A/N: Okay, I know I should be working on my other stories, but this (and a couple of other episode-based stories) has been tormenting me since I saw the episode and I just couldn't resist any longer. I considered holding onto it until "Hollow Queen" airs in the U.S. but that's just too long to wait.
Hope you enjoy :)

Merlin could feel the presence of someone hovering in the doorway and turned to survey them warily.
"Who are you?

A boy, perhaps 15 years old, stepped from the shadows- his large, expressive eyes and pale complexion enhancing his look of fear and worry.
"My name is Daegal." He winced and looked about as if worried he had spoken too loudly and was about to be set upon by guards.

"How did you get in here?"

"Please, Emrys, I need your help. My sister-"

"Where did you hear that name?"
The young brunet flinched at the sharpness of the question and once again checked for watchers before moving further into the kitchen, inching up a sleeve to display his tattoo.

"I am a druid. Emrys, my sister is ill and you are the only one who can help her."

Merlin stepped past the boy and eased the door shut before responding in kind.
"I am sure a druid healer would be much better suited for the task- why ask me?"

Daegal closed his eyes as if in pain and shook his head emphatically.
"Our healer tried, but he can only delay her death- it is the sweating sickness. Only someone with your power can overcome such a disease."

The physician's apprentice had made a sharp intake of breath upon hearing the name of the disease- the sweating sickness was a particularly deadly illness that typically claimed its victims within hours.

"I'm sorry, but if it is the sweating sickness then she will already be dead by the time either of us can reach her."

Another shake of the head.
"No, our healer has placed her in a spelled half-sleep. She will not get any worse until you arrive."

Making his decision, Merlin switched into physician mode.
"What stage is she in?"

"She had just passed the cold stage and started sweating when I left."

The warlock nodded.
"Right. And you're sure she'll be fine until we get there?"

"It will be as if the time has not passed for her."

"Alright. Meet me in the woods, right outside the gates. I'll be there shortly."

Daegal's worried expression was temporarily lifted as he smiled in relief.
"Thank you, Emrys. I can never repay you for your kindness."

Merlin gave him a sad half-smile.
"I'm not doing this for thanks. Now go, and be careful!"

Struggling with the large basin of hot water for the Queen's bath, Merlin knocked on the door to the royal chambers. His teeth clenched at the sound of squeals and giggling before Arthur bid him enter.

Guinevere was nowhere to be seen- likely behind the changing screen.
Pouring the water into the tub, he turned to his master.

"Sire, I need to request off tomorrow."

It was a sign of the king's good mood that he only raised an eyebrow at his servant's petition.
"Need?"

"Yes. A young boy came to me and requested aid for his sister- she's come down with the sweating sickness and requires immediate attention. I'm not sure when I'll be able to return so I'd like to be released from my duties for tomorrow."

Arthur had sobered immediately at the dreaded words. The sweating sickness was a fearsome affliction, striking down peasant and noble alike.

"Of course, Merlin, as long as it takes. Where will you be going? Perhaps I should send an escort with you..."

"No, Sire, I don't think that would be a good idea. The boy..." he hesitated only a moment, then continued in a lowered voice "the boy is a druid. It was difficult enough for him to come to Camelot and trust me to help. Knights or soldiers would simply scare him off. Besides- you'll need them all to be here for Sarrum's visit."

He waited a moment in case Arthur was going to argue, but continued when no opposition was forthcoming. "As for where we're going, he hasn't said, but it is likely nearby in the woods. I'm sure you understand he wouldn't want me telling you even if I did know."

The king nodded slowly.
"Alright. I don't like it, but I know you can't deny anyone in need- and I wouldn't want you to."
He sighed. "You will at least take a horse?"

The servant smiled.
"Yes. Thank you, Sire."

Arthur gave him a slight, fond smile in return.
"Just be careful."

"When am I not?"

"You don't even know who this boy is!"
Gaius exclaimed, worry clear in his face and voice.

"He needs my help, Gaius, there's little else I need to know."
Merlin replied, rushing about the workroom as he stuffed various medicines and supplies into his satchel.

"I just wish you would be more cautious- what if this is a trap?"

"He's a druid- surely you don't think he's in league with Morgana against Emrys?"

"Even if he isn't there are plenty of others who might not have your best interests at heart- I just want you to look out for yourself better."

The warlock ceased his frenzied activity and looked to his guardian.
"I know, Gaius. I promise I will be vigilant. But you understand I have to go?"

The physician slumped in defeat.
"Yes, Merlin, I do know."
He reached out and gathered his ward into a fatherly embrace.
"Be safe."

The younger man rubbed the elder's back reassuringly.
"Everything will be fine. I should be back by nightfall tomorrow."

And with that he stuffed the last handful of items in his pack and sprinted out the door.