Merlin's Sister

Lost and Found

Arthur and Merlin rode down the worn path to Arthur's favorite hunting grounds. He was glad it wasn't too far from the city. Hunting had never been his favorite pass time, but as Arthur's manservant, he always had to accompany him on these trips. Never mind they were supposed to be solo trips.

They stopped by the brook and continued the rest of the way by foot. Knowing Arthur would skin him alive if he scared off any more prey, Merlin took extra care to tread quietly and keep aware of his surroundings. For some strange reason he felt he was being watched. Shadows moved but there was nothing there. Sticks crunched but there was no one there to step on them. He would have thought he was going mad, but Arthur noticed it too.

"Merlin that had better not be you!" He rage whispered.

"It's not, sire," Merlin whispered back. "It sounds like it's coming from the left." But he shot his eyes to the right. It was a tactic used to ambush bandits, and he knew Arthur would recognize it.

"Okay on three," They quickly ran in the direction of the noises. But what they found was not a group of bandits but a girl. She was obviously a few years older than Arthur was. She had midnight black hair and soft brown eyes. She reminded Merlin of someone, but he couldn't think of who. She was clearly frightened by the sudden appearance of the two boys; her eyes were a big as saucers.

Not wanting to scare her any more Merlin lowered his sword and Arthur soon followed suit. She seemed to relax a little but her guard was still up. Merlin decided it was best to figure out who she was. "Hello, I'm Merlin. Who are you?"

"Kenna," she squeaked.

"Well, Kenna what are you doing out here," Arthur asked. He left off a silent 'stalking us'.

"You two are the first people I've seen in weeks. The bandit that grabbed me wasn't very competent, but before I could escape he moved me so far away from my home that I don't have a clue how to get back. I've just been wandering ever since. Where am I by the way?" She looked very confused. Merlin looked to Arthur. They knew they couldn't just leave her here alone and confused.

"You're in Camelot," Arthur said gently, "and I'm Prince Arthur. This is Merlin, my manservant. We could take you to the castle and find a way to get you home."

"Really!" she said excitedly. "I would love that."

"Okay, let's get going. Gaius should be back from his rounds by now right?" Arthur asked Merlin.

"Yes, sire. He should be working of making potions and things like that right about now," He answered.

"Excellent," Arthur said and they started on their way.

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Merlin led Kenna to the old physician's room. Arthur went to inform his father that he was back and what happened in the woods. They would probably try to hunt down the bandit to prevent him from causing any trouble in Camelot.

Kenna was quiet on the way home. Merlin assumed she was just shy, but he had a feeling there was more to it than that. She had a familiar look about her, yet he couldn't figure out just why that was. He was certain he had never met her before. He couldn't help but wonder where she was from. Maybe he had been there with Arthur and he had seen her in a crowd or something. That was the only reason that he could think of, that made since.

They walked into Gaius's chambers to find the old man staring out the window. He had a troubled look on his face. Merlin walked up behind him but the Physician didn't seem to notice. He looked like he had seen a ghost. "Gaius, are you okay?"