Chapter 36
Estra found Arthur dozing by the fire he knelt and shook his shoulder to wake him.
"I bring news from your world Arthur," said the elf standing over him.
"Please sit," said Arthur. The elf sat by the fire, it had burned low but the sun was now high in the sky and the chill had gone.
"We asked the druids to see if they could find out what is happening in your world," said Estra.
"What have they heard?" asked Arthur.
"It is not good news, I'm afraid," he said. "An army is gathering in Essetir, but whether this is under Morgana's orders or the King of that land we do not know."
"Have you any news from Camelot?" asked Arthur.
"Your death has been declared and Guinevere is now queen. Many were injured in the battle at Camlann. A camp had been set up not far from battle plains to help those too badly wounded to return to the city. There were a lot of your men on the roads between Camlann and Camelot. Lott has not been idle, while Camelot's forces were scattered he sent men with enchanted poisoned arrows to ambush your patrols and those hit were dying. Nothing but sorcery could save them and your queen feared many would die of their injuries."
"That sounds just like Lott, he knows he won't defeat Camelot without some help," said Arthur.
"Your queen could not stand by and watch her people suffer. She has accepted the help of the Druids and those injured by sorcery are now being healed."
He nodded, "Has our message reached Camelot?" asked Arthur.
"Not yet" replied Estra, "but that is not yet expected"
"What about Merlin?" Arthur questioned seriously.
"Merlin has succeeded in his quest, he planted the crystal, and has returned. He is very weak… Alba is tending him by the stone circle and we will bring him here as soon as he has recovered."
"May I go to him?" asked Arthur relieved but concerned for his friend.
"I have come to take you to him, if you wish to go but be warned he is in a bad way and we do not know yet if he will recover," said Estra rising and helping Arthur to his feet.
They walked through the woods to the stone circle. Arthur was awed by the massive stones. The crystal was clear and beautiful like some strange flower. He could not see the shimmer like Merlin did but he still felt the magic of the place. He feels like he had walked into a dream.
He then saw a small tent set up in the clearing, the curtains at the front are drawn back. Merlin was lying on cushions inside, he looked old; the journey to the other world had aged him.
He looked more like the Merlin Arthur knew than the old man he had seen at Camlann but his hair was white and there were deep lines in his face. His face and hands were red and blistered and although he was covered with many blankets he was shivering so much his whole body shook. Alba was knelt down next to him chanting words that could be barely heard. She stopped and turned to Arthur beckoning him to come closer.
"Will he be alright?" asked Arthur.
"We hope so, he has done a great deed and we will do all in our power to save him," said Alba standing so Arthur could sit by his friend.
"He is so cold," said Arthur kneeling beside him and carefully taking his hand.
"We will build a fire as he must be kept warm," said Alba. Elves were already cutting away the turf and laying kindling near the tent.
"What is wrong with him?" asked Arthur looking at Alba.
"The world he went to drained him of his magic and poisoned him. His magic is returning but he must fight the poison or he will die before he is healed."
Estra produced a small vial of liquid, which Arthur looked at questioningly "This will help him to heal" Arthur nodded and Estra gently emptied the contents of the vial into Merlin's mouth.
The effect was immediate, Merlin stopped shaking, his hair started to darken and the lines began fading from his face. Arthur touched his arm and felt the warmth returning to his skin.
"I will be by the fire, call if there is any change," said Estra turning and leaving the tent.
Now the shivering had stopped Merlin seemed to find more strength. Arthur watched the blisters and welts on his skin started to heal.
Merlin seemed a lot warmer so he removed one of the blankets. Then he sat back down beside him waiting for him to wake up. Merlin started to mutter but Arthur couldn't hear the words. He moved his head from side to side then opened his eyes.
"Merlin?" asked Arthur, he doesn't seem to hear him. "Estra he's awake." He called out to the elf without taking his eyes from Merlin.
"Merlin, are you alright?" he asked again as Estra joined him in the tent.
Merlin blinked then looked at Arthur then Estra. He tried to speak but his throat was dry. Estra passed Arthur a cup of water. He lifted Merlin's head and Merlin took a sip of water.
"Arthur? You are dead." He said flatly, "Who are you?" he asked looking at Estra. "Am I dead?" he looked confused and uncertain.
"No Merlin you're not dead, you saved me remember?" Arthur said looking at his friend with concern.
"I saved you?" Merlin asked his eyes closing he lifted his hands as though to ward of a blow then his arms dropped and he fell asleep again.
"Is he alright?" asked Arthur. "Why can't he remember?"
"He is weak and he has been through a terrible ordeal. We should leave him to rest," said Estra.
"I'll stay with him," said Arthur looking back down at Merlin.
"As you wish, I will not be far, call if you need anything."