Daegal felt a searing pain in his chest. Was this it? He glanced over at the assassin also lying on the ground where Merlin had killed him. He looked up at the older man, looking for assurance of Arthur's safety. He saw the utter loyalty in that face, he wished he could be that loyal.

"We did it," said Merlin with a smile, relieved. However, the smile dropped from his face quickly as he saw the dagger protruding from Daegal.

"Did I save Arthur?" asked Daegal as Merlin knelt beside him

"Yes" said Merlin, checking his injuries.

"Did i do something good?" He grunted in pain again. "Finally, hey?"

"Yes, you did"

Merlin grabbed the knife hilt and quickly pulled it out. The last things Daegal registered through the pain were a quiet murmuring of a strange, but familiar, language and golden eyes before everything went black.

"He was extremely lucky," said Gaius, looking over the wound, now sterilised and bandaged. "If you had left it any longer to heal him the bleeding would have killed him for sure."

Daegal groaned as he regained consciousness. He looked around the physician's, taking in his surroundings. Eventually his eyes landed on Merlin, who smiled.

"M-Merlin?"he asked, attempting to sit up. "Argh," Daegal grunted in pain, clutching at his stomach.

"Take it easy there. A stab wound is not something to take lightly," said Gaius, as he and Merlin lowered his head down, while the other checked the wound.

"I suppose it's my turn to look after you now?" joked Merlin.

Daegal smiled, but another burst of pain erupted from his stomach, so it ended up as a grimace. "Thank you. I thought I wasn't going to make it."

"It's not a nice feeling, is it? Hellish."

Daegal looked at Merlin, a wave of guilt washing over him. "I-"

"I'm just kidding Daegal. I forgive you. You were coerced by Morgana and-"

"Morgana?" Arthur burst into the room, flanked by Leon and Gwen. "What does she have to do with this?"

Daegal looked at Gwen, remembering that he had seen the queen eet with the witch. Opening his mouth, was quickly cut off by Merlin who sent him a look that suggested he not mention this information.

"Arthur... Before I tell you this, I want you to know that it's not his fault."

Arthur cast a glare at Daegal, who paled even further than he was.

"Arthur," said Merlin discerningly, "listen."

And so he did. Merlin told of Daegal's plea to help his sick sister, the trap, Morgana, and her plan to get rid of Merlin with poison. Arthur bristled up at this point, getting ready to arrest Daegal, but Merlin interrupted, telling him of how the boy came back and helped him recover. That he had warned Merlin of the attempt on the king's life and helped him confront the assassin. All throughout, Daegal averted his eyes from the king and Merlin, feeling incredibly guilty. He prepared for the worst: arrest, banishment, even execution. What he did not expect was the king coming over and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"What you did was deplorable. However, you saw the error of your ways and I owe you my life. I offer you a reward. What do you wish?"

Ignoring the searing pain the comforting shoulder squeeze, Daegal gave a smile of relief to the king. He did not want to be too imposing, forever grateful that the king had forgiven him. He honestly didn't know what he desired. He was so used to having very little, having lost everything and everyone dear to him long ago, hence his regretful deal with Morgana. However, there was one possibility that came to mind.

"I wish to remain in Camelot, my lord."

So guess whose death I shall never get over, as it was just so pointless and heartbreaking. Seriously, it was only a stomach wound and there was no one around so Merlin could have healed him (Though judging by 5x10 Merlin seems to have forgotten how to heal, and so has a priestess of the old religion. Don't even get me started on how pointless that episode was)

So yeah, here's an AU (that I am continuing) where Daegal survives, including a lead up to the opening scene of 5x09. Hope you enjoy.