"Dare I look?" asked Gwen hesitantly. "Oh, it's- don't worry, it's completely gone. I've no desire to kill Arthur" replied Merlin with a smile. "That's great news. Although, I'm afraid right now he does want to kill you…" Gwen said nervously. Merlins smile turned to confusion as he contemplated her words. "Why would he want to do that?" he asked. "Well, it's just that… you've not been at work, for two days" she said gently. Merlin turned to Gauis with a frown, "you did not tell him I was in the tavern, did you?" he asked. Gauis hesitated, "not exactly, but he assumed as much" he admitted.
"Great!" said Merlin, throwing up his hands in exasperation, "so Arthur thinks I was off drinking when I was actually trying to save him from Morgana?" he asked. Gwen and Gauis exchanged a look and nodded.
"Merlin, we thought it might be best if Arthur did not know about the formorroh" Gauis said gently. Merlin raised an eyebrow, "why is that?" he asked. Gwen spoke, nervously, "he is already so worried about who the traitor might be, imagine if he knew Morgana was capable of turning anyone against him, especially you..."
Merlin raised an eyebrow, "especially me?" Gwen gave him a look and sat down beside him, "oh come on Merlin, I know he will never admit it, but you know as well as I do how much Arthur values your friendship, the last thing he needs right now is to know you were enchanted to kill him, he needs you" she said firmly.
Merlin smiled proudly at her words and relented, "alright…" he said, "I won't say anything."
Gauis smiled, "it's for the best" he said kindly. Merlin sighed, and Gwen patted his arm kindly.
"How did you get rid of it anyway?" she asked, looking seriously at them both. Gauis and Merlin exchanged a look. "Merlin…?" she pressed.
He hesitated, unsure how much to tell her, "Morgana was keeping the snake in her hut; I just snuck in, and killed it."
Gwen gasped, "Merlin! That was so dangerous!" she cried. Merlin shrugged. She gave him an awestruck smile, "that was very brave of you" she said. Merlin raised his eyebrows, "yep, it sure was, pity Arthur will never know, he doesn't think I am brave at all" he said flatly.
"I am sure we will tell him one day" Gwen said with a smile, standing up. "Come on Merlin, you best hurry back to work or Arthur will really lose his temper."
Merlin grimaced as he stood up, "I can hardly wait" he said sarcastically.
Gwen and Merlin bade Gauis goodbye, and walked toward Arthur's chambers together. Gwen stopped when they reached the corridor leading to his room, and waved Merlin on ahead. "Good luck" she said seriously.
He gave her a weak smile and walked toward Arthur's door. He passed a servant waiting near the door but gave him no thought. Merlin knocked quietly and opened the door. He walked in to find Arthur sitting on his chair. He was agitated, drumming his fingers on the arm rest. Merlin hesitated as he walked toward him.
"Two whole days in the tavern" said Arthur sternly.