Camelot

November, 507 AD

Merlin and I didn't run for long before we found Arthur and Percival; both of whom were leaning against a pine tree while catching their breaths. The tall blond drew his sword, only to lower it immediately when he saw it was us. "Good, you found her," he stated with a small grin.

I didn't stop to greet him as I dashed towards Arthur, throwing my arms around his waist as my body collided with his. He groaned and I instantly jumped away, my eyes widening. "What's wrong?! Are you okay?!" I asked as I ran my eyes up and down his figure.

"He broke some ribs," Merlin responded in a grave tone while the King simply stared at me with a lopsided smile and curious eyes.

I might've panicked at the mention of broken bones had I not been so struck by the King's weird expression. "What the heck is wrong with you?" I asked as I analysed his face more closely.

He reached to put a hand on my cheek and gave it a few gentle taps that made me shy away slightly. "Nothing is wrong – I have you!" he chirped.

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Merlin for an explanation.

'Later,' he mouthed, causing me to huff. Then he turned to Arthur as he questioned, "Can you walk on your own?"

"Oh, yes. Just point me in the right direction," he replied in a nonchalant tone.

Percival suddenly shushed him and I tensed up at the sound of approaching footsteps. A figure appeared beside the tall blond and he quickly grabbed it, only to reveal Elyan, who let out a chuckle.

"Do not hold back on my account," he teased, earning a smile and a half-hug from Percival before they began to walk away.

Merlin and I went to follow, but we paused in synchronicity when we noticed that Arthur had turned around to gaze at the castle and the flames that still surround it. I was puzzled to find that he didn't seem sad or mortified by the sight. Only... I'd say intrigued.

Still, I slipped my hand into his and gave him a light tug.

"Come on, Arthur," Merlin said while gesturing towards the direction in which the other two knights went.

Without protest, the King nodded and began walking. I gave my brother another questioning look, but he waved me off with the silent promise that he would explain when he could. I let out a shaky sigh and dropped my head, ignoring the churning feeling in my chest as I followed the men.

At some point, Arthur began to have trouble walking and he resorted to leaning on me, his arms wrapping around my shoulders and his hands fisting my hoodie. Soon, his weight became too much for my significantly smaller figure to bear.

"Guys? A little help here," I called out in a strained voice as I struggled to stay on my feet, my legs trembling slightly.

Percival and Elyan rushed to take the King from me and they threw his arms around their shoulders, practically carrying him. He seemed dazed for a moment, then he blinked rapidly and turned his head towards me as he said, "I am sorry, beautiful. That was very inconsiderate of me."

I waved him off, ignoring the way in which my face warmed up, and I continued to walk, now falling into stride with Merlin, who grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"They will come after us. They know Arthur is still alive," Percival pointed out.

The paranoia of what could be lurking in the shadows of the darkened forest hit me like a stone to the head and I suddenly felt kind of like Snow White as we all accelerated our pace, practically running out of fear that the Evil Queen might be right in pursuit.

"Then we have to make it across the border, find sanctuary anywhere we can," Elyan responded in between pants.

Merlin glanced at me for a second before replying, "I know a place: Ealdor. It's beyond the White Mountains."

My grip on his hand tightened when I heard the sound of hoofbeats in the distance and I halted my feet, turning around to face the direction from which the sound was coming. Hope swelled in my chest. Maybe Dallas found us! Along with his herd mates, considering that there are multiple sets.

However, luck wasn't on my side when Morgana was the one to emerge from the thick layer of mist that clouded the atmosphere, riding on her grey horse as she charged our way with Agravaine, Thanata, and a bunch of enemy soldiers right behind her.

"Run!" Percival shouted.

None of us needed to be told twice as we broke off in a sprint, discreetness long forgotten as our feet pounded over the crunching ground below, not caring for the sound as the witches urged their horses after us.

One second I was running, the next I was flying. And not in a fun way as a bunch of leaves swirled up. I grunted when I landed on my left side, with my shoulder blade taking most of the impact, and I looked around for my friends as I forced myself to stand up. I spotted Merlin and Elyan helping a wide-eyed Arthur to his feet and I ran towards them, taking a nanosecond to look the King up and down for further injuries before we started to run again.

"Where's Perci!?" I asked when I didn't find him around.

The boys paused for a second and glanced around as well, but the renewed sound of approaching hoofbeats compelled us to keep moving.

"We have to go!" Elyan stated the obvious as he led the way with Arthur right behind him.

Swallowing my concern for the tall blond, I ran behind my friends, pushing my legs as much as I could to keep up with them as I trailed Merlin. Lacking anything resemblant of armour and being the smallest, I am the easiest target for the enemies. I can't let them catch up to me.

We arrived at a rocky trench and Elyan handed Arthur a spare sword before pushing him in between the walls. Merlin ran in right behind him while I hung back with the knight, rapidly retrieving the bow I had in my duffel bag in preparation for the inevitable appearance of the witches.

"What are you doing!? Go!" Elyan exclaimed while giving me a gentle nudge towards the trench.

"You can't face 'em alone!" I protested.

"Do not worry about me, they need you more," he responded and nudged me again, this time a bit more harshly. "Go!"

I let out a heavy huff and gave him a disapproving look, but I didn't argue further and took off running after my boys again.

Merlin grabbed my hand once I caught up to them and we ran, and ran, and ran, and ran; for what felt like hours on end until my brother finally deemed it safe to stop in the middle of the misty forest.

Arthur ran into him, causing both of us to stumble forwards.

"Sorry! My fault."

I exchanged a half-surprised-half-confused look with my brother as the King gave us an apologetic look, still appearing devoid of any heavy emotions as he pursed his lips.

What's wrong with him?!

I let out a shaky sigh as I dropped Merlin's hand and I moved to Arthur's side instead. Being mindful of his injured ribs, I wrapped my arms around his waist and nuzzled into his chest in search of the feeling of safety that only his warmth and manly scent can give me, even if he's acting strange. He didn't hesitate before returning the embrace and tucking my head under his chin, one of his hands reaching to play with my messy excuse for a braid.

"Well, I think we are safe for now," Merlin noted. Then he turned to Arthur as he added, "But we need to find you some kind of disguise. You are too conspicuous in those clothes."

'Those clothes' being his well-polished chainmail and red Pendragon cape, of course.

Arthur looked down at himself and nodded. "Well, whatever you say. I am entirely in your hands."

My eyes almost left my skull and I felt as if lightning had struck me. I turned to Merlin with a questioning look – again. He responded with a tight-lipped smile before letting out a sigh and continuing to walk. I reluctantly pushed away from the King and followed.

I looked back at Arthur for a moment, noticing how he brought a hand to his ribs while a pained look showed in his features. I sighed and gave him a small smile when our eyes connected before returning my attention to the path ahead.

The sun graced us with its presence at some point during our long hike, making the journey easier now that we didn't have to be afraid of what could be hiding in the eeriness of night as the fog dissipated and the luminary's light pushed away the darkness.

'Exhaustion' doesn't even begin to cover how I was feeling. My legs felt weak and they trembled with every step, begging my stubborn nature to let go just this once so they could get some rest – but I obviously can't allow that. My shoulders ached from alternating carrying my duffel bag, aggravated by the bruise I'm certain I have from the tumble I took. And my head pounded with a persistent headache – I would kill for an aspirin! However, the maladies plaguing my body were nothing compared to how I felt emotionally. I could physically feel my soul hurting. It hurt for Camelot and the people in it; for my friends who stayed behind just to save us; and most of all, for the way in which I parted with Dallas.

I know I can't let any of that show, though. I need to stay strong for Merlin and Arthur. So I powered on while putting on the best poker face I could conjure up.

Something finally went our way for the first time in a while when we came across a hut in the woods that had male clothes hanging from a line right outside it. Judging from the smoke that came out of the chimney, the small wooden building was occupied; so we'd have to be careful.

Merlin was quick to steal some of the clothes for Arthur, and then the latter went behind a wall to change while the former and I sat down on the other side of it, allowing ourselves to have a few moments of rest.

I gave my brother a pointed look, silently begging him to tell me what is going on with the King.

"I had to enchant him to get rid of his will so that he would leave the castle," he explained in a very low whisper.

I raised my eyebrows in contemplation. That makes sense, I guess. Then I nodded and let my head drop to his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head and gave my hand a small squeeze.

After a minute or two, Merlin let out a frustrated sigh. "In your own time. Obviously," he called out to Arthur in an annoyed tone, causing me to snort slightly.

"Sorry, Merlin. Some of these things are a little on the tight side," the King replied, sounding strained.

"Beggars can't be choosers, Sire," my brother responded as a small grin formed on his lips.

"No, you are right," Arthur answered, causing Merlin and I to share a surprised look. "I probably should learn to think before I speak, should I not?"

I chuckled under my breath. I think this version of Arthur might not be so bad.

"It would be a start," Merlin noted.

A few more moments went by before Arthur announced that he was done and, without a warning, he stepped out from behind the wall and stood in front of Merlin and I, letting out a sigh as he awaited inspection.

I bursted out laughing at the sight, turning my head against my brother's shoulder to muffle the sound.

Arthur wore a pair of ragged, pistachio-coloured long shorts that reached just below his knees, with his belt with his coin pouch wrapped around it; a matching shirt that is too small on him, leaving most of his forearms uncovered, as well as a bit of his stomach; and on top of that he had a small mustard-coloured vest.

Merlin laughed for a few moments as well, then we forced ourselves to stop as the King raised an eyebrow at us.

"Well, Arthur, what can I say?" my brother said as he pushed himself to his feet before aiding me in doing the same. "You look like a total turnip head."

"Still hot, though," I added with a wink.

He seemed amused for a moment, then he turned to look at what remained of the clothes on the line. "Well, should I try something else? There is plenty more here."

"No. No. That will do absolutely fine," Merlin quickly stopped him while sending me a mischievous look. I grinned. "Although, maybe I'll take that," he added as he reached for the coin pouch attached to the King's hip.

Arthur's eyes widened as he watched him take the money. "My gold!" he protested. Well, it wasn't really a protest; more of an alarmed note.

"Probably safer with me," Merlin told him in a slightly condescending voice, causing me to let out a small giggle.

"Of course," Arthur agreed with a nod, then he stared at Merlin with a derpy look

My brother seemed weirded out by it, which made me giggle again.

"D'ya think he'll remember anything when the spell wears off?" I asked Merlin in a whisper while glancing back at Arthur, who waddled along while gazing at the tall trees that surrounded us with a wondrous look in his eyes and parted lips.

My brother shrugged. "I am not sure. Why?"

"We could save ourselves a whole lotta walkin' if you call Special K," I responded with a slight chuckle.

He shook his head. "We cannot risk it."

"I know, but how fun would it be?"

Merlin snorted and gave me an amused look before throwing an arm over my shoulders. I smiled up at him for a second before turning to look at Arthur again. He gave me a goofy grin when our eyes made contact and I sighed. He looks so carefree and... happy. I almost wish he could stay in this state forever. But we need our King back if we're to stand a chance of retaking Camelot.

Suddenly, my brother halted and looked around. I frowned up at him. "I sensed something," he whispered. I nodded in understanding. His magic tingle must be acting up. He turned to Arthur and ordered, "Wait. Here," in a paused manner and with a stern look.

The King nodded and I stood on my toes to kiss the side of his jaw before following Merlin.

I drew my bow in case I needed to use it.

We reached a small clearing to find a rustic carriage drawn by two black Percheron-type horses parked in the middle. My heart clenched at the thought of my own horse. A bunch of wooden chests and cooking utensils were lying around as men worked to pack stuff into the vehicle. They didn't seem poor, though they didn't seem especially rich either – judging by the state of the fur and leather they wore.

I felt Merlin tense up next to me and my eyes widened when I turned to find a tall, blonde woman pressing a sword to his back. I instantly dropped my bow as my heart started pounding against my ribcage.

"Hello," she said with a cheeky grin.

"Hey!" I greeted, trying to appear as friendly as possible. "You wouldn't happen to know the way to Hogwarts, would you?"

She tilted her head at me before motioning for my brother and I to start walking towards the camp. Unable to do anything, lest she stab Merlin, I let out a frustrated sigh and relented.

Arthur appeared on the scene seconds later and he seemed confused, but he said nothing as he walked beside me, grabbing my hand. Merlin and I shared an annoyed look at the fact that he disobeyed the order to stay put, but neither of us said anything either.

The woman led us to a tall man who looked kinda like a middle-aged version of Arthur with his blond hair and 2010s boy-band member haircut. However, the dark look in his fierce blue eyes contrasted starkly with my King's sunny nature.

"I found them lurking in the woods," she informed him, then she removed the sword from my brother's back as she moved to stand next to the man.

"See anything interesting?" the man inquired as he regarded us with narrowed eyes.

"Nope," Merlin and I replied at the same time.

The man flung a knife in our direction and we barely had time to move out of the way. It stuck to a tree right behind us.

"What the–!" I went to yell at him, but Merlin covered my mouth with his hand and gave me a stern look before freeing me.

The man clenched his jaw. "You want to watch where you stick your beaks, children," he spat with contempt. I glared at him.

"We did not see anything, I promise," Merlin replied. "We were just passing through."

The man's features relaxed slightly as he leaned his back against a tree.

"They have no horses, no supplies, nothing," the woman told him.

He eyed my duffel bag and I rolled my eyes. "Just a blanket, a bow, n' a change of clothes," I said as I unzipped it to show him the interior. He seemed satisfied by that.

"Like to travel light, do you?"

"Yup," I responded.

"Something like that," Merlin added.

"So where are you headed?" the man asked.

My brother and I shared a hesitant look, then he responded, "North of the border."

"Lot's kingdom," the man noted before striding over to us.

I moved slightly in front of Arthur, fearing he might recognise him or something.

"He does not take kindly to strangers, I can tell you," the man said as he got up in Merlin's space. "Likes to decorate his fortress with their heads."

"So why are you heading there?" Merlin inquired, not even flinching at the proximity.

"I have my reasons," the man responded while eyeing him up and down.

My brother nodded. "Right."

Arthur took a step forwards, his chest bumping my shoulder as he leaned towards Merlin. "I agree with him," he told the man in an unconcerned voice. I grabbed his arm and moved him behind me again.

"What is wrong with your friend?" the man questioned, his eyes darting between Merlin and I.

"He's a simpleton, he cannot help it," my brother responded swiftly and I had to bite my lip to keep from chuckling.

"Look after him, do you?"

"Without us, he would not last a day," Merlin responded. I nodded in agreement and, to my surprise, so did Arthur.

The man narrowed his eyes, shamelessly analysing us. I tensed up a little. To my relief, his features softened a tad after a few moments and he nodded to the side as he said, "Very well. I suppose you can be on your way." Then he went to retrieve his knife from the tree and walked away towards the carriage.

Merlin turned to me and discreetly nodded towards the man before raising an eyebrow. I tilted my head in contemplation. We certainly could use the company in hostile territory. After all, there's safety in numbers. 'Well, there's also death in numbers,' Stiles Stilinski's wise words echoed in my mind, 'it's called a massacre. A bloodbath. Carnage. Slaughter. Butchery.' But these people appear to be more than capable of taking care of themselves. So I finally nodded at my brother.

"Could we not come with you?" he asked as he took a few cautious steps towards the middle-aged man.

I would've stayed in place, but Arthur stumbled and pushed me forwards in an attempt to steady himself. I barely caught myself before I could fall to the ground and sent him an annoyed look, earning a goofy grin in return as he wrapped his arms around one of mine; which looked ridiculously frail in his muscular grip.

"I mean, w-we would be grateful for the company, to be honest," Merlin added with a nod towards me as the man contemplated him with a sceptical look.

The King leaned forwards, making me stumble once more as he tugged on my arm, and he nodded at the man as he stated, "I am very annoying."

The man scoffed before turning around and muttering, "Sorry."

"Please?" Merlin insisted.

The man turned sharply towards us and I flinched back. "Do not push it, boy. You are lucky I let you go with your lives," he spat at my brother.

"I could pay you," Merlin blurted out. I raised an eyebrow at him. "With gold."

That seemed to pique the man and the woman's interests, for they shared a smirk before turning to face us again. "Well, why did you not say so before?" the man asked, his face contorting into a creepy grin that reminded me of the Grinch.

My brother and I shared a glance before shrugging simultaneously. In the meantime, Arthur returned the man's smile – only his was derpy and, honestly, stupid-looking. Merlin glared at him, which caused him to drop it as he turned serious. Or, rather, pouty.

I gently poked his cheek and freed my arm from his grip before following my brother towards the carriage.