Merlin POV

Sleeping has been a lot better now, it definitely helps that Arthur and I are on the same page. Except there is one dream that has been haunting me, it feels more like a prophecy than a dream. It feels like my future, that it should happen. However, I don’t want it to happen. The prophecy involves Morgana and I don’t want anything to do without that heartless sorceress. Magic changed her, corrupted her and to this day I still wonder if it was actually my fault. After all, it was I that sent her to find the druids. I sat on my bed pondering for a few moments when my trail of thought was interrupted by Gaius “Breakfast Is ready!” he shouted. My stomach rumbled, urging me to answer its called. Well, I was hungry so I got up and sat at the table or I probably should say work bench. I was immediately drawn to the ham sandwich that sat laid in front of me. My mouth watered at the delicious sight. “I thought you deserved it, plus you are going on a hunting trip with Arthur today.” Gaius reminded me. Damn. I forgot about that hunting trip, I hate hunting trips. I still don’t know how Arthur finds pleasure out of killing innocent animals simply for sport. It should be banned. Despite wanting to savour every bite of the sandwich I had to pack for the hunting trip – unfortunately.

I stuffed my bag with some spare clothes, a couple of blankets and some loaves of bread and a couple of apples. I slung the bag over my shoulder, not planning to come back for it. I gave Gaius a quick hug “See you later, don’t wait for me for dinner.” I told Gaius

“Ok, be careful.” He smiled then got back to his work. I walked down the passages inspecting the alabaster walls, this was definitely luxury compared Ealdor. Although, I did still miss the fields, the forest and the simplexes. I could smell the kitchen, roasted boar drifting through the air, holding my hand, leading me in its direction. I soon entered the busy rush of the kitchen, servants passing in out always with their hands full with wine and food. I went up to one of the units and picked up some food for Arthur. You wouldn’t believe what he’s like with no food on the hunting trips, I found that out the hard way! “OY! Get your grubby hands off that food!” Shouted Mary the cook. I really don’t like that woman.

“It’s for the king, hunting trip.” I smirked as I had a proper reason for touching the food. She scowled at me and muttered harshly under her breath and then left me to it. Thank God. Whilst I was in the kitchen I sneakily nicked a sweet looking pastry, I had to treat myself and I also took it to see if Mary would notice. Of course she did and I legged it out of the kitchen laughing. I made my way to Arthurs’ chambers; I knocked on the door twice. “Come in!” beckoned Arthur. I opened the door and Arthur was still in bed, he was awake though so that’s a start.  

“Is it ok if you can dress yourself today because I need to get some more packing done for the hunting trip.” I questioned. Arthur smiled

“Of course Merlin, as long as you get it done!” he replied. I laughed quietly

“Are the other knights coming?” I asked, I hope they were

“No, it’s just you and I.” told Arthur

“Oh, OK. I’ll tack the horses up, I should be done in about 20 minutes.” I estimated. Arthur nodded and I bowed briefly and left the room. I made my way to the stables and quickly asked if a servant could look after all the bags and equipment whilst I tacked the horses up.

I gently stroked Caspian, Arthur’s bay horse, he was one of the finest stallions in the 5 kingdoms. I loosely tied him up and trudged to the tack room (A.N// I go Horse riding so sorry if this gets technical) and placed his saddle over my arm and slung the bridle over my shoulder. These saddles are so heavy, but they smell of new leather and that is one of the best smells. I placed the reins over the door and then placed the saddle on Caspian. I snorted angrily, as I did his girth up, he was breathing out on purpose. I sighed in defeat, it wasn’t going to go up any further. I put the reins over his head and slid his head collar down onto his neck and put the bit into his mouth, wow this was one stubborn horse. I ended up getting nipped on the finger. I hated horses sometimes. Luckily the horse I was riding was A LOT  easier to tack up. I lead the two horses out into the courtyard and attached the equipment to my horse. I thanked the girl who looked after them. Just as I finished Arthur came out smiling, a crossbow set over his shoulder. Deadly things they are, I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of those arrows. Arthur gracefully mounted up on Caspian and I followed suit, just with less of the grace. As soon as I was on Arthur picked up a canter and we were out of the courtyard.

A FEW HOURS LATER…

“Can we go back to Camelot now? We’ve been riding for ages!” I moaned to Arthur

“We’re not going home until I catch something. You’re such a girl’s petticoat!” insulted Arthur. I sighed and my horse snorted in annoyance as well. The horse seemed to suit the rider. I laughed at my own joke. Arthur shot me a strange look, I shrugged it off, and I didn’t care to be honest. We were getting deeper and deeper into the forest, deeper and deeper into bandit territory. My wolf hearing was kicking in and I heard a twig snap in the distance. “Did you hear that?” I asked Arthur, I was getting worried now, this far from Camelot.

“Merlin it was proba-“ started Arthur but he was soon interrupted by the  roar of a swarm of Bandits. Arthur quickly dismounted and was soon slashing the bandits with his sword. He blocked and parried and cut many of them down. I stayed on my horse and used my magic to survive. Suddenly I felt a pair of strong hands grab me by the waist. They pulled me from my horse and I fell hard on the ground, I was left winded. The man grabbed me by the neck and put me into a headlock. He grabbed a dagger from his belt and put it menacingly close to my throat. He hauled me into the centre of the action. I struggled  and tried to get free but his grip got tighter round my neck and I was gasping for air. Arthur turned round and saw me, he stopped fighting. “One more step and his throat is cut.” Warned the bandit. I struggled again and the bandit dug the dagger into my neck, it began to draw blood. Arthur looked at me with concern,

“What do you want?” asked Arthur bravely. I wanted to transform and use my magic but I couldn’t do it in front of Arthur. The bandit glared menacingly at Arthur and the replied smugly

“You.”

I felt the hilt of the dagger crash into my skull and I blacked out almost instantly…

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There's another update for you guys :) Hope you liked it and i left you on a cliff hanger, mwuhahaha! I will say this now, Happy Easter! I asked for the Desolation of Smaug instead of an easter egg but i think my mum is still getting me an easter egg. LOVE YOU MUM :) Hopefully i will update soon! Oh yeah it is the Crabbie's Grand National today! Can't wait to see what horse wins. See you soon!