Prince Merlin hurried along behind Gaius. The prince had shown his slight interest in physician work, and when Gaius had been called, Merlin took his chance.
"Where are we going?" He asked, a hood over his head to cover his identity.
Gaius glanced behind him. He had taken Merlin's request to come along with enthusiastic excitement. The old physician had no son to take over his career when he died, and the prince could make as good a replacement for a physician as any.
"The lower town," Gaius answered. The old man could sense Merlin about to ask another question, so he continued. "A guard said that there is a dead man with a questionable disease. He had never seen anything like it."
Merlin didn't respond because just then they had arrived, and Gaius knelt down next to the man. The corpse was sprawled out, face down. The physician touched the man's cold, blue-tinged hand with expertise.
Merlin looked on with concern. "Aren't you scared?"
Gaius didn't look up. "Of what?"
Merlin shrugged. "That you might catch whatever it is?"
Gaius squinted up at him, before going back to his job. "I'm the court physician, sire. This is part of my job."
Merlin knelt down next to the man too, curious as to what the man had died of.
Gaius continued speaking. "Most of the time there's nothing really to be scared of."
Merlin bit back his retort as Gaius rolled the corpse onto his back. Gaius drew in a breath.
The man was a pale blue, with dark veins scrawled all over his flesh. His eyes were pure white, with no pupils.
Gaius looked at Merlin with apprehension, and he returned the look.
"You were saying?" Merlin said softly.
Gaius glanced back down at the man and then looked around at the people milling around.
"People mustn't see this. They'll panic." He muttered.
The prince stood, spotting a blanket hanging over a line. He grabbed it and spread it over the man, covering the corpse from the townspeople.
-o0o-
"Dad, here's your sandwich," Gwen smiled warmly at her father and handed him a brown package. He looked at it in delight and chuckled. "Mmm, what's in it?"
Gwen hung up a coat and spun around to answer. "It's a smoke pigeon, but I'd say there's more smoke than a pigeon."
Tom chuckled again and looked at his daughter in adoration. "You're such a good girl to me."
As if in proof, Gwen continued speaking. "And I've made you some watercress soup tonight."
Tom grinned. "Don't tell me, with more water than cress?"
Gwen laughed and spun the bouquet of flowers she had in her hands. She hugged her father tightly. "I'll see you later."
Tom smiled at her, and she gave one last wave before walking out of the door, and heading to work.
-o0o-
Gaius had asked, respectively of course, if Merlin could help him cart the corpse to Gaius's chambers. Merlin accepted at once, not afraid to work a bit, and together they carried a cart with the covered body through the town. They had almost made it when they were caught by Gwen.
"What are you doing?" She asked, not yet recognizing Merlin in his cloak.
The prince quickly shifted in front of the cart, his hood falling off as he did so. "Uh, nothing, just moving something."
She gasped when she saw that she was talking to the prince, but tried to sneak a peek around him anyway.
"Looks heavy," she remarked.
Merlin shrugged, smiling to keep Gwen from suspicion. "It's nothing really," He looked around to distract her and caught sight of the flowers she was holding. "Someone got you flowers!" He said, smiling in delight.
She looked down and then gave a short laugh. "Oh, no."
Merlin chuckled, going along. She suddenly held the bunch out. "Would you like one? A purple one." She held it out and Merlin took it, flustered.
"Purple suits you," She said, beaming. Then her expression turned slightly horrified as she realized she had just given a flower to the prince. "Not that I'm saying red doesn't suit you."
Merlin smiled, amused that she had gotten herself into a fluster again. "Thanks. Well…" Merlin quickly tucked it into his cloak, and she grinned.
"Uh, see you." He said, then turned to once more help Gaius.
"Bye," Gwen returned softly, almost wistfully.
Merlin sighed in relief.
Gaius halted in the courtyard. He had seen the guard that had alerted the physician to the death in the first place and was now ordering him to be quiet about it.
Merlin stretched, feeling the strain of carrying the cart through the town. Spotting the water fountain, the prince suddenly felt aware of his thirst.
The water was cool and refreshing, and he stepped away with a satisfied gasp. He was wiping his mouth on his sleeve, (which wasn't very princely, but he didn't care at the moment,) when Gaius called out, "Sire!"
The prince followed Gaius to the cart, where they made the last stretch to the physician's chambers.
-o0o-
Gwen hummed softly as she walked into Morgana's chambers with the purple flowers.
Morgana saw her and smiled, happy to see her friend.
"Gwen! Has somebody got you flowers?"
The maid chuckled. "No, I got these for you. I know you've been having nightmares."
Morgana felt her heart warm. Gwen truly was the best friend one could have.
"Thank you, Gwen. You cheer me up."
Gwen smiled shyly, then gently took the flowers again. "Would you like me to put these in water for you?" Without waiting for an answer, the maid rushed off to do so. Morgana watched her with admiration.
Back in Gaius' chambers, Merlin watched as the physician examined the dead man with an expert eye.
"I've never seen anything like this before," Gaius said, troubled.
"Do you think it could be some sort of plague?" Merlin asked, curious to see what had stumped their court physician.
"No, I fear something like this could never come from nature."
Merlin kept silent, letting Gaius finish. The old man looked up. "But who has this kind of power?"
"You think it's caused by magic?" Merlin asked. It wasn't a question, not really. It was a confirmation.
Gaius' response was interrupted by Arthur's voice. "Gaius!"
The prince panickly looked at the body laying on the table but didn't have enough time to do something about it. Rushing to the door, he opened it barely enough to fit his face through.
"What Arthur?"
"What are you doing here?" Arthur asked, a little confused.
"Helping Gaius. What do you need?" Merlin said, anxious for his brother to go.
"Father needs Gaius immediately."
"Why?" Merlin questioned, concerned.
Arthur shrugged. "I don't know, he just told me to get Gaius and go to the throne room."
Merlin turned around. "Gaius-"
"I know, sire. I heard."
Merlin rotated to Arthur. "Alright, we're coming."
The oldest prince nodded but then paused, an eyebrow raised.
Merlin followed his glance to the little purple flower still tucked into his cloak.
"Oh," Merlin took the flower out, grinning sheepishly. "Gwen gave it to me."
"Are you sure that's a good idea, Merlin?"
Merlin raised an eyebrow, confused. "What do you mean?"
Arthur just shook his head and walked away. Merlin watched him go before shutting the door.
"Should we cover this up?" Merlin asked, already reaching for the blanket on the stool.
"Indeed." Gaius grabbed his bag and they hurried off to the throne room.
As the prince and the physician walked in, Merlin stood next to Arthur and his father.
They all stared in horror at the dead man who had the same symptoms as the man Gaius had just looked over.
"What happened to him, Gaius?" Uther asked.
Merlin glanced at a lady who was sobbing in a man's arms, the dead man no doubts her husband.
"I don't know sire. That's the second case I've seen today."
"Why didn't you report it to me?"
"I was attempting to find the cause." Merlin took a cautious glance at Gaius. Would he say it was magic?
"And what did you conclude?" Uther demanded.
Gaius looked at Merlin for a half-second before saying: "I don't think it's time to hurry to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one."
Uther wasn't fooled. "What are you concealing from me?" He stalked forward.
Gaius didn't falter. "Sire, I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying in twenty-four hours and it's spreading fast."
Uther couldn't know much about physician work, and yet even he knew this was not just a normal case of disease. "But what is the cause?"
"I think you should say the cause -" Gaius hesitated for a second, his gaze flickering to Merlin. "The most likely cause is sorcery."
Merlin and Arthur looked at each other, then at their father. He pulled them aside.
"You must find out who did this."
"We will, Father," Arthur answered.
The king wasn't satisfied. "Conduct door-to-door searches, and increase your presence in the town. Double the guards on all the gates."
The two brothers nodded. Uther's gaze landed on Merlin. "Merlin, I want you to help Gaius."
Merlin stared at his father. "Me? But-"
"We need Gaius to find a cure. He needs all the help we can give him."
Merlin and Arthur exchanged another glance. Uther disapproved of all things except swords and fighting, so to order Merlin to help Gaius, the king had to be very afraid.
Uther saw their glance. "If Gaius is right, believe me, the city will be wiped out. This is the kind of magic that undermines our authority and challenges everything we've done. If we cannot control this plague, people will turn to magic for a cure." Uther let this sink in, before continuing, "We have to find the sorcerer and quickly."
"Yes, Father," Arthur responded, and the king gave them one more look and then walked away.
"As soon as somebody mentions magic, Father goes off. Why can't he just see that magic isn't like that? It's not built for destruction, it's for healing and-"
"Merlin," Arthur said sharply.
The prince stopped ranting abruptly.
Arthur sighed. It was a wonder that Merlin hadn't yet turned against Uther, and it was a very scary possibility that he might. But Arthur would be there to reel him in, make him see sense.
"Merlin, we both know that he has always been like this. He can't see the beauty of magic. But if you tell him about your views on magic…we don't know what he'll do. The best thing to do is just do as Father says."
Merlin drew in a breath, his temper cooling. "Sorry, Arthur."
Arthur just gestured toward Gaius. "Go help him. We could use your skills."
As it turned out, Gaius didn't need help at that moment, so Uther ordered him to help Arthur search the town. It was a horrible thing to do, interrogating people and then smashing doors open. Merlin's stomach rolled at the abuse, but there wasn't much he could do. Turning, he almost smashed into Gaius.
"Sorry," he said.
The physician bowed slightly. "My apologies, sire. I did not see you."
Merlin smiled. "What are you doing out here?"
The old man held out a leather bag before tucking it into his robes. "Market day."
Gaius started to walk, Merlin following. "Have you gotten any closer to finding-" Breaking off, the prince let out a gasp, crying, "Gaius!"
Merlin knelt next to a man who was leaning against a post. He had the sickly blue pallor of the disease, but he was awake. "He's still alive!"
"Sire, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do for him."
Merlin identified the thin blue veins, getting darker every second. "But we haven't even tried!"
Gaius almost smiled. The boy had such a kind soul. However, Merlin could not be deceived. "If we do not know what the disease is, then how can we cure him?"
Merlin answered straight away. "With magic."
Gaius's eyes darkened. Without caring for the moment that Merlin was royalty, he hauled the prince up, whispering frantically, "Have a look. They're suspicious of everyone. This is not the time to be using magic."
"But I'm the prince! Surely they wouldn't arrest Uther's son?"
"Would you like to test that out, sire?"
Merlin glanced back at the sick man before Gaius dragged him away. "Science will lead us to the source of the disease," Gaius said firmly.
Merlin walked back with Gaius to his chambers. It was better than forcing through homes and questioning people.
Merlin still felt sick, and the thought of the sickly man would not go away.
The prince turned his attention back to the physician, who was placing a vial filled with a milky substance onto a burner.
"What are you doing?" He asked, curious.
"I'm examining the contents of that man's stomach."
Merlin glanced back at the dead man they had found that morning, swallowing the bile that had risen in his throat.
"Will that tell you who did it?"
"No, but it might tell us how it spread." With a look at Merlin, he continued, saying grimly, "One thing I do know, this is magic of the darkest kind."
Merlin's eyes darkened, and a frown settled on his face. "Why would somebody use magic like that?"
"Magic corrupts, people use it for their own ends."
Merlin folded his arms. With a little bit of defiance, he stated, "Not all magic is bad, I know it isn't."
Gaius looked up. "It's neither good nor bad. It's how you use it."
Merlin looked into Gaius' eyes and softened when he saw fond approval there.
A sudden bang startled them both, and they jumped as Arthur strode in. "Over there," He directed to a guard.
"I'm sorry, Gaius. We're searching every room in this town."
"What for?" Gaius wondered disapprovingly.
"The sorcerer," Arthur replied, walking through the chambers.
"And why would he be here?"
"I'm just doing my job."
"Arthur." Merlin looked at Arthur, the disagreement clear in his tone.
The eldest prince shrugged. "I'm just doing what Father asked."
Gaius heaved a sigh. "Well, go on then. I've got nothing to hide. Go on, search."
Guards peered through books and rattled potions and vials.
"What are these books and papers?" Arthur asked, leafing through a large book.
"My life's work - dedicated to the understanding of science. You're quite welcome to read through them if you want."
Arthur rolled his eyes and put the book down hurriedly.
Arthur and the few knights scuffled around a bit before Arthur faced Gaius. "How long do you think it'll be before you find a cure?"
"Depends on how many interruptions I get," Gaius replied flatly.
Arthur gave a nod. "Of course. I'm sorry." Calling the knights, they all walked out again. Gaius followed them, shutting the door and then turning to Merlin.
"Do you actually have anything to hide?" Merlin wondered, glancing around for spellbooks.
Gaius shook his head. "No. The one spellbook I had I gave to you."
Merlin looked up, a glint in his eyes. "We need to use it! We have to use magic to cure people!"
"Don't be stupid," Gaius said sternly.
"If I have this legacy, then what is it for?"
Gaius gave the prince a cautionary look. The physician hadn't talked much about Merlin's magic ever since he had taught him to control it.
The prince continued. "Everybody keeps telling me, it's not for playing tricks."
Gaius gave Merlin a look. "You want to practice magic when your father is hunting for sorcerers?"
Merlin sighed, resting his chin on his hands. Gaius continued, trying to show Merlin his sincerity. "Merlin, your life is destined for more important things."
The prince looked up. Gaius rarely talked to him like this or said his name instead of 'sire'.
Merlin shook his head, standing up straight. "But if I don't practice, then how will I get to be this great warlock?"
Gaius bustled about, still working despite the argument. "There will come a time when Arthur is king, and your skills will be recognized."
Merlin groaned, hiding his head in his arms.
Gaius exhaled. "Patience is a virtue, sire," he said softly.
Merlin didn't lift his head. "What, sitting by and doing nothing, that's a virtue?" Merlin's words had no bite, however.
"Your time will come."
Merlin stood up suddenly, hitting the table with his hand. "I could have saved that man, Gaius!"
"What good is curing one man, Merlin?" Gaius knew that all Merlin wanted to do was help. But the prince was young; he was not yet the wise warlock Gaius knew he would be one day. It was his, Arthur's, and Morgana's job to get Merlin there. "We need to find the cause of the sickness."
"Arthur is out there right now, searching for the sorcerer!"
"A sorcerer who is powerful enough to do this will never be found by searching the town."
Merlin slumped back down, his chin on his hand again. "What do we do?" He asked defeatedly.
"Hope that science can find the answer before it kills us all."
That afternoon, Arthur and Merlin reported to their father.
"We've searched everywhere, the entire city," Arthur said.
"Nothing?" Uther asked.
"I don't know where else to look," Arthur admitted.
"Merlin? How close is Gaius to a cure?"
The prince shook his head. "He's still working."
Uther pursed his lips. "I want you to impose a curfew. No one is to be allowed on the streets after the Great Bell."
"Father," Arthur responded, about to do that, when Uther spoke once more.
"And corden off the lower town."
"Why?" Merlin asked, although he already knew.
"Because that's where most of the victims are. Let's isolate it, stop this disease from spreading." Uther walked on, done with the conversation. Merlin wasn't.
"But what about the people who live there?"
Uther growled. "Don't you think I haven't considered it?"
Merlin kept silent, staring defiantly at his father.
"What else can I do?" Uther glanced between his two sons. "I have to protect the rest of the city."
Merlin looked like he was about to argue further, but Arthur grabbed his arm.
"Yes, Father," Arthur replied and then dragged his brother out there.
In the privacy of Arthur's chambers, the eldest prince whirled on his brother.
"Merlin! I know you disagree with Father, but you cannot argue about everything!"
Merlin glared at Arthur. "How are we going to change his view on magic if we don't argue with him?"
Arthur stared in shock. "You want to change Father's views on magic?"
Merlin stared angrily at the ground. "Is that so bad?"
Arthur let out a stunned scoff. "How are you supposed to do that? Tell Father you have magic? Who knows what he'll do, Merlin? He could kill you!"
"Nobody could change Uther's views." Morgana stepped in between them.
They jumped. "Morgana! Don't scare us like that." Merlin said gruffly.
"Maybe you. I wasn't scared." Arthur said confidently.
Both Morgana and Merlin sent him their death glares.
Morgana then slapped Merlin on the head. "And you! Don't you dare tell Uther about your magic! You have to be careful! Or have you forgotten that magic is outlawed to death? Uther is so against it, I wouldn't be surprised he'd kill his son."
Merlin stared at her before sinking onto Arthur's bed. "I just wish I wasn't so alone."
"You're not alone, idiot." Arthur rolled his eyes. "We may not have magic, but I, Morgana, Gaius, and Will are here for you."
"Prince Merlin!" There was a knock. "Gaius requested your presence in his chambers!"
Merlin got up, then quickly hugged Arthur, and then Morgana.
"Thanks," he said, smiling, and then letting himself out.
Morgana and Arthur were left standing in Arthur's chambers.
"What's different about this victim?" Gaius asked, gesturing toward a lady dressed in fine clothes lying on his table.
Merlin looked closer. "She's a courtier?"
"Ah," Gaius said in approval.
"But how does that help us?" Merlin asked, confusion imminent.
"Courtiers seldom go down to the Lower Town. So, what does that mean?"
Merlin bit his lip. "She didn't get the disease from talking to people."
"Yes. The disease is not spread by contact."
"So, it's the water, since they don't share anything else?"
Gaius nodded, looking a little surprised he had gotten it so quickly.
Merlin folded his arms, frowning. "You think the disease is caused by water?"
"Sire, you're a prodigy."
Merlin raised an eyebrow. Gaius just picked up a bucket and handed it to the prince.
"Could you fetch some water for me, sire?"
The prince nodded, grabbed the bucket, and donned his cloak.
Filling the bucket with water, Merlin suddenly had a sickening thought. All who drank the water died within a day. Yet he distinctly remembered drinking from this water himself after the first victim had been found. Had the disease just mysteriously passed over him?
Merlin had no time to think more of it, for just then Gwen came running past, terror on her face.
"Gwen?" he called. When she gave no response, he quickly picked up the bucket and raced after her.
Merlin came into Gaius ' chambers to find Gaius saying, "-I wish there was something, anything, but so far the remedy is beyond what I can achieve."
Gwen gave another sob, tears in her eyes. Gaius put a reassuring hand on hers. "I'm sorry, Gwen." He said sincerely.
The maid shook her head, and then rushed back out the door.
"There must be something we can do." Merlin pleaded.
"My best. Let's hope this will provide some answers." Gaius said, taking the bucket from the prince's hands.
"But that will be too late for Gwen's father!"
The physician took a clear vial and filled it with water, before dipping a stick of lavender into it. "I fear you may be right."
Merlin stared at him, and then walked out, headed to his chambers. Gaius watched him go before going back to his work.
Merlin let himself into Morgana's chambers. Morgana was sitting on her bed, attempting to read a book, but it was obvious she couldn't concentrate.
"How's Gwen?" Merlin asked, standing next to the door.
Morgana looked at him with fire in her eyes. "Her father's dying, Merlin. What do you think? You have to do something!"
Merlin bit his lip. "Gaius said-"
"I don't care what Gaius said! I don't expect you to know what it's like, fatherless, but I do. Gwen will be ripped apart by grief."
Merlin looked into Morgana's eyes and saw the fear for Gwen.
"Alright." He said softly, nodding. "Tonight."
Morgana gave him a weak smile. "Thank you."
Grabbing his spellbook from under a loose floorboard, Merlin found a healing spell and muttered it softly, committing it to heart. Then he put the book back, and crept out of his chambers, leading the guards at his door away with a noise at the other end of the hallway.
Blinking in the moonlight, the prince hurried through the town, hiding as a troop of guards passed by.
Finally arriving at Gwen's house, he peeked through the window to see Gwen sleeping restlessly against her father, who was close to being dead.
Knowing he did not have much time, Merlin eased open the door and crept into the house. Wincing as a floorboard squeaked, he stepped closer and tucked a poultice underneath Tom's pillow. Backing away, the prince whispered the spell and then watched as a glowing cloud covered the blacksmith's face before disappearing.
A small, satisfied smile made its way onto Merlin's face, and he closed the door softly, before turning and walking back to the castle.
The next morning, Merlin awoke with a dizzying headache.
Climbing out of bed slowly, the world spun with different colors before Merlin managed to straighten himself. The headache, however, remained. The prince thought about getting dressed but decided he'd let Will pick out his clothes today. He certainly didn't feel like trying to discern which color fit him best with this raging headache.
He collapsed into a chair, putting his head down on the table, to wait for his manservant.
It wasn't long. Will came in noisily, not knowing that Merlin was wincing with every bang and boom.
"Why aren't you dressed?" Will asked in surprise when he spotted the prince with his head in his hands.
"Didn't feel like it," Merlin mumbled.
Will frowned, but shrugged it away and went to choose some clothes.
Merlin was quite content to stay seated for a while, but that hope soon went away as Will continued talking.
"Uther is calling a meeting in a few minutes, Merlin. Gaius has something to tell you apparently, something about that illness that's going around. It's strange, isn't it? Do you think it's from sorcery? Or maybe-"
Merlin stopped listening. Will had always been a rambler, and Merlin often listened with amusement, but the extra noise was just killing him.
"Will," Merlin groaned.
The manservant halted, glancing at the prince.
"Are you okay, Merlin?"
Merlin looked up. "Yes. Just tired."
Will frowned, unsure if that was true. "Alright…" He said slowly. "Then come on and get dressed. You need to go to the throne room."
Merlin sighed, but got up and took the clothes Will offered him. Dressing was hard with a migraine, but he managed it, and soon he was wondering how he was going to be able to survive an entire day without suspicion of his health.
Gaius set a little glass vial on the table with a sprig of lavender resting inside the water. Curious, Arthur reached over to grab it, but Gaius smacked the prince's hand.
"Don't touch it!" He warned. "I had this in the water for no more than a few hours."
"Where's the water from?" Uther demanded.
"The pump from where the people take their daily supply."
Merlin's stomach rolled at the physician's words.
Arthur looked up. "Well, then we have to stop the people from using it."
"The city cannot survive without water." Merlin pointed out, rolling his eyes at Arthur despite the situation.
"Then we have to find the sorcerer!" Uther yelled, angrily pacing.
"I don't believe they're inside Camelot," Arthur told his father. Hopefully, the king would give up and they could stop barging into people's houses.
Uther was ready with an answer. "Then extend the search to the villages."
"We've started, but I can't search the entire kingdom."
"And I can't stand by and watch our people die," Uther retorted.
Arthur gave a nod and walked out, his younger brother slowly following behind.
Merlin had said good morning to Arthur and then decided to head back to his chambers. He needed to work on a few reports, and maybe he could slip in some reading.
Suddenly catching a glimpse of Gwen walking down the hall, he paused and called her name. "Gwen!"
She turned around with a smile on her face. It dropped a bit when she realized who had called her, and she curtsied. "Sire," She said respectfully.
Merlin walked close. "How's your father? Is he feeling better?"
Gwen smiled again. "Yeah! It's incredible. It's a miracle." She added.
"Is his skin clear, back to normal?" Merlina asked, wanting to be sure that his remedy worked.
"Yes." Gwen looked extremely happy, and Merlin felt his spirits lift a little bit seeing her so happy.
"Great." He smiled at her and then moved as if to walk off, but Gwen stopped him with a tiny frown. "You don't seem surprised."
Merlin cursed his horrible acting and then shrugged. "No no, I am. It's a miracle."
"But how did you know he was well?"
"Uh…" Merlin tried to think of something but his headache was making thinking terribly difficult. "Uh because you're- you're smiling."
Gwen didn't buy it. "That's really weird because I haven't told anyone, but you know. How could you know?"
Merlin gulped. How could he get out of this? Deciding to act as awkward as possible so Gwen would be too embarrassed to ask more, he said, "Yeah. All right." Merlin stepped closer. "You've finally found out. I'll tell you."
Gwen stared at him. Pausing for a moment, Merlin gathered up his most mysterious voice and said simply, "I'm psychic."
Gwen let out a little laugh. "No, you're not."
"It's true!" Merlin insisted.
The maid narrowed her eyes. "All right, what am I thinking?"
"That I'm not psychic."
Gwen laughed again. "You're strange."
Merlin tilted his head, unsure if it was a compliment or not.
Gwen's eyes widened as she realized what she just said to the prince of all people.
"I don't mean that in a nasty way," she amended. "You're just…funny."
Merlin raised an eyebrow, and she said quickly. "I like that."
This time it was Merlin who laughed as Gwen flushed, looking down.
"Well, I'm pleased for you."
"Thank you," Gwen said and curtsied before hurrying down the corridor.
What for? Merlin thought, watching her go.
Arthur coughed, the smoke from the blacksmith's making him choke. A sudden thought came to him, and he frowned. Why was the blacksmith open? Many people had affirmed that Tom the Blacksmith was sick with the deadly disease. The prince stepped closer, his eyebrows drawn together. Spotting Tom hammering away, he stared in surprise before blanking his expressions.
"The story was that you were sick,"
Tom looked up and let out an amazed laugh. "Not anymore,"
Arthur frowned. He really didn't want to arrest Tom, but there were multiple witnesses. The other blacksmiths and the knights would not hesitate to spread the rumor. If Tom was smart, he would shut his mouth,
"Perhaps you were ill with another sickness," Arthur provided.
Apparently, Tom was not very smart. "You're joking. I felt like death itself." The blacksmith went on. "Not enough strength in me to stir the air."
"Then…what happened?" Arthur asked, curious. Was it possible there was another sorcerer who used magic for good?
"I don't know," Tom said, his face showing his confusion. "Suddenly it was gone. I'm fitter than I was before!"
"That's remarkable," Arthur said and was happy to leave it at that. Whoever the sorcerer was, Arthur didn't want to lead the knights to him.
Unfortunately, it didn't work. "Was anyone with you when this happened?" A knight asked, and Arthur nearly groaned. Gareth was one of the most anti-magic knights Uther had ever knighted. The worst was that Gareth was very effective. Any lead the knight had, he followed without any restrictions.
Don't answer, don't answer, don't answer. Arthur pleaded in his head.
Tom wasn't psychic. "Just my daughter Gwen."
Arthur fought to keep his facial expression clear of the dread he felt.
Gareth led the knights to Tom's house and directed them to search the house. Arthur waited by the door, not wanting to partake of the search. If the sorcerer who healed Tom was smart, they would leave no proof of their magic. As the knights tipped over boxes and checked under the beds, Arthur relaxed a little bit. There was nothing in here. However, the prince spoke too soon. Gareth lifted a pillow to find a glowing poultice, and Arthur paled. As they walked out, Gareth muttered to Arthur, "Sire, we need to arrest this Gwen. She is a sorcerer and is obviously the one who conjured this illness."
Arthur could do nothing but nod. There was nothing that could be done now. If he said no, Gareth would report to his father, and Gwen would still be arrested. Saying yes would provide the opportunity for Arthur to personally arrest the maid and make sure she wasn't ill-treated.
Arthur opened the tiny triangled shaped door, followed by his knights to see Gwen looking alarmed, holding a vase of flowers.
"Seize her," Arthur said, hating himself for what he had to do.
Gwen started uncomprehendingly at them, before letting out a denying "No,"
Two knights grabbed the maid by her arms; the vase fell to the ground.
"Guinevere, I am arresting you for crimes in contravention to the laws of Camelot, that you did practice enchantments."
"Gwen?" Morgana had come out of her chambers, horrified by what she was seeing.
"What have I done? I haven't done anything!" Gwen pleaded, fear in her big eyes. "Help me, please!" She sobbed to Morgana as the knights led her away.
"What're you doing?" Morgana hissed at Arthur.
Arthur started walking to the door. Morgana would be very angry with him after this, but they could argue later.
"I found a magic poultice in her house."
"That's ridiculous! Gwen isn't an enchantress."
"I know." Arthur agreed. "There must be another good sorcerer who healed Tom. But there is nothing I can do right now. We'll have to talk later."
Arthur winced at the harsh way that the knights dragged Gwen.
"Be more gentle! She's a girl, not a horse!" Arthur snapped at them.
The two knights exchanged glances but rearranged their grip anyway.
Gwen kept crying out, and Arthur's heart twisted every time she did so.
"I'm innocent, please, I haven't done anything wrong! Please, listen to me!"
Arthur kept walking, trying to ignore it. After what felt like forever, they finally arrived at the throne room, where the knights threw the maid down before Uther. Arthur bit his tongue to keep from barking at the knights.
Arthur looked anywhere but at Gwen, so he saw the horror written all over Merlin's face.
Arthur wondered for a moment why he looked so dismayed, but Morgana had entered, and his focus was all on the angry look on her face.
"Well done," Uther drawled to Arthur, who looked down, not wanting his father's praise this time.
"Why will no one believe me?" Gwen cried out. "He just got better, he recovered, I didn't do anything!"
"I believe you," Morgana came up next to Gwen and helped her up off the floor. "Perhaps this is just a disease that is not always fatal."
Gwen looked pleadingly at the king.
The king was not disturbed. "And what of this poultice that was found?"
"What poultice? I don't know anything about a poultice!"
Merlin's face was still one of appalled shock, and Arthur narrowed his eyes. Merlin knew something.
"It was found in your house." Uther stood up threateningly. "Undo this enchantment and put an end to this contagion."
"I can't!" Gwen implored.
"Then I can show you no mercy."
Gwen tried again. "I am not a witch! I don't know how to stop the illness!"
"If you will not undo your sorcery you force my hand, and I find you guilty."
"But I've told you-"
"It is therefore my duty to pronounce judgment. And under the circumstances, I have no choice but to sentence you to death."
"No!" Gwen whispered in shock.
Arthur's eyes once again turned to Merlin, as he closed his eyes, looking nauseous.
Uther continued. "I can only hope that when you die, this evil plague dies with you."
"No!" Gwen sobbed, as the knights once again grabbed her arms, preparing to lead her away to the dungeons.
"Take her away," Uther ordered.
Gwen's pleading made Arthur turn away. As soon as the audience was out of the room, Morgana stalked over to Uther.
"I know Gwen. She's my maidservant, not an enchantress."
Uther turned, a wild look in his eyes. "Have you ever seen an enchantress?"
Morgana's silence gave away the answer.
"Believe me, they bear no sign, no mark. There is no sense of evil in the eye."
Both Morgana and Arthur glanced at Merlin as Uther turned back to pour more wine into his goblet.
Merlin's face was blank but they knew him well enough to recognize the hurt and anger in his eyes.
"I have seen the way the girl works-" Morgana continued. "Her fingers are worn, her nails broken. If she was a sorceress, why would she do this? Why would she kneel on a cold hard floor morning after morning when she could make these things with a snap of her fingers?"
Arthur and Merlin stayed silent. Morgana always had a way with her words. Maybe she could persuade their father to let Gwen go.
Morgana's anger, however, had enough. With a scowl, she added, "Like an idle king."
Uther spun around violently. "You have no right!"
"But you have the right to cast judgment on that poor girl!"
"I have a responsibility to take care of this kingdom. I take no pleasure in this."
Morgana kept trying, not willing to let her maidservant die in innocence. "But you are sentencing the wrong person!"
Merlin couldn't keep silent anymore. "She's right, Father. You hear the word magic and you no longer listen."
"You saw it for yourself, she used enchantments."
"Yes, maybe!" Merlin said, pretending to agree with Uther. "But to save her dying father. That does not make her guilty of creating a plague! One's the act of kindness, of love; the other of evil. I don't believe evil is in this girl's heart."
"I have witnessed what witchcraft can do. I've suffered at its hands. I cannot take that chance. If there is the slightest doubt about this girl, she must die, or the whole kingdom may perish."
"I understand that!" Merlin growled, frustrated.
Arthur lay a hand on his brother's shoulder and joined in. "Father, don't let an innocent girl die."
Uther sat on the throne. "One day, you may become king."
Arthur frowned. He had known that since he could walk, but he never liked to think about it.
"Then you will understand." Uther continued. "Such decisions must be made. There are dark forces that threaten this kingdom."
"I know witchcraft is evil, Father." Arthur glanced at Merlin to see the shock and hurt blossom across his face. "But so is injustice. Yes, I am yet to be king! And I don't know what kind of king I will be. But I do have a sense of the kind of Camelot I would wish to live in. It would be where the punishment fits the crime."
Uther looked up at this, standing suddenly. Merlin, Morgana, and Arthur all stared hopefully at him.
"I fear you are right. She's played with fire, and now sadly she must die by fire." With that Uther marched out of the room.
Morgana glared at Arthur. "My chambers. Now." She hissed.
"Congratulations, Arthur. Now Gwen is going to get burnt alive!"
Arthur bit his lip. "I didn't mean to do that!"
Morgana rolled her eyes angrily. "Really? And what about 'I know witchcraft is evil'?"
She gestured to Merlin, who was standing quietly beside them.
"You know I didn't actually mean that! I was just trying to soothe Father!"
"I know," Merlin said, collapsing onto Morgana's bed and closing his eyes. "This is all my fault." He mumbled.
"What?" Morgana asked.
Merlin didn't respond. Then he took a deep breath and opened his eyes. "I have to go."
Arthur and Morgana watched as Merlin left, looking exhausted.
"What's wrong with him?" Morgana asked.
Arthur just shrugged.
Merlin had escaped to Gaius's chambers. With the guilt bubbling up within him, he had to spill it to someone, and right now, Gaius seemed the best idea. The prince had always thought of Gaius as a father figure.
"I thought I was doing good," Merlin admitted softly. "And that curing Gwen's father would help her." Merlin paused, listening to the pouring rain outside and feeling just as miserable. "I thought I was saving a life. It seemed so simple."
Gaius nodded understandingly. "An easy solution is like a light in a storm, sire. Rush for it at your peril, for it may not always lead you to a safe harbor."
Merlin bent his head, feeling nauseous and shamed. "I can see that now."
"You have many responsibilities of a warlock, sire."
Merlin bit his lip. "How do I fix this?" He asked in despair. He stood up suddenly, swaying gently as he grew dizzy. He grabbed the table until the world stopped spinning, then headed to the door.
"Sire?"
Merlin faced Gaius at his questioning tone.
"Are you alright? You were dizzy then, were you not?"
Merlin just nodded, wincing slightly as his headache multiplied. "Yes, Gaius. I'm fine."
Merlin left Gaius staring after him in worry.
Morgana hurried down the dungeon cells, her cloak whipping after her. Reaching Gwen's cell, she almost cried as she saw her maid sitting dejected with chains around her wrists.
"Gwen!" She whispered, getting her maid's attention.
Gwen looked up and smiled heartbreakingly at her. "Thank you," She whispered.
"What for?" Morgana asked.
"For coming to see me. And…when I-I die, remember me?"
Morgana stared at her. "You're not going to die." She said firmly. "Merlin, Arthur, and I are going to try everything to get you out."
Gwen just sobbed.
Morgana gave her maid one more determined look and then left.
She walked out of the dungeons, deep in thought, walking right into her brother.
She gave Merlin a despairing look, and then kept walking, pulling the hood up over her face.
Merlin glanced back at Morgana, worried. Finally reaching Gwen's cell, he whispered, "Gwen."
The maid looked up and gasped at the sight of her prince. "Prince Merlin!"
"We're going to free you, Gwen, just hold on!" He gave her a nod, before hurrying on, back the way he came. Running up the steps, Merlin gasped as suddenly everything was white, and the world was upside down, fuzzy and silent. He leaned against a wall, and then finally everything was back to normal, except for his head throbbing like drums in a cave. Once again running, Merlin ignored his head, only one thought on his mind. Free Gwen.
0o0
"What if burning this witch won't stop the poison?" Uther wondered aloud as he paced in the council meeting. "How do I protect my people?"
"My men have closed down the water pumps," Arthur replied.
Everyone looked to Gaius as he spoke. "But the emergency supply won't last for much longer. We have to find a way to cleanse the water of the disease."
"But how?" Uther questioned.
"Well-" Gaius started but was rudely interrupted by the loud opening of the doors.
Merlin rushed in, coming to stand at the end of the table. "It was me!" Merlin confessed. Arthur and Gaius' eyes widened. What was the prince doing?
"It was me who cured Gwen's father with magic."
Uther stepped around his chair, confusion clear on his face.
Merlin continued. "Gwen is not the sorcerer, I am!"
Uther frowned. "Merlin, are you mad!"
Merlin leaned closer, holding eye contact with his father. "I cannot let her die for me. I place myself at your mercy, Father."
"He doesn't know what he's talking about," Arthur said dismissively, hardly believing this was Merlin's plan.
"I do." Merlin contradicted.
"Merlin." Uther frowned something in his eyes that gave Arthur an uneasy feeling. "Are you speaking the truth?"
"Yes," Merlin confirmed firmly.
"Then…" Uther paused, and Arthur's heart beat faster. "Arrest him."
Everybody stared at the king in shock.
Arthur turned to Uther. "Father, please. You can't allow this, this is madness."
The guards at the door tentatively put their arms on Merlin's, pulling him back. Arthur rushed to his side, glaring at him before speaking again. "There's no way Merlin, your son, is a sorcerer."
Uther didn't respond, looking so conflicted that Gaius almost felt sorry for him.
"Why would Merlin fabricate such a story?" Uther reasoned.
Arthur bit his lip. "He's in love,"
Merlin did a double take, glaring so hard at Arthur that he almost flinched. "I am not!"
"With Gwen," Arthur continued, sure that he was affirming his death.
"I am not!" Merlin repeated heatedly.
"Yes, you are."
"No, I am not!"
Arthur crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "I saw you yesterday, with that flower she'd given you."
Uther covered his smirk and walked slowly towards his sons, gesturing at the guards to let go of Merlin.
The youngest prince laughed nervously. "I am not in love with her!"
Merlin knew that Uther would never believe him now, not when the countercase was love, a very believable one. Still, the prospect of being in love with a peasant, even when he actually wasn't, was rather dangerous for a prince of the kingdom. Uther did not allow his sons to marry commoners, which wasn't unusual for monarchs.
"It's all right," Arthur said soothingly, wrapping an arm around Merlin. "You can admit it,"
"I don't even think of her like that!" Merlin said pleadingly.
"Perhaps she cast a spell on you," Uther said with a straight face. Arthur and Merlin looked at their father, horror barely concealed.
The king cracked, and a slow laugh filled the room. Arthur smiled, relief almost overwhelming him.
"Merlin is a wonder," Arthur finished up, deciding to exact some revenge on his brother for scaring him like that. "But the wonder is, he's such an idiot."
Merlin glared at him, ducking under Arthur's teasing hand.
"There's no way he's a sorcerer," Arthur said forcibly, eyes conveying his anger at such recklessness from his little brother.
Uther walked over to Merlin and took him by the shoulders gently.
"You don't know," Uther said softly, "How glad I am you were lying. All sorcerers must be punished. Even -" the king looked Merlin in the eye sternly. "- my sons."
Uther let go and sat back down in his chair. Merlin spun around and hastened out of the room, emotions swirling inside. He wanted to know if Uther would kill his own son. He had just got direct confirmation.
Arthur glanced at his father before hurrying after his brother, feeling sick from Uther's quiet words.
Merlin, in his own thoughts, didn't even realize where he came to until he almost walked right into the wooden door of Gaius' chambers.
Quietly knocking and then bursting in without waiting, Merlin sighed in disappointment when he realized Will wasn't there.
He must be helping elsewhere. Merlin thought bitterly, sitting down at the table.
Soon footsteps could be heard, and the prince looked up to see Arthur and Gaius enter, somehow knowing exactly where he was. Merlin let his head fall to the table, wincing as his head pounded and all noise vanished for a second.
"That was incredibly stupid of you."
"Indeed, sire, Arthur was right to do what he did. Thankfully he saved you from your own stupidity."
Arthur didn't even blink at the physician's harsh words, completely agreeing with the old man.
"What else could I do?" Merlin muttered, the loudness of his brother and physician disagreeing with his head. "It's my fault Gwen's going to die."
"Yes," Arthur said. "But you don't prove your innocence by offering to jump into the flames."
"You do it by finding out what's causing the disease," Gaius added.
Merlin sighed. "And how do we do that?"
"To start we need to find out what's contaminating the water." Gaius threw a bag to Arthur who caught it and made a face. "I can't help you, Father needs me."
Gaius grunted, already at the door. "Come on Merlin."
The prince raised his head, blinking sleepily. "Coming."
Gaius frowned, warning bells going off in his head, but Merlin got up carefully, caught the bag Arthur tossed to him, and followed after the physician.
O0o
The two had strolled down to the water conserve, where Gaius held up a large key and inserted it into the lock.
Grabbing a lonely torch, Merlin held it up to the lighted one and then started down the steps, Gaius close behind. They came to a large basin, the torch in Merlin's hand casting an eerie glow over the water.
"The water from here supplies the whole town. Take a sample."
Looking at Gaius in surprise, Merlin handed the torch over, reached into the bag, and brought out a small container. The prince dipped it in, holding a few seconds for it to fill. He corked it and placed it back into the bag, turning around with Gaius.
"Let's take it back to examine it."
A sudden snarling and splashing of water made the prince jump and spin around. There, in the water was a huge fanged monster, red eyes staring right at them. It roared at them before disappearing into the water again, leaving no sign except for the disturbed water that it had been there.
"What the heck was that?" The prince asked, wide-eyed. Gaius didn't respond and grabbed Merlin's arms, but just then he started coughing, so intense that Gaius had to hold him up by the time he was finished.
"Sire…" Gaius said aloud, concerned.
The young warlock straightened. "I'm fine," he said hoarsely. Gaius eyed him with doubt, but he could do nothing down in the tunnels.
O0o
"There."
Merlin jerked, hand sliding off his cheek. "What?"
"I found it,"
Merlin stood up, leaning over the physician's shoulder.
Gaius frowned at him but pointed to the little picture in the book. "It's an afanc."
Merlin squinted "A what now?"
"A beast born of clay, and conjured up only by the most powerful sorcerer." Gaius hummed. "Now we have to find a way to defeat it. But where?" he muttered to himself.
Merlin sat back down on the steps. "And this -'' he waved a hand. "-thing poisons the water so everyone who drinks it dies?"
Gaius glanced at the bottle of water still sitting in the center. "Yes,"
Merlin suddenly realized he was going to die if they didn't find the cure. Yes, he had known he had digested the poison liquid, but the reality of the situation hadn't set in until now. Merlin felt like throwing up, but he wasn't sure if that was because of the revelation or sickness.
Gaius frowned again, his concern growing even more. "Why ask, sire?"
Merlin shivered, the chills embracing their icy fingers around him. He wrapped his arms around himself. "Just wanted to make sure."
The physician looked on with suspicion. "But you already knew this. There's another reason you asked."
The prince shivered again. His headache had seemed to tenfold, and he swayed gently as Gaius became two Gaius'. He shook his head to clear it. The illness was advancing quickly.
"Another reason," Gaius repeated, suddenly closer. He put a hand on Merlin's forehead, the eye's widening as he took in the sheer coldness that radiated from the young prince.
Merlin trembled again, not really paying attention to Gaius.
"Oh, goodness." Gaius hurriedly swept a blanket around the prince. "You drank from the water," Gaius looked into Merlin's glazed eyes, shaking his shoulder.
Merlin looked up at him. "What?" he said distractedly.
"Merlin, I need you to answer me. Did you drink from the water in the lower town?"
Gaius watched, horrified as Merlin slowly nodded yes, looking so miserable the old man just wanted to hug him.
"Yes," Merlin whispered. "Gaius, what am I going to do?"
"The only thing we can do. Heal yourself, Merlin."
The prince looked up at the physician in shock, blinking to clear his vision. "I-I can't! Father would accuse me of sorcery!"
"Merlin, there is no cure. If you don't heal yourself, you will die."
The warlock shook his head. "Father would burn me. Besides, I can't heal myself and not everybody else."
Gaius tried to shake some sense into the prince, though he knew Merlin was sick enough to be unable to think properly. "You can't heal everybody else if you're dead!"
Merlin let out a grim laugh. "I don't have enough magic when I'm this sick, Gaius. We have to do this without my magic."
Gaius sighed, knowing he couldn't win this one. Setting a large pile of books next to the prince, they delved in, knowing they were on limited time.
That's how Arthur found them. Seated on the steps, a blanket around his shoulders, Merlin was looking down at a book, eyes fluttering every now and then. Gaius was sitting at the table, watching the prince.
"Gaius? Merlin? What's going on?"
The physician opened his mouth, but Merlin beat him to it. "Trying to find the cure."
Noticing Merlin's pale, almost gray skin, Arthur asked, "Are you alright, Merlin?"
"I'm just tired. I'm fine."
Arthur didn't miss the glare Gaius sent him.
"Right. Well, Father was wondering where you are."
"Just tell him I'm helping Gaius," Merlin responded tiredly.
Arthur frowned. "Are you going to tell me what's really wrong?"
"Merlin has the illness, sire," Gaius said quickly. Merlin glared at him.
Arthur's heart immediately dropped. Rushing to his brother, Arthur sank to his knees in front of him.
Merlin scowled. "I'm fine Arthur."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, not believing for a second his younger brother's words. "No, you're not." Turning to Gaius, he asked, "What can you do?"
Gaius stood up and walked over to the princes. "Until we find the antidote, nothing."
Arthur growled, startling both Merlin and Gaius. "We have to be able to do something!"
Merlin shook his head, then closed his eyes tightly, regretting the action. "No, I know what you're going to say. I can't use my magic, not when-"
The opening of the door distracted the youngest prince, who cracked his eyes open at the disturbance.
It was Will, who opened his mouth in surprise at the two princes sitting in Gaius' chambers.
"What…?"
"Will, can you get some food from the kitchen please?" Arthur requested, though his tone bordered more on an order.
Will cast a glance at the wrapped-up prince before stepping out again, obeying Arthur's command.
"You can't think of anything?" Arthur pleaded with Gaius, a hand resting on Merlin's arm.
The physician silently shook his head.
"Merlin, surely there is something your magic can do." The prince let out a small no, shivering again.
"There is no one you can think of that will help you?"
Merlin suddenly lifted his head, an idea popping into his head.
Maybe not someone, but something!
Merlin stood up too quickly, his head rushing, and his vision blurred for a moment. Blinking away the darkness, he found himself standing with Arthur and Gaius on either side of him holding his arms.
"You almost collapsed," Arthur said disprovenly.
Merlin tried to take back his arms, but the two wouldn't let go. "Let go of me, I think I know what can help!"
"Then you're telling us what to do," Arthur said firmly.
"No. If I don't do this quickly then people will die."
"Including you."
Merlin looked up into Arthur's eyes, identifying the worry and fear in his eyes. "I'll be okay." The younger prince reassured softly. "My magic is slowing down the sickness and as long as I can be quick then it shouldn't progress anymore."
"Why can't I come?" Arthur asked, still not completely convinced.
"Because it's magic."
The blonde opened his mouth but found he couldn't find anything to say to that. "You'll hurry?"
Merlin started nodding his head but quickly stopped when it made the room spin. "I promise."
And then he was out the door, walking as quickly as he could when feeling absolutely horrible.
As he passed the dungeons he felt the urge to call out to Gwen, who was lying miserably on the ground, back to him. He swallowed the urge however, he couldn't waste any time.
Grabbing a torch and lighting with a glance, he reached the cave where the Great Dragon resided.
"Hello?" He called out, coughing as his throat protested. There was a few seconds of silence before a disembodied voice replied, "Hello."
Merlin started, waving the torch in the general direction of the voice.
"The great warlock returns, as I knew he would." The dragon slowly settled on the large rock directly in front of Merlin.
"I need to know how to defeat an afanc!"
"Yes, I suppose you do."
"Will you help me?"
"Trust the elements that are at your command."
Merlin frowned. "Elements? But what is it I have to do?"
"You cannot do this alone. You are but one side of a coin."
"Arthur is the other?" Merlin responded, rolling his eyes.
The dragon held Merlin's gaze with large golden eyes. "You must hurry if you want to keep Arthur and the kingdom safe. And Merlin…beware the witch."
"But I don't understand, just tell me what I have to do!"
The dragon flapped his wings, lifting up from the rock. Before he could fly away completely Merlin yelled desperately, "Please! Just tell me!"
"The elements, Princeling." With that the Great Dragon flew up towards his ledge, leaving Merlin alone with his torch. "Oh yeah, right. Thanks," he murmured sarcastically, shooting an annoyed frown to the cave before turning.
O0o
"Have you found anything more?" Uther asked in a low voice.
Arthur sighed. "I've tried."
Uther dipped his head despairingly, and Arthur said, "I can keep looking."
"People are dying. We can't delay any longer." Uther stood straight. "We must kill the witch." Turning to his son, Uther ordered, "Bring her execution forward tonight."
Arthur nodded once, dismay behind his eyes, and stepped out of the room, hurrying towards the physician's quarters. Hopefully, Merlin would have made it back by now.
When he stepped into the Gaius's chambers, Merlin, Will, and Gaius were standing in a tight circle, although the younger prince looked ready to collapse.
"Merlin!" Arthur grinned. "You haven't collapsed yet?"
"Still on my feet and ready to destroy this afanc."
"How? We have to destroy it quickly, Father moved Gwen's execution to tonight."
Merlin looked up sharply. "Tonight? We have to do this as soon as possible, Gaius."
"Again, how?" Arthur asked.
"Merlin burst in here and said something about elements. Gaius thinks that because the afanc is made up of earth and water, then fire and wind can help destroy it." Will summed up.
"Great, let's go," Arthur said, striding toward the door.
"Merlin, how did you find this out?" Gaius wondered, something in his tone that made Arthur look back. As he did he saw something flash onto Merlin's face. Worry? Fear?
"Um, I just knew. You know, it's part of my powers."
"What else do your powers tell you?"
"That I am only one side of a coin," Merlin said, not missing a beat. "The brighter side, obviously."
"And who's the other side?" Arthur asked suspiciously.
"I think that might be you," Merlin replied, before grimacing and bringing a hand up to his head.
A new voice distraught with panic joined in as the door swung open. "They've brought the execution to tonight. We must prove Gwen's innocence!" Morgana had entered.
"Yes, there's a monster, and afanc in the water supply, that's what's causing the plague."
"We must tell Uther!"
Merlin was already shaking his head, then scrunched his eyes and sat down at the bench heavily.
"The afanc's a creature forged by magic, telling Uther wouldn't save Gwen. He'd just blame her for conjuring it." Gaius replied.
"So what are we to do?" Arthur asked, confused.
"We need to destroy it, then the plague will stop and Father may see sense," Merlin said, head buried in his arm.
"Let's go now then," Morgana stated, hurrying toward the door. Arthur made a noise of agreement and followed.
"You'll disobey the king?" Will asked in disbelief. The Arthur he knew was someone who followed his father's desire more often than not.
Arthur turned. "If we don't destroy this plague, Merlin is dead. Come on, Merlin."
The prince stood, wavering, and Will held him. Merlin smiled his thanks and followed his siblings out the door.
Arthur narrowed his eyes as he pushed open the door to the tunnels. This would be his second time fighting something of magical nature, and he wasn't about to let Merlin or Morgana know how terrified he was.
Leading them with a torch-lit with fire that wavered in the dark, he looked from side to side, knowing the creature would most likely jump out at them, and he wanted to be prepared.
"You better be right about this, Merlin," Arthur muttered.
There was growling, and Morgana gasped, pulling up and stopping. They all looked around nervously but the monster didn't show.
"You should stay here," Arthur told Morgana.
"I'm coming with you," Morgan replied firmly, glancing sideways at Merlin, whose unfocused eyes were staring at a branched-off tunnel.
"No."
"Scared I'll show you up?" Morgana pulled.
"Father will slam us all in chains if he knew I'd endangered you. Both of you." He added looking at Merlin.
"Good thing he doesn't know then." Morgana smiled sweetly.
"I'm telling you, Morgana, turn back you could get hurt."
"So could you, if you don't get out of my way," Morgana hissed and walked ahead.
Merlin raised his eyebrows.
"Shut up Merlin,"
"How are we going to find it?" Morgana asked.
"Just hope we do before it finds us," Merlin murmured.
Arthur suddenly swung around. "Stop."
"What?"
They started in that direction before Arthur said, "It's just a shadow," though he didn't sound too convinced.
They continued on, throwing wary glances at the darkness tiptoeing around them.
Reaching the water supply, Arthur ordered, "Spread out."
They did. Arthur paused, snarling echoing behind him. Arthur slowly turned around and his eyes widened as a large shadow roared in front of him. The prince tried to hit it, but it was gone before his sword could slide through anything solid.
"What is it, are you alright?" Morgana was back, panic in her voice.
"Yeah," Arthur replied, his voice sturdy.
"Did you see it?" Merlin asked, panting heavily as his lungs refused to cooperate with him.
"Yes, it's very quick."
Morgana suddenly screamed as the monster materialized in front of her and they all leaped back. Arthur, in front of his two siblings, waved the torch in front of him, hoping that it would do something. It was gone again.
"Where is it?" Arthur asked, tension stringing his words tight.
The growling sounded again, low and coarse.
"I think it's gone this way!" Merlin gasped, pointing to a tunnel on their left. They strode toward it, Arthur steady, Merlin wavering, and Morgana cautious.
The snarling stopped them as they reached a hallway. A shadow formed, and then the creature walked out, fangs barred and evil eyes staring at them with malicious intent clear. It was black and slimy, and something from a nightmare. Arthur approached, waving the fire as his weapon. The creature roared, lumbering toward them slowly. Everything was in disarray, but Merlin caught a glimpse of the creature with its mouth open, and the youngest prince yelled, "Arthur, use the torch!"
Arthur swung the fire hard, and Merlin quickly incanted, the wind blowing as if a tornado had suddenly formed. Arthur ducked, and the wind blew into the fire, creating a large fan of fire that fell directly into the afanc. Merlin closed his eyes, leaning against the cavern wall, and as sudden energy rushed into him, leaving him breathless. The three looked at each other in relief and smiled.
"That's very good," Uther complimented, laughing at a document in his hands. Just then, Gaius walked into the room.
"Sire, there are no new deaths, and those that are sick are recovering."
"Good. Strange, I've never heard of an afanc before." Uther took a sip from his wine.
"It's conjured from clay by powerful magic. The type that can only be invoked by an ancient sorceress. One who has the power to mirror the spirit of life."
Uther lowered his goblet, eyes wide and something akin to fear in his eyes.
Gaius continued. "I found this at the water source." Unwrapping something in his hands he uncovered an eggshell with runes in red wrapping around it. "It bears the mark of Nimueh."
"No," Uther said, shaking his head.
"We must be vigilant, sire."
"Will I never be rid of her?" Uther asked tiredly.
"Sire-"
"Leave me."
The physician and knights left leaving Uther on his throne.
Merlin and Morgana smiled as Gwen's father rushed into the cell to wrap his arms around his daughter.
"Thank you!" Gwen exclaimed to Morgana.
"Don't thank me, it was more Merlin."
"Really?" Gwen asked shyly, looking at the prince in admiration.
"He's the real hero here." Morgana continued.
Merlin raised an eyebrow at his sister.
"I don't know what to say, sire."
"I didn't do anything," Merlin replied, smiling abashedly.
"I'm grateful to you, Prince Merlin, Lady Morgana." Gwen's father said, a large smile on his lips. Morgana and Merlin grinned at each other before walking out of the cell, hearts glad their friend had escaped death.
Merlin sat on the bench in Gaius' chambers, allowing Gaius to check him over for the lasting effects of the plague, eating from a wooden bowl.
A thought suddenly struck him. "This fish didn't come from the water did it?"
Gaius gave him a strange glance. "Where else would it come from? The water is fine, sire, but that's not your worry."
Merlin looked up.
"This was the work of a very powerful sorcerer. I only hope you didn't come to her attention."
Merlin snorted. "Doubt it. I am a very unassuming person, no one gives me a second glance."
"I'm not quite sure about that, Merlin. What about those serving girls? And that visiting lady that wouldn't stop bothering you?"
Merlin blushed, looking down, and Gaius laughed before deeming him clear to enjoy his evening.
Far away in a musty cave a pretty young lady with hair as dark as coal seethed at the picture of the prince in her bowl of reflecting water.
"Merlin, you will pay for this." she hissed.