The next morning, Arthur watches Merlin ride off through the courtyard. Merlin had shrewdly sent George in his stead to serve Arthur this morning, which only made Arthur more cross. He didn't really want to see Merlin, but the knowledge that Merlin was mindful of this fact only fueled his anger.

When Guinevere asked after Merlin's whereabouts, George simply replied, "Gaius has informed me that Merlin is ill this morning, my lady. Would you care for more fruit?"

All Arthur could think was There goes Gaius, lying for Merlin again.

Arthur had been awake all night, uneasy, while Guinevere slept peacefully on his shoulder, her arm slung across his stomach, her leg hooked over one of his. As she often does. This morning, he is tired, cranky, and anxious. Also, he isn't disguising it very well.

"Arthur, you look exhausted. Are you taking ill as well? Perhaps you have been affected by whatever has Merlin under the weather. The two of you are together so often, it would make sense," Guinevere said after breakfast, walking around the table to where Arthur is sitting and brooding over his breakfast. She crouches beside his chair and takes his hand.

"Perhaps," Arthur answers noncommittally, forcing himself not to recoil from her touch. Jumpy. Not good. "There are some matters to which I must attend this morning," he says, standing.

"Are you sure that's wise? If you aren't well, maybe you should stay here and rest," she suggests and for the first time, Arthur notices the slight difference in his wife's demeanor. She's more abrupt. Her innate gentility suddenly seems forced. It breaks his heart.

"I'm all right," he says, a wave of pity washing over him. She's in there somewhere. I know she is. Gaius said she was only mostly gone. He steps over and wraps his arms around his wife. She startles momentarily, then relaxes into his arms. "I love you so much, Guinevere," he says, resting his cheek against her head.

"Arthur?" she asks, wondering what prompted this behavior.

He loosens his hold on her, kisses her forehead (he cannot bring himself to kiss her lips), and heads out the door.

Arthur walks through the castle, lost in an internal debate. He knows what he needs to do. He knows to whom he needs to speak. But, he cannot make his feet carry him there just yet.

Instead, he finds Sir Leon and pulls him into a secluded room.

"Sire, is something wrong?" Leon asks, looking puzzled. "I was just about to—"

"Yes, Leon, there is something very wrong," Arthur says. "But, I don't have time to explain right now. I need you to change the route for the planned levy collection. Change it completely. Do not travel any of the currently planned roads. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my lord, but surely that will lengthen the trip..."

"I don't care. Make only one map and keep it on your person at all times. Tell no one until the party departs and then, only tell Sir Bors," Arthur says.

"Sir Bors? But, I—" Leon asks, growing more confused.

"Once Bors has the route committed to memory, burn the map," Arthur continues, cutting him off. He sighs. "I need you to remain here instead, sorry. I... Guinevere and I may not be available during the next few days and I'll need you to handle things here while we are... busy," Arthur explains. "I... I am not yet sure of all the details which is why I'm being intentionally vague. I will tell you more when I know more."

"Yes, Sire. Of course," Leon nods. He follows Arthur to the door.

"Leon," Arthur says, stopping, "we have seen much together, you and I."

"Yes," Leon agrees.

"I want you to know how much I value your loyalty over the years. I have so few people I can trust and even fewer I can call 'friend'."

Leon smiles, touched though a little puzzled. "Um, thank you, my lord. You know you can always count on me."

"I realize that. But, I wasn't sure if you knew how much I appreciate it." Arthur nods at him once, turns to leave, then pauses once again. "One more thing. This is very important and very sensitive."

"My lord?" Leon asks.

Arthur swallows hard, conflict clear on his face. "Have the queen followed. She is not to know under any circumstance. Appoint one person to keep her in his sights at all times. Hopefully, just for today."

"But…?"

"I promise I will explain later," Arthur says.

"Is she in danger?" Leon asks.

"Yes," Arthur answers, his face deadly serious. "From herself."

Leon looks as shocked as Arthur has ever seen him. "Do… do you have a recommendation for whom to assign this task?"

Arthur pauses a moment. Percival is too large. Gwaine is too noisy. Elyan would have been perfect, but… "Mordred. He's small and too new to arouse much suspicion. Impress upon him the delicacy of the situation any way you can. He can not be seen. I daresay his own life would be at risk if she even suspects he is tailing her."

"Yes, my lord," Leon says.

Arthur sweeps from the room. Leon follows a moment later, confused but resolute. He doesn't know exactly what is going on, but is well aware that Gwen is in some kind of danger. This will not stand.

Those details dealt with, Arthur takes a deep breath and continues to Gaius' chambers. He is still angry with Gaius for lying to him, but the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he cannot really blame the old physician for his actions. He's Merlin's guardian. Of course he's going to protect him even if he hadn't promised Merlin's mother. He's the only father figure Merlin has had as far as I know. Who among us hasn't told at least one lie to protect a loved one?

He knocks on Gaius' door, then opens it unbidden.

"Sire," Gaius greets hesitantly. "I... I must say I am surprised to see you this morning."

Arthur looks around the physician's quarters. The chair he smashed is restored. The table set to rights and all the items that crashed to the floor, scattered or broken or both, are back in their places, whole and perfect.

"It... it is a handy talent our Merlin has," Gaius carefully says.

"So I see," Arthur answers grimly. He sits in the chair. "It is true then. I didn't dream everything that happened last night."

"I'm afraid not, Arthur," Gaius answers. He walks over and sits across from the young king. "For what it's worth, it was never my intention to deceive you and I am sorry."

"Thank you," Arthur says. "I do understand why you kept his secret. I did a lot of thinking last night."

Gaius raises an eyebrow. "I daresay that is because you did not do a lot of sleeping last night," he assesses.

"I didn't sleep at all," Arthur sighs. "How can I sleep when the woman who shares my bed wants me dead?"

"Indeed, my lord," Gaius nods, frowning.

"And there's also the matter of Merlin." Arthur leans back in his chair. "I... I do not know what to do, Gaius. Usually, when I am struggling, Guinevere gives me counsel. Or Merlin."

Gaius nods again. He takes no offense at being Arthur's third choice. "Arthur, everything Merlin told you last night is completely true. He is still the same good-hearted, slightly clumsy person we know and love. You cannot know how he has struggled with this secret. How difficult it has been for him to keep it hidden, especially from you. Arthur, Merlin didn't even tell me when he first arrived. I found out quite by accident."

Arthur's eyebrows rise, surprised. "Truly?"

Gaius nods. "Sire, he saved my life. It was the first thing Merlin did when he walked through those doors. If he hadn't used his magic to catch me, I would have fallen to my death from there." He points to the balcony area of his quarters.

Arthur looks where Gaius is pointing and knows such a fall could be fatal, particularly to someone Gaius' age.

Gaius continues. "To be perfectly honest, Arthur, often when a person discovers Merlin's secret, it is usually the last thing they learn. Not in my case, obviously, but…"

"Are you saying that Merlin... kills people if they learn he has magic?"

"No, no, not at all... I am saying that many of the people who have learned Merlin has magic are people who are trying to kill you or otherwise do you harm."

"And Merlin... he said he uses his magic to protect me..." Arthur drops his head into his hands, reeling again.

"If you knew all he did for you, Arthur..." Gaius sighs. "Camelot would have been lost years ago if not for him. The witch Nimueh. Morgause. Agravaine."

"The Great Dragon," Arthur adds, remembering.

Gaius says nothing, not meeting Arthur's eyes.

"What?"

"You'll have to ask Merlin about that one," Gaius says.

"The dragon lives then," Arthur says, narrowing his eyes.

"Yes. Again, Merlin must explain that to you." Gaius looks towards the windows for a moment, clearly pondering something. "Speaking of Morgause, Merlin told me what she revealed to you in the ruined castle."

"You mean the lies? The false image of my mother?" Arthur says, his heart aching at the memory of how he had allowed Morgause to deceive him. How she had preyed on his vulnerability and exploited his mother's memory.

"Arthur," Gaius starts softly, "what Morgause revealed to you that day was not a lie. You truly saw your mother."

"No..." Arthur gasps. He recovers quickly. "Why would you tell me this now, Gaius? Have I not been dealt enough blows already?" he demands, his anger rising again.

"Forgive me, my lord, but I am trying to help you understand," Gaius answers, his voice stern but soft. "Merlin only told you Morgause lied to stop you from falling into her trap. She planned to use you to kill Uther and almost succeeded."

"So... I was born of magic? My father used magic to help Mother conceive?" Arthur asks. He realizes that each revelation becomes easier to bear as he becomes more accustomed to the... oddity of everything.

"Yes, Arthur. Remember, not all magic is bad. Yes, your father was deceived by the witch Nimueh, but he truly did not know your mother's life would be the one taken in exchange."

"It is still a life, Gaius," Arthur answers.

"Ah, and that is what separates you from Uther. You are able to make that distinction. You understand every life has value. But, I stray from my point. Slightly. You are a good man, Arthur. One of the best I have known and I have known many. I have had the honor of watching you grow from the first moment you drew breath. You were born of magic, Arthur, and no magic that creates a man such as yourself can be evil."

Arthur says nothing, touched and humbled by Gaius' words. His vision blurs with tears and he wipes his eyes.

Gaius continues. "Morgause's intentions were villainous, but what you learned from your mother that night is true. Without magic, Arthur, you would not have been born. Magic is not evil. It is a tool no more evil than a hammer or a saw. A hammer or a saw can also be used as a weapon if wielded by someone with malicious intent, yet those things are not outlawed. Only people can be evil, Arthur. The Great Purge and your father's banishment of magic from the land was brought on by his own guilt and hubris."

Arthur slowly nods, fully understanding the truth of Gaius' words. He's heard them before, but somehow they have never sunk in like they have now.

"Merlin wields his magic the way you wield your sword, Arthur. To protect. Never to harm. I have seen you hold your blade to the throat of many to whom you have ultimately showed mercy."

Arthur looks at Gaius. "What you say makes sense. I'm… beginning to understand. This doesn't mean I've forgiven Merlin… I have too many questions for him first. The dragon being one of them, but… Gaius, does Morgana know?"

Gaius shakes his head. "Merlin has managed to stop Morgana several times, but she does not yet know his secret. She knows of the existence of a great sorcerer and fears him above all else."

Arthur looks relieved at first, then his eyes widen in disbelief. "Merlin?"

Gaius nods. "As I said, he is the most powerful sorcerer I have ever seen. Perhaps the most powerful sorcerer who ever lived."

Arthur says nothing, staring at the items on the table once again.

"Merlin is your friend, Arthur. Always remember that. He is your servant, yes, your destiny is entwined with his, yes, but above all, never forget he is your friend," Gaius solemnly says.

"Sometimes, it is… difficult to remember that," Arthur says. He slumps in his chair, exhausted. He's gone without sleep in the past, but never under so much mental and emotional strain. "When will Merlin be back?"

Gaius blinks in surprise. "I have no way of knowing, my lord. It is at least an hour's journey to the Dochraid's lair."

Arthur looks at the door to Merlin's modest room. "I need to sleep. Someplace… safe." He stands and makes his way to Merlin's door.

"You're going to sleep in Merlin's room?" Gaius asks.

"Well, it's the last place anyone would look for me, isn't it?" Arthur asks, his hand on the door handle.

"True." He pauses. "Sire, what of Gwen?"

"She's being watched. I spoke with Leon. I didn't tell him very much, but he's changing the route right now so the map Guinevere gave to Morgana will be of no use."

Gaius nods. "Get some rest, Arthur."

"Thank you," Arthur says. "And Gaius…"

"If anyone comes looking for you, I do not know where you are," Gaius says. He arches an eyebrow. "I can lie to protect more people than Merlin, you know."

Arthur's lips twitch, almost smiling. Then, he disappears into Merlin's room, closing the door firmly behind him.

xXx

Merlin returns shortly after noon, tired and starving. He stomps into Gaius' rooms, drops Arthur's sword on the table, dumps his bag on the floor, and collapses heavily into a chair, causing it to skid noisily. Then, he groans.

"Can you be a little louder, please, Merlin? I don't believe they heard you in Caerleon," Gaius says, glancing at the door to Merlin's room, wondering if the sorcerer's noisy return has roused the king.

"Sorry, Gaius," Merlin says. "Is there any food? I didn't get any breakfast and that apple I ate on the way is long gone."

"Um, yes..." Gaius says, reaching for a plate covered with a cloth. As he passes it to Merlin, the door to Merlin's room opens and Arthur emerges.

"Figured it had to be you," he says, only glancing at Merlin. He expects his anger to rise again, but only feels the dull ache of hurt. Between his talk with Gaius and a very restful nap, Arthur is feeling more resolute, able to focus on saving Guinevere. Able to push aside dealing with The Merlin Issue until after.

"The king didn't sleep at all last night," Gaius explains to a surprised and puzzled Merlin. "He knew no one would think to look for him there."

"Oh," Merlin says, his mouth full. He's hunched over his plate, deliberately not looking at Arthur.

"Did you get some rest, Sire?" Gaius asks.

"Yes, though my own bed would have been preferable. Bigger. Not as lumpy. On the other hand, no one wants me dead in there," he nods his head back towards Merlin's room. Arthur notices his sword, his special sword lying on the table. "What is my sword doing here?"

"I had to borrow it," Merlin says, still looking at his plate.

"Dare I ask?" Arthur crosses his arms in front of his chest.

"Insurance," Merlin answers. Finally, he looks at Arthur. "The Dochraid is dangerous. I needed a weapon that could actually harm her if she did not cooperate."

"Bloody hell, don't tell me my sword is magic..." Arthur exclaims, throwing his arms up and stomping over to the bookshelves along the wall.

"Little bit," Merlin says. "I'll explain later."

Arthur sighs heavily. Later. He turns just slightly, looking over his shoulder. "You have quite a bit to explain later, Merlin."

"I know."

"Did you get an answer?" Gaius asks. "Can we restore Gwen to herself?"

At this, Arthur walks back over near Merlin, sitting on a stool and leaving the other chair for Gaius. The old man sits, nodding gratefully at Arthur.

Merlin looks back and forth between Arthur and Gaius, wondering what transpired between them while he was gone. "I said I would not return without the answer," Merlin says a bit defensively. He takes a drink and pushes away from the table.

He relays some details of his visit, leaving out the use of his old man disguise. I'm going to have to tell Arthur about that, too, he realizes. "She knew exactly who I was and why I was there," he says. "And she did not give her aid willingly."

"How do you know what she told you is true?" Arthur asks.

Merlin looks meaningfully at the sword, then at Arthur. "I can be very persuasive."

"What do we need to do?" Arthur presses.

"We have to take Gwen to the Cauldron of Arianrhod. There, I must summon the White Goddess who will cleanse her of the enchantment."

"Okay. Let's go. We'll take Guinevere to this... cauldron, you do your..." Arthur waves his hand vaguely, "and we'll get my wife back."

"It's not as simple as that, surely," Gaius says.

"Of course, it isn't," Merlin agrees. "Gwen has to enter the water of her own free will. We cannot trick or force her into the lake. We have to reach the part of her that remains true." He looks directly at Arthur for the first time. "You have to reach her, Arthur. I don't have the... the connection to her that you do."

"No, you don't," Arthur says definitively. "So we're clear: I'm choosing to trust you on this only because I have no other alternative. If you think for one moment that I am not going to be completely involved, that I am going to leave you alone with Guinevere while you do whatever it is you're planning on doing..."

"I don't want to be left alone with Gwen, Arthur," Merlin interjects. "I think she knows I'm on to her. As it now stands, she likely wants me dead as much as she wants you dead."

"Thank you for reminding me," Arthur says darkly.

"Merlin's right, Arthur. The deep and binding love connecting you to Gwen is going to be the thing that saves her. You have to speak to that part, push through the walls Morgana has erected, and reach your wife."

I hope I can. I pray she isn't so far gone that I cannot reach her. But, I must. If I want her back, I must. Arthur slowly nods, understanding. "We leave at nightfall," he says.

"Arthur," Merlin asks, "um, how are we going to get Gwen to come with us? We can't just feed her a story. She's much too smart for that."

"What if she doesn't know?" Gaius suggests. "Merlin, you could just... put her to sleep, then wake her when you arrive."

"I don't want her harmed," Arthur says.

"I wouldn't harm her for the world, even if my life wasn't at stake," Merlin says, a bit offended. "A sleeping spell wouldn't hurt her at all."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Arthur asks.

"Done it plenty of times," Merlin says. "Never on you though... I don't think."

"Hmm."

"Sire, why don't you suggest going for a ride at sunset with Gwen? Merlin can meet you in the forest, put Gwen to sleep, then the three of you can continue on to the cauldron," Gaius proposes.

"I can have all the supplies with me," Merlin adds, nodding. "And then, we wouldn't have to worry about an extra horse, since Gwen won't be able to ride alone once she's asleep."

Arthur stares down at his hands, twisting his mother's ring around and around on his finger. "I can't think of a better option. I hate deceiving her, but... you are correct. She won't come willingly. Also, I've been avoiding her all day, so suggesting we take a ride will not seem odd."

"It's settled then," Gaius sighs.

Merlin and Arthur nod, their faces grim.

"Make preparations. I need to find Leon," Arthur says, standing.

"Leon?"

"Guinevere and I just can't leave Camelot without telling anyone, now can we?" Arthur asks.

xXx

"How is Mordred doing?" Arthur asks. He's meeting with Leon in the armory. Training has just ended and Percival, always the last to finish his post-training routine, has just left.

"Honestly, Sire, he's a little bored and very confused. The queen seems to be keeping to herself more than usual. That's all he's said," Leon says. "He was quite put out when I told him he could not attend training this afternoon."

"He'll get over it. This is much more important."

"Arthur?" Leon asks, hoping he'll get some real answers now.

Arthur looks around, confirming they are alone. He walks to the door and checks outside to ensure no one is lingering. "Guinevere has been enchanted," he quietly says once he returns.

"What?" Leon gasps. "Did Morgana... when she was held captive?"

Arthur nods. "She's under Morgana's control. A puppet. Guinevere, the real Guinevere, doesn't know what she's doing. The poisoning..." he trails off for a moment, suddenly wondering if it was actually Merlin's magic that healed him. "Sorry. The poisoning, the mess with the Sarrum... it was all her, acting under Morgana's power."

Leon is pale, a look of shocked disbelief on his face. "You're certain?"

"I saw it with my own eyes. Merlin discovered it first. He took me to the forest last night and we observed a meeting between Guinevere and Morgana."

"I am so sorry, my lord," Leon says. No matter how upset I am about this, it is nothing to how he must be feeling. "I... I cannot even imagine how much this is hurting you."

"It is not a feeling I would wish on anyone," Arthur says. "Except, perhaps, Morgana," he adds darkly. "But, this is why Mordred must keep to his assignment until I relieve him."

"I understand," Leon says. "Sire," he says, clearing his throat, in an attempt to disguise his concern, "can the queen be saved? Can she be brought back to herself?"

"That is why I'm telling you this," Arthur says. "We need to leave for a few days. Merlin, Guinevere, and I. I need you to handle things here while we're gone."

"Which is why I am no longer going on the levy collection," Leon concludes.

"Yes. This is also why I had you change the route. Guinevere gave a copy of the original map to Morgana last night. I think she is planning an ambush."

Leon nods. "I see. It makes perfect sense."

"We will return as soon as we can. If anyone asks, tell them we have taken a short journey to help Guinevere relax and continue to recover from her ordeal in the tower. It's not terribly far from the truth which is I'm essentially kidnapping my wife to take her to a place where her enchantment can be lifted."

Leon's brow furrows and Arthur realizes he is not going to give away Merlin's secret. The thought troubles him a little. He resolves it by deciding it's because he doesn't want to look like a hypocrite. But, deep down, Arthur knows he doesn't feel right telling a secret that is not his to reveal.

"It's best if you do not know the details," Arthur adds.

"Of course, my lord."

"Leon. Tell no one what has happened. No one. Not Percival, not Gwaine, not Mordred, though he will have questions. I will talk to him myself after we return."

Leon nods.

"Keep Mordred close though. I want him to learn," Arthur adds.

"Yes, my lord. When are you leaving?"

"Sunset. As far as Guinevere knows, we are going on a romantic ride in the forest," Arthur says, frowning sadly. "I wish that were the real reason."

"I understand, Arthur," Leon says, placing a hand on his king's shoulder. "She is very special to all of us."

Arthur nods. "I know you kind of grew up together, Leon, and that's one of the reasons why I am entrusting you with this information. You've known her, well, longer than I have, if I am honest, and she does consider you a friend. When she's herself."

"She will be again," Leon says. "It will work out. You'll bring her back to us. I am sure of it."

Arthur smiles. "Thank you for your confidence."

"I have never known you to fail in any of your quests, my lord. You will not fail in this one."