A/N Hey. This is my response to 'Gwenny luvs cute stuff' challenge. Write a fic where Merlin saves Uther with magic and Arthur saves him when he is sentenced to death.
My writing has improved since I wrote this chapter up so hopefully the other chapters will be better :) Hope you like it.
Disclaimer. Don't own and don't pretend to. BBC owns Merlin.
"Can he not be saved?" Merlin asked the Court Physician.
"Not with anything scientific. The only option is magic." he replied grievously.
"Then we'll do it." They turned to look at the Prince of Camelot clutching his fathers hand as he lay on his death bed. He had not looked at them while he spoke but it was definitely him.
"Sire. As much as I would like to see your father alive and well again, he will not forgive whoever would save him." Gaius explained.
"Surely he must even be grateful to whoever helped? He's not that much of a monster." Even though Arthur said it with such confidence, everyone could tell he was persuading himself his words were true. Gaius looked upon the young Prince. He had looked after this child more then Uther himself. He was there at the very beginning when Uther shunned him out of his life in grief for his dead wife. It had took a while to get them to bond and, even though they still have a lot of problems between them, the King is Arthur's father and the son had learnt to love him. It would break his heart if he died and had not tried anything given to him. It would also leave him with the responsibilities that comes with being a King. Being so young, he could crack which will affect the whole of Camelot and enemies could see it as an advantage to attack. Gaius, being the kind-hearted person he is, sighed. "Very well. I will see what I can do Sire." he bowed down even if Arthur could not see. Turning around, he beckoned Merlin to follow.
"I don't mean you Gaius." They turned back to face the Prince, confusion reflecting in each others faces.
"But Sire, there won't be anyone in Camelot willing to reveal they have magic, if there is anyone. It could take days to find someone and by that time I'm afraid it would be too late." Gaius reasoned.
"I don't expect you to." Now the physician and his ward were deeply confused. If he doesn't mean Gaius and for anyone to be found then…
"I mean you, Merlin." Arthur finally turned around to look at them just as shock was replaced by horror on his servants face.
"M…m…me." he stuttered. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Yes you Merlin! Don't act like you aren't magic, I know you are! In fact, I've known for ages! Now can you save him?" Arthur had his Princely voice on but Merlin could hear the desperation in the question. He nodded. "Yes. I believe so." the two friends smiled at each other.
"Get to it then and Merlin," he looked into his servants eyes. "I'll make sure no-one hurts you." Reassured, Merlin nodded in thanks before heading to his room to find a cure with Gauis on his heels.
It was a day later that Merlin's voice screamed "I've got it." into the quiet, still air. Rushing out of his room, his magic book in his arms open, he put it down in front of Gaius so he could read. "'Gelácne á ádlung' will heal any small injury to the most fatal disease. Only the most powerful sorcerers can wield this spell. Great difficulty to use, if used wrongly, the effects can be fatal." Once he'd finished reading the description, the physician looked up into his wards eyes. "Do you think you can do it?"
"It's the only one I can find, Gaius. I have to try. Not for me, not for Uther, not for you but for Arthur."
"And what would happen if it goes wrong? Arthur will never forgive you Merlin. He'll kill you in his grief!"
"I have to try." Merlin repeated. He knew there was nothing but truth in his guardians words but it's the only option left. Arthur would hate him if he didn't try as it would have the same consequence if he did the spell wrong; Uther would die. Gaius, realising there is nothing to talk him out of it, stood up and they both headed to the Kings chambers where Prince Arthur is still sitting beside his fathers death bed.
When they entered, they found Arthur asleep with his head resting on the sheets of the bed. Gaius walked over, checked the King over quickly then gently shook Arthur awake. "Wh…what?" Arthur mumbled in his post-sleep state.
"Sire, Merlin has found a spell that could save your father." Gaius told him, gesturing to where his ward stood. It woke Arthur up fully.
"Well? What are you waiting over there for? Help him!" he demanded, hope blaring in his eyes.
"There are a few points you should know about first, Sire. It is an awfully powerful spell and equally difficult to cast right. Even though Merlin is very powerful, even he could cast it wrong. It will also be his first time using the spell. If it goes wrong then…" Gauis was explaining but could not get out the last few words.
"Then?" Arthur prompted looking between the two.
"Then it will have the same results of doing nothing. He'll die but only quicker." Merlin told him quietly. Arthur looked like he was debating the risk of the spell. It is the only chance. He nodded. "Do it." Merlin bowed his head slightly and when Gauis moved out of the way, the warlock took his place beside the dying King. Inhaling a deep breath, he placed his hand over the King's forehead. "Gelácne á ádlung!" Merlin felt the familiar tingling of his magic rushing through his veins before bursting out of his raised hand. Arthur looked on and saw Merlin's eyes turn gold. As soon as they returned to blue, he looked at his father. For a moment, he looked exactly the same then he breathed in deeply before snuggling deeper into the blankets, breathing evening out. Gaius rushed over to check and it was like he was never ill. Colour had returned to his cheeks instead of the deathly pale colour he had been whilst his pulse had returned to normal. He didn't even have a fever anymore. The spell was successful. Arthur looked at Merlin and a smile sat upon the Princes face. It was directed at Merlin and a grin moved onto his own face. Arthur would not kill him. "The King needs to rest but he should be fine tomorrow although he will have to take it slowly. Alert me when he wakes up." Gaius told Arthur bowing respectfully before walking out. After all, he did have other patients. Merlin stayed. "You won't kill me." it was more a statement then question.
"You've saved my fathers life. How can I kill you for that. I told you no harm would come to you if you saved him. Anyway, I've known for a long time Merlin. Have I turned you in? No. You're still with us." Both of their grins grew wider. Merlin's dropped at the Princes next words though. "Don't you have chores to do." there was no mistaking that as anything other then a demand.
"Yes Sire." With heavy feet, the young warlock walked to the door. Just as he was about to leave Arthur shouted his name. Looking up, he saw an intense stare directed at him.
"Thank you." Merlin nodded at his master before leaving. Once he'd left Arthur turned back to his father. He may be recovering but he is still unsure about leaving.
A/N yeah. I've just read it through again. Not the best and slightly rushed. Hope you didn't mind too much. Please review and Gwenny luvs cute stuff, hope you liked the first chapter :). chapter 2 is complete but will start on chapter 3 before posting second :) x