I logged into after all these years and saw that there are still some dedicated people following this story. So, five years since my last update, I'm deciding to finish this story for any who still care about it. Thanks for reading!

"Merlin, you must be rational. Uther could have you killed, and then you wouldn't be around to protect Arthur at all."

The serving boy pondered this for a moment, and Gaius could easily see the anxiety burning behind his eyes. He pulled his knees to his chest and buried his face in them, fingers running through his hair.

While Gaius was still trying to decide what else to say, Merlin's head suddenly shot up. "He could come with me."

"What?"

"Arthur. He could come with me. We could both be safe in Ealdor." He stood as his speech became more frantic. "Uther wouldn't need to know he's gone, we could sneak him out and keep the bedroom door barred. I could protect him and he could be far away from Uther until he's strong enough to protect himself. Physically and mentally."

"But if the king were to realize he's gone, Merlin, he'd-"

"Then he can't know. We'll just have to be careful."

Gaius stared into his ward's eyes, trying to decide if this was genuine or if his frail mind had finally lost it.

The old man sighed. "I will speak to Arthur. But there is no telling if he'll be willing to accompany you. Not to mention, he is severely injured; he may not be able to withstand such a journey."

"I'd like to speak with him as well, but I doubt I'd be able to surpass the guards during the day. Have Gwen meet me here, we'll need to pack and ready the horses. We have to leave tonight."

"And what if the prince won't come with you?"

"He will."

Gaius made his way to the prince's chambers when he was stopped by Uther, eyes alight with fury.

"Where is the serving boy?!"

"Merlin? Why, my lord, I was just looking for him myself. I need him to run errands for me but I'm afraid I don't know where he's run off to."

Seemingly appeased by this statement, the disgruntled king stormed off in the opposite direction. Gaius knew Merlin could defend himself should the need arise, but he could only hope that the boy would escape before it came to that.

Once he arrived at Arthur's chambers, he tapped on the door. "Gwen, it's Gaius."

After a moment, he was met with the maid's hesitant face. After confirming his identity, she opened the door just enough for him to step inside, then promptly shut and locked it again.

"Is Merlin alright?" The words flew out of Arthur's mouth as soon as he saw Gaius's face.

"Yes, they didn't find him." Relief flooded both of their faces as Gwen let herself sink into one of the chairs at Arthur's dining table, and Arthur sighed, his head falling back into the pillows behind him.

"There is another matter of urgency to be discussed," Gaius continued. "Clearly, it is not safe for Merlin to remain here for the time being. I've encouraged him to seek refuge in Ealdor."

Pondering this for a moment, Arthur agreed. "Of course. My father's anger is not to be taken lightly." He cast his eyes down for a moment, scanning the bandages that crossed his chest, which was riddled with bruises.

"Sire, I believe you should accompany him. It would be to the benefit of both of you to spend some time away from Camelot, just until your father has time to ease his temper."

"I couldn't possibly leave. My father would be furious, the kingdom-"

"-will still be here when you return. Of course, you are the prince and I cannot force you, but I would be eternally grateful if you would go with Merlin. He's weak and such a journey alone is dangerous. I know you are not at your best, Sire, but together I believe you could make it."

Arthur stared straight ahead, pondering the physician's words.

"When does he leave?"

"Tonight."

"That doesn't give me much time to decide, Gaius."

"The circumstances are far from ideal." The old man turned to Gwen. "Merlin is waiting for you at home, if you'd be so kind as to help him prepare for the journey."

Nodding, Gwen squeezed Arthur's hand and made to leave. Before she made it to the door, the blonde spoke.

"Gwenivere, be careful."

She smiled back at him. "I will." And with that, she was gone, leaving them alone.

Gaius stayed silent, the occasional clinking of bottles the only sound as he worked at the table. Every so often he glanced at the young prince, who was clearly deep in thought.

After nearly an hour, Arthur spoke. "Merlin won't leave without me, will he?" Gaius took a deep breath.

"No, Sire."

"And if he stays here, he'll die at my father's hands."

Gaius didn't respond to that statement, knowing the prince had all the information he needed. The answer he was expecting came soon after.

"Then I must accompany him."