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The castle courtyard was calm. There was the low chatter of the townsfolk and servants, as well as the sound of the horses and the metal of the knight's armor. Hoofbeats against cobblestone were heard as Merlin led another horse out to the group with a pack on the saddle. “Merlin, you do know you’re not required to join the patrol.” Arthur said as he smoothly mounted his own horse. Merlin huffed as he failed to do the same, taking a second try before he was squarely in the saddle.
“I know, but if I don’t Gauis will probably just make me clean out the leech tank. Besides,” — he smirked in Arthur’s direction— “I don’t think you could really get on without me.”
“I’ll have you know Mer-lin, that I have been managing just fine before you got to Camelot.” Arthur shot back with humor in his eyes. They headed off past the city walls, and into the woods.
That was the first time Merlin accompanied them on a patrol, Arthur didn't think much of it. It was a little unusual, sure. But he wasn't about to stop him, it was pleasant, being away from the castle with his closest friend. The other knights weren't about to stop him either. Uther might have been their king, but Arthur was undoubtedly their leader. He was with them on the battlefields, he was the one leading training, he learned their names and asked about their families.
Merlin followed the next patrol out as well, and the next. It became a habit, of course Merlin would be on the patrols, where else would he be. Arthur thought it was only natural. As right as filling his lungs with air that Merlin should be with him.
This patrol had been passing without incident, Arthur teased that Merlin had even managed to stay on his horse this time. It rained into the dusk, and they all discovered Merlin’s uncanny ability to start a fire no matter the wood’s condition. They set up the watch and Merlin was pleased that Arthur was left out tonight, he found that Arthur was a bigger dollop head than usual when he didn’t get enough sleep.
Arthur was woken anyway by the watchman just before the dawn, he registered a hand on his shoulder, a warning. He shot upright and grabbed his sword from where it lay next to him. The grip of the pommel and weight of the steel in his hand was a comfort. The other knights roused, picking up weapons as they came to awareness, and Arthur saw as Merlin blinked sleepily next to him. Arthur took his arm and pulled him up, he motioned for Merlin to stay silent, scanning the treeline with the others. A branch snapped in the East and several knights raised their swords, Arthur heard as one of the others tightened a bowstring, taking aim. A group of armed men emerged from the east.
“Stay out of sight!” Arthur warned Merlin as he shoved him to the treeline west of their camp. Arthur was engaged in the battle as soon as he reached one of the assailants. Merlin had run into the trees, and hidden from view gave what aid he was able. Roots emerged from the forest floor, sparks from the fire flew into their faces as the wind picked up. Suddenly a sword swung towards him, and Merlin ducked out of the way. He quickly ended up back with the others, and fear spiked its way into his chest as the man crept closer to him, he couldn't use his magic in view of Camelot’s knights, and he couldn't defend himself without it. The mercenary advanced with quick steps, Merlin matching by moving backwards out of his reach.
He managed to avoid another swing, but the mercenary suddenly charged forward and managed a shallow swipe across Merlin’s front. Merlin practically threw himself backwards to avoid getting cut deeper as the sword kept moving towards him. In doing so, he tripped and was sprawled on the forest floor before he could blink. Arthur didn't see how it happened, but he heard a shout and turned quickly to see his servant on the ground, his face pale and looking up at a man with his sword drawn.
“No!” Arthur would not allow it to happen. Would not see a man he was growing to trust and care for struck down. He ran and brought his sword up in the nick of time. “Go!” He didn’t look back at Merlin as he spoke, but heard as Merlin scrambled back and away, Arthur made quick work of his opponent, and as he dropped to the forest floor Arthur breathed a sigh of relief at seeing none left standing. All the knights were accounted for, there were no major injuries, and Arthur turned to where his servant had run and hurried in that direction. Not far from him sat his manservant, leaning against a tree clutching his knees to his chest. His head snapped up and the tension in him eased when he saw it was Arthur.
“You saved my life, thank you.” Arthur kneeled next to him, scanning him for injuries.
“You’ve done the same for me, Merlin. Are you hurt at all?” Merlin stretched his legs out in front of him, wincing, and Arthur saw a thin line of blood against his chest. He reached forward, intending to see the wound, but Merlin waved him off a bit.
“I’m fine, it’s really barely a scratch. I didn’t realize how far the sword would go, I didn’t quite manage to dodge.” Arthur was barely breathing, his eyes caught on the torn fabric. There had been a sword inches away from Merlin’s heart.
“You almost died.” Arthur announced. Merlin sucked in a breath, and leaned his head against the trunk, looking into the leafy canopy. “Yeah, I remember.” He said quietly. The two sat for just a moment, before Arthur stood, pulling Merlin to his feet.
“This can’t happen again, Merin.” Merlin pulled his hand out from Arthur’s grip.
“It won’t, I'll be more careful next time.” He brushed some of the dirt and leaves from his trousers.
“You’re done coming on patrols.” Merlin narrowed his eyes.
“You can’t stop me.”
“I am your prince.” Arthur spoke to Merlin’s back as he began walking back to the others. Merlin looked back over his shoulder and smiled at Arthur
“No, you’re a clotpole.”
----
“If you refuse to stop following me around like a lost puppy, Mer-lin, I’ll just have to make sure you can keep yourself from being run through. The hunting dogs were trained, I’m sure you can be too. ” He said it nonchalantly, like it hadn’t been consuming most of his thoughts since the attack on patrol. He gestured to the wooden swords Merlin had carried down to the training field. “One of those is for you, you’re learning how to use a sword today.”
Arthur took one from Merlin’s hand. “Now, the grip should be like this.” That first day Arthur ran Merlin through the basics, how to hold and swing a sword, and some basic footwork steps. Merlin saw what the other knights did in that moment, a leader and the future king of Camelot. The one who could lead Camelot into a golden age. He started to think that Kilgarrah might have it right after all.