Chapter 16
Panting from exertion, Arthur stumbled down another twist in the path, another curve, another bend, until, to his relief, the Labyrinth's exit came into view. He could see nothing ahead except a stretch of beach and ocean. Waves crashed against the rocky shore.
He slowed down, lowered his sword, and stepped forward cautiously.
He blinked. Standing there, of course, was Anhora. For some explicable reason, there was a rickety table made of what seemed to be a few planks of driftwood slapped together set up on the shore, set two silver goblets. And sitting on a stump at the table was-
"Merlin?" he said disbelievingly.
Merlin met his eyes. "I'm sorry." he said simply. His face was drained of all color, and his eyes looked glassy.
Arthur turned to Anhora, who had remained quiet through their exchange. "Let him go," he demanded. "I'll take your test, but not till he's released."
"That is not possible," said Anhora. "Merlin is part of the test." He motioned to the empty stump at the table. "Please, sit."
When Arthur hesitated, he added, "If you refuse the test, you will have failed. Merlin will die. And Camelot will be destroyed."
Arthur set his sword down the table with a clatter, glaring at Merlin as he sat down.
"I thought I told you to stay home," he growled.
Merlin looked down, abashed.
Arthur shook his head wearily. "Let's get on with it."
Anhora nodded. "There are two goblets before you."
Arthur and Merlin examined the silver goblets covered in ornate engravings. "He can afford these, but he can't afford a decent table?" muttered Merlin to Arthur under his breath.
Arthur fought back a smirk. The two of them pasted innocent looks on their faces when Anhora looked at them severely.
"There are two goblets before you," he repeated. "One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk. But each of you may only drink from a single goblet."
Arthur looked at Merlin, who shrugged. Then he snorted and turned back to Anhora. "What kind of ridiculous test is that?" he said impatiently. "What does that prove?"
To his irritation, Anhora did not look the least bit angry. "What it proves is for you to decide," he said calmly. "If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted. Merlin will heal. Fail, and he dies, and Camelot will be destroyed."
He stepped back and folded his hands. Arthur eyed him suspiciously, but said nothing. Instead, he focused on the goblets.
"We need to really think about this."
"What if I drink from my goblet first?" suggested Merlin.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "If it's poisoned, you'll die, idiot."
Merlin ignored him and considered for a moment.
"No, that won't work," he said finally. "Because if it's not poisoned, that means you'll have to drink from the other cup, and you'll die."
"It sounds like that's the only outcome you care to avoid."
Merlin shrugged. "I'm dying anyway, aren't I?" he said matter of factly.
A sick feeling crept up Arthur's spine. "Don't say that," he snapped. He took a deep breath. "It's perfectly simple. One of us has to die. We need to find a way to determine which goblet contains the poison. Once we know for certain, I'll drink it."
"No!" Merlin looked horrified. "You're not dying for me."
"Like you haven't done the same for me?" Arthur shot back. "I seem to remember you drinking poison meant for me once before. It's my turn to return the favor."
"This is stupid, Arthur! Camelot needs their prince. As for me..." Merlin smiled grimly. "What's one less servant, after all?"
Arthur glared at him. "Your life is worth something, even if you don't think it is. Do you really think I would have set out on this blasted quest if I thought otherwise? What'll I have accomplished if you die? The whole reason I'm doing this is to keep you alive!"
"Only because you feel guilty!" countered Merlin. "You think it's your fault for trying to kill the unicorn."
"I feel guilty because I am guilty! We wouldn't be in this mess if I had just let that creature‒Merlin!"
A wave of pain and dizziness had washed over Merlin, and he swayed back and forth in his seat. "I'm fine," he panted, grasping the table with both his hands to keep himself steady.
Arthur glanced anxiously at the sheen of sweat dotting Merlin's brow. They didn't have much time. Merlin was struggling just to stay upright. They had to make a decision quickly.