AN: I have no idea where this plot came from, but I hope you guys enjoy it.

/\\/\\

"Boy! Tend to my wound! Where is Gaius? He needs to check this."

"He is busy saving the life of one of your men, Sire."

"Don't you dare use that tone with me boy! I could have you whipped for your insolence."

"I am in Gaius's and Prince Arthur's employ. Neither would be inclined to stay quiet on such a matter. As for your wound, it will be fine. The blade only grazed you through the mail. I will wash it and apply a salve to ward off infection. I would let it breath for a few hours. Binding it would cause it to fester."

"You have an insolent tongue in you mouth boy. I suggest you mind it."

"Sire, it is not a good idea to insult the person taking care of your needs. Unlike you, I know just how many of your men need my care. I took the time to tend the scratch on the king's arm while others are dying from blood loss."

"Merlin! Gaius needs your help!"

"Thank you Gwen. Could you finish here?"

"Of cour-"

"You are leaving me in the hands of Morgana's serving girl? What does she know of healing?"

"Sire, I-"

"Gwen it is fine. Sire, this woman has been helping Gaius with his work longer than I. She is more than capable of tending to this. By your leave."

/\\/\\

Uther watched the boy for the rest of the day. The boy never seemed to stay still. He watched the person who was usually a clumsy fool steady handily stitch up numerous cuts and gashes. The blood didn't seem to faze him in the least.

The boy not only cared for the wounded brought to him, if he finished up with those already inside, the boy would head out into the fighting to help bring in others. Even after being injured himself, the boy didn't stop. He bound himself up and headed back out.

The king was probably the only person who had seen the damage to the bo- no - man, but is was bad. Uther could hardly believe a man could have that much bruising and still continue work. In fact, it wasn't until the man was kicked in the side by a patient that that he even showed any pain.

It was when the man seemed to be ready to fall over that Uther pointed him out to Gaius. In fact, he did fall just before Gaius reached him. The poor fellow passed out the moment he was settled onto one of the few empty cots in the hall.

The bruises were much worse the second time the king saw them. His one entire side seemed to be a grayish purple colour with speckles of bright red. According to Gaius, not a single one of the man's ribs on that side were without damage and that he was luck it was his left side and something about the liver.

Not long after Gaius set the ribs and bound them, Merlin woke up. The king was the only one not busy with tending to the wounded or fighting, so he saw the man wake up and attempt to go back to work. But Uther stepped in and stopped him.

/\\/\\

"You aren't supposed to get up."

"*pained hiss* Sire. There are still people who need tending."

"Gaius said you needed to rest until he says otherwise. Arthur said much the same. Are you questioning your masters?"

"I will be fine. They forget that I am stronger than I look. Especially Arthur. *Mumbles* prat..."

"I thought it was not a good idea to insult the person taking care of your needs. Such as my son."

"Sire… I…"

"I understand. Now get back in that cot before Gaius or Arthur come by. Neither wish to be on the receiving end of their temper."

"Yes, Milord."

/\\/\\

AN: So, what do you think?