As they sprinted through the forrest, the sound of the men could be heard futher and futher away. Diving into a small crevise Arthur grabbed Merlin's sleeve and pulled him into the hiding place. Smiling at his friend, he put a single finger over his lips to tell Merlin not to talk.

The voices and footsteps faded and Arthur relaxed a little, letting go of Merlin's sleeve which he had not relesed since pulling him into the hole.

"That - that was close..." Arthur breathed. Dropping his head into a pile of leaves at his side. Merlin chuckled, adjusting himself into a better possition that he had fell in.

"We could have taken them." Merlin grinned. Arthur smirked, lifting his head so he had a clear veiw of Merlin.

"We?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, we. You clotpole!" Merlin laughed a little and playfully pushed Arthur's arm.

Before Merlin knew what was happening Arthur had jumped on him and placed his hand over his mouth. He looked into Merlin's eyes and shook his head. Mouthing the words 'they're back'. Merlin nodded slightly and swallowed.

All of a sudden there was a huge crunch and there was half a dozen men in front of them. Arthur jumped up, holding his sword to fend off the men.

"Get back Merlin!" He yelled. Merlin froze, he had to make a decision, one that would change his life forever, but he had to make it quick. He had to save Arthur. But that would mean revealing his magic. He closed his eyes. Standing he opened his eyes. Pushing Arthur to the floor.

"I'm sorry Arthur..." He whispered before murmering his incantation and blowing the men backwards 50ft. They landed with a huge thump against the trees and the forest floor. Knocking them unconscience.

"Merlin..." Arthur breathed. Merlin turned on his heel, tears in his eyes.

"Arthur..." He swallowed "I-I'm so sorry..." Arthur stood up.

"You-You're a... a socerer...?" He managed. Merlin nodded, he looked up at Arthur, tears threatening to fall and cascade down his face.

"I-I don't know what to say Merlin..." Arthur's eyes met Merlin's.

Before another word could be spoken a blade pearced through Merlin's side. Merlin fell to the floor. Arthur reacted quickly, slicing down on the man and killing him in one hit.

Dropping his sword Arthur fell to his knees at Merlin's side.

"Merlin..." Arthur held Merlin in his arms. "You'll be okay..." Arthur took off his jacket and held it to the gaping wound on Merlin's side. A single tear ran down Merlin's face.

"Arthur..." Merlin groaned in agony.

"Shh, don't talk, for once in your life listen to me. I'll get you back to Camelot, Gauis can heal you." Arthur stroked back a strand of Merlin's dark hair.

"Merlin, you've looked after me, you're my dearest friend, I don't care if you've got magic, I-I need you..." Arthur had started crying now. "I'll get you back to Camelot, you'll be fine, you'll see..."

Merlin's eyes felt heavy, slowly they closed and everything faded into black.