A/N: I DO NOT own Merlin...unfortunately. Sorry for the short chapter, hope you like it anyway!


Hunith went to see Gaius in his chambers and explained what had happened to Balinor that winter and all about her conversation with the king a short while ago. When she said that she was going to return to Ealdor Gaius immediately objected but knew that in the end Hunith was always right. He then proceeded to tell her what Uther would most likely do.

"You do realize my dear sister that Uther will do all in his power to keep you here. He does not like Cenred and will definitely not like the idea of you returning to that kingdom."

"I know Gaius which is why I need you to help me leave tonight. I still have some of my old dresses but I will need some food and a few other provisions. I want to leave as soon as possible, it is very important that I do. The sooner I am out of Camelot, the better it will be for all of us."

"Very well" Gaius sighed "You go change and make sure you have everything packed and I'll go get you some food and a blanket. I still don't like this idea of you traveling alone. I couldn't bear losing the last of my family."

Hunith gave him a small smile and hugged him as she said "I know, but it is for the best and deep down I know you feel the same. I'll be safe, remember Balinor taught me how to fight and having an older brother didn't hurt either" giving him a light kiss on the cheek.

Then she left to change and continue packing. She had just sat down to wait for Gaius to return when he came back holding a bulging pack. He handed it to her with a small smile and pulled her into a hug. She soon pulled away and put on a dark thick cloak and pulled up the hood, hiding her face. With one last good bye she slipped out the door and into the dark, cold night her cloak allowing her to bled seamlessly with the shadows.

XxXxX

Uther had spent most of the night racking his mind trying to come up with a plan to keep her here; while he was also trying to figure out why he wanted her to stay. He had got a few hours' sleep in the early hours of the morning but had been woken up by a servant hurriedly knocking on the door. When he opened it he saw a wide eyed servant telling him that Gaius wanted to see him in the nursery: Prince Arthur was ill. All other thoughts were pushed aside instantly and replaced with worry for his son. He quickly grabbed a jacket and set off at a run, ignoring the stares of everyone around him. When he finally arrived breathing heavily he saw Gaius standing behind the nurse who was sitting in a chair by the fire holding the prince in several blankets.

"What's wrong with him Gaius?" Uther asked in a breathy and worried voice as he walked over to the nurse.

"By the time I arrived he was shaking and was running a slight fever. I gave him a potion to help control the fever. It is most likely brought on by the cold weather Sire. It can get rather cold in here at times" Gaius said as he watched Uther dismiss the nurse and take her place in the chair holding his son.

"Will he recover?" Uther asked not taking his eyes off Arthur's face. He could feel him shaking through the blankets causing Uther to hold him closer to his chest.

"He will indeed my lord. He will need to be watched constantly for a day or so and have the medication administered regularly, but he will soon make a full recovery."

"Thank you Gaius, I will stay with him for now."

Gaius bowed and let a worried father care for his son. Uther sat there for hours rocking back and forth gently as Arthur's shaking stopped and he fell asleep. Uther sat there thinking about how he had never been so scared before in his life until that servant came and told him his son was sick. But Gaius's words soothed him like a balm which in turn helped calm the prince. Losing Ygraine was painful and still is, he had nearly gone mad with grief, but if he lost Arthur too he would go insane and no one would be able to help him.

Mid-morning came around and Uther was loathe to leave his son, but Gaius assured him he was on the way to making his recovery and would be well cared for today. As Uther walked back to his chambers to refresh himself a thought came to him; where was Hunith? Surely Gaius would have told her of Arthur's condition and she would have rushed to the princes' side just as he did. In fact he knew she would have been there. So why wasn't she? Maybe she was tired from her trip and sleeping in Gaius' quarters. Or she was visiting with some other nobles. But then Uther remember something she said to him yesterday,

"I wish to see my brother before I leave"

He shook his head, No…she wouldn't have left already? Or in the middle of the night would she? Uther knew that she was serious about returning to her home village and not taking claim to any of Balinor's property. So even though he wanted to deny it, he knew she left in the night and there was no way to catch up with her quickly. It was good in a way, he thought, that she was gone, it gave him time to try and figure out what the feeling was. He finally reached his chambers and went in to prepare himself for the day.


Please review and let me know if you like it! As always constructive criticism is welcome! :)