A remedy to cure all ills
This morning, Alexia was moving to prince's chambers, for her chores when sir Edward appeared in front of her.She gasped a bit in surprise.
" Sir Edward!" She said in a greeting tone.
" Alexia!" He said with a charming smile.
" I brought something for you." He said.
Alexia narrowed her eyes, when the man showed her a bouquet of flowers, bring them forth from behind his back.
" When I spent the night knowing you, I thought we must become friends! So pretty flowers for a pretty girl." He said presenting her the bouquet.
Alexia smiled.
" Thank you very much sir Edward. But I can't take it." Alexia denied politely.
Sir Edward frowned.
" Don't you want us to be friends?"
" No! It's not like that."
" Ah! I got it now. You now know that I am such a brave knight, a wonderful one, but don't worry Alexia. I am not a rude person." He said holding out his hand.
Alexia frowned at him at his great delusion but regardless, she nodded and shook it, before taking the flowers and leaving. Sir Edward smiled proudly from behind.
Alexia reached the chambers and entered, as she saw Merlin dressing the prince.
They both turned when they heard the door opening.
" Good morning!" Alexia greeted them with a smile.
"Morning Alexia. Place the flowers in vase." Arthur ordered.
Alexia frowned.
" What?" She asked.
" Honestly Alexia, flowers are for vase only. But I didn't know you would bring that, isn't it the job of another servant?" He asked.
Alexia looked at him then Merlin in confusion.
" Arthur these flowers were given to me by sir Edward." Alexia informed him.
At that both the men stopped working and turned to her in surprise.
" What? He wanted to be a friend, so he gave me flowers." She said in a matter-of -fact tone.
" Sir Edward?" Arthur asked.
" Are you deaf?" She retorted.
Arthur gave her a look, which clearly said, 'are-you-forgetting-who-i-am'.
She just shrugged and went for her chores. Both Merlin and Arthur glanced at each other.
In an unknown room full of alchemy supplies, a man pulled a black beetle out of a box. He ran his hand over it and chanted, "Bebeode þe arisan ealdu."
The man then placed the bug in some white flowers.
Gwen entered Morgana's chambers with the bouquet of white flowers.
" Look what's just arrived for you." She said moving towards Morgana who raised her head to see Gwen.
" Who are them from?" She asked.
" I don't know." Morgana took the flowers. " Maybe Arthur." Gwen suggested.
" How disappointing." Morgana replied.
" Why? Who'd you like them to be from?" Gwen asked.
"I don't know. Tall, dark stranger?" Morgana said with a smile.
Edwin stood in the Square at night looking towards Morgana's chamber window. Gwen, who put out the candles in Morgana's Chambers.
"See you in the morning." Gwen said before heading out.
Morgana fell asleep and the bug climbed out of the flowers and into Morgana's ear without disturbing her.
In the daylight of another day, Gaius examined the still sleeping Morgana.
"Her body seems to have closed down." Gaius said, forcing her eyes open to check.
"Why? You don't have an answer do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It's been nearly two days. And what do you know?" Uther ranted.
Gaius felt her forehead. "I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain."
"What could cause such a thing?" Uther questioned.
"An infection, possibly." Uther stared at Morgana in horror as Gaius continued, "Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her, Sire."
Gaius descended the curved stairs from Morgana's Chambers where Gwen met him.
"Is she any better?" Gwen asked hopefully.
Gaius shook his head. Gwen face turned crestfallen as she climbed the stairs. Gaius descended and met Merlin and Alexia as they are standing near the base of the staircase.
Merlin gave his mentor a searching look. "She's all but dead." Gaius said.
Alexia frowned in worry.
"No, you're going to cure her. You have to." Merlin said.
"Don't you start. I've tried everything."
Gaius said.
"I was wondering..." Merlin trailed off.
"What?" Gaius questioned.
"Maybe I could..." Merlin waited for the guard to pass by before continuing. "...help." he finished, giving Gaius a pointed look.
"This is not a magical illness, it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary."
"There must be something more I can do." Merlin said.
"And yarrow." Gaius continued louder.
Merlin turned to Alexia exasperated.
Alexia just looked at him.
She closed her eyes, trying to remember what could possibly have happened to Morgana.
The man waited in the courtyard as Arthur came out to meet him.
"What's your business here?" Arthur asked, not very politely.
"My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills." The man, Edwin, bowed slightly.
"Is that so?" Arthur asked, not looking convinced.
"I beg an audience with the King." Edwin said.
"Our court has a physician." Arthur said, turning to walk away.
"I hear the Lady Morgana was gravely ill." Edwin called after him, and Arthur stopped and turned
"That is no concern of yours." Arthur stated firmly.
"I might be able to help her." Edwin suggested.
"Our physician has the matter in hand." Edwin bowed, and Arthur continued walking.
"I will be at the inn," Edwin called, forcing Arthur to stop and turn around, "in case you change your mind."
Arthur sat in a chair in his own chambers, staring into the fire while Merlin paced behind him, Alexia stood behind, leaning to wall, her hand near her chin. She was in deep thoughts, what kind of problem this is.
"It's gonna be alright. It is. I know it is. She's gonna be absolutely..." Merlin assured. Alexia glared at him.
"Merlin." Arthur interrupted, sounding totally annoyed.
"What?" Merlin asked, stopping his manic pacing.
"You're making me anxious." Arthur said through his teeth.
"But I'm not worried." Merlin repeated, going back to his pacing. Alexia shook her head.
"Then stop pacing." Arthur commanded.
Merlin gave him a look and sat down, but then started tapping his fingers on the table. Arthur got up and started pacing, while Merlin just raised an eyebrow. Arthur glanced at him and raised his own in order to ask what. He glanced at Alexia, who too was giving him a questioning look.
Arthur sighed.
In Morgana's chambers, Gaius checked her once more. "I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less."
"We cannot let her die!" Arthur nearly yelled.
"Arthur, please." Uther said tiredly.
Arthur got a determined look on his face, and walked around Morgana's bed to join his father and Gaius. "There's a man, he came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her."
"That's ridiculous. He doesn't know what's wrong with her." Uther dismissed.
"He says he has a remedy that can cure all ills." Arthur persisted.
"Impossible." Gaius replied.
"Well, for Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean, what've we got to lose? Please, Father." Arthur begged, looking down at his father, who is perched on Morgana's bed.
"Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling." Gaius said dismissively.
"I don't care! If she's about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling! If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?" Arthur exclaimed.
Uther and Gaius exchanged looks before Uther ordered, "Send for him."
Uther, Gaius, and Arthur entered the Council chambers, where Edwin was waiting to meet them after his summons. Edwin dropped to one knee and handed Uther a roll of parchment.
"Edwin Muirden, Sire." Edwin introduced himself. "Physician and loyal servant."
"Welcome to Camelot." Uther said, flipping open the parchment to read it.
Gaius gave the newcomer an interested look. "Have we met before?"
Edwin gave a light laugh and stood up while answering,"I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir."
"Do you really believe you have a remedy?" Uther asked.
Edwin turned to face Uther and Arthur, who are standing in front of the throne. "There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, Sire."
Merlin and Alexia were poking their head in from a side entrance. Alexia was shocked to see the man. Everything becoming clear.
"So when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honor bound to offer my services." Edwin continued.
"You say you have a cure for all? An antidote for everything?" Gaius asked.
"Yes. Although it is not quite as simple as that." Edwin explained, refusing to meet Gaius's eyes.
"Gaius is the court physician." Uther informed him, sitting down on the throne.
"You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you." Edwin bowed, and Gaius gave him a half smile. "I am curious to know what it is that has affected her."
"An infection of the brain." Gaius stated seriously.
"And your treatment?" Edwin questioned.
"Yarrow."
"Yes, yes." Edwin nodded in agreement.
"Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation."
"Interesting." Edwin faltered.
"Why? What would you suggest?" Arthur piped up immediately.
"No, no, no, that is all fine. All good. If that is... the right diagnosis." Edwin challenged. Gaius did not look happy at his statement.
"What would your diagnosis be?" Uther asked, handing back the parchment.
Edwin accepted it with another bow. "Well," Edwin sighed, "without examining the patient..." He said pointedly. Alexia glared at the man. This man was actually responsible for Morgana's such health.
"He should examine her." Arthur said to his father. Alexia silently shook her head.
"I would need my equipment." Edwin said reasonably.
"Of course. You'll have use of one of the guest chambers."
"And consider my servants at your disposal." Arthur added. Alexia suppressed her groan.
"I will start work immediately." Edwin bowed low before turning and walking out.
In one of the guest chambers, Edwin settled his equipments while Merlin set down a box containing more of it. Alexia following behind.
"Yes..." Edwin said, noticing Merlin's interest in his equipment. "it was all originally designed for alchemy."
"Making gold?" Merlin replied.
Edwin looked up at him with interest. "You have an interest in science?"
"Well, science is knowledge." Merlin said cheerily, messing with one of the instruments. Alexia was trying to control herself.
"It has the answers to everything." Edwin stated.
"Maybe." Merlin thought for a moment before adding, "It can't explain love."
Edwin looked amused. "So, you are in love?" he chuckled.
Alexia glanced at Merlin.
"No." Merlin laughed. "I mean feelings, emotions."
"You seem too bright to be just a servant." Edwin commented.
Merlin chuckled. "Oh, don't be fooled, I'm not that bright." He picked up a box with runes on the top and studied it for a moment before Edwin snatched it out of his hands.
"Yes, we will need that." He said, adding the box to the top of the pile.
" What's in that box?" Alexia asked, perfectly knowing the answer but still.
"I thinking we must hurry to the Lady Morgana. Before it is too late." he said instead of answering. Merlin and Alexia picked up and balanced all of the boxes before following Edwin out of the door.
Merlin, Alexia and Edwin walked across the Square to Morgana's Chambers where Arthur, Uther, and Gaius were waiting.
"Put my equipment over there." Edwin told Merlin, who hurried to comply. "Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy."
"Certainly." Uther agreed.
"That includes you, Gaius." Edwin added when Gaius made no move to leave.
"But I am eager to learn from your methods." Gaius said.
"Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration."
"Gaius..." Uther called after him.
Gaius unwillingly left, and Merlin and Alexia followed, closing the door behind him.
Alexia quickly rushed to Gwen.
" Gwen! Lady Morgana is getting examined. I think you must be with her." Alexia said with a smile, trying to not sound suspicious. Gwen returned the smile and nodded.
In chambers, as soon as he is alone, Edwin pulled out the box full of magical bugs and set it on Morgana's bed. He turned her head slightly and waved his hand over her head just as Gwen entered through the side door. He stopped suddenly and turned on her.
"Why are you spying on me?" Edwin said, his voice sounding slightly angry.
"I wasn't. I'm her maidservant." Gwen said, pointing to the Lady Morgana.
"Then bring me some water." Edwin ordered.
"Someone should be with her." Gwen said, not wanting to leave her alone.
"Do you want to be responsible for her death?" Edwin exclaimed, losing patience.
"No, but..."
"Then you will bring me some water. Now. Or she may die." Edwin stated.
Gwen looked between the two of them before turning and leaving.
Waving his hand over Morgana's ear, Edwin chanted, "Bebeode þe arisan áblinnen."
Edwin pulled out the squirming bug and dabbed Morgana's bloody ear with a small cloth, before he put the bug back in the box with the others.
Meanwhile outside the chamber, Gwen encountered Alexia while carrying water.
" Gwen, what are you doing here?" Alexia asked, surprised.
" The new physician said that he needed water." Gwen told her.
" But he was quite wierd at asking." She completed.
Alexia frowned.
This was not good.
She left Gwen with a nod and smile.
Edwin descended swiftly the curved stairs to meet Uther, Arthur, Merlin, and Gaius.
"Great news, Your Majesty." Edwin said exuberantly. "You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain."
"What is it then?" Uther asked.
"It is cerebral hemorrhage."
"Hemorrhage? I don't think so." Gaius scoffed.
"I found this trace of blood in her ear." Edwin said, and shows them the bloody cloth.
Alexia entered the scene.
"God in heaven." Uther exclaimed.
"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed." Edwin explained. "If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually death."
Uther turned his eyes onto Gaius. "How could you have missed this?" Uther questioned.
"I didn't see any blood." Gaius said suspiciously.
"Please. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?" Edwin said pointedly.
Uther turned to Gaius for explanation.
"It may have increased the bleed." Gaius said unwillingly.
"Is there a cure?" Uther asked.
"See for yourself." Edwin said, motioning up to her room.
Everyone entered Morgana's room to see her sitting up in bed, awake. She looked tired, and has trouble sitting up, but looked none the worse for wear.
"Morgana, this is truly a miracle." Uther kissesd her forehead and sat down next to her on the bed. "I thought... I really thought..." Uther looked and sounded overjoyed.
"Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily." Morgana assured him, sitting up higher in bed.
"What exactly did he give you?" Gaius questioned.
"I have no idea." Edwin smirked briefly in the background before Gaius turned to look at him. Both men stared at each other as Morgana said, "But thank heaven he did."
Gaius approached Edwin as he walked down one of the castle corridors.
"Edwin." Gaius called, causing the man in question to stop and turn. "I want to offer you my congratulations."
"Thank you." Edwin said graciously.
"She was all but dead and you brought her back to life. How exactly did you do that?" Gaius questioned.
"I have developed an elixir for the treatment of just such an ailment." Edwin explained, smiling.
"I'd love to know the ingredients." Gaius said with a tight smile.
"It is not yet perfected. You must give me more time before I make it public." Edwin said, before he turned to walk away. Alexia was listening to the whole conversation from behind the pillar.
"The injury to your face?" Gaius called
Edwin turned once more before saying, "It happened when I was very young."
"Perhaps it was I that treated you for it." Gaius muttered.
"I told you before, we've never met." Edwin assured him.
"Yes, of course. Well, I'll leave you to your work." Gaius said. The two men nod to each other before Gaius walked away. Edwin stared after him with an unreadable expression.
Alexia too left the place.
Uther, Arthur, and Morgana sat in the council chambers, each on their own throne, while Edwin stood before them.
"Name your reward." Uther smiled.
"I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient, Sire." Edwin declined.
"There must be something I can do for you." Uther insisted.
"No." Edwin shook his head. "I will wait until the Lady Morgana is fully recovered, and then I will be on my way."
"Why don't you stay awhile?" Uther offered, getting up from his throne. "You could live here in the palace."
"No. I - I feel I would be trespassing. And you already have a court physician." Edwin countered.
"I'm sure Gaius would be glad of your help." Uther assumed.
"It is a kind offer, but..." Edwin tried to decline again.
"Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision then."
"To dine with Your Majesty would be reward in itself." Edwin said, bowing low.
In the castle library, Geoffrey of Monmouth stood among the dusty relics of time, sorting books and scrolls onto the full bookshelves. Gaius approached him quietly.
"Gaius!" Geoffrey exclaimed when he sees his old friend.
"Geoffrey." Gaius exclaimed, grinned and clasped his hand. "I'm here to ask a favor of you."
"Well, anything for an old friend." Geoffrey assured him.
Gaius openned his mouth for a moment before saying, "I wish to see the court records from the time of the Great Purge."
Geoffrey's face immediately hardened. "What possible need can you have for those?" He asked.
"I fear that the past may have come back to haunt us." Gaius said vaguely.
"All the more reason to keep the records hidden." Geoffrey argued.
"I know that neither of us want to remember that time, but this is a matter of great urgency." Gaius said.
"The records are sealed, they cannot be opened. Uther has forbidden it." Geoffrey reminded him.
"Geoffrey, I beg of you." Gaius pleaded once more.
"I'm sorry, Gaius." Geoffrey interrupted, his voice strong and sure. "This time you ask too much. Even for me."
In the corridor outside of Edwin's door, Merlin and Alexia knocked politely and listened for a response.
"Edwin?" He called when there is no answer.
Looking around, Merlin pushed the door open and entered the room. Alexia followed him. They examined and messed around with Edwin's equipment before picking up the bug box. Alexia stared at the box, while Merlin opened the bug box, the bugs were still. He closed it and fingered the runes, and read the inscription on the cover. "Bebeode þe arisan ealdu."
A hissing sound was heard, and Merlin opened the box to see the bugs moving. Alexia looked surprised while Merlin looked at the bugs in fright before slamming the lid shut.
"Very good." Edwin said from behind him, coming from the side room of the chambers.
Merlin and Alexia turned around swiftly, knocking over a jar with powder in it. Merlin smiled sheepishly and held the box out to Edwin. Alexia stared at Edwin, regretting coming over here with Merlin. This idiot now knew his biggest secret.
Edwin opened the box to see the bugs moving. Holding his hand over them, he breathed, "Swefn." And the bugs went still.
"You have magic." Edwin said surely.
"It wasn't me, I didn't do anything." Merlin denied quietly.
"Then how else did you bring them to life?" Edwin asked. Merlin dropped his gaze as Edwin continued. "Only magic can do such a thing. These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her life." Edwin shut the lid to the box with one finger and set it on the table. "Magic can be a force for good."
Alexia wished to scoff but stopped herself. This man was such a good actor.
I know." Merlin said surely.
"Then why do you fear it?" Edwin asked.
"Uther has banned it, it's not permitted." Merlin reminded him.
"Should I have let Morgana die?" Edwin asked.
"People like us, we have a gift. Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?" Edwin asked innocently.
"Perhaps." Merlin allowed. He picked the container he knocked over, and tried to sweep up the powder he spilled. Alexia tried to help him.
"Don't waste your time picking that up." Edwin said. Merlin and Alexia backed away as Edwin chanted, "Feormian dærst rénian."
The powder flew up and went back into the jar. "Why waste a talent like that?" Edwin shrugged. Merlin grinned. "And I can teach you."
Alexia rolled her eyes.
Edwin watched as Merlin chanted, "Rǽdan ásce géatan" The jar lifted into the air before it poured the powder into a nearby bowl. Merlin smiled at his use of magic, while Edwin looked on with a sinister grin. ' creep!' Alexia thought.
"What do you use this for?" Edwin asked curiously.
Merlin dropped his smile. "Gaius doesn't like me to."
" For a good reason." Alexia reminded him.
"A gift like yours should be nurtured, practiced, enjoyed. You need someone to help you, to encourage you." Edwin said ignoring Alexia.
"Perhaps." Merlin agreed.
" He is having Gaius for that." Alexia snapped.
This time he gave her a look.
"Imagine what we could achieve, if we shared our knowledge." Edwin said in a slightly creepy tone.
Merlin stared for a moment before he shook himself out of it. "I should be getting back."
"Of course. But you must promise to keep our secret safe." Edwin said.
"Of course." Merlin grinned again.
"People like you and I, we must look after each other." Edwin declared as Merlin turned to leave.
Alexia glanced at him and then turned to Edwin.
" I hope you will keep your promise intact. Or else you don't know what all I can do." Alexia warned before following Merlin.
Edwin stared at her with an unreadable expression.
"Merlin! What in the name of Jesus you were thinking?" Alexia thundered as they entered the room.
" How could you do this? That man now knows your biggest secret which can have your head chopped off!" Alexia exclaimed.
Merlin looked at her in confusion.
" Why would he do that?" He asked.
" Merlin, how well do you know that man? What has he done to earn your trust?" Alexia asked.
Merlin looked at her.
" He cured Morgana." Merlin said as a matter of fact.
" How? When Gaius was not able to cure her, how can this man do that?" She asked.
" Alexia maybe Gaius can commit mistake." Merlin said frowning.
Alexia took a deep breath.
" Ok! Yes he can. But how can he totally be wrong in diagnosis of the disease? You are trusting a wrong person Merlin. I am not having any good feeling about that man." Alexia said calmly trying to prove her point.
" Alexia he is my friend. He was even willing to teach magic. He even promised to keep my secret. And if by any chance he told mine. I will tell his." Merlin said.
" And do you think the king will believe your words, in front of the man who just cured his ward, saving her from death?" Alexia asked.
Merlin remained silent. Alexia moved towards him and held her hands.
" I just wish that you remain safe. Please be careful from now." Alexia said and slightly squeezed his hands, dropping them and exiting the room.
After sometime in the physician's chambers.
Gaius was doing some work. There was a knock on the door.
"Come in." He said.
Geoffrey of Monmouth entered with a large book covered in a cloth.
"Gaius, you've been a good friend to me over the years, and you've done me many kindnesses. I can't deny you this one request." Geoffrey said.
"The records?" Gaius asked hopefully.
"I know you wouldn't ask unless it was important." He said.
"You must believe me, there's a great deal at stake." Gaius assured him.
"If Uther were to discover this, he would kill us both." Geoffrey said.
"It is for Uther's sake that I make the request. Trust me, please." Gaius told him.
Geoffrey handed Gaius the book.
"Thank you, old friend." Gaius told him gratefully.
Uther was dining with Edwin in the council chambers, the two of them sitting at opposite ends of the table.
"It's unlike Gaius to miss something like this." Uther pointed out as a servant kept down a fresh plate of food.
"We all make mistakes." Edwin said.
"Gaius is a great physician." Uther praised.
"The very best. Which is what I don't understand." Edwin said, dawning a very believable confused expression.
"What?" Uther asked.
"It's not for me to speak out of turn."
"You saved the life of my ward, you may speak as you wish." Uther replied, drinking from his wine glass.
"He has been prescribing sleeping draughts for Morgana." Edwin stated.
"She suffers from bad dreams." Uther clarified.
"Yes. But the dreams should have been a warning." Edwin said ominously.
"You think the two may be connected?" Uther leaned forward in his seat.
"Oh, yes." Edward stated without hesitation.
Uther stood up and began to walk around the table towards Edwin. "A symptom of the illness?"
"I am certain of it, yes." Edwin replied. "And those potions, they masked the problem, and allowed it to develop to the point where... "
"She nearly died." Uther finished solemnly. "If you hadn't come along when you did."
"But I did and that is all that matters. Her life was saved... in the nick of time." Edwin said, smiling.
"Will you undertake a review of his work? Just to be on the safe side." Uther requested.
"If it would put your mind at rest, Sire." Edwin agreed.
Back in the physician's chambers, Gaius was still reading from the record book when Merlin and Alexia came down the next morning.
"Have you been up all night?" Merlin asked curiously when he saw the candles still burning and Gaius sitting at the table in the same clothes. Alexia too looked at him.
"Yes, but it was worth it. Where are you going?" Gaius asked, watching Merlin put on his coat and grab his bag.
"Er, I told Edwin I'd be up at dawn to collect some supplies." Merlin informed Gaius, putting the bag on over his shoulder. Alexia frowned.
" Why didn't you tell me?" Alexia asked.
Merlin shrugged a bit, but didn't reply.
"Well, you better get a move on then." Gaius said, motioning to the door with his head. Once Merlin had walked out, Gaius shut the record book and looked thoughtful.
" Gaius I am not getting any good feeling from this man." Alexia said. Gaius looked at her.
" This man is not what he seems." She continued pacing in the chambers.
Gaius nodded and then got up. Leaving the room with records.
Alexia too left to go to Arthur for her duties.
Some time later, Gaius entered Edwin's chambers, and smiled at the man who was standing before his table full of equipment.
"Edwin. Your scar has healed well." Gaius said, giving his face a searching look. Edwin just stared at him. "I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy."
"I told you we've never met before." Edwin said with a slight stressed smile.
"I didn't realise who you were until I checked the records." Gaius said, smiling in triumph. "You used your mother's maiden name. You are Gregor and Jaden's son."
Edwin dropped the act. "They were friends of yours." He stated.
"They were sorcerers." Gaius clarified.
"They practiced magic." Edwin quickly rephrased. "And so did a lot of people back then, Gaius."
"Uther will be furious when he finds out who you are." Gaius smiled wickedly.
"Fine. Fine. Shall we tell him? Let's go and tell him. Let's tell him. Let's tell him everything." Edwin walked to the door, before seemingly turning around with a new thought. "Ooh, I know... We could also tell him about Merlin."
"Merlin?" Gaius questioned.
"You didn't know he was a sorcerer?" Edwin asked. "Ah. I wonder what Uther will do. Probably have him burnt."
"You would betray another sorcerer?" Gaius asked incredulously.
"You did. When you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther! At least Merlin doesn't have a son who will try to rescue him from the flames!" Edwin yelled, pointing to the scars that liberally cover half of his face.
"You're here to take revenge." Gaius stated.
"And I have waited a long time." Edwin said heatedly.
"You think I will sacrifice the King to save Merlin?" Gaius asked.
"Think about it, Gaius." Edwin said in a falsely calm tone. "But if I find out that you have told one other person, including the boy, I will go straight to Uther." He threatened.
At that moment, the object of their conversations entered the room, carrying a now full bag.
"I got your provisions." Merlin said, taking off the bag and handing it to Edwin.
"Oh, thank you, Merlin." Edwin said, no trace of earlier anger in his voice. "Gaius was just reminiscing about old times, weren't you, Gaius?"
Gaius looked over at Merlin, who's smile dropped slightly when he met Gaius gaze. "Yes." Gaius said in a hard tone.
"But now, I must get back to work." Edwin said lightly, clapping Merlin on the shoulder and giving Gaius a pointed look. Edwin watched as Merlin and Gaius walk out.
"I'd better get on with my errands." Merlin stated when they are both in the hallway.
"Yes, of course, you must." Gaius agreed.
There I silence for a moment before Merlin asked, "Do you want me to get you anything?"
"No, I'm fine." Gaius shook his head. "Just do what Edwin asks."
Merlin nodded and walked away, leaving Gaius standing in the middle of the hallway to watch him go.
In the courtroom, Edwin stood before Uther, Morgana, and Arthur, giving his report on his 'findings' in Gaius's medical records. A few courtiers and a couple guards mill around, listening to the physician giving his report to the king.
"I have been through the court medical records with a fine-tooth comb, Sire." Edwin said.
"And were your findings satisfactory?" Uther asked.
"With regret, I would have to say they were not." Edwin said, sounding genuinely regretful.
"How so?" Uther asked, leaning forward in interest.
"Gaius is a great man, thorough, and dedicated." Edwin praised.
"But?" Uther encouraged.
Edwin sighed. "His methods are outdated. He has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors."
"Gaius has served me well for 25 years." Uther pointed out.
"And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse." Edwin said, sounding sad.
"Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens." Uther muttered. "Have you given any more thought to my offer?"
"Yes. I have considered it very carefully." Edwin said.
"Allow me some time to do the same." Uther said in a clear dismissal.
Edwin bowed low before spinning on his heel and walking out of the throne room. Uther got up and went to the table for a drink, while Morgana followed him. In the background, Arthur got up and walked out of the room via a side exit.
"Uther, you can't do this." Morgana stated.
"You heard what he said. Gaius is old, he makes mistakes." Uther said.
"Gaius has treated me since before I can remember. You can't cast him out." Morgana argued.
"You would have died if your care had been left to him. That's something I could not bear." Uther said, his voice firm.
"I know that, but ..." Morgana replied softly.
"I cannot risk something like this happening again." Uther interrupted. His tone leaving no room for argument.
That night Gaius watched Merlin while he slept. As he left, Alexia opened her eyes.
"Gaius!" She breathed sadly. Gaius headed to the dragon's cave with a torch.
"Hello? It is me, Gaius." Gaius called out into the cave.
The dragon flew up to the rock by the entrance and settled down into his normal crouch before eyeing Gaius.
"How old a man can become and yet change so little." The dragon said.
"You have not changed either." Gaius pointed out.
"Twenty years, almost a lifetime to make the short journey back to where you began."
"I'm not here for myself." Gaius stated.
"The boy, or the girl?" The dragon infered.
"You know about Merlin and Alexia?" Gaius asked.
" I know more than you can imagine. Especially about the girl. You have struggled against their destiny, but you can no more prevent it than they can." The dragon said, pointing at Gaius with a golden claw.
"So, it is true then?" Gaius asked.
"Oh yes. He, the girl and the young Pendragon one day will unite the land of Albion." Kilgharrah replied.
"But he is in danger." Gaius said.
"No. It is my jailer who stands in peril."
Gaius looked up at the dragon. "Must Uther be sacrificed for the boy?"
"Their time cannot come until his is past." The dragon pointed out.
"But is that time now?" Gaius questioned.
The dragon chuckled darkly. "That is of your choosing."
"I will not choose between them." Gaius exclaimed.
"Then turn a blind eye. That is, after all, your talent." The dragon replied darkly.
" What has the girl to do with this? She is the most pure soul I ever met." Gaius exclaimed.
" The girl is chosen to change fates. To prevent something grave from happening. And saving Albion with her purity." The dragon said.
" I feel you grown fond of Alexia and Merlin." Gaius said.
" So have you." The dragon replied.
" Without the end to Uther's reign, the golden time of Albion will never arrive." He told him and took flight.
Gaius sat and pondered in the physician's chambers before Arthur came to summon him to the king.
"Sire. Is there a problem?" Gaius asked as soon as he entered the council chambers. "Are you unwell?"
"This is not an ailment you can treat me for." Uther said, wringing his hands nervously. "You've been a loyal servant for many years. I look on you as a friend."
"I regard you in the same way, Sire." Gaius bowed.
"You've been here since Arthur's birth." Uther threw a side look at Arthur before adding, "And all that entailed. What I'm trying to do I think is best for you." He said, getting up off of his throne to pace.
"I'm confused, Sire." Gaius replied.
"I'll give you a generous allowance, make sure you're looked after."
Understanding blossomed across Gaius's expression. "You're retiring me?"
"I don't want you to worry. I'll allow you to continue living in your chambers until more suitable accommodation can be found." Uther said kindly.
"Because I made one mistake?" Gaius asked incredulously. "Although in truth, Sire, it was not a mistake."
Gaius saw Edwin creep out from behind a column.
"It was..."
"Yes Gaius?" Edwin prodded.
"It was unfortunate, I accept that." Uther nodded.
"May I ask who is to be the next court physician?" Gaius asked, looking at Edwin
"None of this was Edwin's idea." Uther said quickly, noticing Gaius's attention. "Initially, he turned down the offer."
"I'm sure." Gaius stated.
"It's not been an easy decision, but ... the younger man, new ideas."
"Yes." Gaius said warily.
"You're hesitant." Uther noticed. "Is there a reason you oppose his appointment?"
"Sire..." Gaius began.
"If you have anything to say, then say it now, Gaius." Edwin said pointedly.
"This is difficult for both of us." Uther said.
Gaius bowed. "I thank you for your patronage. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve your family, for all these years." He gave Edwin the evil eye before walking out of the council chambers.
Merlin and Alexia entered the physician's chambers while Gaius was packing.
"Gaius! Uther cannot do this to you. You tried to save Morgana." Merlin exclaimed.
"Uther's not to blame." Gaius replied.
" Edwin is?" Alexia asked.
Gaius stopped for a moment before continuing.
"I will speak to Edwin, you can work together." Merlin said fervently.
Gaius quickly dismissed that idea. "No, you mustn't do anything."
"I can't stand by and do nothing." Merlin argued.
"Uther's right. It's time I stepped down." Gaius replied.
Merlin finally noticed that he is packing. "What are you doing?" Merlin asked in disbelief.
"I cannot stay when there's no longer a use for me." Gaius explained, packing a shirt into a box
"You're not leaving?" Alexia stated seriously.
Gaius gave them a sad smile. "I believe it's for the best."
Alexia shook her head and exited the room.
Merlin stared for a moment before he said firmly, "Then I will come with you."
"Merlin, you and Alexia are like a son and daughter to me. I never expected such a blessing so late in life." Gaius smiled.
"And you are more than a father to me. To us" Merlin agreed.
"Then, as a father, I must tell you, you must remain here. Camelot is where you belong."
"But you belong here too." Merlin argued.
Gaius took him by the shoulders. "Not anymore. Merlin, you must promise me you will not waste your gifts. And take care of Alexia. She cares deeply for you."
"My gifts mean nothing without you to guide me. And how can your leave your daughter like that." Merlin said, upset. His eyes begin to tear up.
"You both have a great destiny. If I have had a small part to play in that, then I'm pleased." Gaius said proudly.
"There is so much I have yet to learn. I need you to teach me." Merlin murmured.
"I'm afraid I am leaving here tonight, Merlin. And there's nothing you can do or say that can persuade me otherwise."
"I will not let this happen." Merlin said firmly, before he turned and left.
"Goodbye, Merlin." Gaius said to the door.
Alexia ran to the training fields to Arthur.
" Why is this happening?" Alexia asked.
" What?" Arthur asked confused.
" You know Arthur! Gaius is being sacked! Why? Because he was not able to cure Morgana? And suddenly a stranger came who cured her and won your father's confidence?" Alexia said in an angry voice.
" He is your king Alexia!" Arthur reminded her.
" And Gaius is my father!" She retorted.
" He is the closest thing I have to a father! I never experienced the care and love that Gaius showered me with. Even after having a family, it was like not having one. When I met Gaius he took in a complete stranger and accepted me just like his daughter. I can't believe your father is doing this to him." Alexia exclaimed wiping her tears.
Merlin entered at the moment when Alexia was talking to Arthur.
"I can't understand why Uther would sack him over one mistake." Merlin commented from behind.
"A mistake that nearly killed Morgana." Arthur pointed out. "Besides, it wasn't the only one.'
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked, looking confused.
"Edwin said his work was riddled with errors."
"That's nonsense." Alexia all but yelled.
"No one wants Gaius to go, but my father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do." Arthur said, sticking his sword in the ground and walking away. Alexia stomped her foot in anger.
Uther walked through the castle corridors with Edwin.
"I think you'll be very happy here." Uther smiled.
"I'm sure I will." Edwin agreed. "When I reviewed Gaius's work, I noticed that he's been prescribing you arnica."
"It's for, er, my shoulder," Uther stated, reaching up to pat it. "It's an old battle wound. It gives me a lot of pain."
"May I take the liberty of providing a new prescription? It should prove far more effective." He asked.
Uther looked very interested. "Really?"
"Oh, yes. It is a remedy to cure all ills." Edwin smiled.
Gwen saw Gaius lead a horse out of the main gate while she was buying fruit from a stall. "Gaius? You're leaving?"
"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't come and say goodbye." Gaius said.
"I don't want you to go. I don't trust Edwin." Gwen lowered her voice before saying, "There was no blood in Morgana's ear, he put it there. He did something to her, I know he did."
Gaius looked around cautiously. "You need to be careful who you say that to."
"I'm saying it to you because you can do something about it." Gwen replied fervently.
"I can't." Gaius argued.
"But you think the same, don't you? He's evil." Gwen said.
"It's not that simple."
"So you're going to turn your back on us?" Gwen asked in disbelief.
"I have no choice, I'm sorry Gwen." Gaius apologized.
"In life you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't." Gwen stated wisely.
"Well, then. My choice is to leave."
"Then I'll miss you." Gwen said, and kissed Gaius on the cheek. "Goodbye Gaius."
Back in his own chambers that night, Uther drank a potion and passed out on the bed.
A scene flashed by of Gaius looking thoughtful at a campfire.
Edwin leaned over Uther's bed as Uther woke from his drug induced sleep. "My Lord. My Lord. It seems the drugs I gave you have taken hold. Your body is now paralyzed. Now, open your eyes, My Lord. I want my face to be the last face you ever see. You took my childhood from me. And now finally, I take my parents' revenge. Within a few hours, the beetle will eat into your brain. And you will suffer, as they suffered. And I long to hear you scream, as they screamed the night you gave the order for the fires to be lit. With your death, magic will return to Camelot. Bebeode þe arisan ealdu."
The bug crawled into Uther's ear as Uther watched helpless.
"Goodbye, Uther Pendragon."
Edwin entered his chambers.
" I will not allow you to kill Uther." Gaius said, stepping out of the shadows.
"You've never had a problem letting people die before."
"Your parents were practicing dark magic, just like you." Gaius revealed.
"And how do you propose to stop me?"
Gaius held his hand out and chanted, "Wáce ierlic." Nothing happened.
"Hmm." Edwin replied, "I think you meant: vaki ierlt."
The spell threw Gaius against the wall.
"Have you forgotten everything, Gaius?" Edwin said. "You're getting too old. I have a cure though. Forbærne yfel." The spell encircled Gaius in flames.
" incendio restinguendo igni virtutem petam infestaque. " Alexia said as she held out her hand for the flames.
The flames vanish instantly.
Edwin turned to her in shock.
"You have magic?" He asked shocked and then gave a maniac chuckle.
Arthur ran through the hall as Merlin descended the curved stairs, carrying a load of laundry.
"Merlin!" Arthur exclaimed when he saw him. "My father has Morgana's illness! We must find Edwin!"
Merlin immediately dropped the laundry and ran off.
Merlin burst into Edwin's chambers to find Gaius surrounded by a pillar and Alexia glaring at the man, who was laughing like a maniac.
"What are you doing?" Merlin exclaimed, confused.
"He was trying to kill the King. I couldn't let him." Gaius cried out.
"I can rule the kingdom now. And with you both at my side, we can be all-powerful." Edwin stated, his offer clear.
" Do you seriously think that we would join you? What you tried to do today was totally evil and dark." Alexia yelled.
" Merlin?" Edwin turned to him.
Merlin looked at Alexia and Edwin.
The girl who was warning him for his better, and the man whom he thought was a friend.
Merlin shook his head.
"It's your loss." Edwin motioned with a hand, and telekinetically threw an axe and a spear at Merlin and Alexia, but they stop the weapons with a flash of their eyes.
" I trusted you." Merlin said in a hoarse whisper.
"Swilte, Merlin." Edwin chanted.
Merlin's magic managed to overpower Edwin's. Merlin sent the axe to kill Edwin.
"Are you both alright?" Merlin asked in a torn voice, looking to Gaius and Alexia. His face is clearly upset about Edwin's death.
Alexia nodded.
"Yes." Gaius assures him. "Thank you Merlin."
Merlin looked at the body.
Alexia wrapped her arms around him.
" I am sorry." She whispered.
Merlin nodded and flashed a small smile to her.
Suddenly something occured to him, and he fetched the bug box.
"What are you doing?" Gaius asked.
"Uther's ill; the same thing Morgana had." Merlin opened the box. "Edwin said he used these to cure Morgana. Maybe we can too."
"Elanthia beetles." Gaius breathed.
"They're magical?"
Alexia nodded.
"Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul." They trio shared a horrified look. "We must go to him."
In Uther's chambers, Gaius, Alexia and Merlin stood over the king, who was lying unconscious and pale in his bed. "How do we get the beetle out before it kills him?" Merlin asked softly.
"It can only be magic." Gaius replied.
Merlin's eyes widened. "We can't use magic on Uther, he'd kill us."
"We don't have a choice."
"Gaius!" Merlin exclaimed.
"There are times when it is necessary. It is your right." Gaius stated.
"I don't know how." Merlin said softly, sounding scared.
"If you don't, he's going to die." Gaius said, looking at Uther.
Alexia gave him a nod in reassurance.
Merlin set down the bug box before he sat on the bed and placed his hands over Uther's ears. His eyes flashed gold before he closed them, and chanted softly, "Bebeode þe arisan ealdu. Áblinnen." Merlin concentrated, his eyes scrunched in concentration for several moments.
"What's happening?" Gaius asked softly.
Merlin didn't answer, but after a few more moments he relaxed and pulled his hands away. Standing up, he opend his palm to reveal the still bug in his hand.
Alexia squealed in joy.
"Has anyone ever told you, you're a genius?" Gaius murmured, looking down at the bug.
"You certainly haven't." Merlin joked softly. They three laughed as Uther groaned and woke up.
Gaius prepared a potion for Uther the next morning in his chambers. "Drink this. It'll help regain your strength." Gaius said, holding out the cup.
"There's nothing wrong with my strength." Uther said stubbornly. Gaius just gave him 'The Look', and the king took the medicine.
"Do you remember them? His parents?" Uther asked.
Gaius turned away and began to pack up his supplies. "I remember them all, Sire."
"Gaius. Once again, you saved my life. You've always served me well. And I know there are things that I've asked you to do, which you found difficult."
"You've always done what you believe to be right." Gaius said.
"I was not right to betray you." Uther replied. "I'm sorry. From now on I will remember that, in the fight against magic, you are the one person I can trust."
In the council chambers, Gaius stood before the royal court as Uther praised him. "I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honor of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth, you are a free man of Camelot."
Uther handed Gaius a roll of parchment and the court broke out in applause. Gaius shook a few people's hands, including Merlin's and Alexia's and then held up the parchment.
Later, Gaius, Alexia and Merlin walked through the lower town. "Of course, it's all ridiculous. I didn't save Uther, you did." Gaius commented.
"No, no. For once, I'm happy for someone else to take the credit. You were prepared to sacrifice your life to save me." Merlin said.
"Where do you get that from?" Gaius questioned.
"I thought..." Merlin's voice trailed off.
"No. I didn't do anything." Gaius smiled.
" Alexia saved me and you saved Uther. She is a genius, maybe you are a genius too."
Merlin grinned. "You think so?"
"Well, almost. One day." Gaius said before walking away.
Alexia and Merlin laughed hard.