Merlyn's Fate

The Nightmare Begins P3

Arthur hadn't been sure what he was expecting, but as Merlyn approached the druids' camp, he couldn't tell if he felt blind panic or simple confusion. It was certainly strange, to say the least, hiding behind one of the large tents just behind his servant. It was even more peculiar that Merlyn, after apparently listening in to a conversation between two of the druids, got up and walked towards them as if they weren't magical and potentially dangerous. She said something, which he couldn't hear, so he edged forwards, hoping to listen in.

"Merlyn! What are you doing here?" A familiar voice sounded through the small encampment. It was then that he realised that it was Morgana sitting next to the burnt out campfire, wearing raggedy clothes which definitely didn't belong to the ward of the King of Camelot.

"I've come to take you back to Camelot. The King thinks you've been kidnapped." There was no room for arguement in her tone.

"She is safe here." Aglain inputted, appearing unfazed at the sudden appearance of a random stranger.

"I know that, but there are dozens of innocents that will be killed if you are not returned safely." she spoke quickly, looking over her shoulder in his direction. "We can talk about this later, but we need to get you out of here now."

"But if I return..." Morgana muttered, her voice shuddering.

"I know, but I promise, we'll work this out." Merlyn smiled reassuringly. Arthur was beyond confounded, but the relief that his sister was safe overwhelmed his other senses. The druid, Aglain, took this moment to leave, answering a woman from the camp in some foreign tongue, alarm spreading across his features.

"Arthur, you can come out now. We're leaving." Merlyn stalked up to the tent he was hiding behind, her arms folded, seeming rather unamused. He stood up, running a hand through his hair rather sheepishly, walking down the small slope to the campfire.

"How long have you known?" he asked, wondering why she hadn't said anything beforehand.

"Long enough. You're not very stealthy." Merlyn grinned.

"But they can help me Merlyn, I don't feel so alone here. Do you understand?" Arthur wasn't quite sure what Morgana meant by this, but the sympathy in Merlyn's features was instant.

"Better than anyone, but we must go." Merlyn grabbed her friend's hand to pull her up, ignoring Arthur's presence for a moment. It was then that Aglain returned, fear flickering through his eyes.

"Who are you?" he asked Arthur, who was suddenly glad that he didn't have time to pick up his cape, which bared the Pendragons crest.

"It's alright, he's a friend. What's wrong?" Morgana asked kindly a frown creasing her face.

"Uther's men are coming. Your friend has led them straight to us." Aglain snarled, his anger uncharacteristic for a druid.

Merlyn turned to Arthur, "Did you erase your tracks when you were following me?" she demanded, narrowing her eyes in rage.

The Prince winced, realising his mistake. "Well, no, I thought Morgana had been kidnapped, not... Whatever this is. I thought it would be good for the knights to be able to follow me." he reasoned. Merlyn's eyes softened a fraction, his logic sound enough for her to understand his position.

"If you ever follow me when I sneak out of Camelot at night, don't leave a bloody trail. For future reference, I'll definitely be doing something illegal or at least frowned upon." she sighed, her eyes darting around the encampment.  She turned to the druid, whatever calculations she'd been working on complete. "Is Uther with his men?" she questioned, her face alight in hope.