The sun had just risen over the hills and had coated the castle in its glorious light when Arthur, along with the gravely injured Merlin rode through the gates of Camelot. One hand was clasped around the warlock's midsection like a vice while the other hand held onto the reins.

For the most part of the treacherously long journey from the Isle of the Blessed back to Camelot, Arthur had kept his eyes upwards so that he looked between the ears of his steed. He couldn't bear to look at his servant. The few times he had, his stomach had churned uncomfortably. Through the ride, Merlin had grown paler and paler as he lost more and more blood and that was saying something. The warlock had a naturally pale complexion as it was. In addition, as they rode home, his breathing had gone shallower and Arthur did not like that one bit. The fact the warlock hadn't opened his eyes, made any sound, and was still breathing didn't seem like a good thing either.

The sight of the Physician's quarters was a godsend. He had never been happier to see a place than right then. Sliding off his horse, he lowered the unconscious warlock from the mount. Cradling him beneath the knees and back, Arthur sagged under the weight. With teeth gritted in determination, Arthur headed to the door as quickly as he was able. Shifting the warlock, Arthur pounded on the door. "Gaius! Gaius, open up," screamed the King in a very uncouth tone.

He heard scurrying and the door opened. The face of a very tired and worried Gaius greeted him. "Arthur," he exclaimed. Seeing Merlin, the physician stepped aside. "Come in! Come in! I need to examine him."

Arthur entered the room and then he laid the unmoving man on the examining table. Even though he removed the weight from his arms, his shoulders sagged. He was exhausted from both the activities of the day and the stress of his friends state.

"It's all my fault. I never should've…I'm sorry," Arthur stammered out.

"I'm not the one you need to apologize to," said Gaius as he finished looking over his ward's head, arms, and legs. He then moved to remove the shirt, which stuck to the dried blood."It's Merlin." Grabbing a cloth, Gaius dipped it in some warm water. Carefully, he washed the blood away and then began to mix up a poultice to slather on the wound.

"Will he be all right, Gaius? Please, tell me," Arthur demanded as he sat down on a bench and rested his heavy head in his hands. "Gaius? I know it's bad….but how bad?"

"I honestly don't know. If Merlin lasts the night, he should make a recovery. It will take time though," Gaius said.

"What happened exactly?"

"I should be asking you that question, Sire."

"Gaius," Arthur groaned. There was an annoyance as his voice as he rolled his eyes. "Just tell me why he has the same wound as my father did."

"Well, sir, I found that amulet of Morgana's around Uther's neck. When Merlin attempted to heal him, the wound was transferred to him. Merlin's spell should've worked, if it hadn't been for the amulet. The injury is actually much worse than the one your father received because of the medallion, which makes any wound 10 times as bad as it was," explained Gaius. His voice was sad. "However, Merlin's strong. If anyone can live through this he can."

Arthur nodded as he stood. For a few minutes, he paced. "It's all my fault. I should've never asked him to try to heal my father," the King said.

"I think Merlin had it in his mind to heal him before you asked. Actually, I know. We talked about it, extensively. He knew the risks," Gaius explained as he slathered the cream on Merlin's wound.

"He knew he'd die?" he asked. His voice rose sharply as his blue eyes widen. "Oh, God…I feel horrible."

"Yes, he did. You didn't know. Don't beat yourself up over what has happened," the physician remarked and then he wrapped Merlin's torso with layers of gauze. "Merlin would not want you to do it."

Arthur nodded as he stopped pacing. The King sat down beside Merlin and took one of his pale and cold hands in his warm ones. Lightly, he rubbed it so that he might stimulate the blood.

"So, what happened over there?" Gaius asked as he rinsed his hands. He poured Arthur a glass of water and filled a bowl with stew, which he sat beside the King.

"It was as if I had relieved the last five years of my life, Gaius, but without Merlin's aid. I defeated the Lady Helena. I was nearly defeated by Sophia. I fought the skeleton army, well six of them. And I met the Callieach again," Arthur explained in a quiet voice.

"My, my, what a time you had. Eat and drink and then you need to rest," Gaius said. "That is doctor's orders too."

The King couldn't help but smirk a little as he ate the stew. Finishing the hearty meal, Arthur leaned back and fell asleep in his chair. He didn't wake for several hours. In fact, it was night when he awoke.

What had roused him from his sleep, he did not know. With blurry eyes, the King looked around. Then, he heard a slight moan and looked towards the bed. Merlin's eyes were open to half-slits as he stared at the King.

"Are are you feeling," asked Arthur.

"Oh, just fine," said Merlin with a little bit if sarcasm. He smiled at Arthur. "Thank you."

Arthur sighed after reaching over and patting the top of Merlin's hand. "Don't mention it. Besides, where else am I going to find a useless servant to polish my armor, muck out the stables, and shine my shoes," asked the King.

This made Merlin laugh a little. "Ow, don't make me laugh, please," the warlock said, yawning.

"Go to sleep, Merlin," Arthur said. However, the man did not hear him because he had already fallen back into the land of nod.