Chapter 1

Author's Note: Hey, guys! This is my first ever fanfiction so please read and review! Just feel free to point out any mistakes and tell me what do you think of this story. Now get on with the fic!

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.

It can be just another normal day.

Well, if it isn't for the royal arrogant prat to be suddenly urging him and his most trusted knights- Sirs Gwaine, Leon, Percival and Elyan- to join his bloody hunting trip.

Damn it, Arthur.

So Merlin stands in Arthur's chamber, helping(no, not helping, it is his job anyway) Arthur to pack his shirts and other things Arthur suddenly cares about to bring along.

Merlin hates hunting, and everybody knows of the fact. Arthur, as always, finds it amusing and satisfying everytime he manages to drag his manservant to tag along.

The raven-haired boy just happens to know that the dollop-headed king is a magnet for trouble so he needs to make sure Arthur is safe. Eventhough he really favours the idea of resting in his little room, probably learning new spells, but it seems like he has to forget it for a while.

Finally finishes packing Arthur's bag, he leaves for Gaius' chamber, to pack his own. It will definitely not take long, for he does not possess many belongings here in Camelot, nor in Ealdor.

By the time he stumbles down the stairs to the courtyard, bringing Arthur's and his bag laden in his arms, all of them are already waiting and have mounted their respective horses.

"What kept you, Merlin? You don't know what to wear? Or you are suddenly not feeling well?" Arthur says, earning chuckles from the other.

Merlin glares at him before answering, "Well, I might as well arrive earlier, if it wasn't for a prat who didn't know how to pack his own stuff and ordered me to do it."

The knights laugh louder while Arthur rolls his eyes and says, "Merlin, shut up."

Merlin smirks and retorts,"I didn't mention anyone specific." Arthur smiles. "Whatever, Merlin." Hastily the servant ties the bags to the saddle and climbs the mare. In no time they pass the gates of Camelot.

Gwaine slows down his ride, to ride beside his first friend ever and eyes him carefully, looking almost concerned. "You alright, mate?" Upon hearing that, Merlin pastes a smile on his face. He nods and answers, "Yeah."

The rogue knight seems to be satisfied with the answer. He then rides forward to continue talking to Percival. Elyan later joins their conversation while Arthur and Leon are riding at the front, most likely discussing certain issues with quiet voices.

In which leaves Merlin riding alone far behind them. Truth to be told, he is super relieved that no one seems to notice him fidgeting as he has been sensing danger ever since they left Camelot merely few minutes ago. His magic is already rising towards his skin, preparing to react should anything happen.

Merlin heaves a sigh, quite loud to be heard by Arthur. The king throws a glance towards his frie-no, manservant- and asks,"What's wrong with you today, Merlin?"

The boy looks at him, obviously trying to conceal his anxiety. "I- I just- you know, don't feel this is the best idea. Oh, never mind."

Shrugging, the young king looks front again. He really does not have time for this. The council meeting that has been held the day before is driving him crazy- what with all the taxes and uprising issues and whatnot- and the last thing that he wants right now is Merlin being a girl again, complaining about his bad feelings he's having.

It is his turn now to sigh.

He comes to a halt when they have reached a place where he finds as a perfect spot for hunting and the rest of the party follows suit. They take a crossbow each- save for Merlin- and tiptoe forward. Merlin, on the other hand, is struggling to tether the horses to a tree when he hears twigs snapping and the beasts whimpering.

Glancing the way Arthur and the knights have gone, he sees no one there. Great, he has been left behind. Slowly he turns backwards, bracing for the worst.

To be continued...