyes, however, flew open when he felt himself being grabbed from behind.

"Let him go."

"You can take your prince. And I'll take the boy."

"No," Merlin whimpered, trying to pull himself free from Jarta's grip. Leon glanced at where Arthur wasn't moving on the floor and Merlin truly thought that he was about to let Jarta take him so that he could get Arthur to safety. Jarta clearly thought the same, for he smirked and began trying to haul the warlock through the trees.

Only to crash head long into a shield that had erupted from nowhere.

Merlin gasped as he felt his magic calm down again, glancing towards Arthur. The prince hadn't moved, he didn't seem to have the strength. But pain-filled eyes had opened a fraction and Merlin knew that the gold he could see in Arthur's eyes was now reflected in Merlin's. Jarta snarled and tried to go the other way, only to realise a second shield had appeared and Merlin grinned.

Gaius had said that whatever one of them wanted to do, the magic would assume that meant both wanted to do the same thing and so the magic would double itself. It had scared Merlin back in the house, but now he grinned. Jarta was practically trapped, the ritual he had been so desperate to complete now being used against him as the magic responded to both Merlin and Arthur's will.

And they both wanted the same thing.

Upon realising that he seemed to be trapped, Jarta snarled. The arm he had looped around Merlin shifted until he had it around the boy's neck. Merlin gasped, his hands instantly rising as he struggled to get free. Leon took a step forward, but then stopped, not seeming to know what to do. If he came closer, Jarta could hurt Merlin. But he couldn't let the man go anywhere, not seeming to have realised that the magic was stopping him.

"Let him go." There was quiet authority in Leon's voice. Having spent six months as a slave, Merlin found that he wanted to react to that tone. But Jarta just tightened his grip and the warlock choked, his breathing becoming restricted.

"Or what? Take this chance while you can and take your prince. The boy belongs to me, but you can still save him if you move now."

"Don't leave me…" Merlin whispered, not even being sure who he was directing his words at. Some part of it meant it towards Leon, but he knew that he was also talking to Arthur. The prince simply couldn't go and die now, not after everything they had done to get to this point. Arthur didn't react to his words this time, and Merlin wasn't even sure whether the injured teenager was even still conscious.

Somehow, knowing Arthur could potentially be dying made Merlin snap. He grabbed Jarta by the arm, ignoring the way the man chuckled at feeling the child trying to physically push him away. But then the bandit suddenly let go with a howl of pain, stumbling back into the shield. Merlin turned to face him, his eyes burning gold and his hand held out. The fabric of Jarta's sleeve was smoking slightly where Merlin had grabbed him and Merlin knew that his touch was burning the man.

"Why you little…" Jarta snarled in outrage, taking a step towards him again. Merlin's chin jerked out as the magic erupted from him and the bandit didn't even have time to yell before he had been sent flying through the air. The shields dissolved as Jarta passed through them until his flight was eventually stopped as he crashed into a tree. Merlin didn't hesitate, but let the magic fade away as he dropped to his knees by Arthur's side.

"Arthur? Arthur, can you hear me?" Shaking hands made short work of untying the gag and gently moving Arthur's arms until they were resting down by his sides again rather than up over his head.

"You'll pay for this!" Merlin jumped, spinning around as Jarta leapt to his feet and ran at them, a snarl on his face. The magic didn't react this time, Merlin knew it wasn't going to come to his aid and there would be nothing he could do. He tried to scramble backwards across the floor a little, but he didn't even make it a step before Leon had pushed in front of him. Just like Dantor, Jarta practically impaled himself. But this time, Merlin found that he was watching as his previous master collapsed to the floor. He had to see the light leave his eyes, he had to know that he was safe.

"Merlin, do something!" The fear in Leon's voice made Merlin jump. The knight had dropped to his knees, frantically trying to stop Arthur from bleeding. Merlin felt his breath hitch as he stretched a shaky hand towards Arthur. To his surprise, Arthur feebly caught it and pushed it away.

"No…" His voice was barely audible, but Merlin stared at him.

"You'll die if I don't." Merlin felt the shock crashing through him as Arthur smiled, opening his eyes again.

"You'll…be…free…" He whispered and Merlin could only stare.

"You stupid idiot!" He yelled, making to hit Arthur before realising that was a bad idea. "You don't get to choose what happens to me, only I do. So find the will to fight this and tell my magic to heal you!"

Arthur shook his head and Merlin knew that he was crying. He glanced at Leon, who looked as taken aback as Merlin was about what Arthur was saying. There was horror and shock clouding his eyes and Merlin knew that if the bleeding didn't stop, Arthur literally was going to die.

"You're supposed to be my friend! Friends help each other! So help me, you prat, and live!"

He fell back, the tears sliding down his face as Leon squeezed the back of his neck comfortingly. He had so much magic…and he couldn't do anything with it while Arthur was resisting like this. Arthur had his eyes shut, and Merlin had no idea whether the prince had even heard him.

"Please..." Merlin whispered, turning his head away. He couldn't watch this.

But his whisper had done what his shout had not.

The magic flared into life and Merlin heard Leon gasp. He turned back in time to see a golden glow settle over Arthur and he grinned. He didn't understand his magic, but he knew what this meant.

Arthur was going to be fine.