Arthur reined in his horse in a small level clearing. "We'll camp here for the night". He announced. Everyone began the process of setting up. Percival had offered to take care of Merlin's horse, and Arthur took care of his own so that dinner could be begun quickly. By the time everyone settled around the fire Merlin had some venison stew on the boil, a few root vegetables and herbs he had found joining the meat and liquid in the pot.

The smell was making him salivate as he sat next to the fire, occasionally reaching to stir the stew. They were only a few miles away from the village that reportedly housed the possible necromancer they were searching for. Merlin would have to deal with him while everyone slept.

After about an hour of simmering Merlin decided the stew was edible, and everyone began dishing up their bowls.

Merlin's day had not begun auspiciously. Nor was he exceptionally happy to be on this mission. He had already fought off two griffins and another local bandit band that week that had been terrorizing Ealdor, and had to return to Arthur harassing him for spending four days in the "tavern". The extra chores that had been heaped upon him, and the casual disrespect and dismissal he had received from the "noble" knight accompanying them had made him furious.

It didn't help that Gaius had also needed his help dealing with an outbreak of a rather virulent illness.

In other words, Merlin was very close to the edge of an explosion. So when the knights and Arthur had taken almost all of the stew and left him a quarter of a bowlful he was not pleased.

He scraped the measly amount into his bowl, and wheeled off into the trees. Evidently the alarming shade of purple his face was turning and the echo of distant thunder was an indicator of his mood to at least one of the group. Mordred shot up and followed him.

Merlin glared back at him, but he continued to trail him. "Merlin, wait." He complied, turning to face Mordred head on, with a raised eyebrow worthy of Gaius. Mordred stopped a few feet away, then cautiously stepped forward.

"I have extra in my bowl, I haven't eaten any of it yet. Have some."

Mordred dumped some of the stew into the bowl in Merlin's hand.

"Thanks." Merlin muttered begrudgingly.

"...You're welcome."

Mordred settled himself down across from where Merlin had sat, watching him for a moment while Merlin did his best to ignore the young pup as he shoveled food into his mouth.

"Busy week?"

"I hate Griffins. And wannabe warlords. And plagues. And nobles. And arrogant clotpoles. Although I suppose the last two are one and the same." He muttered.

"Sir Ewan is an ass." Mordred agreed.

Silence reigned while they finished their meal, broken only by the knights laughing about something in the clearing nearby.

...

Merlin had put his bedroll the furthest away from the fire. It was colder, but also easier to get up and leave unseen from the spot he had chosen. After about midnight, enough snores could be heard that he deemed it safe to depart to see the necromancer.

Quietly he murmured a protection spell, tying it to the small clearing. Gwaine was on watch. "Swefnu." He whispered, his hand angled toward the knight's upright form. Gwaine slumped. Merlin figured had just enough time to get to the village and back before sunrise. He felt a bit guilty, but he knew Gwaine would be able to Bluff his way through an explanation for not having woken anyone else for their turn on watch when he woke up.

Merlin quietly stood and left the clearing, heading in the direction of the village that was their destination.

"Merlin...?"

Merlin froze, then rolled his eyes as he turned to face Mordred. "This is becoming a habit with you. I don't appreciate it. Why are you awake?" He growled suspiciously.

"Couldn't sleep. Where are you going?"

"I have to pee!"

"... I don't believe you."

"I'm off to see The Necromancer." He grumbled. He didn't know why he decided to tell the truth.

"I'll come with you".

"No."

"I can be of help."

"What could you do that I can't? Contrary to what Arthur and the knights believe, I have no need of a fool with a sword to accompany me for protection. You know this."

Mordred's face twisted, his eyes hard. "Why do you hate me, Emrys? What have I done? I would sacrifice my life for the Once and Future King. For Arthur."

"It is not what you have done, but what you will do!"

"Perhaps you will end up driving me to it, oh GREAT one!" Mordred spat. "Whatever IT is."

"You will do what is already in your mind!" Merlin stepped forward with a low growl.

"You do not know my mind...! I once would have sacrificed my life for you, as I would do now for Arthur! You were Hope for our people! You were our hero! You were meant to bring us freedom! But you cower here in the dark, solving Arthur's problems for him from the shadows instead of by his side, in the light. Uther is dead, and yet you are still a coward. A paranoid coward!" Mordred hissed.

Merlin screamed, Mordred flew backwards. Mordred picked himself up and leapt at Merlin, clenching his fist as Merlin mirrored him. Their eyes flashed gold and both began to choke.

"Merlin! Mordred! STOP!"

Both dropped their hands and whirled to the figure from which the command had been issued. Their magic had been witnessed.