A Servant of Two Masters [Arthur]

[consultingwarlock]

The sound of horse hooves punctuated the silence of the forest, five horses and their riders galloping past in a blur of red, silver and brown. Three knights had accompanied King Arthur and Merlin when they departed Camelot two hours ago on their journey to the outskirts of Camelot's borders; Sir Leon, Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival. As a newly crowned king, Arthur had decided to visit the outlying villages in person, to herald a new era in Camelot's royal line. Not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves, Arthur had insisted on only a small group accompanying him, as well as a secret route which only a few in Camelot were privy to to avoid unwanted ambushes.

Merlin had stayed silent about his concerns, willing to trust Arthur's judgement on this occasion. That is, until it became apparent that the trail they were currently riding down lead straight towards a place many feared to tread: The Valley of the Fallen Kings. Eyeing the broken statues and crumbling archways that lined the sides of the path warily, Merlin tugged on his horse's reins and drew up beside the King. He could taste the magic here, the air thrummed with the potency of it. All that was running through his head at that moment in time was 'We should not be here.'

He decided to voice his thoughts, consequences be damned. "Arthur, you are not serious," Merlin said incredulously, disbelief tinting his words. Arthur's reply sounded slightly exasperated, like he didn't believe there was anything wrong with the route he had chosen. Merlin tried again, aware they were drawing nearer to the mouth of the Valley with every step. "Anything. Nothing good ever happens in the Valley of the Fallen Kings; no one in their right minds would go in there." 'Exactly!' a voice piped up from behind. Percival. Were they not taking him seriously?! 'The route's a secret, Merlin. That's why we chose it.' came Arthur's reply. Just as he was about to come up with a retort, Merlin's head snapped around at the sudden yells echoing around the valley they were riding through. An ambush! "It's not so secret after all!" he shouted, preparing his magic. He would protect Arthur at all costs. And by the amount of men already surrounding them, a little magic might be needed.

Setting: The Valley of the Fallen Kings
Time of Day: Afternoon
Timeline: Beginning of 'A Servant of Two Masters'
Tag: Arthur