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Chapter Text

Mordred walked into the royal kitchen for a late-night snack and found Merlin as he was filling a tub on the stove with water. The Magical Advisor moved at a slow pace due to having to use a cane while he recovered from a pretty nasty injury.

"Couldn't you have just used magic for that?" he asked, making his presence known.

"Too tired. Can't hold my concentration long enough," Merlin replied, looking over at the knight. Despite magic being free and Morgana being aware that he had magic, he was still wary of the Druid. Sure, he'd come to trust him and consider him a friend, but in the back of his mind, he worried about the possibility of betrayal.

"Would you like some help, then?" Mordred offered, stepping closer to Merlin, holding his hand out for the bucket. "Because at the rate you're going, our Hollow Queen will have you arrested again for treason."

Merlin shuddered at the memory of his recent trip to the prison cells. It had been far from pleasant. Everyone knew he was innocent, yet none could defy the queen. She was, after all, in charge since her husband was busy dying at the time. If it hadn't been for Mordred and Gaius, he wouldn't be here.

The young warlock handed the bucket over to Mordred. "Sure. I'm going to sit down for a bit then."

"Have you told Arthur yet?" Mordred asked, taking the bucket yet. "I mean we all know she's been bewitched by Morgana. Shouldn't he know as well?"

Merlin sat down in a nearby chair. "I've been waiting for the right time, but she's never gone long enough. And we have no real proof that she's in league with Morgana."

"We could-" Mordred began to say, only to be cut off by the sound of a door creaking. Both men looked at the offending door and saw nothing but knew something was amiss.

"We're being watched," Mordred stated as he crossed the kitchen towards the other door. Merlin stood back up and followed him.

"We know you're there," Merlin said as he stood behind the Druid.

There was no reply except for what sounded like feet trying to shuffle away. Mordred flung the door open to find a young boy, no more than fifteen years of age, standing there "Who are you?"

"My name is Daegal," the boy replied in a small voice.

"What do you want?" Merlin asked.

"My sister, she's sick," Daegal answered.

"Take her to see Gaius," Merlin said as he stepped in front of Mordred and began to close the door.

"It wasn't safe to keep carrying her. I had to leave her so I could get here quicker. Please help?" Daegal pleaded as he showed them a Druid tattoo.

Merlin looked at Mordred for a moment. Both of them thinking the same thing.

"In," Merlin said as he opened the door wider. Once he shut the door, he looked at Mordred again, then at Daegal. "Where's your sister?"

"In the Valley of The Fallen Kings. Please, she has the sweating sickness," Daegal answered.

Merlin sighed as he tried to decide what to do. It was clear that boy was not a Druid. If he was, he'd know that magic was legal again in Camelot. Ever since the ban had been repealed, the Lower Town had been filled with Druids, who were buying and trading almost every day.

"That place is full of bandits," Mordred stated.

"I know, but if I continued to carry her, it would have taken another day," Daegal said. "Will you help her? She's only six."

Merlin stared at the boy for a long moment before saying. "Meet me at the entrance to the Darkling Woods at first light."

"Thank you," the false Druid said before he left.

Once the boy was gone, Mordred took the opportunity to speak up. "Have you lost your mind? You're in no condition to travel on your own. Especially when you know you're walking into a trap."

"Probably," Merlin said as he sat back down, doing his best to hide his pained expression.

"You know that he's not a Druid. That part is very clear. Everyone, even Morgana, knows that magic is free here," Mordred exclaimed, glad that they were the only two in the kitchen. "This could be some kind of elaborate ruse to make you come to her. To get you out of the way."

"If he is working with Morgana, we need to stop her," Merlin pointed out.

"So you're going to risk your life?" Mordred guessed.

"Nope. I'm going to risk both of our lives. You're coming to," Merlin said.

Mordred let his mouth drop open. "You can't be serious? The Sarrum of Amata is coming tomorrow. I have to be here."

"If Morgana really is behind this, I'm going to need all the help I can get. You're the only sorcerer I know who's good with a sword," Merlin explained.

"What are you going to tell Arthur?" Mordred asked.

"Nothing," Merlin said with a shrug.

"Nothing!?" Mordred exclaimed throwing his hands up in the air. "You really have lost your mind. He's going to notice when his Magical Advisor isn't there."

"Fine, I'll think of something," Merlin offered.

"Or instead of lying, actually tell him what's going on," Mordred suggested. "But leave out the part about his wife being bewitched. We can hold off on that. For now."

While Gwen got ready for her hot bath, Merlin pulled Arthur aside to talk in private and away from listening ears.

"What's going on, Merlin?" Arthur asked worried something was wrong.

"I'm not going to be here to help you get ready for the Sarrum's arrival," Merlin answered. "And neither is Mordred. We have to go meet with a young boy about a possible trap."

"What kind of trap?" Arthur wondered.

"I'm not sure yet," Merlin said. "It might have to do with Morgana or someone else who wishes to harm the kingdom."

"When will you be back?" Arthur questioned. He didn't like this one bit. He didn't want to let Merlin leave on what sounded like a dangerous mission, given his current condition.

The Magical Advisor shook his head. "I don't know. Hopefully, we'll be back before the Sarrum leaves."

The king studied the younger man in front of him. He was constantly pushing himself beyond his limits, acting like he had to prove himself. Arthur wanted to grab him by his shoulder sometimes and scream that he nearly died, and he was allowed the space and time he needed to recover. He also knew that Merlin was going to go whether he had permission or not.

"Fine," Arthur said. "But only on the condition that once Mordred stays with you the entire time and as soon as you get back, Gaius takes a look at you. You've had enough setbacks."

"Agreed," Merlin replied. "Mordred and I will be leaving at sunrise."

As Merlin was finishing packing his bag, Mordred knocked on the door as he walked in. "Ready?" he asked.

"Yeah, just about," Merlin said, grabbing a couple of pieces of fruit from the bowl on his table and the medical bag he'd gotten from Gaius.

"Good," Mordred said. "The horses are ready and waiting at the main gate. I just want to go on record saying that this plan is completely insane and I'm insane for going along with it."

"Point noted," Merlin replied. "Let's get going."

When Merlin and Mordred rode into a clearing that marked the beginning of the Darkling Woods, they saw Daegal pacing around a tree stump, looking down at the ground.

"How do we plan on approaching him with the topic?" Mordred asked.

"By being blunt," Merlin replied under his breath.

Daegal looked up when he heard the sound of hooves coming toward him. "You came."

Once close, enough, Merlin carefully dismounted from his horse and grabbed his cane that hung off the saddle. Once he was properly balanced he reached into his saddle bag and pulled out a loaf of bread tossing it to the boy. "Here. We brought you some breakfast."

Daegal caught the bread as he looked at Mordred. "What's he doing here?"

"Let me see your tattoo," Mordred ordered as he dismounted from his horse.

"Why?" Daegal asked.

"He's a Druid, and he's to help me confirm if you're lying or not," Merlin stated.

Reluctantly, Daegal held out his arm and showed the false tattoo to Mordred. The Druid knight grabbed the young boy's wrist as he opened his waterskin and poured water over the tattoo. The black ink mixed with the water and began to drip onto the forest floor.

"Who are you?" Merlin ordered, anger flowing through him. He didn't like being tricked. "What is going on?"

"Morgana sent me," Daegal replied, hanging his head, shame washing over him.

"What does she want?" Mordred asked, letting go of the liar's wrist.

"I think she and the queen mean to kill the king," Daegal answered.

Merlin turned and looked at Mordred, making a split-second change to their original plan. "Go and warn Arthur. Make sure Gwen doesn't try anything."

"What about you?" Mordred asked. "I'm supposed to stay with you."

The warlock looked over at the young boy, who looked like he wanted the earth to open beneath his feet and swallow him whole. "I'll be fine. Arthur is more important."

"Do you have a death wish?" Mordred questioned, wondering if his friend had lost his sanity.

"According to Gwaine, I'm too stubborn to die," Merlin stated. "Now go, Mordred. Arthur needs you."

Mordred wanted to argue, but stopping Merlin was like trying to stop a bull from charging. He just sighed and placed his hand on the warlock's shoulder. "Just be careful."

"You too," Merlin said.

Mordred jumped back onto his horse and took off as fast as he could, back to the castle.

Merlin stared at Daegal for a long two minutes before saying. "You lied to me."

"I didn't have a choice," Daegal pleaded.

Merlin sighed. "Let's get going. Best not to keep the witch waiting."

Chapter Text

Mordred burst into the king's chambers just as a servant was finishing tying the cloak around his shoulders.

"Mordred," Arthur exclaimed, unhappily, "what's going on? Where's Merlin?"

"Morgana... Merlin... Assassination," Mordred said as he tried to catch his breath after running from the stables all the way to Arthur's chambers.

"What?" Arthur asked as he stepped over to his young knight.

Mordred gulped down a mouthful of air. "Morgana is planning an attempt on your life. Merlin sent me back to warn you."

"What!?" Arthur repeated, but this time with worry and urgency lacing his voice. "And you left him alone?"

"He didn't really give me a choice," Mordred said.

"Get Gwaine and Percival. I'll have someone ready the horses. You leave at once," Arthur ordered. "You are to stop Morgana and bring Merlin and the boy back here."

"Yes, Sire," Mordred said as he bowed his head in respect before rushing back out of the chambers.

Merlin carefully examined Daegal's arm, looking for signs of infection, but found none. "Nothing to indicate any infection, but I'm going to apply a salve to be on the safe side. After that, I'll wrap it up in a bandage."

Daegal only nodded. He said nothing.

"You're awfully quiet," Merlin said as he began to apply the salve.

"I lied to you," Daegal said quietly.

"I figured that out when you said you were Druid," Merlin stated.

"Morgana said that magic's illegal in Camelot," Daegal explained.

"Magic is free in Camelot. Arthur repealed the ban six months ago. She knows that" Merlin pointed out as he began to wrap a bandage around Daegal's arm. "Question is; why didn't you?"

"I've been living in the forests for a few years now," Daegal answered. "I only go into villages and towns when I haven't eaten in a few days. I don't really pay attention to the people talking. I just get what I can carry and leave before anyone notices me."

"Where are your parents?" Merlin asked.

"Never knew my dad," Daegal replied. "Mom was killed when I was seven. Lived with my aunt until she died. No one wanted me, saying I was a curse on the living, so I ran."

"Not cursed. Just unlucky," Merlin said as he finished tying off the bandage. "There, all done. Let's get going."

"How could you know if I'm cursed or not?" Daegal asked.

Merlin packed up the medicine bag before standing up with the help of his cane. "Because I'm a warlock. I'd be able to sense if you were cursed. And all I can sense off of you is pain and guilt."

Daegal just nodded before changing the subject. "Why did the king free magic?"

"Because," Merlin began as they started walking back over to the horse, "an angry spirit told Arthur I had magic after trying to kill me. After they were sure I was going to live, Arthur began the process of changing the law."

"He must care a lot about you," Daegal said as he climbed on the horse first before holding his hand out for Merlin.

"Good servants are hard to find and without me, he wouldn't be who he is today," Merlin replied as he hooked his cane to the saddle and took the young boy's hand.

"I hope your friend gets to him in time," Daegal said.

"Knowing Mordred, he's probably already there," Merlin hoped. "We need to try moving faster. Morgana is not a patient person."

Just as the Sarrum was arriving at the gates of Camelot, Mordred, Gwaine and Percival were leaving. The Sarrum wondered why King Arthur would allow his knights to leave at the same time as his arrival.

As the Sarrum and his men came to a stop in front of the castle's main steps, Arthur began his welcome speech. "We are most grateful to the Sarrum for accepting our invitation and gracing our palace with his presence. We welcome him and his warriors with friendship."

"I see you feel confident enough in your safety, that you'd let some of your men leave," the Sarrum stated, hoping to rile the young king.

"A matter had arisen that couldn't wait," Arthur explained not going into detail.

The Sarrum nodded, accepting the answer for now. "I see. The last time I was here, you were ten years old. Uther held a tournament in your honour."

"I fight in my own tournaments now," Arthur replied.

"Well, we shall enjoy putting you to the test," the Sarrum mused.

Standing behind the knights, Gwen played her role as the loving, dutiful queen, watching as her husband conversed with the Sarrum. Her and Morgana's plan would soon come to fruition and both men would die. And with Merlin out of the way, there would be no one to stop them.

As Merlin and Daegal rode through the entrance to the Valley of the Fallen Kings, the warlock noticed bandits coming toward them. He quickly redirected the horse toward an embankment to hide, hoping they weren't seen. "Bandits, duck down. Don't let them see you."

Merlin carefully watched as the bandits moved past them. "We can't continue on horseback. It's too dangerous."

"I thought we needed to get there as soon as possible," Daegal pointed out.

"Yes," Merlin agreed. "But the forest is full of bandits. We'd be able to hide and get away easier on foot."

"Okay," Daegal nodded as he got off the horse first. Merlin followed suit as he grabbed his cane.

The warlock led the horse over to a tree and tied its reins around the trunk. "Whoever Arthur sends out to find us will see the horse and know which way to go. Grab the saddle bag and let's go."

Mordred stopped at the clearing where he last saw Merlin and Daegal. "This is where we met the boy. Must have left as soon as I did. Two people riding on one horse, maybe an hour or so ahead of us. Shouldn't be too hard to catch up."

"Which way?" Percival asked as he came up next to the younger man.

Mordred shut his eyes and tried to call out to Merlin telepathically, but got no response. He opened his eyes and said. "He's too far away. I can't reach him."

"Did the boy say anything about a location last night?" Gwaine asked.

Mordred thought for a moment, thinking back to the night before. "He mentioned the Valley of the Fallen Kings."

Now with a destination in mind, the knights turned their horses towards the path that would lead them to Merlin.

As they approached the clearing where the trap was to be sprung, Merlin immediately felt Morgana's presence. He looked around and pinpointed her exact location behind a tree. "I'm here, Morgana. Might as well come out."

Morgana slunk out from behind her hiding spot, staring daggers at Daegal for betraying her to this worthless servant. She then looked at Merlin. "Quite powerful you are for a crippled pest. I would commend you for a job well done, but I hate you, so I won't."

Merlin did his best to come off as more intimidating than he probably looked, but he was exhausted and hurting too much to put a lot of effort into it. He needed to conserve what strength he had left to hold her here until help arrived. "What do you want? Why are you doing this?"

"I want my throne," Morgana replied.

"It's not your throne. It's Arthur's. It always has been," Merlin stated.

"He cannot rule over a kingdom filled with magic" Morgana claimed. "I am meant to be on that throne."

"He can and he has, Morgana," Merlin argued. "He is a fair and just king. But you are so blinded by hatred you can't see that."

"You think that just because you know a couple of spells, you understand what is have magic," Morgana taunted. "You don't understand what it is to hide who you are."

"Yes I do, Morgana," Merlin said. "I've spent my entire life hiding who I was and what I am. I wanted to tell you, but couldn't. I couldn't tell anyone."

Morgana opened her mouth to speak, but the realization of who Merlin really was finally dawned on her. "You're Emrys."

"Yes," Merlin admitted, his voice barely above a harsh whisper. Deep down he didn't want to hurt her. He wanted to save her from all that Morgouse did when she twisted her mind. "And I want to help you."

"No, you want to destroy me," Morgana screeched, letting out a burst of angry magic. "I won't let you."

Merlin fell back against a tree as Morgana's anger shook the earth. As the quake came to an end, Merlin tried to stand once more, but couldn't. His body ached and felt heavy. "Morgana, please."

"No," Morgana said. "I'm putting an end to you, to Arthur, to Camelot. It's over." Her eyes flashed a rustic gold, keeping Merlin pinned against the tree. As she moved closer to her mortal enemy, she pulled a vial out of her handbag and uncorked it

"Let me help you," Merlin pleaded weakly, trying to fight against her magic, but he had no strength to fight her off. If he still had his cane, maybe, but it was several feet away.

Daegal stood to the side frozen in place, terrified as he watched Morgana move closer to Merlin to pour whatever was in the vial into his mouth.

"Your magic can't save you now. The agony you'll feel," Morgana taunted as she rose to her full height. "You'll be glad when death comes." The witch then kicked Merlin in his injured side, causing him to down the cliff.

"Why are you doing this?" Daegal asked.

"You best stay out of this. Be glad I'm letting you even live after betraying me," Morgana said as she tossed him a money pouch.

Daegal let the pouch fall to the ground. He made no effort to pick it up. "I don't want your money."

"Suit yourself. Just remember I still have a few drops left if you breathe a word of this to anyone else," Morgana threatened as she walked away.

Once the witch was out of sight, Daegal started making his way down the embankment toward Merlin.

As the three knights ventured further into the valley, it was beginning to get dark.

"We'll have to make camp soon," Gwaine announced.

"Merlin might not have that kind of time," Mordred insisted.

"There's no way to travel in the dark," Percival stated.

Mordred held out his hand and incanted a spell. Floating above his hand was a single burning flame. "Make camp if you must, but I need to find Merlin and stop Morgana."

"We'll go with you," Gwaine decided. "Just light the way."

Daegal sat next to Merlin, waiting for the man to regain consciousness. It had been hours since Morgana had administered the deadly poison and kicked him into the embankment. The sky was now blanketed in darkness, clouds covering the moon and stars.

Merlin's breathing had become slow and shallow. Daegal could tell he was in pain, but he didn't know how to help the older man. Just as he was about to get up and leave to find help, two knights and the Druid, Mordred, he recalled, from earlier arrived on horses just above him.

"Daegal, what happened?" Mordred ordered as he dismounted his horse.

The young boy looked up at the three older men. "Morgana poisoned him. I couldn't stop her."

Mordred began climbing down the embankment as fast as he could. "How long ago did this happen?" he asked.

"It was still light out," Daegal answered. "He hasn't woken up."

Mordred knelt down next to his fellow sorcerer and began shaking him. Merlin only groaned but did not wake or move. "Daegal, get a fire going. If he develops a fever, we'll have to keep him warm."

Just as Daegal ran off to collect wood, Gwaine and Percival had made their way down and were at Mordred's side.

"Is there anything we can do?" Gwaine asked.

"I don't know any healing spells," Mordred admitted. "And the only person who probably knows what kind of poison was used and its cure is unconscious."

"Can't you try that mind-talking thing you two are always doing?" Percival suggested.

Mordred looked at the bigger knight, wondering why he hadn't thought of that before. He looked back at Merlin. Wake up, Emrys.

What are you doing here? was Merlin's reply. Despite communicating through his thoughts, he sounded tired and in pain.

Arthur sent me. Don't worry he's safe. Leon and some other knights are going to be with him at all times. Mordred reassured. What happened?

Morgana found... out I was Emrys. There was... an earthquake, I lost my balance and I couldn't... couldn't... get back up. She poured... something into my mouth... then kicked me... over the cliff. Merlin answered. Everything hurts.

Do you know the cure for the poison? Mordred pressed. Yes, it was bad that Morgana learned who his friend was, but that could be dealt with at a later time. Right now saving the life of said friend and mentor was more important.

Rue... milfoil... and yarrow. Ground them... into a tincture, Merlin answered.

Mordred looked up at Percival. "Rue, milfoil and yarrow. They need to be grounded into a tincture. Hurry."

Percival nodded as he left to get the herbs. He was the only one among the three knights who had an understanding of herbs and what to look for.

"Gwaine, look for Merlin's cane and pack. It has his medical kit and a bedroll in it," Mordred said looking at the bearded man kneeling on the other side of Merlin. "With luck, it'll be up where we left the horses"

"On it," Gwaine said as he stood and made his way up the slope.

Mordred began looking over Merlin, checking for other injuries. He quickly spotted a bleeding gash on his right leg as well as a gash just under his hairline. It wasn't until after he touched the blood from the leg wound and looked at it, did he realize that it was black. You're bleeding black blood. Mordred pointed out.

Not good, Merlin responded.

No, it's not, Mordred agreed as Daegal came back with wood for a fire. He looked at the young boy, forcing down the urge to tear into him for allowing his friend to get hurt. "Get it going as fast as possible."

Daegal worked fast to get the fire started. Once it was burning brightly, illuminating the area, Mordred took the opportunity to examine Merlin's midsection to see how his old wound was fairing. Upon lifting the injured man's tunic, he recoiled at the sight of it. Surrounding the many scars was huge blackish-purple bruising that seemed to still be spreading.

He knew he shouldn't have left the warlock alone. But he didn't have a choice, Arthur needed to be warned about the threat to his life. For a moment he considered letting Merlin know about the bruising, but decided against it. The man was already suffering enough at the moment.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, back at Camelot, Arthur was dining with the Sarrum. "I understand that we have a common enemy," Arthur said, getting the conversation going.

"Not so much anymore," Sarrum disagreed. "You now allow magic in your kingdom."

"I had to learn the hard way that not all magic is evil. It can be used for good. Anyone that has or studies magic and wishes to live in Camelot, is heavily vetted by our personal sorcerers. They make sure that the person's use of magic is not evil," Arthur explained. "And we do have a common enemy. Morgana."

"Ah yes. The witch," Sarrum agreed as he drank from his goblet.

"There is a rumour that you had her under lock and key," Arthur pointed out.

"She's nothing to be feared," Sarrum stated as he began to describe his time with her.

By the time Percival came back with the necessary herbs that were to be used as a cure, Gwaine had found Merlin's belongings and Daegal was tending to his wounded leg.

Merlin, wake up so we can give you the cure, Mordred told the older man.

The warlock began to stir as he tried to wake himself up, but could not bring himself to do so. He felt so weak from the pain and poison he couldn't do it on his own. Gwaine grabbed one of the waterskins and poured some water on his face, hoping to help him wake up faster. The warlock opened his eyes and looked at the three knights staring at him, then at Daegal, who was wrapping a bandage around his leg.

Gwaine helped to lift up his head as Percival poured the tincture into his mouth. Once the makeshift cup was emptied of its contents, Mordred moved to give him some water. Merlin pushed the waterskin away as he placed the Druid's arm over his chest, indicating for him to hold him still.

Everyone shared worried glances with each other as Merlin began to convulse for what felt like an eternity, but in reality, only a minute or so had passed. After the convulsions ended Merlin's eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body went limp. Mordred took his arm off of his friend and looked over at Gwaine. "Get the blanket from his pack. We need to keep warm."

Gwaine rummaged through the pack and pulled the blanket out. He quickly unrolled it and covered Merlin with it. "How long do you think it'll take for him to wake up?"

Mordred shook his head. "I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see."

"Why don't you get some rest?" Gwaine suggested. "I'll take the first watch."

The younger knight didn't like the idea of sleeping, but he obliged. He'd been going nonstop since sunrise, without so much as a bite to eat. He was exhausted and hungry. He considered eating first but decided to sleep for a few hours instead. He could eat when he took his shift. "Yeah okay."

As the sun began to rise, Merlin became aware of his surroundings. More aware than he had been last night. He opened his eyes as he slowly sat up and rubbed his forehead. Everything still hurt, but it was within tolerable levels. He looked around and saw Daegal and two of the three knights, sleeping, while the third knight just sat nearby looking at him.

"You had us worried there for a while," Mordred said as he got up and moved closer.

"Sorry," Merlin apologized, feeling guilty for not listening in the first place. If he had, Mordred would have been with him to face Morgana. Either that or they'd all still be in Camelot watching Gwen to make sure she didn't do anything.

"How are you feeling?" Mordred asked, kneeling down to get a closer look at the older man.

"Sore. Everything seems to hurt," Merlin replied placing a hand over his midsection. His side hurt worse than it had in the past few months, He had a vague memory of Morgana kicking him, but at the time he couldn't stop anything that she did.

"Yeah you're pretty beat up, but we'll get you back to Gaius and he'll fix you up," Mordred promised.

Merlin shook his head. "That'll have to wait. We need to stop Morgana and Gwen. We still don't know what they're planning."

"Merlin, you're in no condition to argue," Mordred said sternly, doing his best impression of Arthur. "If you couldn't walk before, you certainly can't now. Not with that gash on your leg."

Merlin glanced down at his bandaged leg. "Who did this?"

"Daegal," Mordred replied. "He did a fairly decent job. Kept checking on it throughout the night, making sure infection hadn't set in. Which thankfully, despite the black blood, there didn't seem to be any."

"Black blood was probably a side effect of the poison," Merlin pointed out, rolling his pant leg back down as he made a mental note to check on it again when he got back to Camelot. "If you're here, who's protecting Arthur?" he asked changing the subject.

"Leon, the other knights and Gaius," Mordred answered.

"We need to get back to Camelot," Merlin stated.

"Arthur is surrounded by the knights at all times. No harm will come to him," Mordred reassured.

"You're forgetting that Gwen will be with him at all times as well," Merlin reminded.

Realization hit Mordred like a brick. In all the chaos of yesterday's events, he had completely forgotten about the queen. "You're right."

The younger man went over to the other two knights and Daegal and woke them up.

Merlin looked back at Daegal, who was riding next to Mordred, whereas he was forced to share with Gwaine. The boy still looked broken. He had lied for the sake of food and money. The warlock could sympathise with the kid to an extent. Doing what was necessary to survive, but he had still been wrong to do what he did. Merlin would have to make sure Arthur knew that Daegal regretted his actions and was willing to change.

"I see you found my horse," Merlin pointed out, taking his mind off whatever the future held for the young boy.

"Yeah, someone left the poor thing tied to a tree," Gwaine replied. "Good thing we came along when we did. Bandits are everywhere."

"And even though it's my horse, I'm stuck riding with you," Merlin said, trying to sound annoyed. But if he was being honest, he was glad he was riding with someone, he wasn't feeling very steady.

"Well we couldn't have you falling off the horse," Mordred joined in. "We'd be stopping every few feet to help you get back on."

"I'm not in that bad of a condition," Merlin pouted.

"Yes you are," the three knights stated in unison.

"Merlin, you have a massive gash in your leg, a head wound and nearly the entirety of your torso is one massive bruise," Percival listed off. "If this keeps up, Arthur is going to lock you up in a magic-proof room where you can't get into any more trouble and hurt yourself."

"I'd like to see him try," Merlin retorted. Yet in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder why he kept getting hurt. He'd paid the price for freedom, didn't he? Did he still need to die to ensure magic remains free? If he needed to die, why were the gods of the Old Religion having such a hard time completing task? He'd have to talk to Gaius about it. Or maybe the Druids. Someone had to know something.

Chapter Text

When the five men reached the courtyard, Merlin got off the horse he'd been sharing with Gwaine for the past who knows how many hours. Immediately, he regretted his decision to get off the horse, unaided. Because as soon as his feet hit the ground, his bad leg couldn't handle the pressure and collapsed under him before he had a chance to grab his cane.

As Merlin fell, he bit back a scream as he groaned in pain. Mordred saw this, jumped off his horse and was by Merlin's side faster than Gwaine was. "We need to get you to Gaius."

"I'm fine. Just help me up," Merlin protested. "I need to talk to Arthur. He needs to know about Gwen."

Mordred, with Gwaine's assistance, got Merlin off the ground and onto his feet.

"We'll have him come to you," Gwaine said as he threw one of Merlin's arms over his shoulder. "Percival, stay with Daegal, don't let him out of your sight."

The warlock realized that arguing wasn't going to do him any good. He was outnumbered. Reluctantly, he allowed Mordred and Gwaine to take him to Gaius.

After entering the physician's chambers and realizing that the wizened man was not there, Mordred and Gwaine helped Merlin into his old room and onto his old bed.

"Mordred, stay with him, while I go find Gaius," Gwaine said, before exiting the room.

Merlin, with much effort, stretched his injured leg over the bed as he rolled up the pant leg.

"What are you doing?" Mordred asked as he leaned against the table to the right of Merlin.

"Making sure it's not infected and not bleeding black blood still," Merlin explained as he removed the unskilled bandaging.

"Daegal cleaned it the best he could," Mordred reassured.

"He also didn't spend ten years living with Gaius," Merlin said. "He probably only repeated what I did when I bandaged his arm."

"He was injured?" Mordred questioned.

Merlin removed the last of the bandage. "He said he fell getting into the citadel."

"I still don't understand why Morgana had him fake being a Druid. She knows magic is legal," Mordred said. "Even worse, now, she knows your Emrys."

"Maybe she knew I'd be more willing to help someone of magic," Merlin guessed. "As for knowing I'm Emrys, it was just a matter of time. Between Gwen and magic being legal again, she was bound to figure it out. We'll deal with that when the time comes. Maybe her knowing won't be a bad thing. Destiny and Fate have changed so much, who knows, maybe we can save her."

"Do you really think she's worth saving?" Mordred asked. raising a skeptical eyebrow. "After everything she's done? Everyone, she's killed?"

Merlin examined his wound as he thought back to how kind and caring the High Priestess used to be. How she was willing to risk her life to save his village. How her smile lit up a room. "Morgause poisoned her mind. Turned her against those that could have helped her. She's committed many wrongdoings and she'll have to live with that. But yes, I believe she can be saved."

Mordred didn't say anything else, he just watched as Merlin looked over his own wound. At that moment Gaius walked in with Arthur and Gwaine in tow. Merlin just looked up at his mentor. "Long story."

"You can start explaining while Gaius tends to you," Arthur said.

Merlin began to explain what happened after he sent Mordred back to Camelot. As he talked, Gaius tended to his wounded leg. When he got to the part where Morgana poisoned him, Gaius and Arthur, both looked they were about to have simultaneous heart attacks. He quickly reassured them that he had been given the antidote and felt fine.

When he was done, the room was filled with an uncomfortable silence. No one spoke. They just let the information sink in.

Arthur was the first to speak. "Do have you any idea what she's planning?"

"Arthur, you should sit down," Merlin suggested. "What I'm about to tell you involves your wife."

"Is she in danger?" Arthur as he sat down in the chair under the window.

"No, she's the one trying to kill you. She has been since Morgana bewitched her in the Dark Tower," Merlin explained.

Everyone in the room half expected Arthur to run Merlin through with his sword. Instead, the king stared into nothingness as he recounted all the times Gwen was not Gwen.

After what seemed like an eternity the heartbroken king spoke. "Mordred, go and keep an eye on Guinevere. I want to know right away if she's planning something."

Mordred stood up straight as he bowed his head in respect. "Of course Sire." The young Druid then walked past Gwaine and left the chambers.

"Merlin, you better hope that what you're saying is true," Arthur said as he stared daggers at Merlin. "Because if it turns out your lying, I'm not even going to bother waiting for a trial."

"Go and talk to Daegal. He met Morgana and Gwen," Merlin advised, as he watched Gaius finish bandaging his leg.

Arthur stood up and began to leave the room, only stopping to talk to Gwaine. "Make sure Merlin doesn't leave. Keep him here."

Gwaine only nodded as the king exited the chambers to go talk to Daegal.

"Why does Arthur want me to stay here?" Merlin asked looking at Gwaine.

"Probably so you don't go and do anything stupid," Gaius answered before Gwaine could even open his mouth. "Besides I'm not done treating you. Take off that tunic of yours."

"Arthur's life is in danger," Merlin stated as he began to carefully remove his tunic. "I don't have time to rest."

"Merlin-" Gaius began to scold only to stop short when he saw his former ward's midsection. The bruising had spread beyond the old wound. It covered almost his entire chest. The edges were a greenish-yellow, and the rest was a dark hue of purple that could be mistaken for black. "My dear boy, what did she do to you?"

Merlin looked down and felt ill by what he could see. "She just kicked me," he said softly.

"Kicked you?" Gwaine asked. "It looks like she used you as a human practice dummy."

Gaius pulled a poultice from his medicine bag and began gently dabbing it on the outer edges of the bruising. "What kind of poison did she use? Might have made your skin more susceptible to injury."

Merlin shook his head. "I don't know. I guessed at the cure by combining the more commonly used herbs and having them ground into a tincture. It seems to have worked."

"Yes, it would seem so," Gaius agreed. "And to ensure it worked, you're staying in bed for the time being. You need rest."

"Arthur needs me," Merlin protested. "I'll rest once I'm sure he's safe."

"Merlin, you can't even walk right now. You're in no shape to protect Arthur," Gwaine said.

Merlin looked at his uncle pleadingly. "What if I rest until we know what Gwen is planning? And once we stop her latest attempt I'll rest for as long as you want me to."

Gaius stopped dabbing the poultice for a moment and sighed. The stubbornness had to have come from Balinor. Once he'd set his mind on something, there was no stopping him. "Fine, but Gwaine is with you until you stop Gwen. Don't need you getting hurt anymore than you already are."

"Deal," Merlin agreed, looking over at Gwaine, who seemed less than pleased to be stuck babysitting him even longer.

While Merlin was forced to the confines of his old room, Arthur was heading to the cells to talk to the boy, Daegal. He had a lot to answer for.

When he saw the boy with Percival earlier, he had trouble wrapping his head around the idea of him being in league with his half-sister. The boy looked broken, confused, remorseful, and sad, but not evil. Daegal regretted what he did. Now when he looked at the boy he saw all the same things, but he also saw a liar and traitor.

"Tell me about your meeting with Morgana and my wife," Arthur demanded as he looked at the boy, who was curled up in the corner of the cell with his head buried between his knees.

Daegal lifted his head and looked at the young king. "They said that they would pay me if I got Merlin to go to the Valley of the Fallen Kings. I only agreed because I hadn't eaten in days. I did not know what they were planning."

"Surely you must have known it would be something terrible since Morgana was involved. Every man, woman and child in the Five Kingdoms knows about her," Arthur stated.

"I've only heard stories about a witch who wanted to take the throne of Camelot. I did not know it was Morgana. I did not realize it until after Merlin said so," Daegal answered. "I'm sorry, Sire. I did not wish for anyone to get hurt."

"How does the queen come into all this?" Arthur asked.

"She drew the Druid mark on my wrist and provided me with a key to get in when she and the knights saw me in the citadel the other night," Daegal explained.

Arthur didn't bother asking any more questions. He had all the proof he needed. The king walked away from the cell and left the boy in peace. The decision of Daegal's future would have to wait for now. Right now he needed to get back to Merlin and talk to him without anyone else around.

Merlin felt completely useless. Arthur had Gwaine babysit him, while Gaius made sure he didn't try to get out of his bed. To sum it all it up, he was bored. The warlock had even given up on trying to read the Catha spell book Alator had sent him two years ago. Just before he was about to decide if he would die of boredom or not, Arthur came charging in.

"You knew this entire time, didn't you?" Arthur demanded, storming into the room, and slamming the door into the wall.

"About what?" Merlin asked, knowing exactly what Arthur meant, but wanted to make sure they were on the same page.

"That Morgana enchanted my wife," Arthur clarified through clenched teeth.

"Not the whole time," Merlin replied. "Not until she accused me of trying to kill you. Before that, something about her felt off, but I couldn't pinpoint it. I figured she was still reeling from what Morgana did and the death of her brother."

"Why didn't you tell me right away?" Arthur asked, anger coating every word.

"I thought about it but realized that I didn't have any proof. I couldn't very well go and accuse the Queen of Camelot of being bewitched," Merlin stated with a even tone. "Despite me being your Magical Advisor, you still don't listen to me or believe me."

Arthur looked at the warlock and sighed, knowing he was right. "Who else knew?"

"Mordred and Gaius," Merlin answered.

"What are we going to do?" Arthur asked as he slumped into the chair, running his fingers through his hair.

"We have to stop her first, then we can save her," Merlin said. As much as he wanted to save Gwen, he had to save Arthur first.

"We don't even know what they're planning," Arthur pointed out.

"Mordred will find out soon enough. Once we know what he knows, we can form a plan," Merlin assured. "Until then we have to act like everything is fine"

Chapter Text

Later that evening, Arthur, Merlin, Mordred, and Gwaine sat around in Merlin's chambers, discussing what Mordred found out. Despite, Gaius' protests about Merlin going anywhere, the warlock knew that such a delicate meeting could not take place in the small confines of the physician's chambers. A place where Gwen could show up at any time. She was less likely to visit Merlin in his own chambers than she would Gaius'.

"The queen met with the Sarrum earlier, and the two of them are planning for one of the Sarrum's men to kill you during the peace treaty signing," Mordred said as he looked at the king.

"How would that be possible? The room will be filled with the knights and the Sarrum's soldiers," Arthur questioned.

"There's a balcony just above the entrance. The assassin could hide up there without being detected," Merlin pointed out.

"He'd need a key," Gwaine said.

"Gwen could easily provide them the key," Arthur explained. "She has access to all the keys of the castle."

"We have to get the key before she does," Mordred stated, thinking it would be that simple.

"I have a better idea," Merlin offered up as he began to lay out his plan.

Merlin watched from the balcony as everyone entered the council chambers and gathered around the round table. Everything was in place. The only thing that was missing was the assassin, who would be arriving in a matter of seconds.

Everyone last night didn't like the idea of Merlin going up there by himself. But he had gotten them to agree since the Sarrum hadn't met him and the fact that all the knights had to be present for the signing. None of them liked the idea, but it was the only way to stop him.

"Merlin, I always thought you were stupid, but not this stupid," Arthur stated after hearing Merlin's plan. "And you're still recovering from your injuries and being poisoned."

"It might be stupid, Arthur, but it makes the most sense," Merlin defended, holding back the urge to hit the prat with his cane. "The Sarrum would find it highly suspicious if I'm present at the signing since he hasn't met me. Besides, how am I to protect you if I'm with you? If the assassin really will be on the balcony, I have to be there as well. I can't be in the crowd. It's too risky."

"At least have Mordred with you," Gwaine suggested.

Merlin shook his head. "All the knights have to be present during the signing."

"Well, he's never met or seen Mordred, so he wouldn't know the difference," Arthur pointed out.

"I believe he does know," Mordred stated. "He saw me as I was leaving with Gwaine and Percival. Merlin's right. It might be stupid, but it's the only way."

Merlin was pulled from his thoughts when he heard the door at the bottom of the stairs creak open. The warlock quickly took his place behind a pillar and waited.

He listened as the assassin took his place and got ready to take aim. Before the assassin could release the bolt, Merlin came out of his hiding place and hit the assassin in the head with his cane.

The assassin lost his balance, and thus his aim was thrown off, causing the bolt to hit the Sarrum instead.

"LEON!" Merlin heard Arthur yell from down below.

The Amatian turned and looked at the injured warlock, who was grinning like an idiot, as he leaned heavily on his cane. "Who are you?"

"Could you by chance tell me where I might be able to find the physician's chambers?" Merlin asked in return, as he played his role. "I seem to be lost."

The killer scowled at the fool as he dropped his crossbow, pulled out two knives, and threw them at the warlock. This village idiot interrupted him, causing him to miss and kill his own ruler. He was going to pay for his stupidity.

As Merlin went to duck, his bad leg gave out under him, causing him to fall on his back. He bit back a scream as his body exploded in pain. The assassin, satisfied that the fool would no longer interfere, picked up his crossbow once and began to place another bolt in it.

Merlin picked up his cane, aimed at the bigger man, and spoke an incantation, Ic þé wiþdrífe. He felt his magic flow within him as it channelled itself through the cane and blasted Albin against a pillar, causing him to fall over the balcony.

After a few seconds of rest, the warlock managed to pull himself back onto his feet to look over the balcony and into the crowd. Arthur was standing next to what appeared to be a very dead Sarrum of Amata. Merlin stumbled backwards, his back hitting the wall, as he shakily lowered himself to the floor. He rolled up his pant leg and looked at his bandaged wound. The bandage was now crimson-red. He didn't bother trying to look at his torso, just feeling the pain thrumming from it was enough to know he'd irritated the scarring more than it already was.

Just then, Leon and several other knights came running onto the balcony. The knight went over to Merlin while another one looked over at the balcony at the scene that was unfolding below.

"Are you alright?" Leon asked as he looked at Merlin with concerned eyes.

"I'm fine," Merlin lied. In truth, everything hurt, and it felt like the room around him was spinning, while he remained still.

The knight looked over Merlin and noticed the blood dripping from his leg wound onto the floor. He looked up to face the young warlock, his face was covered with a thin sheen of sweat, eyes were unfocused and lips appeared to be turning blue "No, you're not," Leon declared. "You need to be seen by Gaius."

Merlin didn't bother putting up a fight. There was no masking how he really felt. Even a blind man could get within five feet of him and declare him to be unwell. He didn't even care that Leon had picked him up from where he had been sitting. He just closed his eyes and let the darkness claim him.

Arthur, who had seen Leon carrying the manservant, quickly got Gaius' attention and left the dead Sarrum to be forgotten about. When the two finally caught up with Leon, the knight was trying to open the door to Merlin's chambers.

"What happened?" Arthur asked, getting the door open for him as he looked at the unconscious form that was Merlin.

"I'm unsure," Leon answered. "I found him sitting on the floor up against the wall. His leg wound is bleeding again, and he looked very ill on account of his lips being blue and sweating despite it being cold up there."

The knight laid Merlin on his bed before stepping away to let Gaius do his job. The physician set his medical bag down on the edge of the bed and quickly pulled out a variety of supplies

"I need both of you to step outside so that I can work," Gaius said as he began unwrapping the blood-soaked bandage from his nephew's leg

Arthur and Leon, who both knew that Gaius worked better when there was no one else in the same room, left. As the wisened physician began to clean the gash on Merlin's wound, the younger man began to stir and groan in pain but did not wake.

Chapter Text

After an hour passed, Gaius emerged from Merlin's chambers. Only to find Arthur, Leon, Mordred, Percival and Gwaine waiting for him in the hall.

Knowing that they wanted to know about Merlin, Gaius spoke before any of them could voice the question. "I've restitched his leg wound, applied a salve to the bruising on his torso and a sleeping draught. He has a slight fever, but he's in no danger. He just needs to have a proper rest more than anything."

"Why did he collapse, then?" Leon asked.

"Whatever poison Morgana gave him was still working its way out of his system," Gaius explained. "Given what I've seen, my guess is it was pure black nightshade."

"We gave him the antidote, though," Mordred stated. "How could the poison still be in his system?"

"Most antidotes work in cycles. First, it removes as much as it can as fast as it can. But the person has to remain resting for a few days while the rest of the poison is forced out by the antidote. Merlin didn't remain resting. He was too concerned about saving Arthur," the Court Physician explained.

"How long will he remain unconscious?" Arthur asked.

"A couple of days at best, Sire," Gaius answered. "Which might do him good. It will give his body time to heal from this latest ordeal."

"Let me know the minute there's a change in his condition," Arthur ordered as he looked at the closed door behind Gaius.

"I will," the old physician promised.

Daegal sat with his back to the wall and his legs curled up to his chest. He was staring at the wall across from him, thinking about all the harm he had caused when a familiar Druid walked up to his cell. Mordred, he recalled.

"The king would like to speak with you," Mordred said.

Daegal stood up and looked at the man. He was dressed differently than when they had met. The Druid was dressed as a knight of Camelot. The boy briefly wondered why the king would allow someone with magic to be a knight, but he pushed the thought to the side. He had other things to worry about.

"Why?" Daegal asked.

Mordred unlocked the cell door and walked in. "Just tell him the truth. It'll make things easier. Come on."

The man placed his hand on Daegal's shoulder and led him out of the cells and towards the throne room.

As Mordred and the boy neared the throne room, Daegal began to wonder about Merlin. He had overheard the guards talking about him and what he did to save the king the night before. From what he could hear, Merlin attacked an assassin, killing them in the process. He wanted to ask for more details out of concern, but he was sure the guards would just ignore him. Why would they want to talk to him anyway? He conspired with an evil witch to kill the king. They saw him as nothing more than lowlife scum.

"How's Merlin?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

The knight remained silent as if thinking how to answer the question. "Recovering," he said finally not going into detail.

Daegal only nodded as they entered the throne room.

"Sire," the Druid said getting the king's attention.

King Arthur looked up from what he was reading. "Thank you, Mordred. Leave us."

Mordred bowed his head in respect and promptly left the room. Leaving the two of them alone. The king and Daegal looked at each other in silence, neither of them daring to speak first. One was trying to form words. While the other was too scared to say anything.

"You helped save Merlin's life. For that I am grateful," the king spoke finally, but slowly, trying to keep his tone even. "However you took part in a plot to kill me. You lied to get my Magical Advisor out of Camelot, endangering his life."

"I did not know he would get hurt," Daegal pleaded. "I was told no one would get hurt."

"I believe you, but you are still a traitor to the crown," King Arthur stated. "My father would have executed you without a single thought. He wouldn't have listened to what you had to say. I, on the other hand, am not my father. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had sentenced you to death. Your life has barely begun Therefore my only other choice would be to banish you, but I can not find it in my heart to do so given the circumstances."

There was a long uncomfortable pause between the two.

"What are you going to do?" Daegal asked, terrified of what the king would do to him.

"I'm granting you a pardon because you saw the errors of your ways and helped save my friend. You are allowed to remain in Camelot," the king answered.

Daegal got down on his knees. "Thank you, Sire."

"Don't thank me yet," the young king dismissed. "You are to get a job in the stables. From now on you have to work for money and food. If you do not do your job or if you commit an act such as the one you performed, you will be banished from Camelot."

Daegal remained on his knees. "I will not let you down, Sire. I will perform the work that is given to me without complaint and try to the best of my abilities."

"Make sure that you do," the blonde king warned.

Merlin woke up to the sunlight streaming in through the windows, followed by the sound of someone walking into the room. The young warlock opened his eyes and looked at who was in the room with him. Mordred.

"Glad you decided to join the world of the living," Mordred stated as he sat down at the table.

"How long have I been out?" Merlin asked as he pushed himself up into a sitting position.

"Three days," Mordred answered. "How do you feel?"

Merlin thought a moment taking time to assess himself before answering. Everything hurt, but nowhere near as bad as he had days prior. "Like I've spent a day in the stocks, then was used for target practice on the training field. So I hurt, but I'll manage."

"That's good, I guess," Mordred said. "I mean you look a lot better than you have in a while. Gaius said proper rest would do you some good. Looks like he was right."

At that moment Arthur walked into his chambers. "Good, you're awake. About time you got off your lazy backside. Armour needs polishing, every sword and spear need sharpening, stables need mucking"

Merlin knew the king was joking. Arthur hadn't made him do those kinds of chores since he named him Magical Advisor. His servant duties mostly consisted of bringing meals, drawing up baths and laundry. "Careful Arthur, I might feel weak, but I can still curse you with donkey ears and tail."

"You wouldn't dare," Arthur said, eyes widening as he remembered the last time he had the ears of an ass.

Merlin just gave him a cock-eyed smile, which soon faded as the memories of a few days ago began to come back. He had laid in wait to stop the assassin and ending using his magic to push the man over the railing.

Arthur noticed the sudden change in his best friend's facial expression. He knew that look all too well Merlin was remembering something he'd rather forget. "What's the last thing you remember?"

Merlin thought for a moment, trying to organize the memories as they resurfaced. "I remember looking over the balcony to make sure you were okay. Leon said I was Gaius needed to take a look at me. After that nothing."

"Do you remember how you stopped Albin, the assassin?" Arthur questioned.

"I channelled a stunning spell through my cane," Merlin said. "He fell over the railing. He didn't survive, I'm guessing."

"No," Arthur confirmed. "Gaius tried tending to his wounds after caring for you, but he died from his injuries a few hours later."

"What going to happen to their bodies?" Merlin asked, stifling a yawn. He'd only been awake for a few minutes, yet he was already exhausted from this conversation.

"They are being sent back to Amata," Arthur replied. "With a report detailing all that had happened."

"What's going to happen to Daegal?" Merlin asked, rubbing his tired eyes.

"I'm allowing him to remain in Camelot, as long as he works for his food and money. If he pulls something like this again, I'm banishing him," Arthur answered, noticing the tired look on his best friend's face. "Get some rest, Merlin. We'll let Gaius know that you woke up for a little bit. I'll still need to talk to you about what happened. Hopefully, you'll be able to remember more details."

Merlin laid back down. He was not about to argue with the king, no matter how much he wanted to.

Merlin sat just outside the kitchen waiting for the cook to finish making Arthur's lunch. It had been two weeks since everything had happened and things were finally starting to return to normal. Well if you called a bewitched queen still roaming around the castle, normal.

Merlin, himself, was still recovering from his wounds. Gaius didn't want him going back to work just yet, since he could only put a little weight on his leg and the bruising on his torso hadn't fully faded. The warlock knew that if he remained in bed any longer, then he'd be plotting alongside Gwen. He'd managed to convince Gaius to let him return to doing light duty, with the promise that he'd see him every few hours.

Just as Merlin was finishing getting ready to get up and go in the kitchen, Mordred walked by, stopping in front of him.

"How are you feeling?" the Druid asked, striking up a conversation.

"Sore, but better," Merlin replied as he pushed himself up into a standing position, letting all his weight fall to his cane. "Is the Hollow Queen currently plotting anything?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Mordred said. "Listen, I was wondering if you could help me with something?"

"Sure. What do you need help with?" Merlin asked.

"Spells," the Druid answered. "I know a few, but not enough to help me in the future."

"I could lend you my spell books," Merlin suggested. "I hardly look at them anymore, since I've memorized pretty much every single spell."

"Thanks," Mordred said, with a small smile.

"Come by later and I'll give them to you," Merlin planned.

"Why don't we go get them right now?" Mordred asked, not really wanting to wait.

"I have to go and get the prat's lunch," Merlin answered matter-of-factly.

"Oh," Mordred replied. Given the king's mood for the past couple of weeks, he knew that if Merlin was late, things would be thrown. And the warlock had been through enough, he didn't need any more injuries.

Mordred leaned against the closed door as he watched Merlin gather all the spell books from his wardrobe.

"How many do you have?" the knight asked.

"Eight. All of them are gifts, so take good care of them," Merlin warned as he handed one to Mordred.

"I will," Mordred promised as he took the book. "Who gave you this one?"

"Alator of the Catha. He once was in league with Morgana, but switched sides when he heard about the world Arthur and I are destined to create. He had one of his many servants hand it to me, as he was in hiding," Merlin explained. "It's a book of Catha spells."

"Aren't they still illegal?" Mordred asked. "You know because Cathas usually specialize in torture."

"Don't let Arthur see the book then," Merlin said as he stacked the other seven spell books onto the one Mordred was holding. "And Cathas also specialize in how not to give in to torture. That book can give you a general training on how to separate your mind from your body."

"How do you know so much?" Mordred asked, curious as to how the older man gained so much knowledge given his position in life.

"I've had some great teachers," Merlin said as he opened the door. "Now get out of here, before Gaius sees you wandering the halls with all my books."

Mordred balanced the eight huge books and left. Once the Druid knight was gone, Merlin carefully got down on his hands and knees and pulled out a book from under his bed. As he opened the book he smiled. It was his very first spell book. The one Gaius gave him after he saved Arthur's life and became the prat's manservant.

Just then the clotpole himself charged into Merlin's chambers interrupting his thoughts. "Sorry to ruin your you time, but Percival just saw Gwen leaving the castle through one of the tunnels."

The warlock put the book back under his bed and stood up. Time to get to work.