Krysia had nightmares of pale faces most of the night, dreams of those she loved dead and dying. When she saw Leon's face as a mask of white, his normally kind eyes just another part of the mask, she awoke with a scream, covering her mouth quickly with the blanket her shaking, sweaty hands had already been clutching.

She closed her eyes tightly, trying to go back to sleep, knowing that there would be so much work to do in the morning, but it was an uneasy sleep for the rest of the night.

When she awoke the next morning she found that Merlin was snoring heartily and with a glance out into the square she could see even more bodies piling up and she shivered.

In spite of a sense that something in the room was off, Krysia couldn't put her finger on what it was, so she moved to get dressed.

No sooner had she gotten dressed, readied her hair a bit, and moved out of her room, did Gaius frown at her and say, "Oh, good. There's no time to waste. We are wanted at the council chamber right away. I didn't want to have to wake you."

Krysia followed Gaius quickly as they could go to the council chamber, where Arthur and the king were sitting, waiting for the report on what Gaius had learned.

Gaius explained the issue with the water, putting the sample of the flower in water in front of them. Krysia frowned at it.

Arthur reached out for the vial, but Gaius stopped him.

"Don't touch it," Gaius warned. "I had this in the water for no more than a few hours."

"Where's the water from?" Uther asked.

"The pump from where the people take their daily supply," Gaius told him.

"We have to stop the people from using it," Arthur pressed in his sure-of-himself way.

Krysia shook her head and said, "Begging pardon, but that will only work so long. A lucky, healthy person can only last a few days without water. A city will not last long."

"We have to find this sorceror!" Uther growled.

"I don't believe that they're in Camelot," Arthur offered.

"Then extend the search to the villages!"

"We've started, but I can't search the entire kingdom," Arthur said sadly, glancing at Krysia.

"And I can't stand by and watch our people dying," Uther said, and Arthur spared one last look at the flower before nodding and heading away. Uther then turned to Krysia. "I have a report from Morgana that her maid's father took ill and she might be a bit distracted. Please tend to Morgana while this grieving is taking place.

"Of course, your majesty," Krysia said, curtsying before she glanced at Gaius and hurried off to Morgana's quarters.

She arrived just in time to see Merlin walking into the quarters and she got that feeling back that something was wrong. It was intensified by the sight of Gwen there, smiling, gathering Morgana's clothes.

Oh, she was going to kill him.

"How's your father?" Merlin asked Gwen. "Is he feeling better?"

"Yeah, it's incredible," Gwen said breathlessly. "It's a miracle."

"His skin's clearer?" Merlin pressed. "Back to normal?"

"Yes," Gwen assured him.

Krysia wanted to string him up by his ankles. She was ready to hang him from the window then and there. Her imagination was thinking of all sorts of creative ways to make him suffer for being so stupid, but none of them seemed quite good enough.

"Great," Merlin said, smiling.

He was about to leave when Gwen said, "You don't seem surprised."

Oh, but Gwen had to be shrewd. It had to be Gwen, one of the smartest servants in the castle. Krysia gripped at something she could squeeze without breaking it: a candlestick.

"Oh, he looks surprised to me," Krysia lied. "That's his surprised face. I know it looks as stupid as the other faces, but there's only so much variety you can have with a face like that."

Merlin gave her an annoyed look, but Gwen didn't seem convinced.

"But how did he know he was well?" she pressed.

"Er... because you're smiling," Merlin invented. Krysia had to admit, it might have worked if he wasn't Merlin and a bit of a proven idiot.

"That's really weird," Gwen said, "because I haven't told anyone, but you know. How could you know?"

"Yeah. Alright. You finally found out, I'll tell you," Merlin said, and Krysia gripped the candlestick a bit tighter, wanting badly to hit him upside the head, perhaps even subconsciously preparing to do so. "I'm psychic."

Her hand relaxed, but only slightly as Gwen giggled and said, "No, you're not."

"It's true," Merlin insisted.

"Alright, what am I thinking?" she challenged.

"That he's not a psychic," Krysia offered teasingly, wanting to diffuse the tension as much as possible.

"Hey," Merlin protested.

Gwen giggled again and said, "You're strange. I, I don't mean that in a nasty way. You're just funny. I like that."

"Erm, er, I'm pleased for you," Merlin said awkwardly. Krysia wondered for a moment if maybe Merlin wasn't attracted to Gwen. After all, she was a very pretty girl, and he'd done something very stupid on her behalf...

"Thank you," Gwen said with a smile.

"What for?" Merlin asked.

"Don't know," she replied. "Just for asking."

"Anyone ought to have," Krysia started, but Merlin talked over her.

"I didn't like to see you upset," Merlin said. "I have to... get on."

He waved awkwardly and that really sealed it. Gwen waved back and Merlin left but Krysia raised her eyebrows at him as he turned to leave and she saw him turn pink. Not only did he know she knew about the magic, but he might even suspect that she knew he had some sort of feelings for Gwen.

Krysia helped Gwen gather up the last few things and said, "Well, since things are all right here I hope you don't mind if I see to some of the things Gaius needs of me?"

"Of course!" Gwen said with a frown. "I can't stand to think of all those people dying."

Krysia kissed her friend on the cheeks and went on her way back to the physician's quarters.

On her way, though, she stopped to look in on the work of some of the girls in her service who were responsible for the decorations and their health around the castle. There were a few places to check for them around the castle, and by the time she found them they were gossiping.

"Oh, did you hear, Krysia?" Jayne asked anxiously. "About Gwen, I mean."

"I heard that her father recovered," Krysia said slowly, wondering what they were referring to. "A miracle."

"More like witchcraft," Jayne hissed nervously. "She's been arrested. They found a poultice. Screaming all up the hall."

"Oh no," Krysia muttered. "The silver looks fine, girls, I just remembered something Gaius asked me to see to."

She ran as quickly as she could to the physician's quarters and told Gaius as soon as she arrived that Gwen had been arrested.

"I'll be right back," Gaius growled, going out the door and returning several minutes later with Merlin in tow, slamming the door behind them.

"What've you done?!" he demanded angrily of Merlin.

"What?" Merlin asked, although he knew full well what was being discussed.

"Don't play a fool, Merlin," Krysia sighed. "It doesn't suit you. Whatever good you thought you were doing, you made a terrible mistake."

"I couldn't let her father die knowing I could cure him," Merlin defended.

"Didn't you think it might look suspicious, the curing of one man?" Gaius pointed out.

"Well, then all I have to do is... I'll cure everyone! No one will ever have to know it was magic!"

"It's too late for that, Merlin!" Krysia cried. "They think Gwen's the sorceress they're looking for, that she caused the disease!"

"But she didn't!" Merlin cried, making to leave.

"Oh, and how do you think you're going to prove that?!" Gaius demanded.

Merlin paused for a moment, looking at them before he turned and rushed out again.

Krysia sighed.

"I've got to go after him again, don't I?"

Gaius nodded.

Krysia got to her feet and went off after Merlin, musing that she would have to have her clothes refitted if he stayed around for any length of time at all.

After Krysia had fetched Merlin back from his unproductive brooding they sat brooding together in the physician's chambers, trying to think of what could be done to help Gwen, who was set to be burned at the stake.

"I thought I was doing a good thing and that curing Gwen's father would help her," Merlin sighed. "I thought I was saving a life. It seemed so simple."

"An easy solution is like a light in a storm, Merlin," Gaius counseled wisely. "Rush for it at your peril, for it may not always lead you to a safe harbour."

"I can see that now," Merlin pouted.

Krysia sighed and said, "The real problem is will you see it when the next storm comes along? How many times do we have to remind you of the responsibilities of your gift?"

"I must see her," Merlin said, looking up at Krysia.

"Do you listen at all when I talk?" Krysia asked dryly. "Or do you simply wait until I stop to say what you're actually thinking of?" Gaius gave her a look at Krysia sighed. "Oh, all right. I'll take you to see her."

They followed the increasingly familiar path to the dungeons and Krysia sighed, "You know, Merlin, I know you don't like me telling you, but-"

"But I was a fool and I need to control myself a bit more," he said with a wry smile. "I know, Krysia. I'm not offended. You are usually right, after all, and I have a lot left to learn." His expression darkened as they neared the cells. "Obviously."

They passed a clearly distraught Morgana on the way down, who said not a word, but rushed up the stairs past them as they descended the last few steps to Gwen's cell.

"Gwen," Merlin said, rushing forward, upset to see her standing there looking so dejected. Krysia actually took a moment to compose herself before joining him at the bars, not wanting to cry like Morgana had.

The chains didn't go far enough for Gwen to be at the door, and it was clear that she was crying, but she tried so very hard to look brave.

"Thank you," she said softly. "Both of you."

"What for?" Merlin asked.

"For coming to see me," Gwen said simply, attempting to smile, but failing.

"I'm sorry," Krysia said, touching the bars. "Oh, Gwen, if I had only known-"

"It's not your fault, it's nobody's fault," Gwen said, shaking her head. Krysia stiffened slightly.

"Well..." Merlin said slowly, but Krysia gave him a withering look out of the corner of her eye and he quieted quickly.

"It's all right," Gwen said, trying to be brave. "Don't worry about me. There's no point crying about it. I mean...I mean, I'm not saying that you were going to cry about me. Obviously I don't think that."

"Oh, Gwen," Merlin sighed. "I can't have this happen."

Krysia flinched.

That sounded very much like him interfering again, and she knew nothing good ever came of Merlin interfering.

Excepting that one time when he saved Arthur's life. And that other time when he saved Arthur's life. But otherwise, nothing at all.

"Please, one thing," Gwen said softly, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "You, you don't have to, but..."

"What is it, Gwen?" Krysia said softly, promising silently to honor her friend's last request. It was the least she could do for not keeping a better leash on Merlin.

"Remember me."

"You're not going to die," Merlin said firmly. "I'm not going to let this happen."

He then rushed back up the stairs and Krysia stared after him for a moment, sighing.

"Yes, interfering again," she muttered, and left Gwen standing bewildered and upset in the cell before rushing off after Merlin again, making sure he didn't get into any further trouble that night.

Unfortunately, where she followed him was straight to the council chamber, and she had a sneaking suspicion she knew exactly what foolishness he was about to commit when he burst through the door, Krysia following not far behind, unable to stop him.

"It was me!" he said wildly. "It was me who used magic to cure Gwen's father!"

The whole council stared at Merlin as Krysia held her breath, praying that he wouldn't be believed. It was just too much stress to deal with in one day, and they hadn't even found the real sorcerer yet.

Speaking of...

"Gwen's not the sorcerer, I am!" Merlin claimed, unperturbed by the befuddled stares in his direction.

Gaius stood and said demandingly, "Merlin! Are you mad?"

"Merlin, please don't do this," Krysia said nervously, knowing that Gaius would blame her if Merlin actually did get believed and executed. Gwen was a better servant, honestly, but what with all this destiny business she felt obliged to at least try to keep him alive.

"I cannot let her die for me," Merlin said firmly. He then turned to Uther, who was watching him, stunned. "I place myself at your mercy."

Krysia could have smacked her forehead. If there was any way for things to go more badly than they'd done before, this had to be it.

"He doesn't know what he's talking about," Gaius said.

"I do," Merlin insisted.

"Then arrest him," Uther said simply to the guards, who still seemed a bit confused.

"Father, please! I can't allow this!" Arthur cried. Krysia raised her eyebrows with surprise, but she was glad she didn't have to be the only one defying Uther on this matter. "This is madness! There's no way Merlin's a sorcerer."

Oh, how she would have liked very much to have laughed at that, but Krysia was so well-trained at keeping secrets that she just watched. Besides, she was still a bit queasy at the whole situation they found themselves in.

"Did you not hear him?" Uther asked his son.

"Yes," Arthur admitted.

"He admitted it."

"He saved my life, remember," Arthur floundered.

"Why should he fabricate such a story?"

This ought to be good, Krysia mused as Arthur looked at her for a moment, trying to decide what to say.

"As Gaius said," Arthur spluttered, "he's got a...grave mental disease."

It was getting a bit harder not to laugh, but the thought of dying or being arrested held her at bay.

"Really?" Uther said, disbelieving.

"He's in love," Arthur supplied.

"What?" Krysia spat, unable to contain herself.

"With Gwen," Arthur continued, nodding. Uther began to grin and Krysia found herself beginning to follow suit.

"I am not," Merlin insisted.

"Yes, you are," Arthur informed him firmly.

"No way."

"I saw you yesterday with that flower she'd given you."

"I'm not in love with her," Merlin reiterated, obviously growing distressed that no one would believe him.

Arthur put his arm around Merlin and Krysia stifled a giggle.

"It's all right, Merlin," she said softly. "You don't have to hide it anymore. You can admit it."

"I don't even think of her like that!" Merlin said, outraged, clearly furious with both Krysia and Arthur, but saving his life started looking a whole lot easier.

"Perhaps she cast a spell on you," Uther offered.

Krysia would have kissed him if he weren't king.

Arthur, though, turned to look at his father with concern, but his father let out a small laugh and the council followed suit. Bolstered by this encouragement, Arthur finished the case.

"Merlin is a wonder, but the wonder is that he's such an idiot. There's no way he's a sorcerer."

"Don't waste my time again," Uther warned. "Let him go."

When Gaius and Krysia got back to their shared space, Merlin exploded.

"Arthur's the idiot," he insisted, sulking.

"He was helping you, Merlin," Krysia said softly. "He did the right thing, and kept me from having to risk my own job to save your scrawny neck."

"What else could I do?" Merlin demanded. "It's my fault Gwen's going to die."

"Yes," Gaius agreed, "but you don't prove her innocence by offering to jump into the flames. "You do it by finding out what's causing the disease!"

"Well, that puts the burden on us entirely, then," Krysia said with a grin. "We now know that Arthur couldn't spot sorcerers even if they present themselves before him and admit their guilt!"

"Sometimes they're pretty hard to spot," Gaius said, giving her an amused smile, although Merlin was a bit giddy about Arthur's being wrong.

"Well, maybe I should go around wearing a pointy hat," he offered.

"They don't come in your size," Krysia teased, and Merlin was about to retort when Gaius cut them both off.

"Forget that. If we're going to save Gwen, we need to discover what's contaminating the water."

They got together all of the supplies Gaius told them to grab. They then followed him down to the tunnel that led to the water supply.

Gaius had never taken Krysia down there before, and she honestly hoped he never took her down there again. She didn't like dark, cold, damp places.

"The water from here supplies the whole town," he explained, holding his torch. "Take samples." Merlin and Krysia took the bottles they'd brought and filled them with the water from the source. Krysia shivered, thinking of how many people this very water had killed.

"Let's get out of here," Krysia murmured. "I'd rather examine it back there than in this place."

A strange, angry creature that appeared to be made out of clay came up out of the water and Krysia and Merlin stumbled backward.

"What the hell was that?" Merlin demanded, but Gaius grabbed Merlin by the arm and they followed Krysia out, who was running away as if her life depended upon it, because for all she knew, it did.