Mordred quietly crept through the hallways toward the kitchens. Ordinarily he would raid Gaius's pantry if he got hungry, but the pantry was empty and neither Gaius nor Merlin were up yet. Cook had a soft spot for children and would always give him food if he asked.

This way…this way…

Mordred stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't quite identify the whispered voice, and he somehow didn't think it was directed at him, but he was nevertheless intrigued. He abandoned his quest for food and headed toward the voice.

Unfortunately, Mordred heard nothing further, and he had to guess where the voice had come from. He was fairly certain it had been coming from an abandoned section of the castle, but he was at a loss as to where to go from there. Wandering around, he found an open door that revealed a cobweb-covered staircase. Footsteps approached, and he drew back into the shadows.

Morgana exited the staircase and closed the door, carrying a torch. She furtively looked around before walking down the hallway. Mordred briefly froze in surprise, then stepped out into view. "Morgana?"

Morgana jumped and nearly dropped the torch. "Mordred? What are you doing up so early?!"

"Got hungry. What are you doing up so early?"

"I…er…I had a dream," Morgana said quickly. "Bad dream. Didn't want to go back to sleep again."

Mordred frowned. "I thought the dreams stopped when Morgause gave you that bracelet."

Morgana glared at the bracelet as though it had offended her. "It's not blocking this one. I've been having the same dream, over and over. It must be an exceptionally powerful prophecy."

"What is it?" Mordred asked worriedly.

Morgana hesitated. "A woman sits on the throne of Camelot. A woman who has no right to it."

"A woman? Who?"

"I don't know. But whoever she is, I'm going to stop her," Morgana vowed.

"Can I help?" Mordred offered pleadingly.

"There's nothing to be done until I find the woman," Morgana replied. "Go eat breakfast."

About an hour later, Mordred joined Merlin to wake Arthur. Merlin opened the curtains while Mordred approached the bed. "Good morning, Arthur! Seen any suspicious-looking women recently?"

Arthur blinked open his eyes and rubbed his head. "Come again?"

"Have you seen any suspicious-looking women recently?" Mordred repeated.

Arthur glanced at Merlin, looking baffled. Merlin shrugged, equally confused by Mordred's line of questioning, and he turned to his brother. What's going on?

Mordred hesitated. Merlin would probably get ridiculously protective again if Mordred told him. I'm just curious.

Unaware of this exchange, Arthur also turned to Mordred. "Did you have someone specific in mind?"

"No, just…asking."

Arthur climbed out of bed. "Well, I haven't seen anyone suspicious. Why do you ask?"

"No reason," Mordred said innocently. "Just…be careful of strange women. You never know what they might be plotting."

Arthur stared at Mordred, then turned to Merlin again. "Has he had any potentially mind-altering remedies lately?"

[Not that I know of. Mordred, have you drunk any potions recently?]

"No!" Mordred protested. Then he realized that he needed some explanation for his bizarre behavior. "…maybe."

Merlin sighed. [Go see Gaius.]

Soon afterward, Merlin and Gwen served breakfast to the royal family. "What news from the northern borders?" Uther asked.

"There have been a number of minor skirmishes," Arthur reported. Gwen walked over to refill his goblet.

"You think Odin is testing our defenses?" Uther suggested.

Arthur did not respond, gazing dreamily at Gwen. He shifted his hand to brush hers.

"Arthur, are you listening?"

Arthur tore his gaze away from Gwen. "What's that?" He shifted his hand again and accidentally sent his goblet clattering to the ground.

"What on earth is wrong with you?" Uther exclaimed, sounding annoyed.

"Nothing. Sorry." Arthur bent his head over his plate. Briefly, Merlin could have sworn he saw Morgana scowl in Gwen's direction.

Mordred went to see Morgana after breakfast. "Have you had any ideas on how to find this mysterious woman?"

Morgana shook her head. "No, I really haven't a clue."

"Oh come on, isn't there anything I can do?" Mordred begged.

"No…actually, yes." Morgana began to look thoughtful. "The woman was sitting at Arthur's side. And we both know who really belongs there. We've got to make sure he stays totally focused on Gwen. Get them to spend some time together. You talk to Arthur, I'll talk to Gwen?"

Mordred nodded. "Okay."

Mordred immediately made his way to Arthur's chambers. Inside, Arthur was sitting at his table with a stack of reports and Merlin was sitting in the corner with several pairs of boots and a rag. When Arthur noticed Mordred, he paused in his writing. "No, I still haven't seen any suspicious-looking women."

"Sorry about that," Mordred said sheepishly. "I thought I was grabbing a headache tonic, and…I don't know what I grabbed."

"But you're better now?" Arthur prompted. "Not about to walk up to some random woman and accuse her of plotting against the crown?"

"I won't," Mordred promised. He walked over to Merlin and grabbed a pair of boots to help with the polishing. Once he was comfortably settled, he spoke again. "So…have you talked to Gwen lately?"

"I saw her yesterday in the market," Arthur replied. His eyes widened. "Why? Has she gone missing again?"

"No, no!" Mordred quickly assured. "It's just sad. You care so much about each other but you hardly spend any time together."

Arthur became very interested in his reports. "Don't know what gives you that idea."

"Oh come on, Arthur. I've never even had a sweetheart and I can see that you both like each other!"

"It doesn't matter," Arthur said firmly. "Nothing can ever come of it. She's a servant, and my father would have me marry for the good of the kingdom."

Merlin coughed. [Didn't we go over this when you were engaged to Elena? You called off the wedding because you didn't love her, but now you're refusing to consider a relationship with the woman you do love?]

"Besides, your father doesn't have to know," Mordred wheedled. "Just spend time with Gwen. You'll both be happier for it."

That evening, Merlin went down to Gwen's house to make plans. To his surprise, Gwen looked less than thrilled when he told her of Arthur's intentions. "Arthur wishes to spend the day with me?" Gwen repeated, sounding almost worried.

[I thought you'd be happy,] Merlin commented, confused.

"You're not the first person to suggest that today," Gwen replied, dumping some firewood into a basket. "Too many people know about us already. Cenred even knew, I'm sure of it. If word were to reach Uther's ears…"

[I'll take you to meet him outside the city,] Merlin suggested. [Arthur's willing to take the risk if you are.]

Gwen nervously wiped her hands on her apron. "Even outside the city walls we run the risk of being caught by a patrol."

Merlin sighed. [So, should I tell him you won't meet him?]

"No!" Gwen said quickly. "I just…I mean…" She trailed off.

[Gwen,] Merlin signed. [You like him.]

"Yes."

[And he likes you.]

"Yes."

[Isn't that all that really matters?]

Gwen broke into a small smile. "I suppose it is."

Merlin grinned, victorious. [Then I will come back in the morning.]

When Merlin returned to the physician's chambers, his brother was waiting for him. So, everything's all set? Mordred demanded.

Merlin smiled. Tomorrow morning, I will be setting up a picnic for two.

Excellent, Mordred said happily. Picnics are the first step to happily ever after.

Merlin broke into silent laughter. Slow down, Mordred. Even if they pursue a relationship, they can't get married so long as Uther's on the throne.

I know, Mordred defended. I didn't say they were going to get married tomorrow. But it's a step in the right direction.

It certainly is, Merlin conceded.

Once the picnic had been set up, Merlin went to Gwen's house. She emerged from behind a curtain, wearing a pale pink-and-white dress and an embroidered white shawl. Merlin stared at her, impressed.

"What?" Gwen said nervously.

Merlin smiled. [You look lovely.]

Merlin led Gwen to the picnic spot, where they were greeted with a rather amusing sight. Arthur stood inspecting his reflection in a metal platter, his back to them. Gwen stifled a giggle, and Merlin coughed as loudly as he could. Arthur jumped, dropped the platter and whirled around.

"Guinevere, you look…" Arthur trailed off, smiling at her.

After several moments of silence, Merlin coughed again. [I think he's trying to say you look nice.] Gwen laughed.

"Thank you, Merlin, that'll be all," Arthur commanded.

[Have fun!] Merlin smiled at them before departing.

Less than an hour later, Arthur and Gwen returned…escorted by Morgana and Uther. Uther immediately took Arthur into the council chambers for a private conversation. Confused and worried, Mordred approached Morgana. "What happened?!"

"I didn't realize…" Morgana fretted. "I was just out for a ride with Uther, we weren't supposed to…I didn't know where they were having their picnic!"

"Why would you even take Uther along?" Mordred asked, bewildered.

"He postponed the council just to spend time with me. How could I say no to that?"

"But couldn't you have done something in Camelot?" Mordred argued.

Morgana scowled. "Like what, sword fighting? Uther may have permitted me to learn the craft, but he still doesn't like it."

Mordred sighed. "I hope Arthur and Gwen aren't going to get in too much trouble."

Merlin waited in Arthur's chambers. Eventually, Arthur walked in, looking thoroughly depressed. "He banished her."

[What?!]

"My father has banished Guinevere, because apparently I 'cannot control my feelings'," Arthur explained sourly. "Her life is here, and she's done nothing wrong! This isn't fair!" He kicked a table in frustration, then sat down to nurse his injured toe. "And of course Morgana was with him. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find out she led him to us."

[How could she have done that?] Merlin objected. [It's not like I told her where you were!]

Arthur frowned. "Did you tell Mordred?"

[No, actually. All I ever said to him was that you and Gwen were having a picnic in the woods, I never specified where. He couldn't have gone and told her.]

"Maybe not, but he still could have told her that we were meeting," Arthur said bitterly.

[Well that's hardly his fault,] Merlin defended. [He had no reason to believe she would use that information against you, he didn't mean any harm.]

"Too many secrets," Arthur muttered. "Too many secrets, and they're tearing my life apart! I can't warn anyone about Morgana because I still have no proof, I can't be seen with Guinevere or else she gets banished from the city, and every time…" Abruptly, he stopped and shut his mouth.

[Every time what?]

"Nothing." Arthur dropped his gaze. "I don't know what to do."

At that moment, the door opened and Morgana walked in. "Arthur, I heard what happened. I can't tell you how sorry I am."

"She's your friend. How can…" Arthur swallowed, glaring at Morgana. "She doesn't deserve this. She's been your loyal servant for years, aren't you going to say anything in her defense?"

"You know your father never listens once his mind is made up," Morgana answered, looking upset. "I know it's hard, but…we must accept that we will never see her again."

"I can't accept that," Arthur growled. "I won't."

"But surely you have no choice," Morgana objected.

"There are always choices," Arthur insisted.

Morgana frowned. "What will you do?"

Arthur paused, apparently thinking, then stood up. "I'll leave with her."

"You're leaving Camelot?" Morgana said incredulously. Her eyes widened. "You'd give up your rights to the throne!"

Arthur shook his head, his expression full of determination. "One day we will return to Camelot together, and Guinevere will take her place on the throne beside me."

Morgana briefly looked horrified, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "I'm glad. I wish you all the best." She turned and left again.

Merlin coughed. [Are you sure it was a good idea to tell her that?]

Arthur scowled. "I want her to know that there is nothing she could ever do to split up me and Guinevere."

Merlin and Mordred approached Gwen's house, hoping to help her in any way they could, but they stopped when they heard raised voices coming from the around the side of the house. "You have a life here, Elyan, I can't possibly ask you to uproot yourself for me!" Gwen was saying.

"I never put down deep roots anyway!" Elyan retorted. "I'm not abandoning you again, Gwen, and that's final!" Merlin and Mordred rounded the corner of the cottage to see Gwen and Elyan facing each other underneath a clothesline.

"You won't have any roots if you do this!" Gwen fretted. "I don't even know where I'm going to go! I've spent my whole life in Camelot, it's all I know. I have nothing else!"

"Except me! All the more reason for me to come with you!"

Mordred cleared his throat. "Is this a bad time?"

Gwen whirled around. For some reason, she did not look particularly happy to have visitors. "Yes," she said somewhat snappishly. "I have a lot to do."

[I know,] Merlin agreed. [We were hoping we could help.]

"Thank you, but I'll manage," Gwen said curtly.

That night, Merlin entered Arthur's chambers and found guards ransacking the room. Arthur leaned against a bedpost and watched, looking highly annoyed. Merlin approached him. [What's going on?]

"My father has ordered my chambers to be searched," Arthur replied, his displeasure evident.

[What for?]

Arthur did not answer, instead choosing to snap at a guard who dumped out a container of writing implements. "You think I have a girl hiding in there?" Another guard pulled a small poultice out from under the prince's pillows, and Arthur stared at it in surprise. "What's that?"

Gaius was summoned before the king, who stood in the council chambers with a group of guards. Mordred followed his guardian into the room just as Uther handed the poultice to Gaius. "Is it magical?" Uther asked.

Gaius turned the poultice over in his hand. "I believe so. These are the symbols of the Old Religion."

"Could it have been used to cast an enchantment?"

"That would be one use of such a poultice."

"This enchantment, could it cause someone to fall in love?"

"It is entirely possible. May I ask where it was found?"

Uther took back the poultice. "It was discovered in Arthur's chambers. Find Morgana's maid and bring her to me immediately!" A pair of guards bowed and exited.

Mordred burst into Arthur's chambers, where Arthur and Merlin were packing some bags. "Arthur, they've arrested Gwen, they think she cast a love spell on you!"

"What?!" Arthur dashed out of the room, followed by Merlin and Mordred.

The guards readily opened the door to admit Arthur into the throne room. Inside, Gwen knelt before Uther, her hands tied behind her back. "What is the meaning of this?" Arthur cried.

Uther stood up and walked over to Arthur, holding out the poultice. "This…poultice was found under your pillow. It's some kind of love charm, you are under its spell."

"That's ridiculous," Arthur scoffed.

"What would you know?" Uther retorted dismissively.

"Because I know how I feel, I'm not enchanted."

"So can you tell me how it came to be in your room?"

Arthur glared at Morgana, who was leaning against a pillar. "You. You just couldn't let it go, could you. You just can't bear to see me happy!"

"Arthur, are you seriously suggesting I risked my life and soul studying magic just to keep you away from my maidservant?" Morgana demanded incredulously. Her gaze briefly drifted to Merlin. Mordred looked back and forth between Arthur and Morgana, entirely bewildered by this development.

"Oh, I've no doubt you've plans far more nefarious than that," Arthur said in a low, dangerous voice.

"Enough!" Uther snapped. "Until the spell is broken, I can't take anything you say as the truth." He turned back to Gwen. "Her father consorted with sorcerers!"

Gwen swallowed, close to tears. "My father was a good and innocent man, and you executed him!"

"So you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son?!"

"No!" Gwen protested.

"My lord!" Gaius cut in. "Whatever this poultice is, I don't believe that Gwen is responsible for magic."

"I don't care what you believe, Gaius," Uther retorted. "Arthur is under her spell, it's the only rational explanation for his behavior!"

"Father, you have to see reason," Arthur urged. "Guinevere has done nothing wrong!"

"She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. She will be burnt at the stake!"

"No!" Arthur cried, rushing forward.

"Restrain him!" Uther ordered. Guards quickly obeyed his command.

"You can't do this!" Arthur yelled.

"My lord, at least give her a fair trial!" Gaius added.

"I have all the evidence I need," Uther said coldly.

"I'm begging you," Arthur pleaded. "We will leave Camelot and never return. Just-just let us go! I relinquish my entitlement to the throne!"

For a few moments, the only sound was Gwen's slight intake of breath. Then Uther stepped forward. "My son would never do that. It is proof beyond doubt that you are enchanted." He gently put a hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"I will never forgive you for this," Arthur warned.

"She will die," Uther soothed. "The enchantment will be broken. You'll see I was right. Take her away." Guards picked up Gwen and began hauling her away.

"No! Guinevere!" Arthur cried desperately.

"Arthur! Arthur!" Gwen pleaded.

"No!" Arthur broke free of his own guards and managed to kiss Gwen before the guards pulled him off her. "I will always love you," he vowed.

Mordred sat in the physician's chambers, dazed. "I don't understand. Arthur's loved Gwen for ages, he can't be under a love spell."

"But their relationship is not common knowledge," Gaius said thoughtfully. "Perhaps whomever cast the spell did not realize it was unnecessary."

"Are you sure it was a love spell?" Mordred asked. "Maybe it was supposed to make him paranoid, why else would he think Morgana was responsible?"

[He probably just needs someone to blame,] Merlin interjected quickly. [Morgana was there when he was caught with Gwen. Without finding the actual sorcerer, Morgana would have been the easiest target for his anger.]

"So then we've got to find the real sorcerer," Mordred concluded.

Merlin shook his head. [We've only got one day. The only reason they're not executing her tomorrow is because they need to build the pyre first.]

"Well we've got to do something," Mordred muttered.

[Don't worry. We will,] Merlin promised.

In the morning, Merlin found Arthur despondently looking out his window at the courtyard, where construction of the pyre was well under way. Merlin walked up behind Arthur's shoulder and coughed. [We need to find a way to smuggle Gwen out of Camelot.]

"My father has me under constant watch," Arthur said helplessly. "There are guards outside and below in the square." A tear formed in the corner of his eye. "I can't watch her die, Merlin." He took a deep breath, seemingly prepared to say more, but the door opened again and Leon and Elyan walked in.

Leon closed the door behind him before speaking. "Do you have a plan, Sire?"

"A…plan?" Arthur repeated, confused.

Elyan nodded at Leon. "Gwen's and my mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together."

"Gwen is like the little sister I never had," Leon added. "I know she would not enchant you, Sire, and I would not see her dead. If there's anything I can do—"

"Anything we can do," Elyan cut in.

"—then let us know," Leon finished.

"Thank you," Arthur said sincerely. He was silent for a few moments, obviously thinking. "Leon, can you do anything to interfere with the changing of the guard in the dungeons? Perhaps delay the relief so that the dungeons will be unguarded for a few minutes?"

Leon nodded. "Consider it done."

"Good." Arthur walked over to his chest of drawers and pulled out a key ring. He removed a key and handed it to Merlin. "Bring her a meal. Hide this in the food and tell her the plan."

"What about me?" Elyan demanded.

"Pack up her things and get them out of the city. There's a clearing, near the south gate. She'll know where it is."

[And I'll tell her to meet him there?] Merlin guessed.

"Yes, she'll meet him there," Arthur confirmed. "Are we all clear?" Everyone nodded.

Gaius had gone out on his rounds, so Mordred took full advantage of his guardian's absence. First, he made up a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur's chambers. Then he pulled out the spellbook to look for a spell that would suit his purposes. Finally, he found one…but it was far more powerful and complex than any spell he had ever attempted before. It was an incredibly risky plan, but he had no choice—there simply wasn't enough time to find the real sorcerer, not when he had absolutely no leads.

Guards opened the door to let Merlin enter Gwen's cell, then promptly closed it behind him. Merlin set down the tray. [Don't worry. We're going to get you out of here.]

"We?" Gwen repeated warily.

[Arthur, Elyan, Leon and me,] Merlin explained. [We've got a plan.]

"Really?" Gwen said, sounding skeptical. Her voice took on an accusing tone. "Tell me, Merlin, why were you so insistent that I spend time with Arthur despite the risks?"

[Because I want the two of you to be happy,] Merlin defended, hurt. [Do you honestly think I would have sold you out?]

"I don't know what I believe any more," Gwen muttered. "All I know is I can't trust anyone, except maybe Arthur and Elyan."

[Well fine!] Merlin snapped, now irritated. [Don't trust me, trust them!] He glanced over his shoulder to make sure none of the guards were looking, then he pulled out the key. [Arthur gave me this to give to you. Leon will interfere with the changing of the guard tonight and Elyan will meet you in the clearing by the south gate. Think what you like of me, but take the key and seize your chance when it comes. What have you got to lose?]

Merlin returned to Arthur's chambers and found the prince standing in the hallway outside, arguing with his guards. Merlin stood behind the guards and caught Arthur's eye. [She's got the key.]

Arthur nodded almost imperceptibly, then looked at the guards again. "Well you're just useless, aren't you!" he shouted. With that, he turned around and stormed back into his chambers, followed by Merlin.

To their shock, a white-haired man in a red robe stood by Arthur's bed, loudly incanting a spell. Recovering quickly, Arthur quietly drew his sword and snuck up behind the man. Once he was close enough, he put the sword point to the man's back. "Show yourself. Who are you?"

The man slowly turned around, revealing a wrinkled face, a scraggly beard, and a poultice in his hand. "There are some who call me…Tim?" he said hesitantly, as if he himself was unsure of his name.

Merlin narrowed his eyes. There was something very familiar about Tim.

"Is it you who planted the poultice in my bed?" Arthur demanded.

Tim glanced at the poultice. "Alas, you have caught me red-handed. I have no choice but to confess!"

Arthur tightened his grip on his sword. "And did you act alone, or do you have an accomplice?"

Tim smiled smugly. "I acted alone."

"You sure about that?" Arthur asked threateningly.

"Entirely sure," Tim insisted. "I suppose your father will have to release that poor, innocent girl now that you've caught me."

"I should run you through where you stand," Arthur growled.

Merlin quickly stepped forward to stand beside Tim, who immediately looked at Merlin. [Not so fast, Arthur. We need him to stand trial and tell your father that Gwen is innocent.] Tim sagged ever so slightly in seeming relief.

"Very well," Arthur relented through gritted teeth. "Guards!"

Merlin turned to the old sorcerer, narrowing his eyes again. You knew how I would talk. You understood me.

Don't be ridiculous, Tim retorted dismissively as guards entered the room. We've never met. The guards seized Tim and began hauling him toward the council chambers, followed by Merlin and Arthur.

And you also weren't the least bit surprised when I used mind speech, Merlin continued. Mordred, just what do you think you're doing?!

Saving Gwen! Mordred snapped, abandoning the pretense. There's no time to find the true sorcerer, so I invented one! As soon as Uther releases Gwen, I'll change back and escape!

Well you'd best hope the spell holds until then! Merlin said anxiously. Aging spells are highly unpredictable, even I wouldn't have dared try one!

No offense, but you couldn't pull off this plan anyway, Mordred grumbled. It kind of requires talking out loud.

We have a plan to break Gwen out of the dungeon, Merlin retorted. A far less risky venture than you purposely getting arrested for sorcery!

If you just break her out of the dungeon, she'll have to spend the rest of Uther's reign living in hiding! Mordred snapped. My plan clears her name completely!

Merlin sighed worriedly and said nothing further, recognizing the futility of trying to make his brother see reason. He only hoped that Mordred hadn't overestimated himself.

All too soon, they reached the council chambers. Inside, Uther, Gaius and Morgana stood around a table with a group of councilors. Arthur led the way in. "Father."

"Arthur." Uther frowned as he caught sight of Mordred. "Who is this?"

"He is the sorcerer." Arthur handed the poultice to Uther. "I found him placing this under my pillow."

Morgana stared at Mordred, looking baffled and unnerved. I'm Mordred, he told her. This was the only way I could think of to clear Gwen's name.

Before Morgana could reply, Uther spoke to Mordred. "Is this true?"

"Yes."

"What did you hope to achieve with this…enchantment?"

Mordred glanced at Arthur. "If Arthur were to fall in love with a lowly serving girl, it would…bring shame on Camelot."

There was silence for several moments. "Have I wronged you in some way, old man?" Uther eventually asked, sounding genuinely mystified.

"My family was killed on your orders," Mordred answered in a low voice. "They were good and innocent people who never did any harm to anyone. You are blinded by your hatred of magic. You, Uther Pendragon, are a stupid, arrogant old tyrant!"

Aggravatingly, Uther looked entirely unperturbed by the rant. Arthur, on the other hand, was less calm. "You will hold your tongue!" he snapped.

Mordred rounded on Arthur. "And you! Take care not to hang on his every word, lest you find yourself as hated and feared as your father!" Guards quickly pulled him away from the prince.

Uther still looked unfazed. "The serving girl, she's your accomplice?"

Mordred shook his head. "I enchanted her too. The girl is entirely innocent."

"My lord, he has confessed," Arthur said hopefully.

"Release the girl," Uther commanded, somewhat reluctantly. He looked back at Mordred. "Tomorrow at dawn you will take her place on the pyre. Take him away." The guards obediently led Mordred to the dungeons.

Merlin was halfway to the dungeons when he found himself dragged into an alcove. "How could you let him do that?" Morgana demanded, almost frantically. Merlin pulled himself out of her grip, though she barely seemed to notice. "Aging spells are notoriously difficult, it's a wonder his disguise hasn't failed already!"

[You honestly think I'd let him publicly confess to sorcery?] Merlin retorted. [I had no idea what he was up to until Arthur and I found him planting the poultice! If this is anyone's fault, it's yours, Morgana. I think we both know who planted the first one.]

"Oh, don't act so innocent," Morgana snarled. "You've clearly been telling Arthur things I expressly warned you never to repeat to anyone. Why else would he accuse me?"

Merlin glared coldly at her. [You really think Arthur would have taken my word for it? Morgana, I swear on Mordred's life, he drew his own conclusions.] Morgana wavered uncertainly. [Now if you'll excuse me, my little brother has been sentenced to death and I intend to visit him in the dungeons.] Merlin stepped out of the alcove and continued on his way.

Footsteps followed behind him. "I'm coming with you," Morgana stated. "I will not let him die."

Mordred was beginning to panic now. He kept trying to break the spell, but it was no use. He still looked (and felt) eighty years old. He might actually have to face the pyre tomorrow, and that was a horrifying thought.

"Mordred!" a voice hissed from behind him. He turned around and saw Morgana and Merlin standing outside his cell.

Mordred approached the bars, close to tears. "I can't break the spell. It's too powerful."

[Try again,] Merlin urged.

Mordred shook his head. "I have tried, it's no use. I'm stuck like this. Please, do you know any other way to break it?"

Merlin glanced at Morgana. [I once read about a potion that can undo transformations.]

Mordred's eyes lit up. "Can you make it?"

[I'll do my best,] Merlin promised. [But it takes a long time to make.]

"How long?" Morgana asked worriedly.

[Quite possibly longer than we have.]

Morgana turned back to Mordred. "Buy as much time as you can. We'll make the potion."

When Merlin and Morgana entered the physician's chambers, Gaius immediately stood up. "Merlin, my lady! Have you seen Mordred?"

"Yes, Gaius, and so have you," Morgana said grimly. "He's currently in the dungeons, set to be executed for casting a love spell on Arthur."

"What?!" Gaius gasped.

[The potion that undoes transformations,] Merlin signed. [Do you remember where the recipe is?]

"I believe it's in the book of Gala," Gaius replied, still shaken. "But I fear it will take—"

"Longer than we have, I know," Morgana finished. "We've got to try!"

"Yes, we do," Gaius agreed worriedly.

In the morning, Mordred fearfully watched through his window as the courtyard slowly grew brighter. A crowd of people began gathering around the now-completed pyre.

Eventually, the cell door opened. Mordred turned around to see that Arthur had entered the cell. "It's time."

"Wait!" Mordred cried desperately. "There are…other crimes I wish to confess!"

Arthur gave him a funny look. "What difference does it make? You're about to be burnt at the stake. We can't execute you twice." He jerked his head at the guards, and they escorted Mordred out of the cell.

Merlin, please tell me you're almost done with the potion! Mordred called frantically.

We just finished it, Merlin replied. Just hold out a little longer.

They're already escorting me to the square! Mordred fretted.

I'm on my way, Merlin replied instantly.

Drums played as Mordred entered the courtyard. Warily, he looked around at the crowd. There was no sympathy on the faces of the onlookers; they all believed him to be a complete stranger who had tried to bring shame on their beloved prince. Sick of seeing their anger, Mordred looked up at the balcony. Morgana walked out to stand by Uther, looking slightly disheveled.

The guards halted several paces from the pyre. Uther spoke, loud enough for all to hear. "You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. In accordance with our law, you will be burnt at the stake. Let this serve as a lesson to all those who seek to destroy Camelot."

Over here! Merlin called. Mordred turned to see Merlin finish pushing his way through the crowd on his left.

Mordred immediately broke free of the guards and lunged at Merlin, shouting dramatic threats. Guards quickly pulled him off his brother, but not before he grabbed the potion and hid it in his sleeve. The guards gripped him more tightly and began leading him up to the pyre while he loudly swore revenge.

"Are you all right, Merlin?" Arthur asked worriedly.

[I'm fine,] Merlin replied, pretending to be shaken.

Mordred incanted a spell under his breath, causing the pyre to burst into tall flames. Everyone at the front of the crowd drew back in shock, including the guards. Mordred used the distraction to break free and force his way through the crowd.

"After him!" Arthur cried, following Mordred. Merlin joined the pursuit.

Mordred ran through the nearest door into the castle, immensely grateful to find it nearly deserted. He ducked into the first alcove he found and drained the potion. He stared at his wrinkled hands, desperately hoping they would turn back to normal.

Mordred? Merlin called. Which way did you go?

Left!

Merlin nudged Arthur and pointed to the right. [There, I thought I saw something!]

"This way!" Arthur ordered, taking the guards in the direction Merlin had indicated.

After several corridors, it became apparent that there was simply no one there. "Merlin, are you sure he went this way?" Arthur demanded.

[No…but he's a doddery old man, he can't have got far.]

A few moments later, Mordred ran up, looking like himself again. "I just saw the old man heading toward the kitchens!"

"And you didn't try to stop him?" Arthur said incredulously.

"I thought you all wanted me to stop taking risks like confronting sorcerers!"

Arthur sighed and motioned to the guards again. "Come on!"

Merlin waited until Arthur and the guards were out of sight, then pulled Mordred into a fierce embrace. Don't ever do that again.

Mordred winced. Believe me, I don't plan to.

The brothers began walking back to Gaius's chambers, but they didn't get far before Morgana came up to them and also hugged Mordred. "Oh god. I could have lost you…"

"Don't worry, I've no desire to repeat the experience," Mordred replied, his voice muffled by Morgana's shoulder.

Morgana pulled away to look him in the eye. "You'd better not."

Later in the day, Gwen approached Merlin. "Merlin, I…believe I owe you an apology. I was stressed, I shouldn't have accused you like that."

Merlin smiled at her. [It's all right. God knows you had every right to be stressed.]

"Yes." Awkward silence stretched out as Gwen continued to stand there. "Anyway, thank you for trying to break me out."

[Of course. You've got plenty of people who care about you, Gwen.]

Merlin had just reached Arthur's chambers when he saw Morgana leaving. She shot him a hateful glare before continuing on her way. Concerned, Merlin entered the room and found Arthur leaning against a table, a scowl on his face.

[What did Morgana want?] Merlin asked, worried.

"Wanted to figure out how much I know about her," Arthur explained bitterly.

[And what did you tell her?]

"Told her I was so afraid for Gwen, I wasn't thinking rationally. And then I apologized for accusing her."

[You think she bought it?]

Arthur sighed. "I don't know. I'll have to be doubly cautious around her from now on."

A/N: As awesome as Dragoon is, Mordred had a point—it simply wasn't feasible for Merlin to pull that off in this universe.