Chapter Text
"Almost done." Merlin tied the binding around the arm wound and smiled reassuringly at his patient. "That should heal nicely."
"Thanks."
Hopefully, the village would be able to heal as well. The bandits were gone, but not without leaving injuries and destruction in their wake; no doubt they thought an isolated village would be easy to handle.
The Prince of Camelot, his First Knight, the Vagabonds and Merlin were a different matter.
He wasn't not quite sure where Gwaine, Percival and Elyan got the nickname from, but people knew that if Prince Arthur shows up to help, they wouldn't be far behind.
(Merlin can only Remember fragments of the last life. Leon, Percival, Elyan and Gwaine Remember everything)
(Arthur doesn't seem to Remember anything, and Merlin doesn't know whether to be heartbroken or relieved)
When the blacksmith stood up with a final "thank you", Merlin leans back against the tree, eyes closed.
"You all right, Merlin?"
Merlin opened his eyes. "Yeah. Everything's going to be..."
"Hey, could you do me a favour? Another one?" It was the blacksmith again. "We're going to put together what's left of our supplies and...if your friend hasn't gone, could you take him something? I think he's still here."
Gwaine and Merlin shared a look of confusion.
"I know his reputation is that he's a loner, but he held off the bandits pretty well before you arrived and he said everything would be all right now you were here."
Merlin sat up. "What does he look like?"
"Dark hair and eyes, blue cloak, kind smile."
Merlin felt like he'd been struck by lightning. He looked sharply at Gwaine, their eyes sharing the same shock and hope.
It's him.