Chapter 7

Arthur was taken aback by the pressing tone in Vortigern's voice. The man's intense stare focused on him, as if he had the answers. He wasn't a sorcerer and neither was Merlin. If there was any answer to be found it was Vortigern himself who had to find it. Of course they had to destroy the eoro coin, he could have figured this out himself. If that would heal Merlin, he would gladly do so.

Merlin. He could see his friend was trying to focus on the two of them, but every now and then his eyelids would drop. He clearly wasn't alright, this much was certain. It made Arthur want to hurt something; someone. "So, we have to destroy the coin," Arthur didn't ask, he stated a fact. "Will this heal Merlin?

"Probably." Vortigern swallowed, as if he wasn't totally sure of it.

"Oh, easy. Find me a stone or even better, a sword and I'll smash it to pieces."

"It's not that simple. It can only be destroyed one way."

Damn! Arthur could pretend he saw it coming but he hadn't. Why was it never easy, why couldn't they just smash the thing, cut the tree and be out of here? But no, there had to be some complicated magical way to do this of course. "Don't keep us waiting." He waved his arms in the air in irritation.

"It can only be destroyed by Merlin."

Arthur knew he was gaping at the man, but he didn't care. Hadn't he just acknowledged to himself there was no way Merlin could fight this magical entity? He waited for a reaction from Merlin himself but there was total silence for a moment while he gazed at his friend who did his best to avoid his eyes. Did Merlin know more about this? Could Vortigern be right?

"But Merlin. He's just Merlin."

"Yes, Arthur he is. But as I told you before, the tree has awoken something inside of him."

"Ah, so it is something magical?"

"Like I said before; the tree and its essence is more like an entity."

"Why don't you just call it magic, old man." Arthur was sick of Vortigern talking around in circles, probably afraid the real situation would upset a prince of Camelot. "You said so before - this can only be fought by magic.

"Magic then." Vortigern let out a deep sigh, as if speaking took too much energy.

The panicked look in Merlin's eyes made Arthur realise his friend was freaking out. Just the idea of having magic must be devastating to him. It was hard to grasp for Arthur as it was, but to actually get invested by something so dangerous? These druids had done this to him, it wasn't his own fault. He had to reassure Merlin everything was going to be fine. His friend needed him to get better even though he knew there wasn't much he could do himself.

Arthur kept holding Merlin's fearful glance. "So, there is a way to undo this. Undo the magic."

"Dark magic."

"Magic is always dark."

"You are wrong about that, Arthur Pendragon."

"Then tell me, physician, is Merlin looking happy right now?"

"Arthur." Merlin waved it away, definitely uncomfortable with the whole 'magic' conversation. Arthur couldn't blame him. There was something untouchable about magic, something he couldn't see or fight and it made him insecure. And a Pendragon didn't like feeling insecure. He was trying to stay strong here, for all their sakes, especially Merlin's.

Vortigern tried to stand up but needed Arthur's assistance to do so. Holding the man up by his arm Arthur realised just how fragile he looked all of a sudden. "Merlin might find a way to destroy the entity entirely and heal himself when he drinks from the Holy well of Manswal."

"A holy well?" Arthur let go of Vortigern's arm and - while the man steadied himself against the wall - he couldn't help but guffaw; until he realised the physician was serious.

"Let me tell you about the Holy well of Manswal," Vortigern ignored his outburst of laughter with a raised brow. "It is said this well - in the most sacred part of the Darkling woods, has healing powers. Whoever drinks from the water will find what they have lost."

"There is no well in the Darkling woods." Arthur was practically raised in those woods and he liked to believe he knew every inch of the land. If there was some magical well, he would have known. His father would have known.

"It can only be found by those with magic."

"But then, how can I..." Merlin didn't finish his question. His eyes were darting between them as if he was afraid of Arthur's reaction. As if it was his fault. When Vortigern lay a hand on the young man's arm he relaxed, slightly.

"We should discuss the reality of this well later." Arthur wasn't convinced, at all. But they had wasted enough time already. He had no idea of time, but what if Kildare or the other druids were starting to miss Vortigern? He eyed the corridor, expecting to be disturbed any moment.

"If it heals Merlin, what would you say?"

Arthur didn't have to think about it. If there was anything in the Darkling woods that was able to do this, he'd be the first in line to try. It wasn't an option to bring Merlin back to Camelot while he was invested with dark magic. His father would have his head. Or Merlin's. "I'd say, it's worth the trip."

"Good." Vortigern sank down next to Merlin, and as if the situation wasn't urgent enough as it was he turned to the young man. "It was our initial plan; to heal you like this after the teachings. If you drink from the well, you should be able to destroy the eorðgráp. Kildare believes in you."

"Kildare?"

"He's not a bad man."

"You could have fooled me." Arthur commented, "but before you get all comfortable, we should get out of here before the man comes to visit. You were planning to help us out of here, right?"

"Yes, I was. Although there is one thing..." Vortigern's gaze landed on the coin still lying on the floor, not far from Arthur's boots. The urge to step on it was huge, but of course it wouldn't do him any good. He suddenly doubted if he could get close enough to actually destroy it. And if neither Merlin or Vortigern would be able to hold it, how would they...

"We won't be able to carry the eoro grap, correct?" Arthur asked, seeing the major flaw in their plan. How in the world would they be able to reach the holy well with it?

"Eorðgráp." Merlin, rubbing his wrists, piped in.

"Merlin, please."

"Shut up?"

It was good to hear Merlin's humour returning, but Arthur wasn't in the mood. He knew his friend only did this to lighten up the mood and probably to let him know he was alright. This time it was far from effective because he wasn't. It made Arthur feel more tense. "So, how are we going to get it there?"

"I know someone who is able to carry it." Vortigern answered solemnly.

"Do I even want to know who it is?"

"Kildare."

"Of course." Arthur closed his eyes in despair.

Merlin was fully aware he had almost given away his secret, asking Vortigern out loud how he would be able to find the Holy well of Manswal if his magic was still suppressed. The physician seemed to have a lot of faith in him. In being able to defeat the essence of the tree now that the eorðgráp had been removed. Faith that he would be able to find the well, even though he'd never heard anyone speak of it before. Not even Gaius.

Rubbing his wrists to ease both physical as mental pain, he tried his best to stay alert. Yes, the darkness was still inside of him, but its hold had lessened. It didn't mean he could reach his magic.

Vortigern had reassured him, speaking to him inside his head once more, the Holy well of Manswal would be able to help him to regain it. Regain what had been lost, and heal him. Arthur of course had no idea he had lost his magic, thinking the tree had given him magical powers instead. Vortigern was playing a dangerous game. What if Arthur would find out the truth?

At the moment, the prince was too busy getting angry with the change in events. Merlin knew there was no choice, Kildare was connected to him and the tree. He had to come along. Not just to carry the eorðgráp, but the well would be his only hope to heal as well. No matter what the man had done to him, he'd been under influence of the tree.

Arthur's face was scrunched up in anger as he turned away to face Vortigern's calm demeanour. "We are so not going to take him along. After what he did. You must be insane old man."

"You want Merlin to make a full recovery, correct?"

"You know I do."

"Arthur," Merlin felt so unbelievably drained, even uttering the name of his friend out loud ate away at his left over energy. "I know how you feel, but it's the only way."

"What if the damned magical tree were to be cut down?"Arthur asked, still facing Vortigern as if he was too angry, or maybe too emotional to face Merlin.

"Not possible." Vortigern looked shocked, "and even if it was, it would destroy Merlin."

"And Kildare."

"Yes."

Arthur started to pace, a nervous glance occasionally thrown Merlin's way as the prince kept an eye on the door as if he expected Kildare to jump in at any given moment. It was silent in the room, except for Arthur's footsteps. Merlin realised he was holding his breath, and Vortigern seemed to be doing the same. They were waiting for what Arthur would decide, although Merlin knew what had to be done, and so did his friend. He wished they had more time to think things over, but it was getting harder to concentrate. They would have to leave soon.

Focussing on Vortigern might help him pull away from the darkness. He had to stay away from it even though it flitted against his mind now and again like tentacles of mud. Voices tried to reach his awareness, images ready to assault him. "Vortigern, please tell me about the well of Manswal." He reached out with his mind, but it was hard.

"Are you alright, Emrys?"

"Just tell me, I need to know."

Vortigern's silent gaze kept following Arthur, but his calm voice reached into Merlin's mind, lessening the feel of having to listen to the desperate voices. "Manswal was the city of the druids when magic was still roaming free. It was a place where the young were taught and a place of the healing arts. Kildare was one of the druids living there. It was his home. He was well respected and teaching magic came natural to him and, he also was my friend.

The city was destroyed during the Great Purge and the druids living there were all but annihilated. Some of them - including Kildare - were scattered across the lands. There is still a group of them living in the woods. They protect the holy well which is the only place left of our precious city."

There was an intense feeling of loss making its way into Merlin's heart. Vortigern's voice was so full of emotion and pain, it was hard not to actually feel it. The Great Purge had made so many people homeless, without a family. How he could still look Uther in the eye at times was beyond him.

"My son is living amongst this important druid group in the Darkling woods," The physician continued. "He is the guardian of the Holy well. He will be able to help you...We haven't seen each other in a long time."

"You have a son?" Merlin was instantly brought back to the moment where he'd met his father. A sad ending to a hopeful beginning. Feeling so drained he almost couldn't hold in the grief he was sometimes still experiencing. If the physician had a son, he should go see him. Nothing was more important than family. "If you come with us, you can see him again."

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"I do."

Vortigern smiled at him; a tired but warm smile, and the grief which had threatened to overwhelm Merlin was replaced by gratitude. This man - who reminded him of Gaius in a way - had helped him. Was still helping him - or rather, them. "Do you always want the best for everyone except yourself, Merlin?" The voice inside his head was as warm as the man's smile.

Merlin blushed.

"Are you certain there is no other way?" Arthur suddenly asked, breaking up their silent exchange.

"There is no other way." Merlin quickly assured him, not waiting for Vortigern to confirm.

"But what is he uses his powers on us?"

"We just have to make sure he doesn't."

"I like your optimism." Arthur actually snorted, then his tone of voice changed into a whisper of conspiracy when he looked at Vortigern. "Alright, you have to knock him out."

"Me?" The physician's normally calm voice was raised in apparent anxiety.

"You want to help us get out of here, right?" Arthur started pacing again. "I don't think one of us doing so is an option. Kildare needs to have visual confirmation we're still in this cell."

"We need him to see you first."

Merlin blinked when Kildare's name suddenly brought back the images he was trying to forget. He closed his eyes for a moment; feeling distressed. He had to try and shake of the feeling that he wasn't alone. Of course Arthur and Vortigern were with him down here, but Kildare was present as well. Deep inside the darkness, trying to teach him about Camelot's destructive ways. About Arthur being the enemy. Yes, he was connected to Kildare, but maybe he could use this to his advantage?

He instantly opened his eyes, a daring plan forming inside his mind. "I know how we can lure Kildare to the dungeons, alone." Merlin could clearly see he got Arthur's full attention. It was now or never. "We are still connected. I should be able to shield myself from him now. I think I can make him come down here to see me."

There was barely concealed worry on Arthur's face. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

"And then Vortigern here can knock him out."

Vortigern looked pained at this remark. "It won't be necessary to hurt him."

Of course Merlin knew Arthur would have no scrupulous about it, but he was keeping it inside for both their sakes. They had Vortigern's trust, they couldn't lose it. "We only need to keep him unconscious until we reach that well you've been talking about."

"I know a spell to make him sleep," Vortigern explained; "but I am uncertain if I'll be strong enough to use it. If it even works on Kildare, he's very powerful."

"Knock him out first, then you can give it a try," Arthur insisted. "Just to be on the safe side."

"You really fear him, don't you, Arthur Pendragon?"

"Let's say I'm not too fond of him and leave it at that."

"Alright then, I'll try to knock him out first."

"If you can't, we're in trouble old man."

"I know what I have to do," Vortigern sent Arthur an annoyed glance, and Merlin couldn't blame him. All this bickering made him want to crawl into a corner pretending he wasn't here. "And will you stop calling me old man."

"Are you absolutely certain it - or he, won't do Merlin any harm?"

"No."

"Great plan."

"Arthur."

"Merlin?" When Arthur's eyes met his he gave the man one of his best 'shut up' faces. And to his own astonishment the prince stopped what he was about to say while he gave him a slight nod. His face serious and intense. Merlin knew his friend had his back if something might go wrong.

He closed his eyes once more, but it was hard. Merlin knew there was a real possibility he would be sucked back into the mud, into the world of pain and fear. Arthur was right to be worried, even though it wasn't doing them any good if Merlin gave into it. The prince never did, he was a true knight of Camelot. But this time Merlin didn't have his magic to guide him, and being in a very dangerous place without being able to protect Arthur was breaking him, piece by piece. No, he couldn't give up. If summoning Kildare was his way to help them, he would gladly do it.

Kildare, the name rushed through Merlin's mind again like a small boat in a storm. It didn't take him any effort to bring it up to the surface. It was rather frightening though, as their connection seemed to be stronger than he originally thought it was. Maybe because this time he was letting it take over without fighting it with every fibre of his being? What if he made a mistake?

There was no time to think when a voice - soft at first - reached out to him. It was Kildare, and his voice sounded rather pleasant, which came as a surprise and took Merlin slightly off guard.

"Emrys?"

"We need to talk." Merlin came straight to the point. Keeping his thoughts casual; without any strong emotions was the way to do this. "I am ready to learn."

"This is good news, good news indeed," The voice of Kildare replied and Merlin could clearly feel the man's excitement. It made him realise he should definitely keep his feelings in check. "I will come to see you right away."

"You need to come see me alone." Merlin had to make certain the guards weren't coming along this time. It was a bit of a gamble, but he had to try. "There is a lot we have to talk about."

"What about Arthur Pendragon?"

"He's not important."

"I see you have already learned an important lesson, Emrys."

"Yes, thank you." Merlin didn't know where that came from, but it took all his effort to stay calm while he actually wanted to scream and run. Running wasn't an option; because it was impossible to run from your own mind. "I will see you soon."

"I will release you from our dungeons, make you see the beautiful place we build here."

Kildare sounded proud and Merlin couldn't help but shiver. These shivers were changing rapidly into uncontrollable shaking. He held in a gasp, and before his body could full out betray him; tears coming to his eyes, he shook his head violently, detaching himself from Kildare's presence.

"Merlin, are you alright?" Arthur's face was hovering over his. How did he end up on his back? He couldn't remember. He was still trembling when Arthur's hand helped him to sit.

"I'm..."

"Don't tell me you're fine." Arthur interrupted.

"I... I will be."

Vortigern appeared next to him as well, apprehension written all over his face. "Will he come?"

"Yes, he's on his way."

Merlin had sounded absolutely certain. Kildare was on its way to the dungeon, alone. Arthur was so ready to give the druid a piece of his mind. The man would probably plaster him against the wall once more if he did, but this time they had the advantage. They had Vortigern. Even though Arthur still wasn't a hundred percent sure he could trust him to knock Kildare out. These two were friends - or had been - after all.

Vortigern; still thoroughly shaken up by the removal of the coin of eoro grap, had taken up position in the corridor. There was a dark alcove not far from the cell door. Arthur hoped he would stay unnoticed if both he and Merlin distracted Kildare long enough for the old man to sneak up on him. Not that it was easy to sneak up on sorcerers. But Vortigern had magic, so he would be fine. They would be just fine. He hoped.

Merlin was still too weak to stand up, so he was sitting in one of the corners while Arthur had a hard time standing still, his eyes on the cell door. Vortigern had locked it when he went out, but had given him the key before he'd stumbled to his hiding spot. This made Arthur very anxious and tapping onto the ground with his foot made him calm. Well, calmer.

"Arthur?" He turned to see Merlin point at his boots. "Will you please stop that?"

"It calms me down."

"It makes me nervous."

He wanted to give a sarcastic response, but seeing Merlin's face he decided against it. His friend seemed more than just nervous, the way he kept biting his lip. He couldn't blame him, as Kildare was a dangerous man, and all seemed to depend on Vortigern, which didn't sit well with Arthur of course. Things could go to pieces very fast, and Merlin clearly felt it as well.

"Kildare." Merlin's soft voice alerted him they were not alone anymore.

He quickly turned around. How in the world had he not seen the druid coming? The man was already standing outside their cell, and to Arthur's relief he was alone. Alone but dangerous, he reminded himself, so don't do anything foolish now Arthur.

Kildare was ignoring him, focusing on Merlin instead. His friend was frowning, lips slightly parted as if he was about to speak but couldn't. As if something, someone kept him from doing so. What was the druid doing to him? He had to take charge of the situation or Merlin might get hurt once more. Before he could speak, the druid had opened the door of the cell as if he wasn't even there.

"I think you should leave my friend alone." Arthur stepped in front of Merlin, blocking Kildare's view.

"You do not understand, do you, Arthur Pendragon." Kildare had an annoying smirk on his face, his hand slightly raised as if he wanted to strike out. "He is not your friend, he can never be your friend. He knows this, as I taught him."

"No, you hurt him," Arthur wanted to hit the man. "You're not going to do so again."

"And you don't think people like you have hurt him?" Kildare asked calmly.

"What do you mean by that?" Arthur took one step forward, refusing to be intimidated. This man was shrewd - he would do anything - say anything to keep him off balance. He couldn't believe anything Kildare told him. "Take one more step and I will do anything in my power to stop you."

Kildare laughed, as was to be expected. "What will you do Pendragon, kill every sorcerer standing up to you and your father? You are my prisoner, you will do as I say. I am too powerful for you, and..."

Arthur saw movement in the corridor. "Yes, I know you are..."

Vortigern's fist came out of nowhere and connected with the side of Kildare's head. When the man fell to the floor like a sack of turnips, the physician both had a guilty and relieved look in his eyes. The man definitely saw him as a friend, it was very clear to Arthur and he certainly understood the sentiment. He lay a hand on Vortigern's arm making him jump and seek assistance against the cell door to stay on his feet.

"We are also doing this for him, remember?"

"Of course, yes, you are right." Vortigern seemed to snap out of it and Arthur turned around immediately noticing there was something wrong with Merlin. His eyes were closed and he had fallen to one side. Damn it, something about Kildare wasn't agreeing with him. It had to be this connection Merlin had been talking about earlier. Arthur couldn't carry both his friend and Kildare out of here, and Vortigern didn't seem up for it either. Damn!

"I'll wake him up, don't worry." Vortigern let out a deep breath of air - then he grabbed the coin off the floor and dumped it into a pocket of Kildare's cloak. "This way it's there; it won't be able to harm us, and he will not find out until you have already reached the Holy well. If you can keep him sedated."

"If... I thought you knew a spell?"

"I do, and I will use it before we leave." Vortigern answered. "I'm not certain how long its effects will last though."

"I will not hesitate to knock him out again." Arthur assured him, suddenly feeling restless. "Now, can you wake Merlin up and put Kildare into a long slumber so we can finally get the hell out of here?"

"Are you getting comfortable with magic, Arthur?" Vortigern couldn't help but smile when he kneeled next to Merlin, holding one hand over the young man's chest before he started to mutter a string of words in an ancient language.

Arthur didn't answer. His father would certainly not be amused, the way he accepted it so freely from someone like Vortigern. A man who had saved Merlin and was helping them to escape. His father had always told him no sorcerer could be trusted, but this man made him doubt those words. What if magic was only dangerous in the hands of dangerous men? Like any other weapon would be?

With a loud gasp Merlin joined the land of the living. His gaze locked with Arthur's, confusion and fear written all over his face. Yes, Arthur would go against his father's wishes if it meant he could save Merlin.

Magic could only be fought with magic afteral.

TBC