At first, Gwaine didn't get a good look at the newcomers, there were so many people in the cell. But after they woke and he heard Merlin's voice, Gwaine smiled to himself, sensing that he'd just found his way out, and maybe even back to Krysia if he was lucky.

"What was that you were saying about me being a pessimist?" Merlin said.

"Must've slipped my mind," Arthur's voice answered.

Gwaine made his way through the crowd and touched Arthur's shoulder, and almost laughed when Arthur grabbed his hand, tense.

"Touch me again, you die," Arthur said, but Merlin was already grinning.

"Gwaine?"

Gwaine grinned back at them and said to Arthur, "No manners, you royals." He turned to Merlin said, "Merlin, old friend, you look terrible."

"Likewise."

"What are you doing here?" Arthur said, gesturing to the cell and the other men in it.

"Well, you know, wrong place, wrong time, wrong drink," Gwaine said.

Arthur was now smiling, and he said, "Nothing's changed there, then."

"That's just not fair," Gwaine teased.

"Where exactly are we?"

"The bowels of an old castle. Belongs to a fella named Jarl."

"Never heard of him."

"Lovely bloke. Slave trader."

Merlin looked terrified and said, "We're going to be sold as slaves?"

Before Gwaine could tell him more of what he'd learned about the operation, Jarl came to the door of the cell, and Gwaine held his breath. Of course he was going to pick Arthur to fight. Why did Gwaine think the gods were doing anything but laughing at him?

"Right, you filthy vermin," Jarl said to the men in the cell. "Which one of you is ready to face my champion in the arena?"

Silence answered him, just as it always did, especially as Gwaine had been on a great run. He didn't blame them. Gwaine wouldn't have been keen to fight himself, either.

"No volunteers?" Jarl said. "Well, I shall have to choose one of you toerags myself, then. Let me see…"

Gwaine willed for him to turn any other direction, but he sneered at Merlin instead.

"How about you?"

He pointed at Merlin, who looked around to make sure it wasn't someone standing near him.

"Me?" Merlin said, pointing at himself.

"Death or glory, boy. You should be honored."

And then Arthur had to step up, and Gwaine really wished he'd had a minute to warn them both.

"Who is this so-called champion?" Arthur demanded. "Can e crush nothing but weaklings like this?"

"You think you could offer a better contest?" Jarl said.

"I guarantee it."

"Arthur, no," Merlin hissed.

"Very well," Jarl said, narrowing his eyes at Arthur. "But if you lose, I'll feed your little friend to the crows piece by stinking piece. Are you ready, my champion?" Jarl added, turning to Gwaine.

Gwaine smiled a little and said, "I am."

Arthur and Merlin both looked at him with shocked and mildly betrayed expressions, and Gwaine could only smile, wishing the gods really would stop laughing at him. It was getting tiresome.

/-/

The longer Arthur was away, the more distracted Uther found himself. He stared across the dining table at Krysia, not realizing he was staring until she adjusted her pendant and looked down at herself as if expecting to find something wrong.

"Does something offend you, sire?" she said.

Uther cleared his throat, wishing he'd caught himself before she had. He looked at his goblet to keep from watching her fingers twist the pendant.

"Apologies, my lady, I was lost in thought," he said quickly.

Morgana smiled to herself and said, "I suppose that is only natural with Arthur having been away for so long and leaving as suddenly as he did. Where was it he's gone again?"

"A hunting trip, wasn't it?" Krysia said smoothly. "I believe that was what Merlin said."

"Yes," Uther whispered, grateful for the lie supplied by either Arthur or his servant. "A hunting trip."

If he didn't return soon, Uther would have to assume that something had gone wrong. The question was, what would he do if that was the assumption?

/-/

Gwaine allowed himself to be pushed into the arena with Arthur, and they faced off as Jarl stood before the crowd to announce the contest.

"Gentlemen," Jarl said, "the rules are simple. One man lives and one man dies. If you cannot or will not finish off your opponent…I'll kill you both."

The swords were thrown in at their feet, and they both bent to retrieve them.

"Let the battle commence!"

Gwaine threw himself into the fight, ignoring the now-familiar cheering of Jarl's goons. He was careful not to do damage, but he still was his usual vigorous self.

"Take it easy, will you?" Arthur said.

"It's got to look real, hasn't it?" Gwaine said.

"Fine," Arthur said with a snort. "If it's real you want…"

Arthur redoubled his efforts, and Gwaine couldn't help grinning as they tussled. Somewhere along the way the swords were lost and the two began to wrestle on the ground.

"So far, so good," Arthur said, breathing hard.

"What comes next?" Gwaine said.

"Er…there was no next," Arthur admitted.

Gwaine would have laughed if the situation wasn't so serious.

"Finish him!" Jarl cried, and Gwaine knew they were running perilously low on time.

A fire broke out with surprising suddenness, spreading along the ropes above. The goons began to panic, and in the chaos, the grabbed the swords, Merlin dashed for them, and they managed to slip away, running out of Jarl's fortress and into the night.

/-/

Krysia was just undoing her hair before bed when she was surprised by a knock at her door. She thought it might be Leon—he had been visiting often since he'd been cleared by Gaius to return to duty—but instead, Morgana entered, smiling a suspiciously broad smile. Did she know where Arthur had really gone? Did she know Krysia had lied?

"Morgana," Krysia said, setting aside a pin. "It's late. Was there something you needed?"

"Oh, let me help with that," Morgana said, not waiting to have her offer accepted before she came and began skillfully searching Krysia's hair for pins. "It's nothing urgent, I just feel we don't spend enough time together. You're not too tired to spend some time together, are you?"

"If it's not too long," Krysia said carefully.

Morgana picked up Krysia's brush and carefully pulled it through each strand.

"You have such lovely hair," Morgana said. "Remember when we used to braid each other's hair as children?"

"I remember," Krysia whispered.

"So strange to think how far we've come since then," Morgana said. "You're practically a new person now."

Krysia shook her head and said, "Hardly."

"Nonsense," Morgana said, laughing. "You're a lady, you nearly became a queen, and you have such a great potential."

"Potential?" Krysia said, feeling her chest go cold and tight. "What do you mean, like marriage potential?"

Morgana's smile reminded Krysia a little of a fox, and she tried not to shiver.

"Hardly," Morgana said. "You could do far better than mere marriage, my darling. I've been doing some reading on your family line."

"Have you?" Krysia said. "Anything interesting?"

"Indeed. You have had four ancestors become High Priestesses in recorded history." Morgana leaned close to her ear and said, "Including your aunt."

"Yes," Krysia whispered, barely able to feel her fingers, or indeed any part of her body. "That is probably why Uther is so adamant about my not even associating with those who practice magic."

"Uther is ruled by fear, bigotry, and hunger for power," Morgana said, tracing a finger along the part of Krysia's hair lazily. "You know perfectly well that not all those who practice magic are what he fears. After all, look at what the druids did for Sir Leon."

"Yes," Krysia said, frowning.

"Think of the good that you could do if you could harness all your potential," Morgana said, running the brush through each strand again.

"I can't," Krysia said, shaking her head, trying to shake Morgana off. "It doesn't matter, Morgana, good or ill, he burns them all the same. He's already promised that he'd burn me."

Morgana set down the brush and began to braid Krysia's hair, playing with it as she'd done when they were children.

"The solution is simple, darling," Morgana said, still smiling her fox's grin. "If Uther were no longer here, you'd be free. You'd be able to realize your potential, fulfill your family legacy, harness great power…"

"That's hardly a simple thing you suggest," Krysia said, pulling free from Morgana's hands. "He's not that old, Morgana, whatever you tease, and he has always been charitable to me. I have no reason to wish ill—"

"No, no, of course you don't," Morgana said, quickly changing to a more sympathetic expression. It was chilling how quickly, how simply she made the shift. "I merely meant that I believe someday you won't have to hide in the shadows. If you are willing, someday you might achieve true greatness, as is your heritage, your right."

Krysia stared at her, not sure what to say both to end the conversation and to avoid arousing suspicion, one way or the other.

"But you must be tired," Morgana said, smiling sweetly again. She embraced Krysia, and whispered in her ear, "It's alright, my darling. Whatever happens, I won't let harm come to you."

Krysia was unable to even feel relief when the door closed behind Morgana, because she had the distinct impression that something horrible was coming, and Merlin was god knows where.

/-/

They were some way from the castle when they paused in the forest for breath, and Gwaine laughed, touching Krysia's belt to be sure it was still there.

"Now, that's somewhere I'll not be in a hurry to see again," he said.

"Best stay out of trouble, then," Arthur said.

Gwaine snorted and said, "I could say the same to you."

"You could do, but I wouldn't have any idea what you're talking about."

"C'mon. You must have done something to end up in a hole like that."

"Actually," Arthur said, tilting his head primly, "we're on a quest."

"We're looking for the Cup of Life," Merlin said.

Arthur smacked Merlin on the back of the head, and Gwaine raised his eyebrows, not sure if he was amused or not.

"What?" Merlin said.

"What part of the word 'secret' did you not understand?" Arthur said.

"It's…Gwaine," Merlin said, gesturing at Gwaine.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen," Gwaine said, holding up his hands. "It seems whatever it is that you're after—you could use a little help."

Arthur was clearly not pleased with the offer, but probably recognized either the logic of it, or the futility of refusing of it, because he nodded agreement.

/-/

Krysia dressed in her green silk the following morning as quickly as she could, and she went directly to Gaius's chambers, where he was sitting down to his breakfast.

"Krysia," he said, "what's wrong?"

She hesitated, then sat across from him.

"I had a visit from Morgana last night," she said softly. "I'm concerned."

She related to him every detail, every word that she could recall from Morgana's abrupt visit, and Gaius listened intently, not interrupting once.

"You think she's in the middle of a plot?" Gaius said.

"I think it may be possible she knows where Arthur's gone," she said. "She's communicated with Morgause from inside the castle walls before. If Cenred finds the cup first, or worse, finds Arthur on the return with the cup in hand—"

Gaius nodded, sitting back a bit. He offered a bit of cheese of his plate, and Krysia shook her head.

"Go on, have it," he said. "You're missing your morning meal by coming to see me. I don't want you keeling over before you can break your fast."

Krysia clicked her tongue, but she took the cheese as Gaius said, "If you're right, then we must hope that Merlin manages to thwart them."

"And if he doesn't?" Krysia whispered.

"Then you'll need to play your role very, very carefully, won't you?" Gaius said, raising his eyebrows.

She understood his point. If Morgana took the throne, Krysia would have to ride the line between supporting her and holding back. She couldn't use magic, not if she didn't want Uther to kill her when they managed to depose Morgana. She wasn't sure how to walk such a line, but she might not have a choice.

/-/

"So," Gwaine said, walking beside Arthur, "according to Merlin here, if you tell me where this cup is, you have to kill me."

"That's correct," Arthur said.

"You may as well tell me, then. I mean, let's be honest," he said, grinning. "You couldn't kill me even if you wanted to."

That riled Arthur, who paused and said, "Yeah? Try me."

"I already did," Gwaine said. "Back in the arena. I had you bang to rights, did I not?"

"That…was just a game," Arthur said, clutching at straw.

"Oh, a game, right," Gwaine said, teasing. "I won that game, did I not?"

"No, you didn't," Arthur said. "One more minute—"

"One more minute," Merlin said, perturbed, "and you both would've been dead. Neither of you won. Your plan was a half-baked disaster, and if it was not for that fire, we would all be pushing up daisies."

Merlin continued to walk past them, and Gwaine and Arthur looked at each other, both surprised at Merlin's outburst and neither willing to acknowledge the truth in Merlin's words. They followed Merlin silently. Sometimes it was better to let it go.

/-/

As they continued deeper into the forest, Gwaine walked with Merlin for a while and whispered, "How is she?"

"She's…had her ups and downs," Merlin said. "She had a bit of a… Well, someone tried to poison her, but she's fine. She's strong."

"She is," Gwaine said, frowning, "but I hope they burned the bastard that did it."

"Didn't catch them," Merlin whispered darky. "It was complicated. I'll tell you the story later."

Gwaine wanted to argue, but they came through a thicket of trees and stood before a cave entrance.

"Well, don't tell me," Merlin said. "We're actually here."

"Easy, Merlin," Gwaine teased. "Wouldn't want to rile the prince."

They entered the cave on their guard, but it appeared to be empty, except for candles lit all around them. Gwaine peered into the dim light of the cave, searching for any sign of something that might be worth a quest.

"It has to be here somewhere," Arthur said.

He sheathed his sword, stepping into the cave deeper. He paused as a cloth moved and pulled a small boy out of hiding. Gwaine watched, nervous, as Arthur began demanding answers of the child.

"Where is it?" he said. "Hmm?" He shook the boy slightly, and Gwaine held his breath. "Where's the cup? Tell me."

"Let him go, Arthur," Merlin said, sounding about how Gwaine felt. "He's just a boy."

"Where…is it?" Arthur said, catching himself before yelling at the child.

"Arthur," Merlin said, as people came out of the shadows, surrounding them. Gwaine drew his sword slowly.

"Stay out of this, Merlin," Arthur said.

"No, Arthur, really," Merlin said.

Arthur looked up to see the druids closing in, and to Gwaine's dismay, he drew his sword on the boy. He didn't think he'd actually use it, but the gesture itself was disconcerting.

"One step closer," he said.

An old man stepped forward and said, "There is no need for violence, Arthur Pendragon. The boy has done you no harm. Release him."

"Not without what I came for."

"You seek the Cup of Life, do you not?"

"I do."

The man retrieved a beautiful silver cup from a chest nearby and held it out. Such a small thing, Gwaine thought, but if it was as powerful as everyone seemed to think…

"It is yours," the man said. "Please, now…the boy."

Arthur let go of the boy and grabbed the cup, but the man didn't let go of it.

"You meddle with a power you do not understand, Arthur Pendragon," he said. "By taking the Cup of Life you risk more than you know."

When Arthur tugged again, the man did let go.

"I'll take my chances, thanks," Arthur said. "Let's go."

They turned to leave. Merlin paused and looked back, but he caught up with them outside the cave.

"Hard work, this quest business," Gwaine said.

"Trust me," Arthur said, "it's a great deed we did here today."

Merlin, though, seemed disquieted.

"Are you sure the cup wasn't safer with the druids?" he said.

"They can't be trusted, Merlin," Arthur said as they walked. "No one can. The only safe place for the cup is the vaults of Camelot."

Gwaine thought he heard Merlin mumble under his breath, "Yeah, but we have to get it there first."

They walked through the forest at its shallowest, thinnest part for some time, and Arthur finally paused and looked around.

"We're approaching the border of Cenred's lands," he said. "Beyond the forest lies Camelot."

"And food and water and a nice hot bath," Gwaine said.

And Krysia, he thought, but dare not say out loud.

"Quiet," Arthur said. They all stopped, waiting. Gwaine, raised an eyebrow.

"Listen!" Arthur said.

But there was nothing to hear. The forest was totally still, totally silent.

"I can't hear anything." Merlin said.

"Exactly," Arthur said.

Gwaine rolled his eyes and said, "Never satisfied, you city types. It's too noisy, it's too quiet—"

Before he'd finished ribbing Arthur, a great number of men wearing Cenred's colors leapt from around them.

"Run!" Arthur called.

They hurried as quickly as they could, but Arthur was shot down with an arrow to the leg. Merlin turned on a man who had taken the cup from Arthur's bag, but Gwaine paused to pick Arthur up. Merlin was staring at the men, but they didn't have time.

"Merlin!" Gwaine called, concerned.

They went deeper into the forest, nearly to the edge of it, and they rested, giving them a chance to look at Arthur's wound.

"Right," Gwaine said, frowning at the red, deep spot. "That doesn't look too great."

"Arrow must've been poisoned," Merlin said. "He's got a fever. We need to keep him warm."

Merlin took his jacket off to Arthur as best it could.

"I don't get it," Gwaine said. "Why all this bother over a cup?"

"Because," Merlin said, "in the wrong hands it can become a terrible weapon."

Gwaine sat humming, realizing what "cup of life" might mean. He wasn't positive, but he had some solid guesses.

"Not so great Cenred's got it, then," he whispered.

Merlin shook his head and said, "It's worse than you can possibly imagine."

Gwaine thought he had a pretty solid imagination, so he didn't want to think what worse could be. He hoped they weren't about to find out.

A/N:

To Tatysantannag: It's soon-ish! I'm looking forward to their reunion as well. You're definitely going to have plenty of updates in the coming weeks while I'm break from work! As to Gwaine's dream…he would agree! He also really, really wants it to happen.

Y'all, I can't tell you how good it feels to finally be at this point. Whatever agony the wait has been for you folks, it's been worse for me, I swear.

-C