Rising in the Dance of Flames [Editing]

The Gates of Avalon

In the woods, Arthur crouched down, searching for an animal to hunt with his crossbow at hand. He had spotted a deer ahead and started to aim, concentrating on his target in the silence. That was until Merlin bumped into him, scaring off the animal. 

"What is it?" Merlin asked, holding a couple of possums and Arthur's swords.

"You really are a total buffoon, aren't you, Merlin?" Arthur growled, glaring at the lad.

Merlin was taken back on his attitude, "I was just asking."

"Who? Me or the deer? We're supposed to be hunting. It requires speed, stealth, and an agile mind." Arthur smacked Merlin's forehead.

"So you're able to get by on two out of the three then?" Merlin sassed, and Arthur was about to hit him when they had heard a woman's scream.

"What was that?" Merlin asked.

"Quiet."

"Help!" The woman shouted pleadingly. Arthur grabbed his sword from Merlin's grasp and ran to the noise with Merlin following behind. A group of men was robbing a young woman and an older man. The man was on the ground, having a sword pointing at him while three men held the woman. Arthur took action and aimed his crossbow at the one with the sword. Two men that were having the girl went to strike the Prince while the other stayed behind.

Arthur attacked the men, clashing their swords as Merlin finally caught up with him, watching on the sidelines like the father and daughter. Merlin saw a man sneaking up behind Arthur and incited an incantation that broke a big branch, falling onto the man. Arthur managed to kill his opponent, turning around for the final one. The man stood there for a moment before running off.

Arthur looks up at the broken branch, "Stroke of luck."

"And let that be a lesson to you," Merlin shouted. Arthur looked back at him with his eyebrow raised. "What? I was covering your back."

Arthur walked up to the father and daughter, panting. "Are you all right? They didn't hurt you?" He asked as the woman turned to face him, showing her beauty. She gave him a charming smile and pulled down her hood.

"No, thanks to you." Instantly, Arthur was enchanted. Mentally, she smiled and pointed to her father. "I'm Sophia. This is my father."

"Arthur Pendragon," He introduced himself and softly grabbed Sophia's hand, placing a kiss. "at your service."

°°°

Merlin and Arthur brought them back to the castle into the throne room. King Uther sat on his throne, staring at the two curiously. "My name is Aulfric, heir of Tirmawr. This is my daughter Sophia." Aulfric introduced them. 

"You're a long way from home. What brings you to Camelot?" Uther asked.

"Our home was sacked by raiders. We barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry." Aulfric answered as Arthur and Merlin stood on the side. Arthur sneaked a glance at Sophia.

"These are dangerous times. What will you do?" Uther asked them.

"We travel west to Caerleon where we have family and, I hope, a new life."

"You can stay here a while, break your journey. A noble family like yours is always welcome at Camelot." Aulfric and Sophia bowed respectfully before being escorted out of the room. Arthur's eyes followed Sophia and their eyes met. Merlin glanced between the two, seeing their interaction.

Soon, they went to Arthur's room, and Arthur gave Merlin a task. "Make sure you put her in a decent room," Arthur told him, setting his sword onto his bed then taking off his gloves.