Saving Arthur

The Cave

I've had this written for a while, I just never got the chance to proofread it. But... here it is finally!!

Prompt: Arthur and Merlin meet a girl who tries to get rid of Merlin so she can get to Arthur.

Idea by: Me again! Seriously, I need ideas now!

Disclaimer: I'm sick of saying I don't own Merlin. Everyone knows this, right?!
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   Arthur stopped abruptly in front of Merlin making the servant bump into his King. Arthur listened closely to the sounds around him.

   "What is it?" Merlin asked, leaning in close to Arthur.

   Arthur glanced around the forest. Twigs breaking sounded from not too far off. Arthur wouldn't let Merlin around him fearing it could be Morgana once more-- and Arthur couldn't see his friend hurt again by her.

   The echoes of footsteps and panting filled his ears. Arthur ducked down into some nearby bushes, pulling Merlin with him.

   Just at that moment, a girl came running into the clearing where Arthur and Merlin were hiding. Arthur's eyes widened as he stared at the girl. She stopped only a few feet in front of their hiding place to rest. The girl looked tired and hungry.

   Arthur began to crawl out of his hiding place, but Merlin pulled him back. "Arthur, what are you doing? This could be a trap!" he whispered sternly.

   Arthur glanced between Merlin and the young woman. "We'll have to take those chances." He sprang to his feet and emerged from the brush. The girls eyes widened in fear as Arthur stepped up towards her.

   "Stay back!" she shouted, thrusting her hands forward. Blonde, dirty curls flipped over her shoulder as she slung her head towards Merlin. "I won't go back!" she screamed. The girl backed away about to take off running.

   "It's okay!" Arthur tried to say calmly. "We're not going to hurt you." He stepped an inch closer. She didn't listen. She still backed up farther. Arthur stopped moving. "Merlin, I may need some help."

   Merlin looked at him confused. "Me?" he pointed to himself. "What do you want me to do?" Arthur cleared his throat roughly. Merlin understood. He wanted Merlin to use his magic. Merlin still felt uncomfortable using his magic around the King. He knew that at any moment Arthur had the right to put him to death, but he would still obey his King.

   Merlin waved his hand through the air and the girl immediately stopped shouting and began to collapse towards the ground. Arthur ran forward and caught her in his arms. The young woman was so weak and fragile in his hands.

   Merlin stepped up beside Arthur and the girl. Merlin stared down at her. "What do you think happened to her?" he asked with a blank expression.

   Arthur lifted the girl in his hands, her limp body seemed peaceful in her unconscious state. "I don't know," the King replied, "but we need to get her back to Gaius." Arthur began walking away. He was a foot away when he realized his servant had not moved an inch. "Come on, Merlin!" Arthur called. Merlin still didn't move; he continued to stare at the ground. Arthur marched back towards his friend. He gripped Merlin's shoulder and dragged him along. "You know I'm not leaving you for Morgana again."

   Merlin didn't like this one bit. There was something off about this girl, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He just knew that there was a dark presence surrounding this young woman. Bringing her into Camelot wasn't the best idea.

   As Arthur and Merlin rode into Camelot, Lancelot and Gwaine came out to meet them. Arthur hopped off his horse and took the girl in his arms. "Gwaine, go alert Gaius that I'm bringing someone to him." Gwaine nodded in response and took off.