I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year if I don't get an update done in time!
By the time he was seventeen, Arthur was no longer a child.
He had stopped growing and was satisfied with his height. Merlin looked as if he would be taller, but all Arthur cared about was that he was taller than Nimueh. Once his height stopped, he began to fill out. Merlin teased him, but they both knew it was muscle. Arthur had trained harder than ever since the run-in with the bandits and he knew Nimueh's magical opponents were more than a match for most men who wielded a sword. His knowledge had grown and Arthur felt confident.
It also meant that he was bored. If Nimueh had indeed trained him to be a prince, then Arthur didn't know what she was waiting for. It was clear he was ready… but ready to do what was still the mystery. The village was a small one and being stronger than anyone else was boring. There was nothing to offer him challenges and the more bored he grew, the more reckless he became. That didn't escape Nimueh's notice and Arthur spent more and more time confined to his room. His fear of her as a child meant he had never contemplated why she had never loved him. But now he knew. He had never been a child to her, only a prisoner. A hostage ready to be used when the time was right.
He knew the witch cared for him in her own way though. She had raised him, after all, and Arthur knew he wouldn't have survived this long if she didn't care. But it wasn't enough anymore. He wanted a life and every time his door was locked behind him, Arthur considered riding for Camelot. He knew from his experience with Galahad that she wasn't as alert in the night as he had once believed and it wouldn't take much to set off once she had retired for the night. He would be deep in the forest by the time she knew he was gone.
The only thing that stopped him going, however, was Merlin. The bandit attacked had re-established their drifting friendship. Merlin still spent time with Will, but Arthur wasn't crippled with jealousy about it anymore. In return, Merlin had started teasing him about the time Arthur spent talking to some of the girls in the village. It was the only thing he had to occupy him these days. Merlin was the reason he didn't run. He knew he couldn't turn up at the castle and announce he was the missing prince without informing where Nimueh was. That would direct Uther's attention at Ealdor and potentially the young warlock living there. It was not something Arthur could risk.
"Wha'cha doing?"
Arthur jumped violently, almost hitting his head on a low hanging branch as he turned to glare at Merlin. His friend smiled innocently and sat down beside him. At Arthur's glare, he flattened himself until he too was lying on his stomach.
"What are you watching?" Merlin's voice was a whisper this time as he realised Arthur was clearly staking something out. Arthur didn't answer. Instead, he pointed carefully through the foliage. He had first noticed the soldiers when he had gone to fetch some water from the river. He had stayed out of sight and hadn't mentioned anything to Nimueh.
Then he had returned to watch as soon as he could. He didn't recognise the livery; it was a deep red but Arthur had yet to see a crest. But the soldiers – or knights as he supposed they were – were clearly setting up a camp.
"Oh," Merlin breathed. Arthur didn't admit he had been lost in thought rather than keeping watch, daydreaming about events that had led him to this spot. He hadn't heard Merlin approach, but the warlock didn't seem to have noticed. Merlin was never the most observant when it came to things like that on the best of days.
"Who are they?"
"I don't know," Arthur admitted. "But they look like they are here to stay. Do you think we should warn the villagers?"
Since the bandit attack, the villagers were wary of strangers. They had mentioned for Nimueh and Arthur to come and live in the safety of the village rather than on the outskirts more than once. But Nimueh's look had stopped them from asking again. Arthur didn't mind being out on his own; it was what he was used to. He was just grateful they cared rather than out-casting them for Nimueh's magic. If he was honest, Arthur wasn't sure whether it was because they were too afraid of her to dare.
Merlin shook his head next to him. "They'll only panic. You're the only one who can fight and both Mother and Nimueh had forbidden me from using my magic in front of the villagers unless there is no other option. They'll think they are defenceless and you know what happened last time that happened."
"We ended up spending three days trying to catch all the chickens," Arthur said with a laugh. How they had got out of the hastily constructed cages was a mystery, but Arthur was certain Will had something to do with it.
Before Merlin had the chance to respond, Arthur's stomach growled. Merlin laughed. "How long have you been out here?"
Arthur shrugged. The foliage blocked the sun and he didn't know what time of day it was. Nimueh wouldn't care – he had completed both his lessons and his chores for the day. Her magic informed her if he was in any sort of danger.
"Then let's go and find food," Merlin said. He shuffled backwards and pulled on Arthur's leg until he sighed and squirmed back himself. Now he had stopped growing, he couldn't eat in the same way Merlin could and it amused him that his friend was never full.
"Come back to mine. She is always happier when you're around," Arthur pleaded. Merlin helped him control his temper, often making him laugh and chasing away the anger. This was the first day he had been allowed out all week after shouting a few days before over nothing. Merlin agreed but Arthur had a feeling it was because it meant he could eat quicker.
They both navigated their way out of the undergrowth. Arthur stretched up, feeling stiff from his time in the bush.
"How did you even find me?"
Merlin shrugged but Arthur could read the answer in his face. He had used magic in order to locate his friend. Arthur wasn't angry. If anything, he was surprised he hadn't felt Merlin's power washing over him. Usually he could, especially of late since it was growing in strength. Merlin didn't like talking about his strength these days – Arthur knew it was scaring him. So he didn't say anything but instead bumped his friend's shoulder with his own before turning to head back the way he had come hours ago.
They hadn't made it very far when something caught Arthur's attention. He stopped in order to listen better, grabbing the back of Merlin's shirt to stop him from walking.
"What?"
"Can't you hear that?"
As soon as he had spoken, Merlin too became aware of the sound. They shared fearful glances.
"Run!" Arthur took off, Merlin on his heels. Nothing about the soldiers had indicated they were the enemy but approaching riders were not something Arthur wanted to be involved with. He could hear at least five horses heading towards them. He thought if they ran, they might make it back to the cottage before they were seen. Nimueh had enough magic at her disposal to be able to react however necessary.
But they never made it there. Arthur burst out of the treeline when he heard Merlin fall behind him with a yell of surprise. Arthur turned, only to see Merlin sitting up and untangling something from around his ankles. The fact the men had tripped his friend made Arthur see red and his hand grasped towards his sword. But his hand closed over thin air. He didn't carry it around with him – there was simply no need and it got in his way.
Darting back to Merlin, he grabbed him by the upper arm and hauled him to his feet.
"Come on!" Arthur didn't let go of Merlin as they took off again. But it had cost them precious time and they hadn't gone more than a few paces when the horses burst from the trees. Three instantly broke into gallops, drawing first level then ahead of the fleeing boys. Arthur kept hold of Merlin's arm as they automatically turned back to back in order to see all of the horses that had circled them. Arthur lifted his chin defiantly.
One of the riders nudged his horse forward a pace. Arthur had to crane his head back to see him properly. He was only a few years older than them, with light hair and kind eyes.
"Who are you?" He asked. Arthur glanced over his shoulder at Merlin. The younger turned until he was standing side by side with Arthur rather than back to back.
"My name is Merlin," he said. "I live in the village with my mother. She's called Hunith if you wanted to find her. This is my friend."
Arthur held his breath. They had talked about this; how they would react if strangers came looking again after Arthur's name had nearly given things away before. He hoped that Merlin had said enough information that the knight – for Arthur was sure he was more than a soldier – was satisfied.
"And your friend?"
"I-I…" Arthur didn't know what to say. Last time, the knight had come looking for Nimueh. He expected to find Arthur. These men may have no clue. But Arthur wasn't sure whether it was a risk he should take or not.
"He's a bit of a simpleton," Merlin said. "I try and keep him with me to stop him from getting into trouble. He gets himself lost otherwise."
Inwardly fuming, Arthur put a dopey grin on his face and nodded his head pleasantly. Merlin was shaking beside him and Arthur knew it was due to him holding back his laughter. The knight reigned his horse back and the circle around them vanished. Instead, the knights huddled together, talking quietly.
"You are so going to regret that," Arthur hissed through gritted teeth. Merlin smirked.
"You'd be lost without me, admit it."
Arthur turned to say no such thing, but the words died in his throat. He nudged Merlin and nodded to the knights. Merlin turned and he stiffened. Arthur had finally caught a glimpse of the crest. A golden dragon against the red background. Nimueh had taught him enough to recognise the crest of Camelot. Could it be just coincidence the knights were here?
"Let's get out of here," Merlin whispered. Arthur nodded. Coincidence or not, it was too dangerous. They both began backing away, making sure the knights didn't see their movement. When they made it about ten paces away, Arthur nodded and they both turned and ran as fast as they could.
"Hey!"
They had been seen. They didn't slow down though although Arthur could hear the horses' hooves thundering after them again. He didn't look around, straining his legs to run faster. He knew they wouldn't make it. But the closer they were to the cottage, the more chance they had of Nimueh sensing what was going on.
Within a moment, they were surrounded again.
"Why did you run?" It was an older man speaking this time. He had a glare on his face and the twitch of his hand revealed he was trying not to go for his sword.
"You're knights," Arthur stated. "We live in a simple village. We don't get your sort around here." He left the implied `we were frightened` unsaid. He had his pride, after all.
"He's got a point." It was the young one talking again. "They are barely more than children."
Arthur bristled and Merlin snatched at his sleeve, warning him not to let his temper get the better of him. Arthur forced himself to let the anger go. He had been called worse things than a child, after all.
"We just want to get home," Merlin said meekly. Arthur thought it had worked. Two of the knights tightened their hold on their reigns. But the older man stared at them.
"No. We've had our orders. Remember the vision. Every boy around the right age is to be taken before the king."
Arthur looked at Merlin. Merlin looked back. Then they split. Merlin went left as Arthur dove right and they weaved their way around the horses as they broke into a run again. This time, genuine fear lent them speed. The cottage was in sight before the horses caught up with them again. One grabbed at the back of Arthur's shirt and it was enough to throw him off balance. Crashing to the ground, he could only lay there for a moment as all the air was driven from his lungs.
"Arthur!" Merlin's scream seemed to come from a mile away. But the silence that fell was deafening. Arthur could hear every rasping breath he tried to take.
"Did you hear that?" One of the knights murmured.
"Seize them!" yelled another.
"No!" The terror in Merlin's voice was enough to break Arthur from his haze. He scrambled to his feet even though his head swum at the effort. One of the men had hold of Merlin's arm and Arthur knew he wouldn't reach his friend in time. In one movement, he bent down and plucked a stone from the ground, drew back his arm and threw. It hit the man hard on the back of the hand and he let go of Merlin with a howl. Merlin stumbled away, then turned to Arthur. His eyes went wide with horror.
"Behind you!"
Arthur didn't have time to turn before an arm looped around his neck. He could feel the coldness of the armour against his back and knew one of the men had dismounted. He wrenched forward and his assailant grabbed his wrist. The hold around his neck loosened just enough for his arm to be bent behind his back before tightening again.
"The king wants to see you. Then you can go back to your lives. You have my word, no harm will come to you."
"I don't believe you," Arthur snarled. They had recognised his name. They were looking for someone his age. Arthur knew it was no coincidence now; they were here because of him. How they had found him, he had no idea. He supposed it was something to do with the vision that they mentioned.
"Let him go."
Arthur knew that tone of voice. His head jerked up and he stared at Merlin. Gold was flooding his eyes and his hand was raising.
"Merlin, no." Arthur's call wasn't enough though. The magic tore from Merlin in an almighty burst and the man holding Arthur was thrown backwards. Arthur knew they were in serious trouble now. He darted forward, grabbed Merlin's arm and forced him to run. But the magic had weakened him and Merlin couldn't keep the pace.
"Go."
"No." Arthur stubbornly tightened his grip when he felt Merlin trying to push him away. The knights were coming at them again.
"It's you they want, Arthur. You have to get out of here."
"You just used magic, you idiot." Arthur was trying not to panic. He didn't know what to do. These men worked for Uther – his father. The one who could answer all of Arthur's questions about his life. The one man he had sworn he would keep Merlin safe from. But Merlin shook his head sadly.
"It's my destiny to keep you safe. Nimueh told me. You're destined to be the Once and Future King, Arthur. I'm supposed to protect you so that you can live that long."
"What?" Arthur had no idea what Merlin was telling him. But the warlock shoved him away. Arthur made to take a step back when he realised the world around him was spinning. The sensation grew more rapid and the only thing Arthur could focus on was the magic pouring from Merlin. It looked as if it was lighting him up and Arthur knew whatever he was attempting to cast was more powerful than anything he had ever tried before.
"No!" His scream was weak even to his own ears. A roaring sound had filled the air and Arthur just about made out the knights approaching Merlin, swords drawn, before his vision spun so rapidly he had to squeeze his eyes shut to stop him from being sick. The sensation faded and Arthur opened his eyes.
He was standing in the middle of the cottage. Even while he tried to comprehend what had just happened, Nimueh came flying through the door.
"What happened?" She demanded. "I've been out looking for you. I felt his magic, I felt the danger. What were you doing?"
"Get out of the way," Arthur snapped. He strode past her, snatching up his sword and turning towards the door. They hadn't been that far from the cottage, he still had time to catch the men. The only thing he knew for sure was that Merlin wouldn't be able to defend himself after using that amount of magic.
"Stop." Nimueh's voice rang with power and Arthur shivered as he felt her magic. It held him in place, freezing him from the neck down. "You're in danger. You're not going out there."
"They've got Merlin." Arthur told her, his voice flat. "I'm going to get him back."
"On your own? You're a boy, Arthur. I hardly think so."
Nimueh was moving closer to him. Arthur watched her closely. When she brushed his hair back, he jerked. Fury engulfed him and it was so strong he broke through the spell holding him still. He stumbled back, tripped over his feet and slid down the wall before he could regain his balance. He stayed where he had fallen, staring up at her.
Arthur knew what she had been about to do. She was going to make him forget this had happened. He had no idea if she planned to rescue Merlin herself, but right now, he didn't care. Anger burnt bright and hot and Arthur slowly stood up, staring at her.
"How dare you," he said quietly. "You think making me forget something will change what is happening? You can't make me forget. Merlin has made me who I am. Make me forget him and you'll destroy me as well."
"Stop talking such nonsense, Arthur." Nimueh's hand had dropped by her side again but Arthur could see the confusion in her eyes. Even now, she didn't know the block on his mind had broken. "What were the pair of you doing?"
"Knights," Arthur muttered. "They're camping the other side of the river, looking for me. Merlin used magic to make sure I escaped, but they will have him. The king is demanded every boy be taken before him."
Nimueh paled. She strode to the door and wrenched it open. She started chanting and Arthur stumbled as powerful magic whipped out from her and sparked around the hut.
"Go to your room, Arthur."
"No. You can't make me."
"You really think now is the time to test me?"
"I know!" Arthur yelled. He couldn't keep this a secret any longer. Not if it meant costing Merlin his life. "I know who I am. I know why they are looking for me. When were you going to tell me that I was the Prince of Camelot? Why am I here?"
Nimueh turned to face him. Rage was etched into every feature. Arthur swallowed. She seemed to grow as she stood there and the sun was blocked out. The hut fell into darkness and Arthur knew he was shivering. He couldn't move even if he wanted to, he was paralysed by the force of her magic.
"You know nothing," she spat, venom in her voice. "Now go to your room!" Her words were laced with magic and for the second time, Arthur felt the world around him dissolve. The sensation didn't last as long this time and Arthur kept his eyes open as the hallway disappeared and his room appeared. But the magic didn't stop there. Arthur was stripped of his sword, cloak and boots. His bed and books disappeared. The room became an empty shell. He stumbled towards the door, but chains erupted from the wall. Before he had made it a step, manacles clipped around his wrists and pulled him up short.
Arthur struggled violently against the cuffs. There was no keyhole; they were sealed with magic. He fought and cursed, finally looking up when he was panting. Nimueh was standing in his doorway.
"You need the boy. I will bring him here. Then we are leaving this place. We've lingered too long and you are not ready."
"Ready for what?" Arthur shouted, straining to get closer. "What do you want from me?"
"Nothing." Nimueh walked into the room and Arthur was pulled back as the chains shortened. She reached up and cupped his face. "Only for you to have your rightful kingdom."
"I already would have if you hadn't kidnapped me." Arthur spat. Nimueh smiled fondly, as if Arthur was a young child having a tantrum rather than a grown man.
"Your mind would have been twisted and warped if I had left you with your father."
"How do I know? How can I believe anything you say? You made me forget everything that didn't agree with your plan."
"You'll understand one day." Nimueh said as she turned and left the room. She paused in the doorway again and Arthur shook his head.
"Don't. Please don't…"
She slammed the door and he heard the key turn in the lock. Letting out a yell, he continued to struggle against his restraints. There wasn't so much as a creak from the chains and he knew there wouldn't be. He had never been able to go against her magic. Merlin was the only one who was strong enough to offer any resistance against what she could do.
And now – because of him – Merlin was probably dead. Arthur was fully aware of what Uther's opinion on magic was. He would have had Merlin executed as soon as he was taken back to the camp. Maybe even now, Merlin was burning alive while Arthur was sitting in his room. The imagined sound of his friend's agonised screams made Arthur cry out and he slipped to the floor. His hands fell into his lap and he just stared at the shackles.
He was a puppet. Nothing more, nothing less. It was what he had always been. Nimueh had been shaping him to suit her purpose, giving him the opinions and desires she wanted him to have. Maybe he would have had different views with his father. But it wasn't Nimueh who had shaped his opinion on magic. Merlin had done that. He had done it the instant he had shown Arthur that it could be used for play and innocence, even beauty. Nimueh had taught him to fear it with her punishments. What else had she influenced without him being aware of it?
"Damn," Arthur muttered. Lifting a hand, he wiped his eyes before kneeling up to stare out of the window. He couldn't see any plumes of smoke indicating Merlin was being burnt. He couldn't see anything. He couldn't do anything. He was stuck here until Nimueh returned to free him. Merlin had been right about one thing; he would never be a king if Merlin wasn't by his side. If anything happened to him, Arthur knew he wouldn't ever forgive himself.