I must've slept on the journey back to Camelot. I wasn't aware of the passing time or the changing scenery. In fact, everything had seemed to have gone black, but then I realized it was because my eyes were closed. What woke me was hearing the clatters of hooves on the cobblestones. I opened my weary eyes and all I see is the ground before me. As we go through a gate, a see a pair of feet.

Wearily, I lift my head. The same woman I saw at the feast was standing there. Seeing her, I shiver. Hearing her call me Emrys, I shiver even more. She is then gone and the last thing I hear is Lancelot screaming my name.

Hours later (or maybe days had passed) I find myself in a bed. It's my bed by the feel of it. I can't move though. I wasn't sure if that was because I was so tired, if it was because I was draped in 20 some layers, or if I had been paralyzed by the Dorocha.

"You mean, he willing jumped in front of a dorocha," asked Gaius – unaware that I was awake – as he pressed hot washcloths to my forehead and cheeks.

"Yes," Lancelot said. His voice was breaking and he sounded forlorn.

"And he lived?"

"Yes," Lancelot said as he sat down on one of the rickety wooden chairs. "Is it because of his magic?"

"Undeniably…"

"So, he's immortal? You said yourself no mortal has ever lived, but here Merlin is – cold as ice, but breathing and with heart beat."

"I don't know," Gaius replied pensively.

"We didn't think… we thought we'd lost him. He was so cold. You couldn't even imagine how it felt. There was ice hanging off of him, even after being draped in about 10 layers. It was far worse than when he fainted. The temperature he had when we returned would be considered feverish compared to last night and I think he might've seen the Callieach as we entered Camelot. His head was up and he stared at something I couldn't see. Then, he passed out and started shivering."

"My word! What about Arthur, where is he?"

"He, uh, continued on without us. He didn't want to…"

At this, I panic. My eyes widen and I struggle to sit up. Gaius's hands press me back. I am too weak to fight and it's an easy job. "I need to go," I whisper.

"No, Merlin, you need to rest."

"He's going to sacrifice himself. He can't. He shouldn't," I protest. "I have to go."

"You're in no state to go anywhere," Lancelot says. "You really need to rest."

"But…but I can't just sit here while he sacrifices himself."

"It'll be fine. You won't be able to help him in this state," the knight points out and I take inventory of my body.

I'm freezing cold and have started shivering violently. I'm so exhausted I can hardly move. The thought of walking makes me even wearier. In dismay and as a way to claim defeat, I flop back against the pillows. My eyes drift closed as my head hits the pillow and I am fast asleep.

OK, I thought this would be the last chapter. But, there will be at least 1 more chapter! Thank you all to have read as well as to those who have reviewed. I love hearing your thoughts!