A/N Merlin was supposed to wake up in this one but he refused. Poor boy's a bit tired and the chapter would have been too long so next one's the charm.

M.

…

Chapter 20 Best laid plans.

Merlin hadn't stirred once since the cave. All the way back across Camelot he lay dead to the world. They had all been worried at the loss of consciousness so soon after waking, but Khilgarrah had reassured them. Saying the Warlock was merely completely exhausted from the effects of the curse coupled with his magic being forcibly returned and his newly strengthened power, (and wasn't that an odd occurrence, Arthur having to be comforted that a magical being would be alright). His body needed time and rest to adjust, so it could settle properly. Arthur was now utterly convinced Khilgarrah had magic no matter he had argued so forcefully that he didn't. He just knew too damned much!

Either way Arthur had had to keep checking Merlin's pulse and breathing every few miles just to be certain. He had laid so still the only movement caused by his steady breaths and the rocking of his mare. There had been no murmur even when Perceval had gotten him down from the horse and laid him in the entrance to the siege tunnels to rest on piles of blankets, yet again waiting for the cover of darkness to smuggle him the reverse journey back to the physician. It had been tedious having to leave Merlin in the knight's care and take their mounts round and through the lower town, but secrecy was everything. They simply could not let Morgana have the slightest inkling that they were on to her. Or expose Merlin any further.

Arthur had caught up with all the activity in the citadel to try and keep his mind from his skinny friend. It hadn't worked all that well, even as he marvelled at the plans Gwen and his faithful band had wrought in his absence. Gwen had only surprised him by the merest amount. He knew just how resilient, determined, and resourceful she could be and could only stand in awe of the fact that despite everything she had still chosen to stand by his side. He had met with the seven other knights given trust of the situation and couldn't fault Leon's judgement. Their plans were well under way and they would be as ready as they could when she finally hit.

The one thing Arthur was concerned about was just how much time it would be before she descended. For that he needed to talk to both Gaius, and he really couldn't believe he needed the man but, Khilgarrah had proven useful when it came to navigating the minefield that was magic. Whatever timescale was on the spell Morgana wrought was the frame they needed for their preparations, any additional time they had afterward would just be a bonus.

…..

Midnight was always said to be the witching hour and that phrase was rather apt at this point, as Arthur led the way back through the castle making sure the way ahead was clear. Elyan bringing up the rear to ward off anyone who might happen to be wandering round. Merlin was still asleep, lazy sod, cradled protectively like a child between Perceval's huge biceps. Arthur couldn't help but smirk at the phenomenal amount of teasing material he had accrued in the past day alone.

Gods help Merlin when he woke. He would never live it down. First though he had to get the idiot back to his chambers in one piece with no-one the wiser. Honestly the things he did for that man.

Things had been going exceedingly well, right up until a door banged further down the corridor from where they had been. Everyone froze, hoping the footsteps would lead away from them but they kept coming. Arthur caught Elyan's eye and signalled to go distract them whilst he and Perceval mad a last mad dash for the tower stairs. They heard his dulcet tones as he accosted whoever it was lurking down there and ran as silently as possible. The climb to Gaius's door was made in profound relief after the adrenalin rush of almost being caught. They ended up leaning heavily against the inside panels, grinning like fools. Like children escaping with a rare stolen treat. Gaius's eyebrow had reached his hairline and proved to have a sobering effect on their exuberance.

"Would you mind putting my ward down before you drop him!" Perceval looked rather affronted that Gaius would even dare suggest such a thing. But he did move to the warlock's room and lay him carefully on the bed. Khilgarrah was nowhere in sight.

"I need to talk to you and Khilgarrah first thing tomorrow morning Gaius. I haven't seen him all evening and it's important." Gaius had flinched a little at Arthur's use of the dragon's full name, just what had the king found out.

"Ah he hates enclosed spaces sire, isn't used to being indoors. I believe he is sleeping on the battlements." Arthur was taken aback. The man was obviously totally bizarre. He shook his head and left the physician to settle his ward and went off to his own well earned rest. Not even trying to figure the man out. Perhaps it was a requirement of magic users to be completely and utterly mad.

…..

Perceval had remained long after Arthur had left last night and helped him to change Merlin into his night clothes. Gaius had been grateful. Merlin had no real meat on him but to a man in his seventh decade of life. Lifting and moving adult patient's was a hard process without help. That was usually part of Merlin's job as his assistant. The poor boy hadn't made a peep even whilst they had tugged and pulled him every which way. Had in fact slept right through the night without a sound and considering he usually slept with one eye open for trouble nowadays that was rather telling as to how much he needed the rest.

Gaius did have to admit his ward no longer looked like he was at deaths door. Yes he still had circles round his eyes so dark it looked like he'd been in a tavern brawl, but his skin was no longer grey and waxy and the fever had gone down considerably. All in all considering that just one day ago he was quite literally having his life force sucked out of him and burned off, he was looking remarkably well. Khilgarrah had turned up at dawn mentioning that Merlin would probably wake at some point this morning ravenously hungry and weak as a newborn kitten. Gaius trusted his assessment in this, even as his magic was kept busy fuelling the enchantment that kept him in human form, he could still detect the nuances of magical energy in the air far better than anything Gaius could do. So he'd sent for a pot of soup he kept warm at the fire, opened his door fully to keep an ear out for any signs of stirring and set about making several decoctions that could be easily abandoned at a moments notice with no harm.

Gwen had been true to her word and sent Agnes the head cook's niece up, and he had to say she was rather skilled in most of the basic medicines. He'd sent her off happily with lists of things he needed for the infirmary. Swearing her to secrecy and explaining the need for it had resulted in her eyes going flint hard at the mere mention of Morgana. She wouldn't, or couldn't say what had happened to her husband at the hands of the witch, but Gaius knew it had been bad from her expression and the tone of her voice. If Bette could help defeat Morgana once and for all by bringing Gaius supplies and keeping her mouth shut, nothing would stop her and she would take the knowledge she held to her grave.

His other visitor of the Morning had been Arthur just as he promised. And that had been interesting to say the least. Khilgarrah had still been there trying to choke down some breakfast, and not being very successful he might add, when the knock had come and the king had entered without preamble.

"How is he?"

"Better sire, but he will probably not wake until later this morning." Gaius was trying very hard to gauge the Kings temper, but was having difficulties, his usual stoic mask he wore to council and in the face of visiting dignitaries was in full force.

"Will he be up for a round table meeting later?" Arthur's eyes never left the open doorway of Merlin's room.

"Ah no. Probably not till tomorrow morning. Though if you were to see him here this evening…." He let the comment hang uncertain whether Arthur wanted to shout at his ward, commend him or just talk battle strategy. "Sire, may I ask, do you wish me to let him know that you have been told of his magic? It will come as a shock, and it may sound better coming from me." Arthur just gave a stiff nod after a moment's consideration. "I'll keep everyone busy till you've broken it to him, and we've had chance to talk, though I don't think I'll be able to keep my wife away for long." The small smile he now wore was full of love as he thought of his beautiful Queen. It lasted only a moment before the mask slipped firmly back into place once more.

Let me know when he wakes." At that he turned from the door his mind moving quickly on to the next concern.

"You both have more knowledge of magic than I and since I now know that all the times we have stood against Morgana before we have had help, I need information." Gaius gestured at the table, inviting the King to sit. This would most likely be a lengthy discussion.

"What is it you need to know?"

"How long do we have? I'm guessing, from what you have said that Merlin is her enemy and the spell was designed to take him out of the running to weaken us, how long would that have taken? It seems prudent to use that as our timeframe for the defences, since she would want to make sure of his being too helpless to do anything. Much as it pains me I'm now certain my sister will be only just patient enough to be convinced of a swift victory." Khilgarrah's gravelly voice was full of contempt as he answered.

"Your assessment of the witch is correct she will not wait. Most sorcerers fall to the dreams of the curse within one or two days, the most powerful have only ever withheld for three. Emrys lasted four days. Morgana would more than likely place Merlin in the three day category since she has no idea what it is she is dealing with. All she sees is an ordinary sorcerer albeit a powerful one." Arthur nodded his head to indicate he understood at Khilgarrah's enquiring look as the dragon continued. "Four days after they fall ill, their magic will have gone."

"This is the fifth day since Merlin collapsed in the courtyard so we have just two days to prepare. Gods! We don't have time to get people out, even if the people knew what was coming." He placed his blond head in his hand, fingers splayed through the short strands.

"I did suggest to the Queen that the caves might make suitable temporary housing. I showed Elyan yesterday. I believe they have made some progress in setting it up since there is no-one down there. They have been using the bedding and some furnishings from the west wing."

"Ha! Guinevere is even wiser than I thought. No one has been into that wing since before my father died unless we're filled to capacity. They will never miss anything from the rooms up there."

"Indeed sire they believe it to be haunted. Even the servants refuse to go."

"Meaning most of it can be set up before we need to inform anyone. I believe two days from now we will start the exodus from the lower town. People should only bring goods they can carry, food and livestock. Start by the gates and work door to door. I'll get Leon and Gwaine to work on the details, Gwaine seems to know most of the working men down there and can probably grab volunteers to help fetch and carry. Good!" Arthur seemed a little easier in his mind about the fate of the townsfolk now, and turned to the next point.

"What might we be able to expect her to throw at us, magic wise? And will Merlin be in any condition to help?" Gaius had never realised how proud he was of his adopted son till that moment. Knowing Arthur had just asked him to use magic openly in defence of the city was enough to bring tears to the old mans eyes, even if Merlin was still oblivious.

"I don't think you would be able to stop him from doing so my lord, whether he thinks he's fit enough or not." Arthur frowned at this, knowing full well his friend's penchant for throwing himself into danger, without care for himself. Yet another thing he would have to have words about. "As to what Morgana will do…that is entirely unpredictable, her strength has grown considerably, the fact she cast the spell at all is proof of that. I think the best person for working that information out would be Merlin, he has dealt with her for far longer. I do believe she will have the bloodguard with her though how many are left is anyone's guess. They are great swordsmen, trained from birth as defenders of the high priestesses and were usually also magic users. Some were quite strong." Arthur grimaced at the news, great just more questions. More situations to worry about. He really needed Merlin to wake up. Two days of doing without his idiotically wise council was driving him insane.