A/N: Thanks for all the well-wishes, guys- gives me the warm fuzzies (and no, it's not just fever) ^_^
I'm sure you'll also be glad to know that I have emerged victorious in the war for my bed (though my cat put up a fight, sleeping on my feet so I woke up feeling partially paralyzed [how was it even comfortable to lie there?]). So now that I've slept the day away- have another chapter!

(I may have been wrong about there being action in this chapter, but when am I not? Well, there sort of is, just not the action I was referring to.)

A cloaked figure slipped out of a little-used gate in the city walls, stealing into the forest under cover of darkness to meet a similarly clothed individual within the trees.

"What news?" The pale woman asked.

"Sarrum will provide one of his men for the plan, but there is a problem."

"What?"

"Merlin lives- Arthur brought him back this morning."

Hooded green eyes narrowed.
"Is there a chance he can interfere with our plans?"

"According to my dear husband the pest can hardly move, let alone get out of bed. It seems he is also blind and dumb for the time being."

"Then ignore him for now. Better to avoid raising the alarm before we've gotten my brother out of the way."

"Very well, m'lady. I will send word when the deed is done."

"I look forward to it."

The two parted ways, melting into the black night.

Merlin woke to the sound of the hob squealing as it swung in the hearth, probably with breakfast hanging from the end.
He heard someone scooping something out of a pot and into a bowl, confirming his expectations.

Wanting to test his progress, he gathered his strength and sat up slowly, taking a moment to rest before swinging his legs over the edge of the cot.

"Merlin?"

The ladle clanked as it dropped into the pot and warm arms wrapped themselves around the servant's shoulders.

"Oh, my boy, I was so worried about you. How are you feeling?"

Merlin brought his arms up to hug his mentor in return, squeezing him tightly for a moment before relaxing in the embrace.

"Of course, how thoughtless of me. Has the pain lessened?"

The warlock nodded. In fact, it had dramatically decreased overnight and was now mostly ignorable.

"Here, I have breakfast for you and then a tonic to help you get your strength back."

The physician withdrew and a bowl was pressed into his hands.
Merlin frowned, not looking forward to the feel of food going down his damaged throat but also knowing he needed it.

"There's some pain medicine by the bed if you'd like- let me get it for you."

The servant looked over where he knew the table to be, realizing that his eyes were open when a spot of light formed at the edge of his vision.

Can I-?

The spot winked out, leaving him to doubt it had ever appeared.

He wilted slightly, accepting the glass from withered hands with a nod of thanks and downing the contents.

Sighing in relief at the cooling effect of the potion, he turned his attentions to the unknown breakfast in his lap- not that it much mattered what it was with his current lack of tasting ability.

The sustenance was lumpy but soft, probably oatmeal of some sort- so his tongue wasn't missing anything.
Gaius' oatmeal typically required large amounts of honey to render it edible.

"Will you be alright without me this afternoon? I'm supposed to be at the treaty signing but I can stay if you have need- otherwise Daegal will remain to see to your care."

The treaty signing! Idiot, how could you forget?

Merlin stood abruptly, upsetting his bowl and knocking over a stool as he reached out his arms and stumbled forth to search for Gaius.

"What is it, my boy? You really shouldn't be up..."

Locating the elder by the sound of his voice, Merlin gripped his shoulders tightly; once again trying to silently communicate his warning.

"I don't understand... what are you doing?"

Another spot of light had appeared in his eyes, then another, and he released his hold on the physician; swiveling his head in an attempt to catch a view of something useful in his limited window of sight.

"Calm down, my boy- what are you looking for? Let me help you..."

Shrugging the helping hand from his arm he surged forward toward the quill and parchment he espied on the writing desk. Not able to see directly in front of himself, he crashed into the worktable and bashed the cut on his leg against the bench. The injured leg collapsed under the abuse and his currently frail body couldn't compensate, depositing the lanky man on the floor where he gripped the wound in silent suffering.

"Merlin- Guards!"

A ruckus erupted as two armored men came in from the hallway, the clanking of chain mail and weapons seaming to echo throughout the small space.

"Get him back on the bed."

Gloved hands grasped him with surprising gentleness and lifted him back onto the cot.

"Drink this, Merlin."

"No, you don't understand!"

"Hold him for me."

The hands held him down this time as Gaius pinched his nose and poured a potion down his unwilling throat.

Stupid- "Daegal!"

He only managed to call the boy's name once before the sedative took effect.