"Well, tell me," demanded Arthur. He gripped the warlock's arm firmly as he stared into the young man's eyes. "Come one! We haven't got all day."

"Tell you what?" Merlin asked, blinking.

"What happened out in the forest. Gaius told me what happened," Arthur replied. He sounded exasperated.

"Then why do you want me to tell you?" the warlock questioned.

"There were parts left out. I don't think Gaius told me. I don't blame him. How could he?" the King said in a soft voice

"Very well, I'll tell you. There was a boy, Deagol. The boy who saved your life actually," Merlin began. "He came asking for my help. I should've been wary because he only wanted my help. But, I went and I only realized the folly of my actions when we came out a dead end and Morgana showed up. We fought and she pushed me down and poured hemlock down my throat. She rolled me down a hill and I landed on a stick, which punctured my leg."

Arthur sucked in air. His face was paling with each sentence that Merlin said. The warlock tried to ignore it.

"While I was suffering from the poison, Deagol told me that Morgana had instructed him to bring me to the place. He didn't know why and he didn't ask. She threatened him. He didn't like what she had done and wanted to help me, so Deagol got the antidote under my instructions," Merlin whispered.

"Is there more?" Arthur asked.

Merlin nodded. "Yes," he said. "Deagol told me that Gwen also asked him to lead me awry. We believed that it was she who planned the assassination attempt."

"How dare you?! Are you wanting thrown in the stocks for treason," demanded Arthur as he grabbed the warlocks shirt. His nostrils flared and the pupils of his eyes dilated.

Before Merlin could answer, there was a noise. Both men looked towards the sound and then, Arthur (after letting go of Merlin's tunic) stepped forward to see who or what had made the noise. Merlin followed closed behind.

Soon, it was clear the sound was the sound of boot steps on stone. Whoever was making the noise was coming closer. Peering round the post, Arthur and Merlin saw Gwen, dressed in a dark cloak, hurry off.

"Where is she going," Arthur asked.

Merlin shook his head. "I don't know," whispered the warlock.

Arthur nodded. He then raised two fingers and gestured towards the path Gwen was using. The two men were going to follow her.

They stopped behind two trees. Peering from behind them, they saw Morgana approach before Gwen did. Merlin glanced over at Arthur. Hurt shined in his eyes as his jaw clenched. The king did not move though.

"How are things, m'lady," asked Morgana.

"Not well. Arthur lives, as does Merlin," said the Queen. Her voice was cold and curt.

"Do not worry. We have another chance. You have your belated anniversary dinner, don't you," said Morgana, to which Guinevere nodded. The high priestess smirked and handed the Queen a bottle. "Drip a little into his food or drink. He'll be with the reaper before he can take even one breath."

Gwen wrapped her hand around the bottle. She squeezed it tightly. "I will not fail," the woman promised.

"I know. I know."

Arthur started to bolt from behind the trees. Merlin reached out and grabbed Arthur. "No, said the warlock.

"I can't lose her. If I lose her, I lose everything," whispered Arthur. His voice cracked as he spoke. "Why would she betray me?"

"This is not Gwen… not really. This is dark Magic. We will save her. You have my word," Merlin said with conviction. He meant what he said.