"Your brother cares a great deal for you. We all do. You cannot die Arthur Pendragon because you represent hope for us all. I have seen the man inside you, the King you are destined to become. So you see, you must live, because you will be the one to bring peace to this land. I believe in you". Gwen spoke to him softly while wiping a wet cloth over Arthur's brow.
"Gwen"? she turned at the call. William stood at the entrance of the prince's chamber before coming in. "Will? Is there something you required"? she asked looking at the boy's questioning glance. "I was looking for Merlin. Have you seen him? Gaius wanted to speak with him".
"He just left the room, not a few moments ago".
"Alright, then I'll find him myself. Will nodded to her in thanks "How is he"? he asked gesturing to the fevered prince.
"No better, no worse", replied Gwen as she rung the wet cloth into the bedside basin before placing it back on the prince's brow.
A while later when Will found his Master, Merlin was saddling a horse in the stables. "You going somewhere"? He asked Merlin who turned to him, careful to keep his face neutral.
"There is an Island in the south, in the sea of Meredor, called the Isle of the Blessed. It used to be the heart of the Old Religion. There is a cure for Arthur there. I need to go".
"So there is hope for Arthur to be saved"? Merlin nodded to the question as he finished strapping the last buckle in place. "Let me come with you".
"No"! His Master's cold eyes snapped to his as he ordered firmly, making the hairs on his servant's neck stand on end. Merlin never ordered him around nor spoke to him rudely. Something was amiss. The prince continued on, in a softer tone this time. "Stay here, I need you to get a message to Gaius from me".
"Anything". Will's voice answered.
"Tell him, that the cure must be administered as soon as received, no matter the cost. Arthur's life and the future of Camelot are too important to risk".
"Merlin? what is it that you are planning to do"? He asked shifting as his master walked past him, out the stable entrance. Merlin did not answer until he was mounted on his steed.
Raising the hood of the traveling cloak he wore, he turned his half-hidden face to look at Will. "Protecting this Kingdom and its future in the best way I can". was the last thing he said before the youngest Pendragon rode out through the city gates.
"Will? Did you find Merlin? I needed his help with these texts. It will help find a cure for Arthur to go much faster". Will looked up at his mentor and guardian as he entered the physician's chambers. Gaius had only looked up at him briefly before turning his attention back to the book, open before him.
"He's left the Castle".
"What? Where has he gone"? Gaius's eyes immediately jumped to his ward, his signature right eyebrow raised in incredulity.
"He said something about finding a cure for Arthur on the Isle of the Blessed" Will relayed slowly gauging the old man's reaction to the news. He wasn't disappointed.
"No"! Gaius got to his feet in shock and began to sway dangerously due to the action. "Gaius"! Will shouted in alarm as he rushed forward to prevent the man from falling.
"Gaius, what is it"? The old man turned to his ward with a look of immense grief.
"I knew it was almost impossible but I had thought that maybe some of my old books would hold a direction to a remedy but if Merlin has ridden to the Isle then all hope is truly lost".
"But Merlin has gone to find a cure, hasn't he? Then how is all hope lost"? Will's countenance displayed the confusion he felt.
Gaius took his seat again while Will knelt by his side "On my boy, the Isle is home to the very heart of the Old Religion, the power of Life and Death itself. There resides a sacred vessel called the Cup of Life that reflects this power. Should one drink from it, even if on the brink of Death their life will be restored and their body healed but, there is a terrible cost to bear".
"What type of cost"? Will asked nervously, a sense of dread permeating his veins.
Gaius let out a resigned sigh "In order for the cup to restore life, another must be exchanged in its place". Gaius looked at Will conveying meaningful intention. "So you see my dear boy there is no cure for Arthur. Merlin has gone to the Isle to sacrifice his life for his brothers".
Will's hand which had, up to then rested on Gaius's thigh gripped the old man in shock "No! No… he can't do this"! he said, his head shaking back and forth in disbelief but even as he denied it, he knew his master had already made the choice. "Now it makes sense" he whispered.
"What makes sense"?
"Merlin. He told me to tell you that as soon as the remedy arrives it must be administered to Arthur without hesitation". Both Guardian and ward sat back with a heavy sense of overwhelming loss and with no thought of how they should proceed from here.
When Merlin arrived on the Isle he had expected to only find the Cup on its perch upon the central altar of the ruined temple. What he did not expect was Nimuhe. "Prince Merlin, how wonderful of you to Grace me with your presence". She greeted him, a malicious smile gracing her blood-red lips.
"My Lady" Merlin replied politely and with a short bow. His calm expression not betraying the raging storm within him.
"I haven't been called that in a very long time". she smirked.
"You were once a celebrated member of Camelot's court and as this is our first official introduction. Courtesy dictates that I address you with the honorific befitting your station". His lips perked up in a sadistic smile.
Nimuhe's eyes flashed in anger at the Prince's concealed insult, his reminder of all that she had lost. "Why have you come here, Merlin"? She asked her face masked with a polite smile.
"Arthur is dying from a bite of the Questing Beast. The future of Albion demands that he live. I come requesting the Cup of Life with the offer of my life in exchange for his restored".
"My my how selflessly you are Merlin, however, if you know of the cup's power you must also know that once you enter this bargain is cannot be undone. So are you truly willing to die"? Nimuhe's question hung in the air ominously between them. The young prince had yet to look away from her.
"For Arthur to live and fulfill his destiny. I am willing to die a hundred times over".