I apologise for this being so long in the making! But with University now over my flow of creativity has once again resumed. I thank you all for the lovely reviews! I hope to do the story justice by carrying on. :)

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The world was dark.

As a dischevelled party of companions finally arrived back at the gates of the Castle it was a mere second before the guards rushed to their aid. Arthur turned his head to the windows - Uther had been watching their return. The prince was clearly their primary concern as the moment he was across the threshold they advance to take Arthur away - but he warned them not to as best he could, holding a weak Merlin in his arms with Théa at his side attempting to support the injured warlock. He had grown quieter and quieter during their trek causing all of them to worry. Gradually Morgana had fallen behind, following Arthur limply with Gwen. None of the party spoke until the guards intervened and attempted to remove Arthur safely from their company.

"I should not be given special treatment, Merlin is dying! Help him for pity's sake!" Arthur yelled, continuing to drag his manservant to the castle steps. For a moment they appeared to obey, lifting Merlin's body off Arthur and Théa's shoulders and beginning their ascent to the Castle - but Arthur was quickly taken aside and ushered up the steps behind the emergency, Morgana receiving the same treatment in her almost silent state. Neither Gwen nor Théa were deterred by the guards' presence and they too scurried behind with the desire to help.

Arthur's face was set with determination. "Take him to Gaius. Immediately!" A guard muttered something about the King wishing to speak with him. "I am NOT leaving Merlin's side, do you understand? My father can wait until I have news to give him. Everyone here needs Gaius' aid, everyone. He cannot expect me to abandon them - and tell him so!"

The guard bowed and exited the corridor. Théa glanced at Arthur as his expression of pure hatred vanished almost as soon as the guard left. It was replaced by that of deep concern and worry. Though he was scuffled and worn, the sight of Merlin being hauled so quietly infront of them was a haunting one. Everyone was anxious. None more so than Gaius.

When the doors to his workshop opened the place was already alive with bubbling antidotes, several places where the injured bodies could be laid out and steam rising from various pots. Gaius almost groaned aloud when he saw his apprentice so weak, so silent and pale in the guards' arms. Rushing over to meet them he gestured wildly to the bench.

"Put him there!" he ordered. Once Merlin was settled, Gaius stooped over him. "This bite is deep... his skin is practically on fire, the flow of blood is... I don't understand it - Arthur what happened?"

Ignoring the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, Arthur stepped forwards to answer. "A monster. A creature of some kind... he killed the guards... almost killed me, if it hadn't been for..."

"Is he going to be alright?"

A meek, small voice sounded from near the door. Morgana watched them, wringing her hands. For a moment her stance could have been mistaken for guilt rather than worry.

"I cannot tell," replied Gaius, but only after a moment. With his attention back on Merlin he put his finger to the warlock's neck. His pulse was slow, and slowing by the second. Gaius turned on his heel to Théa. "You're needed."

It was only as the three remaining friends were being escorted back out of the workshop that Arthur realised what was going on. Gaius did not want them to see the next procedure. Gaius was requesting privacy.

Gaius had no hope of Merlin recovering.