Dragon Twins

A/N: I am most definitely on a Merlin kick right now. This story has snagged my attention and refuses to let go…which is good for you guys at least lol. Expect a lot of interaction between Edwin and the twins in this chapter…because I honestly think the show could have done so much more with Edwin and Merlin's interactions.

HPuni101: Glad to hear it. I'm having a field day writing this so, unfortunately, my other fics are on the backburner. This story has, pretty much the longest chapters I've ever done in my fics.

Radfootette: Thank you, I'm happy people seem to be enjoying it as much as I am.

Chapter 6 – A Remedy to Cure All Ills

Almost three months had passed since the 'Griffin incident' as Arthur had decided to call it and nothing too terrible had happened. Uther had dragged several suspected magic users in front of Marlena so that she could tell him if they did in fact have magic and, if so, what kind. She hated that part of her new job, but he was her King and she could not refuse him. Thankfully only two of them had actually had magic, and only one of them was using dark magic. Uther had sentenced that one to death but, surprisingly, allowed the other one to go free after Marlena told him she had a very small amount of magic and her aura was a light blue color which indicated that she used it to aid in life. Marlena later found out the woman had been using what little magic she had to boost the crops of her family and neighbors so she was very pleased that Uther let her go, although his council tried to make a fuss about it. Apparently Marlena's glare was every bit as terrifying to them as Uther's because they all went silent under it, which had Uther smirking in satisfaction.

After a particularly frustrating council meeting, that only ended when Marlena had gotten so angry at one of the Noblemen that her magic had thrown a chair into the far wall and shattered it, Arthur decided to take Marlena out for a ride through the forest. Morgana decided she wanted to join them…which meant that Merlin and Gwen were going along as well. Morgana chose to ride between Merlin and Gwen, teasing Merlin horribly to the amusement of everyone involved, while Arthur and Marlena took the lead. They spent the afternoon riding at a slow pace through the trees and just enjoying the calm serenity. None of them ever noticed the shadowed figure that followed them from a distance and watched them. The man's eyes wandered from Morgana, his intended target as the King's ward, to Marlena who he felt drawn towards for reasons he could not yet explain. He slipped away from tem as they returned to Camelot, noticing the guards treating the second dark haired female with as much respect as Morgana and realizing that she was somehow an important figure in this place…though he didn't know who she was just yet let alone what her position was.

Later that night, while most of Camelot slept peacefully, the man who had watched them slipped into the city and used magic to awaken some sort of beetle which he placed in a bundle of flowers. Those flowers were handed to a servant boy and sent to Lady Morgana. Gwen went into Morgana's room with the flowers and placed them in a vase with some water while Morgana prepared for bed.

"Look what's just arrived for you."

"Who're they from?"

"I don't know…maybe Arthur."

"How…disappointing."

"Why? Who'd you like them to be from?"

"I don't know, a certain tall, dark manservant comes to mind. Besides…I rather think he'd be sending them to Marlena instead of me Gwen."

"He does seem rather smitten with her doesn't he?"

The two women giggled a bit before Gwen blew the candles out and left for her home while Morgana crawled into her bed.

"See you in the morning."

Morgana falls asleep and the beetle climbs out of the flowers, making its way across the room and crawling into her ear as she slept. The next morning Gwen comes to wake her but Morgana is pale and unresponsive so Gwen rushes to get Gaius. Gaius sends Marlena to inform the King, knowing he'll react better to her than anyone else. Gaius examines her carefully and is disturbed by what he finds, or the lack thereof. After almost two days of trying everything he can think of Gaius is just about at his wits end…and Uther is just about at the end of his patience.

"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?"

"I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain."

"What could cause such a thing?"

"An infection, possibly. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her, Sire."

Uther remains at Morgana's bedside while Gaius heads down the stairs to where the others are waiting for him, hopefully for good news that he cannot give them.

"Is she any better?"

Gaius shakes his head and Gwen climbs the stairs, all but running to her Lady's side. Gwen has been a vigilant caretaker for Morgana and Uther manages to thank her for being so loyal to her. Gwen assures him that she adores Morgana and would never want any harm to come to her. Gaius looks at Merlin and Marlena, weariness making the lines in his face deeper and Marlena worries for his health.

"She's all but dead, Merlin."

"No, you're going to cure her. You have to."

"Don't you start. I've tried everything."

"I was wondering..."

"What?"

"Maybe I could...help."

"If you're suggesting magic...have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father?"

"Maybe Marlena could help then? Uther likes her and she's allowed to do magic…"

"This is not a magical illness, it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary."

"There must be something more I can do."

"And yarrow."

The man that caused all of this requests a meeting with Prince Arthur, who decides to humor the strange man and actually meets him in the courtyard.

"What's your business here?"

"My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills."

"Is that so?"

"I beg an audience with the King."

"Our court has a physician."

"I hear the Lady Morgana was gravely ill."

"That is no concern of yours."

"I might be able to help her."

"Our physician has the matter in hand."

"I will be at the inn, in case you change your mind."

Arthur walks away from the man but his words ring in his ears as he returns to Morgana's chambers. Arthur sits in one of the chairs in the sitting room, Marlena curled up in his lap while trying not to cry, and Merlin paces the floor anxiously.

"It's gonna be alright. It is. I know it is. She's gonna be absolutely..."

"Merlin."

"What?"

"You're making me anxious."

"But I'm not worried."

"Then stop pacing."

Merlin sits down, but then starts tapping his fingers on the table. Arthur glares at him and Marlena moves to her brother's side, laying her hand over his to calm him while Arthur starts pacing the room. Eventually he goes up the stairs to Morgana's room and listens to what Gaius has to say before telling his father of the man he'd met.

"I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less."

"We cannot let her die!"

"Arthur, please."

"There's a man, he came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her."

"That's ridiculous. He doesn't know what's wrong with her."

"He says he has a remedy that can cure all ills."

"Impossible."

"Well, for Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean, what've we got to lose? Please, Father."

"Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling."

"I don't care! If she's about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling! If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?"

"Send for him."

Uther, Arthur, and Gius meet the man in the Council chamber where he drops to one knee and hands Uther a roll of parchment…his credentials.

"Edwin Muirden, Sire. Physician and loyal servant."

"Welcome to Camelot."

"Have we met before?"

"I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir."

"Do you really believe you have a remedy?"

"There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, Sire. So when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honor bound to offer my services."

Gaius started questioning the man, skepticism written all over his face, but the man seemed to have an answer for everything…he even turned the tables back on Gaius.

"You say you have a cure for all? An antidote for everything?"

"Yes. Although it is not quite as simple as that."

"Gaius is the court physician."

"You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you. I am curious to know what it is that has affected her."

"An infection of the brain."

"And your treatment?"

"Yarrow."

"Yes, yes."

"Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation."

"Interesting."

Arthur seemed to sense something in the man's tone as he rounded on Edwin, Uther adding on before they all left to see Morgana.

"Why? What would you suggest?"

"No, no, no, that is all fine. All good. If that is... the right diagnosis."

"What would your diagnosis be?"

"Well, without examining the patient…"

"He should examine her."

"I would need my equipment."

"Of course. You'll have use of one of the guest chambers."

"And consider my manservant at your disposal."

"I will start work immediately."

Poor Merlin got stuck helping Edwin haul his equipment to the castle, some of which was quite heavy in his opinion. Edwin seemed to take little notice of him until Merlin made a comment that caught his attention.

"You have a lot of interesting things here."

"Yes...it was all originally designed for alchemy."

"Making gold?"

"You have an interest in science?"

"Well, science is knowledge."

"It has the answers to everything."

"Maybe. It can't explain love."

"So, you are in love?"

"No. I mean feelings, emotions."

"You seem too bright to be just a servant."

"Oh, don't be fooled, I'm not that bright. My sister's the smart one."

"Interesting…Yes, we will need that. Now, we must hurry to the Lady Morgana…before it is too late."

Merlin is once again stuck hauling equipment, though thankfully not as much this time, as they rush to Morgana's chambers. Uther and Arthur are standing at her bedside while Marlena is sitting beside Arthur, one hand gently stroking his arm and it seems to be keeping him calm. She's still wearing her official Court Sorceress dress as she didn't have time to change before Arthur dragged her back to Morgana's room with him.

"Put my equipment over there. Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy."

"Certainly."

"That includes you, Gaius."

"But I am eager to learn from your methods."

"Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration."

"Gaius…"

Marlena notices the hesitance in Gaius as Uther makes him leave and she remains where she is. Edwin looks at her as Uther calls out to her, sending a small pulse of magic towards her to try and urge her to leave. He realizes a moment later that she felt it when her eyes narrow at him.

"Marlena?"

"I'm sorry Majesty but a female should at least remain in the room with her at all times. It isn't proper to leave her alone with a strange man."

"You do have a point…"

"Sire…I require silence…"

"Marlena…come little one. I'm sure it will be fine."

"If you insist Majesty…"

Marlena reluctantly crosses the room to take Uther's offered hand, Edwin's eyes following her every move. Once they are all gone he takes out a small wooden box and leans over Morgana with a kerchief and a pair of tweezers in his hands. Gwen enters the room and sees him but he rounds on her with suspicion.

"Why are you spying on me?"

"I wasn't. I'm her maidservant."

"Then bring me some water."

"Someone should be with her."

"Do you want to be responsible for her death?"

"No, but..."

"Then you will bring me some water. Now. Or she may die."

"Bebeode þe arisan áblinnen."

As soon as Gwen leaves the room Edwin pulls out the bug, dabs Morgana's bloody ear with a small cloth, and puts the bug in the box with the rest. He spends a small amount of time looking around the room until Morgana wakes.

"Welcome back My Lady."

"Who are you? Why are you in my room? I'll scream…"

"Relax My Lady. I am Edwin, a physician. I have healed you."

"Gaius is the court physician."

"Yes, but he could not cure this so I offered my services."

"I see…thank you."

Edwin descends the curved stairs to meet Uther, Arthur, Merlin, Marlena and Gaius. Gaius and Marlena eye him with suspicion, which he expected form Gaius but Marlena is a mystery to him still.

"Great news, Your Majesty. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain."

"What is it then?"

"It is a cerebral hemorrhage."

Gaius denies this claim vehemently, and Marlena narrows her eyes at Edwin. He gives a benign smile and she's half tempted to tell Uther that he's magical.

"Hemorrhage? I don't think so."

"I found this trace of blood in her ear."

"God in heaven."

"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually death."

Uther rounds on Gaius, demanding to know how he missed it, and Marlena rushes to his defense which calms Uther considerably.

"How could you have missed this?"

"I didn't see any blood."

"Majesty…Gaius is right. There was no blood in her ear until this man claims to have found it…I was right there examining her with him Gaius. I even used my magic to scan her and there was no bleeding anywhere in her body. If there was any sort of hemorrhage it only just happened."

"Please. Do not fight on my account. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?"

"It may have increased the bleed."

"Is there a cure?"

"See for yourself."

They all head up the stairs where Morgana is sitting up in her bed looking much improved. Uther immediately hugged her and kissed her forehead, much to her shock as he was never a very tactile man, and his relief was clearly visible.

"Morgana, this is truly a miracle. I thought... I really thought... "

"Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily."

"What exactly did he give you?"

"I have no idea. But thank heaven he did."

"Morgana…did you see anything at all?"

"Not really…when I woke up he was standing over me with a little wooden box in his hand and then he left to go and tell you all that I was awake."

Marlena just gave her friend a hug and stepped back as Arthur and Merlin hugged her as well. Morgana kissed Merlin's cheek and laughed as his face turned red from his ears down to his neck. Arthur snorted at him and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Relax Merlin…she's a horrid tease."

"I am not…"

Marlena was the only one who noticed Gaius slip away from them and leave the room quietly. She sighed softly but knew nothing she could say would make him feel any better about things. Gaius approached Edwin as he walked back towards the guest chambers.

"Edwin. I want to offer you my congratulations."

"Thank you."

"She was all but dead and you brought her back to life. How exactly did you do that?"

"I have developed an elixir for the treatment of just such an ailment."

"I'd love to know the ingredients."

"It is not yet perfected. You must give me more time before I make it public."

"The injury to your face?"

"It happened when I was very young."

"Perhaps it was I that treated you for it."

"I told you before, we've never met."

"Yes, of course. Well, I'll leave you to your work."

They went their separate ways and Edwin couldn't help but have his thoughts drawn back to the woman who seemed to have the King's confidence. He wondered if he may have gone after the wrong woman…but it didn't matter in the end…he was here now and he would have his revenge soon enough. Later that evening Uther gathered them all in the Council Chamber and offered Edwin a reward, which he refused.

"Name your reward."

"I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient, Sire."

"There must be something I can do for you."

"No. I will wait until the Lady Morgana is fully recovered, and then I will be on my way."

"Why don't you stay awhile? You could live here in the palace."

"No. I - I feel I would be trespassing. And you already have a court physician."

"I'm sure Gaius would be glad of your help."

"It is a kind offer, but…"

"Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision then."

"To dine with Your Majesty would be reward in itself."

"Excellent. You will dine with myself and Lady Marlena."

"Who might that be Sire?"

Uther motioned to her and Marlena stepped over to his side, placing her hand in his and giving him a low curtsy of respect.

"Majesty."

"This is Lady Marlena. My Court Sorceress."

"Sire? I…I was under the impression that magic was outlawed in Camelot…"

"It is. I have made an exception for Marlena as she has proven that she is trustworthy and loyal to my family. She saved my life using her magic, knowing what could have happened to her. I owe her greatly for that."

"You owe me nothing Majesty. Shimmer is more than enough reward."

"Yes, I daresay she is. Have you and Arthur decided if you are going to breed her with his stallion?"

"They are sharing a paddock as we speak Majesty…the signs look promising but Shimmer is playing hard to get."

"And terrifying my poor stallion in the process…"

"He'll live Arthur. Having his ego checked can only be a good thing."

"She is much like her mistress then is she not?"

"I'd like to think I'm not quite so difficult…"

"You're not Marlena…I promise you're not."

Marlena smiles at Arthur's words and Edwin watches the interactions of this sorceress and the royal family. She seems to almost be a part of their little family and he marvels at the fact that Uther seems to adore the woman despite her magic. He resolves to corner her as soon as he can to find out more about her. Gaius, in the meantime, has gone down to the Hall of Records to meet with Geoffrey.

"Gaius!"

"Geoffrey. I'm here to ask a favor of you."

"Well, anything for an old friend."

"I wish to see the court records from the time of the Great Purge."

"What possible need can you have for those?"

"I fear that the past may have come back to haunt us."

"All the more reason to keep the records hidden."

"I know that neither of us want to remember that time, but this is a matter of great urgency."

"The records are sealed, they cannot be opened. Uther has forbidden it."

"Geoffrey, I beg of you."

"I'm sorry, Gaius. This time you ask too much…even for me."

Merlin heads down to Edwin's rooms and knocks, but he gets no answer so he walks in and starts examining the equipment. He opens the little box of seemingly dead beetles, closes it, and then reads the inscription on the top.

"Bebeode þe arisan ealdu."

Merlin hears an odd sound coming from the box and opens it to find the beetles crawling all over each other.

"Very good."

Merlin spins around, knocking over a jar with powder in it, and looks very guilty at being caught. He hands the box to Edwin who murmurs a soft spell and the bugs go still.

"Swefn. You have magic."

"It wasn't me, I didn't do anything."

"Then how else did you bring them to life? Only magic can do such a thing. These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her life. Magic can be a force for good."

"I know."

"Then why do you fear it?"

"I don't fear it. Uther has banned it, it's not permitted. Only my sister is allowed to use hers freely because she's earned his trust. I'm only allowed to use it if I absolutely have to, to protect Arthur."

"Should I have let Morgana die then?"

"No."

People like us, and your sister, we have a gift. Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?"

"Perhaps."

"She is allowed to be free, to use her magic…yet you are still trapped and hidden. Does that not make you jealous?"

"What? No, of course not, she's my twin…I'm happy to see her happy. Besides, she lets me use my magic by covering for me so no one knows I did it.

"Hmm…I see…"

Merlin tries to clear up the powder he spilled, using his hands to sweep it to the edge of the table but Edwin stops him and uses a spell to make it rise up and put itself back in the bottle.

"Don't waste your time picking that up. Feormian dærst rénian. Why waste a talent like that? I can teach you…both of you. She feels strong but she is untrained isn't she?"

"Gaius doesn't like me to use it. He's afraid of what might happen to me if I get caught using it for something deemed frivolous."

"A gift like yours should be nurtured, practiced, enjoyed. You need someone to help you, to encourage you. Your pretty sister needs the same thing. It's all well and good for her to be able to use it…but she needs to know how."

Merlin's eyes narrow slightly when Edwin calls his sister pretty, his protective instinct rearing up at the word choice. He's only just started to get used to Arthur being apparently infatuated with her but he's not about to watch some stranger come in after her. Arthur he can probably handle but someone else is not going to happen on his watch.

"Perhaps. Why are you so interested in my sister?"

"She is powerful…but untrained…and beautiful enough to rival the Lady Morgana."

"Yes…she is. She is also of particular interest to Prince Arthur.

"Oh? Is he courting her then?"

"Not officially, not yet anyway. I'm sure it will happen sooner or later though."

"Interesting…you seem very protective of her Merlin."

"She's my sister. I will always do whatever I can to keep her safe."

"Imagine what we could achieve, if we shared our knowledge…our power."

"I should be getting back."

"Of course…but you must promise to keep our secret safe."

"Of course."

"People like you and I, we must look after each other. Oh, and next time…bring your sister with you, I would very much like to see her in a less formal setting."

"Alright then…if she's willing. She doesn't seem to like you very much. It's strange…she's normally very friendly with everyone."

"She just doesn't know me yet is all…I believe she's afraid I might be trying to steal Gaius' position…which I am not I assure you."

Geoffrey goes to see Gaius, carrying a cloth-covered bundle in his arms. He places the bundle on the table and unwraps it to reveal the book Gaius had wanted.

"Gaius, you've been a good friend to me over the years, and you've done me many kindnesses. I can't deny you this one request."

"The records?"

"I know you wouldn't ask unless it was important."

"You must believe me, there's a great deal at stake."

"If Uther were to discover this, he would kill us both."

"It is for Uther's sake that I make the request. Trust me, please."

"Thank you, old friend."

That night Uther sits at his private dining table with Edwin, waiting for Marlena to join them. Uther knew she was reluctant to be around Edwin but he was not sure why and he hadn't managed to get her alone to ask her yet.

"It's unlike Gaius to miss something like this."

"We all make mistakes."

"Gaius is a great physician."

"The very best, which is what I don't understand."

"What?"

"It's not for me to speak out of turn."

"You saved the life of my ward, you may speak as you wish."

"He has been prescribing sleeping draughts for Morgana."

"She suffers from bad dreams."

"Yes…but the dreams should have been a warning."

"You think the two may be connected?"

"Oh, yes."

"A symptom of the illness?"

"I am certain of it, yes. And those potions, they masked the problem, and allowed it to develop to the point where…"

"She nearly died. If you hadn't come along when you did."

"But I did and that is all that matters. Her life was saved... in the nick of time."

"Will you undertake a review of his work? Just to be on the safe side."

"If it would put your mind at rest, Sire."

"Wrong."

"Marlena! I am glad you decided to join us little one."

"What do you mean by wrong My Lady?"

"Nightmares are not a symptom of cerebral hemorrhage, which is what you claim she had."

"She did, and bad dreams are a symptom."

"Really? What medical text did you read that in?"

"It is a newer text My Lady. Gaius likely does not have it yet."

"He may not…but I most certainly would. My King has been very generous in seeing that I have any and all texts available to me that I could want or need."

"My Lady, there are always new ones being written, especially in the medical and scientific fields of study."

"Speaking of…where did you say you studied again?"

Marlena continues to quiz Edwin, who tries to hide his frustration at her questioning, while Uther watched them curiously. Marlena seems to not be very fond of them man and he wonders if it is merely her protectiveness over Gaius that causes it, or if there is something more to it. Eventually he notices that items in the room are beginning to rattle and realizes that Marlena is becoming far too agitated in this man's presence.

"Little one? Perhaps you should get some rest for tonight. I will see you in the morning."

"Majesty…I'd rather not leave you alone with a man we know almost nothing about…"

"If it will ease your mind, My Lady, I will also take my leave."

Marlena gave a sharp nod and waited until Edwin left the room before giving Uther a curtsy and following him out. She headed back towards Gaius' chambers but was dragged into a spare room. Her magic flared out in defense and Edwin backed away from her a few steps as it actually burned a bit.

"Calm yourself My Lady…I meant no harm. I merely wish to speak with you where we will not be overheard."

"What do you want from me?"

"I wish to know why you dislike me so? Have I done something to upset you?"

"I do not trust you. You have magic…very dark magic."

"My parents had dark magic and that was what they taught me. I have managed to find a way to use it to help others."

"That box…what was in it? The one you had with you in Morgana's chambers?"

"Come with me to my rooms and I will show you. It is what I used to heal her."

Marlena followed him cautiously, wary of him still but her kind heart wanted to give him a chance. She only hoped she didn't end up regretting it. Edwin heard her following and allowed himself a small smile. He opened the door and allowed her to go in first, closing it behind him before going over to the box and showing her how the beetles worked.

"Your brother figured it out on his own this morning, purely by accident though. He is a curious young man is he not?"

"Yes…this kind of magic is dark…"

"He's forced to hide his magic while you are allowed to flaunt it."

"I do not flaunt it. I only use it when I have to protect my King and my city.

"Interesting…and just how close are you to your King? Are you sleeping with him? Hmm? Does he take you into his bed at night?"

Marlena's eyes flashed golden and Edwin found himself on the floor, his cheek stinging from her magically enhanced backhand.

"How dare you!?"

She stood there fuming at him with a magical wind whipping her hair around her face, and Edwin looked up at her in wonder. She was stunning when she let her magic flow freely and he could feel it charging the air in the room. The girl was very powerful but she needed to be taught to harness that power and use it.

"You should stop repressing yourself. The King has given you freedom…you should use it. I can teach you…train you…help you to harness that power inside you."

Hey eyes still blazed at him in anger and he knew she would say no…this time…but perhaps he could get to her through her brother. Both twins had such great potential, such powerful magic lying dormant inside them. Edwin let some of his own magic free, and let it touch Marlena. She felt it, that darkness moving across her skin like a lover's touch, and she shivered violently before running out of the room. She raced back to her room but that touch still lingered on her skin and she couldn't help but feel like it was almost comforting. Edwin smiled after she'd left; having made sure that his magical touch would last for hours and make her think about him even if she didn't want to. She was powerful, but untrained, and he could use that lack of training to his advantage. If he could get these magical twins on his side he could be unstoppable.

The next morning Merlin noticed that Marlena was curled into a small ball in her bed and looked as though she'd barely slept at all so he snuck quietly out of the room. He saw Gaius sitting at his table reading a thick book and shook his head fondly.

"Have you been up all night?"

"Yes, but it was worth it. Where are you going?"

"Erm, I told Edwin I'd be up at dawn to collect some supplies."

"Well, you better get a move on then."

"Yeah…can you check on Lena? She looks like she didn't sleep very well."

"I will tend to her Merlin. Go on, tend to your duties."

Merlin headed out to find the items Edwin needed while Gaius entered Edwin's chambers with a decidedly unhappy look on his face.

"Edwin. Your scar has healed well. I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy."

"I told you we've never met before."

"I didn't realize who you were until I checked the records. You used your mother's maiden name. You are Gregor and Jaden's son."

"They were friends of yours."

"They were sorcerers."

"They practiced magic…and so did a lot of people back then, Gaius."

"Uther will be furious when he finds out who you are."

"Fine. Fine. Shall we tell him? Let's go and tell him. Let's tell him. Let's tell him everything. Ooh, I know...we could also tell him about Merlin."

"Merlin? Uther knows he has magic. He ignores it for Marlena's sake."

"Yes, but he's not supposed to use it unless he has no alternative isn't that right? Ah. I wonder what Uther will do if I tell him I saw the boy doing something he shouldn't have…probably have him burnt."

"You would betray another sorcerer?"

"You did. When you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther! At least Merlin doesn't have a son who will try to rescue him from the flames!"

"You're here to take revenge."

"And I have waited a long time."

"You think I will sacrifice the King to save Merlin?"

"Think about it, Gaius. Think about how easily I could turn Uther against the boy…and how that would turn his sister away from the King. I can corrupt her quite easily you know…she is untrained and vulnerable. The way she reacted to the feel of my magic last night…she is so very vulnerable Gaius. I will not do anything bad to her if you keep my secret, but if I find out that you have told one other person, including the boy and his sister, I will go straight to Uther."

Merlin enters the room and notices the tense atmosphere. He places the supplies on a spare table and looks hesitantly between the two men.

"I got your provisions."

"Oh, thank you, Merlin. Gaius was just reminiscing about old times, weren't you, Gaius?"

"Yes…"

"But now, I must get back to work."

Merlin and Gaius leave the room and Merlin notices the heavy look on Gaius' face. He hesitates, not wanting to leave Gaius if something is wrong.

"I'd better get on with my errands."

"Yes, of course, you must."

"Do you want me to get you anything?"

"No, I'm fine. Just do what Edwin asks."

Later Edwin stands before the King, his son, and his ward to give his report on Gaius. Marlena remains in the shadows near the back wall and watches, only Uther knows she's there and he told her to keep watch for anything that might seem out of place. He could tell she didn't trust Edwin and he trusted her judgment so he had been making sure to never be alone with the man.

"I have been through the court medical records with a fine-tooth comb, Sire."

"And were your findings satisfactory?"

"With regret, I would have to say they were not."

"How so?"

"Gaius is a great man, thorough, and dedicated."

"But?"

"His methods are outdated. He has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors."

"Gaius has served me well for 25 years."

"And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse."

"Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens. Have you given any more thought to my offer?"

"Yes. I have considered it very carefully."

"Allow me some time to do the same."

Edwin bows and exits while Uther gets up and goes to a nearby table for a drink. Morgana follows him and immediately berates him for even considering what she knows he's thinking of doing.

"Uther, you can't do this."

"You heard what he said. Gaius is old, he makes mistakes."

"Gaius has treated me since before I can remember. You can't cast him out."

"You would have died if your care had been left to him. That's something I could not bear."

"I know that, but ..."

"I cannot risk something like this happening again."

"Morgana would not have died Majesty. I would not have allowed it. I had already been researching healing spells and I could have saved her. She did not have a cerebral hemorrhage…her illness was caused by magic…I know it was. I told you before that I could see the dark aura around her head."

"I know Marlena…but Gaius couldn't figure that out."

"Because Gaius doesn't have the ability that I do…he cannot see magic. Please Majesty…Gaius is important to me…don't take away the only thing he knows…he loves his work and he has never made a mistake before. I have been training under him since I arrived here and I have found no fault…so why does this Edwin suddenly find faults that weren't there before?"

Uther watches her for a long time before sighing softly and leaving the room. Marlena just looks so distraught and worried that both Arthur and Morgana pull her into a hug between them.

"It'll be alright Marlena…somehow."

Morgana catches the look Arthur sends her way and quickly bows out, leaving Arthur to tend to their distraught friend while she waits in the hall.

"There's something you're not telling my father Marlena. What is it? Why do you not trust this man?"

"I keep seeing his aura change from black to red, and then back again…I don't understand it and I don't know what to do. I don't want to get the man killed, I don't want to be responsible for another person's death…"

"Shh…hush now. It'll be alright. I'm sure my father won't throw Gaius out…"

Arthur leads Marlena out into the hall and Morgana pulls her away, chattering on about wanting to see Shimmer. Marlena manages a small laugh and Arthur smiles, happy that Morgana could make her feel better. The two Ladies make their way to a small paddock near the stables where a shimmering silver mare and deep black stallion are eyeballing each other. The stallion actually seems wary of the mare which makes Morgana chuckle.

"She's got your attitude Mara."

"Mara?"

"Well…I think it suits you…"

"I like it. Am I honestly that terrifying Morgana?"

"Not to me…but to some of the men? Absolutely…especially when they make you angry."

Marlena laughs and makes a little whistling sound that gets Shimmer to trot over and nudge her head under her mistress's hand. Morgana coos over the mare and how pretty she is, laughing at the rather pouty look the stallion is wearing. Edwin is headed across the courtyard when he spots the women and steps into a patch of shadows to watch them.

"My lord he's just as bad as Arthur is…look at him sulking over there while Shimemr gets all the attention. Those two are going to have such pretty foals Mara…her silver color and his black color…oh gods so pretty."

"Oh Gana…Can I call you that? I mean…you gave me a nickname…"

"It's only fair that you give me one right? I don't mind it…better than what Arthur usually calls me."

"And what does he usually call you?"

"Harpy."

"Ouch…not nice."

"To be fair I usually deserve it. I can be quite vindictive when he makes me angry."

"I'm not exactly tame when I'm angry either."

"True…but you don't go out of your way to embarrass him…I do."

"Valid point."

Edwin lets a small tendril of his magic reach out to Marlena, running up along her spine before pulling back. He smirks as she shivers and looks around for him before glaring at him when he waves to her. Morgana notices the interaction and distracts Marlena by talking about Shimmer again, which annoys Edwin but he allows it for now. Back in Gaius' chambers the older man watches Merlin sleep, feeling a weight on him that he wasn't used to. He leaves the room and heads down into the tunnels under the castle until he reaches the Dragon's chamber.

"Hello? It is me, Gaius."

"How old a man can become and yet change so little."

"You have not changed either."

"Twenty years…almost a lifetime to make the short journey back to where you began."

"I'm not here for myself."

"The twins?"

"You know about Merlin and Marlena?"

"You have struggled against their combined destinies, but you can no more prevent any of it than they can."

"So, it is true then?"

"Oh yes. Merlin and the young Pendragon one day will unite the land of Albion under one banner, one king. The Once and Future King. Marlena will be the one to heal Uther's bitter and hardened heart and restore the balance."

"But they are in danger."

"No. It is my jailer who stands in peril."

"Must Uther be sacrificed for them?"

"Their time cannot come until his is past."

"But is that time now?"

"That is of your choosing."

"I will not choose between them."

"Then turn a blind eye. That is, after all, your talent."

"Edwin has his eyes on Marlena…he seeks to corrupt her. How can I save her without putting Merlin in peril?"

"Marlena will be just fine. She is stronger than you know…stronger than she herself knows. The dark one may try…but he will not be able to corrupt her…she and Merlin are far too pure for that to happen."

Gaius returns to his chamber to find that Merlin is gone and Marlena is sitting on one of the benches with her head in her hands, which are shaking rather badly.

"Marlena? What is wrong my dear?"

"It's that Edwin! I'm afraid of him Gaius. His aura is dark…black…but every time he's near Uther or Arthur it turns red…and when he comes near me it's an odd dark grey color. He keeps reaching out to me with his magic and I don't like the way it feels…"

"Is he trying to hurt you?"

"I don't think so…I think…I think he's trying to…to seduce me…with his magic. It scares me Gaius."

Gaius gathered her into his arms and held her close until she stopped shaking. Arthur came in and frowned at seeing her so upset.

"Gaius, my father needs to speak to you."

"When?"

"Immediately."

Arthur pulled Marlena into his arms and followed Gaius to the Council Chambers where Uther was waiting for them. Uther glanced at Marlena and frowned in concern at how pale and shaky she looked.

"Sire. Is there a problem? Are you unwell?"

"This is not an ailment you can treat me for. You've been a loyal servant for many years. I look on you as a friend."

"I regard you in the same way, Sire."

"You've been here since Arthur's birth…and all that entailed. What I'm trying to do I think is best for you."

"I'm confused, Sire."

"I'll give you a generous allowance, and make sure you're looked after."

"You're retiring me?"

"I don't want you to worry. I'll allow you to continue living in your chambers until more suitable accommodation can be found."

"Because I made one mistake? Although in truth, Sire, it was not a mistake."

[Gaius sees Edwin creep out from behind a column and address him. Marlena's eyes narrow onto Edwin's smiling face and she growls softly. Arthur looks at her in concern at the sound, unused to hearing such a thing from the normally peaceful woman.

"It was…"

"Yes Gaius?"

"It was unfortunate, I accept that."

"No Majesty…it was magic…I'm sure of it…"

"Marlena…"

"May I ask who is to be the next court physician?"

"None of this was Edwin's idea. Initially, he turned down the offer."

"I'm sure."

"It's not been an easy decision, but ...a younger man, new ideas."

"Yes."

"You're hesitant. Is there a reason you oppose his appointment?"

"Sire…"

Edwin interrupts again, giving Gaius a pointed look that causes Marlena's suspicions to grow exponentially.

"If you have anything to say, then say it now, Gaius."

"This is difficult for both of us."

"I thank you for your patronage. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve your family, for all these years."

Marlena watches Gaius leave and give Uther a very unhappy look, making the man wince at having to upset her in such a way.

"I am sorry little one but I believe this is for the best."

"Why? Because HE said so? He cannot be trusted Majesty."

"You will not tell me why little one, so I cannot understand your reasoning."

"I can't…I don't want to be responsible for someone's death Majesty…I don't think my conscience could handle it."

"Then I cannot act against him little one. I am sorry."

Marlena flees from the chambers while Arthur gives his father a strongly pointed look before leaving to find Morgana. He finds his pseudo-sister pacing her room in an angry huff and winces before entering.

"Well!? Did he?"

"Yes…Marlena tried…but she won't tell my father why she doesn't trust Uther."

"Why won't she?"

"Because he'd kill the man if she did…and you know she'd never be able to handle being the cause of it…it almost destroyed her a month ago when he had her identify that dark magic user."

"I remember…she cried for days…I felt so horrible for her."

"She told me that Edwin has a very black aura…but she refuses to say anything because of last time."

"Then we have to find a way to expose him for who he really is. Do you suppose Merlin might help us?"

"If it'll help his sister he will. Merlin will do anything for her."

"So will you. Don't think I can't see the way you look at her…the way you dote on her. I think it's adorable. For what it's worth…I think she likes you just the same."

"Thank you Morgana. I wish you were really my sister…sometimes."

"I wish the same…sometimes. Other times I'd love to wring your neck Arthur."

The two share a laugh and head off towards Gaius' chambers, hoping to find Merlin. Merlin has been watching Gaius pack for a moment before speaking in a severaly upset tone. Marlena enters behind him and leans against the nearest wall, Merlin notices how pale she looks and sees the bags forming under her eyes.

"Gaius! Uther cannot do this to you. You tried to save Morgana."

"Uther's not to blame."

"I will speak to Edwin, you can work together."

"No, you mustn't do anything."

"I doubt Gaius would want to work with Edwin in any capacity Merlin…I certainly don't."

"I can't stand by and do nothing."

"Uther's right. It's time I stepped down."

"What are you doing?"

"I cannot stay when there's no longer a use for me."

"You're not leaving?"

"I believe it's for the best."

"Then I will come with you."

"Merlin, you're like a son to me, and Marlena like a daughter. I never expected such a blessing so late in my life."

"And you are more than a father to me…to her as well I'm sure."

"Yes…"

"Then, as a father, I must tell you, you must remain here…both of you. Camelot is where you belong."

"But you belong here too."

"Not anymore. Merlin, you must promise me you will not waste your gifts. You either Marlena."

"I won't Gaius…"

"My gifts mean nothing without you to guide me."

"You have a great destiny. If I have had a small part to play in that, then I'm pleased."

"There is so much I have yet to learn. I need you to teach me."

"I'm afraid I am leaving here tonight, Merlin…and there's nothing you can do or say that can persuade me otherwise."

"I will not let this happen."

Merlin leaves the room but Marlena remains where she is, knowing that nothing will change unless she exposes Edwin for what he really is. Between his magic plagueing her at night, and the nightmares of the man who had died a month ago, she hadn't been sleeping well at all.

"Goodbye, Merlin. Goodbye Marlena my dear."

"I don't want you to go Gaius…I need you."

"Marlena…my dear girl…"

"Gaius please? I can't sleep anymore…If I sleep I either have nightmares of the man Uther killed a month ago because of me…or I have horrifying dreams of that Edwin. His magic is trying to do something to me…I know it is…but I don't know what to do. Gaius you have to help me…please? I'm terrified that I'm falling apart."

"What do you mean his magic? What is he doing Marlena?"

"He keeps using his magic to touch me whenever he sees me…and it's dark but it feels…comforting…almost like the touch of a lover…and it scares me because it lingers for hours. When I sleep at night…if the touch was recent…I see him in my dreams. He calls to me…touches me…tries to convince me to let him teach me. I don't know how much more of this I can take Gaius. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I can hardly sleep any more. Morgana sleeps more than I do lately."

"Hush my child. I'll give you a supply of sleeping drafts. You must avoid Edwin as much as possible Marlena. I believe he is trying to use his magic to corrupt you…or seduce you…possibly both. I have an idea…come with me."

Gaius led Marlena down to the Dragon's chamber, surprised to find the creature waiting for them with what almost looked like concern on his face as he took in the girl's appearance.

"You should have brought her to me sooner Gaius. Look at me little sorceress."

Marlena looks up at the dragon and he rears back a bit, an angry growl coming from his throat that makes Gaius raise an eyebrow.

"Was my fear right? Is he trying to corrupt her?"

"No…this is much worse. He is trying to seduce her using dark magic. She is a sorceress of pure light; his darkness is warring with the light inside of her and making her ill. I will use my own magic to place a shield around her so that his magic cannot touch her. It will not last forever…but it will give her time to recover from the onslaught of his darkness."

"Thank you Dragon…"

"Kilgarrah, little sorceress. You may call me by my name."

"I like it…sounds powerful…"

"Go to bed and sleep little sorceress. You'll need it soon."

Gaius gave the dragon a calculating look before leading the sluggish young woman out of the cavern and back to her bed, gently tucking her in and watching her sleep for a while. Merlin finds Arthur out on the training field making mince-meat out of a training dummy. Merlin would rather Arthur get his anger out on the dummy than on him so he just lets him have at it while Leon watches from nearby in case something happens.

"I can't understand why Uther would sack him over one mistake."

"A mistake that nearly killed Morgana. Besides, it wasn't the only one."

"What do you mean?"

"Edwin said his work was riddled with errors."

"That's nonsense."

"That's what Marlena said as well. No one wants Gaius to go, but my father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do."

Uther and Edwin walk through the castle with a couple of guards trailing behind them while Uther speaks to Edwin about his new job and about Marlena.

"I think you'll be very happy here."

"I'm sure I will. When I reviewed Gaius's work, I noticed that he's been prescribing you arnica."

"It's for, er, my shoulder, it's an old battle wound. It gives me a lot of pain."

"May I take the liberty of providing a new prescription? It should prove far more effective."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes. It is a remedy to cure all ills."

"That would be much appreciated, thank you."

"Lady Marlena…what do you think of her Sire?"

"She is like a daughter to me…I have grown very fond of her since she arrived here, as have Arthur and Morgana. They both adore her…in different ways of course. Morgana seems happy to play dress-up doll with her, and despite her grumbling Marlena always lets Morgana do as she pleases. Arthur, on the other hand…I am hoping he will begin courting her soon and stop dancing around his feelings for her."

"He does watch her often Sire. I would love to work with her more closely. As a physician her magic could be an invaluable tool in treating certain ailments…especially those caused by magic."

"I will speak to her about it tomorrow…though I am not certain she will agree to it with her strong dislike of you."

"You are her King, Sire…you could command her."

"I will not force her to work with you if she truly does not wish to."

"Of course Sire…I meant no harm."

Edwin wanders the castle and eventually finds a still sleepy Marlena sitting alone in a side room, reading a book of magic. He approaches her slowly and stands behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. When she tries to move away he lets his magic flare out to pin her in place and prevent her from escaping him.

"Now, now…there's no need to run from me My Lady. I'm not going to hurt you."

"Let go of me."

"You and I could do so much together my pretty one. You have such power flowing within you and yet you waste it. Let me teach you…let me train you…let me set you free...truly free."

As he spoke to her his tone of voice kept getting lower and she could feel the darkness of his power all around her. She felt dizzy and nauseous, but at the same time she felt wanted and powerful. She tried to get up again, to get away form him, but his magic gently forced her back down into the chair. Kilgarrah's words flashed in her mind and she tried again, only to fail again; his darkness was just too strong.

"I cannot let you run form me my pretty one. My magic is dark as you said before…and you are untrained…your magic open and vulnerable to attack. Submit to me my pretty one…let me be your teacher…in magic and in more…carnal pleasures. There is so much I can teach you pretty one…just give in to me."

"No…leave me alone…please…just let me go…I can't…I don't feel good…please…stop this…"

"What are you doing to her?! Release her immediately!"

Arthur's enraged voice interrupted Edwin's concentration and broke his spell on Marlena. He had felt something drawing him to this part of the castle but until he got to this room he'd had no idea what it was. Now he realized that Marlena's magic must have been reaching out to him in her panic and fear. She immediately shot out of the chair and ran into Arthur's waiting arms, curling into his chest with a soft cry of his name. Arthur had his sword pointed at Edwin's heart and his face was livid with rage. Marlena whispered softly to him and he reluctantly took her away from there, but not without giving Edwin a warning.

"The only reason I am not running you through right here and now is because she's asking me to get her away from here. Mark my words Edwin…if you lay so much as a finger on her again I will remove your head form your shoulders. Do you understand me?!"

"Of course Sire. My apologies. I did not mean to frighten the Lady."

Arthur led Marlena out of the room and took her straight to Morgana's rooms. When he pushed the door open Morgana took one look at Marlena and immediately ushered them in. Morgana took Marlena to the nearest chair and sat her down, checking her over for any injuries.

"What the hell happened to her Arthur? She's nearly as white as my linens! Oh Marlena…you poor thing."

"Edwin happened. I don't know what he was doing to her but she didn't seem to be able to move until I yelled and he focused on me instead of her. She was crying and begging him to let her go…and she looked sick Morgana…I felt something drawing me to that part of the castle…and I think it was her magic trying to protect her."

"That sounds like magic…certain types of dark spells require concentration I know that much…I remember Uther mentioning that once in a meeting. If her magic reached out to you like that it must means she trusts you to keep her safe. Gwen has gone to the market…can you go and fetch Gaius…if he hasn't already left?"

"I will find him. I'm not allowing that Edwin anywhere near her again."

Down in the lower town Gwen sees Gaius leading a horse out of the main gate while she is buying fruit from a stall.

"Gaius? You're leaving?"

"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't come and say goodbye."

"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."

"You need to be careful who you say that to."

"I'm saying it to you because you can do something about it."

"I can't."

"But you think the same, don't you? He's evil…Marlena agrees with me. I think he's doing something to her as well…she's always so pale lately."

"It's not that simple Gwen. As for Marlena…she's not been sleeping well lately…nightmares."

"Like Morgana? And who will tend to her with you gone. Morgana doesn't trust Edwin because neither Marlena nor myself do. She won't want him to treat her. You can't just turn your back on us."

"I have no choice, I'm sorry Gwen."

"In life you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't."

"Well, then. My choice is to leave."

"Then I'll miss you…and I'm sure the others will as well. I only hope Edwin doesn't doom us all. Goodbye Gaius."

Arthur was unable to find Gaius which frustrated him so he returned to Morgana's room to check on Marlena. Merlin and Gwen had joined them by then and Marlena was curled up in her brother's lap and looking a great deal better than before. Merlin had a decidedly dark look on his face that made Arthur almost feel pity for Edwin…almost. That night Uther prepares for bed and takes the new potion Edwin made for him. He ends up lying on the bed, unable to move anything except his eyes. Edwin enters the room and leans over him, holding one of his beetles in a pair of tweezers.

"My Lord? My Lord? It seems the drugs I gave you have taken hold. Your body is now paralyzed. Now, keep your eyes open, 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, this 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."

"Goodbye, Uther Pendragon."

Gaius' conscience gets the better of him so he returns to the castle and enters Edwin's rooms to find Edwin packing his things. Gaius squares off against him.

"I will not allow you to kill Uther."

"You've never had a problem letting people die before.

"Your parents were practicing dark magic, just like you.

"And how do you propose to stop me?

"Wáce ierlic."

Gaius uttered a spell that did absolutely nothing and he looked at his hand in confusion. Edwin had no such problem.

"Hmm. I think you meant: vaki ierlt."

Gaius was throw against a pillar by Edwin's spell and had the air knocked form his lungs. Edwin stared at him as though pitying him.

"Have you forgotten everything, Gaius? You're getting too old. I have a cure though. Forbærne yfel."

The spell encircles Gaius in flames and he stares at them in fear. Meanwhile Arthur rushes out of his fatehr's chamber and finds Merlin and Marlena.

"Merlin! Marlena! My father has Morgana's illness! We must find Edwin!"

The twins race to Edwin's chambers and burst in without knocking to find Edwin standing there watching the circle of flames tighten around Gaius who is pressing himself against the pillar behind him.

"What are you doing?"

"He was trying to kill the King. I couldn't let him."

"I can rule the kingdom now…and with you two at my side, we can be all-powerful…unstoppable."

"After what you did to my sister? Never! Release him!"

"It's your loss, Merlin."

Edwin uses a spell that throws an axe at Merlin, but Merlin stops it by putting his hand up in front of him, making the axe fall to the floor.

"Swilte, Merlin."

He sends another spell towards Merlin but a golden shield erupts in front of him and blocks it. Edwin turns to Marlena and watches in fascination as she holds the shield with one hand and douses the flames with the other, summoning a little shower of water to put them out. Merlin rushes to Gaius, checking on him while Marlena glares at Edwin. Merlin follows Gaius' gaze to see his sister, magic whipping around her in a fury like a wind storm as he fingertips seem to have flames dancing on them.

"Gaius? Are you alright?"

"Yes. Thank you Merlin."

"Lena?"

"Leave her be Merlin.

Edwin steps towards Marlena but her magic throws him back against the wall. He reaches out with his magic, letting it loose in full-force and trying to suppress hers long enough to reach her. She feels his dark power trying to get through her light but her anger makes her much stronger and far more powerful.

"You are breathtaking in your power Lady Marlena. Join me…help me destroy the Pendragon line…I can rule with you as my queen…none would be able to stop us. Come to me…join me…"

"Never. I will see you burn in hell for trying to kill my King…trying to kill Gaius, a man who is like a father to me…trying to kill my twin…threatening the man I love…no…you will burn Edwin Muirden…"

Marlena's eyes flash a bright gold and the flames dancing along her fingers flare into a fireball that shoots forward and engulfs Edwin, burning him to a pile of ash. She turns to find Gaius and Merlin staring at her with their mouths open but her blood is still pumping in anger. Marlena grabs the little box of beetles and runs to the King's chamber.

"What is she doing Merlin?"

"Uther's ill; the same thing Morgana had. Edwin said he used those beetles to cure Morgana. Maybe we can too."

The two race after Marlena and find her sitting on the bed next to Uther who is unconscious. She holds the open box and Gaius looks in to see the beetles.

"Elanthia beetles."

They're magical?"

"Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul."

"How do we get the beetle out before it kills him?"

"It can only be done with magic."

"We can't use magic on Uther, he'd kill us all."

"We don't have a choice, besides, we both know he'd never hurt Marlena."

"Gaius!"

"There are times when it is necessary."

"I don't know how to do it Gaius."

"If you don't, he's going to die."

Merlin sits on the bed next to Marlena and takes her hand in his. They each place one hand over one of Uther's ears and let their magic flow out of them and into him. Once their magic finds the beetle Marlena uses hers to kill it and Merlin pulls it out, holding out for Gaius to see when he asks.

"What's happening? Has anyone ever told you, you're a genius?"

"You certainly haven't."

"Marlena?!"

Merlin reaches out to grab his sister as she collapses, the adrenaline and anger wearing off and leaving her physically, mentally, and magically exhausted. Gaius lays her down next to Uther and sends Merlin to tell Arthur his father will be fine. Gaius leaves for a few minutes to bring back a potion that will help the King once he wakes, and another to help Marlena recover as well. While he is gone Uther wakes to see Marlena lying next to him and smiles at her. He notices after a moment how pale she is and how glassy her eyes look, and hears the slight slur in her voice as she speaks to him.

"I wake form a nightmare to find my own little angel watching over me."

"I'm hardly an angel Majesty."

"You saved my life again…didn't you little one?"

"Yes…but Merlin helped. I could not do it alone. My energy was dangerously low already from having to fight Edwin."

"Fight him? He had magic then? Is that why you didn't trust him little one?"

"Yes…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry. I should have told you but I didn't want to be responsible for someone's death again…I hated it last time…but this time…I killed him Uther…I burned him alive with my magic…and I feel so sick…he tried to…he wouldn't leave me alone…"

Gaius came back in at that point and decided that he'd had enough of his ward blaming herself for Edwin's mistakes. He had heard from Arthur as he came back up here what Edwin had tried to do to her while he was gone and knew she would need to see the dragon again…perhaps the dragon could convince her of what the rest of them could not.

"He was trying to enchant you Marlena. He was using his dark magic to try and fight your light and it was making you ill. He was going to kill myself and Merlin…and possibly you as well though I think he might have had other plans in mind for you my dear girl. You did what you had to do to protect your family, your king, and your home."

"Gaius is right little one. Rest easy now. No one can fault you for this."

"Drink this Sire. It'll help regain your strength. Marlena…you need to drink this and then sleep for a while."

"There's nothing wrong with my strength. Do you remember them? His parents?"

"I remember them all, Sire."

"Gaius. Once again, you have helped save my life. You've always served me well…and I know there are things that I've asked you to do, which you found difficult."

"You've always done what you believe to be right."

"I was not right to betray you. I'm sorry. From now on I will remember that, in the fight against dark magic, you two are the only people I can truly trust."

Marlena waits for the cover of night before sneaking down to the caverns to see Kilgarrah. The dragon immediately answered her plaintive call, landing in front of her and giving her a rather tender look.

"Kilgarrah?! Please…I need your help…"

"I am here little hatchling. The dark one attacked you didn't he?"

"Yes…and then I had to fight him and I still feel horrible. Is there nothing I can do to fix this?"

"I can heal you hatchling, but I can not make you stronger…only you can do that."

"How? I've read all the magic books I could find…"

"You need a teacher hatchling…someone to show you how to harness and control the power inside of you. Merlin's control is instinctive, your magic is more wild than his and will need to be harnessed."

"Where can I find a teacher to help me?"

"Ask Gaius to help you find the druids. When you are ready they will be able to help you. I daresay they will be honored to help you. Come closer hatchling."

Marlena moved and sat down on the edge of the little ledge she was on. Kilgarrah curled his tail around her and breathed magic onto her, healing her exhaustion and the attacks from Edwin's darkness. She felt better almost instantly and relaxed back against his tail, looking up at him with grateful eyes.

"Thank you Kilgarrah…"

"Rest here for a bit hatchling. I will watch over you."

Marlena remained with the Dragon until morning when Gaius sent Merlin to fetch her before anyone noticed her being missing. A couple of days later, once both Uther and Marlena had recovered sufficiently for Gaius' approval…Gaius stands before Uther and the royal court, with Merlin and Marlena on either side of him.

"Gaius…I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honor of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth, you are a free man of Camelot."

Uther hands Gaius a roll of parchment and the court applauds for him. Uther turns to Merlin next and gives him a nod of respect, a rare thing from Uther.

"And you, Merlin of Ealdor. You assisted Gaius and Marlena in saving my life. For that you have my gratitude and I hereby declare you as my son's official magical protector. This means that you can practice your magic as freely as your sister does. It is the greatest gift I can give you."

"Thank you My Lord. I am extremely grateful."

Uther turns to Marlena last and she just smiles serenely at him. Arthur is trying, and failing miserably, to hide the grin on his face and Morgana is having the same trouble hiding her smug little smirk.

"For you Marlena, I have come to see you as a second surrogate daughter. You have been my confidant…my protector…and the light that has helped my bitter heart to heal. There is nothing I can think to give you that could even begin to repay what you have done for me and my family…for this kingdom…"

"There is nothing I need Majesty. I am well provided for and I am happy, and honored, to serve you."

"I know that little one. However, there is one suggestion that was made by my son and ward…and I believe it to be a perfect gift for you."

"And what might that gift be Majesty?"

"Your own private chambers, and a maidservant of your own choosing. I have already had your things moved into your new rooms with Gaius' help."

"Thank you Majesty…but I need no maidservant. I am quite proficient at caring for myself."

"You may take your time in choosing, there is no hurry. I have also had a number of new gowns commissioned for you and a set of leather armor for your mare that I think you will really like the look of."

Marlena gave a low curtsy and beamed a happy smile. She'd never had a room to call her own before and it would be nice to not have to clean up after Merlin all the time, much as she loved her brother he was really not good at cleaning up after himself. Uther held a feast in their honor that night and Marlena wore one of her new gowns, which she just knew was all Morgana's design. It was a tightly fitted gown in a royal blue color in a combination of silk and lace. The sides were open and showed off her soft pale skin while the top showed off her shoulders, it was a foreign design but on Marlena it looked quite stunning and Morgana was very proud of herself. She had also had a pair of long lace gloves in the same color made to complete the outfit and a pair of matching slippers. Morgana looked at Arthur and had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the poor man. She was fairly certain his jaw was about to unhinge and was surprised she couldn't see any drool coming out of his mouth. He looked like someone had frozen him solid as he just stood there staring at her. Merlin and Leon had both stopped talking to him when they realized he had stopped paying attention to them and turned to follow his gaze. Leon swallowed hard and whispered to himself while Merlin just gave a resigned sigh.

"Gods have mercy on us all…Morgana…what have you done?"

Merlin looked at Leon and then to Morgana, seeing the smugness in her face, and just knew this was all her doing. Though the look on Uther's face proved that he didn't exactly have a problem with it either, and Merlin was positive they were trying to get Arthur to court his sister…and he was finally just giving up and letting it happen. How could he possibly stop both Morgana and the King? Arthur ended up spending the entire night monopolizing Marlena's time and refusing to let any other men dance with her, though he did consent to let his father have one dance which he spent with Morgana. Merlin actually snickered quite loudly when a nobleman tried to approach Marlena for a dance only to run off in fear as Arthur glared at him and fingered the hilt of his sword. When the night was over Arthur escorted Marlena back to her new rooms and gave her a quick gentle kiss before bidding her goodnight and heading to his own rooms. Marlena fell into bed with a soft smile and finally dreamed peacefully for the first time since Edwin had come into their home.

A/N: and there is chapter 6. That was entirely too much fun…Edwin is kind of fun to write. I also had a very protective Arthur there towards the end…I'm not even sure where that scene came from…they kind of took on their own little life there…but it worked so I like it. The next chapter won't be up as quickly as these because I still have to watch the next episode first . but I promise I will get to it as soon as I'm able. Thank the gods for Hulu.

Images for the Court Sorceress gown and her feast gown can be found on my Pinterest board for this story. The link is on my profile page.