Alaia Skyhawk: Well I'm gonna try churn this out fairly quick. At least things get a bit more interesting from this point on. I'm just going to miss out most of the scenes of Edwin sucking up to Uther, they aren't strictly needed and they happen enough and drag on enough that they are tedious to transcribe and turn into a written format. I'd much rather delve more in the bits for Gaius than do those.

I had a go at the one where Uther is asking Edwin what he would like as a reward, and I ended up deleting it in disgust halfway through. A rough summary of it would be "Edwin brown-noses to Uther, Uther is a donk and believes him."

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.

Music: N/A

"Whom History Won't Remember" Episode: N/A

~(-)~

Chapter 32: A Remedy to Cure All Ills ~Part 2~

'Great news your majesty. You will be glad to hear that it was not an infection of the brain.'

'What is it then?'

'A cerebral haemorrhage... I found this trace of blood in her ear.' 'Thank the fates you didn't administer any more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done.'

'Gaius?'

'It may have increased the severity of the bleed.'

That conversation played over in Gaius' mind, even as he felt genuine relief at seeing Morgana awake and Uther joyous in the knowledge of that. Something wasn't right here, he knew there had been no blood in Morgana's ear. Something was going on, Edwin wasn't what he seemed, and he was sure of that as well...

Edwin had left Morgana's room, so that the king and Arthur could have privacy with her, and Gaius deigned to follow after the prince sent Merlin off to get food for her. He didn't like this, it was just too convenient.

"Edwin." The other physician paused in the hallway, Gaius approaching him feigning amiability. "I wanted to offer you my congratulations."

Edwin bowed his head in thanks.

"Thank you."

Gaius continued to lay on the praise.

"She was all but dead, and you brought her back to life... How exactly did you do that?"

The other physician splayed his hands before clasping them again, something he seemed to do a lot. A seemingly habitual gesture of servitude. Many servants used it, as it made them appear humble even if they happened to severely dislike those they served. It was a trick many commoners used when dealing with nobles, that is commoners with something to hide. Those for whom the gesture truly was a habit, never used it quite so often.

"I have developed and elixir for the treatment of just such an ailment."

Gaius kept his slight smile in place.

"I'd love to know the ingredients."

"It is not yet perfected. You must give me more time before I make it public. You know how competitive some of those among our profession can be. It would not do me well to reveal my treatment while it is still imperfect, while it is still possible for others to try and discredit it. Such could well deprive it from those in need of it."

Gaius nodded in acceptance of that, knowing it all too well. There had been stiff competition for the position of Court Physician back when he'd been chosen for it. As well it was not commonly known he'd been selected not purely for his medicinal talents.

Edwin turned away, but stopped when Gaius called out to him again.

"That injury to you face, how did it happen?"

Edwin turned, a flicker of sorrow and anger in the depths of his eyes... It seemed something significant was connected to it, although by his words he would have him think not.

"It happened... when I was very young."

Gaius regarded him with sympathy.

"Perhaps it was I who treated you for it."

"I told you before, we've never met."

"Yes, of course." Gaius nodded once, returning a half-bow of respect like those Edwin had been using before turning to walk away. "Well, I'll leave you to your work."

Yes, something was certainly off about that man... Something he intended to find out.

He returned to his chambers for a while, thinking, trying to place why he felt like he knew Edwin from somewhere. Maybe it had been when he'd been a child, at the time of that burn happening, but looking at him and guessing his age that would have been around about the time of the Purge...

Gaius went rigid at that thought, and the implications of it. If Edwin were connected to someone killed in the Purge, then he could well be here for revenge. But without some sort of proof he could not go to Uther about it, which meant one thing.

He left his chambers, heading to the Hall of Records, unable to help but smile when Geoffrey greeted him warmly at his arrival there. It had been quite some time since he'd come down here personally.

"Gaius!"

Gaius shook the hand that was offered to him in greeting, his smile fading a little as he spoke.

"Geoffrey, I was wondering if I could ask a favour of you."

"Well, anything for an old friend."

He hesitated at that, hopefully that would be true.

"...I wish to see the court records from the time of the Great Purge."

Geoffrey's smile also faded, becoming concern.

"What possible use could you have for those?"

Gaius' tone became serious.

"I fear that the past may have come back to haunt us."

"All the more reason to keep the records hidden."

"I know neither of us wants to remember that time, but this is a matter of great urgency."

Geoffrey grimaced, shaking his head.

"The records are sealed. They cannot be opened, Uther has forbidden it."

"Geoffrey, I beg of you."

"I'm sorry, Gaius. This time you ask too much, even for me."

He turned away and resumed his work, as did Gaius leave to return to his chambers.

~(-)~

A light knock on the door received no reply, Merlin knocking again before deciding that Edwin must be out. He'd come to ask him if he needed anything, what with Arthur insisting he help him in addition to his normal duties, as if he didn't already have enough with helping just Gaius, never mind two physicians. He was running around doing the work of three servants, and would anyone give him credit for it? No...

He opened the door, deciding he might as well drop off the key for the room so Edwin could lock it while he was out from now on. He'd leave it on the table with a note, that would do the job.

Once inside the room, his curiosity from earlier returned. He couldn't help it, couldn't help that his insatiable urge to learn about anything that might be deemed 'strange'. Edwin's collection of alchemical equipment practically beckoned him to poke around and take a closer look, something he did for a couple of minutes. Before eventually though his attention returned to the box Edwin had taken off him earlier, the one that supposedly had been needed to cure Morgana.

Merlin picked it up, opening it and frowning in disgust when he saw it was full of dead beetles, before closing it again and taking note of the runes inscribed on the top of it. He might have had trouble reading them, were it not for the fact that his mind just seemed to translate them into words for him.

He felt the flow of magic, nervous when he realised he'd just cast a spell, before frowning when he found he could now hear movement from inside the box. He opened it, shocked to find a number of the 'dead' beetles were now moving, before hastily closing it again.

That was when the voice came from behind him.

"Very good." Merlin spun round to see Edwin standing there, knocking over a jar of blue powder in the process. His heart was in his throat when the physician came over and took the box from his hands, opening it. Merlin gulped slightly when the moving beetles were revealed, only for Edwin to glance at him and gesture to the box. "Swefn." The beetles went still again, Edwin turning to face him. "You have magic."

Merlin swallowed again.

"It wasn't me. I didn't do anything."

"Then how else did you bring them to life? Only magic can do such a thing." Edwin was regarding him thoughtfully, before holding the box towards Merlin as if to show him that which was in it. "These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her life." He closed the box, putting it down. "Magic can be a force for good."

Hearing those words was a massive relief for Merlin. So Edwin was a sorcerer? It meant he could trust him not to reveal their secret to others.

"I know."

Edwin was now walking around the table, still watching him.

"Then why do you fear it?"

Merlin shrugged a little, nervous.

"Uther has banned it, it's not permitted."

"Should I have let Morgana die?"

Merlin shook his head. After all, he'd offered to Gaius to use magic to help her.

"No."

Edwin smiled slightly.

"People like us, we have a gift. Do you not thing it should be used to make this a better world?"

Merlin hesitated.

"Perhaps..."

He spotted the pile of spilt powder, moving to scoop it back into the jar until Edwin interrupted him.

"Don't waste your time picking that up." He waited until Merlin stepped back from the table, before looking to the pile. "Afeormian daerst remian." He smiled as the powder rose from the table in a stream and flowed back into the jar, Merlin smiling as well at the display. "Why waste a talent like that? And I can teach you."

Merlin stared for a moment, those words sinking in. Edwin would teach him? When he'd turned Nellan's offer down, he'd thought he'd be left to learn on his own again, but maybe this was a chance to be properly trained. When Edwin's expression and a tilt of his chin indicated he'd like to see him do something, Merlin looked to the jar the man had just refilled.

"Raedan asce geatan."

He started to smile as the jar picked itself up and poured its contents into an empty bowl near it, Edwin watching thoughtfully.

"What do you use this for?"

The smile faded from Merlin's face.

"Gaius doesn't like me to."

"A gift like yours should be nurtured, practised, enjoyed." Edwin came closer, still smiling kindly. "You need someone to help you, to encourage you."

Merlin smiled in return, previous unease banished in the face of hope. By the temptation of a chance to be taught by another sorcerer.

"Perhaps."

Edwin tilted his head.

"Imagine what we could achieve, if we shared our knowledge."

Silence fell between them, Merlin shaking himself from his thoughts.

"I should be getting back."

"Of course... But you must promise to keep our secret safe."

Merlin's smile returned.

"Of course."

"People like you and I, we must look after each other."

Merlin left the room, elated inside, and unaware of the smile disappearing from Edwin's face as soon as he was gone. Gaius knew about Merlin, the boy had as much as said so himself, and so why... Why was it that Gaius would protect a sorcerer now, when he had let so many die back then? Why?

He could not answer that, and so instead resumed preparing himself. He had been invited to dine with the king, and surely that was an 'honour' he could not turn down.

~(-)~

The night was late, Gaius writing down his day's work in the present tome he was filling for the court records. It was a necessary chore, one that allowed the treasury to track how the herbs requisitioned from the city apothecary were used. Not surprising really, Lord Jadren was a penny pincher of a man. He liked to track every spent coin he could, and unfortunately for him the fact that the crown used part of the taxes to pay for all but the most expensive treatments for the people of Camelot, meant that Jadren had the excuse to do so in his case.

Why else did he send Merlin out to collect herbs so often. It meant fewer encounters with a grumbling treasurer.

Gaius was just finishing the day's report when his chamber door opened, none other than Geoffrey of Monmouth entering with a cloth-wrapped bundle under his arm. The man approached the table where he saw, walking to the side of it so he could clearly see his long-time friend's face.

"Gaius, you've been a good friend to me over the years, and you've done me many kindnesses. I can't deny you this one request."

Gaius glanced to the bundle before regarding him.

"The records?"

Geoffrey nodded.

"I know you wouldn't ask if it were not important. If Uther were to discover this, he'd kill us both."

"You must believe me, there is a great deal at stake. It is for Uther's sake that I make the request. Trust me, please." Geoffrey paused before unwrapping the book concealed among the cloth, setting it down on the table in front of Gaius, who nodded to him in gratitude. "Thank you, old friend."

Geoffrey said nothing, simply touching a hand to Gaius' shoulder as he passed on his way to the door. Once he was gone, the physician picked up a knife and cut the wax-sealed ribbon that wrapped the book, opening it to the first page and starting to read.

By morning he had his answer, sitting in thoughtful and concerned silence with the book still before him. Opened to a page where but a few of those who had died in the Purge were listed alongside the crimes for which they'd been charged, as well as the notation of their method of execution. Fire...

The sound of Merlin's door opening jolted him from his thoughts a little, the young warlock clattering down the steps from it with a bag slung across his chest. He frowned when he saw his mentor sitting there.

"Have you been up all night?"

Gaius nodded.

"Yes, but it was worth it. Where are you going?"

Merlin shrugged.

"I told Edwin I'd be up at dawn to collect some supplies from in town."

Gaius nodded towards the door after a moment of hesitation.

"Well you'd best get a move on then."

He watched him go, closing the book and rising to his feet. He would have to return it quickly to the Hall of Records, so that Geoffrey could hide it again. It would not be brought to light again unless Uther requested it be brought forth as evidence.

Geoffrey was already waiting there when he arrived, hastening to take back the book and disappear among the shelves. Gaius did not blame him for being nervous, both of them were taking a big risk with this, but at least now he knew the risk was necessary. No longer burdened by the book, he left there and headed straight for Edwin's guest room. It was time he and the visiting physician had a little 'talk'.

The scarred man regarded him with surprise when he entered, putting down the box he'd been holding.

"Can I help you?"

Gaius acted almost cheerful, pleasant.

"Edwin... Your scar has healed well. I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy."

Edwin frowned a little, before putting on an amicable smile.

"I told you we'd never met before."

Gaius was not fooled.

"I didn't realise who you were until I checked the records. You used your mother's maiden name. You are Gregor and Jaden's son."

Edwin's smile faded.

"They were friends of yours."

"They were sorcerers."

"They practised magic, and so did a lot of people back then, Gaius."

Gaius' expression became serious, no long needing to feign friendliness.

"Uther will be furious when he finds out who you are."

There was a moment of silence, Edwin staring at him thoughtfully, before he suddenly went into motion and headed for the door.

"Fine, shall we tell him. Let's go tell him shall we. Let's tell him everything." He stopped when he reached the door, as if remembering something. "Oh, I know... We could also tell him about Merlin."

Gaius had followed him to the door, but now hesitated with a feeling of dread.

"Merlin?"

Edwin had a slight smile on his face, tinged with humoured malice.

"You didn't know he was a sorcerer?" He turned away from the door, starting to pace. "Ah, I wonder what Uther will do... Probably have him burnt."

Gaius was frowning at him, frowning at the threat to his ward.

"You would betray another sorcerer?"

Edwin's expression became a scowl, his voice gradually rising to a shout of anger.

"You did, when you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther! At least Merlin doesn't have a son that will try to rescue him from the flames!"

"You're here to take revenge."

Edwin's voice dropped to deathly whisper.

"And I have waited a long time."

Gaius continued to frown.

"You think I will sacrifice the king to save Merlin?"

"Think about it, Gaius. But if I find out you have told even one other about this, including the boy, I will go straight to Uther."

There might have been more said, were it not for the door opening and the aforementioned young man entering. He passed the promised bag of supplies to Edwin, who pretended Gaius had been here for a social visit, and Gaius found himself forced to play along.

He left Edwin's chambers, feeling like he was trapped in a nightmare, torn between protecting the king and protecting his ward... A ward who only now he truly realised what he meant to him.

Gaius set his head in his hands for a moment, at a loss as to what to do. Uther or Merlin, his king or his ward. Which should he choose? Which mattered more? He cared deeply for both, each in their own way, but which was more important for Camelot's future?

That was the moment he felt compelled, compelled to seek an answer to a question and knowing there was only one who could answer it. But it was not until late that night, when he watched Merlin sleeping, that he followed it. He headed for the lower levels, the fact he was the Court Physician meaning what few guards were down there paid him little heed. It did not take long to reach the place he sought, a path not walked since a terrible day twenty years ago, a day the prisoner he now sought to speak to had been chained beneath the castle.

By the light of his torch he arrived at the cavern, standing on the ledge where he knew his ward had stood at least twice in the past few months, maybe more. He did not know how often Merlin had come down here. But that was not the question he sought to be answered, that question had yet to be asked of the one who dwelt here.

"Hello? It is me, Gaius."

His elderly voice echoed across the cavern, nothing happening at first until in a great flurry of wings the dragon flew up from below to perch on the rock near the ledge. Once he'd done so, he leaned in close to regard the man who had come to see him.

"How old a man can become... and yet change so little."

Gaius frowned, familiar with this turn of speaking.

"And you have not changed either."

The dragon seemed to smile a little in irony.

"Twenty years, so long to make the short journey back to where you began."

"I am not here for myself."

The dragon tilted his head.

"The boy..."

"You know about Merlin?"

The dragon settled himself, nodding.

"You have struggled against his destiny, but you can no more prevent it than he can."

And there was the answer, the answer he'd both hoped for and dreaded.

"So it is true then?"

The dragon smiled.

"Oh yes, and so it would seem you have figured it out. He and the young Pendragon, one day will unite the land of Albion."

"But he is in danger."

The dragon shook his head.

"No, it is my jailer who stands in peril."

Gaius hesitated, eventually speaking.

"Must Uther be sacrificed for the boy?"

"Their time cannot come, until his has passed."

"But is that time now?"

The dragon regarded him with a tilt of his head and a laugh.

"That is of your choosing."

"I will not choose between them."

The dragon began to spread his wings, a hint of disdain in his tone.

"Then turn a blind eye... That is, after all, your talent."

He flew away, Gaius left with nothing but to return to his chambers and an uneasy sleep. He was awake again well before dawn, thoughtful as Merlin got up and went to work, remaining sat on a chair locked in a dilemma until the door of his chamber opened to reveal Arthur standing there.

"Gaius, my father needs to speak to you."

The physician rose to his feet, frowning.

"When?"

"Immediately."

~(-)~

This was almost the sweetest of victories, to listen to the king speaking to Gaius here in the council chambers. A sweet reward for a plan well played, a web of deceit woven to gradually discredit and undermine the Court Physician. Gaius had been a fool, too busy skulking in the shadows to notice what had been going on. Too blind and too late to do anything to change it.

"You're retiringme?"

"I don't want you to worry. I'll allow you to continue living in your chambers, until more suitable accommodation can be found."

"Because I made one mistake? Although in truth, Sire, it was not a mistake..."

He came out of his place of concealment behind one of the council chambers' pillars, regarding the physician amiably.

"Yes, Gaius?"

When Gaius remained silent, Uther spoke for him.

"It was unfortunate, I accept that."

Gaius continued to eye Edwin.

"May I ask who is to be the next Court Physician?"

Uther noted this, speaking diplomatically.

"None of this was Edwin's idea. Initially he turned down the offer."

"I'm sure..."

Uther seated himself, solemn.

"It's not been an easy decision, but... A younger man, new ideas."

"Yes..."

Uther frowned, noting Gaius' unusual silence.

"You're hesitant. Is there a reason you oppose his appointment?"

For a long moment after glancing to Uther, Gaius stared at Edwin who stared right back, before he looked once again to the king. He had made his decision, he knew what mattered more to him, and it was not simply down to what was best for the future of Camelot.

"Sire..."

He hesitated, Edwin tilting his head.

"If you have anything to say, say it now, Gaius."

Uther sighed as he heard this, sympathetic.

"This is difficult for both of us."

Gaius bowed his head, feeling like a traitor and saviour both... Turn a blind eye to a threat to a life, in order to save another.

"I thank you for your patronage. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve your family for all these years."

He turned and walked from the hall, burdened by a heavy heart, a burden that seemed all the worse when the doors were closed with a sense of finality behind him.

~(-)~

Alaia Skyhawk: Whew, that one was way easier to get out. As you can see, I summarised what Edwin did in the cut scenes, in his thoughts. Saved on me doing my head in transcribing them. At least the Kilgharrah bit was fun to do. I didn't change a single one of Gaius' lines, and only tweaked one of Kilgharrah's, and yet they still fit perfectly with the background idea that Gaius knew almost certainly beforehand that Merlin is Emrys :)