We told you we'd get it up quickly!

Now, it's time for us to grovel at your feet. Last chapter, we forgot to publicly thank the reviewers. We are very sorry. We make amends now. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed! Or given other forms of feedback!

Enjoy!

The Legend of the Seeker crew sat in a destroyed clearing. They had come to the conclusion that a plan of some sort needed to be executed with haste.

"Cara, are you sure you didn't see anything while you were spying on Prince Arthur that could help?" Richard asked searchingly.

Cara gave him an exasperated look. This seemed the hundredth time her companions had asked that. "Yes, I'm sure." Her voice took on a swift tempo, "The first day their talk was mostly 'clean this!' exchanging insults, and expressions of admiration for beautiful women. I've already told you all the important details." Cara took a breath. "Second day, Merlin was very subservient, and Arthur whimsically trashed his own bedroom. Have I missed anything? I think not!"

"I'm sorry you had to put up with that," Kahlan said, trying to soothe Cara.

Cara raised her eyebrows. "Actually, it was a nice change from what I usually have to listen to." She clasped her hands together and stared at the sky. She then said in a high, squeaky voice, "I love you, Richard!" She dropped her voice low as she could, "I love you, Kahlan." Cara put her voice back into its usual octave, "I wish we could be together!" She puckered her lips and made kissy noises.

Arthur strode into his room once more. He wondered if he could and should have let bootlicking Merlin clean this mess before curing him. Arthur could have saved Merlin immediately after saving himself the embarrassment of the room's state.

Suddenly, Arthur noticed that somebody was crouching beside the screen.

"What are you doing?" Arthur demanded while drawing his sword.

The man bolted to his feet. It was the servant that offered services earlier. He clutched the muddy drapes in one hand while sputtering in horror for an excuse, "I-I'm s-sorry, m'Lord. The king ordered me to t-tend to your needs."

Someone had seen the mess. Arthur clenched is teeth to suppress a groan. Now, the story would spread that the crown prince plays in mud. Wait, Arthur didn't actually have to worry about that. He knew how to keep a man quiet. Not only that, this was actually a opportunity.

"Don't worry about it." Arthur sheathed his sword and watched relief flood into the servant's face before adding, "Now you can clean this mess up. I do this when I'm angry," Arthur indicated the muddy atrocity. "And if you tell anyone about this, I'll have you in the stocks for a month... maybe even two. I'll make your life a living hell. Is that understood?"

The wide-eyed servant nodded vigorously. "Yes, Sire!" His voice nearly squeaked from fear.

"Good," Arthur smiled and patted the frightened servant's shoulder. "You can start by cleaning my shirts, then you can..." Arthur rattled off a long list of chores, starting with the issues Arthur had self-inflicted. He then added, "And remember, nobody can know about any of this... unless you greatly fancy the stocks... among other things."

Morgana felt drunk with happiness. She was having trouble keeping her face straight. The first stages of her plan had been implemented. Morgana had arranged for a tragic accident to occur. Some poor man's wagon was overturned because his horses got spooked. That man and several others were seriously injured. To treat them, Gaius would have to leave Merlin alone. Now, all Morgana had to do was detach Gwen, and Merlin was as good as dead.

"Morgana."

Morgana turned. It was Arthur. If she wasn't so annoyed, Morgana would have noticed that Arthur sounded exceptionally chirpy.

"Yes, Arthur?" Morgana replied, pretending to be happy to see her half-brother.

The next half hour was incredibly frustrating. Morgana would hint, rather forcibly, that she wanted him to go away. Arthur, however, seemed more oblivious than usual. She had never heard him stretch small talk so far. What was worse was that he didn't even look interested in speaking to her. Every chance Arthur got, he would look past Morgana. Honestly, if she didn't know better, she would think Arthur knew her plan.

After Arthur eagerly looked over her shoulder for what seemed the millionth time, Morgana snapped.

"Arthur?" Morgana tried to sound warm. "Is something bothering you? You seem distracted."

Arthur raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Ah... no," Arthur paused, "It's... just a lovely view."

Morgana furrowed her brow. "It's muddy out there," she snapped.

Arthur shrugged. "Well, sometimes mud looks nice," he said philosophically.

"Arthur!" Morgana said sharply, "Have you been visiting Bartholomew?"

"Who?"

"Surely you've heard of him. The nutjob that fancies he can help people with their emotional problems."

"So?"

"Everyone who goes to see him comes out acting drunk. Then, they follow his hair-brained advice," she explained hastily. Then, she added nastily, "I was just wondering if you have become one of his patrons."

"Seeing as I haven't heard of him until today..." Arthur glared at Morgana, "But it does beg the question, where did you hear about him?"

"I'm just better informed than you."

"Oh, yes. I forgot. All you do all day is gossip."

Arthur and Morgana argued viciously. Gwen tried to think of an inconspicuous way to excuse herself. At first, Gwen had found Arthur's conversation with Morgana rather pleasing. Much of what Arthur said was for Gwen's benefit. Now, she just wanted an excuse to slip off. Salvation came in the form of a messenger.

"Prince Arthur. Lady Morgana. The king has requested your presences in the council chamber."

"I am NOT hiding in the back! I have spent enough time smothered by luggage. I will drive the cart."

"Cara," Zedd patronized, "I'm an old man. You wouldn't want to force my creaky old body into the back, would you?"

"You're old. That's exactly why you should ride in the back," Cara retorted, "You need to lie down."

"They wouldn't suspect anything from an old man," Zedd persisted.

Cara snorted, "If they lift the hood, you aren't exactly a charmer."

"I am not that ugly!"

Richard and Kahlan wondered if and when they should intervene. For Richard and Kahlan, it was never a question of whether either of them would drive the cart. If the hood was pulled, they would be recognized. Zedd was young and Cara was a guinea pig when the group ran from the guards. Neither would be recognized. However, Kahlan and Richard didn't expect their companions to debate over who would be more likely to keep the cart from being searched.

Kahlan leaned to whisper in Richard's ear, "Should we just let both ride up front?"

Richard smirked, "Nah, I want to see how this turns out."

Uther finally dismissed the council. Morgana didn't care how overly eager she looked as she darted away. There was no way of telling exactly how long the mess outside would keep Gaius occupied. It might already be too late.

When Morgana finally reached Gaius' home, she eagerly grabbed the door handle and pushed. It didn't budge. Morgana could barely contain her panic. Gaius never locked his door. It was beginning to seem as though fate was conspiring to stop her from ending Merlin.

She shoved again. The door budged slightly. Something was propping it closed. Morgana checked to be sure she was alone before forcing the door open. Morgana stumbled in, past the rearranged furniture.

"Gaius," she called innocently, just in case.

No answer. Morgana smirked. Victory, she thought. She hurried to the potions, looking for a poison. She passed by many extremely slow and painful poisons in favor of one specifically labeled 'poison.' Morgana was almost giddy. She stepped onto the bottom stair leading to Merlin's room.

Thud!

Morgana turned to see Gaius. She forced a smile, laughing lightly, "I just came because I had trouble sleeping last night."

Gaius stared at her. "So you thought you'd treat yourself," He indicated the bottle in her hand. Gaius walked toward her.

Morgana laughed nervously, "Well, I thought—" But before she could finish, Gaius plucked the poison from her hand.

"It's a good thing I came when I did. This would have gotten you to sleep." Morgana couldn't conceal the surprise on her face. "But, it would have been permanent."

Gaius walked over to his potions and selected a sleeping draft. "Take this," he said, pretending to buy her bogus story, "You seem a bit disoriented. Would you like someone to escort you to your chamber?"

"Why would you say that?"

"Because you almost walked into Merlin's room."

"Oh, you're right. I'm so tired," Morgana laughed, "But I think I can make it."

She hurried as fast as she dared out of the room. As soon as the door closed behind Morgana, Gaius rushed to check on Merlin.

That evening, a horse dragged a cart with a hooded figure into Camelot.

Cara managed to convince her companions that she should drive the cart by pointing out that being searched was less likely if she drove. It would be easy. All she'd have to was bat her eyelashes and most men melted like butter. (Either out of fear or lust.) Most men... Cara wouldn't admit it to any of them, but she was afraid. If appeal failed, she couldn't use intimidation without risking a premature battle.

Clung-clunk!

They went over a bump in the road. Cara resisted the urge to laugh as she turned to make sure the others were still concealed. They were fine. Probably a bit miffed (especially Zedd), but none the less fine. She continued toward the main square.

At long last, Cara pulled the wagon to a stop. She leaped off the cart. She took note of the surroundings. There was another wagon in the main square. It was brimming with barrels and without an animal attached.

"My," She feigned contemplation, "the main square is lovely."

At that signal, Cara's three companions bounded out of the wagon.

Merlin clutched his head and rolled over. His head pounded furiously at the racket. Merlin groaned. He clamped his eyes tighter, trying to ignore the wretched ringing.

Suddenly, Merlin realized what the mind raking noise was. He tore himself out of bed. The warning bell. Arthur. He might be in trouble.

Merlin stumbled across the room. Nearly collapsing, he clutched the door frame for support. Merlin closed his eyes. In a deep breath, he drew the strength and will to continue. He flung his hand onto the door handle and opened the door. Bracing both arms on a wall, Merlin staggered down the steps.

"Gaius," Merlin called out. No answer.

Merlin bumped and tumbled through the obstacle course. He leaped from object to object for support. Merlin had hoped Gaius could provide a tonic. But even without one, Merlin knew he would be alright.

Merlin staggered through the Camelot corridors. Finally, he found the source of the commotion. Merlin winced. Amongst the many red bearing chainmail figures was Richard and his original three companions. Richard dueled Arthur and killed all knights that came near. The other three members of the band surrounded Arthur and killed their way in separate directions away from the duelists. Merlin searched for a sign of the young wizard or any other accomplices the crazy people might have picked up.

Richard was unhappily impressed with Arthur's prowess with a sword. Very few people existed that could give Richard such a challenge. He was beginning to worry Arthur would beat him. It didn't help that Richard's main objective was to clear the way of guards for Kahlan to confess Arthur. They needed to confess Arthur in such a way that no one would realize what really happened. It needed to look simply like a kidnapping, nothing more.

"Kahlan!" Richard hollered in desperation as he killed the last guard in Arthur's vicinity, "NOW!"

As Kahlan dashed, Merlin searched frantically for a way to stop her. Merlin almost used blatant magic when he spotted another solution. His eyes flashed gold as he croaked the needed magical words.

A horse cried and plunged directly into the fray, dragging a cart behind it. Everyone scattered. Then, the battle immediately clashed once more without regard to its rearranged pieces. Merlin watched as Richard began to drive Arthur toward a corner.

Richard fought to press the battle back into his favor. More soldiers poured into the courtyard. If his group didn't isolate Arthur quickly all would be lost. They couldn't risk capture or death.

As the soldiers began thinning once more, Richard noticed that Arthur was maneuvering himself into a dead end. Just as well, Richard thought as Arthur's movements forced them past a wagon load of barrels. If Arthur was stupid enough to trap himself, it would make this task easier even without the cart.

Arthur didn't have time to look pleased that the invaders were taking the bait. Arthur realized he was taking a risk. If none of his men recognized the direness of the situation that he was backing himself into a corner... But what else could Arthur do? Too many of the knights were dying. To save lives and win the battle, Arthur had to trick the attackers into getting surrounded.

Arthur almost reached the corner. Everything was falling neatly (or not so neatly) into place. Just then, Arthur changed his mind. He ran.

Richard fancied he heard a crack behind him. Suddenly, Arthur and some of his men openly fled. Relieved, Richard was about to press his advantage when he heard a strange rumbling noise. Then everything went black.

Merlin's will to stand collapsed. He had done what he left his wonderful bed for. Camelot was safe. Just as Merlin had hoped, the crazy people got flattened by magically stampeding barrels. Merlin slid to the floor, nearly blacking out.

"Wrap and tie their fingers," Arthur ordered.

"My Lord?" One of knights questioned.

"Just do it." Arthur would explain this to his father later. He would of course leave the bit about Merlin out, lest Uther get any ridiculous ideas or dismiss the idea completely due to Merlin to being an idiot. Arthur didn't worry much about the latter. His father was unlikely to put the effort into telling the knights to untie their fingers. It was the criticism that would be unbearable. Uther was probably going to criticize Arthur anyway for "trusting second-hand rumor." To that, Arthur would reply that there was nothing to lose in this case. If this rumor doesn't work, then the prisoners will be a little more uncomfortable for no reason. Arthur had no problem with that. After all, those creatures did terrify Gwen, kidnap Merlin, and kill many knights.

Suddenly, somebody screamed. One of the knights clutched his wrist.

"Sire," the knight breathed, "the witch's club. It cannot be lifted."

"Stand guard over it," Arthur answered firmly, "We'll try to move it after the prisoners are taken to the dungeons and I report to the king."

Arthur led the knights into the citadel. He ordered that the prisoners be taken to the dungeons. Arthur walked briskly up the steps. His duty was to report to his father.

Arthur hardly paid attention to where he was going. He knew the way blindfolded. As he walked, he mulled the recent events over in his mind. Arthur wondered what this renegade group wanted with him. It was obvious by their tactics, that Arthur was the intended target. He didn't get the feeling they wanted him dead. Arthur felt certain that this wasn't a simple assassination mission or play to take Camelot by force. Did they hope to ransom Arthur? That didn't quite make sense considering their tactics. But then, stranger things have happened. They did kidnap Merlin. And why did that man call for the dark-haired girl—Kahlan? There had to be a reason other than back up—she was a wretched fighter who was probably only alive because the knights didn't want to kill a woman. Maybe she was supposed to drug Arthur... And then the lucky—or unlucky—incidents. Arthur didn't like how dependent the victory was on the timing of the barrels. Or how the horse and cart's timing conveniently prevented Arthur from finding out exactly what Kahlan intended to do. These events were too coincidental.

Arthur's foot snagged on something, breaking his thoughts. He skipped forward to avoid falling. Arthur looked back to see a figure slumped against the wall.

"Merlin?" The figure's head lifted. Arthur then demanded, "What are you doing here? Get back to bed!"

"Had... to help," Merlin breathed.

Arthur rolled his eyes. Why had he expected a reasonable answer from Merlin? Arthur knew he ought to know better by now than to ever expect a reasonable answer from his servant. (It was one of Merlin's more undesirable traits.) However, that didn't stop Arthur from hoping.

Merlin smirked, "I saved your life." Arthur couldn't decide whether this was Merlin talking, or if something Gaius might have prescribed for the pain was getting to Merlin's head. Psh, the previous. Merlin didn't need drugs to be stupid.

"This isn't the time for your ridiculous sense of humor, Merlin. Get back to bed."

"This is comfortable enough," Merlin mumbled.

"That's good," Arthur could resist replying, "because I want you to sleep here from now on."

To Arthur's disappointment, Merlin didn't argue. Merlin had already fallen asleep.

Arthur certainly wasn't going to carry Merlin through the corridors. On the way to see the king, Arthur would just find someone to help the idiot servant.

Morgana hefted a jug of wine. One good thing had come of her disastrous attempt on Merlin's life. She had dumped the sleeping draft into the wine.

Morgana felt a sense of excitement. She had watched the battle from her chamber window. Those people were effective. And, they didn't seem to like Uther much. That made them the perfect allies. She couldn't wait to tell Morgause.

As Morgana descended the stairs, she smirked at the thought of what she was about to do.

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Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays if you prefer) and a Happy New Year!

P.S. Bartholomew is NOT making an appearance. Mentioning him at all is an inside joke. If you want it explained to you, feel free to ask.