Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
A/N: LOL...I am updating again and so soon. This makes me so excited. I didn't get any reviews for last chapter, though. :( Maybe this time...I know you want to.
Thanks to my epically awesome beta, jaqtkd, who helped me again.
"What is the nature of the problem?" Uther asked Gaius as he stood before the king and several nobles in the council chambers.
"You see, sire," Gaius said, holding up a large black beetle, "This creature is eating our crops at a exponential rate. If it is not stopped and stopped soon all the crops will be gone in less than a month."
"This could not have come at a worse time." Uther said, his gaze drew to the window where the leaves while still bright green would soon change into brilliant reds and oranges.
"Indeed," Gaius replied, his voice grave.
"Is magic involved?" Uther inquired, his eyes betraying a slight hint of madness as they always did whenever the subject of magic was brought up.
Gaius shook his head, "I'm afraid not, sire."
Gaius could have sworn that there was a touch of disappointment in Uther's voice when he spoke next, "What do you suggest we do?"
"That is the problem, sire. I'm not sure that there is anything we can do."
"Surely there must be a way to kill these creatures?" Uther asked.
"It is not that simple. I have studied the beetles and they seem reproduce rather quickly. Too quickly."
"Is there nothing that can be done?"
"I can assure you that I will not rest until I have found an answer. But, I am afraid that it is very likely that Camelot is heading toward famine."
There was a sharp collective gasp from the crowd which had been silent up until this point and Gaius hoped that they would be able to find a solution before that happened.