A bit of a bridge to give Merlin and Arthur a break.

"They show no symptoms then?"

"No, Sire. I examined all of the knights. It is consistent with their reports that only those people who came into contact with the stranger fell ill."

Uther nodded gravely as he stared down at the marked map. "The reports note that this person has struck on either side of the border and is working his way parallel with it. There are only two more villages on Camelot's side of the border. I will dispatch two patrols with you. One will stay with you and the other will try to intercept this person. The pattern implies he is looking for an entry point where his targets may have crossed into Camelot. It suggests that they do not yet have confirmation of a crossing." Uther looked up at Gaius before continuing. "I think this boy is one of the targets. It cannot be coincidence that Arthur found him within a day's ride of the border, nor that he was pursued by soldiers from Cenred's kingdom. The question is why? What is so valuable about this boy?"

Gaius understood the question not spoken aloud. "The boy has not shown any special abilities, Sire. He is a bit young to be trained as a sorcerer."

"We both know that age is hardly a barrier. What else have you learned about him?"

"Most of his injuries are consistent with long term abuse and we know that slavery is legal in Essetir. His reactions are in line with what I have experienced with other freed slaves."

"And the other abuse?"

Gaius did not try to hide his grimace. "Very recent, Sire."

"Has he spoken yet?"

"No. I do not think there is any damage preventing him from speaking. It seems more likely that he is too afraid to speak or perhaps he was trained not to speak."

"Those marks I saw, they are unusual for common slaves. It must be that he was claimed by someone high-ranking. What do you know about Cenred's court?"

"I am afraid my knowledge of that is very limited, Sire."

"I was there once. I will admit that I was disgusted with his lifestyle. He is a glutton, always looking for pleasure and encouraging his courtiers to act likewise. He would use that to trap them – like they were addicts and he their supplier. It would not surprise me if this boy were either hostage or collateral from one of Cenred's court." Gaius watched Uther stare off into space, lost in his thoughts. He cleared his throat. "What will you do with the boy?"

"I have found someone to care for him while I am away. They can be trusted to protect the boy if necessary."

"When you return, I want you to bring him to me. We must find out why this boy is being followed." Uther stood up and laid a hand on Gaius' shoulder. "Make sure to send regular reports. I will have two messengers travel with you. See what else you can learn about this stranger."

"Yes, Sire."

"Be safe, Gaius."

"I will, your Highness."

"Time is precious, Cenred. I do not appreciate you wasting my time."

He clenched his jaw and refused to back down from her glare. "Perhaps if you hadn't wasted time and came when I summoned you, this whole mess could have been avoided."

She raised an eyebrow. "Do not insult me by expecting me to bend to your whims. I am not your subject. Twice before you claimed to have found Emrys and both times you were wrong."

"This time Mordred confirmed it."

Her mouth curled in distaste. "Ah, yes. Your little pet. Have you tried sending him to find the boy? Or are you afraid he will run as well?"

"Mordred knows his place!" Forcing himself to remain calm, he continued. "He says he doesn't know how to find him. He couldn't even sense the magic in the boy without physical contact. You made the collars. Can't you track the collar somehow?"

"You asked for collars to control your pet sorcerers, not to locate them. Have you no idea where he is then?"

"They may have made it to the border with Camelot. We lost contact with the squad tracking them in that direction. Someone must have helped them, but they wouldn't have been in any condition to travel far. I sent Edwin to search the villages on both sides of the border. I expect another report today."

She shook her head in disbelief. "Where is Mordred? I want to confirm that this boy is really Emrys."

Resisting the urge to shake her, he rubbed the ring on his right hand and summoned Mordred. "He is coming."

"I am surprised that you do not keep him at your side."

"He has lessons throughout the day."

Her eyebrows raised. "So you did take my advice after all?"

"Don't look so surprised. I would be stupid not to train every sorcerer as I would a soldier." He let his eyes rove over her. "And who am I to resist the charms of a beautiful woman such as you?"

She rolled her eyes at him then turned to see Mordred approaching them. The boy kept his head down as he moved to stand at Cenred's side. "That was quick."

"As I said, Mordred knows his place. What do you need?"

Ignoring him, she crouched down in front of Mordred. She placed her hands on either side of the boy's head and chanted something quietly. Both of their eyes glowed as she held the spell. Abruptly, she let go and stood up in fury. "You had him and you let him escape?!"

He was taken aback by the force of her anger. "I didn't let him escape!"

"No, you just drank yourself stupid with your lackeys and didn't realize you were missing a child, a woman, and a knight until the next day! How could you be so stupid?" She stepped back seeming to gather herself and he glared at Mordred. Though the boy never looked up, he curled slightly as if sensing his master's ire. "We have to retrieve him quickly. That collar will kill him if he is not allowed to vent his magic."

"I told you, Edwin is searching the villages. He will find them." He fervently hoped she would not ask how many villages had already been searched.

"I will contact Mordred for reports and return when you have them." She turned and began to walk away. He followed after her.

"Can't you help find him?"

She kept walking. "I have information leading me to believe that there are two Sidhe that have been banished to our realm. Their assistance would be useful but I must first find a way to persuade them to our cause."

"Useful, how?" he said, grabbing her arm.

She shook him off. "You just worry about finding that boy!"

He turned back to find Mordred standing behind him. He curled his fist into the boy's shift. "How dare you make me look bad in front of Morgause?" He blocked the boy's explanations and shook him hard. "You do not share my personal activities to anyone!" He pulled the boy closer. "Never, you understand! Not unless you want everyone to know about you. Do you want that?" The boy shook his head, dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around his master's legs. "Get off!" He kicked away Mordred's arms. "Get out of my sight!"