A few months have passed and spring is coming. Mary visits Pieps regularly in his new place and life there seems even more lush and healthy than it already was.

Mary arrives early at the physician's chamber and is therefore surprised to find neither Gaius nor Merlin. Both seem to be already on their way. She sets about getting the fire going and putting water on. Today she wants to mortar and mix herbs. If she has time, she wants to read up and study some more about wound healing. Quietly, she hums to her work as Merlin and Gaius return tiredly.

Mary looks at them questioningly, "Where have you been so early?"

"King Uther found an ancient burial chamber under the castle. But one of the workers triggered a trap and died. The burial chamber is full of treasures and now it is locked and guarded by Arthur."

"Whose tomb is it?"

Gaius says, "I'm not sure. The raven must be important. And the tomb statue has a huge blue stone for a heart. I'll have a look in the books. See what I can find out."

Mary looks at Merlin. "You look tired. Here, I've got you some strong tea."

Gratefully, Merlin takes the cup and drinks it down. "I have to go again. Arthur wants to go hunting today."

Mary knows how much Merlin hates hunting. She smiles and says, "I'll come out with you. I want to gather some more herbs anyway."

She helps Merlin with the weapons to bring to Arthur. The latter is already waiting impatiently for him. "Hurry up Merlin. And then you have the girl dragging everything?"

Arthur takes the crossbow from Mary. She curtsies and winks at Merlin.

She has barely gone a few feet when she hears a commotion behind her. The prince is on the ground and the horse leaps in her direction. A man with greasy brown hair jumps in between, grabs the horse by the reins and leads it back to Arthur. The latter is very angry right now and blames Merlin for not securing the saddle properly.

"It wasn't my fault." Defends Merlin himself. Mary runs after the man with the horse. She actually wants to explain to Arthur that it wasn't Merlin who had put the saddle on, but someone else. She doesn't like it when someone is falsely accused.

The man with the horse says, "Would you like me to put the harness on properly for you, Sire?"

Arthur looks at him. "Thank you!"

"It is my honor to serve the Prince."

"An HONOR...did you hear that Merlin?"

The stranger walks up to the prince, pulls a brush from his vest and says, "Will you allow me the honor of brushing off your robes? Is there anything else I can do for you? My lord!"

"Yes, you can give Merlin here, a kick in the butt."

The man laughs, "I would not deprive you of that pleasure, Sire!"

Arthur grins, "What's your name!"

"Cedric. I came to Camelot looking for work."

"Good, you can fill in as a beater on the hunt, we are still short of men."

"You are kind, sire!"

Mary watched the whole thing. There's something she doesn't like about this Cedric. Merlin doesn't seem to dislike him too. He just hands him a beater over rather roughly.

Mary watches the men ride off toward the forest.

As always, she firmly hopes they all make it home unharmed.

Gaius, meanwhile, examines a seal he found in the burial chamber. It shows a raven.

He visits the tomb again and can make out an inscription around the blue heart. With the copy of it, he sits down again behind the books in his room. This is how Mary finds him a few hours later when she returns from gathering herbs. "Gaius, what language is that?"

Gaius is about to answer her when Merlin returns. Without a word of greeting, he closes the door and puts his things on the table. Mary immediately sees that he is distressed.

"Are you all right, Merlin?" she asks.

"I save Arthur's life, and someone else takes credit for it. The usual. What are you doing?"

Gaius looks up from the book, "I found this inscription on the tomb. I'm trying to figure out the language right now. Sigan knew many languages."

"Sigan?" ask Merlin and Mary at the same time.

"It's his grave!"

Merlin asks, "Who was he?"

Mary looks astonished. "You don't know who Sigan was? He was the most powerful sorcerer who ever lived. To everyone here in the kingdom of Camelot, Cornelius Sigan is a nightmare figure."

"Why?"

Gaius replies, "Sigan's power. He could turn day into night, change the tides. According to legend, his spells even helped build Camelot. In the end, he became too powerful, and the king at the time ordered his execution."

"Why are you worried if he's dead?"

"Sigan couldn't bear to have his power die with him, so he became obsessed with finding a way to defeat death."

"And you think he succeeded?"

"For all our sakes, let's hope not!"

Mary shudders and stands closer to the fire again, where soup is already simmering.

Gaius seeks out the king a little later, who is dining.

Uther looks up, "Gaius, what do you want?"

"To seal the burial chamber and all its contents."

"Don't be ridiculous!"

"The inscription on this ring belongs to Cornelius Sigan. I'm convinced it's his burial chamber. In the Old Religion, the name Sigan meant raven!"

"No wonder there are so many treasures."

"Then you know the legend, sire?"

"Yes, I always liked the story of the arrogant sorcerer who met an early end." "According to the story, Sigan cursed Camelot. He said he would return one day and destroy the city."

"You have long been my ally in the war against sorcery. You ,above all others, should be able to defy these nonsensical fears. Do not spread fear among my people. It is nothing more than foolish superstition." Gaius bows and leaves.

The next morning, when Merlin comes to Arthur's room with breakfast, Arthur asks him, "Is that lunch?"

"No, the breakfas..."

When Merlin turns to the prince, he sees him already enjoying a rich breakfast. Next to him is Cedric, who yesterday had taken credit for Merlin's deed. As thanks, he was now allowed to work in the castle. Cedric looks challengingly at Merlin. Something about him doesn't please Merlin at all.

"Is there anything else I can do, sire?"

Arthur replies with his mouth full, "No, I think Cedric has taken care of everything."

Cedric leans toward the prince. "I'm afraid I haven't gotten around to mucking out the stables yet, my lord!"

Arthur looks at Merlin, "There you go, you can take care of that. Off you go, Merlin!"

Cedric opens the door for Merlin, grinning.

Furious, Merlin stomps away.

Mary and Gaius are with Morgana, who had another bad night of nightmares. Gaius asks, "What was the dream about?"

"About a bird." Mary listens up.

"What kind of bird?" asks Gaius.

"About a raven. It was terrifying, Gaius. What do you think it means?"

"Probably nothing," Gaius tries to reassure her.

"It's happening again, isn't it? My nightmares are coming back."

"I'll have Mary bring you something stronger to help you sleep."

After visiting Morgana, Mary goes to the lower village. She wants to visit some more patients.

As she passes the horse stable, she sees Merlin mucking out inside. He seems depressed and unhappy.

She goes up to him and says, "Merlin, aren't you feeling well?"

Merlin continues to work. "Sure, I am fine. I'm just well enough to clean up horse manure!"

Mary sees that something is bothering him. "You know what? I just have to stop by Anne's and see if the rash has improved. Later, I'll come and help you. It's faster and more fun together!"

Merlin looks after her. He doesn't see a small Belladona smoke bomb come to rest next to him. Merlin's sight gets blurry before he falls unconscious into the straw.

Cedric comes in and releases all the horses and quickly disappears again.

Mary is just coming out of Anne's house when she is almost trampled by a horse. Two strong hands pull her back at the last second. Mary finds herself in Arthur's arms. Embarrassed, she takes a step backwards, "Thank you, that could have gone badly."

"Seems I'm often in the right place at the right time. You're welcome. After all, you've treated and saved me before. Why are all the horses loose? What is Merlin doing in the stables." Arthur trudges to the stables, closely followed by Mary.

In the stables, Merlin is lying on the ground, asleep. Mary picks up the faint smell of Belladona.

Arthur kneels down in front of Merlin just as he awakens. Merlin is covered from top to bottom in horse dung. When he sees Arthur, he scrambles to his feet.

Arthur asks, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing..." Merlin looks confused and holds his head.

"I can see that, too."

"I wasn't sleeping. I was just...I was just bending over."

Arthur doesn't quite seem to believe him. "To look for something? Maybe we're both looking for the same thing?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know...the horses!"

"The horses?"

"One mistake I can understand, everyone has a bad day, but with you, one follows the other. Mary almost got trampled by a horse."

Startled, Merlin looks at Mary, "I don't know what happened."

"Sire..." a voice announces from the door. Cedric comes in: "Don't be so hard on him. He's a good servant, he's just a little tired. Maybe an evening off will do him good."

Merlin shakes his head, "I don't want tonight off. I haven't fallen asleep."

"I'll be happy to take over his duties tonight."

Mary listens, frowning. Suddenly, a small ball in the straw catches her eye. Unobtrusively, she picks it up. It is still warm. As she smells it, she realizes a few things. Merlin was drugged with Belladona by someone. She wonders if it was Cedric.

Arthur just says, "Maybe you're right, Cedric."

Merlin cries out desperately, "Don't you see what he's trying to do? He wants to get rid of me! And if you weren't such a clotpole, you'd realize it!"

Arthur asks threateningly, "I'm a what?" Merlin bites his lips. Arthur says, "Cedric is right. He can take care of me tonight. You can go home and think about whether you want to be my servant or not!" Merlin wants to say something else but Arthur points to the door and says, "Go!"

Hanging his head, Merlin walks past Mary out the door.

She runs after him, "Merlin, I'll walk you home."

"No, it's okay. I need to be alone."

Merlin walks in the other direction. Sadly, Mary watches him go and makes her way back to the castle.

It is getting evening until Merlin comes back. Mary is preparing dinner. She is worried about Merlin, and is able to distract herself a bit by cooking. Gaius is sitting at the table writing.

Merlin comes in, still full of horse dung, and walks wordlessly past Mary and Gaius. Gaius asks, "What's that on your face?"

"Nothing!"

Gaius looks concerned, "What happened?"

"Nothing!"

Merlin disappears into his room and closes the door.

After some time, there is a knock on his door and Mary comes in with a bowl of warm water. Merlin sits on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands.

Mary puts down the bowl of water and begins to clean his face with a rag. The gentle touch of her warm hands on his face comforts his wounded soul.

Merlin closes his eyes and breathes quietly. "I'm not an idiot!"

"I know!"

"I just want Arthur to trust me. And realize who I really am."

Gaius walks in. He takes the rag from Mary and tells her to go out.

To Merlin he says, "One day he will."

"When? I do everything for him and he thinks I'm an idiot."

"Not everyone thinks you're an idiot. But looking at you right now..."

Mary can hear Merlin laughing. She is glad that Gaius is talking to him.

Gaius says, "Now is not the time to question these things, Merlin...I believe that you and Arthur are destined for great things! And that your destiny is to serve and protect him."

"It's hard."

"Yes I know that. But Camelot is in great danger. I translated the inscription. -who breaks my heart completes my work.-"

"What does it mean?"

"Do you remember the stone in the tomb, how it glowed?"

"Yes, I have never seen such a jewel."

"Because it's not a jewel, it's Cornelius Sigan's soul."

"You think he's still alive?"

"His soul is alive. But to really live, a soul needs a body."

Mary overheard the last sentence and now comes into Merlin's room. "So when the stone is released from its setting, the heart is broken and the soul is released."

"You've always been smart. Yes, that is my fear."

Mary and Merlin look at each other worriedly.

Late that night, Merlin is startled out of his sleep. Something has awakened him. A crowing of a raven. Or so it sounds in his memory. But he can't see any bird in his room. When he comes out of his room, he sees Gaius in his bed and Mary also sleeping in front of the fire. She must have fallen asleep while reading, as she often does. Smiling, Merlin puts the book away from under her hand and is about to put a blanket over her when the alarm bells start ringing. Mary startles. Gaius is also immediately wide awake. Together they go to see what has happened.

Arthur comes out to meet them. "The burial chamber of Sigan has been broken into and it has been robbed."

Startled, Mary, Gaius and Merlin look at each other. As they enter the burial chamber Gaius finds the heart out of its socket. It no longer glows blue, but is now transparent.

"Looks like the thief got himself into more than he bargained for."

Mary looks around. "I don't understand how the thief got in here. There's no damage to the gate."

Gaius says, "Then he must have had a key."

"Arthur has the only key!" says Merlin.

"Where does he keep it?"

"On his belt, with the others. He only takes it off to sleep."

Mary looks at Merlin, "Who had access to his chambers last night?"

"Just me and..."

Merlin's eyes widen. Mary also realizes abruptly who the thief must have been. Merlin runs off.

Without knocking, Merlin enters Arthur's chambers. "Cedric is possessed by an evil spirit." Arthur looks at Merlin uncomprehendingly, "What?"

"He tried to steal the jewel. But it wasn't a jewel. It was the soul of a sorcerer, Sigan."

"Merlin, are you even listening to yourself? Have you been drinking too much cider?"

"Please, just listen to me. Camelot is in mortal danger. Sigan is using Cedric's body to exact revenge."

"This nonsense won't help you keep your job."

"You're not listening to me!" shouts Merlin loudly.

"If you want to yell around here so badly, Cedric! Would you escort Merlin out of the palace?" Cedric who has approached from behind nods. But Merlin lunges at him and a wild scuffle begins. Only after a few minutes does Arthur manage to separate the two by grabbing Merlin and saying, "You've gone too far this time, Merlin! You can cool off in the cell for a few days. Guards!"

What neither Merlin nor Arthur can see is Cedric's eyes suddenly turning raven black and him scowling after the two.

Mary hears from Gaius that Merlin is in the dungeon. Concerned, she ties herbs together to hang them up to dry. Gaius also seems worried.

When Mary has finished, she says, "Gaius, I'm going home. Before I go, I'll stop by Merlin's and see how he's doing."

"You do that my child! But promise me you won't stay out too late. I dread what Sigan has in mind. I would accompany you, but I still want to translate this one inscription. Perhaps it will help us."

Mary kisses the old man on the cheek, puts on her cloak and after a few minutes stands in the dark, cool air. She quickly makes her way to the dungeon. Just as she is about to go through the door, she hears something like a flap of wings. As she looks around, an ugly gargoyle, come to life, stands before her. It opens its mouth, flashing many sharp teeth. Horrified, Mary screams loudly.

Several gargoyles have been seen in the lower village and on the castle. They attack anything that moves.

The king gathers some men in the hall and says, "I want to know what this creature is and where it comes from."

Arthur replies, "There are several father. There have been several reports. There is panic in the lower city, people are fleeing."

"Then you must hunt down and kill these creatures."

"Yes Sire!"

Gaius comes into the hall.

Uther: "Have you seen what is happening?"

"I warned you, sire!"

"This can't be Sigan!"

"It is his revenge. He has returned from the dead."

"Then he dies again!"

"You do not understand, sire. A man who has conquered death cannot be killed."

"Don't tell me what can't be done. Camelot will not fall to a sorcerer while I am king!" The castle walls shake and cracks form in the masonry.

Merlin hears the screams from the castle courtyard, but cannot see anything out of his small dungeon window. He runs to his zell door and rattles the bars.

"Hello? What's wrong?"

Arthur and his men, meanwhile, try to subdue the stone beasts. But their lances and spears can do no good. One by one, they are injured or even killed.

Merlin can't take it anymore. "Tóspringe!" and the door to his dungeon springs from its hinge.

Quickly he runs up the steps to the castle courtyard. Once at the top, he trips over something. Looking around, he sees Mary, who is just trying to get up.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you. What are you doing here?"

Mary sinks back to the ground with a groan, "I was actually coming to check on you when I got attacked by one of those monsters. I had such an unfortunate fall and probably sprained my ankle. What are you doing out here?"

"Oh um, the quake caused my cell door to bend and I was able to get out. But I don't think we have time to chat, come let me help you. Put your arm around my shoulder! I'll take you to Gaius." Together they get closer and closer to the castle. There are no more people in the courtyard. Everyone has taken refuge, or their motionless bodies are just lying there. Mary and Merlin move forward only slowly, since Mary cannot put any weight on her foot.

Suddenly, a huge gargoyle flies down at them from above. Mary ducks, but Merlin has no time to think. He stretches out his hand, his eyes flash golden and the monster bursts into a thousand small pieces of stone.

For a moment it is dead silent around them. Slowly, Merlin turns and looks into Mary's wide eyes.

"Merlin...you...how..."

He sees her putting the pieces together and realization is reflected in her face. Almost simultaneously, she shuts her emotions off from him and turns away.

"Merlin you have to go. I can make it to the castle on my own."

"No, I'll help you."

He wants to reach for her, but she slaps his hand away. With tears in her eyes, she looks at him and angrily says, "Go! Go! Damn you!"

Hurt, he looks at her and retreats into the shadows of the walls.

Mary sobs, drags herself onto her injured foot and limps to the castle. She finally arrives at the citadel and sees that Gaius, Gwen, and Morgana have their hands full tending to the injured.

Gaius spots her and comes up to her worried, "Thank God, you're alive. What happened to your foot?"

"I think I sprained it. But let me help you first. Where do you need me?"

"Mary, I know you. First, let's look at your foot. What else happened? You're all shook up!"

"Nothing...I just got really scared!"

At the back of the hall, Gwen has just led the prince to a seat. He has a deep wound in his chest, which is bleeding profusely. "I'll get you something for the bleeding." Arthur nods.

Then he looks at her and says, "Guinevere!" she comes back to him. "I was going to say...you...you always surprise me."

"Was that it, sire?"

"Yes that was all...oh...and...thank you!" Gwen bows and hurries to get bandages.

Merlin, meanwhile, has also snuck into the citadel and is watching the ongoings from a balcony. Finally he spots Gaius, who has just bandaged Mary's ankle. Merlin feels a stab in his heart. It hurts him that Mary, of all people, doesn't seem to understand him. He had to do magic, otherwise they would both have been lost.

Suddenly the king comes in, "Arthur!"

The prince is just being bandaged by Gwen and Morgana. "It's not as bad as it looks!"

"Have you driven the creatures away?"

"They're in control of the lower city. The market is all but destroyed."

"How many dead?" The king looks around the hall with all the injured.

"Too many to count."

"I'm sealing the citadel."

"You can't do that."

"I have no choice! I have to protect those who have a chance. If I don't, we'll all go down!" Arthur stands up with a groan.

"Where are you going?" the king asks.

"Some people are trapped in the drawbridge."

"I forbid you!"

"I won't let them die."

"That's suicide!"

The king tries to hold the prince back. But the young man pulls himself out of his grip and says, "It is my duty to Camelot, and to myself!" with a handful of knights, Arthur leaves the protective citadel.

Merlin sneaks down the hall and hides behind a pillar. Gaius has just finished treating Mary and washes his hands in a bowl of alcohol and water.

"Gaius," Merlin whispers.

Surprised, the old man looks up, looks around, and comes over to him. "What are you doing here?"

"I have to help Arthur."

"Merlin, Sigan's power is far beyond yours."

"I have no choice!"

"Sigan is immortal, you are not. If you face him, he will destroy you!"

"There must be a way!"

Gaius considers for a moment. Then he looks at Merlin seriously, "There is only one creature old enough to provide the answers we need."

"And who is that?"

"The great dragon!"

Merlin lowers his eyes. Gaius sees that the boy is hurt. Hurt in the soul. The dragon must have disappointed him.

Merlin says softly, "You know...that I visited him?"

"Yes Merlin, of course I know! You are a magical creature, just like him. I was hoping he could help you."

Merlin looks away, "He only helps himself."

"You have to go to him, for Arthur!" Merlin shakes his head. "We have no choice, Merlin!"

Merlin sees Mary bandaging an injured man's head. Gaius sees the pain that goes through him and wants to ask him what is going on. But the young warlock is already gone. Gaius turns around and tries to figure out what Merlin was looking at.

Merlin is descending the stairs to the dragon's cave again. The dragon is nowhere to be seen.

"Hello?" The dragon doesn't answer. "Hello!" calls Merlin again. "Please! I need your help!"

Finally, the dragon comes flying down and builds up threateningly in front of Merlin, "You told me I'd never see you again!"

"I didn't come for me, I came for Arthur."

"Arthur's path is united with yours! You've clearly shown that we don't have the same goal."

"You don't want Sigan to win. You're not evil."

"At least Sigan knows where his loyalties lie. You've shown me that you do not!"

"So you will let Camelot fall?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then you'll help me?"

"To defeat Sigan, you need a spell more powerful than any you know."

"Please, I must try."

"Very well, but you must give me something in return. A promise...That one day you will set me free!"

Merlin knew it. The dragon thought only of himself.

"What if I set you free? What will you do then?"

"That is my concern alone!"

"I don't trust you!"

"Still, you must promise. Otherwise Camelot will fall!"

Merlin doesn't think twice. "I promise! Now please give me the spell!"

"Close your eyes and open your mind!"

Merlin does as he is told. The dragon transmits his knowledge and some of his power to him in his mind. Merlin can literally feel the power emanating from the spell. Every fiber of his body vibrates and hums. Fascinated, he looks up at the dragon, witch says: "Few people have ever received such knowledge. Use it wisely!"

"I will."

Merlin wants to make his way to the surface. The dragon says, "You made a promise, young warlock. And one day I will remind you of it."

The knights around Arthur are dwindling. Arthur, too, is hurled aside by one of the stone beasts. He can still order his men to retreat and that they should barricade the citadel.

The knights obey after a short hesitation. They lock the doors of the citadel from the inside. Uther asks, "Where is Arthur? Where is he? You can't leave him out there. He'll be torn to pieces."

One of the Knights answers, "You can't go out there. If you open that door, you die. Then we all die."

Horrified, people huddle closer. More cracks start to form in the walls of the castle.

Merlin comes out into the castle courtyard, where he crumbles another of the stone monsters with magic. Arthur is lying on the ground, not moving. Quickly, Merlin runs to him. Relief washes through him when he sees that Arthur is breathing.

Cedric emerges and he has pitch black eyes and his hair and clothes are also black like a raven.

"Who would have thought! You...you're a sorcerer! And a powerful one!"

"I won't let you hurt him!"

"And you're going to stop me?"

Merlin stands up and takes a step toward Sigan. "You can count on it!"

"He doesn't deserve your loyalty. He treats you like a slave."

"That's not true."

"He dropped you without even thinking about it."

"It doesn't matter!"

"But it must hurt you. To be taken advantage of like that, to be overlooked like that, while you have such great power!"

"It must be!"

"Does it have to? You are young, Merlin. Listen to yourself, you have yet to discover your true power. Your teacher does not let you act freely, your love does not understand you, and your prince does not see you as you are. But I can help you. Imagine, Merlin, how the world recognizes your power. That Arthur sees you for what you are. Your teacher letting you act as you see fit, and your love understanding and respecting you along with your magic."

Merlin takes one deep breath. "That is not possible."

"Oh yes it can, if you join me! Together we can rule this land. Arthur, Gaius, and Mary will tremble at your voice. They will kneel at your feet."

"I don't want that!"

"You'd rather be a servant, a subordinate?"

"It is better to serve a good man than to rule with a bad one. In Gaius and Mary, I have found family and friends who stand behind me and have my back when I need it!"

"If you do not join me, you will be mine and your powers will serve my will." Cedric jerks a few times and then slumps to the ground. Blue clouds break free from his body and come toward Merlin. The soul of Sigan wants to take possession of his body.

Merlin mumbles unintelligible words to himself and sinks to his knees before falling unconscious to the ground.

Inside the citadel, people are still standing close to each other. Nothing more can be heard from outside. After a few minutes, Gaius goes to the door and opens it. Slowly he walks across the castle courtyard. There are dead and injured people everywhere. Gaius looks for Merlin, but cannot find him anywhere. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the fog and approaches Gaius. He quickly recognizes the young warlock, who approaches him with the blue heart jewel in his hand. Gaius embraces him warmly, "Well done, my boy!"

Meanwhile, Mary makes her way home in agony. Through clenched teeth, she emerges from the castle. Sir Leon, who is helping clean up, notices her and comes up to her, "Mary, you're hurt!"

"Yes, but Gaius has already treated it. I just want to go home."

Leon looks at her skeptically, "You look like you should still be in the physician's care. I'll escort you up to his chamber. Knowing him, he'll want to keep an eye on you."
Mary shakes her head convulsively and tries to swallow her rising tears, "I don't want to go up to see Gaius, I want to go home. Please, if you help me, I will promise to lie down right away. Gaius has other things to do, with all the injured."

Leon still hesitates, "I can look for Merlin, he'll say the same thing..."

"NO!" Mary interrupts him, "I'm best at home now. Please."

Leon can't refuse Mary's request. She has also helped him many times and treated his injuries, "Very well. But only because I know you can treat your injury. And I will tell Gaius that I accompanied you home."

Mary nods and leans on him in relief as he puts his arm around her for support. Every now and then Leon looks to her and notices that she is crying softly. He thinks that this all must have been a great shock to her, with the monsters and the destruction. How could he also notice that the pain is much deeper. Mary cries for a friendship from which she should withdraw to protect herself.

A day later, the tomb of Sigan is sealed up again.

The king says to Gaius, "We must learn our lessons from these terrible events, Gaius!"

"Indeed, sire."

"They prove beyond a doubt that I was right. Magic is evil. It is our greatest threat. I have grown complacent, Gaius."

"I wouldn't say that, sire."

"We must try harder. We must ensure that all sorcerers and their followers in this kingdom are eradicated."

"Of course, Sire!"

Gaius goes back to his chamber, where Merlin is waiting for him. "You know that no one will thank you, Merlin?"

"Yes I know that."

"Merlin, what else has happened? You're serious, sad, I can't put my finger on it."

"Nothing...how is Mary. Has she said anything?"

"Her ankle is very hurt. She got a nasty injury. That's why she's not here today. Which actually surprises me. Otherwise, there's no stopping her from working. Maybe she's learning after all. What do you want her to have told me?"

"Oh nothing, maybe how she got the injury..."

Arthur comes into the physicians office. "I need to talk to Merlin! I haven't forgotten your lazy, insolent ways. Or that you called me a clotpole. But I have to admit that there was some truth in your accusations to Cedric."

"Does that mean you admit I was right?"

"Not directly, no. It means that I have a knighthood to bestow tomorrow morning. And no servant to clean my armor!"

With that, Arthur empties his armor onto the table in front of Merlin and leaves.

Merlin looks to Gaius, who leans down to him and says, "Sometimes he's a clotpole." Gaius laughs and Merlin falls into his laughter.