Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters
This is a sequel to "The End?" and, like most sequels, probably rubbish.
Merlin lay back on his small but comfortable bed and stared up at the ceiling, thinking about all that had happened in the past few weeks:
Only a month ago Merlin had saved Arthur's life yet again, this time by jumping into the path of three daggers aimed for the prince's back. He had had to use magic to reach Arthur in time, but Uther had seen him and had ordered him arrested as the warlock collapsed into Arthur's arms. Merlin was locked away in the dungeon and only Gaius was allowed to see him, because Uther wanted him alive to make an example of. Everyone was shocked at what had happened, but none more than Arthur. He, Morgana and Gwen hatched a rescue plan; only to discover that the king was one step ahead of them….he wasn't going to let a devil like Merlin escape. The boy's wounds quickly became infected and he succumbed to fever, despite everything Gaius did. Over the next few days many rescue attempts were made (and foiled), and Merlin grew steadily worse. The physician came to the conclusion that the boy had decided not to fight the infection, knowing he would be killed anyway and wanting to save his friends from watching it happen.
That night Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, Gaius and the Great Dragon had all be woken by a ghostly apparition of Merlin, saying his farewells. Fearing it was already too late, Arthur and Morgana begged the king to be allowed to see the warlock; they promised to obey Uther completely once Merlin was dead. Seeing the pain in Arthur's eyes Uther agreed. They had rushed down to the dungeons to find Merlin lying still as a corpse, with Gaius hopelessly tending him. Arthur, Morgana, Gwen and Gaius sat and waited, until one by one they dropped off to sleep, leaving Arthur in a lone vigil. As soon as he realised he was alone, he held Merlin's hand to his chest and pleaded with him to return, because Arthur needed him.
Waiting in darkness and agony, Merlin heard the prince's voice, which lifted him back to the surface. He had to come back: for Arthur. He woke to find a weeping prince kneeling beside him. It was all Arthur could do to avoid shouting in joy and both men fell into a deep, healing sleep. The others found them there the next morning and Gaius discovered that Merlin was already much better. But now all they had to do was save him from Uther's clutches. It was Merlin who eventually came up with a plan.
Arthur, Morgana and Gaius dined with Uther that night, who was convinced the sorcerer would be dead within a few hours. While that was happening, Gwen rescued Merlin from his cell (the guards were asleep) and took him up to Arthur's chambers. Alarm bells rang and Uther ordered Arthur to search for the sorcerer; but first the prince dashed to his rooms and helped Gwen hide Merlin in a secret chamber in his room. Merlin remained hidden there as he regained his strength, while Arthur continued the "search".
Two weeks had passed and Uther had all but given up the search. He had decided to execute all the sorcerers he had found at once, to serve as an example. As the flames had died, a cloaked and hooded figure had stepped out of the crowd: Merlin. Before anyone could do anything, the warlock said an incantation. Purple mist had poured from his mouth and entered the ears of all present except Merlin's friends (who had covered their ears), changing their memories. And so Merlin was safe again.
The young warlock turned over and fell asleep.
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