Disclaimer: I don't own the Merlin series.

Chapter 8 The Hollow Queen

Merlin has been trying to tell Arthur about Gwen, but it seems they are glued to the hip now. He is thinking about how to separate them as he prepares hot water in the kitchens when he hears someone enter.

"Who are you?" Merlin asks as a boy comes into view.

"I'm Daegal," the boy answers.

"How did you get in here?" Merlin asks.

"It wasn't difficult," Daegal says, giving a smile with his smug tone. Merlin tries to get the boy to leave. "Please, my sister's sick."

"I'm not a physician," Merlin tells him.

He then notices a druid symbol on the boy's arm. His expression softens.

"You are her only chance," Daegal says.

Merlin gives an exhausted sigh.

"I'll meet you at first light," he says.

xxx

Gaius argues with Merlin about leaving to meet the boy.

"After what just happened, you want to leave now?" Gaius asks.

"I'll be back by nightfall," Merlin assures him. "Besides, it'll give me time to think of how to tell Arthur about Gwen."

Merlin meets Daegal.

"You're the king's servant. I hope I didn't you into trouble," Daegal says.

"Not at all," Merlin replies.

While the pair make their way to the Valley of the Fallen Kings, Camelot prepares to receive Sarrum and his men. Arthur has no idea that Gwen is planning his assassination.

xxx

Gaius hands Arthur his sword after having to help dress the king himself.

"You're very quiet, sire," he says.

"My father feared Sarrum. Can you blame me?" Arthur asks.

"No," Gaius answers.

"Where is that servant of mine?" Arthur asks, realizing he has not seen Merlin all day.

"I'm having him look for the grimonia plant. I do not know how long it'll take him," Gaius tells him.

"I hope you're not just covering up for him and he's in the tavern," Arthur says.

"Never, sir," Gaius replies.

xxx

Merlin and Daegal continue to walk through the woods.

"How bad was you sister when you last saw her?" Merlin asks.

"Not well. We need to get to her," Daegal says. Merlin then hears bandits. He tries to warn Daegal telepathically, but it does not work. He has to be pulled down to hide. "What are you doing?"

"Didn't you hear me?" Merlin asks.

"No," Daegal says.

Merlin knows then that Daegal had been using him. Meanwhile, back in Camelot, Arthur and his knights greet Sarrum's party.

xxx

Merlin and Daegal finally reach their destination that night.

"There's no one here," Merlin says. He grabs Daegal's arm and sees that the druid mark is coming off. "You lied to me."

"I can explain," Daegal replies.

Morgana then comes from behind a tree. Merlin's eyes grow.

"You've done well," Morgana tells Daegal.

"I should've known," Merlin says angrily.

Daegal tries to explain, but it is too late. Merlin is pinned to the ground by an invisible force. Morgana pours black liquid down Merlin's throat and kicks him down the hill. Back in Camelot, Gwen and Sarrum are planning to kill Arthur.

xxx

Gaius become more suspicious of Gwen when she does not seem too worried about Merlin missing. Meanwhile, Daegal comes back for Merlin and is able to cure him.

"What's Morgana planning?" Merlin asks weakly.

He is slowly able to sit up.

"I don't know," Daegal says.

They wait until Merlin has regained his strength before going back to Camelot. They run into bandits on their way back.

"If you value your lives, you'll leave now," Merlin says.

"You don't even have a sword," one of the bandits replies with a laugh.

"I don't need one," Merlin says. When Merlin uses his magic, the bandits leave. "Come on."

They reach Camelot just in time to save Arthur, but at the cost of Daegal's life. Arthur cannot believe his eyes when he sees Merlin in his chambers.

"You're back," Arthur says.

He takes Merlin in his arms and kisses him.

"Hello to you, too," Merlin replies after catching his breath.

"Now, find me my comb. I can't," Arthur says.

"You mean this?" Merlin asks.

He turns to the bedside table and picks up the object in question.

"It must have been hiding," Arthur says.

"Under your nose," Merlin replies with a laugh. He taps Arthur's nose with the comb. "You're hopeless, you know?"

"Hopelessly in love," Arthur replies.