In Sickness and Health.

Chapter Twelve

Summary: Gwaine and Merlin are attacked by a sorcerer. While Gwaine comes out scratch free, Merlin realizes that not only has he fallen sick, but his magic. Now, Merlin must rely on the help of others to cure him before his time runs out.

NOTE: In case this was unclear, Mordred is a warlock. Google told me thusly. I added a quick line in here just to clarify that. I call him a sorcerer only when there are other magical beings in the same scene. IE: Instead of Alator and Mordred, I might say 'the sorcerers'. OR I may call him a sorcerer if I have just called Merlin a warlock just to differentiate between the two of them. This will definitely be the case a few chapters from now. I hope that isn't confusing. My apologies. Also, I am currently transiting into college, and I only wanted this to be 10 chapters, so I am sorry for the somewhat sporadic updates.

-M-

Arthur rushed out of Mordred's room feeling somewhat satisfied. Mordred had agreed, though he did express his disapproval; however, Arthur waved off his knight's concern. The druids were a peaceful people. Surely they would help if they could. Now, Arthur had other matters to attend to. Since Merlin was staying with Mordred, the knight had told his king that he would inform Merlin of the change in plans. With that responsibility taken care of, all Arthur had to do was make sure the other knights he had chosen would be ready. The king brushed a hand through his hair and sighed. It was going to be a very grueling week.

-M-

"That arrogant, royal prat…thinks he can do anything he can damn please…if Merlin gets hurt I swear…"

Gwaine knocked on Mordred's door while still muttering a string of curses. When the door opened, the knight waltzed in the room and stormed over to Mordred's bed. Merlin was sitting up in said bed looking rather sick. "I will talk the Princess out of this, Merlin," he promised, "and make him regret-

"Haven't you fought with Arthur enough?" Mordred hissed. The younger knight made his way toward his two friends as Merlin locked eyes with him. The wizard was obviously confused, but it took Mordred a moment to figure out why. Gwaine, catching on to Merlin's confusion, sighed and said, "He was being intolerable. I couldn't ..tolerate that." His cryptic answer seemed to be enough for Merlin- that, or Merlin just didn't have the energy to care at the moment.

"Arthur needs me," Merlin said, his voice still weak from the illness. "I must go."

"Arthur doesn't need you, per-say," Gwaine grumbled. "He needs anyone who knows how to plant crops."

"No," Mordred replied. "That's not exactly true. He needs-"

"He needs someone with magic who he can trust," Merlin interrupted. "The fields went fallow because of magic There is a strong possibility that the fields may only be fixed with magic, too."

"Well, then we have a small problem," Gwaine said, annoyed. "Arthur doesn't know you have magic."

"And he doesn't have to! He hasn't been trained in the ways of magic, so he may not even know that there is a possibility that magic may be the only way to save Queen Annis's people. We know, though, and I will not be responsible for the starvation of her people," Merlin glared.

"Besides, Gwaine, the fallow fields are not the king's only motivation for making Merlin come," Mordred sighed.

"What?" Merlin blinked. Gwaine turned his eyes on Merlin while looking just as puzzled. His eyes grew larger, however, and realization dawned. His eyes fluttered back to Mordred who nodded in reply to the unspoken inquiry.

"He wants to seek council with the druids."

"Indeed," Mordred nodded. "That's why he hand-picked which knights are to go. He is only bringing the ones he knows he can trust."

"The druids cannot cure me," Merlin sighed. "Alator has already asked them. All we can do is wait like the Great Dragon said. "

"We know that," Mordred said, "but Arthur does not. I will contact Alator tonight. Perhaps he can meet us at the camp."

"And what will he do?" Merlin scoffed. "I am bonded to you, not him."

"Well, until you come up with a better idea," Gwaine interrupted, "I will see you all tonight. In the meantime, rest up because these next few days are going to be hell. I hope you get better soon, Merlin."

"Thank you," Merlin nodded.

Mordred waited until the door shut again before sitting down on the edge of Merlin's bed. He placed a hand on Merlin's temple and waited until he could feel his magic pushing into Merlin. "Thank you," Merlin sighed, "for everything"

Mordred just nodded and stood up again. "It is getting late. I suggest you take Gwaine's advice; we leave at sunrise tomorrow," Mordred spoke, his voice full of regret. The knight's eyes glowed gold as the candle next to the bed blew out. Merlin just smirked, causing Mordred to smile. "Get some rest," he said softly. Then, he walked out of the room and closed the door behind him.

-M-

Gaius looked up when he heard a knock at the door. He sighed, for he knew who it was. "Come in!" he shouted. Mordred waked in the room with a sad smile. "How did it go?" the old physician asked.

"Merlin is more than willing to go, of course. He sees it as his duty to protect Arthur, and he knows that magic may be the only way to save the fields."

"So he is going," Gaius exhaled. 'I guessed as much, but it doesn't mean I approve."

"I understand," Mordred nodded. He watched as Gaius sifted through a few bottles and potions before finally settling on what would be suitable for the trip. Once Gaius was done, Mordred said, "Arthur wants to visit the druids."

Gaius raised an eyebrow and looked up. "Perhaps this is good news. Even though they cannot help Merlin, it shows that Arthur is not completely against magic…"

"But it is also the real reason why he wants Merlin to go. This trip cannot help him, though; it can only make things worse." Mordred shook his head. He wished he could rejoice in Arthur seeking out the druids, but the warning of the Great Dragon still floated in his head.

"What is it?" Gaius asked.

"The dragon said that the worse is not over." Mordred stopped to pick up the satchel that Gaius had packed. "I fear that he was right."

"Only time will tell," Gaius said sadly. "Please, take care of my boy, Mordred."

Mordred nodded. "With my life."

-M-

Arthur did not return to his chambers until it was well into the night. Gwen was already fast asleep, so he instead sat besides his fireplace and stared off into the bright flames. Merlin seemed to be doing better, so he had to hope that this was a good sign. Perhaps the trip wouldn't be as terrible as he had previously believed it would. Perhaps Merlin was now stronger that when he had last visited him. Arthur shook his head, though. No, Merlin was never that lucky. The druids were his friend's only hope, though, and bringing him along to help with Queen Annis's kingdom was the perfect cover.

As the night went on, Arthur found that his thoughts were growing as dim as the fire was. Before he knew it, he, too, was sleeping.