"Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia." Uther proclaimed to the king in blue facing him. "The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people."
Merlin smiled slightly from where he stood behind Arthur. He was quite proud of this treaty, it had taken a while but he had managed to convince his father and even helped write it.
The king held out his hand, and Bayard shook it. The knights all clapped, and Merlin joined in enthusiastically.
Will walked alongside Merlin, carrying a heavy sack of something that looked like rice. Merlin grinned, amused at his manservant's trouble.
"Why do I always get landed with the donkey work?" Will complained.
"You're a servant, Will. It's literally in your job description."
"My arm'll be a foot longer by the time I get this inside."
"It's… character building. As the old proverb says, 'hard work breeds…worthy men."
Will dropped his load and stared at the prince. "There is no way that's a proverb, you just made that up."
Merlin put on an offensive look. "I did not-"
Whatever Merlin had been about to say was interrupted by a serving girl, who had tripped over her feet and landed in front of him.
"Sorry," she muttered, her distinct accent clear. She began picking up her pillows, and Merlin knelt to help her. "It's all right," he said, and Will dropped down as well.
"Let me help you with that."
The girl looked up and her face paled as she saw the prince.
"S-sire! No, please I can-"
She stood up as Merlin stood up with a few pillows in his arms. "It's fine, it was probably my fault."
The girl looked down. "Thank you, Prince Merlin."
"No problem…um…what's your name?"
The girl was very beautiful with dark liquid blue eyes and long eyelashes. Her lips were full and red.
"Kara, my lord."
"Merlin!"
Merlin turned to see Arthur beckoning him to come, looking a little amused by what he was seeing.
"Well, nice to meet you, Kara. I've got to go…uh, Will, I'll see you later." He dumped the pillows in his manservant's arms.
With that, the prince left, and Will was left with Kara.
"So, you're Prince Merlin's manservant? That must be such an honor."
Will frowned. Something about the girl had changed as soon as Merlin had left. She was cockier…less innocent.
"Uh yeah, it is. He's a good master and friend."
"I can see that. Well…I should get back to my duties."
The girl left, a smile on her lips.
Will looked after her, brow furrowed.
Merlin stuck his tongue out as Will commented on the smell of the clothes he would be wearing for the feast.
"Did the last feast end in a food fight?"
Merlin shrugged the dark blue jacket on. "Don't all feasts?"
"I wouldn't know. I haven't been to many feasts."
"Oh, right. I can't imagine Ealdor having many feasts."
"Even if we did, we wouldn't have any food to spare for a food fight."
"Well, hopefully, tonight's banquet will satisfy your expectations then."
"I'll be there?" Will asked, an excited smile on his lips.
"Of course," Merlin replied, taking off the jacket and handing it to Will. The manservant grinned and turned, pumping the air with his fist.
"Camelot has been in a war with Mercia for so long, I can't believe this is really happening!" Merlin squealed to Arthur.
The eldest prince rolled his eyes. "Of course, you would be so excited."
Merlin grinned as Uther signed the treaty, and his eyes slid over to see the pretty serving girl, the only one dressed in vibrant colors among her people.
"What're you looking at, Merlin?" Arthur whispered, following Merlin's gaze.
The prince blushed. "Nothing."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "She's pretty for a handmaiden." He commented casually.
"She's pretty for a princess let alone a handmaiden," Merlin replied, and then jerked as everyone stood up and started clapping. The treaty was signed.
They all sat down and Bayard started his speech.
"People of Camelot, for a great many years we have been mortal enemies. The blood of our men stains the ground from the walls of Camelot to the Gates of Merica."
Merlin gave Arthur a look, but he wasn't listening, eyes glazed as he stared at a wall. Merlin shook his head, wondering how Arthur was going to be king if he couldn't even listen to a speech.
"And though we remember those who have died, we must not allow any more to join them."
A girl came up behind the king, a box in her hand.
"As a symbol of our goodwill, and of our newfound friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets." Bayard took out a fine, silver goblet and said, "To you, Uther," he set it in front of the king and took out two more. "And to your sons, Arthur and Merlin. In the hope that our friendship may last."
Arthur smiled. Finally, the talk would be over and they could enjoy the feast.
But Bayard kept talking and Arthur barely managed to hold in a groan. Fidgeting slightly, he bumped Merlin, but his brother didn't react, eyes set on the king.
"And my the differences from our past remain there." Raising the goblet that now held wine, Bayard said, "To your health, Uther." Everyone stood, and Uther, Arthur, Merlin, and Morgana raised their goblets with him.
"Arthur, Merlin, the Lady Morgana," Bayard continued and Arthur clenched his jaw. All he wanted was for the speech to be over.
"The people of Camelot." Arthur sighed, and finally, Bayard was done. Raising the goblet to his mouth, he quickly put it down in frustration as his father added, "And to fallen warriors on both sides."
Glancing at Merlin to see his amused look, Arthur finally lifted his goblet and drank, pleased that nobody but his brother had seen how intensely he had craved the wine.
Merlin suddenly choked, and Arthur looked at him, grinning. At least he wasn't the only one who would be embarrassed tonight. Arthurs's grin melted, however as he saw Merlin's panic.
"Merlin?"
The prince had brought a hand to his throat, eyes wide as he struggled to breathe. By then Uther and Morgana had realized something was wrong and looked questioningly at Arthur who shrugged.
"Are you o-" Arthur gasped as his brother's eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed. Arthur jumped, trying to catch the prince before he could hit the ground but he had hesitated a few seconds too long and Merlin's head hit the ground with a thunk, the goblet rolling out of his lax hand.
Uther stared at the goblet. "You poisoned my son. Guards seize them!" He pointed to Bayard, fury written on his face.
Arthur bent over Merlin, Morgana falling to her knees next to Merlin. Gaius was there in a few more seconds.
"Merlin, do you hear me?" The physician lifted Merlin's eye to see the pupil largely dilated and sat up. "We have to get him back to my chambers."
Arthur picked up his brother quickly, fear swirling in his heart, and headed to the physician's chambers.
"Grab the goblet, we need to identify the poison," Gaius added, following Arthur and Morgana. Gwen knelt and picked up the silver cup, silently accompanying the others.
"Lay him on the bed quickly," Gaius commanded Arthur, pointing to the cot in the corner. "He's struggling to breathe."
Arthur unhooked Merlin's arms from his shoulders and laid him on the cot in his chambers.
"Gwen, fetch me some water and a towel,"
"Is he going to be alright?" Arthur asked, watching as Merlin's head lolled toward him.
Gaius placed a hand on the prince's forehead. "He's burning up."
"You can cure him, can't you Gaius?" Morgana pleaded.
"I wouldn't know until I can identify the poison. Pass me the goblet." Gaius placed a cloth on Merlin's forehead, forcing himself to put away his feelings. Gwen handed the goblet to Gaius who stood up and examined it. Gwen replaced Gaius's hand.
"Ah, there's something stuck on the inside."
Arthur stood up and walked over. "What it is?"
"Looks like a flower petal or some kind." With tweezers the physician picked the object out, holding it in the air.
"His brows on fire," Gwen put in, still holding the cloth over the prince's forehead.
"Keep him cool, it will help control the fever."
Morgana and Arthur watched as Gaius slammed a big book onto his workspace.
Flipping through the pages quickly, the physician found what he was looking for and pointed to a picture of a yellow flower.
"Ah, the petal comes from the Morteus flower. It says, `Someone poisoned by the Morteus flower can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower.'" Gaius looked up at Arthur and Morgana, worry clear on his face before continuing, "It can only be found in the caves deep in the Forest of Baloch." Turning the page, he read, "The flower grows on the roots of the Morteus tree."
Leaning over Gaius' shoulder, the eldest prince pointed to a drawing in the book of a lizard-type animal with wings. "That doesn't look particularly friendly."
"The 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 Morteos flower have made it back alive."
Arthur looked to Merlin, who was lying with a distressed look on his face, cloth on his forehead, and Gwen listening in.
Arthur paced, and Morgana looked on with horror. "Arthur…"
"Sounds like fun," Arthur said, with one more look at Merlin.
"Arthur, it's too dangerous!" Morgana cried.
"If I don't get the antidote, what happens to Merlin?"
"The Morteous induces a slow and painful death. He may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually, he will die."
They all looked at the unconscious prince, who was breathing heavily and tossing. With a shake of his head, Arthur walked out, Morgana on his heels. Gaius and Gwen glanced at each other and Gaius shook his head, sighing.
Just then the door slammed open and Uther stormed in, Will behind him. The King headed straight to his son, his face betraying his shock and fear.
"What's happened, Gaius?"
Gaius walked over gravely. "He's been poisoned by the Morteous flower. He has four, maybe five days to live."
Uther ground his teeth, turning away from the sight of his dying son.
"How do you save him?"
"The only thing that can save him is the Morteous flower itself. It can be found in the caves of the Forest of Baloch."
Uther nodded. "I will send out guards to get this flower."
Gaius watched the king, knowing it wasn't his place to argue.
"How could this happen? Why Merlin?"
"I don't know sire," Gaius said truthfully.
Uther sucked in a breath and then laid a hand over Merlin's.
"I want him transferred to his chambers. He deserves to be comfortable, at the least."
Gaius nodded respectively, and the king walked to the door. Opening it, he turned and said, "Inform me if anything changes," before closing the door. Will quickly hurried to his master's side.
"You really don't know why Merlin was targeted?"
Glancing at Gwen, the old man replied, "No."
Behind them Merlin tossed and turned, his fever growing as the poison transgressed further through his body.
Arthur had run into Uther as he entered Gaius' chambers and waited for him to leave. As Uther closed the door behind him, Arthur joined him.
"Father, I'm going to the Forest of Baloch to get the antidote."
"Arthur, I know you want to save your brother, but this is too dangerous for one person. I will send out a squad of knights at first light."
"They will be too slow! Merlin doesn't have long, five days at the most. They can't travel there and back in five days!"
Uther held up a hand. "You are my heir and son, Arthur, I can't risk you."
"So? Merlin is your son too, it doesn't matter he's not the heir, I have to do this."
"No, Arthur, you will be staying."
"Father!" Arthur said in disbelief.
"You're not going, and that's final." With that Uther walked on, leaving Arthur standing there, aghast.
Throwing his sword onto his table, Arthur fisted his hands, angry but not able to do anything.
Staring into the flames of the fire Arthur argued with himself. The eldest prince hadn't directly disobeyed his father since his adolescent years, and he wasn't sure if he was brave enough to try it now. Arthur had no idea what Uther would do to him if he did leave, which he was quite tempted to do. And yet Merlin was Uther's son just as he was Arthur's brother, and their father wouldn't just let Merlin die. There was truth to Uther's words, however. It was true that Arthur was the heir, and if Arthur failed, then both of Uther's sons would die, not just leaving the king without his children but also without heirs. Uther knew what he was doing. With that, Arthur decided he would do as his father had commanded and stay, though it made him more anxious for Merlin when he wasn't doing anything to help.
"Say what you'd like about the food, but you can't beat our feasts for entertainment." Morgana's soft voice startled Arthur, and he looked at her without any amusement in his eyes. "Morgana, I'm sorry. I should have made sure you were all right."
"Disappointed, actually. I was looking forward to clumping a couple around the head with a ladle."
"I'm sure the guards could have handled Bayard and his men."
"Yeah, but why let the boys have all the fun?"
Arthur looked at her with exasperation. "Morgana, you shouldn't get involved. It's dangerous."
Morgana rolled her eyes. "Spare me the lecture. I've already had it from Uther."
"If it's any consolation, you weren't the only one."
"Not that I listened to him. Are you really going to stay here? Merlin is dying and the guards that Uther sent won't be quick enough."
Arthur didn't respond, turning away from Morgana.
"Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right, no matter the consequences."
"Morgana…I can't, if I die then Father will be left without any heirs or sons."
"And what kind of King would Camelot want?" Picking up Arthur's sword that still lay on the table continued, "One that would risk his life to save his younger brother or one who does what his father tells him to?"
Arthur inwardly groaned. Morgana knew exactly what to say to change his mind. Looking up he stared into Morgana's eyes and nodded once. Morgana smiled. The determination in the eldest prince's eyes was enough to hope that Merlin would live.
"He's getting hotter," Gwen said, alarm in her voice as she gently dabbed Merlin's forehead with a damp cloth.
Will watched silently from beside the bed and quickly turned to Gaius as the prince began to mutter, and not in English.
Gaius glanced at Gwen, hoping she wouldn't realize that the prince's murmuring were in the Old Religion.
"What language is that?" Gwen asked nevertheless.
Gaius responded without pause. "None. The fever's taken hold. None of those words are his own."
Taking Merlin's slack hand, Gaius felt for his pulse. "His pulse is weaker."
Will and Gwen exchanged worried glances. As the old physician put down the prince's hand, Will suddenly asked, "What is that?"
"What is what?"
"On Merlin's arm, what is that?"
Sliding down the sleeve, Gaius sucked in a breath at the red rash that traveled down his arm.
"What is it?" Gwen asked.
"That can't be right." Gaius stared at the rash for a few more seconds and abruptly got up and went over to his book. "The rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage."
Gwen and Will looked at him in alarm. "What does that mean?"
"It says here that once a rash appears, death will follow within two days."
Gwen stared at him with wide eyes. "You said he had four days."
"Something's increased the flower's potency." Gaius flipped the page and continued to read: "It warns that the effect of the Mortaeus will be more rapid if an enchantment is used during the flowers preparation."
Gwen glanced at Merlin, his face wet with sweat and breathing heavily.
"Enchantment?" Asked Will. "But Bayard's no sorcerer."
"No, he isn't."
"Then who did this?" Gwen asked sharply.
Gaius thought for a moment, then said softly, "It can't have been. She wouldn't dare come here." Turning to Will he said, "Unless…"
"Unless what?"
"What happened to that girl?"
"Which girl?" Gwen asked.
Will eyes's widened. "There was a girl that Merlin ran into. She was very pretty. I didn't like the way she looked at him though."
"Do you remember what she looks like?" Gaius demanded.
Will nodded.
"Find her, quickly."
Will glanced at Merlin and then ran out of the chambers.
"Arthur…" Merlin muttered, and Gaius took a seat next to him, not liking the way Merlin seemed to be slipping away every minute.
"I expressly ordered Arthur not to go!" Uther growled, pacing back and forth in Morgana's chambers.
"I'd say it worked like a charm too," Morgana replied sarcastically.
"Not another word!"
"My lips are sealed," Morgana promised.
"I should have put him under lock and key."
Despite what Morgana had just promised, she said, "You can't chain him up every time he disagrees with you."
"Just you watch me! I will not be disobeyed, especially by my own son."
"No, of course, you won't," Morgana murmured before sitting down and looking through her paperwork. Uther stared at her.
"You knew about this, didn't you?" When she didn't respond, Uther said quietly, "Morgana."
She looked up.
"Don't lie to me."
"Arthur's old enough to make decisions for himself."
"He's just a boy,"
"Have you seen your sons recently? Arthur may be in his twenties, and Merlin still in his teens, but they are adults. Arthur is head of the knights and Merlin has been a great advantage to the council recently. You have to let them make their own minds up."
"Even if it means letting Arthur go to his death?"
Morgana glanced up, worry clear in her eyes that maybe Uther was right and Arthur and Merlin would die. It would be all her fault. The king's ward glanced down to hide her insecurity. She had to believe that Arthur was strong enough to do this. She had to.
Arthur pulled his horse to a stop, taking a deep breath as he overlooked the Forest of Baloch. He was here, and now all he had to do was find the caves and the flower. Digging his heels into the horse, he rode ahead, wondering if he would make it in time.
Merlin turned his head, still muttering and breathing heavily and quickly. Gaius was studying the rash on the prince's arms when he heard the door open and Will burst through. Gwen looked up from where she was dipping the cloth in the water with the question on her face.
"Let me guess, she wasn't there," Gaius said, seeing Will's face.
"No one has seen her since the banquet. Who is she?"
"Not who she claims to be."
"But you know, don't you?" Gwen looked at Gaius, brows raised.
"Kara. Though that's not her name - not her real name anyway."
"Then who is she?" Will demanded.
Gaius took a breath and responded, "A powerful sorceress."
"Well, we should tell Merlin's father, maybe he could send riders out after her." Gwen cried out.
"No, she'll be long gone. It's impossible to know where, though." Suddenly a thought occurred to the physician and he looked at Gwen. "Oh no,"
"What?" Gwen and Will said together.
"She knows the only place an antidote can be found in the Forest of Baloch. Arthur could be walking into a trap."
Gwen and Will paled. As if to prove their worries, Merlin whispered behind them, "Arthur." They all turned to him. "Arthur."
The three looked at each other in horror.
Line break
Arthur led his horse through the misty forest, one hand on his sword and on guard. The mist was eerie and Arthur was not ashamed to say that he was a little creeped out. The forest was silent, barely any birds or noises could be heard.
A quiet sob startled the silence. Arthur bit his lip, leading his horse to the sound. The eldest prince sidestepped a root and looked up to see a girl, with long dark hair in a red tattered dress sitting on a log and blood running down her arm.
She sobbed again and Arthur sighed. Already leading his horse to a branch that stuck out, he tied the creature and walked over to the girl.
"Hello?"
The girl sobbed again. As Arthur approached, the girl leaned away.
Kneeling in front of her, Arthur asked, "Are you alright?"
The girl kept quiet but suddenly screamed when there was a loud roar. Arthur spun around, heart beating furiously.
The beast illustrated in Gaius' book crept over a small hill, looking more dangerous and scary than Arthur thought it might be. Arthur rose and stepped toward it, the strange girl behind him.
"Stay back."
Arthur circled around the creature. Twisting his sword, Arthur waited for the right moment to strike, to end the threat. The beast crept closer, roaring loudly, and Arthur lunged, teasing the monster. His blade shinged as he sliced the air, and the eldest prince kept his eyes on the creature. The cockatrice finally had enough and rising on his two hind feet, pounced. Eyes wide, Arthur dived under the creature and came into a roll, then quickly spun and after a moment of seeing the beast exactly where he needed it to be, threw his sword at it with all his might. For Merlin.
The sword struck true, and the fell beast collapsed, its heart stopped in an instant. Gasping for air and wiping the sweat off his forehead, he glanced at the girl to see her rise quickly, fear on her face and backing away. I don't have time for this.
"Itś alright, I'm not going to hurt you." Walking closer he eyed the scratches on her arm and questioned, "Who did that to you?"
Merlin would kill him if he didn't at least show an ounce of concern for the hurt girl.
"My master."
Arthur was silent, awaiting an explanation. The girl gave it after a few moments.
"I ran away from him, but then I got lost. Please don't leave me,"
Please don't cry, Please don't cry. Arthur could handle a lot of things but at the moment a sobbing wet mess of a girl was not something he wanted to deal with.
"I won't, I'm not going to," Arthur said aloud.
"You can take me away from here?" she asked hopefully.
"Not yet, there's something I have to do first," Arthur murmured, looking toward the caves where the flower to heal his little brother simply had to be.
Arthur turned and started walking toward the beast where his sword gleamed in the murky sunlight.
"Why have you come to the caves?" the girl suddenly asked.
"I'm looking for something," Arthur replied, wiping the blood off the blade and sheathing it. "And it can only be found here."
"What is it?"
The girl sounded so curious, and yet there was something else…something he couldn't put into words.
"I know this place, I could help you." The girl offered at his silence. And again, something bugged him about that, but he didn't let himself dwell on it because Merlin was dying.
"It's a type of flower that only grows inside the cave. It's very rare."
At this, the girl smiled. "The Mortaeus flower?"
Arthur's silence was his confirmation and she looked up at him. "I know where they are. I'll show you."
She smiled once more before walking toward the caves, leaving Arthur to follow. The girl disappeared into the caves, and Arthur paused warily, but there was nothing else to do. Reaching the caves, he jerked in surprise when the girl stood there, holding two flaming torches.
How the heck did she find torches and how did she light them?
Arthur swallowed his questions and took one, following after the hooded girl in silence.
"Arthur, it-it's a trap," Merlin mumbled deliriously repeating the lines and slurring them together.
Gwen bit her lip. "His fever's getting worse, isn't it?" she questioned Gaius who sat next to the prince.
"The poison's setting in," Gaius said grimly. Will stood at the foot of the bed, watching Merlin. He glanced at Gaius as Merlin started murmuring in the Old Religion again. Placing the damp cloth on his forehead, the old physician glanced at Gwen whose forehead creased as she frowned.
"Could you fetch me some more wolfsbane?" Gaius asked before she started asking questions.
"Yes, of course." Gwen stood up, glancing once more at the prince before setting out. Merlin sucked in a deep breath, pain written on his face, and Gaius' heart clenched at the sight. Merlin was like his own child, and no parent could ever bear to see their child in pain.
"Merlin, you must fight it."
Will looked on, worry so full in his chest he was afraid he might explode.
Line break
The mysterious girl led Arthur on for a while, and the eldest prince began to worry that Merlin might die before he even got to the flower. Just as he was going to ask how much longer, they came to a small ledge, and on the opposite side of the cave was a small flower, growing steadily in the crook of the rock.
"There they are," the girl pointed them out.
Arthur stepped forward, eyeing the long distance from the ledge he stood on to the bottom. A few loose pebbles clattered their way down.
He turned to the girl. "Keep away from the edge. Don't worry, we'll be out of here soon."
Slowly moving forward, Arthur took a deep breath. For Merlin.
Arthur took a few more steps, forcing himself not to look down. He suddenly tensed, a large crack piercing the cavern with its echo. He turned to see and hear the girl incanting, eyes lit with a fury and power Arthur himself could not understand. "What are you doing?" He shouted, eyes wide with fear. The ledge beneath him trembled and in one fluid motion, without being quite aware of what he was doing, he dropped the torch and leaped, grasping the tiny ledge that stuck out on the opposed wall. As his weight dropped he cried out at the agony of holding himself there with just his hands. It took all his willpower to hold onto that stone, but he had to because Merlin was dying and the flower was right there!
"I expected so much more," The girl wasn't crying anymore, or curious. Her voice was treacherous, filled with disappointment and amusement.
"Who are you?" Arthur yelled back.
The girl pulled down her hood and said dramatically, "The last face you'll ever see," and Arthur almost rolled his eyes because really, that was a bit cliché to say.
There was a rattle, and Arthur grunted, realizing he was not alone here with the girl. There was something else.
The girl agreed. "It seems we have a visitor."
A small but still large spider crept over a small crevice, hissing like a serpent. Arthur dropped one hand and painstakingly unsheathed his sword. Using all the strength he had gained from frequent bouts of sparring, Arthur swung at the spider, and neatly cut it in half.
"Very good," The girl said. It wasn't a compliment. Arthur breathed heavily as he threw his sword up onto the ledge he was grasping.
"But it won't be the last. I'll let his friends finish you off, Arthur Pendragon. It's not your destiny to die at my hand."
As she left, so did the light, and Arthur yelled one last time in the dark, "Who are you?"
Line break
Merlin twisted in his sheets. "Arthur, It's too dark, too dark."
The prince started incanting again, and Will wondered aloud, "What is he talking about?"
Gaius shook his head. "I don't know," he said softly.
Will suddenly jerked as a soft blue light filtered through the room. "Merlin?"
He lifted the sheets and gasped. There, in the prince's hand, was a glowing blue ball: magic.
"What are you doing?" Gaius wondered, eyes wide.
Arthur groaned again, arms trembling as he held on. A sudden blue light lit everything up and Arthur grit his teeth as a flowing blue ball floated up next to him.
"Come on then! What are you waiting for, finish me off!"
But the ball did nothing and with the light, Arthur found the courage to heave his body onto the ledge, and without allowing himself a respite grabbed his sword and sheathed it. The ball floated slowly upwards, and Arthur glanced at it before shaking his head and heading for the Morteus flower on the wall.
There was ominous hissing, and Arthur started, climbing toward the flowers that had poisoned his little brother in the first place.
Arthur climbed and climbed, then standing on a small ledge that gave him enough space to reach for that flower, he stretched, begging to anyone or anything that would listen that he would just reach those flowers. Arthur leaned forward and with one more stretch plucked the flower off the plant and tucked it into a pouch on his belt.
Tearing off his gloves quickly for more grip, Arthur once again started climbing, following the blue light, struggling as hissing and tiny feet moving followed him.
Gaius held Merlin down as he struggled. "Go faster, move, climb, follow the light!" He and Will exchanged worried looks as Merlin worked himself up.
Arthur climbed and climbed, straining himself to go just a little faster, the light rising higher and higher. As Arthur looked up he smiled, the end was right there. The ball of light floated out and vanished. Arthur glanced down at the tiny thousands of spiders and voted out the cave, unsheathing his sword before hurrying on to his horse. He had the flower, now he just had to give it to Merlin.
Merlin gasped for air as he relaxed, the light vanishing, and Gaius replaced the cloth on his forehead. Merlin was noticeably worse, his fever higher, his breathing strained. Will looked at Gaius with something akin to awe.
Just then Uther burst into the chambers to check on his son and his eyes widened as he caught sight of the very much worse-for-wear prince lying on the bed.
"Why did you not tell me how much he had progressed?" The king demanded.
Gaius didn't respond, interrupted by shouts of "Arthur has returned!"
Will and Gaius breathed in relief and Uther stalled where he stood before putting a fist to his mouth and walking back out to greet Arthur.
Gwen walked in a few moments later. "How is he?"
"He won't last that much longer. Can you go to Arthur and get the flower? I'm afraid Uther in his anger won't let Arthur say much."
Gwen nodded and hurried back out the door. Will bit his lip as Merlin struggled, the breaths he took raspy and too few in between. Minutes passed and Gaius redipped the cloth in water, wiping away the sweat before placing back on Merlin's forehead.
Finally, Gwen came back in, a flower in her hand.
"Uther's shouting at Arthur. He managed to pass it to me before Uther saw." She passed the flower to Gaius and sat back down next to the prince.
"His breathing is much worse, we need to hurry."
Gaius started mixing it up as Gwen stared down at the prince. He wasn't moving at all and you could barely see that he was breathing. Gaius suddenly stopped mixing and Gwen looked up.
"Why have you stopped?"
"The poison was created using magic. We may need magic to create an antidote."
Will looked up at that, alarm in his eyes.
"But we can't, it's forbidden, even if we could." Gwen gasped out.
"I'll try and make it work. Will, can you come help me?"
Will nodded, getting up and heading over.
"I need you to cover me as I do magic," Gaius whispered.
Will bit his lip and nodded. Talking loudly and clinking bottles together Will watched as Gaius' eyes turned gold and the potion fizzled. Pouring the potion into a small bottle, Gaius finally rushed over to Merlin and commanded Gwen, "Hold his nose,"
She did, quickly, and Gaius slowly poured the potion into Merlin's mouth, softly saying, "Swallow, Merlin."
He did and heaved a giant breath before going still. The three watched him, anxious. Gwen noticed first. "He's stopped breathing," she said in a small voice.
"What's happening?" Will asked, and Gaius stared before laying his head over Merlin's heart.
"His heart stopped." He finally relayed, sounding as if he didn't believe a word he was saying.
"He's dead?"
Gaius shook his head. "He can't be." Gaius stood, still in denial. "It was his destiny."
Will brought a fist to his mouth, small tears in his eyes as he stared at Merln's pale face. Gwen stood up and Gaius brought her close in a hug.
"It's my fault," Gaius said softly. "I should have looked after him better."
Will just stood there, not saying a word.
"Ah, that's disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. You old enough to be her grandfather!"
The three looked down in shock to see Merlin raise himself on his elbows, a smile on his face.
Will grinned. "Merlin! You're alive!"
"No, I'm a ghost coming back to haunt you." Merlin had barely gotten the words out when Gwen rushed over and kissed him. She leaped back in shock, bringing a hand to her mouth. The prince looked at her, dazed.
"I'm sorry," Gwen said, mortified beyond belief. "I'm sorry, I just…I thought you were dead!"
"It's fine," Merlin said, still dazed. "It's more than fine, I…um.. that was my first kiss," Merlin stared at Gwen for a few moments before shaking himself and staring questionably at Gaius.
"Um...what happened?" Will, Gwen, and Gaius looked at each other. "The last thing I remember is drinking the wine."
A few hours later, after Morgana and Arthur and Uther had come to see Merlin alive, (nobody had told them how close it was) Gaius walked into a council meeting that Uther had just started.
"Sire, forgive my interruption but may I speak with you?"
"Not now," Uther replied, barely giving him a glance.
"Your highness, It is important."
"Word of Bayard's arrest has gotten back to Mercia. We are about to be attacked."
"Sire, I fear what I tell you will have something to do with your plans."
Uther finally nodded and led Gaius away.
"I know who tried to poison Merlin," Gaius started.
"So do I, he's locked away in my dungeons."
"It wasn't Bayard. The poison was magical. I'd recognize the hand that made it anywhere."
Uther looked at him expectantly, and Gaius looked around discreetly, making sure no one was listening in. "Nimueh."
Uther looked away with horror. "You must be mistaken."
"I wish I was."
"It can't have been, I'd know her. Her witch's face is not easily forgotten."
"She's a powerful sorceress, she can enchant the eye that beholds her. We never knew it was her."
Uther shook his head. "Have you any proof?"
"The poison used against Merlin was made more potent by the use of magic."
"You're saying she conspired against Bayard to kill Merlin?"
"No, Bayard is innocent. Look at what is happening, this is what she wanted. All this strife and war, this is exactly what she knew would happen."
Uther looked to the table where the planning went on and nodded.
"How long until Bayard's army reaches us?" he asked the Captain of the army.
"A day, no less. We should send out Camelot's army to meet them."
Uther paused for a moment before making up his mind and saying, "Instruct your men not to leave Camelot until I give the order."
The captain of the army mumbled "Yes sire," and left.
"You are making the right decision, sire." Gaius complimented. He then leaned in so that only they could hear what he was about to say. "Do you think that Arthur should be told the truth about Nimueh?"
Uther didn't respond, barely giving the old physician a glance.
Uther, Arthur, and Morgana stood on the balcony, watching Bayard and his procession leave Camelot.
"Alright, let the bragging begin. How did you manage it?"
"I'm not sure. I just know I had help. Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way."
"Who?" Morgana wondered.
Arthur shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe there's another good sorcerer out there, like Merlin." Arthur fidgeted with the stone balcony. "Whoever it was, I owe them my life."
"I'm glad you're back. And Merlin… I couldn't bear watching him slip away. Arthur…I wasn't there with him. I left him alone without his family."
Arthur looked at her. She had her head down. "It's alright, Morgana. I'm sure Merlin won't know. And if he did, he wouldn't hold it against you."
Morgana smiled. "Thanks."
Just then Uther came up behind them and Morgana caught his meaning and left, leaving father and son alone.
"Arthur? The woman you met in the forest…what did she tell you?"
"Not much," Arthur replied, looking back over the procession. "She was too busy trying to get me killed."
Uther looked away, relieved that she had said nothing.
"It was strange though."
Uther turned sharply. "In what way?"
"I was at her mercy. She could have finished me off but she chose not to." Arthur had mused on this for a long time. "Said it wasn't my destiny to die at her hand."
Uther's eyes widened as he suddenly realized something. Pushing the thought away he turned back to his son. "You must have been scared."
Arthur raised his eyebrows. "Had its moments."
"Those who practice magic know only evil, Arthur."
Arthur almost winced. If Merlin were here, Arthur might have, but in his father's presence alone it was easier to act.
"They despise and seek to destroy goodness where ever they see it."
Probably true for many sorcerers. But not all, we have proof.
Uther continued, "Which is why she wanted to kill you."
Arthur looked at his father with furrowed eyebrows. Uther paused for a moment then said, "She is evil."
"Sounds as if you know her," Arthur commented casually, almost laughing at the thought of Uther knowing a sorceress well.
"I do," the king replied quietly, and Arthur looked up in surprise. The prince remained silent, waiting for Uther to elaborate.
"To know the heart of one sorcerer is to know them all."
At that Arthur could barely keep in his anger. Merlin was a pure, kind-hearted soul, and anyone who thought otherwise was a fool.
"You did the right thing, even though you were disobeying me."
Arthur smirked, knowing that an apology, for this was one, was rare for Uther.
Uther smiled, knowing Arthur's thoughts. Then, putting an arm on his son's arm said sincerely, "I'm proud of you, Arthur. Never forget that."
Still more surprised, Arthur just nodded as the king left. What a day.
Arthur didn't bother knocking and strode right into Gaius' chambers where Merlin sat with a blanket around his shoulders. Gaius wanted to keep an eye on him so instead of his comfy chambers Merlin was stuck with an old physician. At least, that's what Arthur would have felt if he were in Merlin's place.
"Still alive then?"
Merlin turned and smiled at the sight of his older brother. "Just about. Thanks to you."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "It was nothing. A half-decent brother is hard to come by."
"Oh? And all the other brothers you have aren't as decent as me?"
"I was only dropping by to see if you were alright."
"Not to tell your amazing tales of how you bested the evil witch and saved me with a flower?"
"No. Merlin, I think there's another sorcerer that's good, he helped me."
Merlin blinked at the sudden news. "What?"
Arthur nodded. "There was a…blue light that lit the darkness and showed the way up."
Gaius gasped behind them and they both turned to him.
"Sire, the blue light… I know where it came from."
"You do?" Both princes said at the same time.
"When you were still sick, you started incanting, and when Will lifted the blankets there was a blue light in your hand."
Arthur's eyes widened, but Merlin wiped off all emotion on his face.
"But…you…magic while you were dying?" Arthur spluttered.
Gaius nodded grimly. "It seems so. Merlin, you were doing powerful magic. You mustn't tell anyone how powerful you can be."
Both brothers nodded.
"Alright now, shoo, Merlin needs rest."
Arthur took a deep breath and nodded then started walking back out.
Merlin called out softly before he could leave, "Arthur. Thank you."
Arthur smiled. "You too." With that, he left.
Gaius set down a bowl of stew before Merlin. "Eat."
Merlin nodded but then asked Gaius a question before lifting the spoon to his lips. "I still don't understand. Why did she go to lengths framing Bayard and starting a war in Camelot and then kill me? Why not Arthur? He's the heir."
Gaius stared into the prince's eyes. "Seems someone else knows you're destined for great things, Merlin."
Merlin bit his lip. Everybody wanted to tell him now that he was 'destined for great things.' What had changed? And what would change in the future? Bringing the soup to his lips, Merlin decided he didn't want to know.
Alright...the author's note. I have a lot to say.
First, I apologize for the long wait. I wasn't motivated at all for a long time, and then I decided enough was enough and hurried through this. So if the ending seems a little rushed...that's because it was. Even though this episode is one of my favorites, it was a nightmare to write. I just wanted to finish this so that I can go on to the next episode. I plan to write all 60 episodes and having now finished this one I now have 56 more to go...
Secondly, thank you to everyone who reviewed and followed, it definitely helped me to get this going again, reminding myself there are some waiting for an update.
Thirdly, part of the reason I didn't update sooner was that I'm planning (and started writing) my first ever Lord of the Rings fanfic centered around my favorite character. I'm going to be writing it like this story where each chapter is an episode. I'm really excited about it but it's hard to write!
Something about this chapter, I'm sorry that Morgana wasn't in the chapter much, and as Merlin's brother she should really be in more but I have plans for her and I couldn't have her witness Merlin's amazing magic...
Please forgive all my mistakes, they are my own. Thank you for reading and on to the next episode! (whenever I post that...)