This chapter is rushed because I've been planning a birthday party for my family, and I updated late because I was attending the actual party Sunday ALL DAY. Heh, I thought that writing during summer would be a breeze, but here I am, having to do something almost EVERY WEEK. I mean, next week, I have to plan a pool party. Crazy, right? But that's why I think I'll be writing two chapters at a time and EDITING throughout the week- that way if I have something to do or get lazy (heh) I'll have a chapter for you guys. But, I'm here…I haven't abandoned y'all. :D Thanks again for all the reviews, favorites, and follows- they help me so much, and really make me smile. (and inspire me to write) So, without further a do, here's the next chapter, and most of all, ENJOY
CHAPTER 9: BLEEDING
I winced as the harsh bark of trees whipped my skin as I glided through the forest. The sun glared at me, making me pant as I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow, and tisk as my dry tongue attempted to bring moisture back to my lips by licking them. I turned around, panting, and didn't bother hiding my cry of fear when I saw the tiny monster about a few yards away. I tried picking up the pace, but my stomach dropped as I was simply met with a wall of stone.
A dead end.
I turned around slowly, carefully, hoping that I'd managed to lose it when I ran through the grass. My eyes were probably saucers when I saw him approach me, the monster in tow as if it were his little minion.
"Merlyn." He growled, holding the monster commandingly. I gulped.
"P-Please. Y-You don't have to do this…" I stammered, trying to sound calm and firm, even though my fleeing ruined the 'I'm brave' effect I was going for. It's not like I could use magic. Maybe I could use it to knock him out…then I would have to run from the little monster. He wouldn't remember.
I wouldn't have had a chance, anyway.
I whimpered when he simply gave me an evil grin, slowly stalking closer to me, like a predator would to its prey. I shut my eyes, praying that it wouldn't be so bad if I closed my eyes, praying that no one could ever be that evil to force such a disgusting, slimy, poisonous monster on someone.
I screamed when I heard the monster hiss, and my eyes shot open.
"Get that slimy reptile away from me, Prince Arthur!" I screamed in a fit of pure helplessness, backing further into the wall, thumping on the ground. I almost did knock him out when I felt my eyes begin to tear up. He began to laugh, making me hunch a little bit out of my uncomfortable position fetal position on the wall.
He shook his head.
"You just have to touch it, Merlyn. And hold it…" he said teasingly, trailing off suspiciously at the end. I shook my head furiously, my mind set. He finally huffed in disappointment, running a hand through his golden hair. Seeing him back away, I stood up, almost falling thanks to my jelly legs. I glared at him when I saw that he was going to just let me fall- not like I was surprised. I sighed tiredly, glancing at the sky, wishing it was night; but the sun was still high, unfortunately.
"You know I'm afraid of snakes." I murmured, half-wishing he'd heard me and half-wishing he didn't in fear that he'd just start the childish thing up again. He rolled his eyes.
"Well, now you know not to call me by my birth name in public eye." He said back, nodding his head and thinning his lips into a line in a 'yup' action. I sighed again, but nodded. This was so much worse than what happened to him. I mean, it's not like I shouted it out loud or anything. I'm not stupid (even though I have yet to convince Gaius).
I don't know how my face looked when I glanced at the snake that was still in his right fist, but he scrunched up his nose when he saw my face, and, reluctantly, gently released the snake in the opposite direction of the way back to Camelot. I frowned.
"Why didn't you slice its head off?" I asked. He didn't answer, something I'd gotten used to. I think that he sometimes feels as though I'm not 'worthy' enough for him to explain something to me. Or he might just do that to annoy me. I am pretty nosy, even though being placed in a different dimension gives me a pretty solid excuse to be.
I sighed.
Arthur looked at me, obviously seeing my sudden sadness, and scoffed. I couldn't help but feel aggravated that he did not feel the least bit concerned about my wellbeing. What? It may sound selfish and needy (because it is), but I'm human.
"Lady Morgana would have never reacted the way you did." He muttered. I rolled my eyes behind his back, as I was following him, as always.
"How do you think she would have reacted, then?" I asked, half-curious. He didn't answer. I scoffed quietly to myself. He really hates answering my questions, huh? I blushed when he began to speak. He had just been thinking. I need to ask Gaius to help me with my impatientness.
"Then, she would've taken the sword from my waist and beheaded it herself like the beautiful, independent, skillful woman she is." He finished, making me jump. I noticed how light his voice was, the smile on his face, and how much his mood had been lightened.
"Well, Morgana and I-"
"Lady Morgana." He interrupted quietly. I refrained from gagging.
"Well, Lady Morgana and I," I started, "are on two entirely different levels-"
"Yes, you are." He said bluntly. I glared forward, but wondered why his back wasn't what I my eyes met with. It was just the forest trail. He must've really been concentrating on her when he was speaking because he never falls into step next to me, as this situation is; or in worse scenarios, behind me. I took matters into my own hands swiftly, and backed behind him. He didn't say anything.
At least I know that these couple of months of walking in the forest with him hasn't been for nothing.
"Lady Morgana and I are on entirely different levels, Ar-Prince Arthur. She is the king's ward- I'm your servant. Obviously, that means that even if I wanted to, and I did, I couldn't do what you said she could. Arthur, you tossed me in the stocks last week just for looking at you weirdly. Imagine if I unsheathed your own sword from your own body and used it against you."
I managed to say what I needed to say without him interrupting. Apparently, the curiosity was far too tempting.
Nothing was said for a couple minutes, just a large silence. I smirked.
"But, Lady Morgana could probably do all of that not just because she's the king's ward." I started. He faced me for the first time in a while, cocking his brow as the mentioning of Morgana intrigued him. My jaw dropped. He was confused?
"You like her." I said clearly.
He nodded his head, turning back to face the front. I gasped out loud.
"You're just gonna nod your head?" I blurted out accidentally, the shock overwhelming. I saw him shrug his broad shoulders.
"Looks like it." he said. I sighed. So I tell him a speech, and he just doesn't give me anything? I shook my head. You don't think I'm really gonna take that, right?
"I told you something. Now you have to tell me about your crush on her." I said. He scoffed.
"And what exactly gives you the idea that I must agree with your wishes?" he said sarcastically.
" 'An eye for an eye.' It's only fair."
"I don't have to be fair. I'm your master." He said matter-of-factly, but there was a hidden curiosity in his tone, as if he was wondering if I could actually convince him. This only motivated me to try harder- even though I scowled at the word 'master'.
"Well, I do so much for you." I started lightly.
"You have to." He contradicted.
"But I choose to do my job well."
"You have to do well."
This was becoming a game-at least, for me.
"But I chose to accept the job." I said. He paused, thinking of something else.
"But you have to when it's presented to you. It's proper."
"I didn't have to save your life."
"Everyone has to. They're expected to risk their lives for any royal court member."
"But no one has to do anything, technically. It's called free-will. Yes, it may be a law, but how many of those are broken each day? Like, a trillion?"
…
I smirked.
Seeing my look of celebration, he gave me one of his own.
"Then, because of this, 'free-will', I don't have to tell you anything." He finished, turning around to face me, probably to see my reaction.
I gasped, and made sure to drop my jaw for extra effect. He chuckled- what I anticipated. I'll admit that I 'overreact' just to get him to do that.
Sometimes.
The boy needs to have a laugh every once in a while- and not one that's caused by the bullying of innocents. Speaking of which, he doesn't do it around me, though- much, anyway.
He sighed, making me furrow my brows, but I was shocked when he began to speak, anyway.
"Lady Morgana is…well, who wouldn't love her?" he started.
'Love'? I thought worriedly.
"A crazy person." I responded, just to humor him. He sighed dreamily, much to my stomach's distaste, and began to tell me all about her and her looks, personality, skills, and tastes.
I call that the 'She/He's perfect!' speech.
My poor, 'you asked for it!', ears.
When we arrived in the castle, he was still talking. About her, of course. It was pretty funny in the beginning, but now, I've been envisioning the removal of my stomach's contents like I never have before.
We bumped into Gwen.
"Hello, Gwen!" I cried. I was about to hug her, but seeing her alarmed look, I remembered Arthur. I was about to ask him if I could speak to her, but he just spoke before I did.
"Go ahead. In fact, be my guest, and take a day off."
I am certain my face was bugged out. Even Gwen was surprised. I nodded, kind of weirded out, before turning around. I learned to take advantage of this offer. Seriously, he's never offered the rest of the day off before!
Maybe I should bring up Morgana more often, I thought.
I was about to give her a hug, but stopped when I saw the giant bouquet of white flowers in her hands. I smiled.
"Who's the guy?" I murmured. She shrugged her shoulders softly.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out." she said.
"Well, you have all of Camelot to start looking, Gwen- I'm sure that there are tons of boys that may have done this!" I said, excitement rushing through me. She cleared my throat.
"They're not for me." She murmured, raising a brow. I made an 'o' with my lips, about to apologize, but she just laughed. I rolled my eyes, but was inwardly praising Dios that she wasn't angry. Gwen is awesome.
"Who are they for, then?"
"Lady Morgana. I was just about to bring them to her." She said. I nodded.
"I won't keep you waiting, then. Tell your father I said hello."
After saying goodbye, she trotted up the stairs. I started to head to Gaius's and sleep the rest of the day, but was stopped by an arm on mine. I panicked for a second, but relaxed when I saw it was just Arthur. I was very confused when he began to drag me up the stairs.
"Why are you-"
"Really? A secret admirer? I hope she gets that servant girl to throw them right in the garbage!" he ranted.
I didn't say anything as he eventually dragged me into his chambers, and let go of my arm, walking over to his desk and sitting. He put his head down. I had to cup my hand over my mouth to stop myself from landing in a world of trouble. He continued to rant, and I eventually managed to calm myself down.
He was really jealous.
"Why do you feel that way?"
"He did?"
"That must make you feel really protective."
"I can see why."
"I agree."
Those are some of the only things I really said when he looked at me to say something, or if I decided to let him know I was listening. I swear, I could be the royal therapist, if there ever was such a job position. They need one, with all the stress and drama that goes on, but I guess the adviser has that.
I smiled. He was warming up to me! He was actually trusting me, opening up to me, and-
I pouted as common sense kicked in. He's angry.
Oh yeah.
He is human- he needs to release the anger somehow. At least he's not torturing some innocent passerby.
I began to turn away.
"Are you leaving? My dogs need feeding, my boots need to be polished, my shelf needs to be re-organized, my clothes need to be sorted, and my lunch needs to be served!"
…Dammit.
I sighed, and hissed as I rubbed my, once again, aching body. Arthur really pushed me today- even more so than usual. I hate his drama; mostly because it ends up becoming my drama and/or he takes his frustration about it on me. Seriously, he treats me like a lifeless ragdoll sometimes.
"Merlyn, are you sure you'll be okay?" Gwen said, concerned. I shrugged.
"I never know, but I'm usually better around the next few days."
She frowned.
"I hate that he made you work so hard. It must've really hurt you, especially since you love him-"
"Gwen!" I hissed, pain forgotten. She looked confused for a moment, but then remembered the talk I had with her. I'd already told her that I did not like Arthur, even though I have yet to tell Morgana. I sighed.
"Besides, you couldn't fall in love that quickly with someone." I said. She shook her head, disagreeing nonchalantly. I sighed again.
"How about you come over for some dinner tonight? I'm cooking roast chicken." She offered suddenly. I warmed up.
"Could I bring Gaius? I know he hasn't had a hot meal in a while." I said hopefully. She made a 'pfft' sound, making me wonder if I've been a positive or negative influence on her.
"Of course!"
And with that, my day began rather horribly, but ended magnificently. Seriously, I love to eat.
I knew something was wrong when I managed to sleep in. Not having the physician barge in and wake me up made me jolt up. I immediately began to wonder around the lab, searching. No where. I had to tug my thin white gown from the corner of a table, and cursed when it ripped, causing a sash in the side, exposing my thigh.
Now isn't the time to be worrying about myself, I thought, self-loathing the fact that I'd been so irritated over a dent in my clothes. I've had much worse.
I frowned. Maybe he had to go out and do something for the king. I jumped when I heard a knock at the door. I breathed in a few deep breaths to calm myself down, and opened the door. I jumped again when I saw it was Arthur.
"Good mor-"
"Lady Morgana is gravely ill." He said bluntly. I furrowed my brows.
"What happened to-"
"We don't know, but Gaius is trying to heal her right now." He said in that same blunt tone. I hope he was exaggerating when he said 'gravely ill'. He does have the hots for her.
I nodded, but somewhere in the back of my mind knew that was just me bullshitting myself.
I saw the sadness in his eyes, no matter how blunt his tone was. I smiled an awkward smile, looking him in the eye.
"She'll be alright. I predict people to be already healed when they get into Gaius's hands." I tried to sound as light as possible, and he actually managed to relax some. He still murmured stonily for me to hurry up and get dressed, however, so I could attend my duties. I blushed.
Two days later, Morgana was not any better. She was actually worse. What made me angry was the fact that no one let me see her. Only Arthur, Uther, Gwen, and Gaius (of course) got to visit her. I could've been healed her. In fact, the day Arthur told me about her sickness, I'd studied my magic book to see the different healing spells. I found about twenty in there, and since no one told me her symptoms, I didn't know which one to perform. But I'd perform all of them if it meant she'd be safe.
I walked in the castle, and Gwen, clad in a yellow uniform dress, scurried past me, not even bothering to say anything. At least she nodded. I mentally cursed for being selfish, but I couldn't really help it. I wasn't used to anyone (at least not from Camelot) actually ignoring me; then again for two whole days. Arthur was a different case, since when he ignored me, it was usually to either annoy me or just because he felt like it, but everyone was ignoring me- my everyone being Gwen, Gaius, and Arthur.
I frowned at that tiny list of people.
"Is she any better?" Gwen asked. Gaius shook his head at his place at the top of the staircase. She immediately began to make her way up the stairs. I looked at Gaius expectedly, shaking my head in 'so, what happened?' expression.
"She's all but dead, Merlyn." He confirmed sadly. I looked at him calmy.
"No, you'll cure her. You have to."
"Don't you start," he warned. "I've tried everything."
"Then maybe I could…" I stopped when a guard passed by. I waited for him to walk off before lowering my voice. "help."
He didn't look so happy.
"If you are suggesting using magic...well, have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father?"
I looked down.
"This is not a magical illness. It must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. So, see if you can find me some fresh rosemary."
"Is there anything else I can do?" I asked, desperate to help Morgana.
"And yarrow." He finished. I sighed, but went off in search of the items, glad to help in any way.
"It'll be okay. It is, I know it is. She's gonna be absolutely…"
"Merlyn." Arthur said in a low, harsh voice. I looked at him, stopping my walking.
"What?" I asked, not knowing he'd heard my muttering.
"You're making me anxious." He spat out slowly and roughly, gritting his teeth, as if breathing wrongly would make him bitch slap me.
"But I'm not worried." I said, bending down as I said this since he was sitting down with his fingers resting against his temple. I began to walk again.
"Then stop…pacing." He said slowly, spitting out the word pacing. He continued to stare me down until I sat down in a chair on the other side of the table in his chambers. He turned back around. I began to tap my fingers on the table.
He grunted and stood up, pacing himself now.
"Sorry." I murmured. He didn't answer.
I bit my lip, trying to think of something that would calm him down. I finally had an 'Aha!' moment.
"You know, I met this really creepy man about a week ago. He gave me a sleeping potion after trying to walk me back to the castle." I said. Arthur still ignored me. I shrugged my shoulders. He'll react sooner or later.
"This was actually the night we came back from training. He shivered, and gasped when I took the potion from him. Gross, right? ...Anyway, I ended up running afterwards. When I got to Gaius's, I begged him to make sure it wasn't posion- I mean, who takes a random potion from a creepy, blonde stranger?"
He frowned at the blonde part. I rolled my eyes.
"Besides, he ended up taking it when I wouldn't, even when he said he couldn't smell any poison, since belladonna extract is a rather loud and a common poison. I mean, the guy was creepy. Yes, Gaius has been teaching me. It's boring, but actually quite a lot of fun. It's like-"
"Shut up, Merlyn."
The next morning, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I rested my ear against the door.
"I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less." Gaius murmured, with me trying my hardest to make out every word. I put a hand over my mouth. Oh, god…maybe I shouldn't be listening to this.
"We cannot let her die." I didn't have to strain to hear when Arthur spoke.
"Arthur, please." I heard someone say; most likely Uther. I heard shuffling, and cursed the fact that I couldn't see inside.
"There's a man. He came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her." Arthur said. I furrowed my brows as curiosity and hope flooded my senses.
"That's ridiculous, he doesn't know what's wrong with her." Uther murmured. I actually felt a bit sympathetic at his mournful tone.
"He says he has a remedy to cure all ills." Arthur finished.
What? That shouldn't be possible, right? Well, I am in a time period I'm not familiar with, and magic is possible, so…nothing is impossible.
"Impossible." Gaius said.
"For Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean…what have we got to lose?" Arthur continued, his voice getting higher as he spoke, filling with anxiety.
"Please, Father."
"Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling." Gaius murmured, still focusing on the fact that the man claimed to have something to cure everythin.
"I don't care. If she's about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling!" I gasped, his loud voice spooking me. I almost peed on myself when it suddenly got quiet, but then thanked the stars when they began to speak again…and it wasn't about some 'strange sound', thank goodness.
"If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?" Arthur finished.
"Send for him." said the doubtful, but hoping, voice of Uther Pendragon.
About five minutes later (thankfully, I managed to hide behind a column before he saw me when he'd rushed out the door), I saw Gaius and Uther head to the throne room. I waited in the hall, and listened in, since the doors were open.
"Edwin Muirden, sire. Physician and loyal servant." The man said.
"Welcome to Camelot." I heard Uther say.
"Have we met before?" Gaius asked, obviously speaking to the man who thinks he can cure Morgana. I cocked my head.
"I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir." The man (now 'Edwin') said in a silky, mysterious voice. I wonder what he meant by that…
Okay, I'd better poke my head in, before I…
Oh my god, it's the creepy guy with the scar on half his face!
I felt kind of bad for saying that, but that's what he is: a creepy, scarred man.
"Do you really believe you have a remedy?" Uther asked skeptically, standing in front of his throne, with Arthur standing on his left. Edwin got from his knees and faced him.
"There are no many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, sire. So when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honor bound to offer my services."
I nodded at his words.
"You say you have a cure for all? An antidote for everything?" Gaius said in a…well, either a doubtful or dumbstruck tone. I couldn't see his face to confirm it; I could just see his back at my angle.
Edwin looked hesitant, but answered.
"Yes. Although it's not quite as simple as that."
Maybe he's uncomfortable saying it. I mean, I wouldn't go around telling everyone about a miracle potion. They might try to steal it; or, worse, try to steal me. I frowned. But he told Arthur with no problem. I relaxed my brows and nose. It's probably because this is a different situation.
"Gaius is the court physician." Uther introduced, sitting down.
"You are indeed, a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you." Edwin said, bowing at Gaius. I giggled when I saw Gaius's proud look. "I am curious to know what it is that has affected her."
"An infection of the brain." assured Gaius.
"And your treatment?" Edwin probed, now face-to-face with Gaius.
"Yarrow. Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation."
I should know. I spent forever collecting it.
Not really that long.
"Yes, yes. Interesting." He agreed.
I stepped into the room. No one should care. I began to lean on a column close to Arthur. I am his servant- I have a role to play, y'know? (gosh, and I thought I'd never be able to be an actress)
Trust me, I'm pretty solid with predicting my consequences. I just often accept them.
"Why? What would you suggest?" Arthur questioned, seeing Edwin's look of uncertainty. Dang, he's good. And more observant than I thought.
"No, no, no, that's all fine." Edwin calmed, making hand motions. "If that is the right diagnosis."
Uther became more and more intrigued.
"And what would your diagnosis be?" Uther asked, handing Edwin a scroll. It was probably some sort of official document claiming his job as a physician.
"Well, without examining the patient…" he trailed off, looking to them for permission. Uther looked at Arthur, who's arms had been crossed.
"He should examine her." He said. Edwin nodded.
"I would need my equipment…" he said politely, smoothly.
"Of course. You can have use of some of the guest chambers." Uther said, sitting again. I began to wonder why I couldn't have my own chambers. I then rethought that, because one, Morgana is dying, for christ's sake, and two, I hate being alone…here. Living with Gaius was nice. I looked at Arthur.
"And consider my maidservant at your disposal." Arthur said, making my mood suddenly go south for the winter. I swallowed back hardly, and suddenly gained interest in my hands and feet. My clothes began to stick to my skin as the room felt hotter than normal.
"I will get started right away." He said respectively, bowing, and then leaving swiftly. I watched him leave with everyone else. I heard someone clear their throat. I turned around to see where the sound was coming from. Arthur.
"Aren't you going to show him his chambers?" he said.
Oh yeah.
I glanced nervously at Uther, who was watching our interaction, and began to fiddle with my scarf. I immediately dropped my hand, and inhaled a deep breath, forcing myself to look as though I knew what I was doing.
"Of course, Ar-…P-Prince Arthur." I murmured, adding in a funky-looking curtsy before scurrying out the room as quickly as possible.
Thankfully, Edwin hadn't said a word when I showed him to his chambers and workplace, where we were now in. As soon as I finished helping him set up, I began to gaze at the equipment with wonder. It was pretty advanced-looking for Medieval times, with the gold and brass cauldrons, wheels, and bowls.
"Ah, yes," he said, interrupting my admiring, "it was all originally designed for alchemy."
"Making gold?" I responded immediately, not knowing whether or not to regret it once it escaped my mouth. He looked up from a tube, surprise evident on his face.
"You have an interest in science?" he asked. I shrugged.
"I guess so, since I love mathematics. Formulas, equations, geometric patterns and shapes…it's all so interesting." Seeing his hazy look, I quickly continued. "But, err, since math and science are pretty much connected, I guess I have an interest in science, too. But I only like the math parts of it…you know?"
I'll admit, I used to hate math for a while, but as I got older, it got more and more fascinating. It just…makes sense, and you know there will just be one answer, and it'll either be right or wrong; no gray.
"But science is knowledge." I finished, smiling awkwardly. He stood up, and looked at me. I tried my best not to look at his scar. I couldn't help but wonder how painful it was when he got it.
"It has the answers to everything." He said. I nodded, throwing him another smile as he continued to work.
"Maybe…" I said, trailing off in thought. I began to look around the room before I snapped my head back to him.
"It can't explain love." I suggested competitively. I mentally slapped myself.
"Ah," he said, "so you are in love?"
My boss is.
"Nah." I said nonchalantly. "I meant more like, emotions and feelings."
He looked up again, looking at me, an amused look on his face.
"You seem too bright to be just a servant."
"Well, there are times where you'll wonder if the candle is even lit, if you know what I mean." I murmured as a quick comeback. He smiled. I hid my frown when I heard a hissing sound coming from a brownish-orange box. I examined it, rolling it around in my hands. I wasn't going to open it, since curiosity often mangles the cat, but he snatched it from me.
"Yes, we will need that." He said swiftly. He then pointed to a long box and the orangey box on top.
"Now, we must hurry to the Lady Morgana." He said, rushing out the door.
I lifted the boxes, tucking them under my chin, and walked as quickly as I could without the boxes (or me) toppling over. We eventually reached the hall where the stairs to her room was. He waved a hand to let me go first. I winked, since I couldn't nod, and walked ahead, hoping he didn't get anything from that.
He opened the door, and I walked through. Arthur was standing on the left of the door, and looked up from his spot in the corner when I walked in.
"Put my equipment over there." Edwin commanded softly. I put it on the table near Morgana's bed as asked. "Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy."
"Certainly." Uther agreed straightway. Arthur gave one long look at Morgana before walking out, Uther following behind him. I began to walk, too, but paused when I saw Gaius standing there.
"That includes you, Gaius." Edwin said, facing him with some sort of forced-calm look. I know that look very well-thank my wonderful trainer, Arthur, for that skill and practice time.
"But I am eager to learn from your methods." Gaius said.
"Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration."
"Gaius." said a firm voice. Uther was standing at the doorway. Gaius looked at Edwin once more before leaving, jerking at me to follow along. I looked at Edwin hopefully. He shook his head.
"I thought I was your helper?" I asked. He shook his head hastily.
"Please leave. You've helped far enough, thank you."
"Merlyn." Said Arthur's all-too-familiar voice; except it was a few octaves lower. It was kind of the deep voice that little girls get scared of. He must've meant business. I left without another word.
At the bottom of the stairs, Uther, Gaius, Arthur, and I just stood awkwardly, with Arthur standing next to Uther and me standing next to Gaius. My first thought when anxiety or boredom struck was to annoy Arthur- though this was obviously not the right time. Anxiousness was hitting me like crazy, along with fear. If Morgana died…
I began to bite my lip, memories of the good times Morgana and I had floating throughout my head, but somehow, I had a feeling she'd be alright.
And I didn't know whether to accept or reject that feeling.
"Great news, your majesty!" a voice suddenly echoed. We all looked up when we saw Edwin running down the stairs. That was…really fast. "You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain."
"What is it, then?" Uther asked, his voice light and his eyes wide.
"It is a cerebral hemorrhage."
"Hemorrhage? I don't think so." Gaius instantly disagreed bluntly. Arthur and I's brows were furrowed as we watched the three of them. Edwin turned halfway to show a napkin to Gaius, stained with red, his back arched a bit. Is he humpbacked?
"I found this trace of blood in her ear." he murmured.
"God in heaven!" Uther exclaimed disgustedly. Edwin turned back to the royals.
Gaius and I looked at each other before paying attention to Edwin's update again.
"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma…and eventually death." He finished quietly. My stomach flipped when Uther's speculative gaze rested on Gaius. I knew this wouldn't be too pretty.
"How could you have missed this?" he whispered.
"I didn't see any blood." Gaius responded. From how sure he was, he must've been telling the truth.
"Please." Edwin snapped, "Just thank the fates that you didn't administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that would've done?"
I really didn't like his tone, but…
"It may have increased the bleed." Gaius said in the same calm voice. Uther glanced at Edwin with the doubtfulness in his face again.
"Is there a cure?"
"See for yourself."
With Uther and Arthur going in first, we trailed into her chambers, only to see her sitting up in the bed. My eyes nearly popped out their sockets.
"Morgana, what a miracle! I thought…I really thought…" Uther started, leaning down to hug her tightly.
"Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily." Morgana responded. My eyebrows shot up. She can talk normally, also? Wow. I thought she was dying…
"What exactly did he give you?" Gaius demaned, crouching down.
"I've no idea. But thank heaven he did."
I noticed the evil smirk Edwin gave Gaius, and things immediately clicked.
Oh, he's jealous of Gaius.
I rolled my eyes.
Ignoring their soiling of the joyous mood, I watched as Arthur leaned to give her a hug. Hilariously, when he tried to make it a bit more intimate, she let go hurriedly. I raised my brows, my almost puked when she winked at me. She held her arms out, and I looked nervously around the room before hugging her. I tried to let go, but she pulled me in closer. I blushed when everyone looked at us, and even more so when she began to whisper in my ear.
"I don't like him, Merlyn. He's all yours."
My face should be a symbol of Christmas from how much it's been changing from red to green.
After stopping by Gwen's with me to tell her the good news, Gaius and I arrived back in the lab. I was about to ask him what we were having for dinner, but he'd rushed out the door, saying something about the library.
I looked down at my gurgling stomach. I couldn't possibly wait till dinner. I shrugged, and decided to go steal some leftover vegetables from Arthur's plate that the temporary servant fixed.
On the way there, I passed Edwin's. May as well say my own personal thanks. I knocked twice, calling out his name before peeping my head in.
"Edwin?" I repeated again, moving my whole body inside. The shiny gold of the old alchemy equipment drew me in, and I began to mess with it, just turning some things and twisting others. I stopped what I was doing, for I'm sure I couldn't afford to pay for an ancient alchemy set, but then my eyes settled on the orangey box. I heard whispers, whispers calling my name. I couldn't control myself when I picked up the box. I opened it, finally ready to cure my curiosity.
To my disgust, it was filled to the brim with dark beetle-like insects.
I closed it, and on the top of the chest, I noticed scriptures on it. I wiped it off, blowing it so I could see it better.
It was Latin.
"Berbay, odothay…arisan…yeldo…?" I read, making sure I read it correctly. The shock that I was suddenly able to read Latin has been long gone. The first words of the…enchantment, of sorts, reminded me of Lancelot, much to my pain.
I opened the chest again, and gaped when I saw the bugs crawling around and…and living. I closed it again, suddenly very uncomfortable. If Edwin has used this, he had to have read the line. That means that…
"Very good."
I turned around.
Edwin.
"Yup, I'm not that dim…I opened a chest." I joked, hoping he'd laugh and forget. He didn't do either. He walked up to me and took the box from me when I handed it back to him. He looked at me, then back at the box, and opened it.
"Sfeffin." He murmured, hovering his hand over the bugs. Their crawling sounds stopped. I kept staring at the box and him, not knowing what to do. He wouldn't rat me out. I mean, he has magic, too. If he did rat me out, I'd have to rat him out.
"You have magic?"
"It wasn't me, I didn't do anything." I said instinctively, not trusting the mysterious man anyway.
"Then how else did you bring them to life? Only magic can do such a thing."
"I have a thing with bugs." I lied in what would've been considered well, but in this circumstance, he didn't buy it one bit.
"These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain." He continued, glancing as he spoke, lowering the box so I could peek in as well. "They saved her life."
He closed the box, and began to walk in a different direction, looking at me over his shoulder.
"Magic can be a force for good."
"I know."
Then why do you fear it?"
"I fear what can happen if I use it, not of the actual magic. Uther has banned magic. You know that, right?"
He didn't respond to the last part. God, why am I even continuing this conversation?
"Should I have let Morgana die?"
"Of course not."
His voice lowered into a whisper.
"People like us, we have a gift. Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?"
"Perhaps." I said in a calm voice, deciding to go with the flow as he walked around me slowly. I watched in awe as he suddenly made a spilled blue herb float back into a bottle.
I couldn't help but smile.
I bit my lip.
"I need to go."
"Of course." He said. The minute he said that, I began to walk towards the door. He grabbed my shoulder. I turned around reluctantly.
"You must promise to keep our secret safe." He said, staring into my eyes. I nodded.
"Of course. I wouldn't want the both of us to die. That'd be wrong."
"Yes, because people like you and I…we must look after each other."
I arrived at the lab, and saw Gaius sitting on a chair, looking mighty spiteful.
"I'm back." I announced, going to the pot to see what was…not, cooking. I turned to face Gaius.
"I thought you said you wanted to cook as soon as-"
"I trust you." He immediately interrupted. I raised a brow, but thanked him, knowing what he meant be that, hurrying over to the cabinet. I saw plenty of raw ingredients, like celery, potatoes, onions, garlic, and even some seasonings.
A wide, slow smile spread on my face. Cajun soup night it is, then. Though, it may take a while, since I have no idea how to work this stuff…it should be simple.
About three hours later, it was finally ready. It would've been quicker, if I would've been woman enough to ask for instructions on how to use the pot and stuff.
"Why, Merlyn, this is delicious!" he murmured between mouthfuls of soup. I smiled.
"Thanks. I'm glad that I made you smile. You looked kind of down, Gaius." I said, frowning towards the end. I passed him a napkin to wipe his face, and he took it gratefully. After wiping, he sighed. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it. He repeated this over and over. I was about to ask him what was wrong when he, all of a sudden, went over to the cabinet. He groaned.
"What's-"
"Merlyn, look how many spices you used to make this! And how much! Spices aren't cheap, Merlyn."
I put my head down.
"Well, we don't actually pay for them, so it can't be that bad, right-"
"Merlyn." He started. He sighed, and sat back down. He leaned forward. "I know that our food supplies is provided by the castle. And that is something we could take advantage of. But, we need to show respect by being able to do the responsible, adult thing of showing our appreciation. The castle spends its funds on this food supplies. The least we can do is not waste it all at once all the time. That is why I limit our big meals where we use spices, such as pepper and garlic, and other commodities, like salt."
I nodded. He smiled at me. "Understand?"
I nodded again. "Yes sir. I'm sorry."
He waved his hand. "Aye, it was nothing."
I smiled at that, but something in his speech made me frown. I began to put our dishes up, and bid my goodnight, but he stopped me right before I was about to go up the spiral stairs in the corner that led to my room. I turned around.
"I know you want to say something else." He murmured knowingly. I re-thought my decision, but inhaled deeply. I could do this.
"I had no idea that salt wasn't a spice until you said so."
A silent moment passed, and I wondered if he was angry with me.
But that vanished when the old physician's laughter echoed through the lab and into the hall, joined by mine after I got over my shock.
I rose from my bed and let out a big yawn. I got another one of my rare good night's sleeps, thank goodness. I felt very refreshed and ready to, reluctantly, take on another day. Again, I began to wonder why Gaius wasn't in my room already, but then remembered the last course of events. But it's over…
I hopped up, and ignored the frizzy, curly mess of my hair. It was like a longer version of the afro. It'd been like this for a month- there was no flat irons or gel, unfortunately, so I had to either braid it or put it up. I splashed water in my face, and swished the strong minty stuff around in my mouth, as usual. I pulled my dark black hair up into a high ponytail, and finger combed through the thick, long, waterfall of frizz it formed. When it just continued to puff, I began to braid it, but decided against it. I was too lazy. It can be frizzy-who cares? Everyone's hair is frizzy…well, not as frizzy as mine right now, but everyone's hair is still remotely frizzy.
I began to trot down after I dressed, not feeling that hungry this morning. I could grab an apple from the kitchens.
I paused when I saw Gaius still peering into that large book. I looked at him, amused.
"Have you been up all night?" I asked, grabbing my brown cloth jacket and bag.
"Yes, but it was worth it. Where are you going?"
"Er, I told Edwin I'd be up at dawn to collect some supplies."
"Well, you better get a move on then."
I nodded. "Is there anything you need? Breakfast? Help making an energy potion?"
"No, I'm fine, thank you. You don't want to keep Edwin waiting."
I shrugged, and smiled at him before walking out.
I ran into Arthur on my way to the forest to get some mushrooms. I smiled.
"Hello, old boss!" I greeted warmly. He nodded.
"Merlyn." He greeted. I continued to walk past him, but he quickly stepped in front of me, making me bump into his chest. I was already trying not to glare at him. It's a wonder what a few days off can do. "Where are you going?"
"Back to Ealdor." I joked, but immediately took it back when his brows rised. "Just kidd-jesting." I assured. He shrugged. He didn't react interestingly, anyway. "I'm going to the forest." I said, finally walking forward. He walked up behind me.
"By yourself?" he asked; but not out of concern. He was curious. I nodded slowly.
"Yeeeeees." I droned out, kind of confused. Instinctively, I walked back, but realized that he was not my boss at the time. So, we ended up walking side-by-side.
He shrugged. "Doesn't shock me. It's not like you have any friends."
"Was that an insult? Because I have friends. And look who's willingly hanging out with their servant!" he has the nerve to say I have no friends? I may have few friends, but I have a couple! That's not having no friends. Hanging out with the person who works for you is a sign that you're pretty lonesome.
He scoffed. "You aren't my servant right now."
"Well, I usually am. Besides why would you care about my safety?"
"First of all, I don't really care…I'm just one, really bored, and two, I have to go there anyway. Secondly-"
"I am not watching you hunt." I interrupted, knowing that he has the fact that I'm a free girl (for him, anyway) downpact. I guess I still have to treat him the same, anyway, right? I mean, he's the prince…
I shook my head. I could be even more of myself.
He rolled his eyes at my interruption. "I know you aren't, because I'm not hunting, you dollop."
I was about to respond when I realized that he didn't have on his chainmail, he wasn't on his horse, and he didn't have his bow and arrow. Of course he isn't hunting.
Epic fail.
Instead, he had on a red long-sleeved tunic with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and brown pants and leather boots. He only had a fighting twin knife with him on his belt loop, sheathed. He looked really casual And sexy, as an afterthought, with the top buttons of his shirt undone.
I'd actually removed my jacket a while ago, and I have almost the same thing on, including the buttons, except I'm wearing a pale yellow tunic that was kind of fitted better for a girl, basically.
"But secondly, it's my duty as the prince of Camelot to make sure the civilians are safe."
Well, the civilians aren't safe when you're traumatizing them, fighting with them, and threatening them, but okay. I'll humor you, Arthur.
"I guess you showed me." I said, smiling, walking in front of him. He thought I was smiling at him, which made his mouth do that twitch thing (like he really wants to smile), and that almost made me feel guilty because I made him think I was smiling because of him when I was really just amused by my inner thoughts, which were actually about his stupidity.
Yeah, that all made sense. Just to let you know.
"But, really, I am good, Arthur. Thanks for the offer."
"That would've been an adequate answer if we actually weren't in the forest already."
I face-palmed, and jumped when he let out a snort. I rolled my eyes, and began to pick my mushrooms.
There'd been a, strange enough, comfortable silence between us as we each did what we had to do- Arthur a few feet away picking god knows whatever, and me getting mushrooms for Edwin.
Arthur was the first to break the silence. "So…" he started from his spot. I looked up. He eventually turned and looked up to lock eyes with me. I raised my brows. "Why mushrooms?" he asked quietly, turning back down to do…whatever it was he was doing.
I turned around, finished. I walked over to him, and bent over his shoulder to see him sharpening his sword against a rock. I was so focused on my activity earlier that I didn't hear the 'cling' sound it'd been making.
"Edwin wanted me to pick a couple things up from him. Mushrooms was a part of that."
Arthur nodded, continuing to sharpen his long knife. Another silence.
"So…why the woods?"
"It's a peaceful setting." He said. I nodded, being a fan of nature myself…except when it's in slithery reptile form. I stepped around him and stood in front of him. I sat cross-legged in front of him and observed him. He was kneeling on his knees over the small rock as he used as leverage, using a hand-sized rock to actually sharpen. He was bent over in concentration. He lifted his eyes, and looked at me expectantly.
"Nothing." I said, reading his mind, "I just wanna watch." He shrugged, but did not object, surprisingly. I was sure he was going to reply with something smartallic. I hunched over more from my Indian-style pose, trying to see up closer, but I winced when I bent too far, my back still sore. My arms were okay, but my back still hurt. He'd made me do a lot of bending over that day (ew; scram, perverts!)
Soon, he was finished, and he followed behind me back to civilization, where reality was, unfortunately, awaiting me. The forest was actually a really nice escape; it takes Mother Nature to do the job, eh?
"Thanks for the company." I said. He nodded.
"Thanks for not being a dunce today." He replied, turning around. I smiled a wide smile, and waved sarcastically. My eyes lingered on his butt for a bit before I snapped out of it. Ew. It's Arthur.
I shook my head, but I was glad that we'd managed to not have an argument when we'd talked with each other today…at least, an intense one, anyway.
I knocked on Edwin's door, and walked in. I hid my shock when I saw Gaius standing in front of Edwin, and he had a very angry expression on his face. It went away once he noticed me. They both looked at me.
"Sorry I'm late. Your royal pain-in-the-butt-ness kept me a bit longer than usual. I got your provisions."
"All is well. Thank you, Merlyn." Edwin said, taking the ingredients. I smiled. "Gaius was just reminiscing about old times, weren't you, Gaius?"
I sensed b.s., but didn't say anything when Gaius nodded at me. Edwin did as well.
They're hiding something.
"But now, I must get back to work." Edwin finished, patting my shoulder.
I followed Gaius out the room.
"Well, I'd better get on with my errands." I said, walking in front of Gaius.
"Yes, of course, you must." He said, stopping. I turned around, and raised a brow.
"Do you want me to get you anything?" I asked out of habit of fetching things for him. He shook his head.
"No, I'm fine. Just do what Edwin asks." Wow. That's a first.
I smiled, and walked off.
The next morning, I woke up by myself, yet again. I yawned, and stretched my arms out. I battled with myself on whether or not I should sleep in. I sighed, and forced myself to hop out of the bed and splash my face with icy water. That always gets me up.
Maybe Gaius wants me to start being able to do things for myself.
I do rely on him for absolutely everything. I take advantage of the fact, too. But I help him in return, so is it that bad?
I decided not to think about such things, for it was way too early for that.
After getting ready to face another day, I jogged down the steps, and, again, there was no breakfast. My lips thinned into a tight line when I saw Gaius sitting at the table, reading that same book.
"What's that?" I asked. He looked up, and did not answer me. Something must be wrong. Gaius always tells me about his books- a little too much, sometimes. I shrugged, and picked up an apple. "Gaius, as much as I hate the stuff, when will you start making gruel again? At least it's hot…more like lukewarm, but you know what I mean. You could teach me how to make it. But hey, when will I start helping you again? You were supposed to show me what-"
"I don't think so, Merlyn." Gaius interrupted. I cocked my head to the side, still munching on my apple. I didn't get a chance to interrogate him because Arthur Pendragon was at the door, which was opened. He wore a red tunic with the top buttons undone, a rust-colored, waist leather jacket, and dark brown pants, along with his usual necklace with a couple keys on it and a brown belt.
…Why was he here?
"Morning-" I started.
"Gaius." Arthur interrupted, facing only Gaius, with his arms behind his back. Gaius faced the prince as soon as his name was spoken. "My father needs to speak to you."
Gaius looked…knowing.
What was this about?
"When?" Gaius asked.
"Immediately." Arthur said. He radiated authority, but his face was a bit too set in stone. He was obviously hiding something.
Gaius stood up, and pushed the chair in. I closed his book for him, and looked at Arthur keenly.
"What's going on?" I asked, grabbing my jacket stepping out the door with them. I made an 'oof' sound when Arthur stuck his hand out. I looked at him, wondering why he'd stopped me. He simply shook his head and walked off with Gaius toward the throne room. I bit my lip.
Standing by the doors, I listened on to the conversation.
"Sire. Is there a problem? Are you unwell?" I heard Gaius ask. I didn't buy the 'what's happening' act one bit. I know that Gaius knows what will happen, or at least has some sort of idea. He is acting too calm and…sad?
What the hell is going on?
"This is not an aliment you can treat me for." said a voice, obviously Uther, "You've been a loyal servant for many years. I look on to you as a friend."
"I regard you the same way, sire." Gaius replied.
"You've been here since Arthur's birth. And all that entailed. What I'm trying to do, I think is best for you."
I frowned. Uther doesn't just throw compliments around all willy-nilly. There's a catch. He sounds too sad, too anxious, almost like…
Like he was saying goodbye…?
"I'm confused, sire."
I am too, Gaius.
"I'll give you a generous allowance, make sure you're looked after."
…
"You're retiring me?" Gaius asked, a bit of surprise evident.
"I don't want you to worry. I'll allow you to continue living in your chambers until more suitable accommodation can be found."
But he just made one mistake!
"Because I made one mistake. Although in truth, sire, it was not a mistake. It was…"
"Yes, Gaius?" Edwin 'asked'.
…Edwin. He blackmailed Gaius somehow. I know it. I'll have to ask Gaius about it later. That filthy little dog… I knew he was messed up. Why'd I have to give him a chance? There's a reason why I always judge someone here. It may not be exactly the best thing, but it's a way of survival. But what'd he do? What could've been so bad that Gaius wouldn't say anything?
…If Gaius won't be the physician anymore, than…
Oh hell no.
No.
"It was unfortunate, I accept that." Uther supplied. A moment passed. I wish I could see inside.
"May I ask who is to be the next court physician?" Gaius asked. I prepared to get more questions answered as he asked this.
"None of this was Edwin's idea. Initially, he turned down the offer."
Yeah, right. Edwin so kisses Uther's ass.
"I'm sure." I managed to hear Gaius murmur.
"It's not been an easy decision, but…" What? "A younger man, new ideas." Uther said. I put my hand over my mouth. "You're hesitant. Is there a reason you oppose his appointment?"
If only Uther were more observant about the right things. He fails to be that when it's needed. A long tenseful silence passed. This would prove my theory of Edwin right. Please, Gaius, rat on his sorry ass…
"Sire?" Gaius said. I began to bite my nails. Please, please, please…
"If you have anything to say, then say it now, Gaius."
Shut the hell up, Edwin. You don't deserve to speak, even if you saved Morgana. You blackmailed Gaius, or…something. I began to rub my hands together, and couldn't help but start pacing. Just tell, Gaius! Just snitch on him-
"I thank you for your patronage. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve your family for all these years."
I ran off with the whole world a shade of red.
I finally barged into the lab's door after telling Gwen about what happened. I went up to Gaius as soon as I saw him.
"Gaius! Uther cannot do this to you! You tried to save Morgana!"
"Uther's not to blame." he said in a calm voice. I shook my head.
"So you are? I'll speak to Edwin, and you could work together. He admires you enough to say yes. Old ideas and new ideas-"
"No, you mustn't do anything." He said, looking down. I felt my nostrils flare.
"I can't stand by and do nothing!"
"Uther's right." he rang out, making me freeze. He's right? If anything, he's absolutely positively wrong! Of the time I've been here, no one in Gaius's hands has died there, and that's not counting the knight that died from the competition. Gaius is an amazing doctor, scientist, and person! Why give someone like that up? The day I'd give up Gaius is the day he'd die! (or the day he became blind and/or deaf and/or crippled) "It's time I stepped down."
I finally noticed him packing.
…
"What are you doing?" I asked, my words rushed and high-pitched. He sighed, folding up a robe and putting it into a box.
"I cannot stay when there's no longer a use for me."
"You're not leaving…?" I asked, dazed, my eyebrows furrowed. I felt my throat tighten. Gaius continued to look at me.
"I believe it's for the best."
I knew I couldn't change his mind. I couldn't convince the old man to stay. I began to think of every thing he'd ever done for me, including the little things. Gaius has risked so much, convinced so much, done, so much, for me. I owe him so much. I couldn't allow him to leave.
At least, not without me.
"Then I'm coming with you." I said, determination laced through my tight voice, tears still threatening to start falling. Gaius smiled a sad smile, making my eyes sting. He sighed.
"Merlyn, you are like a daughter to me. I never expected such a blessing so late in life." He said. I knew that there was nothing I could do, but I refused to give up. So I just nodded.
"And you are more than a father to me." I managed to force out. I meant every word. Gaius has shown more concern and care for me than my whole family on Earth, and that consisted of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, along with my mother, father, and siblings. But I consider 'family' to be a label for them. Gaius is my family. And just having him is plenty enough. He tilted his head down a bit, and placed his hands on my shoulders. I looked down.
"Then, as a father, I must tell you, you must remain here. Camelot is where you belong."
"But you belong here too." I rushed out, my voice cracking from the tears I felt welling up. His next words broke my heart.
"Not anymore."
He tilted my chin up.
"Merlyn, you must promise me you will not waste your gifts."
"But my gifts will mean nothing without you to guide me." I murmured, still trying to hold in the tears. Gaius continued.
"You have a great destiny. If I have had a small part to play in that, then I am pleased."
"B-But there's so much I have to learn…I-I need you to teach me." I stammered, trying anything to get him to stay with me, to not abandon me to the world.
"I'm afraid I'm leaving here tonight, Merlyn. And there's nothing you can do or say that can persuade me otherwise."
I bit my quivering lip. "I won't let this happen."
With that, I ran out the door, but not before hearing Gaius's soft goodbye.
I ran up to Arthur, whom was walking to the training yard that had dummies to practice on. He turned around, and looked into my now pink and stinging eyes. I still didn't let any tears fall. He sighed, but continued with his no-nonsense attitude, and turned back around. I followed him.
"I know." He said.
I handed him a sword, and he took it without a word, and began to practice on the dummy. Minutes passed of me just watching him practice, trying to build up the courage to beg him to compromise with Uther. I couldn't let Gaius go. There's so much I don't know that I need to know. How? How could he do this? Gaius hasn't had to do any of the things that he has done for me. He is a good man.
So I should've told him where I was really from.
He deserves that much.
"I can't understand why Uther would sack him over one mistake." I murmured from my spot behind Arthur. He turned around, and lifted one side of his mouth in a 'well' action.
"A mistake that nearly killed Morgana." He said glumly. I looked down. He turned back around. "Besides, it wasn't the only one."
I looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?" I asked suspiciously. He turned back around, a sullen look on his handsome face.
"Edwin said his work was riddled with errors."
I shook my head, and narrowed my eyes.
"That's nonsense. Those that went to Gaius always ended up ten times better than when they walked in."
"No one wants Gaius to go," he said in his usual light tone, "but my father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do." With that being said, he stuck his sword in the ground, and began to walk away. I followed him.
"There's got to be something you can do. I mean, Arthur…isn't Edwin creepy to you?"
"Now you're just desperate." He muttered. I sighed.
"I'm serious. He's the guy I was telling you about before, remember? The one that tried to walk me home, gave me a sleeping flask that I thought was poisoned, and made me want to kick him in the groin?"
He raised his brows. "What are you talking about?"
…you're a great listener, Arthur. Note the sarcasm.
I should get used to it.
As I was walking back inside, I saw Gaius guiding a horse to the gates. I ran up to him. He greeted me sadly. I gaped openly at him.
"You're leaving already?" I wondered. He nodded. I sighed, and gave him a warm hug. He was a little surprised, but let go of the reins to hug me back. After releasing him I held his hand. "Where will you even go?" I asked.
He smiled. "Wherever my heart desires."
So now I won't even be able to visit him?
I inhaled a deep breath. "Gaius, I need to tell you something." I murmured. He cocked his head.
"What is it, child?"
I hesistated for a moment. What would he do? He'd most likely title me as insane, but he might stay if I tell him.
I breathed in deeply, and opened my mouth to tell him my biggest, darkest secret.
But I was interrupted by a handkerchief pressed against my nose.
Gaius raised his brows, but I saw the concern in his eyes. They darkened suddenly. "Perhaps you should tell Edwin about this. Maybe he'll be able to cure this."
After that, he nodded, and walked off, leaving me holding a (now) bloody handkerchief to my bloody nose.
It was a pretty quiet night. I sighed as I went up the stairs that led to Morgana's room after cleaning up my bloody nose. I'd decided to speak with Morgana and check up on her before heading back to Gaius's.
I mean, back to my chambers…
I knocked twice, murmured out my name, and entered. Morgana was lying on the bed, being consoled by Gwen, and was crying softly.
She was even a pretty crier, I noted.
"Morgana?" I asked. Gwen held a finger to her lips. I nodded. She motioned me over there, and I gave her a questioning look.
"I would really appreciate it if you'd bring these clothes to be altered." She whispered as to not stir the sleeping Lady. I nodded.
"Of course." I murmured just as softly. She smiled in thanks, and went back to rubbing Morgana's back.
Poor Morgana. She had been with Gaius all her life.
I walked down the stairs, and nearly dropped the clothes when Arthur ran. Seeing me, he quickly turned, grabbing the column for support, and then let go when his balance came back, running to me. I was about to ask him what was wrong, but he got to me before I did.
"Merlyn!" he cried, placing a hand on my shoulder. I ignored the electricity. "My father has Morgana's illness. We must find, Edwin!" he finished, pointing at me. I nodded at him as he backed up, and ran off. I dropped the clothes and sprinted to Edwin's chambers.
As soon as I opened the door, which I was really contemplating doing when I saw smoke rising, I gasped when I was met with the sight of Gaius being smack in the middle of some sort of fire circle, the flames lapping up around his ankles, about to eat him up. He looked at me, the signs of utter terror plastered on his usually calm face. I looked at Edwin, who was on the other side of the room.
"What are you doing?" I exclaimed, looking Edwin in his beady blue orbs.
"He was trying to kill the King. I couldn't let him." Gaius said, having to raise his voice thanks to the fire. I awaited Edwin's response.
"I can rule the kingdom now, with you at my side. You can be my queen. I shall be your king. We can be all-powerful."
I didn't fall for the bullshit. "Let him go!" I demanded. He looked at me with a blank face.
"Your loss, Merlyn." He said coolly. Since he was directly opposite me, I watched as he held his hand out to one of the axes that were hanging on the wall, and compelled it toward him. I would've gotten the other one…if I knew how.
Shit.
In what seemed like slow motion to me, the axe was hurtling to me. I glanced at Gaius's look of horror, Edwin's evil, sinister grin, and my own frantically beating heart. I gulped, and wanted to close my eyes and hope that it wouldn't hurt.
But I didn't.
I squared my shoulders, and kept my eyes on the axe, begging it to flick the other way, to repel me like the north and souths of a magnet.
"Svelt Merlyn." Edwin commanded.
I nearly wet myself when it was right in front of my nose…but it stopped. Not wanting to waste any time, I leaned my head back, and then shot it back up, compelling the axe to go in the opposite direction.
In front of me.
I turned my head around just as I heard the sickening crunch of the axe embedding itself into Edwin's head, and his body thumping on the floor. I panted, gasping for air. I couldn't breathe deeply.
I just killed someone.
It's different from watching someone else kill someone. It's traumatizing, either way, but knowing that you're the last face they ever saw, the last person on their mind, before they disappear forever…it's mind shocking.
And I didn't like it one bit.
I had to shake myself out of it. I'm strong.
My nose was bleeding again, but I ignored it.
"Are you alright?" I gasped out, noticing that the fires had gone away as soon as Edwin died. He gulped, but nodded.
"Yes…" he murmured, gazing into my eyes. He was panting, his eyes wide. "Thank you, Merlyn." He whispered. I glanced at Edwin's body before hopping into action. There's no time for me to act up.
"What are you doing?" Gaius asked, watching me gather the orangey box that I knew held the bugs in it. I peeped at him from under my eye.
"Uther has the same sickness Morgana had. Edwin used these to cure Uther. I think we should be able to, also."
I held it open for him to see. He looked confused when he saw the black beetles, but his eyes widened in recognition.
"Elanthia beetles."
"Are they magical?"
"Yes." he whispered, getting a closer look at them, "They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul." We both looked at each other in a state of panic.
"We must go to him." He murmured. I nodded, and ran, tugging Gaius along.
When we arrived in Uther's chambers, it felt strange. It was like I was intruding. It was really weird being in the king's chambers, especially at night. It felt mildly disgusting, too…
"So how do we get it out without it killing him?" I asked, a faint blush on my cheeks from my thoughts. Gaius looked at me with a perceptive look.
"It can only be magic." He murmured softly, not wanting to wake the king.
I grimaced. "Uther will kill us if we use magic on him." I was kind of surprised that Gaius was on for it.
"We don't seem to have a choice."
"Gaius!" I complained in a harsh whisper. He shook his head.
"There are times when it is necessary. It is your right."
I gulped, and bit my lip. The pressure of being the link between life and death was nerve-wracking. "I don't know how…" I murmured. Gaius looked at me.
"If you don't…" he turned his gaze on the dying king, "he's going to die."
I nodded, and slowly walked over to him. I crouched over him, placed my hands on his ears, and closed my eyes.
"Berbay odothay, arisan, yeldo. Ablinan." I chanted, my eyes tightened. Please, let Uther live.
I never liked this man, but somehow, the thought of Arthur's reaction motivated me to try harder.
I opened my eyes, and slowly retreated my hands. Gaius and I looked painfully at each other. He sighed, assuming the worst when he saw my pained look.
I showed him the dead bug in my hand.
His mood did a 180, and he looked at me in wonder.
"Has anyone ever told you…" he started, "you're a genius?"
I smiled. "You certainly haven't."
We both chuckled, observing the bug in my hand. I shuffled, wanting to get rid of the thing A.S.A.P.
Soon, Uther groaned.
"I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honor of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth, you are a free man of Camelot."
I clapped, along with everyone else in the throne room, as Gaius received the scroll tied with a dark red ribbon. Gaius shook my hand first, and then went on to receive congratulations from everyone else. I nudged Gwen's shoulder, and she smiled at me.
"It's all ridiculous. I didn't save Uther; you did." Gaius said as we walked through the village. I shook my head, and smiled at him, looping my arm through his.
"No, no. For once, I'm happy for someone else to take the credit. I mean, you were prepared to sacrifice your life to save me."
Gaius stopped, unhooking his arm.
"Where did you hear that from?" he said in a nosy, high-pitched voice. I frowned.
"I thought…"
"No," he stopped me, "I didn't do anything. You saved me and you saved Uther." He was about to turn to keep walking, but turned back. I raised my brows "Maybe you are a genius."
I grinned goofily, showing off my pearly whites. "You think so?" I said proudly.
"Well, almost. One day."
Dammit.
Sorry, but that's it for now! Tune in next Sunday for chapter ten. Please review/favorite/follow, if you can- it gives me more inspiration to write. Beta applications are officially in. I need a Beta for this story to help me with avoiding Mary-Sueness, keeping the cannon characters in character, and plot ideas. I also need them to help with sentence formatting and just checking the chapter over in general. Thanks, and P.M. me if you're interested!
