hapter 27

As we walk back to Gaius' chambers I glance around making sure nobody is in hearing distance. I tug on Merlin's jacket pulling him to the side, out of sight.

"Merlin. I heard the boy as well," I tell him in an urgent whisper. Merlin looks confused.

"He spoke to you as well?"

"No." I shake my head, trying to word this right. "No, Merlin. I heard him talking to you. And I heard you respond."

"You heard him speaking to me in my mind? Do you think it has something to do with being a Vessel?"

"What else could it be?" I shrug. "The dragon said we would be connected. But how was that boy speaking to you? Does he have magic?"

"I think so. He's a druid but I've never heard of someone speaking to another telepathically."

We do as I suggested, going back to Gaius's chambers to try and get some information out of the physician. Merlin sits on a seat at the table and I take a seat on the table itself, legs dangling off the edge, the physician working on a remedy. The warlock and I look at each, both asking how we would bring the topic up casually. Eventually, I'm the one to bite it.

"So Gaius," I begin slowly. "I heard they captured a Druid in Camelot today. I don't know much about the druids, we didn't have them in my home," I finish, hoping I directed my words to encourage him to share anything he knows.

"There's not much to say about them really. They're a secretive bunch of people, even more so now that they are being hunted by Uther."

"What for?"

"Magic. They are known for practising it." He sighs, turning around to look at us. "Please tell me you two haven't gotten mixed up in all this."

"Me Gaius?" I gasp, "Never."

"You're just as bad as him!" Gaius exclaims, shoving an accusing finger at Merlin.

"Well I'm not involved so don't worry," Merlin defends.

"You're both liars," the physician retorts.

"We haven't done anything," Merlin pushes, my own mind wondering if maybe I am a terrible liar after all.

"Merlin…"

"I heard the boy calling out. He was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear him…like he was inside my mind," Merlin explains, fascinated.

"Yes, I've heard of this ability. The druids look for children with such gifts to serve as apprentices. While they're searching for this boy you must be especially careful otherwise it'll be your head on the chopping block. I don't trust Elena enough to keep you out of trouble either."

Rather than being offended, I shrug in agreement.

"We're always careful. You know us."

"Unfortunately."

Merlin and I head down into the city for Gaius, picking up supplies.

"Shouldn't you be doing this for Arthur right now?" I ask, considering it is the middle of the day.

"Yes," Merlin replies. "But he can survive without me for a day."

"But will you survive. Maybe he'll be generous and just put you in the stocks again," I tease. "You're like a reoccurring show for them."

I am expecting a witty comeback, as Merlin is full of sass but he's silent. I look at him, his concentration already taken by something else. Following his line of sight I see the royal guards poking around in a hay cart with long metal poles.

"We should go check on them," Merlin mutters.

Merlin and I enter Morgana's chamber, Gwen nowhere to be seen. I crouch by the boy, brushing his hair out of his face as he stares at me. Morgana and Merlin speak to each other but I don't hear their conversation.

"You are a Vessel," the boy speaks, in my mind. I look to Merlin to see if he heard anything but he's still conversing with Morgana. The boy is talking just to me.

"That's what I've been told," I reply, hoping he would hear me.

"Your people are sacred among mine."

"You mean the druids?"

"Yes."

He doesn't say anything more, and I don't reply not entirely sure what I should say.

"Why are you helping him?" Morgana enquires.

"It was a spur of the moment decision," Merlin lies. "What do you think we should do with him? He can't stay here."

"We need to find a way to get him out of the castle and back to the druids," I answer for Morgana. "But we need to think about this. Our heads are already on a chopping block."

"Yes, we do," the Ward agrees. "I am dinning with Uther. Come back tomorrow and we can talk."

Merlin and I split ways to our respective chambers. I walk with my head down, my mind occupied with thoughts of the druid boy, running through ideas on how to get him out.

"Well, well, well," a voice sings in front of me. Breaking from my thoughts I see Torj and Castor standing in front of me, their red cloaks sitting gracefully on their shoulders. Torj is smiling gleefully at me while Castor frowns, muttering under his breath.

"What?" I ask, looking between them.

"I knew you would," Torj smirks.

"Knew I would do what?" I ask, worry starting to pile up. Did they know about the druid boy? Would they say anything? They wouldn't tell Uther. But they are sworn to the King. They don't answer, just continue staring at me. "Seriously guys. Tell me," I demand, not finding the situation as funny as Torj.

"Thanks for making my pockets about twenty five gold pieces heavier," he beams, patting his side.

"Wha-. Oh." Oh this is just embarrassing. "I've got to go," I mutter, striding past them, brushing against Castor's cloak.

"We had a deal!" Castor yells back over Torj's now booming laughter. I jog a little, running into my door and slamming it behind me. I hadn't seen Leon since yesterday and I wasn't sure what I would say to him when I did. I lean against the door, sliding to the ground. I repeatedly bang my head against the wood, begging to forget that moment ever happened.

The next day rolls around quickly and I had been called to see the King in the morning for a fitting which I spent most of my morning on, working away at it so I could spend the afternoon with the boy and Morgana. Afternoon has come, and I haven't even left my room since coming back from the King's chambers, the day wasted sewing. Finishing mending the clothes together I exit my chambers and grab the nearest servant passing by.

"Deliver these to the King," I tell him, not waiting for a response before heading over to Gaius' chambers.

"Merlin," I call, knocking on the door.

"I'm here," he responds, jogging out to meet me. "Let's go."

Entering Morgana's chambers we stride over to the boy. He lies down unconscious, sweat pooling on his head and slight shiver. Merlin places a hand to the boy's forehead.

"He's burning up. How long has he been like this?"

"Since early morning," she informs us, looking at the boy worriedly. "I think his wound may be infected. We need Gaius before it gets any worse."

"No. we can't involve Gaius. It's too dangerous. Besides, if he finds out about this, he'll execute me himself."

"We need to get him out of Camelot, and we can't do that while he's sick. We need a physician."

"We don't need a physician," I say, thinking deeply. "We just need a book. Gaius has plenty. Surely one of them will say something about treating infections. We can get the things we need from him as well."

A knock at the door breaks our conversation. We look at each other, Morgana acting first and shutting the curtains, blocking us from view.

"Arthur! To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Merlin and I lean out, my head and neck bending under his arms to see.

'Don't get all excited. It's not a social call. I'm looking for the Druid boy. I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers."

"You're not searching my chambers," Morgana commands but the Prince is already opening cupboards.

"Don't take it personally. I have to search the entire castle. Only take a few minutes."

"I'm not having you mess up my things," Morgana argues.

"I'm not interested in your things," Arthur jeers. "I'm just looking for any evidence that the Druid boy's in the castle."

My eyes land on a pair of boots, which are most certainly not Morganas. I knock Merlin's shoulder, pointing at them through the curtain.

"Bestepe 'scós," Merlin whispers. His eyes glow golden and simultaneously, my mark on my right arm, the one that I got in the forest burns, flaring up as the spell is cast. Just as quickly as it comes, it stops. It felt like an unseen force just soared through my body.

"Really, I'm touched by the confidence you have in my abilities. And, as much as I'd love to stay and talk, the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be finished. I watch the boots tiptoe across the floor but Arthur moves again.

"Gestælle scós," Merlin casts, the boots moving back towards a column. Just as before, the mark on my arm burns, though it is not painful. It feels more like hot water, a warmth spreading through it. Once Arthur turns around again, for a third time, Merlin uses his magic. "Ástýre scós," and once again, the mark burns.

"Well, I'll save you the trouble."

"Trust me, if I could find him, I would."

"The Druid boy's hiding behind the screen," Morgana states. Merlin and I lean back away from the curtain, my hands grasping his back, ready to pull him out of the way if necessary. "I'm sure your father would love to know how you wasted your time by rifling through my things. Go on," she eggs him. The warlock and I comprehend what she is doing, relaxing my grip more, my head resting on his shoulder to peek back out over him.

"So you can have the satisfaction of making me look like a fool?" Arthur drawls.

"Doesn't need help there," I mutter in Merlin's ear, his hand squeezing my knee, telling me both to keep quiet and that he agrees.

"In my experience, you don't need any help looking like a fool. What are you waiting for? Take a look," she taunts.

"Why don't you go back to brushing your hair, or whatever it is that you do all day?" Arthur mocks.

"Sexist pig," I mutter.

"Bye, Arthur. Good luck with your search," she taunts again as the footsteps leave.

Waiting a few minutes before we come out, we leave to go back to Gaius' chambers to get something to help the druid boy. Merlin scrambles through the physician's books, unable to read the writing myself. I could if I can concentrate but this is not the time to be looking at it letter by letter.

"Bites, bruises, burns, wounds…infections."

"What does it say?" I ask, leaning over to look. Merlin reads off the list of supplies, and I go around with a small back picking them out from Gaius' collection. "Here." I hand over the bag, making sure we have everything at the same moment that Gaius enters the quarters.

"Ah, there you are. Merlin, I need you to pick some heather for me."

"Er, can I do it later. I was just helping Elena with something," Merlin counters. Gaius peers down at the book we left open on the table.

"Who set this book out?"

"It was me," I say. "I was interested in some things and Merlin was happy to help me."

"You got Merlin interested in my work, why, I'd nearly given up hope."

"No, it's fascinating," Merlin lies.

"Merlin, you are a riddle wrapped up in a mystery."

"That's me. I was just getting some cleaning supplies, Elena is helping me with some of Arthur's chores. He's been complaining about the state of his chambers."

"I think Arthur's chambers can wait. I'm not missing the chance to begin your education."

"Really, I should go."

"Sit! We'll start with some basic anatomy." Merlin hands me the pouch, signalling for me to go as Gaius lugs a ginormous book onto the table, making the dust fly up. The physician notices me slowly making my way to the exit.

"Elena! You're the one who was interested in the first place, you'll find this fascinating," Gaius calls, gesturing for me to take a spot next to Merlin.

"I guess I was," I mutter, sitting down.

Gaius rambles on, reading from the book. How could someone be so passionate about anatomy is beyond me. After twenty minutes, I feel like I'm in a lecture hall again, my head slowly falling down until I'm leaning against Merlin, unable to lift my head. My eyes close, trying to preserve my energy. Merlin's fingers flick my side, trying to keep me awake but they are useless.

My eyes snap open, awakening from the heavy bang of the book closing. Merlin's head snaps up from resting on his hands. I wipe drool off the side of my mouth.

"That was just some light information, we can start learning more in detail later," Gaius says, putting the book away.

"Thank you, Gaius. Looking forward to it," I tell him, pulling Merlin up. "Did he not see us fall asleep?" I whisper into his ear.

"No, he was too caught up in the book."

We sprint to Morgana's chambers, who opens the door frantically.

"What took you so long?"

"Sorry. Once Gaius gets talking about anatomy, there's no stopping him." He bends down, using what we bought to make a paste for the wound.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"I'm doing my best," Merlin retorts.

"I'll get you some more water."

"Thank you, Emrys" I stare at the boy, but he's looking at Merlin. Why did he call him Emrys?

"Emrys? Why do you call me that?"

"Among my people, that is your name."

"You know who I am. How?"

"He knew what I am too," I whisper to him. Morgana shows back up with her water.

"I don't know if he can't speak, or… he's just too scared to."

I wrap up Merlin's work and we leave Morgana and the boy for the night, already past my normal sleep routine. I go to leave but Merlin drags me down through the Tunnel Corridor into the dragon's cave.

"Hello?" he calls out. My hands wrap around myself, the chill of being so far down in the night chilling my bones. Unlike last time I met Kilgharrah, there are no sounds of wings flapping or a chain rattling. The dragon materialises from behind a large boulder, roaring. I shriek, back up into Merlin's chest who stands behind me. His hand wraps around my chest but he sighs, releasing me as he sees the dragon.

"Do you have to do that? You scared the life out of us?" he exclaims. I step to the side, behind Merlin who is a lot more confident in the presence of the dragon.

"The young warlock and his Vessel. No doubt you're here about the Druid boy," the creature replies, flying over to his rock in front of us, the heat of his breath hitting me and warming me up.

"How did you know?"

"Like you, I hear him speak."

"Why does he call me Emrys?"

"Because that is your name."

"I'm pretty sure my name's Merlin, always has been," Merlin counters.

"You have many names."

"Do I? How does the boy know who I am? I've never even met any Druids."

"There is much written about you that you have yet to read. You should not protect this boy."

"Why? He has magic. He's just like me," Merlin argues.

"You and the boy are as different as day and night."

"What do you mean?"

"Heed my words, Merlin."

"Why should I not protect him?" Merlin cries out but the dragon doesn't answer, flying away leaving me with the frustrated warlock.

"You are getting a collection of names. Merlin. Emrys. Meistr," I note mindlessly, counting off on my fingers. "I should start making a list to keep track."

"Let me know when you've written it," he teases. He sighs, brow furrowing. "I don't know what to do. He's just a kid."

"Merlin I'll be honest. I don't know either. But whatever you chose, I'll help. I think we should help him but the dragon knows things we don't." The topic of the Druid boy reminds me of the events in Morgana's chambers. "Merlin. When you cast that spell, back in Morgana's room, my mark – I felt it."

"I felt it too," Merlin nods, searching my eyes. "Usually my magic, it feels like it just comes from around me. But this time – this time, I felt it come from you. It was amazing! It felt so pure. You were the source of my power."

"So was it like Kilgharrah said?" I question, wondering what impact I actually had on him.

"Exactly," Merlin gushes. "Magic has always felt natural but that was powerful. Like it was supercharged."

"That's amazing," I exclaim but sober as I realise that we've come to the door to the physician's chamber. "What are you going to do?"

Merlin looks away from me, to the door, closing his eyes for a moment. "He will die if we don't." He pushes the door open, muttering a greeting to Gaius. I follow him over to the stairs to his room, sitting on the step below. Gaius muddles around with his things, packing his physician's pouch.

"The search for this Druid boy is becoming a real nuisance. With all the extra security around the castle, it's taking me twice as long to do my round," he complains. Merlin and I don't answer. Merlin watches Gaius, the internal debate visible in his eyes. I wait for him to speak, wanting him to make the decision which I would follow. "Is everything ok?"

"Morgana's hiding the Druid boy in her chambers," he says solemnly.

"When you say that Morgana's hiding the Druid boy, I take that means that you are both helping her?"

"Hey, why assume I am?" I scoff. Gaius gives me a pointed look.

"Sort of," Merlin agrees.

"Merlin, you promised me you wouldn't get involved. Not only are you risking your own life, but Elena's as well." Not that I care about risking my life right now, not if it was for Merlin.

"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't even want to drag Elena into it, she was just there."

"Every guard in Camelot is searching for this boy, and you're harbouring him under their very noses. Can't you see how dangerous that is? What were you think of?"

"Was I supposed to hand him over to the guards to be executed?" Merlin counters.

"You think you can save this boy? What happens if one of you get caught? Who's going to save you."

I can. Kilgharrah said I could. I just don't know how yet.

"Gaius. I'm sorry, truly I am. But he is dying. He's a child and he hasn't done anything wrong except be alive. You helped Merlin, you know about me. What makes this boy different is that his power is known to Uther but that doesn't make his life any less than ours," I say, standing up to plead my case.

"So now you want me to risk my neck too? I wish the boy no harm, but it's too dangerous."

"If you don't you're practically handing him his own death," Merlin says. It is harsh, especially since Gaius is right – we are risking his life as well asking for this but I couldn't stand by, just like Merlin. "You didn't turn your back on me, so please don't turn your back on him."

The guilt trip works, however unpleasant it makes me feel inside as Gaius agrees to come to see the boy. He unwraps the bandage, inspecting the poultice and wound.

"I will treat the boy, but as soon as he's well, you must get him out of Camelot. And woe betide anyone caught helping him."

"Of course Gaius, if anything goes wrong I will take the blame for healing him," I say. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this. We wouldn't have if we had any other option."

"It's alright my dear. But we do know one thing for certain."

"What's that," Merlin wonders.

"You are no physician," he says making me giggle at Merlin's offended face.

Gaius leaves us, not wanting to stay too long and I thank him again. The remaining four of us (Gwen present) head down to the lower town to hatch a plan of escape in a more inconspicuous area. Guards are everywhere, inspecting every wagon, bush and home.

"The guards are searching everyone leaving the town," Gwen observes.

"So we can't leave through hiding in plain sight. They would search us even if we have nothing to hide," I add, biting my finger. "We need a secret way, one where there is no guards."

"There is another way out," Merlin announces. "There's a secret door in the armoury. It leads to the lower town. I'll take the boy out that way."

"No. It's too dangerous. I'll do it," Morgana argues just as I was about to offer to come along.

"But-I-I'm good with secret doors and things."

"If you're caught, Uther will have you executed. The boy's my responsibility. I'll smuggle him out of the castle."

"She's right Merlin. I can't help you if you get caught. Morgana has a chance if it goes wrong," I plead with Merlin. He sighs, nodding.

"Well, you'll need a key for the door."

"Who has it?"

"Arthur."

Merlin comes up with a plan, having to wait until Arthur is back in his chambers, alone with Merlin. I go with Morgana to wait in her chambers, spending the spare time designing a new dress for her with some spare paper and ink. Gwen has gone home, retrieving one of her dresses for Morgana to wear.

My hand sketches along with the paper mindlessly filling in lines. The mark on my arm burns again, my quill dropping in surprise.

"Are you alright?" Morgana asks as she sits near the boy.

"Yes, just poked myself," I lie, eyes glancing down to it. Unlike before, where it was just a pure feeling of warmth, this time it burns more into a stinging sensation. Merlin was doing magic. Why does it sting? It goes away slowly until I feel nothing at all except the pull towards Merlin, a feeling which I have already become accustomed to. I yawn, feeling drowsy and no longer motivated to continue drawing.

Gwen enters, handing a dress to Morgana.

"Thank you, Gwen," she says, going behind a makeshift screen to change. Coming back out, it is weird seeing Morgana in such a plain dress, her hair tied back in a low bun. "It'll have to do," she adds, sighing as she looks in her mirror. "I feel I've put you in danger without ever stopping to ask how you feel about it. I'm sorry," she apologises to Gwen who doesn't look upset.

"I know how it feels to face the threat of execution. And I wouldn't wish that on anyone." The memory of her near-death experience makes my heartache, imagining either her or that boy on the execution block. A knock at the door halts these thoughts.

"It's Merlin," the warlock calls, Gwen opening the door as Morgana and I walk over to the Druid boy.

"We're going to get you out of Camelot. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise," Morgana assures the boy as I smile encouragingly with him.

"Are you ready?" Merlin asks, kneeling down.

"Did you get the keys?"

"Yeah. The door behind the shield at the far end of the armoury."

"I'll pack you some food and water for the journey. Be careful."

Morgana sneaks off with the boy, Gwen, Merlin and I going to Gwen's house. Sneaking out of the castle is the hard part, the guards' numbers brought back down at night to normal guard in the town's area.

Gwen puts together a bag, stuffing it with bread and fruit. "I hope they're ok. Morgana really cares about the boy. I've never seen her this way with anyone."

"Morgana is against Uther's rule against magic. She wants to protect him," I think aloud, reasoning for the ward in her absence. Gwen hums, neither in agreement or argument. Merlin leans against the wall, looking through the curtain blocking out the window. The warning bells, a sound I know too well for liking sounds out through the air of the night.

"They're coming."

Morgana shoots inside the house, Mordred by her side. Gwen brings over the pack, handing it to her.

"There's enough food and water for three days."

"Your horse is fed and watered. I'll take you to it."

"No," she protests. "There's no point in all of us risking our lives."

"What about you?" I ask

"I'm the King's ward. I'll take my chances."

"Morgana!" Gwen cries out.

"I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to any of you. We must go."

"Goodbye, Emrys."