4. The Poisoned Chalice
'In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin,' the Great Dragon said.
'Does it have to start every time like that?' asked Arthur.
'I think so,' said Gaius.
Nimueh drops some of her blood into a stone basin.
'Ugh,' said Gwaine.
'Dark magic,' said Merlin.
'We Gar-Dena in geardagum theodcyninga thrym gefrunon hut tha aethelingas Ellen fremedom! Sythan aerest wearth feasceaft funden. Hyran scold thara, ofer hronrade Camelot, hyran scold. Hyran scolde thara, ofer hronrade Camelot, hyran scolde Merlin,' Nimueh enchanted.
'What?' asked Arthur.
'We have heard of the glory of the Spear-Danes, of the kings of the people, in the days of yore, and how those princes did deeds of glory. First he was found helpless. Obedience is owed, over the Camelot sea, obedience is owed. Obedience is owed, over the Camelot sea, obedience is owed, Merlin,' Merlin recited. 'I know the old language as well as English!'
Nimueh drops a flower petal in the water. 'Diegol cnytte, gewitte me yst, þa tacnian me yst þonne ieceþ sicle. Diegol cnytte, gewitte me yst, þa tacnian me yst þonne ieceþ sicle. Swilte ar ond calan, drædan morðor, to Camelot he cymþ!'
'Illuminate the darkness, let me see through the rough water, mark the water when the pain in increased. Illuminate the darkness, let me see through the rough water, mark the water when the pain in increased. Kill the servant and may he become cold, fear the death, he comes to Camelot,' Merlin said before anyone could ask.
Then she watches Merlin in the water and pulls out the petal where she puts it in a silver goblet. 'Merlin,' Nimueh says.
Uther and Bayard meet in Uther's throne room.
'Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia. The treaty we sign today marks and end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people,' the two kings grasp each other by the arm whilst Nimueh has her eye on Merlin.
Merlin and Gaius are in the corridor where Merlin is carrying a heavy bag, 'Why do I always get landed with the donkey work?' Merlin complains.
'You're a servant, Merlin. It's what you do,' Gaius informs him.
'My arms will be a foot longer by the time I get this lot inside,' Merlin complains.
'It's character building. As the old proverb says, hard work breeds...a harder soul,' Gaius makes up on the spot.
'You made that up, uncle,' laughed Gaius.
'There is no way that's a proverb. You just made that up,' Merlin said.
'You two are very alike,' Gwen shook her head.
'No. I didn't,' Gaius lied.
Nimueh has just faked a fall right in front of Merlin.
'Please tell me you didn't fall for that,' groaned Arthur.
'Sorry,' Nimueh apologizes.
'It's alright,' Merlin says.
'Excuse me,' Nimueh said.
'Let me give you a hand with that,' Merlin said politely bending down to help Nimueh with her work. They stand up together eyes locked.
'Hi. I'm Merlin,' Merlin smiles shaking her hand.
'Cara. You're Arthur's servant. That must be such an honour,' Nimueh says.
'Not the way Merlin talks about it,' muttered Arthur.
'Oh, yeah. It is. Well, you know, someone's got to keep the place running,' Merlin said.
Everyone laughed at this.
'Thank you, Merlin,' Nimueh said trying to remind him that Merlin still had her pillow.
'Hmm?' Merlin looks down and realising he still has Nimueh's pillow hurriedly gives it back to the sorceress. 'Oh, right. Yeah. Er, no problem.'
'It was nice meeting you,' she walks off as Merlin watches her leave.
'Shouldn't you be busy running the place?' Gaius laughs as Merlin just gives him a look.
Nimueh has entered Gaius' guest quarters, 'Alysan duru ronne,' she magically opens the door.
'What?' asked Gwaine.
'Open uninterrupted the door,' Merlin replied.
She enters the room and opens a box with two silver goblets inside where she replaces one of them with an identical one which has been enchanted.
Merlin sets Arthur's clothes down then reels back.
'They really stink,' Merlin wrinkled his nose.
'When's the last time these were cleaned?' Merlin asked.
'Last year some time. Before the feast of Beltane,' Arthur said.
'Did it end in a food fight?' Merlin asked shocked.
'Don't all feasts?' asked Arthur.
'And these are supposed to be the nobles,' laughed Gwaine.
'I wouldn't know. The heirs and graces of the court are a mystery to me,' said Merlin.
'Not tonight they won't be,' Arthur said.
'I'm gonna be at the banquet?' Merlin looked quite excited at that fact.
'Not quite. You'll be there to make sure my cup doesn't run dry. If I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you should get out of it. Be sure to polish the buttons. Do you want to see what you'll be wearing tonight?' Arthur said with a grin on his face.
'Won't this do?' Merlin asked gesturing to his red shirt and brown coat.
'No. Tonight you'll be wearing the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot,' Arthur held up a red costume with the Pendragon crest and feather hat.
Everyone laughed, 'I can't believe you fell for that,' snorted Arthur.
'You can't be serious,' Merlin looked less than impressed at the sight of what he was supposed to be wearing.
Bayard is signing the treaty while Gwen laughs at Merlin's costume, 'Nice hat.'
'Thanks,' Merlin rolled his eyes. Then seeing Nimueh he takes off his hat.
Gwen follows his gaze, 'She's pretty isn't she? For a handmaiden, I mean.'
'Why do you fall for evil sorceresses?' asked Arthur.
'No idea,' said Merlin.
'She's pretty for a princess, let alone a handmaiden,' Merlin gazes at Nimueh.
'Mmm,' Gwen murmured.
Uther too signs the treaty. The crowd cheers as Uther and Bayard grasp hands. Gwen leaves Merlin.
'People of Camelot, for a great many years we have been mortal enemies, and the blood of our men stains the ground from the walls of Camelot to the gates of Mercia. And though we remember those who have died, we must not allow any more to join them,' Bayard says. A serving girl brings forth the goblets, 'As a symbol of our goodwill, and of our newfound friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets to you, Uther, and to your son, Arthur, in the hope that our friendship may last.'
Nimueh approaches Merlin looking anxious, 'Merlin, I need to speak to you.'
'The wounds we received in battle...' Bayard was saying.
'What is it?' asked Merlin.
'Not here, please. I don't know who else to tell,' Nimueh sounded scared. The two of them leave together; Gaius notices this.
'Tonight we toast a new beginning for our peoples. We look towards a future free from the toils of war,' Bayard is saying.
Nimueh and Merlin stop to talk in a deserted corridor, 'It wasn't until I saw him give the goblet to Arthur that I realised...' she trails off.
'Whoa, slow down. Start from the beginning,' Merlin tries to calm the girl down.
'Two days ago, I was bringing Bayard his evening meal. We're supposed to knock. He didn't expect me to walk in...' she trails off looking upset.
'So what are you trying to say?' Merlin asked.
'If he knows I said anything, he will kill me,' Nimueh says.
'I would not let that happen to you, I promise. Please tell me what you saw,' Merlin tells Nimueh.
'Bayard is no friend of Camelot. He craves the kingdom for himself,' Nimueh said.
'Cara...Tell me. What has Bayard done with the goblet?' Merlin asks.
'He believes that if he kills Arthur, Uther's spirit will be broken and Camelot will fall,' Nimueh said.
'He does love you,' said Merlin, 'his redeeming quality.'
'What has he done with the goblet?' Merlin asked.
'I saw him putting something in it,' said a scared looking Nimueh.
'What?' Merlin asked.
'I shouldn't! He'll kill me!' Nimueh looked terrified.
'She's a good actress,' murmured Arthur.
'Please, tell me! Was it poison?' he asks.
Nimueh nods and Merlin runs off missing the evil smirk that appears on Nimueh's face.
Back in the hall Bayard is still talking.
'How long does his speech go on for?' asked Gwaine.
'Too long,' grunted Arthur.
'And may the differences from our past remain there. To your health, Uther,' Bayard finishes. Everyone stands to toast, 'Arthur,' Arthur starts to drink, 'The Lady Morgana.'
There were tense looks.
Morgana nods as Arthur once again starts to drink.
'The people of Camelot,' Bayard toasts as Arthur starts to drink again.
'You really want that poison,' chuckled Gwaine.
'And to fallen warriors on both sides,' Uther finishes everyone starts to drink.
'Stop!' Merlin suddenly bursts in. 'It's poisoned! Don't drink it!' Merlin runs up and takes Arthur's goblet who is too surprised to resist.
'What?' Uther looks at Merlin.
'Merlin, what are you doing?' Arthur hisses.
'Bayard laced Arthur's goblet with poison,' Merlin tells the court.
'This is an outrage!' Bayard shouts and both the blue and red knights draw their swords.
'Order your men to put down their swords,' Uther says as more Camelot guards rush in. 'you are outnumbered,' Uther unnecessarily informs Bayard.
'I will not allow this insult to go unchallenged!' Bayard says.
'On what grounds do you base this accusation?' Uther directs at Merlin.
'I'll handle this,' Arthur skirts around the table. 'Merlin, you idiot. Have we been at the sloe gin again?' Arthur grabs Merlin and takes the goblet from his servant's hands.
'Unless you want to be strung up, you will tell me why you think why you think it's poisoned now,' Uther ordered Merlin.
'He was seen lacing it,' Merlin informed them.
'By whom?' asked Uther.
'I can't say,' Merlin refused to give up his supposed friend's name.
'I won't listen to this anymore,' Bayard was getting angry.
'Pass me the goblet,' Arthur hands his father the goblet.
'If you're telling the truth...' Uther was now looking at Bayard.
'I am,' Bayard assured the other king.
'Then you have nothing to fear, do you?' Uther suggested.
Bayard sheathes his sword and reaches for the goblet.
'No. If this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself,' Uther says.
'And you wonder why I think he's cold hearted; taking pleasure in killing!' said Merlin.
Arthur secretly agreed with the warlock but didn't say anything.
Bayard snorted.
Uther holds the goblet to Merlin, 'He'll drink it.'
'So nice,' said Merlin, 'saving his son's life and my reward – to be poisoned!'
'But if it is poisoned, he'll die!' Arthur shouted.
'Then we'll know he was telling the truth,' replied Uther.
'And what if he lives?' Bayard questioned.
'Then you have my apologies, and you can do with him as you will,' Uther decided.
'Uther, please! He's just a boy! He doesn't know what he's saying!' Gaius begged.
'Then you should've schooled him better,' Uther snapped.
'Merlin, apologise. This is a mistake. I'll drink it,' Arthur tried to take the cup of Merlin.
'No, no, no, no, no. It's, it's alright,' Merlin wouldn't let Arthur drink the poison.
Merlin toasts Bayard and Arthur as Nimueh watches with glee.
'Sick witch,' said Gwen.
Gwen moves forward worried about her friend.
'It's fine,' Merlin said.
'He's all yours,' Uther said to Bayard. That was when Merlin put a hand to his mouth began choking collapsing on the floor. 'It's poisoned. Guards seize him!' the king of Camelot ordered.
Arthur crouches over Merlin. Nimueh leaves. Gwen and Gaius crouch over Merlin's still form, 'Merlin. Can you hear me? We have to get him back to my chambers. Bring the goblet. I need to identify the poison.'
Arthur picks up the poisoned boy and Gwen picks up the goblet and follows the men.
'Why did no one ever inform me of this?' cried Huinith.
'I didn't want to worry you,' muttered Merlin.
Arthur enters Gaius' chambers with Gwen and Gaius following after him, 'Lay him on the bed quickly; he's struggling to breathe. Gwen, fetch me some water and a towel.'
Gwen hurried to do what she was told.
'Is he gonna be alright?' asked Arthur.
'Always knew you cared,' laughed Merlin into the group of pale friends (even if they knew he'd be fine).
'He's burning up,' said Gaius.
'You can cure him, can't you Gaius?' Gwen asked worried.
'I won't know until I can identify the poison. Pass me the goblet,' he instructs. Gwen hands the old physician the goblet. 'Ah. There's something stuck on the inside.'
'What is it?' Arthur asked.
'It looks like a flower petal of some kind,' Gaius realises.
'His brow's on fire,' Gwen says.
'Keep him cool; it'll help control his fever,' Gaius tells her. Gwen puts a damp cloth on Merlin's forehead while Gaius consults his books.
'Ah. The petal comes from the Mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned by the Mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flower grows on the roots of the Mortaeus tree,' said Gaius.
'That's not particularly friendly,' Arthur said.
'A Cockatrice. It guards the forest. Its venom is potent. A single drop would mean certain death. Few who have crossed the Mountains of Isgaard in search of the Mortaeus flower have made it back alive,' Gaius says.
'Arthur is one of the few,' muttered Merlin.
'Thanks to the guiding light,' murmured Arthur.
Gaius smiled.
'Sounds like fun,' Arthur decided he was going.
'Arthur, it's too dangerous,' Gaius tells him.
'It really was you shouldn't have gone,' Merlin scolded.
'You would have,' said Arthur.
'You're more important than me,' said Merlin.
'I'm really not,' said Arthur.
'If I don't get the antidote, what happens to Merlin?' asked Arthur.
'The Mortaeus induces a slow and painful death . He may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually he will die,' Gaius said grimly.
'How close was it?' asked Huinith.
'Too close,' said Gaius grim.
Nimueh is riding out of Camelot.
Gwen enters Morgana's chambers, 'My Lady, I am so sorry I haven't been here to attend to you,' apologized Gwen.
'Don't worry, I'm alright. How's Merlin?' questioned Morgana.
'If Arthur comes back with the antidote in time, he'll be fine,' Gwen informed her.
'Then he'll be fine,' Morgana reassured her servant.
Gwen sighs.
'You should be with him. I'll manage. I know what he means to you. Go,' Morgana tells Gwen.
'Thank you,' Gwen leaves.
Arthur is in his chain mail walking with Uther down the corridor, 'What's the point of having people to taste for you if you're going to get yourself killed anyway?' Uther demands.
'I won't fail, no matter what you think,' Arthur retorts.
'Thanks to magic,' muttered Arthur.
'I wonder who?' asked Merlin.
Gaius looked away.
'Arthur, you are my only son and heir. I can't risk losing you for the sake of some serving boy,' Uther said.
'He's saved your son's life!' Huinith said.
'Oh, because his life's worthless?' snapped Arthur.
'No, because it's worth less than yours,' Uther responded twisting Arthur's words.
'I love your father, Arthur,' Merlin rolled his eyes.
'I can save him. Let me take some men,' Arthur pleads.
'No,' Uther put his foot down.
'We'll find the antidote and bring it back,' Arthur continues.
'No,' Uther repeated.
'Why not?' Arthur demands.
'Because one day I will be dead and Camelot will need a king. I'm not going to let you jeopardise the future of this kingdom over some fool's errand,' Uther says.
'It's not a fool's errand. Gaius says that if we can get the antidote...' Uther interrupts his son.
'Oh, Gaius says? That's exactly what makes it so,' Uther said.
'Aren't they supposed to be friends?' asked Gwen.
'Please, Father. He saved my life. I can't stand by and watch him die,' Arthur said softly.
'Then don't look,' Uther said coldly. 'This boy won't be the last to die on your behalf. You're going to be King. It's something you'll have to get used to.'
'I can't accept that,' Arthur said shortly.
'You're not going,' Uther replied.
'You can't stop me,' Arthur challenges.
'Damn it, Arthur, that's an end to it! You're not leaving this castle tonight,' orders Uther.
Arthur storms into his chambers flinging his sword off and leaning over the fireplace when Morgana enters after him, 'Say what you like about the food, but you can't beat our feast for entertainment.'
'Entertainment!' shouted Gwen and Huinith together.
'She had a twisted sense of entertainment even then,' said Arthur bitterly.
'Morgana, I'm sorry, I should have made sure you were alright,' Arthur ever the caring big brother.
'Disappointed actually. I was looking forward to clumping a couple around the head with a ladle,' Morgana replied.
'She enjoyed nothing more than a fight,' muttered Arthur.
'I'm sure the guards could have handled Bayard and his men,' Arthur replied.
'Only because they didn't have magic,' muttered Merlin.
'Yeah, but why let the boys have all the fun?' asked Morgana.
'Morgana, you shouldn't get involved. It's dangerous,' warned Arthur.
'She's dangerous,' shivered Sir Leon having been there when Morgana took over.
'Spare me the lecture, I've already had it from Uther,' retorted Morgana.
'If it's any consolation, you weren't the only one,' Arthur sighed.
'Not that I listen to him. Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right, and damn the consequences,' Morgana said.
'You think I should go?' Arthur questioned her.
'It doesn't matter what I think,' Morgana returned.
'If I don't make it back, who will be the next king of Camelot? There's more than just my life at stake,' Arthur reminded her.
'And what kind of king would Camelot want? One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant?' Morgana asked him drawing Arthur's sword.
'Most definitely,' agreed Gwen.
'Or one who does what his father tells him to?' Morgana presented the knight with his sword.
Arthur rides across the drawbridge.
'Halt!' the guard tells him.
Arthur ignores him and rides out with Nimueh watching from the basin.
The next morning in Gaius' chambers.
'He's getting hotter,' Gwen informs the physician.
'Him. Liffrea, wuldres wealdend, woroldare forgeaf,' Merlin mutters.
'Why was I doing that?' asked Merlin.
'You were ill so your magic was going out of control,' said Merlin, 'wonder why I was saying "Him? The Lord of wonder endowed him with world's renown?"' asked Merlin.
'Oh that's what you were saying; since it wasn't a spell I've never heard of it,' explained Gaius.
'I think you were talking about yourself,' said Huinith, 'your gifts which far out reach anyone, anywhere.'
'What language is that?' asked Gwen.
'None. The fever's taken hold. None of those words are his own. His pulse is weaker,' Gaius replied finding a rash on his arm
'What is it?' asked Gwen looking at the mark on Merlin's arm.
'Oh my baby,' Merlin was enveloped by his mother.
'Mother,' complained Merlin, 'I'm not a child!'
'A child I almost lost,' retorted Huinith.
'That can't be right. The rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage,' Gaius frowned.
Huinith gulped.
'What does that mean?' Gwen questioned.
Gaius checks his book, 'It says here that "once a rash appears, death will follow within two days."'
Arthur and Huinith paled, 'I had no idea how close it was,' whispered Arthur.
'You said he had four days,' Gwen said panicked.
'Something's increased the flower's potency. It warns that "the effect of the Mortaeus will be more rapid if an enchantment is used during the flower's preparation,"' Gaius frowned.
'Nimueh,' said Arthur grilmly.
'An enchantment? But Bayard's no sorcerer,' frowned Gwen.
'No he isn't,' agreed Gaius.
'Then who did this?' Gwen questioned.
'It can't have been. She wouldn't dare come here. Unless...' Gaius spoke allowed.
'Unless what?' Gwen asked urgently bringing Gaius back to reality.
'What happened to that girl?' Gaius asked Gwen.
'Which girl?' Gwen asked.
'Just before Merlin burst into the hall one of Bayard's serving girls took him outside,' Gaius reminded her.
'She had dark hair. Very beautiful,' Gwen remembered.
'Find her. Quickly,' Gaius ordered.
'Arthur... swa...' Merlin muttered.
Gwen checks the cell for the girl but finds her absent.
Uther is pacing Morgana's chambers, 'expressly ordered Arthur not to go!' he ranted.
'I'd say it worked like a charm, too,' Morgana said.
'Not another word!' Uther ordered.
'My lips are sealed,' Morgana said.
'I should've put him under lock and key,' Uther said.
'That man's parenting techniques,' scoffed Huinith.
'You can't chain him up every time he disagrees with you,' Morgana said.
'He does with everyone else,' muttered Gwen.
'Just you watch me! I will not be disobeyed! Especially by my own son!' Uther raged.
'No. Of course you won't,' Morgana agreed sitting down at her own desk and beginning to write.
Uther approaches her, 'You knew about this, didn't you? Morgana...don't lie to me.'
'Arthur's old enough to make decisions for himself,' Morgana told her guardian.
'He's just a boy,' Uther said.
'How old were you?' asked Huinith.
'Just eighteen,' said Arthur.
'Have you seen your son recently? You have to let him make his own mind up,' Morgana said.
'Every parent needs to let go eventually,' said Huinith looking at her powerful son.
'Even if it means letting him go to his death?' asked Uther.
Arthur is riding through the mountains as Nimueh sees from her fountain. Nimueh quickly pulls on her cloak and leaves her cave.
Merlin is stirring restlessly as Gaius looks at his rash and Gwen enters.
'Hush baby,' murmured Huinith.
'Arthur – swa sceal geong – guma gode – gewyrcean,' Merlin mutters.
'What are you saying about me?' Arthur asked.
'Arthur - So becomes it a youth to quit him well,' Merlin replied. 'I suppose I mean the fact that you are standing up to your father, or the fact that you are risking your life to save me.'
Arthur approaches a crying Nimueh who appears bruised where she sits on the log that Arthur comes across, 'Hello? Are you alright?' Arthur asked kindly. Behind him the Cockatrice roars at the couple, 'Stay back,' Arthur orders the sorceress not noticing her cold smile behind him.
'You didn't need to protect her,' said Merlin, 'she could kill it and you faster than you can blink,' Merlin explained.
The Cockatrice lunges at Arthur. Arthur rolls under it and then jumps throwing his sword at it effectively killing it. Nimueh grimaces then begins to back away looking at Arthur fearfully. 'It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. Who did that to you?' Arthur points to her bruises.
'My master. I ran away from him, but then I got lost. Please don't leave me,' begged Nimueh.
'I won't. I'm not going to,' Arthur assured her.
'You can take me away from here?' Nimueh asked hopefully.
'Not yet. There's something I have to do first,' Arthur looked to the cave.
'Why have you come to the caves?' Nimueh asks.
'Like you don't know,' muttered Elyan.
'I'm looking for something. It can only be found here,' Arthur explained.
'What is it? I know this place; I could help you,' said Nimueh.
'Did you never think that was very convenient?' asked Gwaine.
'I just saw a sacred girl,' Arthur admitted.
'It's a type of flower that only grows inside the cave. It's very rare,' Arthur told the witch.
'The Mortaeus flower? I know where they are. I'll show you,' Nimueh tells the prince.
The two of them enter with torches together.
Back in Gaius' chamber Merlin is still muttering, 'Arthur, it...it's a trap. It's a trap,' he cries.
'How did I know that?' asked Merlin.
'I have no idea but you don't really follow the conventional rules of magic,' smiled Gaius.
'Tell me about it,' moaned Merlin.
'His fever's getting worse, isn't it?' asks Gwen.
'The poison's setting in,' Gaius said grimly.
'Eft gewunigen wilgesiþas, þonne wig cume,' he mutters.
'That to aid him, aged, in after days come warriors willing, should war draw nigh,' Merlin frowned, 'I suppose that means our relationship and destiny.'
Arthur nodded.
'Shh. Could you fetch me some more Wolfbane?' Gaius asked Gwen.
'Yes, of course,' Gwen left.
'Merlin, you must fight it,' Gaius ordered the boy as soon as the maid left.
'Yes fight it,' Huinith begged.
Arthur and Nimueh turn a corner in the caves, 'There they are,' the flowers are on a narrow ledge in the cave that Arthur must reach.
Arthur looks down at the narrow edge, 'Keep back from the edge. Don't worry. We'll be out of here soon,' Arthur promises.
As soon as his back is turned Nimueh curses Arthur, 'eorthe, lyft, fyr, waeter, hiersumie me.'
'I could do that without the use of words,' smirked Merlin. 'It's just Earth, air, fire, water, obey me,' he explained.
The cave begins to shake, 'Eorthe ac stanas hiersumie me. Ic can stanas tobrytan...'
'Just stones, obey me. I have the knowledge to break the stones into pieces,'Merlin said, 'I wouldn't do it like that I would ask for the stones for their help.'
'What are you doing?' Arthur demanded.
'...hiersumie me,' Nimueh finished her spell. Arthur drops his torch and it falls to the rocks beneath him. He jumps to the opposite ledge catching it with one hand, 'expected so much more.'
'Who are you?' Arthur demanded.
'The last face you'll ever see,' Nimueh responds as a giant spider appears, 'It seems we have a visitor,' Nimueh smirks as Arthur fumbles with his sword and kills the spider causing it to fall down the cliff. 'Very good. But he won't be the last. I'll let his friends finish you off, Arthur Pendragon. It's not your destiny to die at my hand,' she leaves Arthur dangling one handed off the cliff.
'Who are you?' Arthur shouted after the witch.
Back in Gaius' chambers Merlin is muttering, 'Arthur. It's too dark. Too dark. Fromum feohgiftum on fæder bearme. Fromum feohgiftum,' he speaks the spell.
Gaius sees something glowing, 'Merlin?' he questions.
'It was you,' whispered Arthur, 'you were dying and you were still able to save my life; miles away!'
'How powerful are you?' asked Percival.
'To be honest my magic is still maturing but I already best Nimueh, Morgause, Morgana, Sigan,' Merlin admitted.
'Wow,' Gwaine muttered.
Gaius unfolds Merlin's blanket to see an orb of blue light in Merlin's hand, 'What are you doing?' whispered Gaius.
In the cave the ball of light appears to Arthur, 'Come on, then! What are you waiting for? Finish me off!'
Merlin raised an eyebrow, 'I thought it was the witch come to finish me off,' shrugged Arthur. 'That was further evidence to the fact that father was wrong.'
The light floats above Arthur allowing him to pull himself up onto the ledge. The light moves up but Arthur spots the Mortaeus flower on the cliff.
'Leave them, Arthur,' Merlin orders.
'Like I would,' scoffed Arthur.
The spiders screech and crawl towards Arthur.
'Go. Save yourself. Follow the light,' Merlin cries in his sleep.
'And leave you to die,' Arthur shook his head.
Arthur climbs to the flower grabs it and puts it in his belt pouch. Arthur races the spiders to the top.
'Faster. Go faster. Follow the light! Move. Climb,' Merlin continues instructing his prince until Arthur makes it to the top and the light vanishes from his hand.
The guards spot Arthur from the battlements, 'Inform the King! Arthur has returned to Camelot!' one guard says.
Arthur rides across the drawbridge but the young prince is stopped by the guards, 'What are you doing? Let me pass.'
'I'm sorry, Sire. You're under arrest, by order of the King,' the guard says.
Arthur is in the dungeons where his father comes to see him, 'You disobeyed me.
'Of course I did, a man's life is at stake. Do not let Merlin die because of something I did,' Arthur tries to reason with his father.
'Why do you care so much? The boy is just a servant,' Uther says dismissively.
'I don't think a man's status should decide his importance; not that dad understands,' sighed Arthur.
'He knew the danger he was putting himself in, and he knew what would happen if he drank from that goblet, but he did it anyway. He saved my life. There's more. There was a woman at the mountain. She knew I was there for the flower. I don't think it was Bayard who tried to poison me,' Arthur says.
'Of course it was,' Uther snapped.
'You're nowhere near as obtuse as your father,' Merlin says.
'I'm sure there was a compliment in there somewhere,' said Gwen smiling.
Arthur pulls out the flower, 'Gaius knows what to do with it!' Uther takes the flower, 'Put me in the stocks for a week, a month even, I don't care. Just make sure it gets to him. I'm begging you,' Uther crushes the flower.
Huinith glowered at the black box and everyone else (even Arthur seems angry). Except Merlin who just shrugs as if he expects it.
'NO!' shouted Arthur.
'You have to learn there's a right and a wrong way of doing things.
'And you have to learn different does not equal wrong,' retorted Merlin.
I'll see you're let out in a week. Then you can find yourself another servant.'
More glares hit the screen.
In the physician's chambers Merlin is getting worse.
'He hasn't got much longer. Has Arthur got the flower?' Gaius questioned.
'I don't know. Uther won't allow anyone to see him. Is there nothing we can do to help?' pleaded Gwen.
'Only the leaf of the Mortaeus flower can save him,' sighed Gaius.
'And we have to find out if Arthur has it. I could sneak into the dungeon,' suggested Gwen.
'That would be very dangerous,' warned Gaius.
'I've got to. Merlin will die if I don't,' Gwen said.
Merlin is struggling to breathe.
Huinith's breath hitches.
'Be careful,' Gaius warns her again.
Gwen is walking down to the cells with a plate of food when a guard stops her.
'It is really too easy to get into the cells,' scowled Arthur.
'Food for the prisoner,' Gwen murmurs.
The guard opens the door to Arthur, 'Set it down over there,' Arthur orders. 'Thank you.' Gwen turns to leave. Arthur places the plate on the floor. 'Wait a minute,' Arthur stops her. 'I couldn't possibly eat this, it's disgusting. The state it's in, I'm not sure it's fit for anyone,' Arthur hinted at the state of the Mortaeus flower that his father had crushed the flower.
Gwen goes the flowers smiling when she realises that Arthur has left the flower on his plate.
'You. Wait!' the guard calls the Gwen.
Gwen freezes and turns around to see the guard coming up to her, 'Waste not, want not, eh? We're not all as precious as our Royal Highness,' the guard takes some bread.
'Food for Prince Arthur,' the real serving girl approaches just as Gwen reaches the top of the stairs.
'Bad luck,' groaned Merlin.
'Stay where you are!' shouts the guard as Gwen sprints off dropping the plate of food taking only the flower.
Gwen runs into Gaius' chambers with the flower in hand, 'How is he?' she asked.
'Have you got the Mortaeus?' asked Gaius.
'Here,' Gwen hands Gaius the flower.
'His breathing's much worse.
Huinith whimpered.
We have to hurry,' Gaius said starting to make the antidote.
Gwen sits down beside Merlin, 'Why have you stopped?' she snaps.
Huinith glowers at her uncle.
'You used magic didn't you?' asked Gwen.
'Yes I did,' agreed Gaius.
'The poison was created using magic. We may need magic to make an antidote,' Gaius told her.
'But we can't. It's forbidden. Even if we could,' said Gwen sounding scared.
'Magic reminded me of when I was almost executed,' sighed Gwen.
'I'll try and make it work without it. Oh, I need some fresh water,' Gaius instructs Gwen.
Gwen rushes out to get the water.
'Sythan,' Gaius then looks around careful that nobody was around to see him doing magic.
Arthur frowned, 'you were saving a life and had to do it in fear in case you were execute for it!'
'That's the times we live in,' sighed Merlin.
'Sythan arrest wearth feasceaft funden. Denum æfter dome. Dreamleas gebad he gewinnes longsum,' Gaius enchants the potion causing it to bubble for a moment.
'I've never heard that spell before,' said Merlin, 'I know what it means, of course; Boil first the found it would be useless. If not thoroughly cooked, it will be ruined afterwards. Joyless, protracted, he endured, conquered.'
'It is just to make it work properly,' said Gaius. 'See you work on instinct and power. I work on simple learning.'
Gwen rushes back in with the water, 'Thank you,' Gaius pours the potion into cup.
There were cheers from the nights and Huinith laughed.
'Don't celebrate yet,' warned Gaius, 'it's not over yet.'
Huinith groaned.
'Hold his nose,' Gaius told Gwen who pinched Merlin's nose as Gaius poured the liquid into Merlin's mouth, 'Swallow, Merlin. Swallow it.'
'He's stopped breathing. What's happening? Gaius?' asked Gwen.
'It was that close,' whispered Huinith.
'Yeah,' said Gwen.
Huinith practically attacked Merlin with hugs.
Gaius puts his head to Merlin's chest, 'His heart has stopped.'
Huinith wailed.
'I'm here,' Merlin reminded his grim faced friends.
'He's dead?' Gwen asked brokenly.
'He can't be. He can't be. It was his destiny,' Gaius said looking in shock as he stood up.
'It's my fault. If I'd have got here sooner. If I'd have been quicker,' Gwen sobs into Gaius' arms.
'It was not your fault,' Arthur said. 'If I hadn't been delayed by Nimueh…'
'And I'm fine,' retorted Merlin.
'No, no. It was me. I should've looked after him better. It's my fault,' Gaius comforts her.
'That's disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. You're old enough to be her grandfather,' Merlin suddenly wakes up and says.
'Is that what you say once you wake up from almost dying?' questioned Huinith.
Merlin shrugged.
'Merlin. You're alive,' Gaius looks surprised.
'Uncle, you sound so happy about it,' Huinith raised an eyebrow at Gaius.
'I was surprised,' said Gaius.
'No. I'm the ghost come back to haunt you,' laughed Merlin.
Gwen grabs Merlin's face and kisses it.
Arthur and Lancelot look at Merlin. Arthur looks like he wants to murder the warlock, 'I thought you said there was nothing between you,' said a very hurt Lancelot.
'There isn't,' insisted Merlin.
'I thought he was dead,' reminded Gwen.
Elyan was less than impressed by the amount of men interested in his little sister.
'Sorry, I'm just...I thought you were dead,' Gwen explains embarrassed.
'It's fine. It's more than fine.
Once more Arthur looks at Merlin murderously.
...erm...what happened? The last thing I remember is drinking the wine,' Merlin looks confused.
'You had no idea that you had saved my life when you were out of it,' Arthur said.
'No and someone didn't bother to tell me,' Merlin gave his great uncle a very pointed look.
Uther is consulting his advisors when Gaius enters, 'Sire, forgive the interruption, but may I speak with you?'
'Not now,' Uther sounds impatient.
'But, Your Highness, it is important,' Gaius implores.
'Word of Bayard's arrest has got back to Mercia. We're about to be attacked,' responds the king.
'I feel that what I have to tell you may have some bearing on your plans. Please, it will only take a moment,' Gaius informs the king again. Uther steps aside with Gaius, 'I know who tried to poison Arthur.'
'So do I. He's locked in my dungeons,' retorts Uther.
'It wasn't Bayard. The poison was magical. And I'd recognise the hand that made it anywhere: Nimueh,' Gaius sounds very grave.
'You must be mistaken,' Uther says.
'I wish I was,' Gaius admits.
'It can't have been. We'd know her. That witch's face is not easily forgotten,' Uther says.
'It wouldn't be considering you betrayed her,' muttered Merlin.
'But why didn't you recognize her?' asked Arthur.
'It is very easy to conceal one's face with magic,' replied Merlin.
'Have you ever?' asked Gwen.
'Only once,' replied Merlin.
'Only,' muttered Arthur.
'She's a powerful sorceress. She can enchant the eye that beholds her. We never knew it was her,' Gaius replied.
'Have you any proof?' questioned Uther.
'The poison used against Merlin was made more potent by the use of magic,' Gaius informs the king.
Everyone shuddered at this point.
'Are you saying that she conspired with Bayard to kill Arthur?' Uther asked.
'He never sees reason where magic is concerned,' muttered Gaius.
'No, Bayard is innocent. Look at what's happening. This is what she's wanted all along. A war to bring strife and misery to Camelot,' Gaius points out.
'How long before Bayard's armies reach our walls?' Uther asks a knight.
'A day. Maybe less. We should send cavalry out to meet them,' the knight replies.
'Instruct your men not to leave Camelot until I give the word,' Uther orders.
'Sire,' he and the other knights leave the king.
'You are making the right decision, Sire. Do you think Arthur should be told the truth about Nimueh?' asked Gaius.
Merlin and Gaius shared a look, 'what?' asked Arthur.
'Never mind,' Gaius said swiftly.
'Let's just watch the box,' Merlin replied.
'But,' protested Arthur.
Arthur, Uther and Morgana watch from the battlements as Bayard and his men ride away. Morgana turns to Arthur, 'okay. Let the bragging begin. How'd you manage it?'
'I'm not sure. All I do know is I had help. Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way,' Arthur looks thoughtful.
'I was beginning to break away from my father's way of thinking,' Arthur admitted.
'Who?' Morgana asked.
'I don't know. But whoever it was, I'm only here because of them,' Arthur admitted.
'I'm glad you're back,' Morgana says leaving Arthur and his father to talk.
'Arthur? The woman you met in the forest, what did she tell you?' Uther said sharply.
Merlin snorted, 'typical he would be worried about that!'
'Merlin,' Gaius warned.
'What is it,' demanded Arthur.
'Not much. She was too busy trying to get me killed. It was strange, though,' Arthur said.
'In what way?' Uther asked.
'I was at her mercy. She could have finished me off, but she chose not to. She said it wasn't my destiny to die at her hand,' Arthur admitted.
Merlin winced thinking of Mordred.
'You must've been scared,' Uther questioned.
'Had its moments,' responded Arthur.
'Couldn't you admit to being scared?' asked Merlin.
Arthur just looked at him Merlin responded by rolling his eyes.
'Those who practice magic know only evil,' Uther told his son.
Merlin growled, 'yet it's you who execute children because of how their born,' Merlin said coldly.
Arthur winced at his tone knowing he could say nothing to defend his father.
They despise and seek to destroy goodness wherever they find it. Which is why she wanted you dead. She is evil.'
'Uther betrayed her first,' said Gaius softly.
'Sounds as if you know her,' noted Arthur.
'I do. To know the heart of one sorcerer is to know them all.
Gwen frowned, 'that's not fair you can't condemn a whole civilisation by the acts of a few!'
You did the right thing. Even though you were disobeying me. I'm proud of you, Arthur. Never forget that,' Uther told his son.
Arthur is seen entering the physician's chambers, 'Still alive, then?'
'Oh. Yeah, just about. I understand I have you to thank for that,' Merlin looked at Arthur.
'Yeah, well, it was nothing. A half decent servant is hard to come by. I was only dropping by to make sure you're alright. I expect you to be back to work tomorrow,' Arthur said.
'You two,' Gwen rolled her eyes, 'you really should start admitting how much you care for each other!'
'Oh yeah, yeah of course, er, bright and early,' Merlin said sarcastically.
Arthur turns to leave Merlin to his soup, 'Arthur. Thank you.'
'You too. Get some rest,' Arthur suggested.
'I always knew you loved me,' Merlin's eyes twinkled.
'Arthur may give you a hard time, but at heart he's a man of honour. There aren't many who'd have risk what he did for a servant,' Gaius said coming in as Arthur left.
'There should be more,' frowned Lancelot.
'It all would've been for nothing if you didn't know how to make the antidote,' Merlin said.
'Eat your dinner,' Gaius said.
'Couldn't tell me that you'd used magic,' smirked Merlin.
'I still don't understand why she went to all the trouble of framing Bayard. She could've just kept quiet and killed Arthur,' Merlin noticed.
'But destroying Arthur and Camelot wasn't all she was after. She knew you would be forced to drink that wine. It was you she wanted to kill. Seems someone else knows you're destined for great things, Merlin,' Gaius commented.
'She saw you as a threat,' Arthur added.
Nimueh herself was watching the two from her stone basin as they discussed her and Merlin's destiny.