6. A Remedy to cure all Ills
'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,' Kilgharrah intoned once again.
Merlin groaned, 'I'm beginning to get really sick of hearing that!'
Edwin is seen pulling a bug out of his bag, 'Bebeode þe arisan ealdu,' he says placing the bug in the flowers.
'What does that mean?' Arthur asked not liking the curse that had almost killed his sister – even if she did betray him – and father.
'I command thee ancient one to come forth,' Merlin replied.
In Morgana's chambers Gwen enters with flowers, 'Look what's just arrived for you,' Gwen smiles.
'Who're they from?' Morgana asks.
'I don't know. Maybe Arthur,' suggested Gwen.
'Ugh,' Arthur said, 'that's wrong on so many levels!'
'How disappointing,' sighed Morgana.
'Why? Who'd you like them to be from?' asked Gwen.
'I don't know. Tall, dark stranger?' suggested Morgana.
Edwin stands in the courtyard as in Morgana's chambers Gwen puts out the candle, 'See you in the morning,' Gwen smiles and leaves.
Morgana falls asleep as the bug crawls into Morgana's ears.
'Who created those foul creatures?' Arthur was outraged.
'Nobody,' said Gaius, 'they are natural but can be killed then bent to a magic-user's will.'
It is light in Morgana's chambers where she is sleeping as Gaius examines her, 'Her body seems to have closed down.'
'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 said angrily.
'I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain,' sighed Gaius.
'What could cause such a thing?' snapped Uther.
'An infection, possibly. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her, Sire,' Gaius promised the king.
Gaius walks down the stairs where Gwen meets him, 'Is she any better?' Gwen asks.
Gaius shakes his head silently as Gwen rushes up to Morgana's chambers. Merlin is waiting for Gaius, 'She's all but dead, Merlin.'
'No, you're going to cure her. You have to,' Merlin stated firmly.
'Don't you start. I've tried everything,' said Gaius tiredly.
'I was wondering...' Merlin trailed off.
'What?' Gaius said warningly.
'Maybe I could...' Merlin waited for a guard to pass, 'help.'
'Gaius hates me using any magic,' muttered Merlin mutinously.
'If you're suggesting magic...have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father? This is not a magical illness,
Gaius flushed at his incorrect diagnosis.
it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary,' Gaius requested.
'There must be something more I can do,' Merlin said frustrated.
'How many lives could be saved if it were not the law,' sighed Arthur.
'Half the magical attacks wouldn't have occurred if not for that,' Merlin said. 'And we'd be more than willing to help!'
'And yarrow,' Gaius added.
In the squared Edwin waits as Arthur meets him, 'What's your business here?' Arthur demanded.
'My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills,' Edwin informs him.
'Is that so?' Arthur said disbelievingly.
'I beg an audience with the King,' Edwin repeated.
'Our court has a physician,' Arthur begins to walk away.
But Edwin has more to say, 'I hear the lady Morgana is gravely ill.'
Arthur stops and turns to look at the man, 'That is no concern of yours!' he says sharply.
'Considering he's the one who caused her illness I'd say it was,' murmured Merlin.
'I may be able to help her,' Edwin says softly.
'I'm sure you could,' muttered Merlin.
'Our physician has the matter in hand,' Arthur said a little doubtfully.
Edwin nods as Arthur walks off.
'I'll be at the inn,' Edwin says to Arthur's retreating back. Arthur gives Edwin a look as the man says, 'in case you change your mind.'
Later in Arthur's chambers Arthur is sitting in his chair as Merlin paces around him, 'it's going to be all right,' Merlin says. 'I know it is,' Merlin seems to be talking more to himself than the prince. 'She's going to be absolutely fine,' he says again.
'Merlin!' Arthur interrupts him.
'What?' Merlin looked at his master surprised.
'You're making me anxious,' said Arthur tensely.
'But I'm not worried,' Merlin came up to Arthur.
'Then stop pacing,' Arthur orders.
Merlin obeys sitting at the wooden table but tapping his fingers nervously; Arthur gives in and takes the Merlin's position pacing.
In Morgana's bright day lit chambers Uther watches as Gaius examines his ward.
'She has hours maybe less,' Gaius says grimly.
Arthur looks distressed, 'we cannot let her die,' he stresses.
'Arthur, please,' Uther looks pained sits down on Morgana's bed.
'There's a man,' Arthur informs them. 'He came to the castle yesterday; he claims he can cure her!'
Gaius and Uther turn to look at the agitated blonde, 'that's ridiculous he doesn't know what wrong with her,' the king reminds him.
'He claims he has a remedy to cure all ills,' Arthur explains.
'That's impossible,' Gaius gives Arthur a wide eyed look.
'But for Morgana's sake surely we should at least hear him out,' Arthur looks at the two older men. 'Please father, what have we got to loose?'
'Probably just some charlatan looking for a quick shilling,' Gaius said dismissively.
'I think someone's jealous,' Huinith's eyes twinkled.
'I don't care,' Arthur shouted, 'she dying! If there's one chance in a million he can save her then why not?'
Gaius raised his eyebrow.
'Send for him,' Uther ordered.
Edwin is waiting in the throne room which Uther flings open the door and enters followed by his knights. Edwin bends down on one knee a scroll in hand. Uther takes the scroll from the man, 'Edwin Muirden, sire, physician and loyal servant.'
Arthur snorted.
'Welcome to Camelot,' Uther does not sound welcoming at all as he reads through Edwin's scroll.
'Have we met before?' Gaius looks at Edwin's scarred visage.
'I doubt you would forget a face like mine,' Edwin replies smoothly.
'You really believe you can cure her?' Uther asks almost hopefully.
'There are not many ills I have not seen and successfully treated so when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness,' here Merlin entered the room looking at Edwin, 'I felt honour bound to offer my services,' Edwin said.
'What would you know about honour?' Lancelot who believed in honour so faithfully was furious at a man like Edwin Muirden claiming to have honour.
'You say that you have a cure for all, an antidote for everything?' Gaius questioned coming up to Edwin.
'Yes,' Edwin refused to look the older physician in the eyes.
'I can't believe none of you found his reluctance suspicious,' Gwaine shook his head.
'Hell they spent the whole of last year not noticing Morgana's evil smirks or manipulative devices or the fact that she'd disappear with a brightly coloured cloak off into the night out of Camelot. Keeping her from destroying Camelot became my full time occupation!' Merlin ranted.
'Although it's not quite as simple as that,' Edwin protested.
'Ofcourse not,' Gaius muttered, 'first you have to try and kill the patient!'
'Gaius is the Court Physician,' Uther introduced Gaius.
'You are indeed a legend sir. I am delighted to meet you,' Edwin sucked up.
'Bootlicker,' Merlin muttered.
Gaius looked appeased, 'I am curious as to what has affected her?'
'An inflammation of the brain,' Gaius replied.
'And your treatment?' Edwin questioned.
'Yarrow,' Gaius retorted.
'Yes, yes,' Edwin nods enthusiastically.
'Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation,' Gaius said severely.
'Interesting,' Edwin looks worried.
'Why what would you suggest,' Arthur has his arms crossed over his long, brownish-red leather coat.
'No, no,' Edwin said quickly. 'All fine if that is indeed the diagnosis,' he said suggestively.
'What would your diagnosis be?' Uther handed Edwin his scroll back.
'Without examining the patient…' Edwin trailed off.
'He should be allowed to examine her,' Arthur told his father.
'I would need my equipment,' Edwin added.
'Of course, you have full use of one of the guest chambers,' Uther told him.
'Consider my manservant at your disposal,' Arthur nodded as Merlin stood behind him.
'Did you sense his magic?' asked Arthur.
'I certainly sensed something but at that moment I didn't know what it was,' replied Merlin.
'I'll start work immediately,' Edwin bowed and left.
In the chambers he was using Edwin had several metallic instruments and bottles, 'these were originally designed for alchemy,' he told Merlin.
'Making gold,' Merlin said knowledgably.
'You have an interest in science?' asked Edwin.
'Well science is knowledge,' Merlin replied.
'Which you need a lot,' Arthur laughed.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
'So I have been able to teach you something,' said Gaius proudly.
'You've spent too much time with Uncle Gaius,' Huinith smiled at her family fondly.
'It has the answers to everything,' suggested Edwin.
'Maybe,' Merlin said reluctantly, 'it can't explain love.'
Edwin is working on his instruments, 'so you are in love?'
'No,' Merlin looked embarrassed.
'I mean, feelings, emotions,' Merlin explained.
'You're such a girl,' Arthur said.
'You seem too bright to be just a servant,' complimented Edwin.
'Was that your first ever compliment?' Arthur asked with a smile to show he was joking.
'Oh don't be fooled I'm not that bright,' Merlin picked up a box of beetles.
'Yes you are,' Huinith encouraged her son.
'But I try not to let people realise that because then I'm more likely to be suspected as a sorcerer!' Merlin explained.
Edwin snatched the box off him, 'yes now we must hurry to the lady Morgana's chambers before it is too late,' he gave Merlin a pile of his stuff with the box on the top. They hurried through the courtyard and up the stairs to Lady Morgana's chambers where the Pendragons and Gaius were waiting, 'put my equipment over there,' Edwin directed Merlin pointing. Merlin puts the stuff down 'sire, I'd be grateful if you had everybody leave the room I need peace and privacy.'
'Certainly,' Uther agreed.
Arthur, Uther and Merlin leave.
But Gaius remains, 'that includes you too Gaius,' orders Edwin.
'But I'm eager to learn from your methods,' Gaius says slyly as Merlin watches the two physicians.
'Now is not the time for instruction. I will need all my concentration,' replies Edwin.
'Gaius!' Uther orders.
Gaius too leaves as Edwin goes to Morgana turning her head so he can see her ear. He takes a tissue and is about to do something when Gwen walks through the door. Gwen watches Edwin until he notices her and turns around to face the servant. Edwin leaves his patient, 'why are you spying on me?' he asks sharply.
'I wasn't, I'm her maid servant,' Gwen's hands came down in front of her pink dress as she nervously explained to the scarred man what she was doing there.
'Then fetch some water,' ordered Edwin.
'Someone should be with her,' Gwen defended.
'Do you want to be responsible for her death!' snapped Edwin.
'Uther would kill you for that,' Merlin muttered so nobody but Gaius, who nodded, could hear.
'No,' Gwen said quickly. 'But-'
'You suspected him?' asked Merlin.
'Didn't you?' asked Gwen.
'No I thought he was a friend who understood me; I choose them badly,' Merlin thought of Morgana.
'Then you will get me water!' said Edwin sternly. 'NOW!' he shouted. 'Or she might die,' he said softly. Gwen nodded and left. Soon after she left Edwin bent over Morgana, 'bebiede þe arisan ealdu,' he whispered.
'That means "I command you, ancient ones, to come forth"' Merlin informed his friends even though nobody had asked.
Next they watched as Edwin ran down the stairs towards the Pendragons and Gaius, 'Great news you will be glad to know that it is not an inflammation of the brain,' he said.
'What was it, then!' the king asked.
'It is a cerebral haemorrhage,' responded Edwin.
Gaius snorted.
'Haemorrhage?' said Gaius disbelievingly. 'I don't think so!'
'I found this trace of blood in her ear,' Edwin held up the tissue with Morgana's blood on it.
'Gaius,' said Uther.
'If left untreated could lead to coma and death,' said Edwin knowledgably.
'How could you have missed this?' Uther asked.
'There was no blood!' Gaius fumed.
'We know, uncle,' said Huinith softly.
'I didn't any blood!' said Gaius.
'Blimey Guy you don't change much,' grinned Gwaine.
'Gwaine never again call me "Guy",' said Gaius warningly.
'Let's just thank the heavens you didn't administered more rosemary god only knows that might have done,' Edwin said.
Uther and Arthur turned to look at the physician, 'it may have increased the bleeding,' Gaius admitted.
'Is there a cure?' Uther asked Edwin.
'See for yourself,' Edwin replied.
In Morgana's chambers Morgana is awake as Uther comes rushing to her, 'this is truly a miracle. I thought...' the king trailed off.
'Oh you won't get rid of me that easily,' said Morgana tiredly.
'What did he give you?' Gaius asked.
'I have no idea but thanks heaven he did,' Morgana replied.
Edwin is walking down the corridor cloak flowing behind him.
'Edwin!' Gaius called after him. Edwin turned around to see him, 'I want to offer my congratulations,' the older physician said.
'Thank you,' Edwin bowed.
'She was all but dead and brought her back to life,' Gaius said. 'How exactly did you do that?' asked Gaius.
'I have developed an elixir for such an ailment,' Edwin lied.
'Liar,' yelled Gwaine.
'We know, Gwaine,' Percival said softly.
'I would love to know the ingredients,' Gaius replied.
'You thought he was suspicious too,' Arthur frowned.
'It is not yet perfected,' Edwin empathized this with a hand gesture. 'You must give me more time before I make it public!'
'That injury to your face,' Gaius pointed out the scars on Edwin's face, 'how did it happen?'
'It happened when I was a young child,' Edwin replied.
'Perhaps it was me who treated you for it,' suggested Gaius.
'I told you before we've never met,' Edwin said a little sharply.
'Yes, of course,' agreed Gaius quickly. 'Well I'll leave you to your work,' Gaius nodded which was returned by Edwin. Edwin glowered after the old man as he left.
In the throne room Uther was speaking to the man, 'name your reward!'
'I desire nothing more than the good health of my patients, sire,' Edwin said.
'And you dead,' added Merlin.
'There must be something I can do for you,' Uther said.
'No,' Edwin shook his head. 'I will wait until the lady Morgana is better then I shall be on my way.'
Uther put a hand on his ward's as he stood up, 'why don't you stay a while,' he suggested. 'You could live here at the palace!'
'No I'd feel I were trespassing and you already have a court physician,' Edwin pointed out.
'I'm sure Gaius would be glad of your help,' Uther assured him.
'It is a kind offer but I couldn't,' Edwin said.
'Think about it,' Uther ordered, 'dine with me late let me know your decisionr.'
'And I thought that you didn't know the word "NO",' laughed Merlin.
'To dine with your majesty would be a reward in itself,' Edwin sunk into a low bow and left.
In the library Geoffrey is putting away some scrolls when he notices his old friend turning he says, 'Gaius!' sounding surprised to see the physician in his library.
'Don't you go to the library, usually?' asked Huinith.
'I either send Merlin or use my own books,' replied Gaius.
'Geoffrey,' smiled Gaius, 'I'm here to ask a favour of you.'
'Anything for an old friend,' Geoffrey said as the two men shook hands.
'I wish to see the court records from the time of the great purge,' Gaius said seriously.
'What possible reason can have for those?' asked Geoffrey in shock.
'I fear the past may have come back to haunt us,' admitted Gaius.
'All the more reason to keep the records hidden,' Geoffrey responds.
'I know that neither of us want to remember that time but,' agreed Gaius. 'But this is a matter of great urgency!'
'The records are sealed; they cannot be opened,' Geoffrey explained. 'Uther has forbidden it!' Geoffrey sounded scared.
'Is there anyone who isn't scared of father?' asked Arthur.
Looks were exchanged but nobody said anything.
'Geoffrey I'm begging you,' Gaius asked.
'I'm sorry, Gaius, but this time you ask to much even for me,' Geoffrey stated.
Merlin was outside of Edwin's chambers chapping on the wooden door, when he got no answer he called out, 'Edwin.' He enters the chambers where he begins to look through Edwin's stuff. Picking up the box of beetles he looks inside them seeing the inscription on the box he says, 'bebiede þe arisan ealdu,' Merlin spoke then hearing a noise he opened the box to see the beetles come alive and looked quite freaked out.
Edwin entered the room to see Merlin with the beetles, 'very good,' the man complimented the boy. 'swefn,' Edwin took the box of Merlin putting the beetles to sleep. 'You have magic!' stated the man.
'No, that wasn't me; that was…' Merlin trailed off.
'You brought the beetles to life, only magic can do that,' Edwin said. 'These little angels are what saved the Lady Morgana they repaired the damage to her brain. Magic can be a force for good!' Edwin said.
'I know,' said Merlin softly.
'Then why do you fear it?' asked Edwin.
'Not magic but Uther,' said Merlin sadly.
'Uther has banned it; it's not permitted,' said Merlin tensely.
'Should I have let Morgana die?' Edwin asked sharply.
'No,' Merlin said softly.
'People like us,' Edwin told Merlin, 'we have a gift do you not think it should be used to make the world a better place?'
'Perhaps,' said Merlin hesitantly hurrying to clean up what he's spilt.
'Don't waste your time with that,' Edwin tells him. 'feormian dust rénian,' the blue dust rises back into the pot.
'That could be useful,' Gwen ever the servant said. 'What does it mean anyway?'
'Clean and dispose of the dust,' Merlin said calmly.
'Why don't his eyes go gold?' asked Arthur.
'He's not born with magic,' replied Merlin.
'Why waste a skill like that?' smiled Edwin. 'There's so much I could teach you.'
Merlin grinned back and delicately began enchanting, 'rǽdee ásce geotan,' Merlin says softly pouring the sand into a bowl.
'What did that mean?' Gwen asked again.
'I decide to pour the dust,' Merlin said.
'What do you use this for?' asked Edwin.
'Gaius doesn't like me to,' said Merlin sadly.
'A gift like yours should be nurtured you need someone to teach you, someone to help you,' Edwin told Merlin.
'He has me,' Gaius defended.
'Perhaps,' agreed Merlin.
'Imagine what we could achieve if we shared our knowledge,' Edwin looked directly into Merlin's eyes.
Merlin looked slightly unnerved, 'I should be getting back,' said Merlin quickly.
'Of course,' said Edwin, 'you must promise to keep our secret,' Edwin said.
'No,' Merlin rolled his eyes, 'I'm going to walk up to Uther and inform him I'm a sorcerer!'
'Of course,' was all Merlin said grinning.
'People like you and I must look after each other,' Edwin said.
Merlin left leaving Edwin staring after him. Gaius is sitting at his desk writing when a knock from the door comes, 'come in,' Gaius answers not turning around to look.
Geoffrey enters, 'Gaius you've been a good friend to me and have done me many kindnesses I can't deny you this one request.'
'The records?' asked Gaius.
'I know you wouldn't ask unless it was important,' Geoffrey said.
'Believe me there's a great deal at stake,' Gaius said.
'If Uther were to find out he'd kill us both,' Geoffrey warned Gaius.
'Again why would Gaius tell Uther?' asked Merlin.
'I wouldn't I do value my life!' Gaius stated.
'It is for Uther's sake I make this request,' Gaius admitted. 'Trust me, old friend,' Geoffrey places the book on Gaius' desk and nods. He claps Gaius once on his shoulder before leaving as Gaius slits open the records with his pen knife.
Edwin and Uther are having a meal, 'it is most unlike for Gaius to have missed something like this,' Uther is telling Edwin.
'We all make mistakes,' Edwin said softly.
'It was no mistake!' Gaius said angrily.
'We know,' Gwen patted his hand gently.
'Gaius is a great physician,' the king said as he was eating.
'The very best,' Edwin nodded, 'which is what I don't understand…' Edwin trailed off.
'What?' Uther demanded.
'It's not for me to speak out of turn,' Edwin said quickly.
'You saved the life of my ward you can speak as you wish,' Uther brought a goblet to his lips.
'He has been prescribing sleeping draughts for Morgana,' Edwin pointed out.
'She suffers from bad dreams,' Uther explained.
'Yes but the dreams should have been a warning,' Edwin suggested.
'They aren't connected,' Merlin said.
'You think they could be connected?' asked Uther.
'Oh, yes,' said Edwin softly.
'They're both caused by magic,' muttered Merlin.
'You think their a symptom of the illness!' Uther said.
'I am certain of it,' Edwin agreed. 'And the potions masked the problem until…' Edwin trailed off.
Uther had stood up looking at Edwin finishing the younger man's sentence the king said gravely, 'she nearly died; if you hadn't come along when you did!' realization on Morgana's guardian's face.
'But I did,' Edwin said quickly, 'and that's all that matters! Her life was saved in the nick of time.'
'Will you undertake a review of his work?' Uther asked.
'My work is perfectly fine,' scowled Gaius.
'We know Gaius,' shouted Merlin.
'Merlin calm down,' the future king ordered.
'Of course my liege,' Merlin said somehow making the honorfication sound disrespectful.
'Be polite,' Huinith warned.
'Yes, mother,' Merlin sighed.
'How did you do that?' Arthur asked.
'Mother's have their ways,' laughed Huinith.
Arthur just sighed.
'It would put my mind at rest!'
'If it would make you feel better, sire' replied Edwin.
Leon groaned, 'and that is exactly what he wants.
'Obviously,' Gwaine rolled his eyes.
It is the morning in Camelot as the sun rises a guard watches from the castle. In Gaius' chambers Gaius sits with the records looking thoughtful when Merlin comes down from his chambers, 'have you been there all night?' Merlin asked seeming shocked to see his mentor up so early.
'Yes,' said Gaius sounding exhausted, 'but it was worth it,' the old man yawned. 'Where are you going?' Gaius asked as Merlin picked up his bag.
'I told Edwin I'd be up at dawn to collect supplies,' replied Merlin happily.
Gaius pretended to not look bothered about this, 'well you better get a move on then.'
'You could have warned me,' Merlin said disgruntledly.
'I didn't want you to say something and put yourself in danger,' replied Gaius.
'And I don't do that usually with the whole living under Uther's nose with magic,' Merlin pointed out.
'You should have told him, Uncle,' Huinith agreed with her son.
Gaius watched as Merlin leaves. In Edwin's chambers Gaius enters, 'Edwin,' Gaius says. 'Your scar has healed well,' he says. 'I often wondered what had happened to that poor little boy.'
'I told you we'd never met before,' Edwin informed Gaius.
'I didn't realise who you were until I checked the records,' Gaius ignored Edwin's last statement who was looking very worried. 'You used your mother's maiden name,' Gaius noted. 'You were Gregor and Jaden's son?' Gaius asked.
'They were friends of yours,' Edwin said.
'They were sorcerers,' Gaius said.
Merlin frowned, 'so am I!'
'They practiced magic,' Edwin corrected. 'So did a lot of people back then,' Edwin said.
'Uther will be furious,' Gaius warned the man, 'who you are.'
'Fine,' Edwin said shortly. 'Fine! Let's go and tell him, lets go and tell him right now! Let's go and tell him about Merlin!' Edwin marched off to the door before turning to look at Gaius. 'Let's go and tell him about Merlin!'
'Blackmail,' hissed Arthur.
'Sorry,' Merlin said.
'It wasn't you fault,' Gaius said, 'sometime I forget how lonely you are!'
'Merlin?' asked Gaius.
'You didn't know he was a sorcerer?' asked Edwin both men pacing around each other. 'I wonder what Uther would do – probably have him burnt!'
'I'd never let that happen!' Arthur said.
'Thank you Arthur,' smiled Merlin.
'You would betray another sorcerer?' asked Gaius.
'You did!' he said sharply.
'Gaius!' Merlin looked hurt and wouldn't look at Gaius.
'When you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther. At least Merlin won't have a son, who'll try and rescue them from the flames,' Edwin pointed at his scarred visage.
'Is that why he tried to kill father?' asked Arthur.
'That's why most do attack your father,' sighed Merlin. 'You make us so bitter and scared and angry. The only reason I don't go psycho is that I have faith in you to be a better king than your father so that we can live in peace!'
'You are here to take revenge,' Gaius understood.
'And I have waited a long time,' Edwin said.
'You think I will sacrifice the king the save Merlin?' asked Edwin.
'Of course you will,' said Leon, 'he's like a son to you!'
'Sorry, sire,' Gaius looked at Arthur.
Arthur was frowning wondering out of the two who he'd chose.
'Think about it,' Edwin suggested. 'If I find out you've told one other person – including the boy – I'll go straight to Uther,' Edwin threatened.
At that moment Merlin entered carrying a bag of supplies, 'I've brought your provisions,' Merlin told Edwin.
'Didn't you wonder why Gaius was there?' Arthur asked.
'I thought they were talking about medical matters,' Merlin said, 'after all they are both physicians!'
Arthur nodded.
'Thank you, Merlin. Gaius was just reminiscing about old times,' Edwin said giving Gaius a pointed look.
'Yes,' Gaius said eventually.
'Thank you for looking after him,' smiled Huinith.
'My pleasure,' replied Gaius.
In the corridor Gaius and Merlin exit Edwin's chambers, 'I've got to get back to my chores,' Merlin admitted to Gaius.
'Of course you must,' Gaius agreed.
'Do you need anything?' asked Merlin.
'No,' Gaius sighed. 'Just do what Edwin tells us.'
Uther and Edwin are talking, 'I've been over the court medical records with a fine tooth comb,' Edwin says.
'And were they satisfactory?' the king asked.
'Of course they were,' muttered Gaius.
'Regrettably they were not,' Edwin sighed.
'How come?' the king asked.
'Gaius is a great man,' Edwin said, 'dedicated..' he trailed off.
'But?' Uther was getting impatient.
'His methods are outdated,' Edwin said.
'I may be old but I keep up to date with all developments; I've made enough of them myself,' scowled Gaius.
'He has failed to keep up to date with recent developments,' Edwin explained.
'Gaius has served me well for many years,' Uther defended his physician.
'Age the biggest curse of them all,' sighed Edwin.
'Maybe it is time to lighten is burdens,' Uther said. 'Have you thought any more about my offer?' Uther asked.
Edwin smiled, 'yes,' he said simply. 'I have considered it very carefully.'
'Well let me do the same,' Uther told the man.
Edwin bowed to Uther, Arthur and Morgana before leaving. Uther stood up to poor himself a drink. Morgana stood up as well, 'you can't do this!' Morgana protested.
'You heard what he said,' replied Uther.
'All lies,' muttered Gaius.
'Gaius is old he makes mistakes!'
'Gaius has treated me since before I can remember,' Morgana defended. 'You can't cast him out because of one mistake!'
'I almost lost you that's something I cannot bare,' Uther told her.
'I know that,' Morgana said.
'I cannot risk something like this happening again,' Uther told his ward.
Gaius stands watching Merlin sleep heaving a sigh. Gaius enters the dragon's cave and calls out, 'hello; it is me Gaius.'
Kilgharrah comes out from behind a rock, 'how old a man can get but yet change so little,' laughed Kilgharrah.
'You have not changed either,' smiled Gaius.
'Twenty years – almost a lifetime – for you to make the journey to where you began,' Kilgharrah said.
'Twenty years,' whistled Gwaine.
'You see why he got angry when he – er – got out,' sighed Merlin.
'I do not come here for myself,' Gaius replied.
'The boy,' Kilgharrah responded.
'Sometimes I wonder if he knows my name,' Merlin rolled his eyes.
'You know about him?' Gaius asked.
'You have struggled against his destiny but you can no more prevent it than he can!' Kilgharrah stated.
'So it is true then?' Gaius clarified.
'Oh yes,' breathed Kilgharrah. 'One day he and the young Pendragon will unite the land of Albion.'
'I don't think Kilgharrah calls anyone by their first name,' Gaius smiled.
'But he's in danger,' Gaius told the dragon.
'No,' breathed the Great Dragon. 'It is my jailer that stands at peril.'
'Must Uther be sacrificed for the boy?' asked Gaius.
'Their time cannot come while Uther lives,' Kilgharrah said.
'But is that time now?' asked Gaius.
Kilgharrah just laughed, 'that is of your choosing.'
'I will not choose between them!' Gaius shouted.
'Then turn a blind eye,' snapped the dragon. 'That is after all your talent.'
'Ouch,' winced Gwaine.
'Well its true,' muttered Merlin.
Gaius is sitting in his chambers apparently deep in thought when Arthur enters, 'Gaius,' the young prince calls, 'my father requires your presence.'
'When?' asked Gaius.
'Now,' Arthur replied.
In the court room Arthur, Uther, Morgana and Gaius are there, 'sire, is there a problem, are you unwell?' asked the physician.
'This is not an ailment you can treat me for. You've been a loyal servant for many years and I look on you as a friend,' Uther said.
'I regard you as the same way,' Gaius nodded.
'You've been since Arthur's birth – and everything that that entailed,' Uther said standing up and walking around, 'what I'm trying to do is best for you.'
Arthur sighed. Merlin and Gaius exchanged a look before avoiding the future king's eyes.
'I'm confused, sire,' Gaius said.
'I don't want you to worry I'll give you a generous allowance, make sure your well looked after,' Uther assured Gaius.
'You're retiring me,' Gaius stated.
'I'll allow you to continue to live in your chambers before more suitable accommodation is found,' Uther assured him.
'Because I made one mistake,' Gaius said. 'Though in truth it was not a mistake it was…'
Edwin showed himself, 'yes Gaius?' he asked warningly.
'Unfortunate,' the king finished for his friend. 'I accept that,' Uther paced the hall.
'May I ask who's going to be the next court physician?' Gaius said as if he already knew the answer looking over at Edwin.
'None of this was Edwin's idea,' Uther said.
'No but he played the king good,' Elyan frowned.
'Initially he turned down the offer.'
'Only not to look suspicious,' Merlin said.
'I'm sure,' Gaius said a little bitterly.
'It's not be an easy decision,' Uther assured his old friend, 'but a younger man; new ideas.'
'Yes,' agreed Gaius.
'You're hesitant,' noted Uther 'is there a reason you appose his appointment?'
'Sire,' Gaius began.
'If you have anything to say it please say it,' Edwin said.
'This is hard for both of us,' said Uther sadly.
Uther and Gaius shared a sad look, 'I thank you for your patronage, sire. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve your family for all these years,' Gaius gave a small smile bowed and left.
In Gaius' chambers Merlin comes rushing in, 'Gaius,' the boy calls to his uncle. 'Uther cannot do this to you, you tried to save Morgana!'
'Uther's not to blame,' Gaius told Merlin.
'That would be Edwin,' said Gaius.
'Who lost his parents to Uther and you turning a blind eye!' Merlin protested.
Arthur winced, 'Merlin,' said Huinith firmly.
'I'll speak to Edwin; you and Edwin can work together! I'll speak to Edwin,' said Merlin.
'No you mustn't do anything,' Gaius said firmly.
'Why?' asked Merlin.
'Uther's right it's time I stepped down,' Gaius said while packing his things.
'No it's not!' everyone who had ever been treated by Gaius shouted (that was everyone but Percival who miraculously had managed not to get injured or at least not allow Gaius to realise he was injured).
'What are you doing?' Merlin asked noticing his mentor's action.
'I cannot stay where there is no longer a use for me,' Gaius said.
'Or where you'll have to chose between your friend and the boy whose like a son to you,' Huinith noted.
'Sorry,' Merlin said.
'It wasn't your fault,' Gaius and Arthur said together, 'it was my choice and no one else's,' Gaius continued on.
'You're not leaving,' choked out Merlin.
'I believe it's for the best,' Gaius said.
'For Edwin,' muttered Gwen.
'Then I'll come with you,' Merlin said.
'Merlin,' Gaius smiled. 'You are like a son to me and I never expected such a blessing so late in life.'
'Did you ever consider getting married?' asked Gwen.
'Yes,' Gaius said, 'but we were driven apart. She's still alive but we can never be together.'
'Why not?' asked Arthur. 'Family? Status?'
'Arthur,' said Merlin, 'leave it.'
'No!' Arthur said stubbornly.
'So stubborn,' muttered Merlin.
Arthur glared at him.
'She has magic,' said Gaius sadly.
'Oh,' Arthur's eyes widened in understanding, 'she escaped the purge?'
Gaius nodded, 'I helped get her out.'
'And you have been more than a father to me,' Merlin said.
Huinith sighed if only things had been different!
'Then as a father I must tell you to remain here; Camelot is where you belong!' Gaius said.
'That's ironic considering the laws,' smiled Leon.
'I know,' grinned Merlin, 'but I belong at Arthur's side!'
'You belong here too,' Merlin looked so sad.
'Not anymore,' Gaius came up to Merlin putting his hands on the boy's shoulder. 'You must promise me not to waste your gift.'
'My gifts would be nothing if it were not for you to guide me,' Merlin said.
'Merlin you have a great destiny,' Gaius said.
'The amount of pressure we're under,' groaned Arthur.
'At least you get recognition and feasts and stuff,' Merlin said. 'I just get chores and lectures!'
'If I've had a small part to play in it then I'm pleased.'
'A big part,' smiled Merlin.
'There's so much I've got left to learn,' Merlin told his mentor. 'I need you to teach me!' Merlin all but begged.
'I'm leaving here tonight and there's nothing you can say or do to stop me,' Gaius said.
There were tears in Merlin's eyes as he said, 'I will not let this happen!' Merlin ran out of the room.
Gaius watched the boy go a sad look on the old man's face, 'goodbye Merlin,' he said softly.
Arthur was training with his knights while Merlin watched, 'how can your father sack him for one mistake?'
'A mistake that nearly killed Morgana,' replied Arthur, besides she wasn't the only one.'
'What do you mean?' Merlin asked.
Arthur turned to look at Merlin, 'Gaius work was riddled with errors.'
'That's nonsense,' Merlin snapped.
'No one wants Gaius to go but father's made his decision there's nothing anyone can do,' Arthur threw down his sword and walked off.
Edwin and Uther were walking down the corridor, 'I think you will be very happy here,' Uther said.
'I'm sure I will sire,' replied Edwin.
'Oh, yeah, because killing him is going to make him really happy,' spat out Arthur.
'Arthur,' Huinith said softly, 'he doesn't want to make your father happy.'
'I bloody well know that,' snarled Arthur.
'It's okay,' Huinith gave the prince a hug.
Arthur was frozen not believing that after twenty-one years he finally had someone hug him like a mother!
'When I reviewed Gaius' work I noticed he was prescribing you arnica,' Edwin noted.
'It's for, er, my shoulder, it's an old battle wound. It gives me a lot of pain,' Uther sighed.
'May I take the liberty of providing a new prescription? It should prove far more effective,' Uther assured him.
'Why do I have a very bad feeling about this?' asked Elyan grimly.
'Really?' Uther asked.
'Oh, yes. It is a remedy to cure all ills,' Edwin reminded the king.
In Lower Town Gaius is leading a horse out of town when Gwen sees him she promptly rushes up to her old friend.
'Gaius? You're leaving?' Gwen asked.
'Yes, I'm sorry I didn't come and say goodbye,' sighed Gaius.
'I don't want you to go. I don't trust Edwin. There was no blood in Morgana's ear, he put it there. He did something to her, I know he did,' Gwen said.
'You're very intuitive,' Huinith noted.
'Yes she is,' Arthur and Lancelot said together.
'You need to be careful who you say that to,' Gaius warned the girl.
'I'm saying it to you because you can do something about it,' Gwen pleaded.
'I can't,' replied Gaius.
'But you think the same, don't you? He's evil,' Gwen said.
'It's not that simple,' Gaius said.
'So you're going to turn your back on us?' asked Gwen.
'He's done it before,' muttered Merlin.
'I have no choice, I'm sorry Gwen,' Gaius said.
'In life you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't,' Gwen told Gaius.
'Is that why you came back?' Merlin asked never able to hold a grudge.
'Yes,' Gaius nodded.
'Guess it's not only me who's got accidental advice from Gwen,' grinned Merlin.
'Who here hasn't?' asked Arthur.
'Well, then. My choice is to leave,' Gaius said firmly.
'Then I'll miss you,' Gwen said sadly. Gwen kisses Gaius on the cheek.
Arthur looks outraged – was there anyone here Gwen hadn't kissed?
'Goodbye Gaius,' she smiled sadly.
In Uther's chambers the king drinks a potion before collapsing on the bed.
Gaius is looking pensive sitting by a camp fire in the woods late at night.
In Uther's chambers Uther wakes from the drug induced sleep to Edwin leaning over him, 'My Lord. My Lord. It seems the drugs I gave you have taken hold. Your body is now paralysed. 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.'
'What does that spell mean?' Arthur said tensely.
'I command you, ancient ones, to come forth,' Merlin said calmly. 'Like I told you earlier,' Merlin sounded amused.
'It's all the same to me,' Arthur admitted.
Merlin's eyes flashed at this.
'Goodbye Uther Pendragon,' Edwin walks out the kings chamber and is about to pick up his case.
'I will not allow you to kill Uther,' Gaius shows himself.
'Never had a problem with letting anyone die before,' Edwin said.
'Your parents were practicing dark magic,' Gaius informs the young man.
'They were?' asked Merlin.
'After the purge began,' replied Gaius.
'Ah,' Merlin understood.
'Just like you,' Gaius walked towards the grey cloaked man.
'How do you propose to stop me?' asked Edwin.
'Wace wærlic!' Gaius tries.
Merlin begins to laugh, 'vile wary one?' he laughs, 'that's not a spell; what were you trying to say?'
'Not all of us can be born with your talent,' Gaius says. 'And I was trying to say "vile angry one" I was only one word out!'
'What's the difference?' asked Arthur.
'Edwin was angry so Gaius was trying to stop the angry one,' explained Merlin.
I think you mean wáce ierlic!' he throws Gaius against the wall. 'You've forgotten everything, getting too old! Forbærne yfel!' Edwin commands and the fires rage around Gaius where he sits.
Arthur shuddered, 'now that has to be dark!'
'Yeah,' agreed Merlin. 'That's burn moral evil so he is saying that morals are evil definite dark magic!'
Merlin is carrying washing in another part of the castle. Arthur comes around the corner, 'Merlin!' he cries. 'My father has Morgana's illness we must find Edwin.'
Merlin drops the towels.
'Excellent excuse not to do your work,' grinned Merlin.
Back with Gaius and Edwin; Edwin has a very cold look as he makes the fire come closer and closer to Gaius. That was when Merlin comes in looking between Gaius and Edwin the boy looks at Edwin in betrayal.
'What are you doing?' he shouts.
'I'd say that was obvious,' said Arthur drily.
'I thought he was my friend,' said Merlin sadly.
'He's trying to kill the king I couldn't let him,' explained Gaius.
'I can rule the kingdom with you as my side we can be all powerful,' Edwin offers Merlin.
'If I got a gold piece for every time I heard that,' muttered Merlin.
'Release him!' Merlin orders.
'Your loss Merlin,' Edwin says.
'Actually it's yours,' Merlin smiles.
Edwin brings a hand up magically removing an axe from the wall and bringing it toward Merlin. Merlin's eyes turn gold as he stops the axe from killing him. As the axe fails to kill Merlin Edwin resorts to verbal magic, 'Swilte, Merlin!'
'Dark magic?' asked Arthur.
'Yup,' Merlin agreed. 'Die violently is what it means.'
'That's horrible why are there words for that?' asked Gwen.
'The same reason that there are words for it in our language,' Merlin said.
'Are you alright?' Merlin asked.
'Yes,' Gaius nods breathlessly. 'Thank you Merlin.' Merlin looks at Edwin before rummaging through Edwin's stuff as Gaius watches him. 'What are you doing?'
'Uther's ill Arthur said he has the same illness Morgana had,' Merlin said finding the box of beetles. 'Edwin said he used these to cure Morgana maybe we can too.'
'Elanthia beetles,' Gaius said softly.
'They're magical?' asked Merlin.
'No really?' asked Arthur sarcastically.
'Yes,' breathed Gaius. 'Enchanted to enter a persons brain feed on their essence, devour their very soul.'
Uther is asleep on his bed.
'How do we get them out?' Merlin asks. 'What kills them?'
'It can only be magic,' Gaius says.
Merlin looks shocked and scared, 'we can't use magic on Uther he'd kill us!'
'But we have no choice,' Gaius says gravely.
'Gaius-'Merlin protests.
'No,' Gaius interrupts. 'Sometime it is necessary; it is your right'
'I don't know how,' Merlin sounds very young.
'If you don't Uther will die!' Gaius says gravely.
Merlin moves past Gaius to Uther's side putting the box on the beside cabinet and taking the king by the head, 'bebiede þe arisan ealdu. Áblinnen,' Merlin said.
'You risked your life to save father's even though he'd kill you in a heartbeat,' Arthur said softly.
'You love him,' shrugged Merlin.
'Thanks,' Arthur said.
Merlin shrugged again.
'That's both the royal couple's fathers' lives you've saved,' Elyan noted.
Arthur and Gwen both blushed at this.
'What did you say?' Arthur quickly changed the subject.
'I command you, ancient ones, to stop and come forth,' Merlin said.
'What's happening?' asked Gaius. Merlin lets go of Uther showing Gaius a beetle in hand. 'Has anyone ever told you you're a genius?' Gaius asked.
'Well you certainly haven't,' Merlin said softly. Merlin and Gaius look at each other and both laugh.
In the court room Uther is on his throne as Gaius prepares a potion, 'take this it will help you regain your strength,' he bring Uther the vial.
Uther shakes his head, 'there's nothing wrong with my strength.' Uther takes the vial, 'do you remember Edwin's parents?'
Gaius turns away, 'I remember them all sire,' he says as the king drinks.
Uther winces at the taste of the drink, 'once again you've saved my life. You've always served me well. I know there have been things I've asked you to do which you find difficult.'
'You've always done what you've believed to be right,' Gaius replies.
'I was not right to betray you,' Uther looks at Gaius. 'I'm 'sorry from now on I shall remember that in my fight against magic you are the one person I can trust!'
Merlin chuckled slightly at this.
In the court room Uther stands with Arthur behind him and Gaius to his front, 'I am indebted to you, as are my family and my kingdom. I not only reinstate you as court physician but also as freeman of Camelot,' he hands Gaius a scroll. Everyone claps with Morgana smiling broadly.
In the streets Merlin and Gaius are walking along, 'it's all ridiculous I didn't save the king you did!'
'Oh no,' Merlin protests, 'just this once I'm happy to let someone else take the credit. You were prepared to sacrifice your life to save me.'
Gaius looks at Merlin the old man obviously surprised, 'where did you get that from?' he asks.
'I thought,' Merlin looks confused.
'No,' Gaius shakes his head. 'I didn't do anything. You saved me and you saved Uther. Maybe you are a genius.'
'Don't let that go to your head,' groaned Arthur.
'I kind of have to be to have survived this long,' retorted Merlin.
'You think so?' grinned Merlin.
'Well almost,' Gaius smiles. 'One day,' Gaius assured him.