With the lad asleep, Gaius went and prepared something to properly purge Merlin of the hemlock. Mixing dandelion, sage, and Hawthorne together in a base of diluted cider vinegar, he poured it into a small cup. Careful not to spill any of it, the physician carried the medicine over to the bed where Merlin slept. Sitting at his bedside, Gaius tilted the warlock's head back and poured the tincture down Merlin's throat. Thankfully, he didn't make a fuss but the warlock's face did scrunch up in distaste.
Settling his head back on the pillow, Gaius went and gathered clean cloths, a bowl of cool water, and a chamber pot. He'd be needing those things soon. The medicine would make him sweat, vomit, and pee the poisons out. It wasn't a pretty sight, but it was the only way to heal his body. If it didn't work Gaius would have to resort to a good leeching, which he didn't think Merlin would go for.
Soon, the boy's body was purging everything. In a half-conscious state, he threw up until nothing but bile was spat into the basin. Legs unable to support him, Gaius had to help Merlin use the chamber pot, although a few times he was too late (which resulted in the bedding and Merlin's clothes needing a change).
By the evening, most of the purge had been completed, although a fever ravaged his body. In his sleep he muttered of dragons and talking serpents and apple-flavored cheese. Sometimes, the boy would scream out as tears pricked the corners of his eyes as he thrashed in the bed. When Merlin did that, his blankets and the cold compress was thrown off, which Gaius would replace.
During a quiet moment, where Merlin actually was resting peacefully, Gaius emptied the dirty containers. He set the blankets and clothes into a bath of vinegar. Then the physician gathered more water and clean cloths. Just then, Arthur threw open the door and marched in. "Sire!" exclaimed Gaius as he looked up to see the young king. "What brings you here?"
"Where is Merlin?" snapped Arthur as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"He's resting, sire," replied the physician.
"Oh, really? He's not at the tavern with Gwaine, now is he?" demanded the blonde-haired king.
"No! Of course he isn't. He's quite unwell at the moment and is sleeping," said Gaius in an even tone. "I am sure he will be fine in the morning after he's had a bit of a sleep."
"What did he get into while herb hunting?" remarked Arthur. He clearly did not think Merlin had gone to look for Gaius's herbs.
"Belladonna," was Gaius's simple answer.
"Bella-what?" asked Arthur with a frown.
"Belladonna, deadly nightshade," explained the elderly physician. "He had a run in with your sister."
"Will he be all right," Arthur asked as his face fell and worry shined in his blue eyes.
"Yes, sire, he should be. I've giving him a purging tincture that expels toxins," said Gaius in a grave voice.
"May I see him?" requested the King. He was practically begging to see him.
"No, sire, you may not. Right now, Merlin needs rest. He is in no danger. As soon as his fever breaks, he'll be fine," the physician told Arthur.
"Fever?" Arthur breathed with a puzzled look.
"Yes, fever. He needed to sweat out the toxins," Gaius said in an informative voice.
"I see. Well, I…I guess I had better go. Come get me at once if there are any changes. Keep Merlin down as long as you must," Arthur muttered in a hurried tone.
"Of course," quipped Gaius as Arthur left. Sighing, the physician grabbed the bowl of water and cloths. He then went back to tending to Merlin, whose fever hadn't broken yet, but he still slept.