"But Careful was a horse that never won any races." Boy ain't that the truth. I love the anticipation that is building in this, it's masterfully done. All of the characters are brilliant. Very excited to see Arthur's trajectory through this. I'm starting to wonder if he really realizes what it is his father is doing, and his reaction to it.

Really grateful Merlin’s got Gwaine at this point! His ‘conversation’ with the land was interesting and revealing. It’s scary to think what they’re going to find eventually. Thanks for the great read!

Hey Wryter. Well our travellers did not receive a very nice welcome to the city did they? It was lucky that Arthur came by when he did. Who knows what could have happened. I feel Merlin was certainly on the verge of bolting.
Now for our trio to gain employment. I hate that Aredian once again is so close to Uther. That made just makes my skin crawl.
Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed the chapter. Lets see what happens next!

loven this. thank you!

Fabulous. This is a great story.

Ooh. I hope Gwaine becomes Merlin's friend and ally. This is getting very interesting.

Poor naïve Merlin. Also not smart enough to step back like the rest of the crowd did.
With green blood, his skin would be tinged green too. Our red blood is what gives us our flesh tone and pinkish cheeks and lips. So he would be as obviously green as the Hulk.

What elegant writing. Superb command of English. A pleasure to read.

Yay! An update! I've been saving this one for a quiet moment. :) It's great. I particularly like the moment with Merlin and Gwen outside the trailer. I love how you insert those tidbits of information that fill out and deepen Merlin's character. (How at home & not cold he is in the rain.) So often I felt that the show ignored how he *was* magic and was *the most powerful warlock ever*. They treated him like an empathetic boy with some magic. (Can't have your hero too powerful I guess... *shrug*)
You do a much better job of using your plot and antagonists so that doesn't happen.
Thanks! -fs440

Hi Wryter. Well it made sense that a Knights blood would be needed for the formula. Now it has been confirmed. I can understand how horrified Gwen was to learn this and her mothers involvement.
Gwaine it turning into a very loyal friend. I am glad he is at Merlins side.
Merlin is no dummy, but is still very naïve and innocent. He will need Gwaine - and Gwen - to cover his back and hopefully keep him out of harms way.
Enjoyed the chapter. Nice development of the characters and their relationship to each other.
Thanks Wryter.

I am loving this! I wonder what the repercussions of the blood transfusion plan will be. Merlin is such a wonderful combination of intelligence and naïveté.. so sweet and trusting and determined. He’s a precious commodity all right, only not because of his blood.

Oh my. Now I’m getting all sorts of horrible possibilities parading through my head of just what Camelot might be putting in their fertilizer. Run boy, run!

This just keeps getting better! Yay, Gwen is here! And she seems just as spunky as ever. Love this and can't wait to see who is going to show up next. Great chapter.

Oh, I like this version of Gwen. Smart, practical, and intensely curious. Fun! Enjoyed the chapter.

Holy! Watching this story unfold and unfurl is truly an honour, a privilege. Wow. One, gosh that start was so sweet! Like Gwaine needs Merlin as much as Merlin does Gwaine! So cute, my word. And their interactions and inner thoughts - you write them so beautifully. And then Gwen! Yay! But she's so different and the same and unique and I'm just so impressed with your writing. Wow. And no! Please. Please don't tell me they're using the blood for the fertiliser?! That's just... Vampirin? Abhorrent? Sad. I mean, sad and cruel and... Wait, I need to go back and reread the context. Was the fertiliser like really, really needed or is Camelot just using it to stay in control? Either way, why not just ask for donations? But people will always be greedy. And I don't even know if I'm right yet - hope not. But thanks for a phenomenal chapter!