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Merlin crept forwards, skittish of every sound, every step as they moved through the undergrowth of the forest. He looked warily to the side, keeping as quiet as he could but still feeling a lot louder than both Arthur beside him and Uther leading the way, with Morgana bringing up the rear.
Suddenly, out of the forest beside him a huge shape leapt and crashed into him, knocking him to the floor. Several other shapes followed, and the sounds of shouting soon filled the air.
Merlin panted, trying to move but was pinned down by the beast in front of him. He let out a scream of pain as it sunk its teeth into his arm, tearing unevenly through him. He tried to push it away, but it was no use, it’s large weight unmoving beneath his hand. As it drew back, opening its jaw for the next bite he threw out a force, eyes flashing gold.
That pushed the creature off of him enough for him to stand, scrambling backwards. He clutched his injured arm to his chest, panting heavily as he turned to try and run.
“Stay and fight you coward!” Came a voice from beside him, and in his panic he whirled around, unsure of whom had spoken.
He took a shuddering breath, turning to face the beast as it ran towards him. It was clearly some kind of big cat, but much larger than any lion he had ever heard of. It’s fur was a deep orange colour, and it had two massive teeth sticking out of its jaw. It lunged, and Merlin barely managed to step out of the way. As he did so, one of his feet caught on the roots of the forest floor and he fell, flinging out his arms to catch himself. He hit the ground hard, letting out another cry of pain as the impact juddered through his already injured arm. He collapsed fully to the ground.
He heard the thing baring down on him and closed his eyes, waiting for it to strike and hoping it would at least kill him quickly.
But no strike came. He looked up as the beast let out a howl of pain, before collapsing to the ground, Morgana pulling a sword out of its side. She stepped past the body, holding out a hand to Merlin to help him up.
“Let me see it.” She said.
Hesitantly, he offered out his arm. Blood had begun to pool around the two deep teeth marks, seeping staining his clothes. There was also dirt all over him from the fall. Carefully, Morgana took a cloth and began to clean it as best she could, wrapping it when she was finished.
“Try not to get killed the second I turn my back.” She muttered, before dropping his arm and moving away.