Summary: Arthur's accepted that his enemies will go to extraordinary lengths to cause him trouble. Sending a magical creature to attack his closest friend however is one step too far. But can he use the painful truth that attack brings to light to strengthen their bond of loyalty?
WARNING for ATTEMPTED DROWNING in this chapter.
"Run through it one more time," Arthur directed, barely containing his annoyance.
He'd been cramming all his duties for the last three days and had finally scored a few hours free. Guinevere had brought him lunch, filling in for Merlin who was busy suffering under his mentor's version of house arrest, and he'd just persuaded her to stay and dine with him when a palace guard had burst in anxiously summoning him to Gaius' chambers.
They'd arrived to find Merlin lying unconscious on the patient cot with a nasty bruise on his head. At first he'd thought the idiot had just fallen and knocked himself out but that didn't explain Morgana's anxiousness and Gaius' protective expression.
"Morgause sent me a box that was sealed with magic stronger than I could break. I was nervous about what that might mean so I brought it to Merlin. He told me to get out of the way and then he opened it. When he did there was smoke and a noxious odor and then some...creature flew at him. He writhed in pain for a moment then collapsed. I didn't know what to do so I flagged down two guards and sent one to find Gaius and the other one to fetch you. You know the rest."
With a sigh Arthur turned to where Gaius was examining his ward, a mystified look on his face.
"Will he be alright Gaius?"
"It appears the creature has embedded itself at the base of his skull. For what purpose, at this moment I cannot say."
"Can you remove it?"
"Certainly sire, but without knowing the nature of creature I fear doing so may cause more harm than good."
"It can't be any worse than leaving it in. Morgana can you tell what it's doing?" Gaius started to speak but silenced himself at Arthur's gesture. Being a prince did have some advantages.
Morgana chewed her lip, fidgety in a way Arthur hadn't seen in years. At last she moved forward hesitantly and laid a hand on Merlin's neck. Immediately she flinched back as if stung.
"Get it out Gaius!
"What is it?" Arthur wrapped an arm around her, feeling her tremble uncontrollably. "What did you feel?"
"Darkness. Malevolence. A deliberate intention to harm although I don't know who or how. He's trying to fight it but it's hurting him. Badly. And the longer it stays inside him the more it will continue to."
Moving at a speed that defied his age Gaius grabbed a handful of vials off the table and mixed up a clear liquid that he smeared on the back of Merlin's neck. He then took a blade and made a long thin incision in the skin. Parting it carefully he used a pair of tweezers to remove what looked like an abnormally large worm that he then hastily held over the fire. A screech pierced the air then the creature went limp. Gaius grabbed an empty jar and carefully put the charred remains inside.
"Dear god, what is that thing?"
The old man seemed deaf to the question as he moved to the table and began searching through a stack of books sitting on it.
A groan came from the cot pulling everyone's attention toward the sound. Merlin's eyes were open but they appeared glazed and unfocused as he glanced around the crowded room. All at once memory seemed to return and he shot upright, only to nearly topple ungracefully to the floor.
Gauis hurried forward to steady him but Arthur got there first. Grabbing his wrists Arthur found them alarmingly warm and clammy, as if Merlin were fighting a fever, and his servant's eyes were squinting despite the low light of the room.
"How do you feel my boy?" The physician asked.
"Like I'm on fire from the inside out. The last thing I remember-". Merlin pushed them off and leaned forward, anxiously looking for Morgana. "Are you alright?" He asked urgently.
"I'm fine." She squeezed past Arthur and sat on the side of the cot. "I'm so sorry, I swear I didn't know what was in the box. If I'd known it was an attack I never would have brought it to you."
"I believe you."
"You...you do?"
You do?
Considering the circumstances Arthur wouldn't blame him for wondering if this attack was some kind of carefully orchestrated revenge. But if that was the case why would Morgana immediately send for help? And she was clearly frightened by what she has sensed from the creature. Arthur pushed the question aside. If Merlin was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, he should do no less.
Withdrawing his hand from hers Merlin carefully got to his feet, touching his neck gingerly. He moved over to the table and made a sour face at the carcass sitting on it. "Don't tell me that thing was inside me." He commented to Gaius who'd returned to his reading.
"Afraid so."
"What for?"
"That's what I intend to find out. It would help if everyone would clear out. And Merlin sit down before you fall down."
The young man complied, partially Arthur observed, because his legs folded under him and gave him no choice. With some minor swaying he managed to straddle one of the benches and started skimming through a volume Gaius had discarded.
"That's it?" Morgana blurted out.
Arthur seconded her surprise. "You know you just got attacked right?"
"No, strangely enough I thought this was Morgause's way of giving me a hug." There was a dark humor in Merlin's eyes as he looked up at them. "I'll give her one back, you can be sure of that. But until then I'm more concerned with what her motive was. We find out what this creature does, we may find our answer. But to do that we need peace and quiet. So unless anyone else has a question please do as Gaius asked and leave."
They were on the verge of complying when Guinevere raised her hand tentatively. "This may be the wrong time to ask this Merlin, but getting back to the box the creature was in, why did Morgana..? That is...if it was magically sealed, why did she think you could open it when she couldn't?"
Four people in the room simultaneously slapped their foreheads.
A delicate knock sounded on the door pulling Arthur from a series of rather depressing thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened halfway and Guinevere poked her head in. Smiling, Arthur waved her inside and pulled her into his arms.
"I just wanted to make sure you were alright," she said. "With what Merlin told me I mean."
"I'm fine," he answered, resting his cheek against the top of her head. "I already knew. We talked it out days ago. Actually I was the one who told him I knew about his magic. Are you sure you're alright with it? I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner."
She shook her head. "It wasn't your secret. I understand. And I understand why he didn't say anything either. If Morgana feared for her life having magic in Camelot I can't imagine what it must have been like for him. To reveal something like that...it wouldn't matter how much you trusted the other person. I am glad I know now though. And the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. What with all the times he would disappear, and by the time he got back hopeless situations suddenly wouldn't be hopeless anymore. It's a wonder I didn't realize before, especially once I'd gotten used to what Morgana can do. The only thing I can't understand is why would he want to be here? I mean I know how many lives he's saved recently and maybe that's enough for him. But if it were me? Call me a coward but I can't imagine what could make him stay."
"I would never call you a coward," Arthur vowed, holding her closer. "As for why he's stayed," he sighed, unsure if his pride could take sharing the answer with anyone - especially Guinevere. "That probably has something to do with me."
She pulled back and looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"I hate to admit this - and if you tell him I did I'll deny it - but it seems his life saving skills have been put to use on my behalf for years now. I wouldn't have lived through the majority of the threats I've faced if he hadn't used his magic to save me."
"And you had no idea?"
"Yes and no. I'd had my suspicions someone was looking out for me for a long time. Granted I never imagined it was Merlin of all people, but it wasn't a complete surprise when I witnessed the truth." He chuckled with quiet disbelief. "I can't help but think of my father's assumption my continued survival was due to the work of my personal guardian angel. It would seem he was right, although I doubt he'd appreciate the irony of the situation."
"You mean seeing as how he's the one who made Merlin your servant in the first place? That he entrusted your care to the one thing he sought most to destroy?"
Arthur laughed again to himself. If Merlin's right about the so called destiny we're involved in then destiny has a rather twisted sense of humor.
"How's Morgana?" He asked to get his thoughts away from that line of reasoning.
Guinevere sighed a troubled expression on her face. "I'm worried about her. Half of her is torn with guilt because of what happened to Merlin and the other half is convinced this snake thing was after her. She won't stop talking about 'What if Merlin wasn't there. What if I'd gotten that box open myself.' And I can't tell her she's wrong because I have no idea if she is."
"You think Morgause wanted to attack her own sister?"
"It's possible. At least Morgana thinks so and she would know better than we would. She's trying to hide it but I know it's upsetting her."
"Do me a favor then?"
"Anything."
"Don't leave her alone. Or at least don't be far away. I'll come visit after I find some way to head off whatever rumors may have started from this. The last thing we need is for my father to hear of them."
She nodded and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you then."
The question of the witch's motive was still gnawing at Arthur as he dressed for training the next day.
"You're very quiet." Merlin observed, passing him his belt.
"I'm thinking," Arthur told him. He took the lack of sarcastic remark as a sign of attention and voiced his concern aloud. "Why would Morgause send a magical creature to attack Morgana? Gaius said the creature allowed some sort of mind control, but to what end would she want to use something like that? Morgana's convinced she was the intended target but I'm lost as to why." A few moments of silence passed. "This is meant to be a conversation Merlin. You're allowed to contribute."
"You're the genius prince," came the muffled reply. "Can't see why you'd want my help."
"Fish for compliments some other time Merlin, we need answers. Fast. With both of us working on it we have a better chance of finding them. You know, two heads are better than one."
"I don't know, one of them is still yours."
"Hang on!"
Merlin turned from where he was digging in the wardrobe and flashed him a grin. "You're just sore I said it first."
Arthur thumped him on the head for appearance's sake but in truth he was relieved his servant's good humor had returned. The prince hadn't seen him give a genuine smile in days. Of course with all the stress caused by Morgana, Gaius, and now this, perhaps that was understandable. Either way he was glad to see the surly mood was gone. This would be hard enough to discuss without having to tiptoe around hurt feelings.
Cheerful expression fading, Merlin continued. "The Fomorrah - that's what it's called by the way - would allow the high priestesses to control the minds of their victims yes. If Morgause thought Morgana was having second thoughts about working with her she might do something like this to guarantee she kept her spy within Camelot's walls."
"Why now though? Morgana blew her off the last time they talked yes, but she has fits of temper like that with everyone. Didn't mean she would refuse to ever work with her again."
Merlin shrugged, looking strangely bored by the conversation. "I suppose it depends on how desperate she was to learn whatever it is she wanted to know. I mean you said Gaius removed the snake's head from me without difficulty. Morgause could have done the same for Morgana. She could probably even enchant her to not remember a thing. Like she did with the sleeping curse."
That made an uncomfortable amount of sense. Morgana had full access to the palace and was the one closest to Arthur in many ways. Few would think twice about her obtaining sensitive information, and being under Morgause control would override any natural reluctance she would have about sharing what she knew. And once the snake was removed she wouldn't even be aware of her treason. Her actions might raise questions but none that couldn't be explained away.
He chewed over the matter for a while longer, tuning out whatever commotion was going on behind him while he weighed bits of information Morgana might have and their possible value to an enemy like Morgause. It wasn't until a beam of full sunlight reflected off his armor and into his eyes that he remembered where it was he was supposed to be just then.
"Maybe you should-"
"Hold that thought Merlin, I'm going to be late. Hand me my- thank you." Plucking his sword from Merlin's outstretched hand he scrambled to the door, ignoring the frustrated muttering he heard from behind him.
When he finally made it back to his chamber, mind and body begging for a little peace and quiet, he found Merlin standing in the middle of the room preparing a bath.
"I thought I gave you the afternoon off."
"Gaius is home," Merlin replied grouchily.
"So?"
"So I'm done being that old man's drudge. Five minutes in his clutches and I'll be stinking twice as much as you currently do."
Arthur lifted his arm, giving it a cautious sniff. His training session had been far from vigorous, his only sparring partners being Sirs Edric and Gavin both of whom were just coming off injuries. Their fights were little more than basic exercise, slow and short, and anyway he'd changed his shirt before dining with the king. Uther hadn't complained about an odor why would Merlin mention it now? Unless this was just his idea of a practical joke.
"Thanks for the offer but I'll pass for now. Push the tub behind the screen, I'll use it later if I need too."
"Morgana gave Gwen the evening off. She said something about asking the three of us to have dinner at her house. Surely you want to look your best for that?"
"Of course, but that's hours away. Right now I have work to do."
Merlin crossed his arms in front of his chest. "So all the work I just did for you - without being asked I might add - is worth nothing now?"
"Oh come on. How much work does it really take to fill a tub with water?" Merlin gave him a nasty look and drew in a breath to begin what Arthur was sure was the biggest lecture he'd ever received. Hurriedly he withdrew the question.
"If you wait any longer it'll be a waste anyway. Now come here and make sure the temperature is how you like it."
"I'm sure it's fine," Arthur countered, still trying to get a read on his friend's mood.
"Would you just check?"
"Why?"
"Because if you get in and it's wrong I'll get a bucketful of icy water thrown in my face and I really don't fancy that happening today."
That stung. Surely Merlin believed him better than that by now? "I wouldn't-
"But you have. Multiple times."
"I hardly think twice counts as multiple. And anyway if it's wrong can't you just fix it?"
"Sure. I could take an hour to haul up twelve more buckets of water and then spend another one ensuring I have enough wood to make the fire hot enough and then-"
"That's not what I meant."
"Do you know another way to heat a bath? Oh wait, no you don't. 'Cause you've never done it."
What is with him today? "You're being very strange."
"I've always been strange. You ignore it because thinking too much makes your head hurt."
This conversation is making my head hurt. Unfortunately if there was anything Merlin might excel at more than magic it would be not stopping talking. The faster you get it over with the faster he'll be out of your hair.
"I'll have it now on one condition." Merlin raised an expectant brow. "You leave once I'm done and send someone else to take care of cleaning up."
"I can-"
"No," Arthur cut him off. "It's that or nothing."
With an irritated glare Merlin finally nodded and moved to the corner of the room to fetch a clean towel.
While the other man's back was turned Arthur leaned over the tub and trailed his fingers in the water, smiling a little to himself as he did so. What Merlin was so worried for he had no idea. The temperature was perfect, same as it always was. Merlin might play dumb (and right now that was probably a good idea) but there was only one way he could maintain such consistency in a task. And that was just fine. As much as the idea of bathing in magically heated bathwater would have made him shudder just a few short months ago, if the idiot was willing to use his powerful and still highly illegal skills to make Arthur's day just a little bit easier - especially when he'd had such a rough week himself - then the prince had no right to complain.
Just as he turned to offer thanks a heavy weight slammed full force into his back, knocking him off balance and sending him face first into the tub.
His cry of pain was immediately muffled by the rush of water entering his mouth. Pressure concentrated on the back of his head, grinding his cheek and ear into the wood of the tub. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew he'd been trained for this sort of thing but the strong scent of soap and liquid blocking up his nose and throat quickly caused disorientation, rendering his usually well coordinated fighting skills all but useless. Soon the pain of burning lungs was all that was keeping him consciousness and even then he barely noticed the weight being lifted off of him and the arms pulling him upright.
How long he half sat, half lay expelling bath water in heaving gasps was anyone's guess. When his body finally remembered inhaling was as necessary to life as exhaling was, his mind slowly begin trying to sort out what on earth had just happened. Opening his eyes to give it a hand, he wasn't at all reassured by what he saw.
Merlin was out cold on the floor, water soaking his sleeves and the front of his tunic, a fact that was probably significant but his brain skipped over it at first. Gaius was kneeling on the floor behind Merlin, doing something to him Arthur didn't want to guess. Morgana was standing with an empty pitcher in one hand and the other tugging at her hair. Lastly Guinevere had come to sit at Arthur's side, and was gently draping a towel around his shoulders.
"What happened?" he croaked, trying to shift closer to his fallen friend.
"Shh," Guinevere pulled him back. "Just breathe, we'll explain in a minute."
He leaned his head against her as he watched Gaius remove another dark snake from Merlin's neck, this time throwing it into the fire to burn up completely. The physician then pressed a cloth over the incision and stuck a strong smelling stick under Merlin's nose making him squirm and gag as he returned to consciousness.
"Why does my head feel like it lost a battle with a mace?" the warlock groaned to no one in particular.
"Change mace to pitcher and that would be true." Morgana answered.
"You enjoyed that," Gaius accused.
"A smidge."
"Why?" Merlin asked her.
"We had to knock you out to get the Fomorrah out." Gaius quickly answered.
"Oh. What's a Fomorrah?"
"The snake creature in your neck."
"But you already took that out." Merlin protested, half a second before Arthur could. "We were trying to find out what it was and I kept dozing off. You made me some soup and sent me to bed."
"Yes and we found the name of the creature this morning. You found it."
"And you told me about it." Arthur croaked.
Merlin glanced back and forth between them, poorly disguised fear creeping into his expression. "I don't remember any of that."
"You don't remember helping me get ready for training? Or making...making me a bath?"
"No." Merlin looked down at their sopping wet clothes. "Seems I didn't do a very good job."
"Oh it would have done the job right enough."
"Morgana!" Gwen hissed.
"What is she talking about?" Merlin asked making no effort to hide the tremble in his voice.
"This was caused by the mind control," Arthur hurriedly gasped out, praying he was right.
"I'm afraid it's all my fault," Gaius apologized. To him or Merlin, Arthur wasn't sure. "It would seem mind control is a bit of an understatement. I've discovered that when the priestesses would summon the Fomorrah they would implant it with a single thought which in turn was planted in the mind of its victim. The person was then unrelenting in carrying out that command. Nothing short of their death or the creature's destruction would stop them. It would seem in this instance Morgause has ordered your death Sire. And chosen Merlin to carry it out."
The longer Gaius talked the more Merlin curled in on himself, anger and self loathing painted across his face. He was blaming himself for this and Arthur didn't know how to comfort him. To have control of your mind taken away like that and be forced to act against your every natural instinct, he couldn't imagine it. For that kind of violation to happen to anyone was despicable. For it to happen to Merlin was unforgivable.
"Merlin," Arthur paused, coughs seizing him once more, "it wasn't you. Don't worry, alright? I trust you. Anyone who knew you would know you could never hurt me. You're my friend, and you're a lousy choice for an assassin."
Merlin shuddered and blinked back the tears in his eyes. He gave Arthur a falsely bright smile.
"I'm a lousy choice for a servant too but I can at least get you dry clothes."
"No don't worry." Guinevere stood to block his path. "I'll do it."
Merlin stared hard at her then looked at Arthur who had his hand up in a pacifying motion. To the prince's horror the tears returned to the younger man's eyes. Resigned ones this time. "Right…" he choked. "I...I'm sorry. I never should have…I'll just..."
Cursing himself, Arthur scrambled to his feet barely in time to catch hold of the fleeing servant. Later he wouldn't know if the action was prompted by the devastation and terror on his friend's face over what had just happened, relief he was alive mingling with a determination to keep Merlin that way, or the fact he was just plain too strung out to care, but the next thing Arthur knew he had his arms locked around the other man's shoulders, pulling him in for a tight hug. Well half a hug anyway. Merlin didn't lift his arms to return it though after a momentary stiffness he did lean in to him, still murmuring apologies somewhere in the direction of Arthur's collarbone.
The prince let him pull away after less than a minute but kept a hand on his shoulder while they both tried to reign in their emotions. A quick glance around the room showed he wasn't the only one upset. Gaius had put on the blank expression he used whenever he deeply disapproved of something, Morgana looked sick and angry, and Guinevere was doing a poor job hiding the tears rolling down her cheeks.
Shoving his feelings aside Arthur tried to focus their attention. "Well, killing Merlin is absolutely not an option. So how do we destroy the creature for good Gaius?"
"Creatures of this sort are usually dependent upon a mother beast. As long as it remains in existence, it's offshoots will continue to heal. Or in the case of the Fomorrah, regrow where they were originally placed. Usually within 24 hours."
"How do we locate the mother beast?"
"I'm working on finding a way of tracking it down, but with only limited texts on the subject it will take time."
"Then you'd best get going."
"As you say sire."
"I can help," Merlin said, pulling away from Arthur only to drop to one knee clutching his head in his hands.
"You are not doing anything right now," Arthur declared, lifting him up by the arm. "Go on Gaius, we'll get him to you later."
With one last squeeze of his ward's hand Gaius left. After pausing a moment to whisper something in Merlin's ear Guinevere followed after him.
"I can get back on my own," Merlin insisted, trying and failing to get his arm free.
"No you don't," Arthur pushed him into a chair. "You're staying where I can make sure you're alright."
"If anyone can make sure I'm alright it's Gaius. And you heard him, the Fomorrah won't stay gone longer than a day. The further I stay away from you, the less danger you'll be in."
"I'm hardly in danger Merlin."
"Oh sure you always sit on your face in the bathtub. How could I forget a little thing like that?" The attempt at humor died away as Merlin wiped a hand across his sweaty face. He shivered violently and Morgana held out a hand to the fire boosting its warmth. He smiled gratefully at her and leaned his head against the back of the chair.
Arthur sat across from him and spoke in a low tone. "Merlin you're not going to hurt me. Whatever this thing might be trying to force you to do, you're strong enough to resist it."
"I appreciate the confidence Arthur but how can you be sure of that?"
"Because of your magic. As much as it pains me to admit it, I don't stand a chance against that. If you're really supposed to stop at nothing to see me dead, why didn't you use it?"
"He's right," Morgana spoke up. "When you were first attacked I used my magic to see if removing the creature would hurt you. I sensed your magic fighting against it."
"It's still fighting." Arthur forced a playful smile. "I mean, even if you weren't in your right mind why would you ever try to use something as uncertain as drowning to try to kill me?"
"True, there are far better ways," Morgana supplied.
Merlin winced and Arthur gave her an unimpressed look. "Not helping."
"Spoilsport."
Merlin held up his hands. "Morgause doesn't know I have magic. Maybe the snake can't make me use it. Either way given the resources he has to work with I fear it'll take too long for Gaius to find the mother beast."
"Don't be such a fatalist."
"I am not-"
"Who else could we ask for help in finding it?" Morgana interrupted.
"I'm not sure. Camelot isn't exactly a fountain of magical resources."
"What about Kilgharrah?
Merlin made a face. "Maybe, but I demanded his help less than a week ago. He'll be mighty surly if I do it again. And anyway I don't like relying on him a lot."
"I'd rather not rely on him at all." Arthur spoke up, indignation flaring inside him as he recognized who they were speaking of.
"He's our best chance," Morgana snapped at him.
"Have you forgotten he's responsible for the deaths of innocent people?"
"So is everyone in this room!"
Confusion turned to dread as Arthur glanced at Merlin. The other man said nothing, he just sat still looking tense and incomprehensibly sad. In that moment answers to questions he'd ignored months ago finally clicked and Arthur understood that while Merlin may have entrusted him with some of his biggest secrets - not that he'd had a choice in some cases - there was far more his servant was responsible for that he hadn't shared. At least not with him.
"You knew?" He questioned the woman he loved as a sister. "You knew he released that monster and you didn't think to tell me?"
Merlin's eyes flashed briefly but he said nothing in answer to the accusation. If anything his posture slumped even more. As Arthur watched that same deep sadness slowly crept into Morgana's expression and she reached for his servant's hand, squeezing it tightly.
"What was that story we were once told about the people who lived in the glass house? The more damage they tried to inflict on other people's lives the more they heaped on themselves. It was only when they let go and forgave that they were able to heal. Are you really going to let your anger at what the dragon did condemn Merlin to the Fomorrah's influence a second longer than you have to?"
Arthur's anger promptly melted under the force of the protective instinct that comment ignited. She was right, with all his sins he was the last person who ought to be passing judgement like this. Especially without knowing what all was involved in Merlin's decision. "No, of course not. I-"
"Then there is nothing more to be said. Get your clothes changed and meet me at the stables. Where do you think you're going?" She added to Merlin who was struggling to get to his feet.
"You can't go without me. Who's going to call him?"
"I will."
Worn out as he was nothing could stop Merlin's eyebrow from expressing itself. "You are not a dragonlord," his voice added.
"I'll use the mind speaking magic."
"The other night you didn't even know there was such a thing. Now you think you can use it?"
"I'm a quick study."
"Where did you even find something to study?"
"I'll show you when this is over. Let's go Arthur."
Feeling out of the loop and thoroughly annoyed about it, Arthur nonetheless grabbed Merlin by the collar and dragged him into the antechamber. Pushing him down on the cot the warlock had set up the last time Arthur had a bad chest cold, the prince ordered him to get some rest. Merlin put up some token resistance but was soon deeply asleep. Pressing the back of his hand against the younger man's brow Arthur couldn't hold back a worried frown at the increasing heat he felt there.
They were running out of time.
"And once he'd made that oath he couldn't ever break it?"
Morgana shook her head sadly. "He could have continued to put it off, possibly for years, but it wouldn't have changed anything. Sooner or later he would have had to follow through, either by choice or by something forcing his hand." She looked at him for a long moment. "You have to admit given everything he's done for you, you really shouldn't stay angry at him about this."
"I know I shouldn't," Arthur sighed. "I'm really not. Much. I just wish he was well enough to talk about it."
"We get Kilgharrah to help us destroy the Fomorrah and you two can yell at each other to your heart's content."
"Merlin doesn't yell at me."
"Perhaps he should."
His horse rearing back in alarm as they broke through the treeline prevented Arthur from countering that statement. He wrestled the animal down and held it still with an effort, looking around wildly for the source of its fear.
It wasn't long before he noticed the source of many a nightmare filled night staring back at him and all his anger returned. Merlin didn't get a share of it this time oh no, this time it was reserved solely for the enormous beast crouching in front of them.
"About time you showed up." The dragon growled and Arthur about jumped out of his skin.
You knew he could talk. Pull yourself together.
"No one expected you to be here," Morgana answered the dragon for him. She dismounted and strode toward Kilgharrah with a confidence Arthur couldn't even begin to fake. "I was planning to call you when we arrived."
"You would have been disappointed. But that is of no consequence, I arrived at this clearing hours ago."
"How?" Arthur found his voice as he approached them. "Merlin claims he ordered you away after your attack. And that you were to stay gone on pain of death. He said the only thing that would allow you to act contrary to that command was him calling for you using his power as a Dragonlord."
"That is correct," the dragon answered and if Arthur hadn't been privately training not to be intimidated by angry looks since he was six years old he would have been terrified by the expression on its face. Instead he drew a breath of relief. At least Merlin hadn't lied (or misunderstood, some part of his mind that wasn't angry supplied) when it came to that part of his actions.
"Then how did you cross the border?"
Kilgharrah shifted his massive weight from side to side. Arthur was tempted to say his demeanor was scared, or at the very least extremely agitated. That thought was by no means reassuring.
"He is the last Dragonlord, I am the last dragon. We do not need to be near one another to be connected. I am constantly aware of his presence and have been since the night he claimed his father's inheritance. Therefore I was immediately informed of his current distress. His magic cries out for my aid. From the dawn of our bond with mankind no dragon has been able to resist such a cry. Do you really think a simple banishment would be enough to keep me from providing succor for him?"
Arthur had no answer for that.
"Now tell me, what is the darkness I sense has befallen the last of my kin?"
That he did. Quickly and concisely Arthur filled the dragon in, Morgana adding additional explanations as needed.
"A Fomorroh," the dragon repeated gravely. "I feared I sensed one's introduction into the world. To breed such a creature would tax even the power of a high priestess. This is about more than revenge. Your death would destroy Uther. And Merlin's execution would leave Camelot vulnerable. Creating the perfect opportunity to set another on the throne."
"That won't happen."
The dragon swung his head to meet Morgana's determined expression. "You do not wish to be queen?"
She hesitated. "A year ago perhaps. Now I have a different future in mind. But if we want a chance at any future we need your help. Gaius is searching for a way to locate the mother beast. But he has almost no resources and we don't know how long Merlin will be able to fight the Fomorrah's influence. If you can sense where it is you can lead us there. We can destroy it in no time. Will you help us?"
"I will do as you ask for Merlin's sake." He gave Arthur a pointed look. "And for the sake of all who would be nothing without him."
"You're not keeping me away."
"It's too risky. It'll take more than a day to reach our destination and neither Morgana nor I have the skill to remove the next regrowth. Besides, you said yourself the further you stay away from me the better."
That sentence probably would have carried more weight if Merlin weren't currently curled up in one of Arthur's blankets and sitting in a chair by his fire, but Arthur sold it the best he could.
His servant was decidedly unimpressed. "While you were gone Gaius made up a sedative for me to use."
"How is your falling asleep going to help?"
Merlin rolled his eyes. "To use on the Fomorroh. A mixture of Henbane, Lactucarium, White Poppy, Paraldehyde, and a whole bunch of other stuff. A few drops on the back of my neck will knock it right out. It'll last all day, my magic won't be occupied combating the creature, and I can focus my energy on other things."
"That's all to the good Merlin, but we don't know what proximity to the mother beast will do to the... appendage... of it that's inside you."
"I'll bring the sedative with me. It's safe to apply as often as I think necessary. But whatever risk remains doesn't change the fact that you'll need me."
"If you start to lose control in the middle of the fight-"
"Who says there's going to be a fight? Kilgharrah said there was no sign of Morgause in the ruin where the Fomorrah is being kept. He even promised to stay nearby as a backup." Merlin looked at Morgana curiously. "He almost sounded concerned about me. Just what did you say to him?"
"Merlin!"
"My point is, if we're cautious and time it right Morgause won't even know we were there."
"IF. It's a big if. I don't want to count on her not showing up."
"The fact you're admitting there is a chance she might just proves there's no way I'm letting you go without me."
Arthur bit his lip to stop a roar of frustration.
"Morgana?"
"Leave me out of this Arthur."
"You have to have an opinion."
"I do."
"Well?"
"You're not going to like it," she singsonged.
"Tell me anyway," he answered in kind, then mentally kicked himself at the sound of Merlin's stifled chuckle.
Looking for all the world like she'd rather be anywhere else but there, Morgana sighed. "If it's a choice between risking what happens with him and risking facing Morgause just the two of us…" She met his eye. "It's no choice at all."
Despite what Merlin might think, Arthur was capable of packing his own belongings. And whatever irritation he might feel at being forced to do so was soothed by the satisfaction he'd gained in kicking his manservant and pseudo sister out of his room.
Actually it hadn't been completely satisfying given the smirks they'd been trying to hide as they left. Yes, he was mad they'd won the argument. Yes, he was having a bit of a childish reaction to the fact. But they didn't have to look so stupidly pleased about it.
He abandoned his grumbling as someone pushed on his half open door.
"Ah Father, I was just about to come speak to you."
"Morgana claims she's punishing you by making you take her on a private hunting trip?" Uther queried, a frown visible on his brow.
"I wouldn't classify it as punishment Father. She said if she won a wager we made the other day than I would have to take her on my next hunting trip. And unfortunately, win she did."
"I was not aware Morgana was fond of hunting."
"I believe she intends to extend the competition and try to see who can return with a better trophy."
The king's expression cleared. "I shall be curious to see if she succeeds."
I shall be highly disappointed if you lose again. Arthur mentally translated. "Well, if you've no objections we shall leave at once."
"How long will you be gone?"
"Two, perhaps three days. Unless Morgana insists otherwise. I shall abide by her wishes."
"You won't be going alone I hope. Given the present unrest it's not advisable for you both to be outside the walls of the citadel unaccompanied."
There would be no unrest if it weren't for you turning the citadel into a fortress from which to terrorize the common people from. Never showing yourself but to announce another restriction you've decided to impose. Forcing the treasonous thoughts from his head Arthur smiled politely.
"My servant is accompanying us but if it would ease your mind I'll include another knight in the party as well."
Uther nodded. "Make it Sir Leon. I know he can be trusted to do as you say."
Arthur hated to pull Leon away on such short notice. The knight had was already doing the duty of five thanks to Uther's insistence on sending their most capable, mature, knights out to investigate all manner of rumors regarding suspected magic use in the kingdom, no matter how far away it took them or how dubious the stories of magic were. Still, he'd lost that particular argument before and had no time to start another one now. He nodded acknowledgement and that seemed to satisfy the king. Wishing his son luck Uther left and Arthur sent a servant to carry a note to his First Knight.
Thank heavens Leon was a quick packer.
"Did Sir Leon buy the hunting story?" Merlin murmured in a low tone.
"I told him Gaius was treating someone who was suffering from a magically induced illness and we were 'hunting' down the cause of it."
Merlin nodded in approval. "All of which is the truth but is vague enough to allow him to claim plausible ignorance should something go wrong. Well done."
"Glad you approve of my skills in weaving an only semi bogus story. They'll never rival yours of course."
The minute the words were out Arthur regretted them. It wasn't fair to act like Merlin was the reason he was involved in a world of half truths and insincerity. He'd been exposed to that since birth. Just because in the past he'd never had to fear any real consequences for his lies and evasions (someone else - usually Merlin - had always borne the brunt of those) didn't make them any less serious than the ones he was giving now.
All this passed through his mind in seconds as Merlin gave him a side eyed look. "I pray your life is never subjected to such constant terror that it becomes necessary for them to rival mine."
Arthur sighed at that. "You're afraid all the time?"
Merlin hummed noncommittally. "So much that I'm rarely afraid at all."
"Are you afraid right now?"
"My knuckles aren't turning white just to have something to do."
"What are-?"
"Oh just ask already!"
The outburst drew backward glances from the riders ahead of them. Merlin ignored them and Arthur hastily pasted on a reassuring smile. Leon accepted it with a nod and Morgana rolled her eyes, giving him a hard glare before resuming her conversation with the knight.
A few hundred yards passed in silence before Arthur quietly asked, "I just want to know if you knew he'd attack the city." He tried to keep his tone neutral but Merlin flinched anyway.
"I had an idea he might," he finally answered, "but by that point I was out of options."
"Morgana said you'd sworn him an oath."
"On my mother's life."
"I see. You swore your oath to me using the same."
"Yes I did. And I'll keep my word to you as I have to him, come what may. Are you going to betray me like he did?"
The question hit Arthur square in the gut. He hadn't seriously thought about the situation from that angle. Even before the Fomorroh's appearance, Merlin was fighting against what many would say his natural instinct should be. He'd shown unwavering loyalty to a man who only a few short years ago would have slain him on sight. And for little to no acknowledgement much less reward.
If he were honest with himself, Arthur had to admit he hadn't exactly gone out of his way to treat his servant with anything more than decency - and even that was a stretch at times. What had he given Merlin that remotely equaled the devotion he'd been shown? Had he even promised to keep Merlin's secret? He didn't think he had, not in words at least. Perhaps the other man considered it a given that he would considering they'd conversed civilly on the subject and Arthur had already pledged to protect Morgana. But knowing something wasn't the same as hearing it directly from the subject in question.
"No," he answered, holding Merlin's gaze and speaking quietly but firmly, "I won't. Fate may have made you my protector. But I defy it to say I can't also be yours in return."
Merlin's lips quirked, he nodded once, and the subject was closed.
The strength the midday sun had them all breathing a sigh of relief when Morgause hideaway finally came into view. A respite from the heat beating down on them was considered more than worth braving the dangers concealed within it.
Securing the horses well out of sight of the ruin's entrance they crept cautiously inside. The building had certainly seen better days but there was enough left to protect what was inside from the elements, and it was large enough that finding what they sought would take time. Eyes and magic alert for traps they moved slowly from doorway to doorway searching for a place useful for concealing something like the Fomorrah.
A full hour later the search had been narrowed down to the most probable room when Merlin abruptly tensed, sharing a worried look with Morgana who grabbed Arthur's wrist in warning. His sword was halfway out of its sheath when the entrance to the keep swung open.
Morgause, her mind clearly elsewhere, stepped through the opening and stopped dead in her tracks, blinking rapidly at the sight of them. She closed the door slowly and stood facing it for a count of three. Then she turned around and, seeing they were still there, put her head to the side and gave a little sigh.
"Well I must say this is unexpected."
For those interested: Lactucarium is the dried juice of the wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa. It's been used as a mild sedative for centuries, however there is little to no modern scientific evidence that shows it works as such. Paraldehyde wasn't actually used until the 1880's but I thought it sounded cool. It's still in use today but more in the treatment of epilepsy than as a straight sedative. Henbane was used for a lot of things including sedation. Same goes for White Poppy which is another name for Opium.
