The Poisoned Chalice

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

It was a busy time for Camelot. Uther had agreed to make a peace treaty with King Bayard of the neighboring kingdom. Normally peace was well-sought out by all, but since there was going to be a huge feast and other such stuff in Camelot to celebrate, it meant more work for Merlin and Mira-Liana. Truthfully, they were already sick of the treaty and even Mira-Liana was on the verge of complaint.

"How is it we always get the worst work?" Merlin muttered.

"For once, I agree with you," said Mira-Liana.

"You're servants," said Gaius. "It's what you two do."

"But our arms are going to be several feet long by the time we're finished with this load," said Merlin.

"It's character building," said Gaius. "As the old proverb says: 'Hard work breeds…a harder soul.'"

"There is no way that's a proverb," said Merlin.

"You just made that up," said Mira-Liana.

"I didn't," said Gaius, looking indignant.

Suddenly, a beautiful young female servant—one of Bayard's—tripped and dropped her things.

"Oh, excuse me, sir, miss, I'm so sorry," she said.

"It's alright," said Mira-Liana.

"Let us give you a hand with that," said Merlin.

He and Mira-Liana quickly knelt and helped her.

"I'm Merlin and this is my twin sister, Mira-Liana." He said.

"Kara," she said. "You're Arthur's servants. It must be such an honor."

"Well, it is, most of the time," said Mira-Liana.

"Someone's got to keep the place running," said Merlin.

"Well, thank you, Merlin, Mira-Liana. It was nice meeting you," said Kara.

When she was gone, Gaius looked at the two, amused. "Shouldn't you be running the place?" he said.

XXX

Arthur tossed his red jacket to Mira-Liana.

"Make sure you polish the buttons," he said.

"That is filthy," said Merlin. "When's the last time you wore that?"

"Probably the last time there was a feast like this." said Arthur. "I don't care. Just make sure everything's done before the banquet."

"You can count on us, Arthur," said Mira-Liana.

"Oh, by the way, don't you want to see what you two will be wearing?" asked Arthur.

"What, we're going to the banquet?" said Mira-Liana. "Why?"

"Someone has to make sure my cup doesn't run dry and if I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you two should get out of it," said Arthur. "Anyway, your clothes will need to be changed later."

"What's wrong with what we're wearing now?" asked Merlin.

Arthur gave him a withering look. "They are suitable, that's what's wrong. Tonight you will wear the official ceremonial clothes of the servants of Camelot."

He handed Mira-Liana a heavy red dress and held up Merlin's uniform and feathered headdress.

Mira-Liana laughed and Merlin stared at it in horror.

"You have to got to be joking," he said.

XXX

At the banquet, Mira-Liana looked simply beautiful without even trying, but Merlin looked ridiculous in his feathered hat.

Gwen tried unsuccessfully to hide a laugh. "Nice hat," she said.

"Thanks," said Merlin, dryly.

"It could be worse," said Mira-Liana.

Merlin said nothing, but took the hat off when Kara looked at them. Gwen noticed this.

"She's pretty, isn't she? For a handmaiden," said Gwen, a hint of jealousy in her voice.

"She's pretty, but she's no where near as beautiful as you," said Merlin, earning a smile from Gwen.

Mira-Liana resisted the urge to shake her head. Would it kill Merlin if he just confessed his feelings for Gwen? It was obvious the two cared deeply for one another.

Suddenly Kara came over to them.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana, I need to speak with you," she said.

"Yes, of course," said Mira-Liana, sensing the girl's distress. "What's the matter?"

"Not here, please. I don't know who else to tell," said Kara.

They followed her to a private area, where no one could hear them.

"It wasn't until I saw the goblet that I realized…"

"Whoa, Kara, slow down," said Mira-Liana.

"Start from the beginning," said Merlin.

"Two days ago, I was bringing King Bayard his supper and I saw…I shouldn't. He'll kill me."

"Kara, no one is going to do anything to you, we promise. What did you see?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Bayard is no friend of Camelot. He craves the kingdom for himself. He believes if he kills Arthur, Uther's spirit will be broken and he can take Camelot. Oh, heavens, he'll kill me."

"Kara, please, we need to know," said Merlin.

"He put something in the goblet."

"What, poison?" said Merlin.

Kara nodded.

"We won't mention your name in this," said Mira-Liana, squeezing the girl's hand. "Everything will be alright, we swear it."

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana ran back into the hall and grabbed Arthur's goblet before he drank from it.

"Stop, it's poison," said Merlin.

"King Bayard has poisoned Prince Arthur's goblet," said Mira-Liana.

Instantly, the court and visitors drew their swords and knives.

"Order your men to draw their swords! You're outnumbered!" Uther ordered.

"I will not let such an insult to go unchallenged!" King Bayard yelled.

Uther turned to Merlin and Mira-Liana, glaring. "On what grounds do the two you make this accusation?"

"I'll handle this, Father," said Arthur. He grabbed the two. "These two have been in the gin again."

"No, stop," said Uther. "Unless you two want to be whipped, you'll tell me why you think it's poisoned now."

"We will not give any names. We made a promise not to mention the name of the one who told us this information, Sire," said Mira-Liana.

"Tell me," he ordered.

"No," said Merlin, flatly.

Uther turned to Bayard. "Are you telling the truth?" he demanded.

"Yes," said Bayard, without hesitation.

"Then you have nothing to fear, do you?" said Uther. He was about to hand the goblet over, but then stopped. "No, if this does prove to be poison, I want the pleasure of killing you myself." He turned to Merlin and Mira-Liana. "You two shall each drink part of this."

"But if it is poison, they'll die," Arthur protested.

"Then we'll know they were telling the truth," said Uther.

"And if they live?" Bayard demanded.

"Then you have my apologies and permission to do with them as you will," said Uther.

"Uther, please, they're just children, they don't know what they're saying," Gaius protested.

"Then you should have schooled them better," said Uther.

"Merlin, Ana, apologize, this is ridiculous," said Arthur, trying to take the goblet from them and failing. "I'll drink it."

"No, no, it's alright," said Merlin.

"We'll do it," said Mira-Liana.

"Please, don't do this," Arthur whispered.

She took a large swallow of the drink before passing it to Merlin, who finished the rest of it. When nothing happened for a few moments…

"It's fine," said Mira-Liana.

"It is fine," said Merlin.

Everyone relaxed and put their weapons away.

Suddenly Merlin and Mira-Liana felt hot and their hands flew to their throats as they found it difficult to breathe. They coughed a little as they grabbed each other's hands and passed out.

"It is poison!" said Uther. "Seize them!"

XXX

Arthur was at his friends' side within seconds.

Sharp jabs of pain shot through his heart. The last thing he wanted was for Merlin and Mira-Liana to lose their lives. He couldn't explain why he felt the way he did. He privately considered them both friends, but he didn't care for Mira-Liana anymore than that, did he?

Gaius and Gwen were by him in a few moments, also looking worried.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana, can you hear me?" asked Gaius. "We have to get them back to my chambers, bring the goblet we need to identify the poison."

Arthur carried Mira-Liana in his arms and another servant carried Merlin as Gwen grabbed the goblet. He couldn't help but enjoy the feel of Mira-Liana in his arms before she and her brother were placed on the beds in Gaius's chambers.

Gaius looked fearful at his niece and nephew. They were struggling to breathe. Poor children. He was fond of them both. They were almost like a son and daughter to him, but he didn't know if he could save her.

"Are they going to be alright?" asked Arthur.

He looked pale and almost sick. It was in that moment that Gaius realized Arthur's feelings for Mira-Liana and the brotherly bond towards Merlin.

"You can cure them, can't you Gaius?" said Gwen, as she wiped their brows.

"I'll know more when I can identify the poison," said Gaius. "Pass me that goblet."

Arthur had no idea how Gaius could be so calm when two innocent people were dying.

Eventually, Gaius found a flower petal in the goblet and managed to identify the poison. "It says someone poisoned by the Mortaeus flower can only be saved by an antidote made from the leaf of the same flower, which can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flowers grow on the roots of the Mortaeus tree.

"That doesn't look very friendly," said Arthur, pointing to illustration of a strange creature.

"A cockatrice that's supposed to guard the forest," said Gaius. "It's supposed to have poison so potent, that a single drop would mean certain death. Few in search of the flower have made it back alive."

"Sounds like fun," said Arthur.

"Arthur, it's too dangerous," said Gaius.

"If I don't get that antidote, what happens to Merlin and Mira-Liana?" he asked.

"The juice of the Mortaeus flower is a slow and painful death. They may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually, they will die."

"Then there's no choice," said Arthur.

"Arthur," Mira-Liana croaked, startling them. "Arthur."

Arthur was at her side in an instant. He held her hand and brushed some of her sweaty black locks out of her face with his other. Her blue eyes were glassy and dull from the fever, but even in her weakened state, she was still beautiful. "Easy, I'm here. Don't talk, Ana. Just try and save your strength. You'll recover as soon as I get the antidote from the Forest of Balor."

"Just-just promise me…you'll…be careful," she whispered as she held his hand.

Arthur had to fight back tears. Here she was, poisoned and near dying and she was still concerned for his wellbeing. Mira-Liana and Merlin had to be the most selfless people he had ever known.

"I'll be careful, I promise," he said. "You'll see; I'm going to get the antidote for you and Merlin. I won't let either of you die. You'll recover and you'll be alright, I swear it."

She weakly nodded before closing her eyes and falling back to the poison's effects.

Without daring to look back, Arthur left the room and went to see his father.

XXX

Arthur went to see Uther about getting the antidote for Merlin and Mira-Liana, but the King was unmoving and refused.

"I won't fail, no matter what you think," said Arthur.

"Arthur, you are my only son and heir. I can't risk losing you. Not for the sake of some manservant and maidservant."

"Because their lives are worthless?" said Arthur.

"No, because they are worth less than yours," said Uther.

No, they weren't. Those two were always there when needed them. They were a part of his daily life.

"I can save them. Let me take some men. We'll find the antidote and bring it back."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because one day I will die and Camelot will need a king. I'm not going to let you jeopardize the future of the kingdom on a fool's errand," Uther snapped.

"It's not a fool's errand, Gaius says—"

"—Gaius says? That's exactly what makes it a fool's errand!"

"Father, please, I'm begging you," said Arthur, desperation in his voice. "They saved my life. I can't just sit back and watch them die."

"Then don't look," said Uther. "Those two won't be the last to die on your behalf. You're going to be King. Get used to it."

"I won't accept that. I won't let them die," said Arthur.

"You're not leaving this castle tonight! I will hear no more of this."

XXX

Arthur stood against the fireplace. He'd always done as his father told him to, but he couldn't get Merlin and Mira-Liana out of his head. The memory of her asking him to be careful while she lay dying kept flashing in his mind.

"Say what you like about the food, but you can't beat our feast for entertainment," said Morgana.

"Morgana," said Arthur, not meeting her eyes. "I'm sorry, I should've made sure you were alright."

"Disappointed, actually," said Morgana. "I was looking forward to hitting a few with a ladle."

"The guards could've handled Bayard and his men."

"Yeah, but why let the boys have all the fun?" said Morgana.

Arthur looked at her. "Morgana, you shouldn't get involved. It's dangerous."

"Spare me the lecture, I've already had it from Uther."

"If it's any consolation, you're not the only one."

"Not that I listen to him," said Morgana. "Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right and blast the consequences."

"You think I should go."

"It doesn't matter what I think. Arthur, Merlin is your brother in everyway but blood and I know you care about Mira-Liana."

"I do not love Ana. And anyway, if I don't make it back, who'll be the next King of Camelot? There's more than just my life at stake here."

"And what kind of King would Camelot want? One would save the lives of lowly servants or one who does what his father tells him to?" asked Morgana, holding out his sword.

Arthur sighed.

Mira-Liana and Merlin had risked their lives several times for his sake and were now dying because of their loyalty to him. Perhaps it was time to repay old debts. Without another word, he grabbed his sword and ran out of the castle, ignoring the shouts of the guards and the fury of his father.

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana lay in Gaius's chambers, feverish and sweating and hardly able to breathe. As usual, their hands were together—showing how close they were once more.

Within moments, Gaius found blood rashes on both of their arms. The rash wasn't supposed to appear until the final stage. Worried, he checked his book and discovered that if any enchantment had been used during the poison's preparation, death would follow in two days.

"Enchantment?" Gwen repeated. "But Bayard's no sorcerer."

"No, he isn't," said Gaius.

"Then who did this?" Gwen demanded.

Suddenly a horrible thought struck. "It can't have been. She wouldn't dare come here," he muttered. "Unless…"

"Unless, what?" asked Gwen.

"What happened to that girl?"

"What girl?"

"Just before Merlin and Mira-Liana burst into the hall, one of Bayard's servant girls took them outside."

"She had dark hair," said Gwen as she remembered that night. "Very beautiful."

"Find her," Gaius said. "Quickly."

As Gwen left, Merlin and Mira-Liana kept whispering, "Arthur."

Gwen returned a few moments later, only to report that "Kara" was gone.

Gaius told her that "Kara" wasn't her real name and that she was actually a powerful sorceress. Any effort to find her would be fruitless, as she would be long gone by now. Then another horrible thought stuck.

"Oh, no," he said.

"What?"

"She knows the only place to find an antidote is in the Forest of Balor," said Gaius. "Arthur could be walking into a trap."

Again, Merlin and Mira-Liana said, "Arthur." And they also muttered, "Arthur, don't go, it's a trap."

XXX

Arthur rode his horse as fast as he could, only slowing down when he came to a forest and a weeping girl wearing a slightly torn red dress. She had an arm injury and looked frightened.

"Excuse me, are you alright?" he asked.

Before she could reply, she screamed as the cockatrice attacked them. Thankfully, Arthur was able to quickly kill it and turn his attention back to the woman.

"It's alright now. I won't hurt you," he said. His eyes fell to her wound. "Who did that?"

"My master," she said, sounding timid. "I ran away from him, but then I got lost. Please, don't leave me."

"I won't," said Arthur.

"You can take me away from here?" she said, sounding hopeful.

"I will, but I have to do something first."

"Maybe I could help you. I know these woods. What're you looking for?

"A type of flower only found in the caves. It's very rare," said Arthur.

"The Mortaeus flower," she said. "I know where it is. Follow me."

Despite his doubts, Arthur followed the woman deep within the cave and to the edge that overlooked a pit several hundred feet deep.

"They are," said the woman, pointing to the golden flowers on the cave's walls.

Suddenly, the cliff began to crumble and the woman muttered incantations that made it fall. Arthur barely managed to leap onto the other side in time before he fell to his death.

"I expected so much more," she snarled.

"Who are you?" Arthur yelled.

"The last face you'll ever see," she said.

If things weren't bad enough, a enormous spider came crawling. The woman looked pleased. "Seems we have a visitor," she said.

Arthur quickly killed one with his sword, but it wasn't enough. More of them followed.

"Very good," said the woman. "But he won't be the last. I'll let his friends finish you off, Arthur Pendragon. It's is not your destiny to die at my hand."

"Who are you?" Arthur yelled again.

But his cries were unheard as the woman disappeared.

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana's condition worsened.

"Arthur," they said. "Arthur, it's too dark." They muttered an incantation and when Gaius lifted their blanket, he couldn't believe his eyes.

In their joined hands was a glowing blue orb.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana, what're you doing?" Gaius muttered.

Arthur struggled to climb the wall while fear and desperation shot through him.

"Go on, finish me off!" he shouted to the blue orb.

But the orb did nothing but float and give him light so he could see.

He felt a little calmer, but then he saw more the huge spiders.

"Leave them, Arthur," said Merlin.

"Go, save yourself," said Mira-Liana. "Follow the light."

Arthur looked up and saw the Morteus flower he'd come for. Ignoring how tired and scared he felt, he climbed up the wall and grabbed the flower before placing it in his pouch.

The spiders' number increased as he desperately tried to climb the cave wall. He kept slipping and grew more frustrated until he yanked off his glove and was able to climb better.

"Faster," said Merlin.

"Go faster," said Mira-Liana.

"Follow the light!" said Merlin.

"Move! Climb!" said Mira-Liana.

Arthur continued to climb faster and faster as the glowing orb lit his way out of the cave. He eventually got out and was in the open forest. His mission completed, he rode back to Camelot.

Merlin and Mira-Liana relaxed slightly and the orb in their hands faded away.

XXX

Arthur rode to Camelot as fast as he could and was almost inside when he was stopped by the guards and placed under arrest on his father's orders.

Back the cell, Uther was furious with Arthur's actions.

"You deliberately disobeyed me!"

"Of course I did, lives were at stake!" Arthur argued. "Do not let Merlin and Ana die because of something I did!"

"Why do you care so much? Those two are just servants!"

Arthur was burning with anger. "They knew the danger they were putting themselves into, they knew what would happen if they drank from that goblet and they did it anyway. They saved my life! There's more. There was someone at the caves. A woman. She knew I was there for the flower. I don't think it was Bayard who tried to poison me."

"Of course it was, don't be foolish," said Uther.

Arthur sighed and handed him the flower. "Gaius knows what to do with it. Get it to him. Put me in the stocks for a week—a month, I don't care. Just get it to Merlin and Ana before it's too late. I'm begging you."

To his horror, Uther crushed the flower.

"No!" said Arthur.

"You have to learn that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing things," he said, coldly. "I'll see you're let out in a week. When you're free, you can find yourselves new servants."

The cell door shut and the flower was dropped onto the ground.

No, this can't be the end. Arthur tried to reach the crushed remains of the flower. He couldn't let Merlin and Mira-Liana die.

XXX

"They aren't going to last much longer," said Gaius. "Has Arthur got the flower?"

"I don't know," said Gwen. "Uther won't allow anyone to see him."

"Without the flower, they'll die," said Gaius.

"I could sneak into the dudgeon," Gwen said.

"It's too dangerous."

"We don't have any other choice. And besides, Merlin and Mira-Liana risked everything to save my father and me and they told me their secret. I have to do this. They'll die if I don't."

"Be careful," Gaius warned.

Gwen nodded and left the room. She filled a plate with food and went to the dudgeons, trying to remain calm as she faced the enormous guards.

"Food for the prisoner," she said.

The guards let her in.

Arthur looked terrible with his head in his hands. He looked up when Gwen came in. "You can put it over there," he said, nodding at the table.

Gwen's heart sank. He hadn't gotten the flower. She'd just turned to leave when Arthur said, "Wait. This food's disgusting. I'm not sure it's fit for a pig to eat. Take it away."

Gwen went back to the table and resisted a sigh of relief when she saw the flower in between the bread. She took it out of the cell and was stopped by the guard.

"Wait," he said. He picked at a bit of the food and smirked. "Why waste good food?" he said.

Gwen didn't reply and just nodded as she went up the stairs. Her heart skipped a beat when another servant said, "Food for Prince Arthur."

"You! Halt!" shouted the guards.

Gwen didn't look back, but ran as fast she could, dropping the plate but carrying the flower back to Gaius's chambers.

"I've got it," said Gwen.

"Good, we must hurry," said Gaius. "I'll have to use magic to make the antidote work."

"You're a sorcerer?" said Gwen, in disbelief.

"I was once," said Gaius. "A long time ago. Never thought I'd take up old practices again after the ban." He closed his eyes and focused before muttering an incantation that made the antidote bubble and turn green.

"Hold their noses," said Gaius.

Gwen did as she was told and then Gaius quickly slipped the antidote down their throats.

They waited and waited, but nothing happened.

"They're not breathing," said Gwen. "Gaius?"

Gaius listened to their hearts and paled. "Their hearts have stopped."

"They're dead?" said Gwen. Her eyes were filling with tears. "No! I never told Merlin…"

"They can't be dead," said Gaius. "They can't be. It was their destiny."

"It's my fault," said Gwen, crying. "If I'd been quicker—"

"No, it wasn't your fault," said Gaius, hugging the young girl. "It was my fault. I should've looked after them better."

"That's disgusting," said a familiar male voice, startling them. Merlin was waking up. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

"You're old enough to be her grandfather," said Mira-Liana.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana!" said Gaius. "You're alive!"

"No, we're the ghosts come back to haunt you," said Mira-Liana, cheekily.

She smiled when Gwen suddenly kissed Merlin.

"I'm sorry," she stuttered. "I just…I thought you were dead."

"No, it's fine, it's more than fine," said Merlin. "Can we talk later?"

"Yes, yes, of course," said Gwen.

"So, what exactly happened? The last thing we remember is drinking the wine," said Mira-Liana.

XXX

A few days later, Merlin was in Gaius's chambers reading as the effects of the poison wore off. Bayard and Arthur had been released and the peace treaty had been put back into place once Uther found out that Nimueh had poisoned Merlin and Mira-Liana.

Even better for Merlin, he and Gwen had gone on a short walk earlier and he'd confessed his feelings. He kept replaying it in his mind.

"Thanks for taking me out, I've really enjoyed it," said Gwen.

"You're Welcome," said Merlin. "Gwen, I, uh, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

He swallowed, trying to make the words come out of his mouth. "I've never felt like this for anyone in my life. You're really amazing. You're beautiful, kind, caring, and wonderful. What, what I'm trying to say is, Gwen…"

"Yes?" said Gwen.

"Gwen, I love you," said Merlin.

Tears of joy glistened in Gwen's eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he cupped her face gently and they shared a kiss.

Mira-Liana watched with a smile at her friend and brother's happiness. They were so right for each other. She also felt a twinge of jealousy, wishing she could have the kind of love they possessed with Arthur.

But it could never be, despite the Dragon's words.

"Still alive, then?" said Arthur, coming into the chambers and snapping Merlin out of his thoughts.

"Yeah," said Merlin. "And I understand Mir and I have you to thank for that."

"Yeah, well, it was nothing," said Arthur. "Half-decent servants are hard to come by. I was just dropping by to see if you were okay. I'll expect you back at work tomorrow."

"Oh, yeah, bright and early," said Merlin. "Oh, Arthur?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you," said Merlin.

"You too—you and your sister," said Arthur. "By the way, before I forget, where's Ana? Is she here?"

"Mira-Liana's on a walk in the courtyard, Sire," said Gaius.

Arthur nodded. "Thank you, Gaius."

XXX

Arthur walked through the dimly-lit courtyard and spotted Mira-Liana heading his way. His breath caught in his throat as he gazed at her. She was still a bit pale, but she was recovering and still looked beautiful.

"Ana," he said.

"Arthur?" she said. She smiled at the sight of him. "It's good to see you. What're you doing out here?"

"I was looking for you. I, uh—watch it!"

He caught her just she fell. She looked slightly embarrassed as he helped her stand up and kept an arm around her to support her.

"You must still be a bit weak," said Arthur. "Come on, I'll make sure you get back to Gaius's chambers without killing yourself."

Mira-Liana laughed. "I heard what you did to get the antidote for me and Merlin. Thank you. You didn't have to do that for us."

Yes, I did, he thought.

Aloud, he said, "It was nothing. You and Merlin have saved my life already, it was my turn. So, we're even now."

Mira-Liana nodded. "So, what did you want to see me about?"

"What? Oh, yeah. Stand there and close your eyes," he said.

Mira-Liana did as she was told and after a few moments, Arthur said, "Open your eyes."

She opened her eyes and gasped when she saw he was holding a bouquet of red roses, tied together with a silver heart-shaped necklace engraved with tiny flowers with a sapphire.

"For you," he said.

"I-I don't know what to say," she said, taking the gifts. "Thank you."

"You're Welcome," he said.

"How'd you know roses were my favorite and I like sapphires?"

"I didn't. I just thought they suited you," he said, smiling as he fastened the necklace on her neck.

They'd come to Gaius's chambers.

"Well, I'd better go. Good-night, Ana. I'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded and went inside, feeling happier than she had in a long time.

XXX

"Well, no need to ask why you're in such a good mood," said Merlin, eyeing the flowers and necklace.

"Not one word, Merlin," said Mira-Liana as she made a vase with magic and filled it with water before putting the flowers inside. "And before you ask, no, he didn't say he loves me and I didn't say the same. And we didn't kiss."

Gaius also looked pleased. "Arthur may give you a hard time, but at heart he's a man of honor. There aren't many who would do what he did for servants."

"It all would've been for nothing if you hadn't known how to make the antidote," said Merlin.

"Eat your dinner," said Gaius.

"What I don't get is why Nimueh went to all the trouble of framing Bayard," said Mira-Liana.

"Yeah, she could've just kept quiet and killed Arthur," said Merlin.

"Arthur and Camelot wasn't all she was after," said Gaius. "She knew you two would be forced to drink from that goblet. It was the two of you she wanted to kill. Seems someone else knows you're destined for great things."

"Well, if she shows again, hopefully we'll be ready," said Mira-Liana.

"Both of us," said Merlin, holding Mira-Liana's hand. "Together."