Destiny - a Merthur fic

Chapter III

Merlin's POV
I walked to the woods where I would meet up with Gwaine with a heavy feeling in my gut. I shouldn't be leaving Arthur like this. Not now.
Gwaine was already there, waiting. "Hello, Merlin." He seemed somber, which was unusual for Gwaine as most of the time he was quite jolly.
I nodded. "Gwaine."
It was so hard to travel without magic. Not being able to see the path ahead... How did normal people do it?
We had been walking for about half an hour, making small talk. I had been doing lots of thinking.
What if I just went with Arthur anyway? Magic or no magic? The prophecy predicts he will die at Camlaan by Mordred's hand. But if he never goes into battle...
I stopped suddenly. "Gwaine." I said. "We need to go back."
He raised an eyebrow at me. "Really now, Merlin?"
I cast him an apologetic look. "I know I've wasted your time. But we need to go back. Quickly. We need to get there before they depart for Camlaan."
He sighed. "Fine." So we turned around.
Arthur's POV
I looked out the window, one last time. This could very well be the last time I looked out the window. I could die in battle. We were battling against Morgana and the Saxons, after all. It was a wonder I wasn't dead already.
My knights were all standing with their horses down in the court. I trotted down the stairs to join them.
I heard footsteps running down the hall. "Arthur!"
It was Merlin. I could identify that voice anywhere. I turned my head sharply and sure enough, there he was, running towards me at top speed. He toppled into me and I put an arm out to brace myself from falling over and my hand lingered on his chest, before I let it fall to my side.
He was panting. "Merlin!" I exclaimed. "What do you think you're doing?"
He shook his head. "I - came back -"
I scoffed. "I thought you said you had urgent errands to run for Gaius." I felt myself getting warm. He'd come back. He didn't leave me.
"Found somebody else to do them." He caught his breath finally. "I need to go with you. You're more important than some stupid herbs."
"Stupid herbs that could save a man's life," I remarked.
"Yeah. You're still more important."
"Well. Come on, then. We're leaving, so if you're coming, you'd better get a horse ready." When he didn't move, I put on my best 'royal prat voice', as Merlin called it - "NOW."
He scurried into action and I walked out and hoisted myself onto the horse. All my men were already on their horses, watching me expectantly. Leon had taken Merlin's place at my side.
"Leon," I said "that won't be necessary. Merlin has decided to join us." Merlin chose this moment to come charging out of the stables on his horse, and stop beside me.
And so we set off for Camlaan.
Or so I thought.