"But the trade we could have with the village is more profitable than the risk! Why can't Father see that?" Merlin threw his hands up as he paced in Morgana's chambers.
"Mm. Have you tried talking to him?" Morgana asked from where she was tidying her jewelry.
"Of course I have. In private and in council meetings. But since I'm the youngest no one cares to what I have to say."
"That's a burden, indeed."
"It's like Father doesn't even remember the countless help I've given him with treaties, and reports. Why am I the youngest?" The prince lamented, coming to a stop in the middle of his sister's chambers and looking up at the ceiling sullenly.
Morgana was saved from answering as Gwen walked in, arms full of white lilies.
"Look what's just arrived for you." She said with a smile.
Morgana turned. "Who are they from?"
"I don't know," Gwen replied, glancing at Merlin out of the corner of her eyes.
"Maybe Arthur," Merlin suggested, smirking.
Morgana glared at him. "How disappointing."
Merlin walked closer. "Why? Who would you like them to be from?"
Morgana was not to be put off and replied quickly, "I don't know. A tall dark stranger?"
Merlin rolled his eyes and walked out, muttering about girls.
"Her body seems to have closed down," Gaius observed, pulling Morgana's eyelids to study her eyes.
"Why?" Uther demanded tersely. When Gaius didn't reply, Uther continued. "You don't have an answer, do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked." Uther stood up, anger in his eyes. "It's been nearly two days. What do you know?"
With a hand on Morgana's forehead, the old physician replied, "I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain."
Uther clenched his fist and stared down at his ward. "What could have caused such a thing?"
"An infection, possibly. Rest assured I will do everything in my power to cure her sire."
Uther's jaw tightened and he nodded slightly before walking out with his guards.
As Gaius came down the stairs Gwen rushed forward. "Is she any better?"
The physician shook his head, and Gwen's disappointed face flashed before him before she hurried up the stairs to attend to Morgana.
Merlin was waiting a few steps away, and as Gaius walked up to him, the prince raised his head in question.
"She's all but dead, sire."
Merlin shook his head. "No, you're going to cure her. You have to.
Gaius folded his arms. "Don't you start. I've tried everything."
"Maybe I could, you know, help," Merlin said, glancing at the guards that walked past.
Gaius leaned forward. "If you are suggesting magic…have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father, sire?
Merlin sighed, nodding.
"This is not a magical illness; it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying."
Seeing the helpless look in the prince's eyes, Gaius added, "See if you can find me some fresh Rosemary."
Seeing for what Gaius was doing, Merlin protested. "There must be something more I can do!"
"And Yarrow."
Merlin looked down and nodded. Before he could go, however, a servant girl stepped up to Merlin and said, "My lord, Prince Arthur requests your presence in the courtyard."
Merlin nodded, and with a backward glance at Gaius left to go find his brother.
0o0o0o0o0
"So why did you need me?" Merlin asked as he caught up with Arthur, who was standing inside the castle by the courtyard.
Arthur turned. "A man has asked for us. He's there in the courtyard."
Merlin looked out, and sure enough, a cloaked figure stood waiting.
Without another word, Arthur strode toward the man. "What's your business here?"
Close up, Merlin could see that the man was disfigured. Scars that suggested burnt flesh covered the right side of his face and neck, disappearing under his tunic.
"My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills.
"Is that so?" Arthur asked, sounding bored to Merlin.
"I beg an audience with the king," Edwin said, half-bowing.
"Our court has a physician," Merlin said, and he and Arthur turned, ready to leave this fool.
"I hear the Lady Morgana is gravely ill."
At the words, Arthur jerked to a stop, Merlin pausing to see what Arthur would do.
"That is no concern of yours."
Edwin didn't let Arthur's harsh tone stop him. "I may be able to help her."
"Our physician has the matter in hand," Arthur said sharply, his temper rising.
The man realized this, and looked down, seeming to admit defeat. Arthur glanced at Merlin and then continued walking.
"I'll be at the Inn, in case you change your mind," Edwin called as Merlin looked behind him.
The youngest prince shook his head. They had a fine physician already, and if Gaius couldn't do it, no one could.
"It's gonna be all right," Merlin reassured as he paced behind Arthur, who sat in his chair with one hand supporting his head. "It is. I know it is. She's going to be absolutely-"
"Merlin."
"What?"
Slowly, with his teeth clenched, Arthur said, "You're making me anxious."
Merlin leaned forward into his brother's view. "But I'm not worried."
"Then stop pacing."
Merlin paused and sat down at the table. It would not satisfy his restless energy, however, and he started subconsciously tapping the table.
With an aggravated sigh, Arthur jumped up and started pacing himself. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him but didn't say a word, sensing that Arthur's temper wouldn't like it.
"Can't you just heal her?"
Merlin looked up in surprise. "You mean…"
"You used magic - powerful magic - while dying, can't you do the same for Morgana?"
Merlin hesitated, his fingers stopping as he searched for an answer. "Arthur… even if I could, I'm not that powerful, would it be wise to? I mean, last time I used magic to heal someone…"
Arthur put his hands on the table in front of Merlin and caught his gaze. "It turned out fine in the end, didn't it? Please, Merlin, at least try. What harm could it do?"
Merlin sat still for a moment, thoughts flickering through his mind before he stood up abruptly. "I'm going to need my spellbook, it's in my room, I'll have to grab that first. Gwen will probably be at home, so we won't have to worry about that - come on brother."
Merlin was already at the door, and Arthur followed close behind.
With a quick stop at Merlin's chambers to grab his book and leave a confused manservant behind, the two brothers were quickly at Morgana's room.
"Here it goes," Merlin murmured, before pushing the door open. The prince's breath caught at the sight of Morgana laying unresponsive on her bed. The sound of the door had alerted the maid who supervised the ward. She stood up at once, her eyes wide.
"My lords-"
"We would like to spend some time with Morgana alone," Arthur interrupted, his tone as heavy as a rock.
The bewildered maid bowed, murmured a "my lord," and left, closing the door softly behind her.
Merlin waited a few moments before uncovering his spellbook from under his tunic.
Arthur watched as Merlin's eyes glowed golden, and the spell opened up from where it sat at the foot of Morgana's bed, flicking through pages before it stilled, the page open at the very end.
Merlin's eyes flickered as he read the short spell, and he tensed his hands as he mentally prepared for it. Meeting Arthur's eyes he nodded once, hoping against hopes that this would work.
The young prince laid his cool hand on Morgana's forehead, the other on her heart. Closing his eyes, Merlin said five words. To Arthur, it sounded old and reverent.
Morgana's whole body glowed for a second before stuttering and going dim. Merlin made a frustrated noise and tried again, but the light dimmed and died. Trying again, Arthur's heart dropped as the golden light didn't even show.
Raising his head, Merlin opened watery eyes. "I can't heal her."
Arthur, who sat on the opposite side of Merlin rose and sat next to him, silently offering his arms. Merlin let his head fall on Arthur's shoulders. "I can't heal her." He murmured again. Arthur hugged his brother tighter, his eyes falling on the still Morgana.
The next morning the royal family gathered around Morgana's bed. Gaius rose from his ministrations, and said calmly, "I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less."
"We cannot let her die!" Arthur stated, his arms crossed and tone harsh. Merlin glanced at Arthur, almost rolling his eyes if not for the situation. You'd think Arthur was king by the tone.
"Arthur, please." Uther chided, his eyes slightly wide with the news. The king slowly sat down on the bed, staring into Morgana's lax face, no doubt going through every moment of her life with him.
With a disgusted look, Arthur rounded her bed to stand next to his father.
"There's a man - he came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her."
Merlin blinked. He had forgotten the strange scarred man. Yet his belief in Gaius was too strong. If Gaius couldn't heal Morgana, the youngest prince doubted the man could.
"That's ridiculous." Uther dismissed. "He doesn't know what's wrong with her."
"He says he has a remedy to cure all ills."
"Impossible," Gaius said warily, glancing at Merlin, who had the same thoughts running through his mind. The only thing that could possibly be a remedy to cure all ills was magic.
"For Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean what have we got to lose?"
For once Arthur is actually being logical. Merlin thought.
"Please, Father."
"Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling." Gaius said, throwing a warning glance at both princes."
Arthur, who had either not seen it or decided not to heed it, countered immediately, "I don't care! If she's about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling. If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?" Arthur finished, giving a pleading look to the king.
There was a silence, before Uther said in a disquieted tone, "Send for him."
Arthur didn't even let himself smile in victory before he grabbed Merlin's tunic and dragged him out.
"What, again, are we doing?" Merlin whispered to his brother as they followed their father down the hall to the throne room.
Arthur gave Merlin an annoyed look. "We're meeting with Edwin to see if he can cure Morgana."
"Yes, I know that." Merlin hissed. "I mean, what is the point of this?"
"He's our last resort to healing Morgana. You know it's the last thing if we don't want to accept Morgana is going to die."
The one time he's right and I don't want him to be.
"We don't know anything about him though. Surely Gaius can find a way."
Arthur gave him a muted shake as Uther threw open the doors to reveal the man they met in the courtyard the day before, kneeling and offering a scroll.
"Edwin Muirden, sire. Physician, and loyal servant."
"Welcome to Camelot," Their father said, reading through the scroll.
There was an awkward silence as the king continued to read. Gaius broke it. "Have we met before?"
Edwin smiled briefly before rising. "I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir."
Gaius didn't seem to accept the answer, but Uther interrupted whatever he'd been about to say.
"Do you really believe you have a remedy?"
Merlin shifted next to Arthur as the man turned around. He didn't like Edwin. Maybe it was because they were resorting to other men, instead of Gaius: a father figure, or maybe it was the scars that transformed the man into something…monstrous.
"There are not many ill that I have not seen and successfully treated, sire," Edwin answered, calmly confident. "So when I heard of Lady Morgana's illness, I felt honor bound to offer my services."
"You say you have a cure for all; an antidote for everything?" Gaius asked dubiously.
Edwin paused, not quite meeting Gaius' eyes before affirming with a quiet, "Yes."
He added, "Although, it is not quite as simple as that."
"Gaius is the court physician." Uther introduced before slumping down in his throne.
Edwin turned to the old man. "You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you."
He finished with a small bow and then turned back to the king. "I am curious to know what it is that afflicted her."
"An infection of the brain." Gaius supplied.
What is just Merlin, or did Gaius seem a little hostile? Well, thought Merlin. I wouldn't exactly blame him. If Edwin proves he can fix Morgana…things might not look too good for Gaius. The thought came with a sharp pain and he pushed it away, tuning back in.
"And your treatment?" Edwin was asking.
"Yarrow."
"Yes, yes."
"Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation." Gaius continued.
"Interesting."
"Why?" Arthur interjected. "What would you suggest?"
"No, no, no, no, no that is all fine. All good. If that is the right diagnosis."
Uther moved forward, holding out the scroll."What would your diagnosis be?"
Edwin took it back with a slight bow. "Well…without examing the patient…"
Uther turned back to Arthur and Merlin. Arthur nodded. "You should examine her."
They turned back to Edwin. "Uh…I would need my equipment."
"Of course. You'll have use of the guest chambers. My son, Merlin can help you, he is interested in the art of healing."
Merlin glanced quickly at his father, surprised, and a little wary.
"I will start to work immediately," Edwin promised. He bowed and left, Gaius staring after him.
"Yes," Edwin said at Merlin's questioning glance. "This was all orginaly designied for alechmely.
"Making gold?" Merlin frowned. Alchemy was sorcery, where had Edwin gotten this stuff?
"You have an interest in science, sire?"
"Science is knowledge." Merlin quoted with a shrug.
"It has the answer to everything."
"It can't explain love," Merlin said with a small smile.
"Ha. So you're in love, Prince Merlin?"
Merlin snorted. "No. I mean feelings, emotions."
Edwin gave a sideways glance at him from where he was adjusting one of his glass tubes.
"You are bright. I can see why your father wants you at Arthur's side."
Merlin smiled politely, not sure how to react to a compliment to himself and an insult to his brother. "I'm not that bright." He said in response, picking up a small box idly. Something flickered. Was that his eyes? Or was that a sound?
"Yes, we will need that," Edwin said hurridly, pinching the box out of Merlin's grasp and setting it on top of his other stuff. "Now we must hurry. To the Lady Morgana, before it is too late."
Merlin nodded and gestured to a servant, who balanced the chest and small books on top carefully, following them.
The walk to Morgana's chambers wasn't too far and as he ducked into his sister's room, Arthur stood in the corner, Uther by her bed, and Gaius by Morgana's side.
"Put my equipment over there," Edwin ordered the servant, and then he went over to Morgana's lifeless form. Merlin joined him, shivering once again at the sight.
"Sire," Edwin said before he could examine Morgana. "I would be most grateful if you could have everyone leave this room. I require peace and privacy."
Uther nodded. "Certainly."
Arthur and Uther started to move out, but both Gaius and Merlin stayed.
"That includes you, Gaius, and unfortunately, you as well, Prince Merlin."
"But I want to learn," Merlin said.
"Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration."
"Merlin, Gaius," Uther called, and with one final look back Merlin left the room, Gaius following.
The four of them hurried down the stairs to wait at the bottom, all silent and anxious.
"Do you think he will really be able to heal her?" Merlin whispered to Arthur.
Arthur just looked at him.
A few moments later Gwen hurried down.
"Gwen! What are you doing?" Merlin called to her as she walked quickly toward the courtyard.
"I must fetch water for Edwin, Your Highness." She replied, eyes down. She disappeared around the corner.
The king, physician, and two princes waited for a few minutes before a soft voice spoke. It was Edwin, coming down the stairs. "Great news, Your Majesty. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain.
"What is it then?" Uther did not seem glad to hear it.
"It is a cerebeal hemorrage."
Gaius uncrossed his arms. "Hemorrhage? I don't think so."
Edwin just looked at him and said, pulling out a small pad with blood splashed on it. "I found this trace of blood in her ear."
Everyone stared.
Edwin continued. "The severity depends upon the size and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually, death."
Uther looked to Gaius. "How could you have missed this?" He said accusingly.
"I didn't see any blood," Gaius responded in a low voice.
"Please." Edwin turned away. "Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that would have done?"
At the silence that followed Uther looked to Gaius questioningly.
"It may have increased the bleed." He replied grudgingly.
"Is there a cure?" Merlin asked.
"See for yourself," Edwin said with a slight smile.
"Morgana!" Uther hugged her and kissed her forehead, the relief in his voice evident. "This is truly a miracle."
Merlin and Arthur stood near the foot of the bed. Morgana was sitting up against the frame, healthy and smiling.
"I thought - I really thought-" Uther seemed flustered.
"Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily." Morgana scoffed, sitting up a bit more.
The king went to shake Edwin's hand and Gaius leaned forward. "What exactly did he give you?"
"I have no idea. But thank goodness he did."
Merlin saw Gaius stare at Edwin, who stared back, before rushing forward to hug his sister. "I tried to heal you, Morgana, but it didn't work. What use is the magic I have if I can't even heal the ones I love?" He whispered into her ear.
Morgana pushed Merlin backward slightly so she could look him in the eye. "I'm still here. You can practice."
Merlin nodded, and let Arthur take over. He would practice. He would not let a family member die if he could help it.
"Name your reward," Uther said, lounging in his throne. Merlin and Morgana sat to the left of him, and Arthur stood behind his chair on the king's right.
"I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient, sire."
"There must be something I can do for you."
"No," Edwin shook his head. "I will wait until Lady Morgana is fully recovered and then I will be on my way."
"Why don't you stay awhile?" Uther stood up. "You could live here in the palace."
Merlin frowned. Although Edwin had healed Morgana, there was something about Edwin that made the youngest prince shiver, like slime sliding down his back.
"No, I would feel like I would be trespassing. And you already have a court physician."
Merlin narrowed his eyes at the implication of the scarred man's words, but Uther had not caught it. "I'm sure Gaius will be glad of your help."
Had his father not seen the hostile glances Gaius sent Edwin any time he entered the room?
"It is a kind offer, but-"
"Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision."
"To dine with your majesty is reward itself."
"Edwin?" Merlin called, tapping on the door with one hand, the other holding a scalpel.
There was no answer so Merlin swung open the door, cautiously entering. There were so many interesting instruments sitting on the table, completely different from what Gaius had in his chambers. He swung a pendulum type of tool, wondering what it was used for. Maybe to test wind speed?
The prince's eyes caught sight of the small chest that only hours earlier Edwin had plucked from his hands. Gently picking it up, he opened the lid to start at the sight of hundreds of dead beetles. What on earth were dead beetles used for? Merlin closed the lid again, fingering the incantation on top. He slowly whispered it aloud, translating it in his head. "Bebeode þe arisan ealdu."
I command you, ancient one, arise. What did that mean? Suddenly Merlin stiffened. There was that rattling noise again. Raising the box to his ear, he deduced that it was the source of the noise, and opened it gingerly. Merlin's eyes widened. The beetles were no longer dead but instead moving. He snapped it close with a sharp snap.
"Very good."
Merlin spun guilty. Edwin moved closer and took the box from him. He uttered a spell and the beetles fell still. Merlin's eyes widened again. So the scarred man did have magic. That must have been how he healed Morgana!
"You have magic." It wasn't a question.
Merlin panicked. "It wasn't me, I didn't do anything."
"How else did you bring them back to life?" Edwin said with a side glance. "Only magic can do such a thing."
Merlin didn't say anything, the scalpel still clutched tightly in his palm. If he needed to, he could call the guards, and he had a weapon in his hands.
"These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana." Edwin continued. "They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her." He shut the lid. "Magic can be a force for good."
Merlin's heart jumped. Another sorcerer, using his magic for good! Finally. "I know." agreed Merlin.
"Then why do you fear it, Prince Merlin?"
"My father has it banned, it is not permitted."
Edwin didn't question the fact that the king's son was studying magic and instead asked, "Should I have let Morgana die?"
"No," Merlin said with a shake of his head.
"People like us - we have a gift," Edwin said earnestly. "Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?"
Merlin hesitated, before saying, "Perhaps." He was still unsure of the situation.
Edwin moved around the table and Merlin followed with his eyes. He looked down to see that a tube full of blue powder had fallen down and he started gathering to pour back.
"Don't waste your time picking that up."
Merlin paused, feeling the awkwardness in the situation. Without another word Edwin said, "Feormian dust rénian." and the blue sand whirled itself into a cloud, disappearing into the cylinder.
Merlin couldn't help smiling. He didn't often have time to appreciate the usefulness of spells.
"Why waste a talent like that? And I can teach you, Prince Merlin." Edwin nodded to the cylinder meaningfully.
Merlin's eyes narrowed. Despite the fact that Edwin seemed to only use his magic for good, he still didn't like the man. And showing off his magic didn't appeal to him. Merlin stood silent.
Edwin's eyes also narrowed. "What do you use your magic for?"
"Gaius doesn't like me to," Merlin said carefully.
"A gift like yours should be nurtured, practiced, enjoyed. You need someone to help you. To encourage you."
If Merlin hadn't grown up in court he may have fallen for it. As it was, he pushed down the agreement rising in his chest. Edwin was trying to turn him from Gaius, to pull him over to his side. He wouldn't fall for it. "Perhaps." He answered.
"Imagine what we could achieve if we shared our knowledge."
There was something hidden behind that sentence, Merlin knew. Instead, Merlin looked to the door as if he heard someone call his name. "I should be getting back."
"Of course. You must promise to keep our secret safe."
"Of course," Merlin replied, nodding.
"People like you and I - we must look after each other."
Merlin nodded again, set down the scalpel on the table, and then left, wondering what this encounter would mean for the future.
"He found out about my magic, but Morgana, he has magic too, and used it to heal you. He offered to teach me, but I don't want to replace Gaius, and I can't get this…feeling, like foreshadowing whenever I see him."
Morgana frowned from where she was sitting at the table. "Merlin, you shouldn't trust this Edwin. I know he healed me…but you are right, you need to trust Gaius. He wouldn't do anything to purposefully put me in harm's way. Edwin, though? You don't know anything about him. You don't even know how he got those scars. He could be involved in something dangerous!"
"Have you had a dream?"
Morgana was silent for a moment. Merlin pulled out a chair. "Morgana, if you have you need to share it."
The king's ward sighed. "I have had flashes. Edwin is in it, so is Gaius, and then there is just fire. I don't know what it means, Merlin."
"Well, I'm glad to see you're better. Goodnight, Morgana."
The next morning, Gaius opened the door to Edwin chamber's and said simply, "Edwin."
The said person looked up.
"Your scar has healed well," Gaius continued. "I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy."
"I told you we've never met before," Edwin said, confused.
Gaius ignored him. "I didn't realize who you were until I checked the records. You used your mother's maiden name. You are Gregor and Jaden's son."
"They were friends of yours," Edwin said, not denying it.
"They were sorcerors."
"They practiced magic, and so did a lot of people back then, Gaius."
"Uther will be furious when he finds out who you are." The old physician said threateningly.
"Fine," Edwin said, savoring the surprised look on Gaius' face. "Fine, shall we tell him? Let's go and tell him. Let's tell him. Let's tell him everything." Edwin put a hand on the door. "Ooh! I know. We could also tell him about Merlin."
"Prince Merlin?" Gaius asked, praying this wasn't what he thought it was.
"You didn't know he was a sorcerer?" Edwin sighed, walking back to his table. Gaius followed fearfully.
"I wonder what Uther will do. Probably have him burned."
"You would betray another sorcerer?" Gaius asked incredulously.
"You did." Edwin accused. "When you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther!" Edwin shouted.
"At least Merlin doesn't have a son who will try to rescue him from the flames." Edwin snarled, pointing to his scarred face.
"You're here to take revenge?" Gaius questioned.
"And I have waited a long time," Edwin confirmed.
"You think I will sacrifice the king to save the second in line?"
"Think about it, Gaius. But if I find out that you have told one other person, including the boy, I will go straight to Uther."
Gaius was about to respond when the door opened. Two guards walked in. "Is everything alright in here? We heard shouting."
"Yes," Edwin replied, smiling. "We just had an argument."
The guards nodded and closed the door again.
"Well," Edwin said, his smiling turning dark. "I better get on with my work."
Gaius left, troubled.
"I have been through the court medical records with a fine-toothed comb, sire."
"And were your findings satisfactory?" Uther asked, once again lounging in his throne.
"With regret, I would have to say they were not."
Merlin frowned from where he was sitting. Edwin had been looking through the medical records. Whatever for?
"How so?" Uther asked leaning forward.
"Gaius is a great man - thorough and dedicated…"
"But?"
Edwin sighed heavily. "His methods are outdated; he has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors."
Merlin frowned, his eyebrows drawn together. That was completely false.
"Gaius has served me well for twenty-five years," Uther stated.
"And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse." Edwin finished sympathetically.
"Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens. Have you given any more thought to my offer?"
"Yes." Edwin declared. "I have considered it very carefully."
"Allow me some time to do the same," Uther said, dismissing the man. Edwin bowed and left the chamber.
"What offer?" Merling growled as Uther stood.
Nobody responded.
"Uther, you can't do this." Morgana said suddenly, joining the king.
"You heard what he said - Gaius is old. He makes mistakes."
"Gaius has treated me since before I can remember. You can't cast him out."
Merlin stood. "Cast him out? You have no right, Father, Gaius tries his hardest!"
"Morgana would have died if her care had been left to him," Uther shouted angrily to his son. "That's something I could not bear."
"I know that, but-" Morgana started.
"I cannot risk something like this happening again."
Merlin gritted his teeth. He would not let this happen.
Gaius trod carefully down the old steps, arriving in a cavern. "Hello! It is me, Gaius!"
A low rumbling sounded and a massive dragon appeared from over a rock, settling on like a small bird might on a tree branch.
"How old a man can become," the dragon said, "and yet changed so little.
"You have not changed either," Gaius said back.
"Twenty years - almost a lifetime, to make the short journey back to where you began."
"I am not here for myself."
"The boy." The golden dragon said simply.
"You know about Merlin?" Gaius asked. It seemed everyone knew about Merlin these days.
"You have struggled against his destiny, but you can no more prevent it than he can."
"So it is true then?" Gaius questioned.
"Oh, yes." the dragon confirmed. "He and his brother will one day unite the land of Albion."
"But he is in danger."
"No, it is my jailor who stands in peril."
"Must Uther be sacrificed for the boy?"
"Their time cannot come his has passed."
"But is that time now?" Gaius asked accusingly.
The Great dragon chuckled. "That is of your choosing."
Gaius narrowed his eyes. "I will not choose between them."
"Then turn a blind eye. That is, after all, your talent." The dragon said apathetically.
Merlin knocked on Gaius' chambers and then peeked in. "Gaius," he said, after seeing the old man sitting in a chair. "My father needs to speak to you."
"When?"
"Immediately," Merlin said, fighting down his anger. He couldn't believe this was happening.
Merlin walked Gaius to the throne room, silent the whole way. Upon arrival, he stood next to Arthur, who clapped a hand on his shoulder. To comfort or warn him, he did not know.
"Sire, is there a problem? Are you unwell?"
"This is not an ailment you can treat me for. You've been a loyal servant for many years. I look on you as a friend."
"I regard you in the same way, sire."
"You've been here since Arthur's birth…and all that entailed."
Merlin frowned, confused at that. Uther stood up and started to walk behind his throne. "What I'm trying to do I think is best for you, although, Merlin may not agree." He said this with a warning glance to his youngest son, who gritted his teeth.
"I am confused, sire," Gaius admitted.
"I'll give you a generous allowance; make sure you're looked after."
"You're retiring me," Gaius said incredulously.
"I don't want you to worry. I'll allow you to continue living in your chambers until more suitable accommodation can be found."
"Because I made one mistake? Although in truth, sire, it was not a mistake."
Merlin drew his eyebrows together. What did Gaius mean?
"It was -"
"Yes, Gaius?" Edwin's voice sounded and he walked out from behind a pillar.
"It was unfortunate." Uther continued. "I accept that."
"May I ask who is to be the next Court Physician?"
"None of this was Edwin's idea. Initially, he turned down the offer."
"I'm sure," Gaius said, staring at Edwin.
"It's not been an easy decision," Uther said gently. "But…a younger man; new ideas."
"Yes," Gaius said.
"You're hesitant. Is there a reason you oppose his appointment?"
There were a few moments where Gaius' eyes flitted from Edwin to Uther.
"Sire-"
"If you have anything to say," Edwin interrupted. "Then say it now, Gaius."
"This is difficult for both of us," Uther reassured.
Gaius bowed. "I thank you for your patronage. It has been an honor, and a pleasure to serve your family for all these years."
"Gaius, Uther cannot do this to you. You tried to save Morgana." Merlin burst in.
"Your father is not to blame."
"I will speak to Edwin. You can work together."
"No, you mustn't do anything," Gaius assured hurriedly.
"I can't stand by and do nothing."
Gaius sighed. "Uther's right - it's time I stepped down."
Merlin looked down as Gaius started packing his equipment into a chest. "What are you doing?"
"I cannot stay when there's no longer a use for me."
"You're not leaving," Merlin said, denying what Gaius was telling him.
"I believe it's for the best."
Merlin's mind rushed with possibilities. "Then I will come with you."
Gaius looked up at that, his eyes sad. "Merlin, you're like a son to me. I never expected such a blessing so late in life."
Merlin's heart swelled. The king was exactly that, a king. It was hard to juggle king and father, Merlin understood, but Gaius was a father figure that Uther could never be. "And you are more than a father to me."
"Then as a father, I must tell you, you must remain here. Camelot is where you belong."
"But you belong here too. You've been here my whole life!"
"Not anymore." Gaius placed his hands on his young prince's shoulders and looked into his eyes. "Merlin, you must promise me you will not waste your gifts."
Merlin shook his head. "My gifts mean nothing without you to guide me."
"You have a great destiny. If I had a small part to play in that, then I'm pleased."
"There is so much I have yet to learn. I need you to teach me." Merlin almost winced at the vulnerability in his voice but held still.
"I'm afraid I am leaving here tonight, Merlin. And there's nothing you can do or say that will change my mind."
"I will not let this happen," Merlin stated firmly, turning and leaving.
"Goodbye, Merlin," Gaius said softly after him.
"I can't understand why Father would sack him after one mistake," Merlin said through gritted teeth as he stabbed maliciously at a hay-filled sack.
Arthur grabbed Merlin's wrists, forcibly turning him around. "A mistake that nearly killed Morgana," He reminded his younger brother. "Besides, it wasn't the only one."
Arthur twisted his sword and let go of Merlin, but he didn't go back to hacking. "What do you mean?"
"Edwin said his work was riddled with errors, remember?"
"That's nonsense, Arthur."
"No one wants Gaius to go, but Father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do."
Merlin growled and started hacking at the sack again.
"I think you'll be very happy here," Uther said to Edwin, who was walking beside him.
"I'm sure I will." There was silence for a few moments before Edwin spoke again. "When I reviewed Gaius' work, I noticed that he's been prescribing you Arnica."
"It's for my shoulder. It's an old battle wound. Gives me a lot of pain."
"May I take the liberty of providing a new prescription? It should prove far more effective."
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. It is a remedy to cure all ills." Edwin smiled.
Gwen smiled at the old man and turned around, placing the fruit in her basket. "Gaius?" She asked when she saw him, leading a white mule with bags. "You're leaving?"
"Yes. I am sorry I didn't come and say goodbye."
"I don't want you to go. Will and Merlin won't want you to go. I don't trust Edwin. There was no blood in Morgana's ear; he put it there. He did something to her. I know he did." Gwen said earnestly.
Gaius looked around. "You need to be careful who you say that to."
"I'm saying it to you because you can do something about it."
"I can't." Gaius denied, shaking his head.
"But you think the same, don't you? He's evil."
"It's not that simple."
"So you're going to turn your back on us." Gwen accused.
"I have no choice. I'm sorry, Gwen."
She gazed disappointedly at him. "In life, you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't."
"Well, then, my choice is to leave."
Gwen pursed her lips. "Then I'll miss you." She leaned forward and placed a small kiss on his cheek. "Goodbye, Gaius."
Gaius watched her go.
"My lord?"
Uther opened his heavy eyes to a blurry face. Edwin.
"My lord?" He repeated. "It seems the drugs I gave you have taken hold. Your body is now paralyzed."
Uther's eyes drifted shut.
"Now open your eyes, my lord. I want my face to be the last face you ever see. You took my childhood from me. And now finally, I take my parents' revenge." Edwin placed the small beetle next to Uther and smiled. "Within a few hours, the beetle will eat into your brain. And you will suffer as they suffered. And I long to hear you scream as they screamed, the night you gave the order for the fires to be lit. With your death, magic will return to Camelot. " With that Edwin started to enchant, and the beetle sprung alive, leaping onto Utehr's pillow and close to his ear.
"Goodbye, Uther Pendragon," Edwin said solemnly.
Edwin entered his chambers, his hood over his head.
"I will not allow you to kill Uther," Gaius said from where he was standing.
Edwin turned. "You've never had a problem letting people die before."
"Your parents were practicing dark magic, just like you."
"And how do you propose to stop me?" Edwin asked cockily.
Gaius liftend a hand. "Wace wærlic!" Nothing happened.
"Hmm. I think you meant… wáce ierlic!" a force blew Gaius into a wall and he slid down to the floor stunned.
Edwin tutted. "You've forgotten everything, Gaius. You're getting too old. I have a cure, though." Bending low, the scarred man recited, "Forbæne yfell!" and a circle of fire erupted around Gaius.
Arthur burst into Merlin's chambers, startling Merlin so much that he fell from his chair, landing on the floor. "What, Arthur?" He scowled.
"Merlin, Father has Morgana's illness!"
Merlin's eyes widened, and he scrambled up.
"We must find Edwin! You search his chambers, I'll look in Morgana's!" Arthur continued, and they rushed out the door together.
The fire rose as Gaius stood. Edwin stood there smiling, and then the door opened and Merlin slid in. He took one look at Gaius before turning to Edwin. "What are you doing?"
"He was trying to kill the king. I couldn't let him." Gaius explained.
"You can rule the kingdom now, with me by my side. We can be all-powerful."
Merlin wasn't fazed. "Release him!"
"It's your loss, Merlin." With one hand Edwin jerked an ax off the wall and whirled it toward the prince. Merlin ducked, and his eyes glowed golden, pausing the ax in midair. Edwin gritted his teeth and murmured, "Swilte, Merlin!"
Die a violent death? What did he ever do to him?
With another golden glance, Merlin sent the ax flying toward Edwin, who did not have the same reflexes as Merlin and collapsed heavily, the az buried in his neck. The flames around Gaius disappeared. They both stared at each other before Merlin asked tentatively, "Are you alright?"
"Yes. Thank you, Merlin."
With a glance at the dead man, it suddenly registered that his father was possibly dying, and with a single movement was at Edwin's desk, taking the beetle box in his hands.
"What are you doing?" Gaius asked.
"My father's ill - the same thing Morgana had. Edwin said he used these to cure Morgana. Maybe we can too."
Gaius came around, and spotting the beetles, said, "Elanthia beetles."
"They're magical?"
"Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul." Gaius met Merlin's alarmed gaze. "You must go to him."
"How do we get the beetle out before it kills him?" Merlin asked, turning to Gaius, Arthur, and Morgana. He stood at the foot of Uther's bed, the box in his hands.
"It can only be magic," Gaius said.
Merlin's eyes widened. "I can't use magic on my father. He'd kill us."
"Please, Merlin." Arthur pleaded, his arms crossed.
"We don't have a choice," Gaius said sternly.
"I don't know how."
"If you don't, he's going to die, Merlin. I don't want to be king yet," Arthur said firmly.
Merlin nodded and went to his father's side, sitting down next to him and placing his hands on his ears. It had been years since he'd been this close to his father.
Taking a deep breath, Merlin's eyes glowed golden, and he incanted softly, "Bebiede þe arisan ealdu. Áblinnan."
"What's happening?" Arthur whispered. Nobody responded.
After a few tense moments, Merlin slowly got up, his hand cupped. The three gathered around him. The beetle lay in his hand, quivering.
Arthur gave a startled laugh. "Has anybody ever told you you're a genius?"
"You certainly haven't."
The four laughed.
"Put it back before it crawls in your own ear!" Morgana shrieked,
Startled, Merlin looked down to see the beetle starting to crawl up his arm. He quickly placed it back in the box and incanted the spell to let it still.
They all sighed in relief, until Uther started to move, and all gazes snapped back to him.
He only moved into a deeper sleep, and the four moved out before they woke him fully.
The next morning Uthe was seated in his chair, Gaius holding a bottle. "Drink this, it will help replenish your strength."
"There's nothing wrong with my strength." Uther scoffed but took it anyway. "Do you remember them - his parents?"
"I remember them all, sire."
A few moments, before, "Gaius?"
The old physician turned.
"Once again, you've saved my life. You've always served me well. And I know there are things that I've asked you to do that you've found difficult."
"You've always done what you believed to be right."
"I was not right to betray you. I'm sorry."
Gaius bowed, accepting the apology.
"From now on, I will remember that in the fight against magic, you are the one person I can trust."
"I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you and in honor of this, I not only reinstate you as Courty Physician, but henceforth you are a free man of Camelot." Uther declared, giving a scroll to Gaius. Everyone applauded, and Merlin smiled from where he stood next to Arthur.
"This is all so ridiculous. I didn't save Uther, you did." Gaius said from where he was sitting at his bench, Merlin across from him.
"No no, for once I'm happy for someone else to take the credit. You were prepared to sacrifice your life to save me.
"Where did you get that from?"
Merlin paused, confused. "I thought…'
"No, I didn't do anything. No, you saved me and you saved your father. Maybe you are a genius."
Merlin smiled. "You think so?"
Gaius raised an eyebrow. "Well, almost. One day."
Merlin laughed. He had both his father's back, and that was all that mattered right now.
I'm so sorry this was so late, almost three months late. I don't particularly like this episode, and I hate what I wrote even more. Maybe I'll come back and redo this chapter in the future. Please tell me if you see any mistakes as this is edited by myself, (and it's really late right now so I'm sure I missed something) Thank you for reading, and until next time!
(I do have to say, the scene between Merlin and Gaius in this episode, when Gaius is leaving, is so heartwarming!)