New chapter yay this was actually really hard to write so it's probably not my best please Review I love hearing your thoughts on the chapters and story as a whole (I don't own Merlin :( ) enjoy!

Impossible!

As the group rode up to the village they had begun to notice Merlin's mood, he hadn't spoken since Arthur had revealed more information about what they were looking for he hadn't even reacted to Arthur's jab at him being lazy which was very strange indeed.

The truth was the young warlock was simply too deep in thought to notice he had be going over everything in his mind trying to think of a way to keep the knights away from the hatchlings while still assuring Arthur the village and by extension Camelot were safe.

The village in question seemed to match Merlin's mood there were no children playing in the streets and all the men carried weapons and even the women looked around as if something would jump out of the shadows and gave glances to the sky.

"I am here to speak to the leader of this village" Arthur called out in what Merlin called his prince voice.

"That's me milord" a tall man in his 40's stepped out to face the prince his black hair and beard was streaked with grey and his eyes told of how tired he was. "Thank you for coming sire, please this way"

Arthur nodded his understanding and dismounted following the man into a nearby house as the knights and Merlin did the same.

"My names Jimmy I'm one of the elders of this village" the man introduced himself while the group did the same.

"Jimmy please tell me what's happened and more of these strange beasts"

"Of course sire, it started about a week ago a group of boys were playing in the fields when they claim to have seen a red and black, errmm well you see" Jimmy hesitated as if worried he wouldn't be believed "they said dragons milord" he again glanced hesitantly at the prince.

No one noticed Merlin wince at the story they were all too shocked Arthur was the first to recover "That is impossible, the last dragon died almost two years ago" he gestured for the man to continue his story.

"Yes well initially we put it down to the boys' imaginations but not 3 hours later the red and black beasts now accompanied by a third green beast were spotted circling over the forest near here. Since then due to sightings we believe there are 5 beasts they have yet to attack the village but people are scared and believe it's only a matter of time."

"Thank you Jimmy you were right to contact Camelot we will discuss this and begin our investigations tomorrow is there anywhere in particular we can speak and rest privately?"

"Of course milord this building is usually used for meetings but your more than welcome to stay here the night." With that Jimmy left the knights to talk.

The knights talked for about an hour, Arthur having to continually calm Gwaine who was getting far too excited about the possibility of dragons, before Arthur ordered them to get some rest Merlin included.

Merlin was still so wrapped up in thought that he didn't even notice any of the concerned looks his friends were sending him.

The next morning the knights arose to the smell of Merlin cooking breakfast but they were all still worried about their friend who had yet to speak a word so when Merlin went to check on the horses before they set out Arthur followed him.

"You know I've said this before but even though your mindless prattle is incredibly annoying it is probably your only redeeming feature" Arthur tried to bait his friend but Merlin just shrugged and apologised this worried Arthur further "Merlin what's wrong you've hardly said anything since yesterday afternoon, you can tell me you know"

Merlin looked at the man he considered almost a brother "I know Arthur it's just that I've got a lot on my mind and come one when have our encounters with flying beasts ever ended well" from the look he was getting Merlin knew he wasn't fooling Arthur.

Arthur not buying it for a second realised Merlin would probably tell him when he was ready so turned to leave.

"Arthur wait" the uncertainty in his voice was clear even to him as he called Arthur back "just… I wanted to say… well you're a prat you know that right"

Arthur just looked at Merlin knowing there was no malice in his words and smiled as some small understanding passed between them but was also worried thinking that, that had sounded awfully like an apology or a goodbye but shook it off as the rest of the knights gathered to set off.

"Come on princess we got ourselves some dragons to find" Gwaine patted Arthur on the back and mounted his horse.

Merlin followed a sense of dread hanging over him.

few that was hard to write hope you liked it and I hope you're as excited for the next chapter as I am. :)