When Arthur arrived in his father's chambers, Gwen was already there checking on Uther's wound and caring for him. He watched as she wiped is brow, and tried to get some broth into him before confirming once again that the King hadn't bled through his bandages.
"I appreciate your kindness," Arthur told her. She looked up at him, straightening, a question on her face that he was easily able to interpret. "Everything you're doing for him," Arthur clarified.
She was silent for a moment as she turned to collect the items she had used to tend the king before deciding to tell him the truth of it. "I do it for you," she said simply. Arthur glanced at her and realized what she meant. There was no love lost between the Gwen and his father. Uther had tried to have her executed, had killed her father, had refused to rescue her when she had been kidnapped in Morgana's place. It made sense and something of his feelings must have shown on his face as she murmured, "Oh, Arthur."
"I can't watch him die," Arthur said firmly attempting to distracter and realizing the truth of that for himself for the first time. His father's own words from years before echoed through his head, Then don't watch. Arthur resolutely ignored this. "There is still so much I want to say to him. He cannot die," he said firmly, an idea beginning to take root in the back of his head. Gwen gave him a sympathetic look just before he turned away.
He left his father's chambers and walked slowly to his own rooms. He needed Merlin now more than ever. He needed the surprising wisdom of his servant. He closed the door to his rooms behind himself and imagined Merlin standing at the window again, looking out. Arthur went over and looked down as well, not sure yet that getting advice from his hallucination would work.
He saw the people in the courtyard, holding candles and swaying.
"What's going on?" he asked softly.
It's a vigil for your father, Fake Merlin replied, and Arthur was grateful that the ghost seemed perfectly capable of answering without him having to figure out what Merlin would say. The people wish to share their grief.
"Why are they behaving like he's already dead when there is still life in his body?" Arthur asked in mild disgust. The idea he had had before floating to the surface once again.
They're preparing themselves for the worst, Fake Merlin told him, and Arthur supposed he could understand that. He'd been told after the fact, by the real Merlin, that the people had done the same thing for him when he had been injured by the Questing Beast.
"They can give up hope, but I won't," Arthur's resolve was hardening even without Fake Merlin telling him it was a good idea.
I know it's hard to accept. I wish it wasn't so, but, Fake Merlin paused, glancing at the prince before continuing, as he sensed Arthur's thoughts and hoped to dissuade him, There really is nothing that can be done.
"There is a way to heal my father," Arthur stated, his voice firm, but his determination wavering slightly.
He saw the ghost shake his head from the corner of his eye before asking, How?
"With magic," Arthur stated simply. The ghost stared at him and Arthur turned away heading straight for the physicians' chambers before Fake Merlin could try to stop him. He had to at least ask.
Arthur stepped through the physician's open door and froze. Gaius was standing at the top of the stairs that led to what had been Merlin's room. Through the open door there, Arthur could see that the room was the same. Gaius hadn't touched it in the 6 months since his nephew's death. Arthur hesitated a moment before clearing his throat.
Gaius turned with a start and slammed the door shut.
"Gaius," Arthur said, pretending that he hadn't seen the old man mourning.
"Arthur," Gaius replied, coming down the steps into the chamber proper. "What can I do for you?"
"Gaius, I have to ask," he hesitated, then turned to close the door behind him. "Would it be possible, do you know, if my father could be saved, if we used," he paused before continuing more firmly, "Could my father be saved with magic?"
The old physician stared at him, disbelieving.
"Arthur," Gaius said softly, "Do you realize what you're asking?"
Arthur nodded. "I do. I'm asking if it could be done." He met the old man's gaze firmly. "I know you once practiced magic."
Gaius shook his head. "I cannot do it," he replied. "Not because of the ban," he added before Arthur could argue. "I never had much of a talent for magic. I could only perform the most basic spells and only at great cost. The kind of magic you are asking for is powerful and difficult. Such magic is fraught with danger. Only an experienced practitioner would stand a chance at success."
Arthur sagged slightly. This was going to be more difficult that he first imagined. "Do you know of anyone, anyone at all, who could do it?"
Gaius started to shake his head, then froze. Rumors had reached him recently of a powerful old sorcerer who had taken up residence in the forest of Glaestig.
Arthur could sense Gaius hesitation. "Please, Gaius."
The old man gave him a soft look. "I have heard rumor of a sorcerer in the forest of Glaestig. He works healing spells. He would likely have the knowledge, though whether or not he has the power would be a different matter. If he does not," he paused, "Then perhaps the Druids might, but they are hunted and would never enter the palace willingly."
"Will you lead me to him?" Arthur asked, suppressing the desperation in his voice.
Gaius shook his head. "I cannot," he replied. "I do not know where he is. And I couldn't leave your father for the time it might take to find him without risking your father's death before your possible return."
Arthur nodded and thanked the old man before heading back to his chambers. The ghost was still there, waiting for him.
Arthur was silent for a moment as the ghost watched him in concern. "If you were me, and it was your father," Arthur asked, haltingly, "Would you use magic to save his life?"
The ghost was silent for a moment and Arthur was worried he'd have to come up with the servant's response himself when the soft voice spoke firmly, Yes, I would. I would do whatever it took.
The tension in Arthur's shoulders instantly released and he poked his head out of the door to speak to the guard there. "Have George prepare my horse and gather supplies," he instructed. "I will ride at first light to the forest of Glaestig." The guard bowed and walked off as Arthur prepared for bed.
Just before crawling into bed, Arthur realized there was one last person he needed to speak to. He left the room and made his way to his uncle's chamber and entered without knocking.
Agravaine stood from his chair by the table, setting down the book he had been reading. "Arthur," he said, anxiously, "What news of you father's health?"
"No improvement, I'm afraid," Arthur replied, to set the man at ease, but he paused then. Not sure how to bring up his plan.
"Something's on your mind," Agravaine said, curious what would bring his nephew to his door at this hour.
"I didn't want to go behind your back," Arthur said, knowing it was best to speak bluntly and let the pieces fall where they may. "I have decided to use magic to heal my father."
Agravaine stood still for a second before stepping around the chair and coming close to Arthur. "I would strongly advise against such a course of action," he stated vehemently.
"There is no other way," Arthur said simply.
"Magic caused your mother's death, Arthur," Arthur could sense the fury behind his uncle's firm but steady voice. "If you respect her memory, you cannot do this."
"Would you see my father die?" Arthur asked in return.
Agravaine hesitated. "Perhaps it is his time," he offered, his voice softening.
"Look," Arthur explained now that the man was calmer. "I know we've both suffered because of magic, but I can't stand by and let my father die." Agravaine looked about to argue further but Arthur cut him off. "My mind's made up."
Agravaine nodded. "You must do what you see fit," he agreed. "What do you wish of me?"
"I travel tomorrow to search out a sorcerer to help," Arthur said, "Take my place at the council meeting in the morning. If anyone asks, I am with my father."
Agravaine nodded and Arthur left.
We're getting kind of close to the end. I should be able to post these more regularly now since so little is of my own creation and most is just my written version of the episode.