The Protector Chapter 3: The Poisoned Chalice, a merlin fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own the show Merlin, or the movie Jumper or references to Legend of the Seeker. I only own my character Kala.

Chapter Three: The Poisoned Chalice

Kala, no older then nine stood in front of a crowd of people in green robes and only one wore a red robe. The one in red was smirking slightly at Kala which made her feel like she should run away and far. "Kala, this past year that you have been with us we have taught you how to control your ability. Now it is time to teach you how to endure pain that you will most likely encounter in your near future." A young man in the green robe said as he knelt in front of Kala.

Kala's eyes widened at that mention of enduring pain, "What do you mean, endure pain. Why would I encounter pain in the future?"

The man in red walked towards Kala slowly as the man in green stepped aside, "I am a Paladin, one that works along side with your people and no longer with my own."

"What are Paladins?" Kala mumbled as she looked down at her feet as she clutched her green robe in fear. She was beginning to feel the urge to jump back to Camelot and far away from here, she didn't like how the name 'Paladin' sounded, it sounded almost evil.

"Well, young one, Paladins are people who seek out and destroy your kind. This here," The man in red said as he held up a small staff, "Is called an Agiel, it causes so much, intense pain that you can't even imagine. It won't allow you to jump away so easily."

Kala took a small step away from the man and the Agiel, and tried to jump away but the man in red was too fast. He put the Agiel against her side and no matter how hard she tried to jump away, the pain of the Agiel was just too great to do so. "Please…stop…" Kala said weakly between the surging pain.

The man in red, paid no heed to Kala's pleas as he continued to torture her with the Agiel and the other Jumpers in green made no move to help young Kala, they felt that all this pain was necessary for her to endure. Kala never cried so much in her life and never even felt this much pain before and deep down she knew that it won't ever be the last time.

Kala woke up from her dream in tears and sweat as she gasped for air; it felt like she really did experience the excruciating pain of the Agiel. She put her hand against her head as she remembered the man in red; it was the same man that she saw at Arthur's tournament and during the short time when the water was poisoned. Kala sat up and looked around and saw that she was no longer in her room but in Arthur's. Kala groaned inwardly, she must have slept-jumped in her sleep; she hadn't done that in years. Before Kala was able to stand up she heard a slight cough in front of her.

"May I ask what you are doing on the floor of my bed chamber?" Arthur asked with his arms crossed not mad, but worried for his friend. She hadn't been the same since the tournament and she was always looking behind her as if she was being followed. Granted, their relationship grew better and each other felt that they could trust each other fully, which Arthur was grateful for.

"Sorry Arthur, I must have slept walked here. It's a bad habit of mine." Kala mumbled not fully lying, just twisting the details as she stood up slowly. Arthur looked at her curiously not fully believing her but he let it go, he was just glad that she was all right.

"Right, well it seems like every one will be up in less then an hour. How about you go back home and get cleaned up, it looks like you had a nightmare." Arthur said concerned, Kala nodded as she started for the door.

"Thanks Arthur." Kala said quietly as she smiled slightly.

Arthur stared at her confused, "What for?" Kala smiled and shook her head as she left towards Gaius' chambers.

Far off in the land was Nimueh's cave where she stood casting a spell as she dropped a flower in the water. She then pulled out the flower hand placed it inside a silver goblet as she sad evilly, "Merlin…"

In the throne room the two Kings, Bayard and King Uther walked towards each other holding their heads up high. "Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia. The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people." Uther said as he held out his hand towards Lord Bayard. Once they grabbed each other's forearms and shook it, Arthur started clapping followed along with the rest of the room.

In the back stood Merlin and Kala who just stood there quietly, Kala looked towards the side and noticed a young maid looked towards Merlin. Kala stared at her with suspicion.

While Merlin was off doing chores for Arthur, Kala was outside on the steps sharpening and fixing Arthur's weapons while looking at the people around her where busily walking in different directions. "Feeling better?" Arthur said from behind Kala.

Kala gave a slight jump before rolling her eyes, "Oh yes, sharpening weapons is just the cure I needed to get through today" Kala said sarcastically as she continued too sharpen the sword. Arthur laughed slightly before turning serious.

"Seriously though, are you feeling better?" Arthur asked as he sat down next to her. As he stared at her, he couldn't help but realize how beautiful she is. Arthur froze and quickly shoved the realization far away in his mind.

Kala was still looking at the sword before nodding slightly, "Yes, I'm feeling better now. It was just a bad dream and I am sorry for sleep walking into your bedchamber. I don't know why I did that."

"Where did you usually go when you slept walk when you were a child?" Arthur asked curiously.

"When I was seven to eight years old, I would have nightmares which followed by me sleep walking. I would always sleep walk towards Gaius' bed, after a while we realized that during the nightmare, I would sleep walk towards to the person that I felt safest with." Kala said chuckling slightly. Arthur smirked a little when he realized the message in her statement.

"So, should I feel honored that you subconsciously slept walk into my bedchamber?" Arthur said teasingly but deep down he did feel honored and happy that she felt safe with him. Kala laughed and nodded slightly and Arthur began to laugh with her as they slowly fell into a comfortable silence.

In Lord Bayard's guest chamber, Nimueh walks towards a box that holds two silver goblets. Nimueh smirks slightly as she replaces the circular chalice with her own.

In Arthur's chambers, Kala leaned against the table as Merlin sets down Arthur's clothes. As soon as Merlin sat down the clothes both Merlin and Kala backed away from the table covering their nose. "When was the last time these were cleaned?" Kala asked being a muffled hand.

Arthur smirked and thought about it, "Uh, last year sometime, before the feast of Beltane."

"Did it get in a food fight?" Merlin asked as he held up the red jacket for Arthur to put on.

"Don't all feasts?" Arthur said jokingly and Kala chuckled slightly.

"I wouldn't know. The airs and graces of the court are a mystery to me." Merlin said feigning sadness.

"Not after tonight you won't be." Arthur said smirking.

"I'm going to be at the banquet?" Merlin said smiling lightly but also doubtfully.

"Not quite. You'll be there to make sure my cup doesn't run dry. If I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you should get out of it. Be sure to polish the buttons. Do you want to see what you'll be wearing tonight?" Arthur said as he took off his red jacket and went behind the dressing screen to put on another one.

"Won't this do?" Merlin asked pointing to his regular clothes.

"No, tonight you'll be wearing the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot." Arthur said as he went back behind his screen and coming back holding up the clothes for Merlin while smirking and trying not to laugh. Kala had to bite back a laugh and failing once she saw the outfit.

"You can't be serious." Merlin said hoping that Arthur really was just joking around with him. Kala then lost all self-control and started laughing, she felt so grateful that she wasn't a servant. "Why are laughing Kala, you probably have to wear something like this as well." Merlin mumbled as he held the clothes in his hands.

"My dear friend, unlike you, I'm not a servant. Besides I'm only going because I'm Gaius' ward," Kala said still chuckling, "Thank you Arthur, for making my day."

"My pleasure." Arthur said smiling towards his two friends. What a great way to start the night.

In the banquet hall two Kings stood over a parchment signing the treaty as Merlin and Kala stood off to the side quietly. Gwen walked up beside Merlin and smiled, "Nice hat." Gwen said smiling as she held in her laughter and from a distance Arthur looked back and chuckled as well before turning back towards the treaty signing.

"Thanks." Merlin pouted as he continued looking outward until he saw the maid, who was really Nimueh, from earlier in morning as he quickly took off his dorky hat. Kala followed his gaze and frowned, something about that made she didn't trust but she just shrugged the suspicion away.

Gwen to then followed their gazes and smiled softly if not a little bit sadly, "She's pretty, isn't she? For a handmaiden, I mean."

"She's pretty for a Princess, let alone a handmaiden." Merlin said smiling towards the maid in the distance.

"Hmm." Gwen said frowning. Kala patted her should softly and Gwen smiled at her gratefully. As Bayard started to make a speech, Nimueh headed for Merlin looking nervous.

"Merlin, I need to speak to you," Nimueh said softly and Merlin nodded, Kala started to follow them until Nimueh added, "Alone please."

Kala nodded slowly as she head back towards Gwen. "I don't trust her." Kala said softly as her gaze followed Merlin and Nimueh. Gwen nodded in agreement as they both walked next two Gaius. They continued to watch the royals start to drink from the goblets before Merlin came running in.

"Stop!" Merlin yelled snatching the cup from Arthur's hands, "It's poisoned, don't drink it!"

Kala quickly walked towards Merlin and yanked his arm. "What are you talking about Merlin?" Merlin shrugged his arm from her grasped as Arthur started to talk to him as well.

"Merlin, what are you doing?"

"Bayard laced Arthur's goblet with poison." Merlin said loudly answering everyone's question as he stood in the center of the room.

"This is an outrage!" Bayard yelled insulted as his men drew out their swords along with the knights of Camelot.

"Order your men to put down their swords," Uther commanded as the guards ran in as well, "You are outnumbered."

"I will not let this insult go unchallenged." Bayard said angrily. Uther nodded and looked towards Merlin.

"On what grounds do you base this accusation?"

"I'll handle this father." Arthur said as he motioned Kala to stay where she is, not wanting her to get hurt. "Merlin, you idiot, have you been at the sloe gin again?" Arthur guided Merlin towards his father.

"Unless you want to be strung up you'll tell me why you think it's poisoned. Now." Uther said glaring at Merlin.

"He was seen lacing it." Merlin said looking Uther straight in the eye.

"By whom?"

"I can't say." Merlin admitted.

"I won't listen to this anymore." Bayard said impatiently as Uther walked around the table.

"Pass me the goblet." Uther commanded as Arthur handed him the goblet. "If you're telling the truth."

"I most certainly am." Bayard said putting away his sword ready to grab the goblet. Uther held back the goblet away from Bayard.

"No, if this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself," Uther held out the goblet towards Merlin, "He will drink it."

"But if it is poisoned, he'll die." Arthur said towards his father.

"Then we'll know he was telling the truth." Uther said still holding the goblet towards Merlin who then grabs a hold of the goblet.

"And if he lives?" Bayard asked.

"Then you'll have my apologies and you can do with him as you will." Uther said looking towards Bayard. As Gaius began to plead with Uther Kala walked in front of Merlin.

"Merlin, look at me. Give me the goblet, I will drink from it." Kala said holding her hand out. Arthur shook his head and pulled Kala away from Merlin and the goblet.

"Kala no. Merlin, apologize. This is a mistake. I'll drink it." Arthur said as he went to pull the goblet away from Merlin.

Merlin held the goblet away from both Kala and Arthur, "No, no, no, no, it's all right." Merlin said as he slowly raised the goblet to his lips and drank from it. Everyone stared towards Merlin anxiously. After a few moments he said softly, "It's fine."

Everyone let out a sigh of relief as Uther said to Bayard, "He's all yours." Just then Merlin started to make a choke like cough and both Arthur and Kala looked towards him in concern and once Merlin dropped towards the floor, Kala, Arthur, Gwen and Gaius rush over to him. Uther stared at Merlin and then at Bayard and he yelled, "It's poisoned. Guards seize him!"

"Merlin. Can you hear me?" Gaius asked as he checked Merlin's eyes, "We have to get him back to my chambers. Bring the goblet. I need to identify the poison." Arthur nodded and picked up Merlin over his shoulder and followed Gaius towards his chambers with Gwen holding the goblet following close behind. Kala stopped at the door way as she saw Nimueh disappear before heading out towards Gaius' chambers.

"Lay him on the bed quickly, he's struggling to breathe. Gwen, fetch me some water and a towel." Gaius instructed going into physician mode. Kala stood off to the side feeling guilty as she watched Gaius examining the goblet. She should have been the one to drink from the goblet, it was her duty to not only protect Arthur with her life but Merlin's as well, and now she failed. "Ah. The petal comes from the Mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned by the Mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flower grows on the roots of the Mortaeus tree." Gaius said as he read the book. Arthur looked over his shoulder and pointed to the creature.

"That doesn't look particularly friendly." Arthur said looking at Gaius.

"A cockatrice, it guards the forest. Its venom is potent. A single drop would mean certain death. Few who have crossed the mountains of Isgard in search of the Mortaeus flower have made it back alive." Kala said from the side of the table.

"Sounds like fun." Arthur said as he started towards the door. Kala quickly grasped his forearm and tugged him back.

"Arthur, its too dangerous." Kala said seriously, she's been in that forest before.

Arthur sighed and gently held her hand before looking back towards Gaius. "If I don't get the antidote, what happens to Merlin?"

"The Mortaeus induces a slow and painful death. He may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually he will die." Gaius said sadly. Arthur nodded and gave Kala's hand a gentle squeeze before letting go and walking out of the room with determination. Kala looked towards him sadly before walking towards Merlin and sitting beside Gwen who was crying softly.

"You'll get better Merlin, I promise. I will do everything I can to help Arthur get the antidote." Kala said softly to herself.

"What's the point of having people taste for you if you're just going to get yourself killed anyway?" Uther said walking down the corridor with his son trailing behind him.

"I won't fail, no matter what you think." Arthur argued back towards his father. Doesn't he care about his servants, even a little bit?

"Arthur, you are my only son and heir. I can't risk losing you for the sake of some serving boy."

"Oh, because his life's worthless?" Arthur asked getting frustrated, even though he himself always said that Merlin's life is worthless, he never meant it. No one's life is worthless no matter what his or her status in life is.

"No, because it's worth less than yours." Uther said turning around to face his son.

"I can save him. Let me take some men."

"No."

"We'll find the antidote and bring it back." Arthur tried again to convince his father.

"No."

"Why not?" Arthur exclaimed.

"Because one day I'll be dead and Camelot will need a king. I'm not gonna let you jeopardize the future of this kingdom over some fool's errand." Uther said turning back around to continue walking until he heard his son talking again.

"It's not a fool's errand Father. Gaius says that if we can get the antidote—" Arthur said only to get cut off by his father.

"'Gaius says'? That's exactly what makes it so."

"Please, Father, he saved my life. I can't stand by and watch him die, he deserves to live." Arthur said softly looking at his father, his eyes pleading.

"Then don't look. This boy won't be the last to die on your behalf. You're going to be King someday Arthur. It's something you'll just have to get used to."

"I can't accept that. No one should die on my behalf if they can be saved."

"You're still not going."

"You can't stop me Father." Arthur said stubbornly.

"Damn it, Arthur! That's an end to it. I order you not to leave this castle tonight." Uther said angrily walking away, leaving Arthur standing in an empty corridor frustrated.

An hour later, Arthur climbed on his horse and raced out of Camelot and off to the Forest of Balor to find to antidote with Morgana's words still ringing in his ear. "What kind of King would Camelot want? One that would risk his life to save a lowly servant? Or one who does what his Father tells him to?" Arthur continues to ride out ignoring the guard's yells.

Back at Gaius' chamber's Gwen and Kala are at Merlin's side wiping his face with a cold washcloth. Gwen feel's Merlin's forehead and tells Gaius, "He's getting hotter."

Merlin's head shifts slightly while muttering in a different language. Kala and Gaius look towards each other knowing that Merlin is chanting spell. Gwen looks at Gaius with confusion, "What language is that?"

"None, none of those words are his own." Kala said softly.

"The fever's taken hold. His pulse is weaker." Gaius said feeling Merlin's wrist but pauses when he sees a round rash on his arm.

"What is it?" Gwen asked worriedly.

"That can't be right, Gaius?" Kala asked her guardian.

"This rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage." Gaius said not believing what he saw; he got up from his stool and began searching the book. "It says here that 'once a rash appears, death will soon follow within two days.'"

"But you said he had four days." Gwen said confused and filled with concern for her dear friend.

"Something must have increased the flower's potency. Gaius, what else does the book say?" Kala said standing up and walking over to him.

"It warns that 'the effect of the Mortaeus will be more rapid if an enchantment is used during the flower's preparation.'" Gaius said leaning over the book.

"But Bayard's no sorcerer, who could have done this?" Gwen asked, looking at Gaius and her friend Kala.

"It can't have been. She wouldn't dare come here. Unless…" Gaius muttered to himself. Kala's eye's widened; she heard stories about the sorceress Nimueh.

"Gaius, you don't think…" Kala said softly to Gaius who nodded.

"Unless what? What do you two know?" Gwen said confused even more.

"What happened to that girl? The girl that Merlin was talking to." Gaius said towards Gwen.

"She had dark hair. Very beautiful." Gwen said not knowing why the servant girl was important.

"You must find her, quickly." Gaius said and Gwen nodded as she raced out of the room leaving behind a muttering Merlin. An hour later Gwen raced back inside panting for air.

"Let me guess, she wasn't here?" Kala asked from Merlin's side.

"Who is she?" Gwen asked as she took her place at Merlin's side also.

"She's a powerful sorceress." Gaius said looking up from Merlin's infected arm.

"Shouldn't we tell Uther? Maybe he could send riders out after her." Gwen said starting to stand up and head for the door.

"She will be long gone and it will be impossible to know where." Gaius said softly.

Kala's eyes widened, "Oh no…she knows the only place the antidote could be found at. Arthur could be walking into a trap." Merlin stirred softly while muttering Arthur's name. Kala know what she had to do, she has to jump over to where Arthur is at and help him.

Arthur steps off his horse and walks through the Forest of Balor, as he walks he sees a young women crying. "Are you alright?" Arthur asked concerned as he kneels in front of Nimueh. Before she could answer a Cockatrice roars behind him and Nimueh fakes a scream. Arthur stands up quickly and faces the beast, and after a few moments, he manages to kill him. Arthur turns back around and looks at Nimueh, she backs away from him with fake fear. "It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you. How did you get those bruises?"

Nimueh looks at her arm and back at Arthur, "My Master. I ran away from him, but as I was running I got lost. Please don't leave me here!"

"I won't leave you."

"Can you take me away from her?" Nimueh asked with fake hopefulness.

"Not yet. I have something to do first." Arthur said looking towards the cave.

"Why have you come to the caves?"

"I'm looking for something and it can only be found here." Arthur said getting his horse.

"What is it? I know this place, I can help you."

"It's a type a flower that only grows inside the cave."

"The Moraeus flower? I know where they are, come I'll show you." Nimueh said smiling and Arthur follows her into the cave.

"Arthur…its…it's a trap….trap." Merlin muttered softly and Kala nodded already knowing that it was a trap and that she needs to save Arthur.

"He's getting worse, isn't he?" Gwen said softly.

"The poison is setting in, can you fetch me some more Wolfbane?" Gaius asked Gwen, she nodded and left the room. "You must fight it Merlin, fight."

"There they are." Nimueh said pointing towards the flower. Arthur walks forward but stops at the edge.

"Keep back from the edge, and don't worry. We'll be out of here soon." Arthur said walking on the narrow path but quickly turned around to hear Nimueh chanting. "What are you doing?" Arthur drops the torch and jumps towards the walk and hangs there as the floor under crumbles.

"I expected so much more." Nimueh said smirking from the other end of the cave.

"Who are you?" Arthur yelled as he hung for dear life.

"The last face you'll ever see." Nimueh said as a spider crawls up the wall and towards Arthur who manages to grab his sword and killing the spider. "Very good Arthur Pendragon, but he won't be the last. His friends will finish you off, it's not your destiny to die at my hand." Nimueh said leaving.

As soon as she leaves Arthur yells, "Who are you!"

"Arthur….its too dark. Too dark..." Merlin muttered as he begins to chant and his hand begins to glow.

"What are you doing Merlin?" Gaius asked softly.

"Gaius, I have to go. I have to go help Arthur." Kala said standing with her bow and arrows safely on her back. Gaius nodded with understanding. Kala smiled softly at Merlin before jumping to the cave where she knew the flower and Arthur were.

Arthur hangs on the wall and as he sees a light floating towards him he yells, "Come on then! What are you waiting for? Finish me off?" The light just floated there as Arthur pulls himself up and the narrow ledge. He sees the flower and reaches to grab it not noticing that Kala jumped into the cave.

"Why would I want to finish you off?" Kala asked lightly teasing. Arthur jumped a little bit as he turned his head slightly clenching the flower in his hand.

"Kala? What in the world are you doing here?" Arthur asked with confusion.

"We can talk more later, spiders are coming up." Kala said as Arthur began to climb. "Wait! Do you trust me?"

Arthur stopped trying to climb and looks towards the spiders and Kala and nodded, not knowing where she was going with this. "Yes I do trust you and I want you to leave and save yourself."

"Fat chance, I want you to stay completely still alright?" Kala said with seriousness and Arthur nodded and with a blink of an eye Kala stood against the wall next to him. "Arthur I need you to really trust me and know that I won't ever hurt you. I'm going to put my arm around you alright?"

"How did you do that? Are you a sorcerer?" Arthur asked angry.

"I will tell you when we get out of here and no I'm not a sorcerer, I can't do magic." Kala said putting her arm around Arthur. "Take a deep breath." As Arthur reluctantly took a breath he found himself outside.

"How did you do that?" Arthur yelled moving away from Kala.

Kala smiled sadly at Arthur, "I have the ability to jump to different places, that's how I got into the cave and to help you get out of there. Its not magic and you have to trust me when I say that I won't hurt you and I was going to tell you about this."

"I don't know what to say, I don't know if I can trust you anymore." Arthur said walking towards the direction his horse was.

"I understand, now we must hurry. Merlin is getting worse." Kala said following Arthur. When they reached the horse Kala stood beside it as Arthur mounted the horse. "Do you want me to jump you and the horse a mile away from Camelot?"

Arthur looked down at her, he was feeling conflicted, despite what he said, he still trusted her, but he was raised to hate magic of any kind. "Fine, only because Merlin is in trouble." Kala nodded as she climbed behind Arthur and wrapped arms around him and she jumped a mile away from Camelot. Kala got off the horse and looked up at Arthur. "I'm sorry for not telling you, can we talk about this later?"

"Ya…we can talk about this later." Arthur mumbled before riding off. Kala sighed and jumped into her room in Gaius' chambers. Arthur sighed feeling hurt that she didn't feel the need to tell him sooner, before his thoughts went on any longer he quickly rode towards Camelot to save his servant.

By the time Arthur reached gates of Camelot one of the guards yelled, "Inform the King! Arthur has returned to Camelot!" A few more guards walked in front of Arthur and his horse blocking his path.

"What are you doing? Let me pass, now." Arthur commanded, he was getting impatient, Merlin need the antidote soon or else he will die.

"I'm sorry, sire. You are under arrest, by order of the King." The guard said as he pulled out his sword and Arthur looked at him in shock and one of the guards made him get off his horse and lead him to the dungeons. As Arthur stood in his cell with his hands on his hips as his Father walked in.

"You disobeyed me." Uther said angrily walking in the cell looking at his son.

"Of course I did, a man's life was at stake. Do not let Merlin die because of something I did." Arthur said trying to keep his temper under control.

"Why do you care so much? The boy is only a servant, you can always get another one."

"Merlin knew the danger he was putting himself in, and he knew what would happen if he drank from that goblet, but he did it anyways. He saved my life and that says a lot about a man who is willing to sacrifice himself for another. There's more, there was a woman at the mountain. She knew I was there looking for the flower. I don't think it was Bayard who tried to poison me." Arthur said pulling out the flower that would save Merlin's life out of pouch.

"Of course it was."

"Take this to Gaius, he knows what to do with it. It's the flower to save Merlin." Arthur said handing his Father the flower; his Father was his last chance to save Merlin. He hoped his Father would value a life of a servant enough to save him. Uther grabbed the flower and looked at it. "Put me in the stocks for a week, a month even. Just make sure it gets to him. I'm begging you, please."

Uther looked towards his son and towards the flower before crushing it in his hands. Arthur's eyes widened in shock and yelled trying to stop his Father. Uther looked at Arthur, flower still crushed in his hands, "You have to learned there's a right and wrong way of doing things. I'll see to it that you are let out in a week. And when you are let out, you can find yourself another servant, maybe one not so stupid."

Uther walked out of the cell and dropped the flower as he walked out of the dungeons. As soon as the guards locked the cell Arthur got on the floor and tried to reach as far as he could to grasp the flower. Arthur was starting to wish he would have given Kala the flower before she did whatever the hell she did to leave.

In Gaius' chamber, Kala walked around the room looking at Merlin with worry as Gaius kept wiping off the sweat off Merlin's forehead. Gwen walked in the chamber and towards Gaius with worry. "He hasn't got much longer. Has Arthur got the flower?" Gaius asked even though he already knew that he did thanks to Kala.

"I don't know. Uther won't allow anyone to see him. Is there nothing we can do to help?" Gwen asked as Merlin groaned in pain.

"Gwen, only the Mortaeus flower can save him. Arthur was our last chance." Kala said with her left arm across her stomach as her right elbow rested on her left wrist as her right hand was resting underneath her chin. Gwen looked at Kala feeling defeated. After a few moments of thinking Kala smiled, "Gwen, in order for us to see if Arthur got the flower and get it from him, we need to go see him. He has to eat right?" Gwen nodded not entirely too sure where her friend was going with this. "You could bring down a tray of food and see him and hopefully get the flower in the process."

"That might just work, I'll get on it right away." Gwen said smiling as she left the room. Kala smiled but as soon as the door closed shut she looked at Gaius with seriousness.

"Gaius, I know where the flower is I was just there not an hour ago. If it comes down to it and Uther got rid of the flower, I can jump over to the cave and retrieve another one." Kala said crossing her arms while looking at Gaius straight in the eyes.

"No Kala, you already risked your life enough. We don't know if Arthur told his Father about your gift."

"Please, do try to give Arthur a little credit. If he told his Father, I would be dead right about now don't you think?" Kala said rolling her eyes, deep down she trusted Arthur enough for him not tell his Father about her gift.

Gwen walked down the staircase with a tray of food and approaches the guard on duty, "Food for the prisoner." The guard looks at the food and nods as he went to unlock the door. Gwen walked in Arthur's cell and looks down at the sitting prince.

"Set it down over there." Arthur said motioning towards the small little table. Gwen walks over to the table and sets the small tray of food down and backs away from it as Arthur stands up and walks towards his food. "Thank you."

Gwen was about to turn to leave before Arthur's voice stopped her. "Wait a minute. I couldn't possibly eat this it's disgusting. The state it's it, I'm not sure it's fit for anyone." Arthur said sitting back down on the floor. Gwen nodded and went to grab the plate smiling softly as she saw the flower on the center of the tray. As she started to leave the dungeon and headed for the staircase the guard stopped her and grabbed a piece of bread from the plate.

"Waste not, eh? We're not all as precious as Her Royal Highness." The Guard said before taking a bite of the bread. Gwen nodded and turned to leave and half way up the staircase before breaking out in a run as a serving girl walked down the stairs with a plate of food.

Gwen quickly walked into Gaius' chambers saying, "How is he?"

"Have you got the flower?" Gaius asked walking towards Gwen.

"Here." Gwen said handing him the flower who then started on the antidote. Kala smiled from her place beside Merlin as she wiped Merlin's face.

"His breathings worse, you have to hurry Gaius." Kala said seriously as he then stopped making the antidote.

"Why have you stopped?" Gwen asked Gaius.

"The poison was created using magic. We may need magic to make an antidote." Gaius explained softly.

"But we can't. It's forbidden, even if we could…" Gwen said trailing off.

"I'll try and make it work without it. Oh, I need some fresh water." Gaius said motioning towards the empty bowl, Gwen nodded and left the room to retrieve the water. Gaius began to feel nervous, it has been years since he practiced magic he took a quick look around and quickly said the spell. As soon has he finished, Gwen walked in the room and handed Gaius the bowl of water. "Thank you. Kala hold his nose." Gaius began to pour the antidote in Merlin's mouth as he mumbled for Merlin to swallow the potion.

"Gaius…he's stopped breathing. What's happening?" Gwen asked worriedly. Kala quickly placed her hand on Merlin's chest feeling for a heart beat.

"His heart has stopped."

"Is he dead?" Gwen asked looking at Gaius.

"He can't be…it was his destiny." Gaius muttered quietly to himself. Gwen started to blame herself and Kala stood up and placed a hand on Gwen's shoulder.

"It is not your fault Gwen, you did nothing wrong." Kala said as Gwen nodded and hugged Kala before hugging Gaius.

"That's disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. You're old enough to be her grandfather." Merlin said softly from the bed as he looked at his friends.

"I was thinking the exact same thing Merlin." Kala said smiling at her best friend.

"Merlin, you're alive." Gaius said in shock and happiness.

"No, I'm a ghost come back to haunt you." Merlin said sarcastically. Gwen smiled at and walked towards Merlin placing a kiss on his lips. Kala chuckled from the side laughing at Merlin's facial expression.

"Sorry, I'm just…I thought you were dead." Gwen said shyly and embarrassed.

"No, it's fine. More that fine…um, what happened? The last think I remember was drinking the wine." Merlin said looking at Kala and Gaius.

"Nothing much, just Arthur finding the flower and saving you." Kala said smiling. Merlin nodded and smiled as well. Gaius smiled at the three of them before leaving the chamber to talk to Uther.

"Sire, may I speak with you?" Gaius asked politely from the side of the council chamber.

"Not know Gaius, word of Bayard's arrest has gotten back to Mercia. We are about to be attacked."

"I feel that what I have to tell you may have some bearing on your plans. Please, it will only take a moment of your time." Gaius said insisting, Uther sighed and turned towards the courts physician. "I know who tried to poison Arthur."

"So do I and he is currently locked in the dungeons."

"It wasn't Bayard. The poison was magical and I recognized the hand it was made from. Nimueh."

"You must be mistaken Gaius."

"I wish I was, sire."

"We would have recognized her, the witch's face is not easily forgotten here in Camelot."

"She has the power to enchant the eye that looks at her, we would have never have known it was her." Gaius said softly so that the only the two of them can hear. Uther and Gaius continued talking before Uther gave word for the men not to leave Camelot. "Do you think Arthur should be told the truth about Nimueh?" Uther didn't say anything he only kept quiet.

Uther, Morgana and Arthur stood from the battlements watching Bayard and his mean ride out of Camelot. Morgana looks at Arthur and says teasingly, "Okay Arthur, let the bragging begin. How did you even manage it?"

Arthur stayed silent as he thought about his friend Kala, if it wasn't for her, he doesn't know if he would have ever got to Camelot on time to save Merlin, not to mention the ball of light that was there to light their way. Part of him wants to tell Morgana and his Father but the other part of him cares deeply for Kala and he doesn't want to see her die. He will keep Kala's secret for as long as he lives. "I'm not sure, all I do know is that I had help. Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way." Arthur said leaving the part about Kala helping him out of the story. In a way, Kala was his light in the cave as well she helped him.

"Who?" Morgana asked curiously.

"I don't know. But whoever it was, I'm only here because of them." Arthur said softly looking at Morgana.

"I'm glad you're back." Morgana said softly before leaving. Uther made his way to Arthur and stood next to him.

"Arthur? The woman you met in the forest, what did she tell you?" Uther asked having the feeling that it was Nimueh.

"Not much. She was too busy trying to get me killed. It was strange though."

"In what way?"

"I was at her mercy. She could have finished me off, but she chose not to. She said it wasn't my destiny to die by her hands."

"You must have been scared."

"I had my moments." Arthur admitted, though he only felt scared when Kala was in the cave with him, he was scared for her safety. How has it been that only in the past few months that he had grown to care about Kala so deeply?

"Those who practice magic know only evil. They despise and seek to destroy goodness wherever they find it. Which is why she wanted you dead. She is evil." Uther said seriously to his son.

"Sounds as if you know her Father." Arthur said looking at his Father.

"I do Arthur. To know the heart of one sorcerer is to know them all. You did the right thing. Even though you were disobeying me. I am truly proud of you. Never forget that Arthur." Uther said before leaving Arthur to think.

Merlin and Kala were sitting at the table eating talking about what happened when he was poisoned. "That was dangerous Kala, what if he told?"

"If he told, I probably would have jumped far away from here. But I trust him not to tell." Kala said smiling softly. The door suddenly opened and Arthur walked in.

"Still alive then?" Arthur said smiling teasingly.

"Uh, yeah. Just about. I understand that I have you and Kala to thank for that." Merlin said smiling.

"You knew about Kala's, uh…gift?" Arthur said a little mad.

"Only for a little while, do we trust you enough not to tell anyone?" Merlin said seriously.

"You both have my word that I won't say anything about Kala's gift." Arthur said just as serious.

"Thank you Arthur." Kala said softly as she smiled and Arthur couldn't help but smile back as well.

Arthur cleared his throat awkwardly, "Uh, well saving you Merlin was nothing. A half decent servant is hard to come by. I was only dropping by to make sure that you were all right. You will be back to work tomorrow?"

"Yeah, of course, er, bright and early." Merlin said looking at Arthur who was turning to leave.

"Lets be real, Arthur, he won't be there bright and early, just late." Kala said teasingly. Arthur laughed before turning to leave.

"Arthur! Thank you." Merlin said gratefully.

"You too. Get some rest, both of you." Arthur said smiling as he turned to leave. Kala stood up and quickly followed Arthur out the door.

"Arthur wait." Kala said tapping Arthur on the shoulder. Arthur turned around at looked Kala. "Really, thank you. I know you probably don't trust me anymore, but thank you for keeping this a secret." Kala hesitantly gave Arthur a hug who hesitantly returned it.

"Is there another secret about you that I should know about?" Arthur said half jokingly and half serious.

"Nope, just the jumping ability." Kala said taking a step away from Arthur and she started to miss the warmth and comfort of the hug.

Arthur felt the same but nodded, "See you tomorrow Kala."

Kala smiled and walked back in the Gaius' chambers, she knew she made the right decision on telling Arthur about her gift, one less thing to worry about.

A.N: Sorry for the late update, the month of March was hectic. Had two essays to work on and a midterm to study for. Not to mention that I had to get all four wisdom teeth taken out. College is not too fun, cuts into my writing time. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I didn't write about "The Mark of Nimueh" because I never really cared too much about that episode. I will try to get the next chapter up in about two-three weeks. The semester is almost over so after this month I will have more time to write. Yay! :)

If any of you faithful reviewers have any opinions, feel free to PM me or just leave your opinions in the review.