Thank you for reading! I don't know how to thank you enough, you make my days brighter and I just want to hug you all!

To the Guest: Thank you very much for your review. To answer your question, I write on 'good writing days' which is usually when I have a bunch of duties and other things to do. So basically, it's not like I sit down and write until it's finished. Sometimes I write about a page, then it's just a paragraph or a line. I started with this story in the middle of February, so it's quite a long time ago. And with revisions, to be honest, I spend more time re-reading than with the writing itself, so in the end, I know almost every paraghraph by heart. But still, it's not enough to eliminate all the mistakes. And I'm never satisfied :-)

Here you go...

Chapter 3: To the Rabbit Hole

It felt easy to give up now, stop fighting and close his eyes, completely surrender to the mercenary and accept whatever was going to happen next. But at the same time, Merlin was not willing to make it easy for him. Giving up was never his lifestyle and even though it was tempting in a certain way, Merlin knew he would never forgive himself if he became resigned. So he fought with everything that was left in him, moving as much as he could to free himself and trying to get the access to air again.

"Stop, you idiot. It's me. It's Arthur."

The words worked like a spell on him and Merlin ceased immediately, getting limp in Arthur's arms and finally releasing his breath as the king's palm disappeared from his mouth. Arthur, though, didn't let go of him completely, his convulsive grasp holding him by his chest and dragging somewhere to the river bank. Merlin couldn't see where was Arthur heading, but they were still in the river when Merlin started coughing, his lungs getting rid of water he managed to swallow. He felt like he was suffocating and more than anything else, he needed air, but Arthur didn't seem to bother with that, still holding his tense body and dragging him to the bank.

In a blink of an eye, Merlin found himself on some place that looked like a big rabbit hole. He was coughing wildly, the air coming in his lungs in short raspy breaths.

He looked over the place, blinking to get used to the dimness. They were on the left border of the river, on a small gap the water eroded in the bank. The tree managed to hold the clay together with its roots, creating something like a low overhang above them. The tender roots hanging from the roof looked like white curtains around them and Merlin's nose was full of the stuffy smell of wet clay. There wasn't too much space but it was enough for both of them to hide. He wondered whether Arthur knew this place or whether it was just a coincidence he found it now.

"Don't move, Merlin," he whispered, pushing him on his stomach on the ground, making sure no part of his body could be seen from the outside. Merlin could sense him trying to silence his own breath.

"Don't move," he repeated, "and keep silent."

He could hear footsteps around their position and through the end of the roots that divided them from the outside, Merlin saw a pair of worn-out brown leather shoes quickly getting to the river. Within a second they were so close he would be able to touch it if he held out his arm.

The mercenary stood there for a moment, obviously searching for Merlin in the water. The warlock didn't dare to blink as he came even closer to them, grousing something under his nose. Merlin prayed he would leave soon as he could already feel first little tremors shaking with his cold body. He was still partly in the water and from what he could sense, so was Arthur. He tensed at the realisation, knowing that even the slightest movement could become fatal for them, revealing their hiding place.

"You're breathing too loud," Arthur whispered, impatient and angry. He was lying on his right side, with his back leaning on the clay wall intertwined with roots. His voice was marked by the same impatience as Merlin felt.

Merlin looked at his face, not knowing what to do to silence himself. The river was too slow and too silent to drown their voices and his shoulder was reminding itself again, reacting to the muscles that were clenching around his bones, trying to warm up his weak body. By coincidence, the river was the cause of the tormenting coldness and at the same time the only relief for his shoulder, the flow of the water cooling it down and making it slightly insensitive.

Arthur grabbed Merlin's right shoulder, pushing him further from the dangerous zone where he could be beheld by the mercenaries. They were both holding their breaths, completely motionless as they waited for the men to leave.

"Thanks," Merlin said, watching the mercenary's silhouette disappearing in within the forest.

Arthur just nodded, closing his eyes to retrieve a steady rhythm to his breath and heart again. "The knights, have you seen them?"

"No-" Merlin reacted, his voice seemed strangely dry. He couldn't remember where he last saw anyone of the knights but he was sure that he didn't witness anyone to be hurt. "Just Gaius. He was-," Merlin suddenly stopped, finding himself not able to carry on through the lump in his throat. He was staring in the mud, the flowing water creating curved lines in the fine clay under his hands.

"He'll be fine," Arthur assured him.

"Yeah, he's always fine," Merlin reacted, forcing himself in a smile and wiping his nose with his left hand. He noticed the sling on his arm completely loosened, probably as a result of his fighting with Arthur, but it didn't matter now after all. The place was so small they weren't even able to sit and something was telling him they wouldn't leave the hole any time soon.

"How did you even find me?" Arthur asked, looking at Merlin with surprise. How could he have found him so precisely? The woods were large, and he could have been everywhere, as well as the rest of the knights and still, Merlin managed to find him so quickly.

"I heard a scream," he answered, "I thought it was yours."

Arthur frowned, shaking his head.

"Wasn't it?" Merlin asked. He didn't look like he was hurt, but Merlin had to make sure. Arthur had the same skill of underestimating his injuries as him. He needed to be sure he was all right.

"Of course not," the king objected. "Besides, kings don't scream."

Merlin chuckled. "What kind of rule is that?"

"A knight's code," Arthur snubbed him.

This time Merlin laughed aloud, but Arthur's face was serious. "You're making it up!"

"Shh!" the king silenced him, "Who's shouting now, hmm? Another word and you can get out straight away and invite the mercenaries in!" he whispered with a strong, annoyed voice.

Merlin bended his head, still smiling, but trying to keep as silent as possible. He almost forgot how it felt to be so relieved, and he couldn't really find words to express how glad he was to see Arthur alive. However, as the excitement slowly ran out from him, Merlin felt as a one huge ball of pain. All the things he'd been through in the last two days were returning like a wave, and Merlin was struggling with a thought he wouldn't be able to get home so easily. Certainly not without a horse. "Do we have a plan?" he asked, hoping Arthur had already come up with a solution instead of him.

"Wait," he breathed out. "Just wait."

Merlin gave him an incredulous look. "Right. And then?"

"There's no 'then' yet," Arthur responded. "We need to wait till they retreat. At this count, there is no way how to beat them. They're too quick, we are separated, spread all around the forest; not forget to mention we don't know where Morgana is."

Merlin nodded. He felt a desperate urge to tell him Morgana was disabled but he couldn't find a way how. Besides, it wouldn't probably help after all. The mercenaries were still a strong force against them and they would need at least thirty men to be sure they can win against them.

"You shouldn't be here," Merlin suddenly whispered, trying to distract himself from his all too tired body.

"What do you mean?" Arthur reacted, his voice marked with confusion.

Merlin turned his head to him, looking in the sweaty and tired face of his master. They both needed to rest, have a proper bath and eat to their heart's contents. Yesterday morning looked so innocent and after all that'd happened, Merlin almost couldn't remember which wrong step brought them to this hostile place. It was hardly believable.

He pointed his eyes on Arthur, locking their sights together, "It's not worth it."

"What are you talking about?" the king interjected, twisting his face as he was trying to comprehend Merlin's words.

"You are a king," the servant continued, the shivers of his body making the words gritty.

"Yeah, I'm going to remind you when we return to Camelot," he joked, but Merlin's serious face quickly changed back his expression. There was certainly something important on Merlin's mind, something that couldn't wait for later.

"What is it?" Arthur encouraged him to speak.

"Nothing, just-" Merlin whispered. "You shouldn't have come for me. That's it," he said, surprised how quickly the words left his mouth.

The king stared at him, clearly not understanding Merlin's words.

"Do not think I'm not grateful," Merlin decided to soften his words a bit, "because I am. Truly I am. But you're the king and-"

Arthur frowned, raising his finger to silence Merlin.

"But-"

"Shhh-," he cut his words off. He could hear swirling leaves around them, but there was no one to be seen. Arthur's body was so tense he didn't dare to make a move, clenching his jaw to prevent his teeth from loud clattering. For a moment, they were both still, waiting for the silence to make them sure they're alone.

"Look, I understand I once saved your life," Merlin carried on, as he noticed Arthur relaxed again, "but you can't keep doing this. You don't owe me anything."

The king made a huge breath, trying to shake off the anger circulating in his veins. "You're right in one thing. I am the king and I don't have to explain my decisions to anyone, not even you."

"You're going to hurt yourself, and it will be my fault," Merlin pleaded, his eyes watering from the pain in his chest. But this time, it weren't just the sore bones that troubled him. It was the guilt and regret that filled the place somewhere close to his heart. He had no idea where the knights were now and his throat clenched at the thought they could be already dead. And when he saw Gaius's motionless body on the road, it was a scene Merlin would never like to see again. Maybe it wasn't all his fault. He was hardly responsible for Morgana's and Agravaine's actions but he was sure, that if he had been even a little bit faster, many things wouldn't have happened.

Arthur watched Merlin's worried face for a moment. His decision to go to the forest full of mercenaries was not wise. It was not a choice worthy of a king, and he was sure his father would never approve it if he was alive. In addition he knew that any other king wouldn't be willing to endanger his life and the lives of his knights just for one servant who could be so easily replaced. But at the same time, he was sure Merlin was worth it more than any other man he knew.

"I thought you would understand," Arthur started softly, his voice calm and silent again. "You're no better than me, Merlin. You're telling me it's unusual when a king cares about his servant, and I'm saying it wasn't your duty to protect me. But you did it anyway."

Merlin didn't look at him, his eyes focused on the water slipping around his frozen body.

"I guess I was never an average king. and you were never just a servant to me." Arthur chuckled nervously after the words, like wasn't really sure he really wanted to say it aloud.

"Arthur-" Merlin turned to him but he couldn't say the words that came on his mind. Arthur was just too stubborn to let him talk.

"And," the king continued, "I also don't want you to think I came back because I think I owe you. This is not about repaying a favour. It's the best decision I could have made, and I would put my life on it the knights feel it the same way."

Merlin stared at him for a moment, surprised with his honest words, and Arthur paid back the look, watching Merlin with his wide blue eyes. There was something rare in his sight, something that Merlin saw just a few times since the first day they met. Despite the situation they were in, the king's eyes were sparkling with joy. He looked happy and satisfied. In addition, he never spoke like that when it came to feelings; his words were always forced and somehow not true to him, but this time, something changed.

"You should be careful with what you say," Merlin whispered, his eyes shifting between Arthur's face and his own hands.

Arthur raised his eyebrows, smiling in surprise.

"Because I know you," Merlin continued, "but some people could take you seriously."

"Right, Merlin," Arthur laughed, "then we're really lucky you know me."

"Yeah," Merlin nodded, a wide smile brightening his still too pale face.

"I should have known you were going to use it against me," Arthur snorted before his face got the serious look again. "I really mean it, Merlin. Don't worry. Everyone who is here today came from his own free will. They knew the risks; they are warriors after all."

The knights were maybe warriors but the battle was not worth fighting. They were meant to protect the king and fight for Camelot, not risk everything for a servant. If it was up to him, he would never let them save him.

They remained there for some time, talking about things that weren't important or quite the opposite, staying in a complete silence and thinking about things that mattered the most. Merlin was cold, his clothes was soaked with water and he was almost certain he's going to break his bones with the tremors that shook with him. The cold was squeezing his insides and making him dizzy and with the throbbing shoulder, he couldn't remember a day he would feel so tired and exhausted.

"You're right," Arthur said after a long silence, watching Merlin's trembling form in the water. "We can't stay here unless we want you to freeze to death. In the middle of summer."

"I can manage," Merlin objected, but with the audible clattering of his teeth, he knew his words weren't convincing enough to change Arthur's mind. He wanted to get out. Of course he did, but somehow the idea of leaving their shelter seemed not wise to him. It just didn't feel right.

"It's been quiet out there. Maybe we should try to take a look," Arthur brought up, already scanning the outside with his bright sight.

Merlin nodded after a short hesitation, already trying to get on his feet but Arthur immediately stopped him.

"Wait. I'll check the surroundings. Don't come out until I give you a sign," he commanded.

Merlin gave him a constrained chuckle. "I'm not a child."

"Trust me, right now, you are much worse than that. You will stay here and-" he raised his finger, "that is an order," he finished, looking menacingly in Merlin's eyes. "Do you understand?"

Merlin didn't actually like the idea of Arthur roaming around the woods alone, but he knew his stubbornness well enough to stop arguing. And even though his current state didn't give him much space for defending himself, he wasn't really into staying there and waiting for some indefinite sign. On top of that, Merlin never truly understood the nature of Arthur's sign language. It always looked like Arthur was making up the signs according to the current shape of the clouds.

His body was shaking quite a lot now, but he was trying to control it. In a desperate attempt to catch everything that happens outside, he focused on his hearing, trying to separate the natural hum of the woods from the sounds Arthur made with walking around. After a few moments, he realised that a part of the flowing river, he could hear nothing. Maybe Arthur wasn't moving right now, or he was simply too far to be heard.

Merlin was becoming quite nervous, having no idea where Arthur was and what the hell took him so long to give him the sign. He was exhausted and impatient. In addition, he wasn't sure about his magic. There was maybe a possibility he would be able to collect the last bits of it if he really tried, but still, he couldn't rely on it as he would have wished, and it made him even more nervous.

Merlin decided to finally leave his hiding place, making his way out through the cranny in front of him. He managed to get out with some grand effort, feeling his limbs stiff and so painfully weak. He had no idea how hard it could actually become to get up on his legs after spending a long time in cold water in a not really comfortable position. His head spun around as he finally stood up. He leaned on a tree for a moment, trying to steady his breath again and allow his eyes to get used to the day light.

The hum in his head was suddenly replaced by a ringing sound of swords and metal. Merlin quickly climbed over the edge of the hill, coming back to the place he ran away from his chasers. Arthur was there, fighting with two men. A few steps from them was another lying body of a mercenary Arthur managed to kill.

Merlin didn't know what to do. Arthur caught him with his eyes between his defensive moves, but he didn't shout his name, probably trying to prevent the mercenaries from seeing him as well. He fought with all his strength, his moves quick and precise. It almost looked like it wasn't actually giving him any hard time to fight with two strong men at once.

Merlin's eyes shifted between them and even though he was almost sure Arthur would deal with both of them sooner or later, there was still a danger the sounds would draw attention and lead more enemies to them. Merlin found using magic too risky, so he decided to get to the lying body of the mercenary, get his sword and somehow help Arthur to finish the fight.

He was careful, making step after step to the body, already finding the sword in the fallen leafs on the ground. But Arthur with the two fighters were moving all around in unpredictable directions, and Merlin had to be cautious if he wanted to reach the sword without being witnessed.

There was a sudden stroke and Arthur groaned aloud, one of the swords hitting his chainmail. The blow wasn't hard enough to penetrate it, but Merlin noticed his moves became slower, his body clearly weakened with the long fight.

The moment Merlin's fingers finally grabbed the hilt of the sword, one of the mercenaries left Arthur and headed straight to him.

"I'm gonna make it quick, I promise," the man spit out before he lifted his sword, his scarred face curved in a hungry, merciless smile.

Merlin did the same move, raising his sword on his eye level, ready to defend himself at all costs. Until now he didn't actually need both of his hands, but as he was forced to hold the heavy sword only with one hand, he finally understood how bad of a choice he made by getting into the man's way. But if nothing more, Merlin at least gave Arthur the chance to get rid of them one by one.

"Hey boy, c'mon!" the man shouted, obviously disappointed with Merlin's actions. He probably expected Merlin to attack first but it was something he couldn't allow himself to do. He needed to save his strength for as long as possible.

"You look like you're gonna die just from staring at me," the man growled, his voice torn and dirty like the rest of his image. He looked like he hadn't had a bath since his mother washed him last and despite the distance they kept from each other, Merlin could smell his body, the stink of sweat and dirt multiplied with the hot weather filling Merlin's nose and turning his stomach in disgust.

Merlin followed his eyes, not able to let go of him. Arthur was still fighting with the other man, he could hear their swords and harsh breaths.

It was a test of their patience, both of them stalling on the spot and trying to predict each other's moves by reading in their eyes. Merlin was sure, that wherever the man's strength lay, it was certainly not in patience; and he was right. The man's eyes suddenly widened and with a loud roar, he pounced on Merlin.

Even though the warlock was ready for the attack, he almost dropped the sword as the mercenary's weapon collided with his own. He was quite surprised it remained still in his hands after such a hard impact. However, Merlin didn't have time to think about it, as the man forced another blow and then another and another, giving him no chance to strike by himself. All Merlin could do was to avert every hit, but with just one hand holding the sword, he soon realised he wouldn't be able to carry on like this for much longer.

He felt his legs weakening; he wasn't able to breathe out and fill his lungs with fresh air. Every step he made was risky and with every other second his chances to beat the man were getting low.

Merlin knew he had to act quickly, if he wanted to come out alive from the fight. Right in the moment the man's sword once again met his, Merlin said a spell that buckled the mercenary's legs, making him fall on his knees. Without hesitation, Merlin pushed the tip of the sword through the man's shoulder, watching his surprised face. He fell backwards, his eyes slowly closing as Merlin pulled the sword out. He knew it couldn't have been a mortal wound, but it was enough to make him fall unconscious.

Merlin quickly turned his attention to Arthur. To his horror, he was fighting without his sword. Or more precisely, he wasn't actually fighting, he was just turning around and ducking to avoid the mercenary's swift blows. Merlin couldn't see Arthur's sword anywhere, it was probably buried somewhere in the fallen leafs. At first, Merlin aimed to throw his sword in Arthur's hands but when the king fell on his back, completely powerless and at the mercenary's mercy, Merlin knew there was no time for playing around. He got off, running to the man, who was standing above Arthur, already raising his sword to kill the king, and with all his strength, he stabbed the mercenary in the back. He heard a gasp, the sword he was still holding pushing his hands down under the weight of the man's falling body. He let go of it. It had no use for him anymore. Arthur was lying on the ground, breathing heavily, trying to say something but all he could do was to raise his hand. Merlin understood. Arthur wasn't hurt; he just needed some time to collect himself from the exhausting fight.

"And once again, I saved your royal backside by ignoring your orders. You're welcome," Merlin noted. The excitement and joy embraced him like a warm, soft cloak and he found himself smiling, his eyes sparkling with the relief when he knew Arthur was safe once again. The king turned to him, lips twisted in a shameful smile and Merlin knew he was already trying to make up something to degrade Merlin's newly acquired self-confidence.

But as quickly as the overwhelming feeling came, the last bits of his strength left his body in a blink of an eye. There was a short moment when Merlin felt shaking under his legs, as if the ground was moving with some unknown force, but a second later he realised it was his doing. He was falling, without any warning signals, his knees gave up and Merlin lowered himself on the ground, sitting on his heels and trying his best to keep an eye contact with Arthur.

"Merlin," the king came to his side, holding his shoulders as Merlin's head fell backwards.

"I'm... fine," the servant breathed out, trying to raise his head again, but his effort resulted only in making his head fall forwards on his chest. He didn't understand how could he become so weak suddenly.

"You're not. You are an idiot," Arthur hissed angrily, his breath still too quick and violent from the fight, "I should have tied you to the roots down there."

"You'd-be-dead-by-now," Merlin whispered, but the sentence fused into one long word that was difficult to comprehend. Arthur shook with his shoulders a bit to make him stay conscious but Merlin knew he was drifting, the world spinning around and everything becoming blurry and indistinctive.

"That's debatable," Arthur noted, lowering his servant down on his back. He turned around, trying to keep an eye on the surroundings. The mercenaries were maybe gone but there was still a danger they could have heard the fight and that they would return to check what's up.

Merlin somehow managed to stay awake but he was confused and disorientated, his limbs not listening to him. He reached to Arthur with his hand, trying to sit up, but the king pushed him back.

"Lie back, you idiot. You're making it only worse."

"Can't-"

"You can. And shut up. I'm trying to think," Arthur stood on his feet and turned around in a circle. Merlin could see him through his half-opened eyes. He looked nervous, his face concerned and focused and... angry. He was truly angry and Merlin wondered whether it was because he left his hiding without waiting for Arthur's command.

Arthur's eyes suddenly caught something in the distance, he ducked quickly, kneeling back to the servant. Merlin wheezed in an attempt to ask what it was but he didn't manage. Arthur shushed him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I think I see someone," he whispered, staring on the same exact spot somewhere behind Merlin's lying form. He quickly found his lost sword, his breath accelerating with the impatience. His sight was so sharp Merlin was sure it would cut the man in two halves before he would be even able to get closer.

Somewhere between the silence of the woods and the quickly increasing monotonous sound in his ears, Merlin distinguished a horse's neigh. To his surprise, the next thing that caught his attention was Arthur's relieved smile.

"It's Gaius," the king announced like it was a matter of course for him. "It's Gaius and he's leading a horse. Two horses," he patted Merlin's shoulder before standing up and waving his arms above his head to catch the physician's sight. Arthur was still cautious, not daring to make any louder sound. Merlin managed to hear a part of Gaius's voice but he couldn't understand what he was saying through the hum in his ears. And then, he knew no more.

...

"Good morning."

Merlin opened his eyes only to see Arthur's head above him. Merlin frowned, trying to bring the hands to his face and rub his eyes. He succeeded only with the right hand. The other one was - as he found out - tied to his body and hidden beneath a blanket. As soon as Merlin's eyes got their lost strength again, he realised he was back in Camelot, in his chamber and - what was even more surprising - in his own, incredibly soft bed.

Arthur must have noticed Merlin's confused and surprised face as carried on.

"Welcome back," he said with pride in his voice.

Merlin took his time to make up his worlds and lick his dry lips. "Are we-"

"Yes. You're home," Arthur responded, "it appears that we have some guardian that protected us on the way back."

"I guess it's your job," Merlin smiled drowsily, looking in Arthur's eyes. His face was enlightened by the dark yellow beams of the sunset. It was soon to be night.

"Maybe. According to Gaius the mercenaries retreated when they found out Morgana was knocked out. And since no one of the knights confirmed it was their doing, I guess I have to thank to some uncertain force."

"A guardian, you say?"

"I don't have an explanation. And to be honest, I don't really care. I'm just grateful to whoever did it."

"You have friends out there..." Merlin whispered, his voice coming and leaving like the breath in his lungs.

"It must have been a sorcerer; it's understandable he's hiding. Who else would be able to face Morgana and win the fight?" Arthur asked. But from the sound of his voice Merlin could feel, that rather than an actual question, he just needed to share his thoughts. Arthur was grateful to some strange sorcerer and he didn't have the slightest idea that the sorcerer was right in front of him, hearing his words of thanks and gratitude. The burden of his secret suddenly didn't feel so heavy and for a moment, Merlin almost thought that this is exactly the best time for revealing his magic. But for some reason, he couldn't find the right words in his tired and sleepy mind.

"And the knights? And Gaius?" he asked, as if he suddenly realised he couldn't see or hear anyone nearby. The door to his chamber were closed and Merlin could hear some indistinctive noises behind them. He was desperate to know what happened to his friends, wherever the truth lied.

"They're good. Gaius is treating Elyan's side. He has a puncture wound but he'll be fine. There are some more scratches and bruises, but nothing serious."

Merlin nodded, closing his eyes in relief. It was almost unbelievable that they managed to leave the forest full of mercenaries without any casualties. Maybe they really had someone like a guardian who protected them.

"Anyway, I'm not here to entertain you," the king continued, "I just wanted to personally announce you that I'm giving you a day off."

Merlin opened his eyes again, smiling, "A whole day or just a day without the night?"

Arthur chuckled, shaking his head, "A whole day, Merlin. I know you'll be more useless tomorrow than you usually are, so I'm just trying to avoid a disaster."

"That's very kind of you. Thank you, sire," Merlin said teasingly.

"Rest now. I'll tell Gaius you're awake, he'll be at your side soon."

Merlin, though, couldn't hear the last of Arthur's words. His eye lids fell, his breath calmed down, lifting his chest in a slow, regular pace as the world of dreams took his hand and guided him back into a deep and peaceful sleep.

The End

So, my dear fellows, I hope you enjoyed reading, thank you for all your comments, reviews or any other way of support. I know I'm repeating myself, but it really means a lot to me. It's quite an overwhelming feeling and like no other thing, writing really makes sense to me.

Anyway, my head is full of ideas and I'm quite sure this is not the last time you read my words :-)

Thanks again, I love you all!

- Grace