A/N: I think this is a chapter some of you have really been looking forward to. If it isn't obvious by the chapter title, we will be meeting the dragon! And someone else! Fun times! Just a point and an important one: I'm am taking the stance that Arthur does not know about the dragon locked up under the castle. It's more fun this way.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Obviously.

Ch. 11-Why You Shouldn't Irritate a Dragon

The blond royal gave into the urge to collapse against the support of his door. If he had been exhausted before, it was nothing compared to how he felt now. He did manage to stifle the urge to bang his head against the unforgiving wood. It wouldn't do to injure himself. It was bad enough that Merlin was injured (badly, so badly) and out of commission; Arthur didn't want to think about what would happen if they both were incapacitated. Would Lady Helen try to kill his father instead or just keep hunting him down?

No. Focus!

Propping himself up, he staggered over to his bed and thumped down onto it face first.

This was all Morgana's fault.

To be fair, it wasn't all her fault. Before she had gone off the deep end (Arthur didn't care how not nice that sounded, it was true) she had never been one to mistreat servants or anyone, really, except those that crossed her. If you did so, revenge was swift and totally unexpected.

He knew. He'd experienced it. Which is why he should not have been surprised to find the woman in his chambers lying in wait, like a stalking lioness, ready to pounce and drag everything from him. Which she had. Morgana had heard rumors of what occurred in the marketplace and wanted to know if Arthur had really punished the noble morons and what was the true extent of the damage done to Merlin (how did she already know his name? Had to be because of Gwen) and just what had Uther said about all of this?

Arthur prided himself (in this case, with good reason) on being a master strategist. He knew when it was important to fight and where, and when it was good idea to retreat and regroup. There was also the time to surrender and he had never been very good at that (there weren't any who became knights who were), but when it came to family, the rules were always a bit different and with Morgana even more so. He didn't mind surrendering in this case, happy to have the opportunity to rant, even if not to the full extent that he wished. Every word that left his mouth had to be considered.

Was this how Merlin felt? Had he had to keep a tight clamp on every thought, every action, every word? How had he managed it? How had he not gone insane? Arthur wasn't sure, if he kept going, if he would keep from revealing something that he shouldn't.

Merlin. He really wanted to talk to Merlin.

And he kept thinking it the entire time he was with Morgana. It was terrible enough that he was still fighting that instinctual fight/ flight response around her, but he'd almost forgotten how to talk to her. They had spent so many of the last few years fighting with each other that simple conversation had somehow slipped away. Granted, she had spent much of that time trying to kill him, so perhaps he could be forgiven his lapse. This was exactly the reason he'd spent so much time avoiding her! Awkward didn't even begin to cover it.

Maybe this time around he could protect her as he should have.

Eventually her curiosity had been satisfied and Arthur had been able to persuade her to leave him in peace.

Only, he wasn't finding any.

Despite how utterly wrung out he felt, the ability to rest seemed beyond his reach. His body itched to move and pace and he felt trapped between his exhaustion and his restlessness. One thing was for certain; he wasn't going to be getting any work done. How could living your life over again, fully aware of what lay ahead of you (barring any changes you enacted), be so difficult? He knew that part of his exhaustion could be chalked up to trying to fit back into being (not quite) the crown prince after spending so many years as king. It was very disconcerting having his father there, expecting to be obeyed. The blond royal had practically bitten his tongue in half trying to keep himself in check more than once.

How strange was it to miss people who were within easy reach?

Oh, out of everyone, only Gwen, Leon, Gaius and Merlin where close at hand, but out of them, only Merlin held the same memories that he did. It was very possible that they would have those experiences again, but it just wasn't the same. It never would be.

Hopefully it would be better.

Perhaps the worst sticking point of this whole situation was how absolutely terrified he was of his father. No, that wasn't right. He was terrified of what his father would do if he ever discovered Merlin's secret. In the wait for his warlock to return, Arthur had plenty of time to contemplate the subject of magic. If anyone (besides his father) had suffered because of magic, it was him. Anyone or anything with any sort of grudge against Camelot, his father (mostly his father) or him (usually because of Uther) targeted him. There had been times, in the wildest moments, that the king-prince had wondered if he was wandering around with a target on his back. It certainly felt like it!

But no. If Uther ever realized the truth of what Merlin was and could do, well…Arthur tried his best not to think about it. Oh, he would never let the current king harm Merlin, of that he there was no doubt, but what if something happened and he wasn't there to prevent it? It was because of Merlin that Arthur knew that magic was not inherently evil as his father had taught him. It did not automatically corrupt as he was told, but was instead just like any power or gift that would harm or help depending on what the wielder chose. You need only to see Merlin to know that. If there was an evil bone in his friend's body then Arthur would eat his armour!

But Uther would never, never see it his way and would sentence the warlock to death even if he had saved all of Camelot and the king single-handedly!

Though, at the moment, Arthur doubted the Merlin would be saving anyone.

'Nope,' he thought, 'I can't wait anymore.' Rolling from the bed, he quickly changed into a simpler outfit, grabbed a cloak, and slipped out the door.

Time to see Merlin.

~Merlin~

Merlin.

The warlock twitched.

Merlin.

The dark-haired youth released a groaning sigh.

MERLIN!

The warlock's eyes snapped open and bolted upright. Or, at least, he attempted to. Pain flared like warning bells from every part of his body and Merlin bit his lip (bad idea) to keep from yelping too loudly. Teeth clenched he forced himself to breathe as deeply as he could (which wasn't very he soon discovered) and focus on riding out the pain. It was several long moments before the pain began to ebb and his body unclench. With a final sigh he opened his eyes and was not at all surprised to find himself in Gaius's chambers. What did surprise him was how dark it was.

'How long have I been out?' he wondered. A snorting snore drew his attention and he turned his head just enough to see the physician asleep on his cot facing Merlin's own. The warlock could not contain a smile that crept over face. Apparently the older man had not wanted him to be out of his sight any time soon. Not, when he finally examined himself, that he could blame him. Arm and chest bound were bound in such a way that the raven-haired boy knew that he had broken a few bones. Well, he hadn't, those miscreants who called themselves nobles had. If only he had remembered…

MERLIN!

The warlock winced, bringing his free hand up to rub at his pounding temple. Obviously he had put off seeing Kilgharrah too long and the dragon was making him suffer for it. Though, given the extent of his injuries, he shouldn't even be awake. Doubtless that was his magic at work, supporting his body when he couldn't any longer. He wanted more than anything to go back to sleep, the need for it shaking his very bones, but the blasted dragon would not wait. How he was going to make it down there without being noticed was beyond him for he was clumsy on a good day, let alone when he was injured. Still, if he waited, the dragon might just drive him insane with his incessant calling. He sighed; better to get this over with.

With much more care than the first time, he sat up, using his good arm to brace himself. He hissed loudly (too loudly) as his body protested and he swung his head in Gaius's direction. He was in luck; the man was still asleep. No doubt he was exhausted past measure worrying over the warlock. With a flash of gold the blanket once more covered the older man. One obstacle down, too many to count to go.

Commanding his body to move was a lot harder than he believed it to be and he was already regretting leaving the bed. He had only managed to traverse half of the room when the chamber door eased open and a figure slipped in, quietly shutting it after. The warlock froze, wondering how he was going to defend himself in his present state beyond magic when said magic seemed to flare up with what could only be termed as joy. Just as Merlin realized what that meant, the stealthy figure moved into the candlelight.

"Arthur?" Said king-prince stilled mid-step.

"Merlin?"

"What are you doing here?" " You're awake! What are you doing up?"

"I…" the warlock swayed, having been on his feet too long and the king-prince leapt forward, steadying him. Dark spots threatened to overwhelm his vision and it took several blinks to banish them completely. By the time his vision cleared he was seated upon the patient's cot once more, Arthur's arm a steady presence around his shoulders.

"You idiot," and oh how Merlin had missed being called that, "you were nearly beaten to death! What possessed you to even think about getting up?"

The warlock couldn't resist dropping his head onto his friend's shoulder, breathing in the mix of leather, metal and clean sweat that was just Arthur and why had he never noticed how comforting that smell was? He was still feeling that deep-seated panic that had his hand snaking out to snag a fist full of the king-prince's shirt to keep him close. Despite the fact that his magic might have bonded them together, he still thought that if he let go then Arthur would simply vanish in a puff of gold smoke and this would turn out to be nothing more than an elaborate dream. Arthur, it seemed, was also feeling a bit clingy if the tightening of his hold and the cheek that rested against Merlin's head was anything to go by.

"Believe me," Merlin moaned, flinching as the dragon's call once more zinging through his skull, "I don't want to be, but he won't stop!"

"Who?" His king commanded, voice hard, his grip on Merlin's shoulders tightening ever so slightly.

It stuck the warlock then that though Arthur knew what he was, he didn't know everything. Much of what he had done and some of who he was, was still a mystery to his king. Despite having shared his greatest secret and knowing that Arthur accepted it, did not mean the man would be happy with him when he found out the next bit.

"I think it might be better if I showed you," he finally admitted, lifting his head to meet his friend's concerned gaze.

"Do you honestly think you're going to be able to go anywhere, Merlin," the blond royal paused when the physician gave a snort, rolling over on his cot. Both men held their breath until the older man started snoring again. "You can barely stand," Arthur finished, much softer than before.

"If I don't, he won't stop," Merlin whispered furiously.

"Who is he? And don't give me this 'it would be better if I showed you' line, because you're going to need help and I'm not going to give it until I know what's going on!" the king-prince stated firmly.

One look into those cobalt eyes and Merlin knew that procrastinating would be useless and honestly, telling Arthur might be better than showing him. His eyes closed and he found it suddenly hard to swallow around the lump that had taken up residence in his throat.

"Kilgharrah, the Great Dragon."

~Arthur~

Arthur tensed, fingers unconsciously digging into Merlin's shoulder. It was only when the other hissed that he forced himself to unclench. The Great Dragon! He was here? How was he here? The beast had to be nearby because surely Merlin wasn't stupid enough to go wandering in the forest to look for him. But how did you hide something that big? And just what was he doing to Merlin to cause him pain? As much as he wished to demand those answers, even he was surprised by the question that left his mouth.

"He has a name?"

Merlin sent him an irritated look, unable to roll his eyes due to injuries. "Of course he has a name! He's not just a mindless beast."

Arthur scowled at him. "And how am I supposed to know that? Last time I saw him was before I supposedly killed him and he was certainly acting mindless while destroying Camelot." His scowl shifted to a frown when his warlock seemed to wilt. "Is he hurting you? How is he hurting you?"

The raven-haired youth grimaced and dug his temple into the blond's shoulder, unwilling to release his friend just yet. "I don't think he realizes he's hurting me. He's just irritated because he thinks I am ignoring him. Last time I was most of the way down there by now and I'm fairly sure he could sense me coming. Since I haven't moved by his estimates, he's getting a bit cranky."

"Down there? Down where? And how is he calling you? By…" here Arthur hesitated, swiftly checking the room (even though he knew they were alone) and lowering his voice further, "magic?"

"Yes by magic. Dragons hold a lot of magic and are usually very intelligent when not half-crazed and seeking revenge like he was," Merlin answered, giving Arthur a look that could only be termed as curious. "Don't you know the story? When Gaius told me, I thought everyone knew."

"Know what? What story?"

"During the beginning of the Great Purge, your father killed all of the dragons save one that he kept chained under the castle as an example and warning to all who use magic."

Arthur was so very glad he was sitting as it felt as though the bottom had dropped out of his stomach. His father had done what? Oh, he knew the man had visited whole-sale slaughter on the creatures, the story had been part of his lessons when he was younger, but those lessons had conveniently left out the fact that his father had kept one. If what Merlin said was true and dragons were intelligent animals, then its attack on Camelot suddenly made so much more sense. It was easy enough to see; suddenly freed from its confines, what would an abused creature do but attack that which had abused it? And while he comparing its behavior to a dog (or any creature really), a dragon was so much more deadly than a dog. What had his father been thinking?

The blond royal sighed and had to fight the urge to hurl something across the room. Oh, he knew exactly what his father had been thinking. Dragons were magic. Magic was evil. Ergo, dragons were evil and needed to be destroyed. Simple.

Arthur had learned the hard way that it was never that simple.

"Okay," he finally managed, still feeling a bit off-kilter, "there's a dragon chained underneath the castle and no one thought it might be a good idea to tell me. The dragon is using magic to call you. How do we make him stop?"

"We don't. I do. I need to go down there to see him. He won't stop till I do," Merlin explained as if it were obvious.

No. That wouldn't do. Arthur had vowed to himself that he would get it right this time (for his and Merlin's sake) and while he was still unsure of what to do about Morgana, perhaps this would be the first step towards a better destiny.

"I'm coming with you."

~Merlin~

"This is a phenomenally bad idea," Merlin hissed at his friend as the two of them slunk (it was a stagger really, considering the warlock's injuries) towards the dungeons.

"Why?" Arthur demanded. Merlin's arm over the blond's shoulder and careful arm around his waist was the only thing keeping the warlock upright at the moment. His magic might be helping too. It was certainly zinging happily enough.

"Oh, I don't know, because we're going to see a creature that could roast you with little effort!" Why, why was Arthur having one of his idiot moments? Was he deliberately being thick? Because if he was Merlin was going to make him pay dearly for it.

Toads, lots and lots of toads. In Arthur's bed. He didn't care how much he was glad his friend was alive there would be toads.

"You said he wouldn't hurt you."

"Yes, me, I said nothing about you! I don't know how he is going to react to you right now."

Arthur gave him a sideways look. "Right now? Do you mean you would have been okay introducing us before?"

Good question, would he have been? Time and freedom had tempered Kilgharrah's need for revenge so that in the end the warlock had considered him a close ally and friend. If he had summoned the courage to tell Arthur about his magic before he was literally at death's door, he would have shared everything with him. All his triumphs and failures. And that would have meant explaining Kilgharrah. Even though he had been a dragonlord (was he still all things considered? Probably not.) and had the ability to command the Great Dragon, he hadn't wanted to abuse that. They were kin after all. And well, wasn't that a thought. Since his magic had (probably, likely) bonded Arthur and he together (he really needed to talk to Arthur about that) would the dragon realize and consider him kin too?

"I would have," he eventually admitted, "if there had been time." Arthur brought them to a stop and Merlin looked down, seeing the same two guards from last time. Playing dice. Ah, it was good to see that some things never changed.

"How did you get past them last time?" Arthur asked, frowning. It was obvious that he didn't want any sort of confrontation. Neither did Merlin because he was definitely not up to it.

Merlin could not suppress a mischievous smirk. "Like this." With a flash of gold the dice went flying off the table. Soon enough the guards were chasing down their errant dice. Arthur just watched, dumbfounded at the absolute idiocy displayed and Merlin could not hold in his snickers though he did his best to keep them as quiet as possible.

Eventually the king-prince shook his head, still slightly bewildered and thumped the amused warlock on his ear. "When this is all over, you and I and probably Leon are going to have a long discussion over the lax attitudes of the castle guards. Now, which way?"

Still snickering, Merlin steered them in the correct direction, his amusement slowly giving way to nervousness the lower they descended. He honestly had no idea just how Kilgharrah would react to seeing Arthur. He was fairly (almost, absolutely, very sure) that the dragon would welcome the soon to be (again) crown prince. Who knew, it might even go a long way to keeping him from attacking Camelot in the future. The warlock frowned. Maybe he could free the Great Dragon earlier? How would that change things?

"Honestly, how could anyone not tell me this was down here?" Arthur whispered, despite the fact the tunnel they were traversing was deserted.

"Considering you grew up here, I'm surprised you never found it. If I had been you I would have explored at every opportunity," Merlin returned, not bothering to keep his voice down. No one was around but the two of them so what was the point?

"I did a lot of exploring, but they must have directing me away from this place. Subtly, or I would have been too curious to let it alone."

"Yes, we need to have a discussion about touching things that you shouldn't, women after your soul/crown/Camelot and shooting things that you really shouldn't just to name a few," the warlock griped as they neared their destination.

"Oh yes, of course," Arthur drawled in return, "right after we talk about your tendency to sacrifice yourself for me." The raven-haired youth glanced at him in surprise. "Don't think I just sat around and twiddled my thumbs waiting for you! I did actually think you know."

"I thought I smelled something burning," Merlin quipped, bringing them to a halt.

"Ha-bloody-ha! You aren't as funny as you think you are, Merlin," the king-prince returned before growing serious at the warlock's expression. He turned to the end of the tunnel, tightening his hold on his friend. "This is it?" he finally asked when it seemed Merlin couldn't speak.

The warlock nodded, releasing a heavy sigh before hobbling forward, Arthur at his side. If Kilgharrah kicked up a fuss, then he would just have to make him see reason. Arthur was his friend, his king, his and he had failed him once.

He'd be damned if he allowed that to happen again.

The pair stepped through the tunnel opening, finding the cavern just as Merlin remembered it. Seeing the outcropping of rock before them, he let his eyes trace the heavy chain as it dangled in the air.

"Is that…?" Arthur trailed off, eyes roaming upward and Merlin nodded before drawing in a deep breath.

"Kilgharrah!"

~Arthur~

Arthur found his hand slipping to grab his sword, despite the fact it was not hanging at his side. He had almost forgotten just how big the dragon was, but he certainly got an eye full as it descended from its hidden spot to perch on the outcropping across from them. The chain rattled too loudly as it landed. The golden gaze surveyed them critically and the king-prince found it suddenly difficult to keep still, feeling as though his very soul was being judged. He wanted to check Merlin, wondering if he was feeling the same, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from the (he would grudgingly admit) magnificent creature before him. What would be the dragon's judgment?

He didn't have to wait too much longer as the Great Dragon let out a rumbling chuckle, and, unbelievably, seemed to grin.

"I had not expected this." Despite being unexpected, whatever this was seemed to please the great beast. "I summon a warlock and receive a prince as well. Greetings young warlock, young Pendragon."

"Er-hello," was all he managed because how do you speak to someone who you have tried to kill in a previous life. 'I don't remember him being quite so large,' he thought, tightening his hold on Merlin when the other released a groan.

"Since we have not met previously, young dragon, then I cannot see how you would know how large I am. Unless…we have met?" Oh, the creature was a tricky one; very clever that. Had he really said that out loud?

Merlin sagged and Arthur cursed, dragging his friend closer to the wall so that he might use it to prop him up. Once the raven-haired youth was secure, Arthur whipped off his cloak and tucked it around him, generally fussing until he was satisfied with the results. Merlin hooked his fingers into the soft material, grateful for its heavy warmth. Even though it should have been absolutely impossible to get comfortable on the hard ground, the warlock soon found his eyes starting to drift close. Arthur stared down at him, anger over what had occurred resurfacing. He eventually shook himself from his contemplations of revenge and settled next to the other man, offering comfort, support and warmth. Once as comfortable as he would get, he turned his attention to the dragon who was watching the whole scene with decidedly interested thoughtfulness.

"You are not as I expected you to be, young princeling," he murmured and despite how quiet he was trying to be, his voice still rolled pleasantly through Arthur's bones.

"I live to surprise," the blond royal snarked back, tugging at the cloak as it slipped from Merlin's lax fingers. He squinted up at the creature. "To be fair, you are too. I know what Merlin said, but still."

"The warlock and I have never met before; I am curious as to how he would know both that and my name. For that matter, he has only stepped foot into Camelot some two days past and yet you treat him with familiarity born from years of knowledge. How is it the Once and Future King has met his warlock Emrys so soon?"

Arthur sighed (it felt like that's all he had been doing lately) and tugged Merlin until his head lay pillowed upon his shoulder. "That is a very long story," he stated, "and it begins with me dying."

~Arthur~

"Come on, Merlin," Arthur hissed, practically dragging the other youth. It was well into the middle of the night, his talk with the dragon taking far longer than he had expected. Kilgharrah had wanted to know everything and Arthur found himself sharing probably more than he should. Frankly, he was glad to have someone to talk to (Merlin would have been better), even if it was a creature that had once done its very best to kill him. He didn't have the whole story of course as he could only make guesses as to what Merlin had actually done, but the dragon had listened to it all. When Arthur speculated on just how they were living their lives again, the Great Dragon had cryptically offered, "Only a great sacrifice would have achieved such an impossible goal," as an explanation.

The king-prince had to wonder if speaking in riddles was normal for a dragon, or just this one.

When he had detailed just how Merlin came to be in the condition he was in, Kilgharrah's expression began to mirror his own. It was…decidedly bloodthirsty, but seeing as it was directed at no one who didn't deserve it, he didn't mind.

"They did not go unpunished, it take it?" Framed as a question, it was more of an accusation.

Arthur could feel himself puffing up. "Of course not," he shot back indignantly. "Even if they are not currently being hung by their toenails (there was an idea) does not mean I let them get away with it. They're not getting anywhere near him again if I can help it," he vowed, he voice harder than the stone beneath them. The dragon gazed at him thoughtfully and Arthur was once more ambushed by the feeling of being closely examined and despite it having a softer edge this round.

"Bring him close," the dragon demanded after a moment or two and Arthur did just that (while frowning fiercely). Why in the world did they have to be closer (as if he was going to release the warlock anytime soon) when their previous seats had served them well?

The prince-king found out soon enough as once they were close enough, Kilgharrah drew in a careful breath (momentarily freaking the warrior-king out as he was expecting to be roasted alive) and released it over them. Golden swirling magic settled like fine dust over both of them, though clearly the original target was the warlock.

"While that will not cure him completely, it will ease his pain and speed up his healing. Already his magic has taken it upon itself to fix its master, something I am certain it has done many a time in the past," the dragon ended his promise on a thoughtful note and Arthur had made sure to thank him for the gift.

"You do not need to thank me, we are kin. Family must protect each other." With that last cryptic riddle (it had to be all he spoke in), the dragon had left them, commanding them to return to their beds.

Which is what Arthur was attempting to do and Merlin was making difficult as per usual.

The guards had not returned to their post which was convenient because the king-prince doubted that Merlin was up to much magic at the moment. If anything, the raven-haired man seemed intent on studying the inside of his eyelids. Arthur was ready to do that too, but only after reaching the safety of his chambers (or just bedding down near the warlock, he wasn't going to be picky by this point).

The close they came to the court physician's chambers, the more awake Merlin seemed which just about figured in Arthur's opinion. At least he was able to help somewhat, even if he was not too steady on his feet just yet. It seemed as though they were home free as they burst through Gaius's door, Arthur silently congratulating himself on the feat, only to come to a stumbling halt.

Gaius was waiting for them. Awake.

"Just what do you think you are doing, Merlin?" the physician began his rant. "Do you have any idea of how dangerous it was to go wandering about with your injuries? And just who was help…" the older man trailed off when he was finally allowed a decent look at who was supporting his ward. "…Arthur?"

Dumbfounded didn't begin to cover it.

This was worse than being caught digging through his herbs and medicines. Worse than the time he had decided to play with his father's hunting dogs and one of them bit him. Worse than deciding to skip lessons and hide in these very chambers. He squirmed, shifting from foot to foot as the physician continued to give him a look of complete and utter disbelief.

He was a king, damnit! Why did he have the urge to shout "It wasn't me!" at the top of his lungs when everyone knew he was guilty?

He was soooo blaming Merlin for this.

"Good morning, Gaius!" Why did the idiot sound so damn cheerful? Did he not understand the pit they were being flung into? He was only digging it deeper! "Fancy seeing you awake. Shouldn't you be sleeping? You must be tired," the warlock continued to babble as though his life depended on it.

And considering the expression that was slowly descending upon Gaius's face, it just might.

"Aren't you?" the physician shot back and both of them flinched. "Just what is going on here? I want an explanation! Where in the world were you running off to in the middle of the night? Arthur, you saw his injuries, he shouldn't be awake, let alone up and moving about."

For the life of him, Arthur didn't know how to answer that question without sounding like a total lunatic. In fact, if they tried to explain this situation to the court physician, would the man even believe them? Of anyone they could trust with the secret of the second lives, the man before them was it. But should they?

Merlin grimaced and slumped against his side, making pain-filled snuffling noises against the king-prince's shoulder. Arthur automatically adjusted his grip, steering them away from Gaius's accusing stare and towards the patient bed. He sat them down on the bed, allowing Merlin to sag against him for support. When he reached down to pull the other's legs up onto the bed, the warlock let out a whine.

Arthur thumped his ear again. "Shut up, Merlin, he's right. You shouldn't even be up yet. You are going to lie down, rest, and recover."

The warlock, having reluctantly released the king-prince from his hold, curled carefully on his least injured side. "Yes, your pratliness. I live to serve."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "The only thing you live to do is irritate and worry me."

Cerulean blue eyes glinted mischievously under dark eye lashes. "I worry you?"

"Endlessly," Arthur admitted, truth ringing in his tone before he smirked. "It's very irritating. Considering how clumsy you are, I often have to wonder if you've not fallen into a rabbit hole or into a cupboard somewhere never to be seen again. How you made it this far in life is a mystery."

"Must be magic," Merlin commented with a yawn, eyes beginning to drift shut.

"Obviously," Arthur grunted, happy to see that the warlock was for once doing as he was told. It felt as if nothing had changed.

The sharp intake of breath sucked them back into reality.

Merlin's eyes snapped open and Arthur turned to see Gaius swaying on his feet. With a startled curse, the blond royal lunged forward, catching the man just as his knees buckled. Arthur quickly, but firmly guided him back to his own bed and deposited him on it. The older man was trying to draw in a deep breath to quell his panic, but only succeeding in a producing a dry wheeze. Any color he had in face was quickly leaving, a pale gray cast taking its place. The king-prince was trying very hard not to give into his own panic. What was he supposed to do? Rustling behind him made him look back to see Merlin struggling to sit up.

"Lay down before you fall down," Arthur hissed. "There's nothing you can do."

"Of course there is. Gaius? Gaius!" The warlock's voice took on a firm, commanding tone that the physician reacted to automatically. "You have to breathe, Gaius, or you will pass out. Breathe, breathe with Arthur." The blond royal looked at him again. Breathe with him? "Don't give me that look, I can't breathe too deeply right now, it has to be you! Breathe with Arthur, Gaius. In, out. In, out. In…..out. Good. Keep breathing."

And surprisingly enough, it worked. Arthur found himself instinctively matching his breathing to Merlin's directives, taking the wrinkled hand and placing it on his chest for further reassurance. Gaius's panicked wheeze soon gave way to steady breathing that matched the rhythm set by Merlin and Arthur's example. When it was clear the man was no longer in danger of collapsing, the warlock ordered the king-prince to get them all of them some water. He obeyed without thought (that probably startled the physician again). Over the years, Arthur had come to trust Merlin's instincts and knowledge when it came to medicine. The raven-haired youth had, after all, studied many years under the man they were soothing.

Would study. Had studied. Arthur contained a sigh. Yes, absolutely not confusing at all.

"Drink, Gaius, and then ask your questions," Merlin ordered.

"And you lay back down," Arthur snapped, leaving the physician's side to bully his friend back into a reclining position. The warlock grumbled, but did not fight Arthur as he gently lifted his legs back onto the cot and covered him with a blanket. Arthur sat back, surveying his handy-work with a satisfied nod. "He probably wishes he had something stronger than water to drink since he has to deal with you all the time. It's certainly how I feel."

"Are you saying I'm turning you into an alcoholic?" the warlock asked incredulously.

The blond smirked. "I…"

"What," Gaius rasped, interrupting them, "is going on?"

Any light-heartedness that the king-prince (and he assumed Merlin as well) were drawing from the situation at hand was abruptly cut off as they both turned to the man once more. The physician was upright (bonus) and had regained some color, no longer resembling curdled milk, but he was clutching his water cup as though it were the only thing keeping him from flying apart.

Oh, well.

Arthur glanced at his friend, who looked at him equally bewildered, but a slowly dawning resignation in his eyes. To see it come on so quick made Arthur wonder if Merlin hadn't already given some thought on clueing Gaius in on their situation. They could certainly use a fourth opinion (since the dragon's third opinion was so cryptic and they were each others second opinion). To tell the truth, having someone besides Merlin who knew and made to understand what they had gone through would be something of a relief. Telling Gaius could turn these chambers into a sanctuary for not only Merlin but himself as well. It would be nice not having to watch what he said all the time.

Judging by his friend's expression, Merlin was drawing the same conclusions as himself. Arthur quirked an eyebrow questioningly and Merlin squinted (well, as best he could with his black eye) before giving a resigned nod.

Well, he just thought he was going to be getting some sleep tonight.

"Gaius, there's something Merlin and I need to tell you…"

End Ch. 11

A/N: This chapter was so much fun to write! Again, I took the stance that he didn't know about the dragon. Since I haven't gotten that far in the series, I don't know either, but I'm going to assume no because it is much more fun that way. Please let me know what you think, I'm just dying to know!