Arthur permitted the use of magic to try and save his father's life. But what if it had been reversed? Would Uther Pendragon use magic to save his only son's life?
Set after the end of Series 2.

Uther sat by the bed in which his son lay, deep in the realms of unconsciousness. He had been struck by a mysterious illness and had hours left at Gaius' guess. Nobody, it seemed, could do anything for him.

Well not quite nobody but that wasn't really an option when the king never left Arthur's side.

"Sire," Gaius entered and he looked up hopefully, "I have managed to diagnose the illness."

"And? Can you cure him?"

"I'm afraid that I cannot. The disease is of magical origin, for it to be cured would require extremely powerful magic. But not just any powerful magic, it needs to come from a being of pure magic. Someone that is magic. It would have to be their life force. Someone whose magic is so pure that it can never be used for ill intent."

The king almost scoffed, "There is no such person. All magic is evil."

"Sire if you continue to believe that then I'm afraid your son… will die."

"No. There has to be something!"

"I have told you of the cure, all you need to find is someone that is not only all the things I have mentioned but they also need to be willing to help. There may be one though."

"Gaius if you're telling me you know of a sorcerer then I could charge you with treason."

"I am not telling you that sire, I am saying that you must choose. It is either your son's life or your work for the last twenty years."

"Well what sort of a choice is that! I'm not going to let Arthur die because of me! I- I can't lose him Gaius." The king's face softened and he reached over to stroke his son's head now talking more to himself than anyone, "He's so much like his mother."

"So do you choose to use magic sire?"

"If it will save Arthur than I would choose it a thousand times over. But what sorcerer would want to help me?"

"I know one that would not want to help you, but would willingly give his life for Arthur."

Uther looked up, "Then I must speak to him, summon him immediately. Bring him here."

"I warn you sire, he may ask for something in return."

"I thought you said he was a good sorcerer!"

"He is, but he still fights for magic to be brought back to Camelot. Within reason of course." Uther nodded in acceptance and Gaius bowed before taking his leave, leaving the king alone with his son.

"He's going to let you do what you need to do."

Merlin nodded solemnly and he and Gaius headed for Arthur's chambers.

"Gaius? What is this? You said you were fetching a sorcerer." Uther stood up as they entered.

Gaius didn't answer but merely motioned for Merlin to move forward. Before he reached the bed he looked up at the king, "I will save Arthur unconditionally, but it would be only fair for you to repay magic by setting it free."

"If you save my son I will personally make you my court sorcerer."

"If I save your son sire it's more than likely I'll be dead." Uther frowned, "By the laws of the old religion for a life to be saved a life must be taken, I'm willing for that to be mine but I don't want it to be in vain," he turned to face Arthur, "You just had to go and get yourself ill didn't you? I hope you realise the trouble you've caused you great prat. Destiny is going to be so pissed off with you." Arthur let out a shuddery breath.

Merlin shook his head slightly and placed a hand over Arthur's forehead. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes; he felt around inside himself for his magic. He could feel it tingling beneath his fingers and he pushed it out, forcing it into Arthur. As the prince started to stir Merlin fell to his knees, unable to stay standing. Gaius rushed behind him and supported him to stop him falling backwards. After what seemed like hours but was in fact only about ten minutes Arthur opened his eyes, at the exact same moment Merlin's eyes also opened. His faded from gold to blue as the last of his magic was thrust out; he looked down at Arthur, upon seeing him awake and staring up at him in disbelief he smiled slightly and fell limply across the bed.