Two days had passed since Merlin had stoped coughing blood and physically he was making a good recovery. Most of the bruises had or were beginning to yellow and he wasn't fatigued as easily but mentally, emotionally he was still in an almost comatose state. Although Gaius had told Arthur that shutting down was Merlin's brains way of protecting itself, the prince was becoming more concerned everyday that Merlin still hadn't spoken.

Arthur adjusted himself in the saddle, trying to find a more comfortable position and once again checked to make sure that Merlin hadn't fallen behind. Although he had tried not to think about it the prince knew that he would soon have to leave his friend. They were only another day or twos ride from the small mountain village that he and Gaius had chosen as a good hiding place. The old physician had a friend there who he was sure would care for his nephew.

Arthur felt that he was betraying Merlin once again by planning to leave him there but there really was no other choice. Uther would eventually give up looking for a sorcerer but he would never abandon the search for his son. Ironically, Merlin would never be safe as long as Arthur was with him. Both to fulfil his duty to Merlin and to the people of Camelot the prince knew that he had to return.

At least from Camelot he could keep patrols away from the area, Gaius could receive updates on Merlin's wellbeing and one day when Arthur ascended the throne he could send for him.

Later that evening Merlin sat staring into the dancing flames of the camp fire while Arthur stirred a pot of foul smelling stew. He had been fighting his thoughts and feelings since the beating and days spent chained to the dungeon wall. He had been sentenced to burn. Sentenced to be beaten and then executed for sorcery, for saving Arthur's life. He had been forced to act in front of the king, there had been no choice.

Although he hadn't expected Arthur to do anything he had to admit that it had hurt, he had hoped that his loyalty and friendship of the last few years had meant something to the prince. In the end it had taken Merlin being locked up for several days without food, viciously beaten and then dragged still bleeding in front of the king and informed that he was to burn, for Arthur to do something.

Arthur had apologized for his inaction, almost begged for forgiveness but Merlin had been unable to speak, to find his voice. Arthur had snuck him from the city and Gaius had examined Merlin in the forest where horses and supplies had been waiting.

Somewhere through the ordeal Merlin had lost his will and he had been fighting for days not to lose all of himself. The despair, the grief had been hanging over his head threatening to swallow him and all he was. If it wasn't for Arthur's attentiveness and constant attempts to engage him, Merlin feared that he would have lost the battle.

Waves of fear had crashed against Merlin since, hours earlier, Arthur had told him that he would have to leave Merlin with Gaius's friend and return to Camelot. Arthur in a way had become Merlin's life line, reminding him of all he strived for everyday and keeping him from giving in to the despair but he knew Arthur had to return, it was the right thing to do.

Merlin knew Arthur was suffering so fighting the emotions that beat down on him, he took a step that they both needed. Merlin found his voice.

"Arthur?" he barley whispered but somehow he was heard.

Arthur's head shot up both surprise and relief evident in his eyes "Yes Merlin?" he asked his voice unsteady.

Merlin took a deep breath and louder this time answered "I don't blame you".

So that's it :), what did you think? If you have a chance check out my accompanying fic, Fallible