Thank you again for the support. Sorry I'm all over the place with updates, real life is a drain these days.

Hope you like this next chapter!

Arthur was surprised by how easy it was to pretend. Nothing changed. He didn't question Galahad's absence and soon found Nimueh filled his days with other lessons instead. He still got to practice his sword, but she was conjuring up something for him to fight as he progressed. Arthur relished the challenge. He knew he should hate her for what she had done, but the more she pushed him, the more he wanted to prove that he was a worthy prince – even if it was just to himself.

Merlin's lessons also intensified as they grew older. By the time he was fifteen, Arthur knew their friendship had changed. Nothing could come between them, but they didn't spend all their time together either. Arthur knew the secret was hard for Merlin to keep. Nimueh was constantly digging around in Merlin's head to force him to progress with his magic and it took a toll on the young warlock. He would leave after his lessons and Arthur tried not to be jealous about the amount of time Merlin started spending with Will. Instead, he focused his attention on his lessons and hoped to ignore the pangs of loneliness that kept creeping up on him when he least expected it.

"Will you concentrate?" Nimueh's sharp voice made Arthur jump. He had been staring out of the window rather than reading the tedious scrolls she had put in front of him. The content was highly political and Arthur wondered where she got them from. Could they be documents from Camelot and she was actually teaching him the way a tutor would have done if he had grown up in a castle?

"Sorry," he muttered. Arthur turned his attention back to the scroll but it was hard. It was so boring. Nimueh's magic didn't scare him anymore. Not now he was taller than her and knew his skill with a sword was impressive considering he had never gone against a true opponent. All the emotions that came with being a fifteen-year-old boy made him resent the fact she still had the power to drag him upstairs and lock him in his room. It made him lash out. Arthur knew it was more likely to get him punished but when something annoyed him, he couldn't help but lash out.

Five minutes later, he felt a flash of pain across his back. It was gone as soon as he registered it but he turned an accusing gaze on his guardian.

"What was that for?"

"You haven't read a single line."

"I have…" Arthur trailed off under her angry glare. He sat back in his chair and pushed the scrolls away from him. "I can't concentrate."

"Why?"

Arthur stared at her. He was hardly going to say he was too busy thinking about what his life could have been like. He wanted Merlin there to distract her with a question about magic the way he had always done. But Merlin's lessons were over for the day and after a few words to Arthur, he had gone home.

"It's boring," Arthur admitted. It was partly the truth and Nimueh's pursed lips indicated she believed him. Arthur went back to gazing out of the window while he waited to hear what was going to be his punishment this time.

"You-," Nimueh broke off. Arthur looked back at her. She had a distant expression on her face and gold was flooding her eyes. He sighed, wondering what magic she was using this time. But then Nimueh suddenly gasped and seemed to come back to herself. "That's too strong…"

"What?" Arthur had no idea what she was talking about. Nimueh looked at him as if she had forgotten that he was even there.

"The boy. He is using power nearly beyond him."

Arthur was up and halfway to the door before she had finished speaking. There was only one person she could be referring to and if Merlin was using power at a level that was dangerous, then Arthur wanted to know why. If he was showing off for Will, Arthur wasn't sure which of them he was going to kill first.

Nimueh had purchased a proper sword for him once his wooden one had broken against her magical foes. It was near the front door – Arthur had been intending to sit in the meadow to clean it later that day. But he snatched it up and ran out of the door before Nimueh could stop him. Turning towards the village, he frowned when he saw a thick black cloud of smoke billowing into the air.

Arthur could sense Nimueh coming up behind him and he broke into a run. Something was happening down in the village and he fully intended to find out what. What was the point of being able to use a sword if he couldn't defend those he cared about? Arthur was fully aware it was more likely to be only a fire and he would be given a bucket rather than a weapon. But the principle was the same and Arthur didn't stop running. If Nimueh wanted to stop him, she was going to have to use magic to do so.

But while a glance over his shoulder revealed her hurrying along behind him, no magical force wrapped itself around Arthur. She seemed unfocused and he realised she must still be monitoring Merlin's magic. She couldn't keep an eye on them both and Arthur sped up before that changed.

As soon as he reached the outskirts, Arthur could hear shouts ringing out from further in. He glanced back at Nimueh. She caught his eye this time as she came to a stop next to him and to Arthur's surprise, she nodded. He didn't need telling twice and sprinted through the village. There was no one around and he followed the shouts until he found himself on the central path.

The entire population of the villagers were gathered there. But Arthur stopped before he blundered straight in. There were several armed horsemen surrounding the area and Arthur knew they were not friendly. A few looked ruffled and one even had a bleeding nose. Arthur knew with a grin it was Merlin's doing and he wondered what sort of magic the warlock had used. He couldn't see Merlin, but he could make out Hunith and knew that he couldn't leave until he knew she was safe.

"Give us what you have! All of it!" One of the horseman snapped. He bent down, grabbing one of the villagers by the hair and yanking them closer. It was a young woman and she screamed loudly at the treatment. "Or we'll start killing you one by one."

"Then you'll never find what you are looking for!" A high voice rang out. Arthur didn't know whether to be proud of Merlin speaking up or frustrated by his recklessness. The bandits – for that was who they were, of that Arthur was sure – can't have known who had attacked them with magic or Arthur knew Merlin would be dead by now. They wouldn't care that he was a child. He was a threat and they dealt with threats.

"Who said that?" The man dismounted and a hush fell over the frightened villagers. He pushed through them and Arthur edged forward from where he was peering around a tree. He wanted to dash forward but he knew he had to wait. If Nimueh had allowed him to come this far, he wasn't going to throw that away by behaving rashly. Once she was here, he knew the villagers would be protected. Her magic would see to that.

Arthur's heart was in his mouth as he watched though. The bandit must have been nearing Merlin for suddenly Hunith stepped in his path.

"You can't take everything. What will we have to eat? To feed our children?"

"That's not my problem."

"You can't do this." She wasn't backing down and Arthur wasn't sure he could wait. Merlin would not take his mother being hurt and Arthur knew he had to protect them both. What sort of prince would he ever be if he couldn't protect his friends? The bandit laughed cruelly, the sound travelling. Before Arthur could move, he had dragged Hunith out of the group.

"Maybe will start by killing this one."

"Don't you touch her." Merlin stepped out of the group. He drew himself up to his full height and Arthur winced as the bandits laughed. Despite the power running through his veins, he was still a skinny thirteen-year-old in the middle of a growth spurt. Hunith paled and Arthur moved.

"You must be her brat," the man sneered. He gestured to two of his friends and they both moved forward, grabbing Merlin by the arms and hauling him forward. The man pulled a knife on Merlin, holding it under his throat.

"So now you can tell us where your stores are or watch as I kill your boy."

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you." Merlin still sounded brave but Arthur knew there was only so long he could keep it up for. He was bluffing, after all. The man had a knife on him, he had to be frightened. Although Arthur and Nimueh knew about his power, Arthur knew Merlin didn't want the rest of the village to know. If he was forced to act now, it would change everything. But if it was that or die, then Merlin wouldn't have a choice.

"You don't even have a knife," the man sneered.

"He might not," Arthur replied. "But I do."

The bandit turned sharply. Arthur had been approaching him from the side, wanting to make sure he had his eye on Merlin the whole time. But he had just been out of the man's eye-line and the shock that crossed his features meant he had had no idea that other people were around other than the frightened villagers. He looked at the sword in Arthur's hand and sneered.

"Ever killed anyone with that, boy?" He mocked. Arthur tried to keep his expression impassive but he wasn't sure he managed it. Fighting against Nimueh's enchantments and tricks was one thing, but Arthur had never seriously crossed blades with another person. Despite his best efforts, his uncertainty must have shown on his face for the man laughed. He shoved Merlin away and instantly, two of the other bandits caught his arms again.

"Fight me and I'll let the scrawny brat go."

"Arthur, no!" Merlin yelled. Arthur glanced at him to see his friend shaking his head wildly. The younger boy seemed to have forgotten about magic as he struggled against the hold of the bandits gripping him. Arthur smiled apologetically.

"Sorry, Merlin. You know me. Can't say no to a challenge."

"This is absurd, he's just a boy!" Hunith cried. She had moved closer to Merlin but the bandits weren't surrendering their prize.

"Then let's see if he has what it takes to become a man." The bandit threw aside his knife and drew a long sword from his own belt. Arthur swallowed and tightened his grip on his own weapon. He tried to ignore what else was going on, focusing only on the fight. He couldn't stop himself glancing around for Nimueh though. How far behind him could the witch be? If she had taken him from his home and raised him this far on her own, then Arthur was sure she wasn't about to let some random bandit kill him.

For now, at least, he was on his own. He swallowed and tried to control his breathing as the man approached, twirling his sword expertly. Arthur shifted his grip on his own weapon and walked forward to meet him. There was no warm up, no practice swings this time. The bandit swung straight for him and Arthur's arms instantly started shaking as the blades met. The clang as they crashed together almost deafened Arthur and he drew back. The bandit swung again. Slowly, Arthur was forced to keep stepping backwards if he wanted to keep hold of his sword.

"You can't win this, boy," the bandit sneered. His eyes were alight with malice and Arthur knew he was right. He couldn't win this. But he also couldn't stand by and let the villagers be robbed without trying to stop it.

"Who says I can't?" Arthur retorted. He wasn't used to not having the last word. But even as he fended off another attack, he glanced towards Merlin. He was hanging limply in the bandit's grip, a focused and determined look on his face as he watched the fight. Arthur knew there and then that if Nimueh didn't get here in time, it wouldn't matter. Merlin had learnt too much to stand by and watch Arthur die. Arthur had tried to save Merlin; Merlin would try to save Arthur. It was who they were.

But Arthur pressed the attack as soon as he gained his footing again. He refused to be the reason that Merlin outed himself as a sorcerer.

He was tiring though. His palms were sweaty and it was getting harder and harder to hold onto his sword. His arms were shaking with the effort and it only took a few more blows before the weapon was knocked from his hand. Arthur dived after it, snatching it up. At the very last second, he remembered one of Galahad's rules and rolled to one side. He narrowly avoided the bandit's blade swishing down where he had been lying.

Jumping to his feet, Arthur didn't move backwards in time. The bandit grabbed his wrist, hauling him closer. Arthur's sword was trapped uselessly between their bodies and his opponent's weapon came to rest under his chin.

"You tried, so I'll let your friend live. I'll even let you live. But you're coming with us – we could use a slave and such stubbornness could be put to good use."

Arthur tried to wrench back, but the man had a hold of him and he couldn't pull free.

"Let him go." Merlin's voice had deepened and he certainly didn't sound like a child any more. Arthur looked around and it was enough of a distraction for the bandit to knock his sword from his hand and wrench his arm behind his back. The sword was still resting against his neck.

"Are you going to fight me as well, little boy?" The man mocked, hauling Arthur around with him. Arthur shook his head, telling Merlin without words not to do anything stupid. Merlin gave him a small smile and Arthur struggled against the hold. He knew that look. Merlin wasn't backing down now that Arthur was in danger.

"You two are touching," the bandit said. "But it's not enough."

He whistled sharply and the other men drew their mounts around. "We're leaving, lads. Got a prize of a different sort."

"Let him go!" Merlin shouted. Arthur stamped hard on the bandit's foot at the same time and as the man flinched, drove his elbow back. It was enough for him to be able to yank free and he tore away, running to stand next to Merlin. Side by side, they stared at the cursing man.

"You'll pay for this. Both of you. With your lives! Kill them both."

A howling wind suddenly erupted throughout the village. The villagers screamed in terror but Arthur didn't react. He recognised that magic and knew Nimueh had finally arrived on the scene. The horses reared in terror and the majority of the bandits were thrown off. A few managed to cling to their mounts and galloped off. But the leader was raised into the air and Arthur grabbed Merlin's arm. He turned them both around just as he heard a crack and when he looked back, the man was dead on the floor. His neck was broken.

"Leave this place and never return." Nimueh's voice radiated power and the bandits fled, whether by foot or on horse. There was a pause, then the villagers scrambled away from the square, eager to get back to their lives and make sure their loved ones were safe. Or to escape Nimueh. Arthur wasn't sure which. Hunith rushed over, instantly pulling Merlin away from Arthur and hugging him hard. Arthur could see the back of his friend's neck turn red and knew that being hugged in public at thirteen was not Merlin's idea of fun. But he did return the gesture before slowly pulling away.

"I'm okay, Mother," he said. Hunith cupped his face before turning to Arthur. She pulled him into a one-armed hug as well but didn't release her hold on her son.

"Don't you ever do that to me again, do you hear? It is my duty to protect you, you foolish, foolish boy." Arthur smiled softly at the alarmed look on Merlin's face as his mother hugged him again.

"I can't breathe," he eventually muttered. Arthur couldn't help himself and snorted in amusement. Merlin shot him a mock-glare.

"Is that what I get for saving your life?"

"Oh come on. You did not save my life. That man would have gutted you if I hadn't stepped in."

"And he would have run you through if I hadn't stepped forward."

"He-,"

"Enough." Nimueh's voice was cold and Arthur instantly snapped his mouth shut, swallowing hard. Merlin also fell silent and Arthur could see the way he leant into his mother. Nimueh wasn't the one with authority over him while he was with his mother. "We need to go back. Now."

Arthur moved away a few paces to pick up his sword. By the time he got back, he had clearly missed part of a conversation because Merlin had pulled away from his mother. Hunith didn't look happy, but when Nimueh beckoned and Arthur wasn't the only one who followed, he realised that the witch clearly wanted to talk to Merlin as well. Arthur thought back to what had drawn their attention in the first place and knew Merlin was going to get a scolding for using magic that was almost beyond his control.

They were silent as they walked back to the hut. It felt a long way away. Arthur was exhausted. The fight had taken it out of him more than he thought was possible and his limbs were shaking with every step he took. Although Merlin shot him a concerned glance, Arthur gritted his teeth and carried on. He had survived his first battle. He was not going to ruin it by moaning how much he ached now.

But by the time they reached the house, Arthur could feel the sweat running down his face and his fingers were struggling to grip his sword. As soon as they reached the coolness of the cottage, he instantly set it to one side and sank down to the floor. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he tried to pretend that nothing hurt. Merlin sat down next to him and gave him a nudge in the ribs with his elbow.

"Thanks for saving my life," he said quietly. Arthur smiled as he leant his head back on the wall.

"You too, I suppose," he muttered. He looked up to find Nimueh standing over them. Arthur felt a sudden flash of anger.

"Why didn't you do anything?" He exclaimed. "That man could have killed us both."

"He was never going to kill you, don't be so dramatic."

"Why didn't you stop me?"

"There is only so much I can teach you, Arthur." Nimueh's voce was softer than he expected it to be considering everything that had happened. "You have to learn for yourself to pick your own battles. If I had told you no, or even stopped you, you could have tried to go against someone stronger. I knew you had enough skill to stop him from killing you."

Arthur stared at her. It didn't surprise him her actions were supposed to teach him a lesson. Nimueh didn't do anything unless it suited her agenda – whatever that might be. But Arthur was taken aback by the compliment she had slipped in there. He didn't realise she had even watched his progress with a sword to know what he was capable of.

"But as for you, young man. You tried the wind spell for yourself, didn't you?"

Arthur glanced at Merlin to find he was blushing. Merlin studied the floor and shrugged.

"I hoped it would be enough for them to leave."

"Do you have any idea what will happen if stories spread about a powerful warlock being here?"

"You used powerful magic," Arthur interrupted. He wasn't going to let Merlin take the blame when he had only been trying to help. "If they come looking for anyone, it will be you."

"I can take care of myself." Arthur shivered at her voice and sensed Merlin glancing at him. They both knew that was true – although Arthur wasn't supposed to remember it. He kept quiet, knowing he would be lucky not to incriminate himself if he said anything more until he controlled his temper. "But Merlin here would be dragged before a king before we knew he had been taken."

"A king?" Arthur queried. It puzzled him she hadn't just used a name. Nimueh arched an eyebrow as she looked down on him.

"Those in power do not care for boundaries when there is something they want. Do not make me regret teaching you. Either of you. Now get out of my sight."

Arthur scrambled up off the floor and grabbed Merlin's arm. The two of them disappeared up the stairs as quickly as they could and Arthur leant back against the door.

"She doesn't want Uther to hear about you."

"Your father, you mean," Merlin said. Arthur paled as he thought about it.

"Do you think he is really that bad?"

"I don't know." Merlin sat down on the floor as Arthur took the bed. Arthur threw him a pillow and Merlin made himself comfortable. "I've heard stories though. That he executes anyone with magic."

"He'll never execute you," Arthur said firmly. "He'll never know about you."

"He might if he finds out about you," Merlin said. Arthur stared at him, then shook his head.

"If he is a threat to you, then I'm never going anywhere near him," he stated. It was simple in his mind. If he ever went – or returned as the case may be – to Camelot, it would be with Merlin by his side. If there was even a hint that it wouldn't be safe for his friend, then Arthur would stay away. He knew he was in no position to bargain, but it wasn't like he was missing out. He couldn't miss what he had never had.

"You'd really do that for me?"

Arthur nodded before sliding off the bed. "You're my best friend, Merlin. I've never met him. I care nothing for him. Why would I risk you for a life I've never known?"

Merlin stared at him for a long moment. To Arthur's surprise, he lent forward and gave him a quick hug. As he pulled back, Arthur punched him on the shoulder. At fifteen, he hardly was going to hug Merlin back. But as Merlin smiled at him, he knew that they were going to be okay. Whatever distance had been growing over the weight of the secret hovering over them, it had just been removed. The day had proved they were both prepared to do anything for each other.

Arthur only hoped they were never tested in that way again. Seeing the bandit with a knife against Merlin's throat was not an image that was going to leave his mind any time soon. He hoped next time, he was strong enough to fight the bandits without needing help. If something happened to either Merlin or Hunith because he hadn't been strong enough, Arthur would never forgive himself.