"Shock" (Rose)
As soon as we are away from others, I look over at Merlin who looks over at me, and I simply burst. At first, he seems to be thrown off by the fact I am laughing at all.
"I know it's not funny when you think about what else may happen, but that," I giggle, "That was really quite humorous."
Without warning, he joins me in my moment of indulgence despite his former resistance. "It was, wasn't it?"
We push through the physician's door, laughing hysterically.
He recovers faster than I do, trying to get his bearings. Although I try to follow suit, I just cannot. "I'm sorry," I utter between gasps. "You look like you have something to say. Ignore me."
"Well, if I did that, then I would have no use in speaking my thoughts, yes?" he teases me.
"Please, Merlin," I hold up my hand, my lungs finally beginning to refill with air as the cramps in my abdomen subside. "No more funny things, ever."
"Fair enough," he laughs. "I think it's time we had a talk with dear 'Gaius'."
"I agree," I say, still fighting off a couple of chuckles.
Having mostly calmed from my fit of shock, I stand firmly beside Merlin, ready to confront the goblin.
Merlin is positioned with his arms folded across his chest when the creature possessing Gaius waltzes in to the room, laughing merrily. "Tell me you didn't think that was funny."
Merlin does not speak.
"Not even a little bit?" the thing prods, giggling all the while. When Merlin still does not reply, it continues, "Just a teeny, weeny bit?"
In a tone much like a scolding father, Merlin answers, "If you carry on like this, you're going to get Gaius killed."
"Merlin, you underestimate me," it comments with nonchalance. "I have cured Uther of his farting and his baldness. He is, he tells me, forever in my debt. I am a genius."
"This has to stop," Merlin cuts in.
"I see no reason why," it retorts. "Now, if you're quite finished, I'm going to the tavern."
As he heads for the door, Merlin mutters a spell, slamming the door shut.
"Well, well, well," it says as it turns to face him.
"That wasn't the best idea," I whisper as Merlin looks sideways at me.
"So you have a secret of your own, Merlin," the goblin grins menacingly.
"Leave his body, or you will regret it," Merlin threatens.
"Your magic may be powerful, but I have an advantage," it says slyly.
"What's that?" Merlin asks.
"I can hurt you," it begins, sending a dagger flying towards Merlin.
I instinctively throw myself in front of him as he tosses up his arm, stopping the blade with a new spell just as it reaches his palm. He then turns it about and shoots it back at the creature.
"No," I whimper, knowing that it would kill Gaius, too. Merlin hears and heeds. He stops the thing from ever coming in contact with Gaius's body.
"Whereas," the thing continues, "You cannot hurt me without hurting Gaius."
Merlin lets the dagger drop to the floor. They stare hard at it each other.
Merlin breaks the silence. "I won't rest 'til I've found a way to force you out of Gaius's body," he promises. He suddenly grabs my hand, and pulls me after him and out of the chambers, clamping the door behind us.
"Madness" (Merlin)
I steam ahead, feeling the rage flow through my veins. I keep myself concentrated as I push the door to the Prince's room open.
"Arthur!" I call out.
Receiving no response, my eyes dart around, attempting to see if he is simply being a prat, or if he truly is not here.
I turn round to Rose, who is surveying the hallway. "Let's try the throne room," she suggests.
With that, we are off once more.
As we walk on, I hear multiple sets of footsteps coming our way. I turn about again, only to see Arthur and two of his guards. "Arthur," I address him, "I have to talk to you."
I approach him with urgency, but the look on his face is oddly detached. He stares with a strange emotion and hesitantly commands the soldier on his left, "Arrest him."
"No!" Rose cries.
"What?" I question, almost with laughter at the absurdity. I, for once, had done nothing.
"Arthur, this is madness!" Rose runs over to him with desperate alarm showing in her voice, face, and movements.
"Arthur, what are you doing?" I ask after taking the whole moment in. This isn't any kind of joke. He is completely serious. I know that look.
He doesn't reply. He just gives me the same face, and nothing but silence.
"Arthur!" Rose demands. "He at least has the right to know why he's being arrested on false pretenses."
He averts his gaze from her eyes which plead for an answer. "I am sorry."
As they begin to drag me away, Arthur walks after us, and so does Rose.
He pauses a beat, "You should stay here."
"I am going wherever you're taking him, and you will not stop me," she says with resolute anger.
He resigns his position on the matter and continues on in solitude.
As I am half carried, half pushed into the court, the only person I bother making eye contact is the stupid goblin, who seems pleased with himself, standing beside the King.
"Is it true?" Uther interrogates. "You were responsible for the afflictions that I and other members of the court have suffered?"
"What?" I ask, utterly baffled that this could possibly be happening.
"That's ridiculous!" Rose speaks out of turn. "He hasn't done anything!"
"No," I state, knowing who really was. For an added affect, I look right at him whilst saying so.
"Gaius," Uther cues.
"I found this in your room," Gaius says, revealing my book of magic spells. "It's a book of spells and enchantments."
"He's lying," I counter, although it seems a weak attempt at claiming innocence, to which "Gaius" gives me a contesting look. "That's not Gaius," I follow up, despite how insane I sound.
"He's telling the truth," Rose adds.
"What are you talking about?" Arthur quizzes, obviously doubting my word.
"He's been possessed by a goblin," I say so unconvincingly, I almost don't believe myself.
"The boy is reduced to making the most desperate and ridiculous accusations," the goblin argues.
"You seriously expect me to believe that Gaius is a goblin?" Uther asks in a tone balancing sarcasm and condescension.
"It's- it's controlling him," I stutter, feeling my chance for freedom fleeting from me. "Gaius is still in there … somewhere."
"Do you have any proof of these accusations?" Arthur inquires.
"Do YOU?" Rose's words bite, to which Morgana gives us both a challenging glance.
"No," I say with frustration and hopelessness.
"I fear that magic has corrupted you. It pains me more than I can tell you," the creature feigns.
"I really doubt that," I spit with defiance. I never thought I would detest the sight of Gaius like I do this minute.
"My lord, I have been harboring a sorcerer," evil Gaius speaks, "For that, I offer the most sincere apology."
I quickly look over to Rose. I also never thought I would see her so angry. She looks as if she could tear this place apart with one blink. Her fists are tight, and her face is the picture of one swearing vengeance.
"You were not to know, Gaius," Uther comforts. "He's fooled us all."
"You're wrong!" Rose shouts.
"It's not me that's fooling you," I challenge one last time.
"Silence!" he bellows at us. "You've been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. In accordance with our laws, you will pay with your life."
My stomach drops.
Surely, this can't be it.