Uther demanded that the servant be thrown into the cells. 'Down in the cells?' Arthur had thought, 'he is obviously sick!' If the sweating and ranting wasn't justifacation enough. Then surely the fact that his eyes had rolled back and his head had met the floor with a solid THUNK was proof beyond any.
What did Merlin mean by "they will kill you..." Fever? Yes, fever had taken hold of his brain.
"He needs to be given to Gaius! He is not well. Father I will not let you do this!"
"Nonsense Arthur. The boy threatened a royal court. His insolence cannot be encouraged any further. No more debate." The court had disassembled. The men unclear of where to go, hovering nearby to catch a glimpse of the sprawled unconscious servant and the kneeling prince anxiously checking his pulse.
"He never threatened anybody! His forehead is hot, you can't send him away like that!"
Uther glared down fusterated. After a long moment he cocked his head up and sighed, "you may take him to the physician. That is untill he wakes."
Half an hour later Arthur poised uncertaingly over the sickbed, while Gaius dabbed a wet cloth on his servant's head.
"What is wrong with him?!"
"I'm afraid I do not know sire. He seems to be showing signs of multiple ailments...though which one I cannot be sure. At the moment our biggest concern is keeping this fever of his down and making sure his fluids are maintained. I will send for Gwen, and when she arrives I will refer back to my books. "
"How could I have missed this?"
Gaius placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"We all did."
Despite his ability to handle the situation more then Arthur would be able to, the prince could almost smell the scent of concern seeping from the old man's pores. This was a shock for him, and his hands shook along with the heaving chest of his unbiological son and ward.
"I will stay with him."
With the statement Arthur took the cloth from the physician. He dipped it into the water and placed it gently once more onto Merlin's head. Gaius raised one eyebrow and silently hurried to his books.