A/N

Hatstand is an awesome beta, again, umm… I hate having to put up so many disclaimers every chapter but I don't own Merlin its characters or plots BBC does blah blah lol.

Arthur felt his grip on the ledge slipping. He tried to pull himself up, but he couldn't see a thing. Suddenly, a blue light filled the room and a glowing orb flew down and hovered in front of him. At first he thought it was the sorceress who'd come back to finish him off, but it just floated there lighting the way for him. Follow the light… the voice begged.

"Merlin…" he whispered. With one final burst of strength, Arthur pulled himself onto the ledge and the orb flew higher, illuminating more of the wall. He could practically hear it telling him to climb it; that there was a way out. He then stopped, the flowers a few feet above him, the hissing of hundreds of spiders frantically climbing the wall. He scrambled to reach the flower. His warriors instincts were screaming at him to leave the flower because he couldn't possible get the it and make it out of the cave alive. But 'protective older brother' mode was kicking in. He refused to leave without that flower!

When he was close enough, Arthur reached out to try and reach the flower, but his fingertips only just brushed the closest petals. Arthur grunted and leaned over as much as he dared as the spiders continued quickly climbing the wall towards him. He leaned over just a bit more and finally was able to grab one of the blooms. He carefully placed it in one of his pouches and continued climbing the wall. The light continued to guide him upwards; soon Arthur glimpsed a patch of sky and the orb flew out of the small opening, urging him on. With a final burst of speed Arthur scaled the final few feet and pulled himself out into the open. The spiders didn't follow him out of the caves, so Arthur ran back to his horse and galloped full speed back to Camelot.

Fear filled Uther's heart as he watched Merlin frantically gasp for the air he just wasn't getting. He prayed that Arthur would get back soon, if he got back at all.

"Arthur had better hurry," Gwen muttered. She and Evan had been trading places for the past couple days in watching over Merlin. Evan had left a few minutes ago, promising to check on Morgana for her.

"Merlin doesn't have much time," Gaius agreed dabbing Merlin's forehead with the cloth.

Uther had barely spoken since he'd found out that Merlin knew of his magic. He had always imagined how the conversation where he told Merlin about his magic would go. He never imagined Gaius would be the one to tell him everything, and now he wondered if he'd ever be able to tell Merlin anything again. His only consolation was that Arthur was probably alive; Merlin had stopped calling out for him hours ago, the strange orb fading back into nothing. Merlin had remained frighteningly silent throughout the morning. According to Gaius to the fever was taking hold.

"It's Arthur!" Gwen shouted, pointing out the window. Uther ran to the window and looked out. Sure enough, there was Arthur galloping at break-neck speed through the city.

"Gwen, go fetch some water. Quickly!" Gaius shouted at a surprised Gwen. She ran off, eager to comply.

Seconds later Arthur burst in, pulling a small yellow flower from his pouch as he walked over to Gaius. Gaius snatched the flower and pulled off a couple of leaves, mashing them in a small bowl. A moment later he froze, fear written across his face.

"Why have you stopped?" Arthur demanded, noting how shallow Merlin's breathing was.

"The poison was prepared with magic… what if magic is needed to make the antidote?" Gaius wondered.

"Just do it!" Uther hissed.

Gaius raised the bowl and muttered the spell under his breath, his eyes flashing gold. The contents of the bowl boiled for a minute before turning a dark green. Gaius set the bowl down just as Gwen returned, passing the water over to Gaius who poured a small amount in it before hurrying over to Merlin. He lifted Merlin's head up and tipped the cup against his lips.

"Swallow…" Gaius ordered Merlin who slowly drank it down. He lowered Merlin's head down again and waited nervously. Merlin took a painful gasp before slumping over completely still.

"He's not breathing!" Gwen shouted. Gaius placed his ear against Merlin's chest trying to listen for a heart beat.

"His heart's not beating," Gaius whispered, stunned. Gwen let out a weak sob, and Uther sank into the nearest chair, staring at Merlin; disbelief written plainly across his features. Gaius hugged Gwen tightly.

"It's my fault… I should have taken better care of him…" Gaius said softly.

Arthur's throat tightened painfully as he fought back tears.

"That's disgusting!"

A voice Arthur thought he'd never hear again. He turned back to Merlin, and a smile spread across his face.

"You're old enough to be her grandfather," Merlin added grinning weakly.

"Merlin!" Gwen exclaimed, flinging herself at Merlin and kissing him full on the lips. She broke away, blushing.

"I'm sorry…" she stammered.

"It's fine," Merlin assured grinning goofily.

Uther frowned at the strange display, but didn't have the heart to scold them. Merlin had died for a minute there.

Arthur couldn't stop himself; a laugh broke free, tears of mirth streaking his cheeks. He bent over and pulled Merlin into a tight embrace.

"Don't do dare die on me again," Arthur warned, "or I'll hunt you down and kill you. Again."

"I'll keep that in mind," Merlin assured, grinning.

Uther patted Merlin's shoulder.

"I'm glad you're alright," he said warmly.

"Me too," Merlin grinned.

Two days later, Merlin was sitting in his chambers in his favorite spot by the window when he heard someone come in. He assumed it was Evan and continued reading his book. For the past two days he had been under strict house arrest; he was banned from leaving his chambers and all of his food was tasted before being given to him. Merlin hated all the fuss he was getting, but knew that Uther had been shaken up by the whole ordeal and wisely chose not to complain.

"What? Not even 'thank you' for the man that saved your life?" Arthur asked teasingly.

Merlin raised his eyes up and was surprised to find Arthur standing casually in the middle of his chambers.

"Why didn't you come by yesterday?" Merlin demanded, then he noticed how dirty Arthur looked.

Arthur's face fell slightly. "Despite how happy he was to see you alive… Uther was not happy about me disobeying him…"

"What happened?" Merlin asked setting the book aside.

"I spent the night in the dungeons," Arthur said with a grimace.

"I'm sorry," Merlin muttered guiltily.

"It's not your fault," Arthur assured.

"Thank you for saving me," Merlin said.

"It's what family does for each other," Arthur replied with a shrug. "And I know you'd do the same."

Merlin grinned.

"What happened with Bayard?" he asked.

"Father let him go," said Arthur.

"Really?"

"I met a sorceress in the woods… managed to convince him that she was probably the one responsible…" Arthur replied. "I should thank you as well…"

"Why?" Merlin asked.

"There was… a light that showed me the way out of the caves when the witch left me to die… That was you wasn't it?"

"I thought that was a dream," Merlin admitted.

"It wasn't," Arthur replied. "You really are an idiot though; even when you're dying you seem to think it's your job to protect me."

"Who else is going to do it?" Merlin asked laughing. He knew that this wasn't the end; whoever the sorceress was, they'd see her again. But next time they would be ready.

End Notes

Great news! Lancelot is next! YESS I've really missed writing about the other knights, they are like my favorite! Let me know what you thought