Why didn't Gaius and Gwen simply tell Arthur that Merlin had been caught by Morgana and was now being controlled and used as an assassin? And why wasn't the sudden disappearance of Merlin's mortal wound ever addressed by Arthur? And why didn't Arthur seem to care when Merlin ended up unconscious on his chamber floor with sword in hand when just a day or so earlier he'd been absolutely devastated to think Merlin would never be found? And why did Gwen have to be so cold? Sometimes the show made no sense. So here I am taking a stab at creating my own, more sensible and consistent version of the episode "A Servant of Two Masters".

—-Chp 1—

The wariness of declare yourself gave way to joyous incredulity. He lowered his sword. He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Merlin!" He stabbed his sword into the ground -"I thought we'd lost you!"- and got carried away enough to stride forward and hug his friend who was currently masquerading as a bog monster.

He laughed for joy and tightened his embrace but then suddenly released him as though he'd been burned.

"I'm so sorry! Did I hurt you?"

Merlin looked at him confused and oddly detached.

"What do you mean?"

"Your injury. The mace? Frankly, I'm surprised to see you on your feet. When we were separated you were-"

"Oh. That." Merlin cut him off dismissively. "Not to worry. They patched me up in hopes of getting information out of me. Didn't work though." He leaned in. "I escaped," he finished with relish and grinned at them.

It was a disturbing expression somehow, perhaps due to his filthy, wild hair and muddy countenance. Little more than the whites of his eyes and teeth showed, making him look deranged. Or was it his levity over his recent trauma that felt so incongruous?

"I ..see. But surely it hasn't completely healed, I mean, it was quite bad.."

"Clearly you've never been subjected to Gaius' boring lecture on the healing properties of bog water. It fixed me up like wading through a massive poultice. I'm just fine."

Gwaine laughed, "Right. Let's have a look anyway, mate." He reached for Merlin but was shoved away.

"Get off." Merlin's eyes were hard. There was no humor in his tone. "Don't manhandle me. I said I'm fine."

Arthur and Gwaine frowned. In the suddenly tense silence of the forest, Merlin seemed to realize he'd overreacted.

"Be-sides," he tried, "you don't want to get yourself all mucky like the king. There's got to be some fresh water somewhere nearby, right? I need to wash, especially if I'm riding back with you."

"Yeah," said Gwaine, still concerned, and jabbed his thumb back over his shoulder.

Merlin threw them another empty grin and headed off between the trees.

His friends' worried eyes followed him.

"Must've been rough."

"Yeah."

"Guess we'll let Gaius sort it?"

"Yeah."

Arthur was glad to let Merlin ride home with Gwaine. Although the wash had done much good, the bog smell was still pervasive. He figured Gwaine deserved it; he'd certainly aggravated them all with his own smell at times. But he felt guilty to find that he wished he couldn't see Merlin's face. At times he caught a coldness in his glance. Did he blame him for leaving him in the hands of their attackers? Arthur didn't begrudge him that; he blamed himself as well. He focused his gaze on the surrounding trees and undergrowth and away from his friends.

It was early evening when the white walls of the citadel finally came into view. He sighed, glad to be home but his relief at finding Merlin was tainted by unease. The ordeal had obviously affected him deeply, that much was clear from their interactions. There had been a distinct lack of friendly banter. Merlin's typical cheeky responses had been replaced by an oddly twisted cheerfulness with a somewhat cruel edge. Perhaps he was merely in pain from his wounds. Arthur frowned again. He would've expected more stiffness and careful movement due to broken bones -or had he been mistaken? Shy of wrestling him to the ground and forcibly removing his tunic, there was no way of knowing for sure because Merlin was adamant about not being fussed over. He fervently hoped Gaius would know how to help.

He nudged his horse into a quickened pace.

As soon as they dismounted in the courtyard, Arthur was set upon by Agravaine.

"Sire! I see you were successful in your search!" He wrinkled his nose at Merlin's passing stench. "Doubtless, Gaius will be most pleased."

"Yes, we were just about to pay him a visit." He handed off his reins to a stable boy.

"I beg your pardon, Sire, but perhaps you should attend to the pressing matters of the kingdom first. I'm sure your servant knows the way."

Arthur knit his brows in concern.

"What matters, Uncle?"

"During your absence, the council wished to discuss the order of bestowal at the upcoming knighting ceremony. It appears that there are some accusations of favoritism. The esteemed members of the council of lords would like to hear your reasoning for the listings." He hesitated and eyed the king reproachfully. "We've been looking everywhere for you. You didn't tell anyone you were leaving-"

Too glad to have found his friend, Arthur refused to feel chastened.

"I told Guinevere," he responded shortly.

"The word of a maidservant could hardly be considered when neither your most able first knight nor your personal guards had been notified of your excursion and I feel I must caution you against putting such information solely in the hands of a simple maid. Do not forget that there is still a traitor among us, Sire. I shudder to think what might have happened if the girl let such information slip to the wrong people or if she herself-"

Arthur stopped him with a quick gesture and a frown.

"Guinevere is no simple maid, Uncle. She is a lady sister of a knight, a valued member of my household and has my absolute trust. I will hear no more on this matter."

He turned away only to see the back of Merlin who was hurrying up the steps.

"Merlin! Make sure Gaius checks you over thoroughly!" he called after him.

Merlin never turned but raised his hand to show that he'd heard.

He shook his head. Well, his friend was in Gaius' capable hands now.

Best place for him.

The door creaked open and Gaius' heart leapt. He rose from the table with open arms.

"Merlin! You're back!"

"Well spotted." The young man grinned and allowed Gaius to hug him briefly.

"What happened? Wherever have you been? We were so worried, my boy."

"I got taken by the mercenaries when Arthur and I got separated. I escaped and made my way back. Arthur found me as I came out of a bog."

"I could guess as much from the smell."

"Yeah." Merlin was glancing around distractedly, surveying the stores of ointments and potions nestled on the shelves.

"He mentioned an injury, a rather grievous one," Gaius probed.

"He's overdramatizing things as usual. I'm fine. The mercenaries patched me up in hopes of getting information. Nothing more to worry about besides a bath and some sleep."

"Are you certain that-" Gaius began.

"Quite," Merlin cut him off briskly.

"Surely you must be hungry." He gestured to the table where he'd just begun his evening meal. "I've fresh bread and -"

"Gwaine shared rations with me. I'm fine."

"You're sure you don't need-"

Merlin rolled his eyes, obviously irritated.

"Some peace and privacy is all I want or need." He turned abruptly and headed up to his room. "I'm going to wash and go to bed. See you in the morning."

The bedroom door closed firmly. Quiet settled over the room again.

Gaius stared after his ward, considering him. He seemed to be moving just fine, no careful movement or noticeable impairment. Quite likely his magic had aided his healing, at least physically. But something seemed off. Usually Merlin was effusive and warm, but, he imagined, such an ordeal would certainly leave him exhausted and quite ready for some peace and privacy as he'd said. He sat back down to finish the last of his dinner before preparing to turn in for the night, just grateful that Merlin was safely home.