Merlin ran down the corridor, ignoring the angry looks of the others he was dodging (and sometimes running into) as he focused on his destination. He had to warn the king, though what exactly he was going to tell him he still wasn't sure. Really, trying to explain that the ruler of the foreign delegation they were currently entertaining was actually some sort of evil spirit in disguise might not go over well, especially without proof.

The Belgin delegation had been giving him a funny feeling since their arrival, at least the king and his advisor had. However, so far they had been perfect guests though it was all Merlin could do to leave the room the evening before when the foreign king had asked for the servants to be dismissed so they might discuss some more sensitive matters. Only the fact that Gaius and the king's closest knights were there gave him some comfort. Arthur had been closed lip about the discussion when Merlin had helped him ready for bed later that night but it seemed nothing untoward had occurred.

Still, he couldn't shake the feeling and so took the opportunity of another private meeting called at breakfast to snoop around the quarters assigned to the guests. A short time later, he was standing in the middle of the room, frustrated by his fruitless search when heard footsteps approach followed very soon by the handle of the door moving. He dashed towards the antechamber and hid from sight just as the king and his advisor walked in. Breakfast must have ended early, he thought ruefully.

"Things are progressing better than we could have hoped," the advisor stated, shedding his cloak and throwing in onto the bed.

"Indeed!" the Belgin king agreed. "The most powerful kingdom in the land will soon be under our control."

Merlin dared a peek through a crack in the door at this statement, his instincts appearing to be proving right – they were up to something! With the proximity of the two, his magic was once again flaring in alarm so he let a little out to focus on the two better, trying to find the source of the sensation. At first it just appeared a darkness surrounded the two, made more obvious by the sun streaming into the room He concentrated a bit more and the darkness resolved into a shadowy figure, seeming to be superimposed on each of the men. He would have to check with Gaius but his guess was the two were possessed.

"And who would have thought we'd find a candidate for our Master here of all places," the king continued.

The advisor nodded, "finally, after so long, he will finally be released! Oh, the havoc we will wreck upon this land once that happens!"

Merlin had heard enough. He didn't know who this 'Master' was but could only assume the 'candidate' they were referring to was Arthur. He had to warn him he was in danger. Fortunately, this antechamber had an exit to the corridor and he was able to slip out quietly before taking off on his sprint through the castle.

He paused for just a moment to catch his breath before opening the door into the small council room Arthur used when gathered with his closest advisors which included the inner circle of his round table knights most of whom were gathered with him now. Arthur glanced up curiously as his servant entered, breaking off whatever he had been saying to Leon who was perched at his side. Merlin noted that Gwaine and Lancelot were also present and felt a bit of relief. At least the latter would be able to read between the lines and help him convince the king of the danger.

"Merlin!" the Arthu raised his eyebrow. "What are doing here? Didn't I give you enough work this morning."

"I'm sorry to intrude, Sire, but I had to speak with you. It couldn't wait."

The king's eyebrow rose higher. "Alright, I'll bite. What is so important?" Merlin chewed on his lip, unsure where to start. "Well?" Arthur was quickly growing impatient.

"King Torin and his party – I don't think they are as they seem."

"And?"

"And what?"

Arthur huffed in frustration. "And why do you think this?" he growled.

"I-I saw something."

Merlin paused too long again and the Arthur came around the table to stand in front of him, clearly starting to get angry now. "Oh for pity's sake Merlin! Out with it already or leave!"

"I saw them doing magic!" the servant blurted. It wasn't entirely accurate but he knew that would get everyone's attention. To his surprise, Arthur's reaction was only another lift of his brow.

"Did you now?"

Merlin opened his mouth to explain what he had seen, about the dark specters that seemed to be inhabiting the foreigners, but the words caught in his throat as he continued to meet the gaze of his king. He did not like what he was seeing in the blue eyes regarding him calmly, coldly. He knew those eyes better than anyone's but they now appeared like those of a stranger.

Cold fear gripping his heart, he took a step back. "You already knew," he was glad his voice sounded calm though his pulse was racing.

"Knew what?" Arthur smiled but there was malice in it. "That our friends from Belgin are possessed perhaps?"

Merlin felt like an idiot. He had been so consumed with reaching Arthur and warning him, he hadn't realized he was feeling the same warning from his magic as he had with the Belgin's. He's one of them! Merlin realized.

"Who are you? What are you?" he demanded, anger filling him.

"You will find out soon enough," Arthur closed the distance between them and Merlin could feel the evil radiating from his friend. His magic bubbled to the surface in response and he had to fist his hands to prevent it from striking out. He had no idea what that would do to the king or how much he would remember.

"In fact," evil Arthur continued, "perhaps we should show you."

Merlin had no doubt as to the intent of that statement. They meant to take him as well though why they would bother with a lowly servant he wasn't sure. Spinning on his heel, he intended to try to escape the chamber, regroup and see if he could figure out a way to free his king and the others from this madness. But he had forgotten the other knights in the room and he found his way barred by the two he counted amongst his closest friends. The look in their eyes told him they too were under the influence of the same evil. Knowing he couldn't risk being taken and possessed as well if there was any hope of freeing his friends, Merlin prepared to push the knights out of the way with his magic and damn the consequences. He never got the chance as Arthur came up behind him, wrapping his arm around the servant's waist while simultaneously pressing a cloth over his nose and mouth saturated with noxious chemicals. The demons had picked the perfect person to subdue the warlock as his concern about possibly hurting Arthur made him hesitate to use his magic against the king. Instinctively he only grabbed at the arm holding the cloth trying to buck his way free but the king was strong and the fumes even stronger. Merlin's struggles quickly subsided as his eyes drooped closed and he became limp in Arthur's grasp. The king guided the servant to the ground and threw the rag aside.

"That was easier than I expected. I don't understand why he didn't use his magic."

"I told you he wouldn't risk harming you," Lancelot answered, staring dispassionately down at his once best friend now unconscious on the cold stone.

Arthur nodded, "and the physician's potion was as effective as he said it would be." He caressed Merlin's cheek with the back of his hand. It would have looked affectionate if not for the possessive gleam in his eyes. "We could not afford to risk damaging such a prize," he gloated then quickly rose to his feet again. "Bring him to the formal council room and I will gather the others," he ordered. "It is time we released our Master!"