The Dragons Princess

Chapter 6 – The Poisoned Chalice – The Malice of Nimueh part 3

By Momma Midnight

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I'm sorry for taking so long. I know it's been years and I appreciate all the support I have been given from those who have patiently waited for this update. I have not given up on this story, it's just been very difficult to make the time to write. I have a full time job, two kids and I'm working on a college degree. It's been hectic. But I have finally finished this chapter and I hope you enjoy it. I will continue to write, but please understand I cannot update as quickly as I'd like to. I will fit time to write as I much as I can.

Thank you for your continued interest. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. It's because of all the reviews I've received that keeps me wanting to go on.

On a story note: For all of you who love Uther…sorry. He's a bit of a bastard. Just saying. The first few chapters of this story have been somewhat on the nicer side. One of the reasons I took so long is because this story is supposed to start getting darker as the story progresses. Now my definition of darker may still be vanilla for some. lol, but I guess we'll see how it comes along. Also, my usual style of descriptive writing has taken a back seat somewhat. I felt that I needed to write what I could and just put it out there to get out of my slump. If i didn't then perhaps it would be a while yet before I update this story. So forgive me if you see a slight change in style. Even so, this chapter has about ... 16,000 + words alone. Not too shabby. :)

On to the fic.

Enjoy.

-Momma midnight

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Poison.

She could hardly believe it herself but the truth lay in her husband's writhing form. Agonized moaning erupted from those perfect lips and his feverish half lidded eyes set her entire being seeping with rage and determination.

Fear would not be allowed right now. No, fear can wait until after she's procured the antidote.

"This is all my fault Gaius. If I hadn't knocked over his goblet of wine, then Arthur would not have drunk the poison." Merlin whispered softly between them, mindful of their audience. Glancing once more to where Arthur lay. Gwen sat beside the cot cooling his forehead with a cool damp cloth whilst Lancelot had taken the physicians diagnosis to the king.

They were essentially alone, but even so, Gaius and herself huddled closer and whispered quietly between themselves.

The physician turned to her with a sharp look. "That begs another question Merlin." He said gathering her attention again. "Who would want to poison you?"

Her teeth clenched painfully at the thought, "I don't know but I am going to find out."

Gaius nodded and handed Merlin a drawing of the remedy. "This flower will be located at the root of the Mortaeus tree. When you extract it, bring the whole plant and as much of the root as you can. It will prolong the life and the potency of the flower."

Merlin took the drawing and slipped it inside the bosom of her gown.

The door to the physician's chambers opened and three guards marched in and stood guard as Uther hastened past the door way and into the room. He took one glance and ordered Gwen out. As soon as the maid left, the guards followed closing the door behind them. "Gaius how is he?" The king questioned without much formality. His blue eyes landed on Arthurs prone figure laying feverishly on the cot by the fire.

"Arthur" he whispered huskily. Uther kneeled by his son's side brushing sweaty tendrils of blond hair from his moist forehead. "Gaius.'

With a heavy sigh, Gaius stepped forward, his hands clasping together in front of him. "The poison is moving quickly. He does not have much time."

Uthers fingers stopped in their caress and clenched into a tight fist. His jaw ticked with suppressed rage. "I will have Bayard's head. All of Mercia will know my wrath!"

Moving away from Arthur, Uther began to pace, his hands clenching and unclenching. The sounds of the leather of his gloves rubbing in tune with the rapid steps of his pacing. "This will not go unpunished. This cannot go unpunished!"

"Sire-" Gaius began but was immediately cut off with a threatening glare from the king.

With quickened and steadfast steps, Merlin approached the King, "Sire a word please?" She reached out to grip his sleeve but stopped at the thunderous look on Uthers face. Straightening her back, she pulled her hands back to her side and raised her chin to meet him eye to eye.

His blue eyes, so much like his sons, only without the warmth and love Arthur kept within his gaze, set upon her and she refused to allow a shiver of uncertainty run through her. "I don't believe King Bayard was behind this attack. Why poison Arthur in a means of declaring war only minutes after signing a peace treaty?"

He turned away and kept pacing. "Why does a madman need any explanation?" Uther paused in his pacing to look at Arthur once more. "There is much you don't understand of politics and war Merlin. To debilitate an enemy, one must exploit their weakness."

Uther walked back over to Arthur and caressed his forehead again. "Obviously my son is my only weakness. Bayard knows this. Its why he must be punished. All of Mercia; no, all kingdoms will come to know they cannot intimidate or threaten Camelot without penalty."

Merlin hesitated in her next response. She and Gaius shared a quick glance, neither wanting to add to the kings' ire if he were to discover the poison was directed for Merlin instead. There was no telling what he would do then.

Feeling the rough texture of the drawing she had hidden, Merlin was reminded of the time constraint. She half curtsied to Uther and nodded to Gaius minutely. "Of course my lord, there is much I need to learn. If you'll excuse me, I will retire to my room."

Uther half waved her departure as she turned to leave. She made it to the door before Uther spoke again. "Merlin. I know you have a penchant for getting into trouble. Don't think I have forgotten your reckless endeavors. I better not find you outside of your room. Better yet, Guards!"

The same guards entered the room. "Escort the Princess back to her room and keep a close watch. Do not let her leave the room until I say so."

Merlin barely had a chance to gasp a cry of denial before both guards gripped her arms tightly, forcing her to turn around and escort her in the direction of her bedroom. She craned her neck uncomfortably over her shoulder. "Please Uther I just want to help! You need me! I can't let Arthur die!"

Uther cast a sympathetic gaze on her briefly, before his usual stone façade graced his face again. "I know you care for him Merlin. I will protect his legacy in his honor. We will find the cure."

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As soon as the door closed, Uther let out the shaky breath he held while Merlin had been in the room. "I cannot let this go unpunished Gaius. I don't care about the damned peace treaty we signed, I will have Bayard's head for this!" He growled near menacingly.

Gaius's shoulders slumped with exhaustion and concern. For someone his age, such stress was beginning to become almost too much. "Sire you must calm yourself."

"Do not presume to tell me what to do physician!" The King snapped. He turned a full-fledged glare at the elderly man, "Concern yourself with curing my son. Have you discovered anything useful?"

Gaius's frown deepened, his brows nearly touching each other as he took the seat Gwen had vacated. He took a deep breath before answering the king. "As a matter of fact I have." He began. "The poison is a derivative of a flower that grows under the Mortaeus Tree that can only be found in the Forests of Balor. It is very rare and used only by the most powerful of sorcerers."

Uthers jaw clenched, "So this is worse than I feared?" He questioned in a much softer tone then he had shown all evening. "This is the work of Witchcraft?"

Gaius's shoulders slumped with weariness, "I'm afraid so. And because magic was used to create this poison, only magic can create the cure."

Uther took a seat on the bench by the table, letting his tired feet rest from the pacing he had done all night. "But why target Arthur? Why-" Uther cut himself off and pressed his lips together tightly in an effort to regain his control. "Why him Gaius? Why my son?"

"I'm afraid I don't know sire." Gaius said regretfully.

Uther finally allowed himself a moment to grieve the situation properly. His usual stern facade melted away to reveal a tired and worried father. "I cannot lose him Gaius. He is all I have left of Igraine. My son means everything to me." His voice wavered at the end.

"Uther." Gaius waited until the king finally looked at him. "We need Merlin."

Uther opened his mouth to answer but then paused as he considered the suggestion. "No." He finally said.

"But sire-"

"I said no!" Uther stood up angrily, his ire returning in full force. "I will not compromise more of our security. I will not lose..." Uther paused to take a deep breath in an attempt to calm his racing heart. "... What if she is with child Gaius? I will be putting my grandchild in harm's way. And if I lose Arthur-" He inhaled sharply, "-No. I will not take that risk. I will not lose the legacy of my son."

"We have no other option Uther." Gaius said softly. "In order to counter magic, we need magic. Merlin is our only hope in getting the cure."

"Need I remind you of the beast we have beneath the castle? I will not risk having that creature roam free. We will need to find another way."

Gaius persisted, "She is powerful Uther. Without her, Arthur has no chance to survive. He will die. Besides, if she is not with child, then any part of Arthur that could have been dies with him."

"So is she?" Uther asked bluntly.

Gaius paused, "Is she what?"

Uther's teeth clenched in annoyance. "Is she with child?"

Gaius hesitated to answer that question. The thought of what Uther might do if Merlin was found not pregnant worried him to his core. But if he believed she was, he would never allow her to retrieve the cure needed to save Arthur's life.

Even if it meant sacrificing his own son.

"I'm not sure sire. I have not had the opportunity for a proper examination."

Uther closed his eyes and exhaled a shaky breath. "All the more reason I cannot take the risk. Hand me the drawing of the flower." Uther said extending his hand expectantly.

Gaius's body stiffened as he looked at Uther incredulous. "What do you plan on doing?"

"You will hand me the drawing." Uther commanded in a louder tone.

"You are going to retrieve the flower?"

"I will not entrust this task to anyone else. I cannot afford a failure."

Gaius hesitantly handed him the drawing of the flower.

Uther turned to leave.

"Sire If I may-" Gaius said, moving quickly to stand before the king. "What will you do if the sorcerer awaits? This very well may be a trap." He straightened his back and gave Uther a level stare. "I implore you to send someone else."

"Then I will speak to them, or I will run them through. Arthur is my son! I will not place his life in a fool's hands." Uther nearly growled. "How much time do I have?" He questioned.

Gaius knew when he was beaten, he took a step back and cast Arthur a quick glance. "His color has not changed and there are no discerning marks that the poison is accelerating." He walked over to Arthur's prone body on the examination table and touched the princes' forehead. "His temperature is stable...for now. At this rate I predict he may have three or four days at most."

Uther exhaled sharply. "Then I have no more time to waste." He marched to the door and opened slightly before pausing briefly. "Thank you Gaius. I know I'm not an easy man to deal with. But I trust no other with the life of my son. You must understand." He all but whispered.

Gaius nodded softly. "Or course your majesty." He said solemnly. "What should we do in regards to King Bayard?"

"If I do not return within two days' time, set them free."

"And what about Merlin my lord?" Gaius interjected.

Uther paused again only to reply briefly over his shoulder. "She is to remain under guard until I return. Now if you don't mind-" The king said firmly.

"-I need to bring my son a flower."

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"-Him Liffrea….wuldres wealend…woroldare forgeaf. Arthur! Swa sceal geong guma gode gewyrcean…"

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Surrounded by a darkened void...unable to tether himself to anything to keep himself steady. It was as if he was floating in deep dark water, letting the gentle waves carry him away from everything he cared for. Everything that was important to him. He felt uneasy, nervous. Like he had forgotten something important but couldn't remember what.

Or whom.

He tried to fight against the weightless sensation but it was all for naught as resistance only served to exhaust him quickly and left him weak. He felt time passing slowly, almost as if he was dreaming. He expected to wake up in his room having only slept an hour. There was no time, no hourglass to signify it passing by and yet he felt it. Could feel it still moving around him. But he was unable to control it.

Something had happened, that much he was certain. But try as he might the only thing he could remember was the darkness that had settled over him like a thick cloak. What he had been doing or where he had been was lost in a fog just beyond the darkness. There was no light, no end to the black night that surrounded him, smothering him in isolation.

And yet – yet he didn't feel as if he was absolutely alone. There was a presence that lingered beside him. It followed him wherever he floated and he felt reassured by this slight energy. Almost as if it was trying to keep him company.

He let himself drift along the darkness, keeping the comforting sensation as close to him as possible as exhaustion began to carry him further down deeper than before. The deeper he went the less he could remember his previous thought. He felt sleepy, boneless and unable to concentrate except for the moving presence beside him. It was the only thing he could truly focus on and so he spent what was left of his coherence on the energy that refused to leave him alone.

It was warm where he was cold. It began to glow in his mind, a dull and soft blue light that slowly brightened the more he focused on it. It was familiar. It was strong.

A soft shudder of want left him breathless as lust coursed through him quickly and left even faster that he wondered if it had even truly happened.

Encouraged even more now, he put everything he had into the energy beside him. It moved, coming towards to face him, it began to take form. The blue in his mind gathered itself together to form a ball. A magnificent and brilliant ball of blue that he had never seen before...

...except once. His mind corrected, he had seen that shade of blue once before. The colors of mystifying blue and the deepest of black combined with the white of the creamiest milk.

Home, he thought. This feeling was home.

The blue ball shot up above his head and he struggled to follow it, afraid that it would leave him alone in the dark. He began to climb against the imposing darkness. The light never traveled too far where he could not see it, but it did not return forcing him to go to it.

He continued on, following relentlessly regardless of the exhaustion the climb was having on his mind. He soon learned though that the further he traveled up, the easier it was to regain his breath. The pressure lightened the higher he went until he no longer felt depleted of his strength. The blue ball of light stayed close to him now, just hovering arm's length above his head, allowing him to concentrate as he reached the surface of the darkness.

He struggled again as the edge felt sharp and malicious. An unwanted source of energy surrounded him suddenly, forcing the blue ball to shrink and then disappear. He pushed himself higher, ignoring the burning sensation of the barrier of darkness as it tried to push him into its depths. He fought against it, climbing higher, pushing against the nothing around him until with a dizzying tumble he found himself able to stand on solid ground.

His stomach flipped with queasiness and he dropped to his knees until he could get it under control. A few deep breaths later he stood slowly and took in his surroundings.

He was by a lake. A large and beautiful lake he'd never seen before. Off in the distance sat a small island with a tall tower. In front of him there was a wooden boat tied to a log as a makeshift dock. He dusted off the non-existent dirt from his knees and stumbled to the boat with unsteady legs.

He climbed inside, untied the boat and pulled out the ridiculously small oar. He used it to push the boat away from the shore and waited until he met open water before taking a deep breath in determination.

Arthur gave the tower a long and studying look before rendering himself to the slow and tedious work ahead of him.

He began to paddle.

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Gaius paced the small distance between the hearth and the cot where Arthur lay. His steps furious for a man his age. His knees reprimanding him painfully how much they did not appreciate his continuous marching.

Arthur lay groaning softly on the cot by the fire. His body shivered from the cold whilst sweat also collected on his brow. Gwen sat by the cot gently patting Arthurs face with a moist towel.

Lancelot opened the door with a quick pace and shut it behind him. "I came as quickly as I could. Merlin is still under lock and key. They only allowed me entrance to set a fire going before the escorted me out. Morgana and Merlin both are under the highest protection." Lancelot said, taking a cup of water Gwen handed to him.

Gaius nodded, "It is as expected." He said simply. With practiced habit, he turned to Gwen and spoke gently. "Gwen perhaps you should see to Morgana. They may allow you entrance as you are a woman. Take her medicine as well, it should help her rest."

Gwen nodded as she took the medicine and quietly left the chambers. Once the door was closed, Gaius signed loudly and let his shoulders slump briefly before turning his determined gaze upon Lancelot. "We have to save Arthur and Uther."

Lancelot gave the older man only a questioning tilt of his head before straightening his shoulders. "What do we need to do?"

Gaius exhaled deeply. No matter how prepared he had made himself for his decision, it still left him with an increasing amount of doubt and fear. "We need Merlin. Do not ask my why, but she is the only one who can save them both."

Pursing his lips together was the only way Lancelot could keep his questions in. Though he gave the elder man a knowing look that they would eventually need to speak of this, he held his tongue and allowed Gaius to explain his plan.

"There is a second door in the royal chambers that allow Merlin a chance to exit without notice." Gaius continued, "It leads to the courtyard. There might not be much opportunity, but that will be the only way to escape without being caught." Moving to his medicinal table, Gaius opened a book and withdrew a drawing. A quickly sketched replica of the ones he had handed Uther and Merlin.

"This flower is the only thing that can save Arthur." He said handing the drawing to Lancelot, "Uther is on his way now to retrieve the plant, however, he is going to encounter some…dangerous opponents."

"This is where Merlin is needed?" Lancelot said slowly.

Gaius closed his eyes briefly, "Yes." Was all he could say.

Lancelot simply nodded his head and folded the drawing before tucking it away. Gaius then provided the remainder of the details.

"If you do encounter a dangerous situation use this." He handed Lancelot a satchel of what felt like pebbles inside. "Use these sparingly if you can. I don't have many left, but they will provide a chance to escape." He hadn't realized his hands were shaking until Lancelot took them into his own firm ones.

Worried eyes locked onto a younger warm pair of strong brown eyes. "Everything will be find Gaius. I assure you."

The physician nodded minutely before pulling his hands back and began pushing Lancelot towards the door. "Now go! You don't have much time. And for god's sake be careful!"

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If the king thought that enforcing a curfew or lock down would stop her from her 'moments of heroism' as Arthur lovingly called them, then he had another thing coming.

Merlin used the opportunity to change from her evening gown into one of her dresses from home. Her favorite blue one. Along with her brown cape and brown boots, Merlin made sure to make a loud fuss about being locked in and going to bed. Once the last candle was out, she hurried over to the side door behind the bureau and silently left the room with none the wiser.

Descending the stairs, she reached the courtyard. Hidden in the shadows to the far left of the courtyard lay a secret tunnel that she would need access to in order to leave the citadel and then the gates of Camelot.

Distracted by the guards and trying to learn their rotation, she missed the hand that reached out to her and clamped over her mouth as she nearly screamed in surprise.

"Shh! Unless you want the guards or knights to arrest you for going against the Kings orders."

A male voice whispered against her skin and she relaxed momentarily. Shoving his hand away from her mouth she responded, "Lancelot what the hell are you doing here?"

Lancelot moved back and ushered her away from the wall once the guard moved in his rotation. Once inside the tunnel, they hastened their steps towards the exit that led out to an opening at the mouth of the forest.

They stopped to catch their breaths before Lancelot finally responded. "Gaius told me about the cure. I knew you would be stupid enough to try and get the remedy against the Kings orders. But what I don't understand is why Gaius says that you are the only one who can save Arthur." His brown eyes bored into her for some form of answer. But she had nothing to offer him but a slight shrug.

"Gaius…can be cryptic at times. I wouldn't read too much into it." Hoping that Lancelot would take her answer as sufficient enough, Merlin looked into the forest. "We don't have much time, let's get going."

"Merlin." His voice sounded hard. Unsure as to why, Merlin glanced back at him weary, but was met with a sly smile. "Don't think you can escape my questions later." He said, walking forward, "In the meantime, I had at least some foresight to take a couple of horses and tie them not far from the gates. They won't be missed anytime soon."

Smiling back, albeit a little hesitant, Merlin nodded and they hurried their pace. As soon as they had reached the horses, they both galloped towards the direction of the Mortaeus tree.

'Hold on Arthur. Just hold on.'

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Reginhard was not his usual horse but he was superior in speed in comparison to his favorite horse Bedinwolf. But as he soon quickly discovered that not only was Reginhard fast, he was also green and as such Uther had a difficult time trying to keep the horse in control. Bedinwolf was a gelding with better rider maturity, but he did not have the endurance for this quest.

"Hya!" He pushed the horse faster if possible and nearly took a low branch to his face before the horse decided to jump over a small log almost throwing Uther. However difficult, Uther grit his teeth and continued pushing.

They broke through into a clearing and the sight of the Mortaeus tree came into full view. The low branches and long hanging leaves revealed the tree to be a willow that overlooked a tiny lake. A large fallen tree decorated the left side of the clearing by the willow. Early morning sunlight gleamed its bright glow across the meadow showcasing it in a wondrous light that seemed almost…magical.

Without another thought, Uther dismounted Reginhard and dropped the reigns of the horse to approach the lone figure nearly hidden by the willow. A surge of anger swept over him as the figure smirked at him and removed herself from the tree she had been draping herself over.

"Well, well if it isn't the king himself." Nimueh said grinning at Uther. "I'll be quite honest I wasn't expecting you to be the one to search for the cure. But then-" Her voice trailed off as she gestured her hand in annoyance, "-nothing ever goes quite as planned when she gets involved."

Uther's lips tightened at the sight of the sorceress. Her looks, her appearance had not changed in the twenty odd years since he last saw her. When her curse had taken the life of Igraine. He had vowed never to allow himself to fall victim to this witch's evil hands again. He had lost his beloved but he would die before he let her take Arthurs life as well. His hand tightened firmly on the hilt of his blade.

"I've come for the cure to heal my son. You will hand it to me." He commanded. His arm extended, his hand open, he waited.

Nimueh began to laugh. "Will I now?" She asked with mirth, tilting her head to the side studying him. "Tell me, do you still fear me Uther?"

Uther's opened hand clenched tightly and he lowered his arm in frustration. "I do not have time for this nonsense. You will give me the cure for Arthur!"

Suddenly Nimueh appeared before him, all mirth gone from her golden eyes. She stared intently into Uther's blue. "And if I don't? Will you banish me again? Try to kill me?" She whispered with venom. "Will you send your men to hunt me again?"

Uther's heart raced in slight panic at her small display of magic. Her proximity, her power filled golden eyes made his breath shorten and his palms sweat.

The answer to her question, yes, yes he was still afraid of her. But he refused to allow her to know it. Would rather die than give her that advantage over him. He huffed angrily, lips tightening as his teeth ground in frustration and fear. "Why are you trying to kill Arthur?"

Nimueh's eyes narrowed slightly before she huffed away in irritation. "It wasn't him I was trying to kill." She said moving away from Uther, her hands behind her back, she walked back to the fallen log and stretched herself across the wood. "It is not his destiny to die at my hands."

"Then why did you poison him?" Uther questioned again, "Are you trying to start another war between Mercia and Camelot?"

"Hardly. The wars of men are of no concern of mine." Nimueh stated impassively. She chewed on the nails of her right hand, spitting out a piece, all the while her sight never left Uther's place. "I was trying to kill the traitor."

"Traitor?" Uther repeated. He sheathed his sword and took a few steps forward. Intrigued at the turn of events. He felt somewhat better hearing that Arthur was not the true target of her malice. "What traitor?"

"The one that has turned her back on her own kind by saving Camelot." Nimueh hissed, "She killed my earthly child. The creature of my own blood just to save those worthless people in your kingdom!"

A she?

"Who is this she?"

Nimueh's sneer turned into a deep frown. "The one that stands beside your son. The one you have chosen to bear your sons heir."

"Merlin?" Uther asked surprised.

"She is a traitor to her kind! She who protects the future king of Camelot. You have made her a Pendragon and she deserves a Pendragons death!"

This time it was him that advanced upon the witch, sword in hand, he startled her. His blade pressing against the skin of her throat. His hand tightened and shook in combination of anger and restraint. "If you don't like the way I rule my kingdom and the people that reside in it, then I suggest you leave." He growled. "Whatever malicious plans you have for Camelot or its nobility, will not be tolerated. We will not fall into the hands of an evil sorceress!"

Nimueh flashed her golden eyes and Uther felt himself thrown backwards to the ground. He landed on his backside harshly, the air knocked out of him. He gasped wide eyed as Nimueh slowly made her approach. "You are nothing more than a hypocrite Uther Pendragon." Nimueh said, circling him from a short distance. "You claim to hate magic, but oh how quickly you come to it when it is in your best interest." She said with a sneer. "You came to me, begged me, to help you produce an heir when Igraine could not conceive. You blamed me when the spell took her life in exchange for Arthurs place in the world. And now you have a witch in your kingdom, married to your son, protecting your kingdom with magic…and you put her there yourself!"

Uther rolled away seconds before Nimueh's lightning strike could hit him. The ground where he lay previously was burned by her magic. He cast frightened eyes in expectation of another attack as her arm was still raised to the sky.

"Merlin's magic is bound. She cannot and will not use magic while in my kingdom. Her reason for being there is completely necessary. Were it not so, I would never have chosen her to be Arthurs bride!"

"Oh how little you know of magic. Unable to see it when it's performed right before your eyes. You are ignorant Uther Pendragon. And that will be your downfall." Nimueh finally began to laugh again. Though the sound of it was grating upon Uther's ears. It was the sound of delightful hatred. It made the hair on his arms and behind his neck stand on end. Her voice echoed as she began to disappear. "I would reconsider your decision if I were you Uther. As to who or what is more devastating to your kingdom. Merlin-" Nimueh's voice faded and Uther only caught the remainder of it as the wind carried it away.

"-or the dragon?"

Uther quickly shifted his body off the ground into a kneeling position, sword in hand, ready for an attack. What he heard was a throaty growl just before something hard knocked him over and darkness rushed up to greet him.

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By the time he reached the sands of the short beach on the island, Arthur was winded and exhausted more than he had ever been in his life. He stumbled off of the boat and dropped the small oar off to the side. Panting to regain his breath, he lay upon the beach gazing at the warm sun. Odd, he thought. Was it not raining just yesterday? How could the sun be warm and the air clear of fog in such a short time? Feeling the sand beneath his fingers, he let the dry granules slip between his fingers. It should be moist he thought absently.

Struggling to his knees, he gazed up at the tall tower before him. Something about this island seemed off to him. Almost as if it were not just an island, but another world altogether. There was a mysterious energy here that seeped into his very essence, calling to him as if he belonged here.

It took a try or two to get to his feet and he swayed as he stood. He marched up the short hill until he reached the stone walls and pressed himself against them before slumping down to sit at the foot of the tower. Allowing himself another moment to catch his breath, Arthur gazed across the island to where he left the boat and noticed it missing. Searching for it on the water, he caught sight of it navigating itself back across the lake. He scoffed a short bark of bitter laughter as he realized he no longer had a way of getting back across the water and he doubted he had the energy to swim back.

Some time had passed before he felt remotely close to wanting to move. He must have napped some as he could feel the time had passed yet nothing around him had changed to show it. Getting to his feet, Arthur stretched and began to walk around the walls of the tower until a slim open door came into view. Crossing the threshold towards the center of the tower, he continued to stride in until the short entry opened into a larger garden surrounded by meadowsweet flowers. The fuzzy white flowers and petals were contrasted with the bright green leaves that encased them. The sweet smell of the flowers made his mouth water as he remembered Merlin explaining to him the benefits of meadowsweet as a flavoring in wine or mead.

He grabbed a handful of the flowers as he passed them and tore them off the bush, pocketing them into his trousers. He continued to walk until a faint but sharp cry stopped him short. He listened with a baited breath as once again he heard the cry and began to hasten towards it.

Leaving the warm garden, Arthur crossed another doorway until he came into a grassy field that held nothing else but a what looked like an altar. The warm sun and brightness of day disappeared within and a light drizzle began to fall. Clouds overhead darkened quickly as the cry became louder. His heart nearly stopped as his eyes locked onto the figure that lay on the stone block.

Exhaustion and hunger forgotten, Arthur quickly made his way to the alter and stopped suddenly as he looked at the body before him.

A baby.

Dark hair crowned the infants head, pale skin as white as snow colored the babe as it squirmed helplessly within the bounds of the leather strips that wrapped around its tiny body. It began to cry louder as it struggled to get free. The hiccupping and vulnerable sobs of a baby bound from freedom tore into his heart and Arthur reached out to lift the child from the alter. But just as his hand touched the child's head, the babe's eyes snapped open and eyes as blue as the deepest parts of the ocean stared directly into his own. Eyes he had only ever witnessed on one other person. Those piercing blue eyes drew him in even further and he was about to lift the child again, when those blue eyes flashed a golden color.

Immediately the rain stopped and a sudden beam of sunlight filtered through into the field to shine lightly upon the child.

Taking a step back, Arthur ran a hand over his face to stop over his mouth in awe as coldness drew over him from head to toe. Upon further notice, he'd only now spotted the dagger that lay next to the child.

Everything began to make sense. The alter, the tower and the lake. This had to be the fabled Avalon. The home of the priestesses of the Old Religion. And the child….

…the child had magic.

Taking another step away from the child, Arthur felt his hands curl into tight fists. The child noticing it's savior had moved away from sight, began to cry again forcing the sun to hide and the rain to begin falling with much more vigor.

Like stone, Arthur was unable to move or unable to unclench his fists. He felt paralyzed whether it was from fear or simple hesitancy, he wasn't sure. But he was only able to stare at the child as it continued to squirm and sob for help. Pain tortured its way through his heart as every fiber within his being told him, called to him to help the infant.

Forcing his body to move, Arthur put one step forwards as whispered voices echoed around him…or inside him. Inside his mind. Light whispers telling him to use the dagger, kill the child.

Use the dagger, kill the child.

Use the dagger, kill the child…and you will be free.

Use the dagger, kill the child…and we will set you free.

Use the dagger, kill the child…

"Use the dagger…kill the-" Arthur suddenly found himself before the infant with the dagger in hand poised above to bring upon the baby in what would be a fatal blow….

"-child."

.

.

.

"Gaius!" Gwen's sudden outburst startled the physician awake from the short nap he fell into and the old man moved with speed he no longer believed he had.

"What is it Gwen?" He said shortly, fatigue and drowsiness making his voice harsh and gritty.

Gwen hardly noticed, solely focused on Arthurs detoriating form. "Have a look at this Gaius." Slowly and with gentle hands, she turned the princes forearm towards them and the physician noticed the rash on Arthurs arm.

"This is bad." He muttered before realizing he spoke out loud. He glanced at Gwen and they shared a brief look of despair.

"What does this mean Gaius?"

Gaius sighed deeply. "It means Arthur has less time than I had originally thought." His gnarled fingers examined the rashes texture, it felt bumpy and warm. "By the looks of it, Arthur may only have a day or two."

"But Uther left just early this morning. He believes he has three or four days. He'll never make it Gaius."

Gaius placed Arthurs arm back to his side and checked the princes' temperature. "We must have faith in Uther." In Uther, Lancelot and Merlin, he silently thought. Casting a glance outside, the sun seemed to be out even if a bit nippy. But the rain seemed to have gone for now, leaving the weather alright and in their favor. "Keep him covered Gwen and try to get some water into him. I'm going to try and make a potion that will slow down the poison. To buy some time."

That was all they could do for the moment. Simply buy Merlin time to bring back the cure and save her husband.

.

.

.

Not much was said between them as they rode the horses hard and quick in the direction the king had gone. It was fairly easy to follow his path as he had not taken any measures to hide his tracks. Soon enough they jumped over the small log as he had and came upon the open meadow and willow of the Mortaeus tree.

"Over there look!" Lancelot said as he dismounted quickly and rushed over to the fallen kings' side.

Dismounting her own horse, Merlin made her way to them and helped Lancelot turn Uther over on to his back. On the kings' head was a gash that steadily bled and mud caked half his face. "We need to get him back to Camelot." Lancelot said readying to lift the king.

"Lancelot wait." Merlin placed a firm hand on his arm. "We need the flower first."

Lancelot appeared to hesitate briefly before nodding. "I'll go get it, you stay here with the king."

Merlin nodded as Lancelot strode to the willow, looking for the roots of the tree. "There's a cave just down this hill by the lake. The flower must be in there." He said before disappearing over the curve of the small hill.

Merlin glanced around her surroundings. It was strange, this place seemed familiar yet she had never graced this area before. She could feel a presence nearby, something or someone of magic, but she couldn't pinpoint where they were located.

She could hardly care at this moment. Nothing mattered more than getting the flower and returning back to Camelot to save Arthur.

Merlin looked down at the king. Uther breathed slowly and deeply, completely unconscious of what was going on. The mud on his face dried leaving it crusted and hardened. She flicked a couple of pieces from his eyes with her fingernails before giving up. He would just have to wash his face when he returned to Camelot she thought bitterly.

It was not much longer that Lancelot returned, muddy as well, but grinning as he held the roots and plant of the Mortaeus flower in his hand. "Let's go!"

He wrapped the flowers in a cloth and placed it in the satchel of his horse before lifting the king over his shoulder. "Where is his horse?" He asked looking around.

Merlin searched the area as well not seeing the kings favorite gelding anywhere. "I don't know. But you'll have to carry him on yours if we can't find it." She really didn't want to waste more time if they could help it. Besides, all of Camelot's horses were trained to return by night fall if not tethered.

They strapped the king to the back of Lancelot's mare securing him tightly with straps they made by tearing strips from the kings' cloak. "I don't think he'll take too kindly to having his expensive cloak torn apart like this." Lancelot grimaced as Merlin shred another long strip.

"He's a king. He can buy himself another one." She said without much feeling. Lancelot glanced at her noticing her angry puckered pout.

"What's got you so tense? I've thought you'd be happy we have the remedy?"

"I am." She said softly, her harsh pout softening slightly. "I want to get back quickly is all."

Not entirely wrong but not the whole truth either, she thought resentfully. Too much time had been taken to secure the King to bring him back to Camelot. If only he had allowed her to retrieve the plant herself, so much time could have been saved. They wouldn't have to take the time to haul Uther back.

The idea of leaving Uther behind tasted sweet. Without him, the constant fear and tiptoeing around each other would finally come to an end. She could truly free.

The sweetness turned bitter as she realized such thoughts betrayed her love to Arthur. Arthur still craves the love and attention Uther barely shines on him.

"Let's not waste more time."

Merlin placed a foot in the strap to mount the horse when a tinkering windy laughter erupted around them.

"Leaving so soon?"

Turning around quickly, Merlin finally spotted the being that radiated the energy she had felt since entering the meadow. "Who are you?" she asked harshly.

Nimueh smirked her blood red lips and crossed her arms, leaning her weight to one side and hip. "Can you not feel the magic Merlin?"

Merlin hesitated to let her power stretch out to measure the witch before her. The energy she could feel seemed familiar but hostile. As if she had encountered such severity before, she suddenly remembered the hateful energy that had bound her during the feast of the treaty. "It was you!" She shouted. "You poisoned Arthur."

Nimueh tsked softly, "It wasn't him I was trying to kill. If I wanted the prince dead, there would be no one to stop me."

Merlin's face hardened, "I will stop you."

Nimueh grinned, "Indeed."

"Merlin," Lancelot whispered "We don't have time to take on a sorceress." Slowly and discreetly, Lancelot retrieved the pouch that held the pebbles Gaius had given him. "I'll create a diversion and we can escape."

Merlin didn't get a chance to question when Lancelot threw four round pebbles towards Nimueh. The witch held a hand up to shield the rocks from hitting her but was not expecting the four short bursts of powerful explosions upon impact. Nimueh was tossed in the air backwards and she hit the fallen tree before getting back to her feet.

"Ablinn ðu;forlæte ðu nu!"

Merlin didn't get the chance to mount her horse before she was thrown aside by a powerful energy blast that sucked the air out of her body. She hit the ground and slid as her vision teetered on disappearing. Distantly she heard Lancelot shout her name before hearing a loud thump on the other side of the meadow. Her body hurt as if stung or hit by a thunderbolt. Footsteps approached her and she struggled to turn over to climb to her feet. She swayed briefly but held her ground.

Nimueh stopped to glance at her in surprise before her face hardened with anger. "Why won't you die!" She held her hand up and summoned the electrical currents of another lightening blast.

Merlin barely had time to leap to the side before the bolt hit the ground she had been standing on. "Cume her fyrbryne!" A streak of fire tore across the ground to surround Nimueh, engulfing the witch in a large blaze.

A shrill scream erupted from the witch's mouth before a pale arm reached outside of the flame, "Cume mec. Hræfn wann!"

A low and throaty growl came from behind Merlin and she ducked in time to avoid a large dragon like creature. Only it did not resemble a dragon such as the one beneath the castle. This creature had wings but they looked more like large scales, it seemed unlikely that it could fly, yet…as it launched itself towards her, it clearly glided on those ridiculous wings.

Rolling this time, Merlin dodged the cockatrice only to have to roll again. She kept dodging and rolling away, until she reached the fallen tree and had her back pressed against it did she stop. Gasping for breath, Merlin barely had time to cover her face and head as the beast reared up and hissed prepared to spit its poison at her before it screeched and drew back.

A strong arm grabbed hers and hauled her to her feet.

"Lancelot." She wheezed. "It's poisonous!"

"Then we better escape." Not giving her a chance to argue or even comply, he tugged her arm fiercely towards the horses and the still unconscious king. "Get on the horse Merlin. I'll distract this beast."

"Lancelot no! You don't stand a chance against it!" She argued, grappling with him as he held her arm firmly. "Let me help you! Please!"

"Such faith in me Merlin." He teased humorlessly.

"No Lancelot!" Merlin cried out as her bodyguard rushed the beast with his sword and jabbed at the beasts' scaly back. It hissed and reared up to spit its poison but Lancelot dodged and rushed the beast again appearing on its side and stabbed the creature underneath its wing. The cockatrice let out a pitiful screech before slumping down unmoving.

"NO!" Nimueh screamed as she freed herself from Merlin's flame spell. "You'll not take another of my creatures!" She lifted both arms above her head summoning lightening and rain for a powerful attack.

Merlin threw herself to the ground and cast the only other elemental spell she knew that could defeat the witch. With all the power she could gather, she cast the spell hitting the ground with both hands. "Ic þe bebiede þæt þu abifest nu!"

Nimueh felt the ground shake before she could finish summoning the elements needed for her attack. Concentration broken, she could only scream as the ground shook around her ruthlessly, rippling along the surface creating a fissure that grew and expanded beneath Nimueh's body. The energy beneath the ground hissed as it opened up and engulfed the witch. Nimueh had no escape. She slipped into the fissure with an agonized scream. The ground shook again to close the fissure and then stopped.

The only sound Merlin could hear now was the panting of her breath and the pounding of her heart. She stood on weak legs staring at the spot Nimueh once stood. "She's gone." She whispered more to herself, not truly realizing she spoke out loud.

"She is. But we don't have time to celebrate that now. We need to go." Lancelot tugged her, more gently then before, and guided her to the horses. Without another thought, Merlin mounted her horse and followed Lancelot with the king in tow.

Vaguely, she noticed the half eaten remains of another horse, but she didn't bother to worry about that now.

With a gallop they sped back to Camelot.

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.

.

A fog was difficult enough to see through when it is thick, it was nearly impossible when it is like liquid, encasing your mind like a drug. He could hear the whispered words repeat over and over. He could hear himself mimic those words in his own voice that sounded nothing like him.

"Use the dagger, kill the child."

"Use the dagger, kill the child."

"Use the dagger, kill the-" Arthur yet again found himself swimming through the drug like haze his mind was engulfed in. His coherency swung like a pendulum into focus only to swing back into the hazy fog. He would come into focus and find himself standing before the screaming child with the dagger in his hand, poised to kill. Then he would lose himself and simply hear the mantra over and over.

But it was getting weaker he noticed. As if the voice that cast the spell had gotten distant. He found himself swinging back to coherency sharply, but this time he was able to feel the dagger, to grasp the situation and feel his body as well as control his movements.

Arthur suddenly realized that he had been fighting the spell. The moments of coherency were his bouts of defeating the sorcery placed upon him. Taking in a large gasping breath, his lungs burned as if he had been holding air for far too long. He studied the moment, the situation, his surroundings. He took in the dagger still within his hand, held steady above the wailing child and with a horrified shout, he twisted the knife in his hand and brought it down to the baby, cutting the leather straps holding the child still. The infant stopped it's sobbing to stare at Arthur as the prince removed the straps and flung the dagger aside. He lifted the infant into his arms and tried to console the once again crying babe.

"Shh, there now. It's alright, I've got you." He said, steadying the baby against his shoulder. "We should find your mum shouldn't we?" Arthur glanced around for anything that could reveal any type of use or hint as to what he should do next. Hell, he thought. There wasn't a boat to take back to cross the lake either he remembered.

Still holding the baby tightly against his chest, he started to march across the field back to the garden that had the meadowsweet flowers. Plans of how to get across the lake ran across his mind. If all fails, he would have to swim back, but with a baby in tow he would need something he could strap together to float so he could bring the baby safely across.

Just as he reached the door leading to the garden. One final voice penetrated his mind, stopping him mid stride.

"The child has magic."

Arthur stood straight and silent. His arms tightened around the baby, forcing a painful grunt from the now sleeping babe. Relaxing his hold, Arthur contemplated what the voice had said.

The baby did have magic. He had seen it control the sun and the rain.

By Camelot's laws, the child should be punished for having such magic. But then…

Arthur turned the baby around to cradle the child in the crook of his arm. A peaceful sleeping infant that could no more harm him then it could harm itself lay silently, trustingly in his arms. How could such a child have magic at this age? Wasn't magic learned, taught through spells and incantations? Weren't sorcerers gifted the abilities of magic through sacrifices and rituals?

Taking another glance at the child, his heart fluttered gazing at the soft milky white skin, the ink black hair and he remembered the deep blue eyes that mesmerized him at first glance. This child radiated innocence, trust-love.

No. He thought. He could not, would not let this child die for something it had not asked for. If the child had been born with the gifts, as unlikely as it seems, then he would protect it. Teach it that magic should not be used.

Arthur made to take another step when a thought occurred to him. If the child's mother could not be located, then he would take it to Camelot.

The king will not be pleased.

"I don't care." He said suddenly out loud, startling even himself. "I won't let this child die." He shouted loudly. "I don't care if the child has magic, it can't be evil. It's far too young to understand the needs that drive man towards wickedness. I won't allow it to grow up that way." He finally said softly, gazing again at the child. He could feel a connection to it, almost as if…

…almost as if the child were his.

Straightening his back again with determination, Arthur strode across the threshold of the door leading to the garden before a white flash surrounded him. He felt himself pulled from this reality. The child in his arms disappeared and he shouted terrified that he had dropped the infant. He fought against the sudden confines he found himself in. "No!" He fought only to feel a tighter restraint. "No! Give it back!"

"Arthur! Arthur! Oh my boy! Stop fighting it please!" Uthers voice broke the spell he was in and Arthur found himself embraced within Uthers strong arms. "Son don't fight the medicine, let it heal you. You must stop fighting it."

Arthur settled down some, though his heart raced rapidly and his breath came in short bursts, he allowed his body to relax little by little. "F-father-" He began, licking his dry lips. He felt incredibly thirsty and weak. "What happened? Where's the baby?"

Uther stiffened and looked at Arthur before glancing at the physician in concern. "What baby Arthur? What are you speaking of?" He asked gently.

Arthur exhaled slowly, taking in more of his surroundings. It must have been a dream he realized. His hands shook nonetheless and his arms felt terribly empty.

What a hell of a dream.

"I-it's nothing father. It was only a dream." He whispered roughly, closing his eyes against the sudden sting that burned them with unwanted tears.

"Of course." Uther nodded enthusiastically, albeit in a way to hide his worry as he glanced at Gaius once again with question. "You've been under this spell for too long. I imagine you've had some strange dreams. But you're safe now and Gaius will take care of you until you are strong again."

Uther stood and turned to Gaius. "I'll leave him your capable hands Gaius. I want a report later this evening and know when can be moved back to his room." The King dusted himself off, having only had time to clean his face, he was still dressed in his once fine clothes covered in mud. Normally he would be dead before being caught in a disgraceful disorderly manner. But his need to save his son overrode his need for propriety. Now however, he could allow himself to indulge in a long hot bath. "I will make myself more appropriate before I confront Bayard. There's also another matter I need to deal with."

Without waiting for a confirmation of his instructions, Uther began to stride across the room.

"Father wait." Arthur pleaded gruffly, "Where's Merlin?" He asked shifting his position on the cot to balance his body on his elbows. His concern of not seeing his beautiful wife turned into downright fear at her absence and possible harm. "Is she alright? She hasn't been injured or poisoned has she?"

Uther's mouth tightened into a thin line of anger, but he could not help the look his son gave him. "She's fine, she's under the knight's protection as is Morgana." He said simply, "You know the drill."

Arthur slowly nodded slightly confused before remembering the usual protocol to protect the women of nobility. "Of course. Thank you father. You don't know how much that means to me." Relaxed now, Arthur let himself fall into a peaceful dreamless sleep.

Uther stared lovingly at his son before casting a firm glance at Gaius. "He is never to know of what took place." He warned.

Gaius bowed his head, although hesitantly, he knew better than to go against the King right now. "Of course sire." He said. "Sire if I may-" Gaius said as Uther made to leave again. "What will become of Merlin?"

Uther inhaled a sharp and deep breath to control his anger. "I'll deal with her myself." He finally made it to the door, "Have no fear Gaius, I won't remove her from Arthurs side. Even I can see what that will do to my son. But I will not let the events that occurred go without punishment."

Gaius' head drooped lower, "I see."

"I'm glad that you do." Was all Uther said as he closed the door behind him.

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.

.

Merlin huddled her knees closer to her chest to preserve what little heat she had. Every exhale was a reminder of the icy temperature in her solitary confinement. The small window high on the wall only served to bring in the returning storms rain water, making everything wet and uncomfortable. The guards had deposited her in it as soon as they had returned and Uther had regained consciousness. That had been the night before. Since then no one had come to see her. Nor had anyone thought to bring a blanket or chair.

They hadn't even bothered to bring her breakfast this morning.

Not that she would have been able to eat anyway. Not when all she could think about was Arthur. Had they made it back in time? She didn't know if he was alive or...or dead.

Anger flooded her, providing a little bit of extra warmth. How dare they keep her away from him! She should be there with him, taking care of him. What useless nonsense to keep them separated because the king was afraid of her? Of her power.

She gripped the cuff on her wrist and fought the urge to remove the piece. She should just take it off and be done with it. What did it matter if Uther found out she could still use magic? What use would it be if there was nothing to keep her there? To hold her back?

If there was no Arthur, then there would never have been a reason to stay. She would have fled the minute she was able to use magic freely again.

But there had been Arthur. There was Arthur.

She swallowed down a thick knot.

Was Arthur still here?

Her fingers burned with the ache to use her magic to blast the door down and seek out her husband.

But she didn't.

Merlin slumped her back against the bitter cold wall, tilting her head to look up at the small window of her cell. The knot in her throat tightened painfully before progressing down her constricted chest. Her mouth went dry despite the moisture in the air and her stomach grumbled despite her lack of appetite.

How could everything have gone so wrong in such a short time? Three days ago had been the best day of her life and yesterday had been nothing short of a nightmare. Everything that could have had gone wrong, did go wrong. All because of a witch, a goblet and a fearful king.

She folded her arms over her head again and fought the shivers that ached to make her tremble.

Why won't someone tell her what's going on?

She just wanted—needed to know if Arthur was alright.

How could this have happened?

Who could have done this?

The day continued to pass her by without so much as a peek from the guards outside her door. The last time they had checked on her was when she finally stopped screaming for attention and that had been hours ago.

She hadn't received a breakfast and she was sure the lunch hour had passed already. Her stomach protested painfully, adding to her misery. Even though hunger was nothing new to her considering food was sometimes scarce in Ealdor, her body had gotten used to having several meals throughout the day.

Skipping even one had become nearly intolerable.

More time had passed and the gray skies, barely visible though her window, had darkened considerably. The day was nearly over she realized and still no word, no food, no contact of any kind.

She had taken to searching her cell for any signs of a previous inhabitant to keep her mind occupied. There wasn't much to find. Just some bits of cloth here and there, crusted and dried crumbs of bread that had miniature teeth marks in it, rat droppings and a green signet ring that she had seen on Morgana once.

She pocketed the ring just before she succumbed to the embarrassing task of having to make use of a corner as a privy. The room was icy enough without having to micturate the only warm fluids she had in her body. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that she hadn't received food yet. She wasn't sure she could endure that level of humiliation. As it was, she used bits of straw from the pile left as bedding to hide the evidence.

As the evening progressed and the room chilled further, Merlin took to pounding on the door again to demand food and blankets.

"You can't keep me in here like this! You need to bring me food!" Her fists pounded on the door, her hands numb from the cold and the beatings against the firm wood. "At least bring me something to keep warm! Please! It's freezing in here! I'll die!"

She kept pounding on the door until her knuckles began to bleed, the coldness seeped in through the wounds making her hands stiff. She slid down against the wooden door and stared vacantly at the opposite side of the room. The rain outside continued to pour but whatever light there was illuminated the room just enough to let her see her breath with every exhale.

"I can't die." She mumbled to herself. Her lips chapped and numb, she brought her hands to her mouth and exhaled the warm air against her palms. "Arthur needs me. I can't die."

Closing her eyes, Merlin willed a small flame to grow on her palms. The tiny flame warmed her hands but it wasn't enough. Willing it to grow larger, Merlin opened her eyes as the heat of her flame warmed her face and arms. The fire in her hands grew to be the size of a pitcher of water and she stared into its reddish-orange belly.

"It doesn't matter anymore." She said softly, her hands and face regaining sensations at last. "I'll protect Arthur even if Uther decides to send me away. I'll never stop protecting him."

And she meant it. Even if Uther decides he no longer wants a witch as a daughter in law, or even if he decides to condemn her to execution, she'll simply escape and protect Arthur from afar. She would do anything it takes to keep her husband alive.

If he is still alive that is.

Her face crumbled at the thought of Arthur dead and a sob broke free followed by another.

"Please let him be alive. I'll do anything, please." She begged to no one.

There wasn't anyone to beg to.

She was all alone.

.

.

Morgana paced the entrance of the dungeons with furious agitation. Her fifteenth attempt to bring food and blankets to Merlin had failed as the guards had denied her access. They had denied Gwen access. They had even denied their commanding officer, Sir Leon, access. Claiming it was by order of the king. She cursed Uther's name for the hundredth time that hour as she chewed on her nail and kept her rhythmic pacing.

Why would he throw Merlin in the dungeons? Why her? She hadn't done anything wrong. This had to be another one of Uther's misplaced suspicions of magic.

And yet...yet there was magic afoot. She could almost feel it.

And it all happened on the night of the signing of the treaty. It was so fast, so confusing. One minute she was standing with her goblet in hand to celebrate the new found peace and the next Arthur was on the ground poisoned. Chaos erupted as accusations flew and men hinged teetering on the edge of battle. And in the middle of all that chaos had come the blood curdling scream that silenced the entire hall for just a split moment.

No one knew where it had come from because it had lasted for only a moment, but it had marked the beginning of the siege. Uther had called for the arrest of Mercia and the fleeing and sword fighting had begun.

By then whatever magic that had been there had disappeared.

Was that why Merlin was sent to the dungeons? Did Uther suspect she was behind Arthurs poisoning? If so, then why had he locked her in her chambers first?

Or perhaps Merlin has as much proclivity for disobedience as Morgana herself does? Perhaps Merlin escaped her chambers to seek out a way to help Arthur? She does have a penchant for trouble and helping others does seem to be her nature.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the fast approaching footsteps coming down the stairway. Footsteps that revealed an angry Uther.

Before she had the chance to speak Uther had barked out orders. "Guards escort the Lady Morgana to her room and lock her in. She is not to be let out or speak to anyone until I have given permission."

"What? No!" Morgana protested and tried to whirl away from the guards' hands that immediately gripped her arms. "You can't do this to her! You have to let her eat! Give her something to keep warm! It's freezing in there!" Her protests fell upon deaf ears and anger burst out of her again. "You're a monster! You can't treat her like this when she hasn't done anything!" Morgana fought the guards dragging her away but to no avail. "She's your daughter in law! Doesn't that mean anything to you!?"

.

.

.

Once Morganas shouts could no longer be heard, Uther had the remaining guard open the door and dismissed him. "See to it that the Princess has a warm bath and food prepared for her return to her royal chambers."

The knight simply nodded and left leaving Uther and an exhausted and trembling Merlin alone.

Closing the door behind him to secure their privacy, Uther stepped forward and kneeled towards the quiet and subdued Merlin. As difficult to see her as it was due to the lack of light, he could still see the tear marks that streaked her dirty face.

"I hope you understand the seriousness and underhanded lack of decorum you have shown. It is unbefitting a princess."

Weary blue eyes locked onto the his own and a brief moment of regret coursed through him. Perhaps denying food and contact for one full day had been too strong of a punishment. He involuntarily shivered at the coldness within in the cell and realized they had not brought anything at all. There was no blanket, nothing to sit on or keep entertained. There wasn't even a bucket to-

Eyes snapped back on to Merlin and he realized she had not had anything provided. At all.

With a low sigh, Uther lowered his head briefly with guilt before righting himself. "I-may have been strict on my punishment for you Merlin. I want this to be remembered. I will not have you disobey me. Regardless of what the situation is, I cannot have you harmed or missing…" He paused for a moment. "You do not understand the importance your presence has on the safety of this kingdom. The people will look up to you. They cannot know or witness anything but a united front from the royal family. Nothing takes more precedence than that."

For the first time since she last hollered for anything earlier in the day, Merlin's barely whispered throaty voice sounded harsh in the nearly completely silent room. "Even if it's for the life of your only son?"

Stiffening at the comment, Uther exhaled. He dropped his gaze if not his head, "Even so."

"Why?" Merlin asked resentfully. "Why have you brought me here?" Finding more courage than ever before. Merlin finally allowed herself to start asking the questions that had been burning inside her to find answers for. "Why have you brought a peasant to play a princess in a kingdom that outlaws and hates all those of magic?" Pulling herself to her feet, Merlin found her strength growing. "Why are you set on protecting me that you would even willingly sacrifice your only son? Did you-" Merlin stopped short to lick her dry lips and stare irritably at Uther.

The tightness of repressed anger and incomprehension had started to heat her body and she began to shake with new found need to let it out. "Why am I here?"

Uther had not been expecting the barrage of questions, nor had he been prepared to have to handle an outraged sorceress. Granted though the most she seemed to threaten with was the closed fists of her hands. He knows that behind those delicate hands lay a power that could take on a powerful nemesis.

Could take on Nimueh.

Pushing his rising fear down, Uther stood as well to tower over Merlin's shorter frame. "I have explained my reasons for bringing you here the night I collected you from your mother's farm." He said with a near snarl. "I'd have thought you would prefer the life of a wealthy nobility as opposed to that of a peasant farmer. Should I have left you there? To marry a pitiful farm boy? Your father was of a powerful breed. You should be honored that I have selected you to bear our family's heir."

"So that is it then isn't it?" Merlin laughed grimly, "I have been brought to be a brooding mare." She shook her head and couldn't stop the few tears that found freedom. "I don't understand. I'm sure there are other princesses. Real princesses that would have been a much better bride and a better daughter in law than I." She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "I never even knew my father. And if he was so powerful, then why did you have to threaten me to come? Why do you treat me as though I am prisoner only here to breed a child?"

"Because you have your fathers power! Because I need a strong heir to follow in Arthurs footsteps to secure our position as ruler of this land!" He cut himself off before he could mention the true reason, the instigator of his worst nightmares. That bloody dragon!

"For your information, I had other brides selected to be Arthurs wife. The Princess of Gawant and the Princess of Nemeth. Both beautiful, well educated and well-bred princesses; I had made a pact that one day Arthur would only choose from those two kingdoms. I had to break that agreement so that you and Arthur could marry." Uther turned away from Merlin and ran a tired ragged hand through his short brown locks.

Merlin crooked her head and studied the Kings behavior. She had never seen him so unhinged before. "You said I have my father's power? So then-" She began, making sure to get his attention. "-Then he must have had magic."

Uther stopped his short pacing and turned to stare at her with an ashen face. "He had the most power I had ever seen in my life." He strode back to Merlin, "Now you must know why it was imperative that I had you in my kingdom. Should another get wind of your existence, there would be out right war for the power you possess. Being married to Arthur is the kindest way of keeping you from harm."

"From who?" She all but shouted. "Before you, no one knew who I was. That I even existed!" Merlin covered her face with both hands trying to stem the tears. "I never asked to be protected! I never needed it! Ever since I've come here I've been nothing but a prisoner. You've taken my powers, taken me from my mother and the boy whom I had loved." Merlin let herself drop to sit ungracefully on the dungeon floor. "No one would have ever noticed that I was more than a farmer's daughter. And that farm boy you mentioned? He would have loved me and taken great care of me." Her voice dropped as did her strength and energy. "I would have been free."

"You would have been poor and your children would have starved by the first winter." Uther said heartlessly. His mind and soul exhausted with this turn of events. "The least you can feel is proud that your mother allowed this exchange for protection and the constant provisions we supply your pathetic village. No one has died yet and the raiders that used to come have all been killed. Your mother sought your protection as well and understood that being married to Arthur was your kindest decision you'll ever have had."

"How do you even know that anyone would have sought me out?"

"It was only a matter of time. Do you think the daughter of Balinor would go undetected by those seeking power?" He knelt again to put his face before her. Her shuddering breath gave him the little extra strength he needed to instill the fear in her, "Just to satisfy your curiosity, Bayard knew of your father and has displayed an interest in you. And know this…" He leant close enough to whisper in her ear. "He would not have married you off to his son. He would bed you himself."

Merlin inhaled sharply at the thought and felt her stomach roll with fear and disgust.

Uther stood up ultimately and opened the door to the dungeon cell. "Leave this room and clean yourself. Arthur will be returning to your chambers soon. I'll not have him learning of these recent events nor of our conversation. His loyalties will not be divided. Am I understood?"

Merlin unevenly gathered herself to her feet and left the icy cell. She nodded quietly to herself as her mind reeled with all the information recently provided to her. Her mind simply couldn't process all of it and she had nothing to say at the moment. A warm bath and a hot meal was all she could comprehend for now.

"One more thing Merlin." Uther said as the door was shut closed and they now stood in the hall leading to the stairs.

"I know you have the ability to use your magic. I don't know when you regained your powers back, but I also know that you could have used them at any time to seek your vengeance or your freedom." Uther extracted a box he had left by the door before he dismissed the last guard. "You will hand me the cuff." He said extending his hand.

Merlin stared at his palm momentarily before removing the silver cuff from her wrist. The weight of it signifying her imprisonment, felt oddly empty when she handed it to him.

Uther took the cuff and opened the box. Not showing what was inside of it, he placed it in the empty compartment that housed the jewelry, he then removed another duplicate one. Closing the box, he turned around and took Merlin's arm firmly within his own.

She only had a moment of clarity before it was too late and the cuff had been placed on her arm once more.

"No!" she whimpered, feeling the power of the bracelet secure down her own magic. The sudden loss of her powers made her knees buckle and were it not for Uthers hold, she would have fallen to the floor.

"The bracelets are part of a set. One forces a punishment for the use of magic, while the other strictly locks it away." He said with wonder, letting her arm go. Merlin staggered momentarily before righting herself, leaning against the stone cold wall. She felt as weak as a new born kitten.

"I was not aware as to which bracelet had what ability. It seems redundant to know which abilities they have as now only one is left to use. So long as it does what is it supposed to, I care not."

Merlin turned pleading eyes to the king. "Please. Don't." She pleaded reaching her hand out to him.

Ignoring her, Uther lifted the box and began to walk away from her. "Consider yourself lucky Merlin. I had warned you once of one more indiscretion, that I would lock you away for all eternity. I still can. And don't assume I make empty threats. If you believe that I won't uphold my end of the bargain because I want a grandchild of power, don't flatter yourself. All I need from you is one child and I will have you birth one even if it means forcing a guard to impregnate you."

Merlin let out a horrified gasp as her knees gave way. She slid soundlessly to the floor as his echoing voice taunted her with the elements to cast the worst nightmares.

"Do us both a favor and bear the child. There's no harm if we both win."

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Merlin had opted to bathe and eat in the protective and soothing surroundings of the room that used to be hers. It reminded her of a time before things became truly complicated. When her most troublesome thought was whether Arthur was prat or not and whether she should escape or not.

Even now she had trouble deciding whether her decision to stay had been the right one.

Freshly bathed and smelling of lavender, Merlin set about getting herself ready to greet her husband again. Arthur had been brought back to their room an hour ago, but she had not been there. Instead she decided to groom herself clean of the last few days and to get herself mentally composed from the recent conversation with the King.

She shuddered involuntarily at the turn of new events and the knowledge afforded to her. She didn't want to question the probable truth behind half of what Uther had said. Nor did she want to tempt fate in a game of lily-livered if he truly held up his bargain. With the new bracelet on her arm, the last chance of freedom and escape had nearly vanished. Now she would need to a create a new plan of escape if worse comes too worst. But not now, she thought. Right now the fresh memory of the conversation would only throw her back into anguish.

Brushing out her hair until the curls melded together at the tips. Merlin wrapped her robe around her and left the room to walk the few steps to approach their shared bedchamber.

Hearing low muttered speaking, Merlin didn't immediately open the door, rather feeling a bit naughty, she pressed her ear closer to the door to listen.

"-island with a tall tower. I don't know where I've seen that before but I knew somehow that was Avalon."

"Sire that certainly sounds like Avalon, though only those of great power have ever seen that fabled island." Gaius commented with an air of intrigue. "I've only ever heard of it as being a magnificent place full of great magic."

"That it did Gaius. I don't have magic but even I could feel it within every living thing on that island. But Gaius-" Arthur's voice dropped too low for Merlin to hear.

"-a baby?" That was Gaius. His whisper was nothing short of a loud shout.

"Yes Gaius. The baby was on the alter and wrapped tightly in a red blanket with black leather straps. It-the poor thing was cold and wet in the rain. It wailed horribly. But when I went to lift the child…It's eyes changed colors…it changed to a brilliant gold color." Arthur paused as silence become predominant. "The child had magic Gaius. I didn't know children could be born with magic? Is that normal?"

"No sire." Gaius voice sounded somber and cautious.

Merlin's hand gripped the solid wood of the doorframe as her heart began to pound within her chest. Lost in thought, she missed the next bits of conversation.

"-dagger net to the child and voices in my head forcing me to repeat it out loud. It's as if I had no thought or control of my own body. It kept repeating over and over and over, 'Use the dagger, kill the child.'"

Merlin inhaled loudly before slapping a trembling hand over her mouth. She pressed closer to the door.

"What did you do sire?"

"What else could I do? I lifted the dagger and held it above the baby ready to strike it down."

Merlin turned away at that last comment and barely made it back to her previous room before retching into the chamber pot. "Oh god." She muttered before being sick again. She continued until the dry heaving stopped and she slumped backwards away from the pot. She shook her head wretchedly as her mind refused to believe what she had just heard. No, not Arthur too. Please don't let Arthur hate magic as much as Uther. Her silent pleas went unanswered as her body broke down and tears escaped down her cheeks.

Why?

Why and how did everything become so complicated?

What is she supposed to do now?

Unconsciously Merlin wrapped her arms around her midsection. Thoughts of bearing a baby with Uther in command and Arthur in hate of magic willing to kill a-willing to kill a -

-a baby?

"No" she cried softly, shaking her head in disbelief. No, she would not bear a child in this kingdom if she could help it.

But how would she stop the conception? If she is not currently with child, then it was only a matter of time now that she and Arthur had finally become intimate.

There had to be a way to stop from conceiving. There had to.

But…the king. If she doesn't produce a child…will he force a child on her? Would he really resort to having a guard or knight…sard her? Would Arthur sanction that?

No. Not Arthur. He would never allow it. She was sure of it. As long as Arthur was around he would protect her, even from his own father.

But that would only be as long as Arthur doesn't become aware of her magic.

Merlin scoffed for a brief moment as a passing trice of relief flooded her before another emotion took its place. Angered irony.

Oh how perfect the timing is, now that she truly knows of Arthurs thoughts on magic, she could no longer use magic. Oddly enough, the King had done her a favor by blocking her ability as she now lost the continued threat of accidentally exposing herself. Unfortunately that also left her with nothing to defend herself or Arthur from another magical attack.

There were sure to be another attack. She was certain of it. As assured of her need to breath.

The door to the room next door closed loudly and Merlin knew immediately that Gaius had left the room. Reacting quickly, She rushed to the door and opened it just in time to see Gaius prepared with a hand ready to knock.

"Merlin? Is something the matter?" He asked genuinely.

"I need to speak to you." She pulled him gently into the room and closed the door, locking it quietly.

"Merlin whatever is the matter?" The older man's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you ill?"

"I need to know if there is a way to avoid conception?" She questioned without regard to modesty, her hands gripping the edge of her robe strap.

"Avoid conception?" Gaius asked disbelievingly, "Merlin are you alright?"

"Gaius." Merlin practically sobbed, "I cannot have a baby in this kingdom!" Throwing herself into the arms of the older man, Merlin told him everything. The conversation with Uther, the eavesdropping between him and Arthur. Everything she dared tell him. Including the threat about being forcibly impregnated.

As she drew in her next breath, Merlin gazed into Gaius's pale face as the old man put a hand towards his heart. Merlin inhaled with worry and pushed him quickly into a nearby chair. "Gaius?" Merlin hovered taking his hand and pouring water form pitcher into a goblet with her other hand. "Oh I shouldn't have burdened you with all of this. It's wicked of me. I'm sorry." She said sadly.

A gnarled hand patted her hand that held his. "No, it-it's alright Merlin. I'm glad that you did." He said sincerely, his crinkled eyes shown the anger of betrayal from someone he had respected. "I would never have put Uther in with the lot to force a girl-anyone through what he has threatened you with. But nonetheless-I cannot say I am completely surprised." He whispered solemnly. His eyes dropped down to gaze into the goblet of water Merlin pushed into his hands.

"Perhaps at my age it was inappropriate of me to be naïve in believing that Uther had changed. That he had become softer, more fatherly ever since Arthurs birth. But that was my mistake."

Looking back up into Merlin's watery blue eyes, he nodded in agreement before lowering his eyes once again. "I'll help you Merlin. We will find a way to prevent conception."

Merlin shut her eyes in relief even as a few stray tears made their trek down her damp cheeks. "Thank you Gaius."

"Always my dear." He patted her head gently. "Always."

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It seemed odd to wake up and not know what day it was or even when in the day it is. It would seem incredibly odd if were not a common event. More often he than he liked to acknowledge, Arthur had suffered enough injuries during training or on patrol that waking up befuddled was not in fact odd. Anymore.

"Hello sleepyhead." A soft melodious voice, one he attributed as a husky mewl, whispered softly in his ear. That voice, though melodious now, had once been full of passion and pleasure. That husky voice had once groaned in fevered indulgence that the reminder of it stirred a deeply seated need in his lower regions. Even if his body did not have the energy to rise for the occasion.

"Hello beautiful." Arthur responded in kind. Seeing Merlin's face as the first one upon waking was a sight he would never tire of. "Where have you been?" He asked pouting playfully. "Every time I ask for you, you were either indisposed of, inconsolable or simply bathing…again."

Merlin smiled tenderly before leaning over to kiss Arthur on the lips. Though brief, it sent bursts of excited energy all throughout his body before centering on the area that would normally demand attention. Right now however, it simply warmed his core and his heart.

"I'm sorry." Merlin said, moving a strand of hair away from Arthurs forehead. "I-I'm going to be honest with you so please don't be angry." She smiled nervously.

Arthur shifted uncomfortably. He knew that smile. He knew that mischievous and troublesome smile. "What did you do this time?" He asked cautiously, his gaze wondering over the body parts he could see. Though distractingly sensual, he kept his gaze as close to neutral as possible. "I don't show any recent signs of injury."

"That's because Uther caught me before I could do anything." She said. Not entirely providing the truth, she decided to elaborate a short moment and conversation in an effort to provide some sort of explanation why she hadn't been there when he first awoke. And she was sure word of her imprisonment in the dungeon was bound to slip past a guard in passing.

"What happened Merlin?"

Sighing dramatically, Merlin elaborated her attempted escape. "I tried to sneak out the window when the guards locked me in our room. I tied our bedsheets together as a makeshift rope and was able to get to the courtyard before I was caught by a few guards. They escorted me to the dungeon to keep me safe. Uther seems to think I get injured every time I try and save you."

"So he locked you up for your own protection?" Arthur asked half surprised.

Merlin only nodded, "He was also afraid to tell you thinking you'd be mad, so please don't let him know I told you. He only wanted to keep me safe for you."

Arthur laughed haughtily, "Of all the harebrained-" reaching up he pulled a startled Merlin down for a well-deserved and ardent kiss. Tongues touched briefly before the kiss became more heated. His fingers longed to run through her ink black hair as the strands slipped between his fingers. Pulling back, he nibbled on the outside of her bottom lip. "Well I'm glad of it. I hate to think you put yourself in danger over me…again."

"Well-" Merlin said pulling away, trying unsuccessfully to hide her growing blush. "If someone would only stop putting themselves in danger then I wouldn't have to try and save you now would I?"

Tipping his head indignantly, Arthur crossed his arms. "I seem to remember a certain beast in the water reserve that had you cornered like a little lamb. If I hadn't been there to save you, you would have been gobbled up."

"A lamb?" She huffed in mock outrage. She pushed herself off the bed, fighting to keep the laughter out of her tone. "Well pardon me but I seem to remember a certain knight who had an affinity with snakes trying to make mince pie out of you!"

Arthur stiffened as he also remembered Knight Valiant and his lewd derisive comments about Merlin that implied the inappropriate. A burning anger swept through him and he reached out to grab Merlin by the waist and pulled her to land on the bed. Keeping with the movement, Arthur rolled to place himself on top of her and kissed her before she could begin to question him.

Arthur felt her body brace and then relax in his hold. She smelled wonderful. Felt warm and soft beneath his firm hands. Slowly, he slid one hand from her shoulder to her thigh where he scrunched the fabric of her dress, hiking it up slowly, deliberately until his fingers brushed against the smooth skin of her thigh and hip.

Merlin pulled away with a gasp as he took advantage of her simple chemise strings and pulled the fabric apart and open. Slipping his fingers underneath the thin fabric, he slid inwards until he touched moist curls and a wet slippery mound.

"A-Arthur wait-" Merlin moaned deeply. The husky breathy sound of her voice drove him to determination and he desired to see Merlin in the throes of passion. His unwilling body however would not respond to hers no matter how much his mind wanted it. His body unfortunately was still recovering. "Sorry Merlin. I won't be able to join you, but I can still enjoy you."

"B-but that's not fair for you. We shouldn't-" She groaned as he slipped two fingers in to her warm body.

"Not to worry." He said breathily, loving the feel of her warmth and wetness coating his hand. "We'll find time for you to make it up to me." He smirked as Merlin's hips thrust upwards at a particular curl of his fingers. Leaning down he kissed her open mouthed, sliding his tongue against hers before pulling back as he thrust in three fingers now. Merlin's mouth opened wide in a silent gasp of pleasure. "See? You already know what I had in mind." He said, visualizing her mouth on his firm hardness. Remembering that dream he had months ago where Merlin had pleasured him while wearing red lip paint. Smearing the color over his manhood as he released himself into her willing mouth.

Arthur groaned as yet again he wished his body to respond, only to see it still limp and uncooperative.

Soon. He thought smugly. Curling his fingers harder and faster until Merlin's body convulsed with pleasure, a deep thick groan leaving her sinful lips and a warm gush coated his hand completely. "Soon." He said out loud as he kissed her once again.

Merlin shuddered a deep satisfied sigh as Arthur kissed her again tugging the bodice of her dress down until a warm breast filled his moist hand.

Oh yes. Definitely soon.

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A fortnight later

Late in the night. Once the torches had been extinguished. Merlin huddled closer to Arthur, his arm curled around her body protectively. She sighed in contentment, not just from their activities early, but at the thought that finally she had found some resolution to her situations. Gaius had created a potion that is often used to help regulate the courses, he had added a few herbs such as birthwort, cypress, pennyroyal and rue to name a few. The idea is to make the womb as hostile to the man's sees to avoid conception. That is the idea. Untested of course.

Until now.

Merlin sighed again. She concluded that it was better than nothing and still better than having that difficult conversation of asking Arthur to pull out. Not that he would argue, but in the throes of passion, it often happened that Arthur spilled his seed inside her without thought. Accidental pregnancy is far too likely.

And avoiding intimacy altogether was far too much of a challenge.

For either of them.

Merlin rolled over to lay her arm across Arthurs stomach when a loud and piercing shriek forced its way into her mind. 'MERLIN!'

Merlin sat up with a gasp, clamping her hands over her ears to block the sound.

'Merlin I know you can hear me! I will be free again Merlin! You'll never be rid of me!'

Nimueh. Merlin thought. But how?

'Merlin…I will be back…for you.'

'Merlin I'm coming.'

'I'm coming for you Merlin'

'I'm coming…

…for you.'

TBC

End chapter Six – the Malice of Nimueh

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* sard is a medieval term for fornicating. This word was used before the acronym of fornicating under command of the king

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Note: And it is done. * whew *I want to thank all of you who supported me. Your reviews, pm's and your patience. I know I can be trying and take a verrrrry long time to update. But I truly hope this chapter was worth the wait. However, I will be frank on the subject that I feel as if Merlin's character portrayal was slightly darker than in previous chapters. I feel that due to the circumstances, Merlin wasn't going to be her more agreeable self. She will have a hardened edge when the people she loves are in danger. I also hope that I captured Arthurs character as strong but not whiney or too prattish. I feel he is supposed to be arrogant but not annoyingly so.

The reason I had such a hard time with the chapter honestly, was because of Uther's portrayal. I just couldn't get into his head to take charge of this chapter. I had an idea of how I wanted this to come out, but I honestly surprised myself with some slight turn of events that really opened up some doors for me. I am happy with the way the chapter came out. Although it somewhat lacks my more attention to detail style of writing. If I allow myself more time to add more meat to this story, it would probably take another month. Lol. I had to publish this as is or wait another month…or year. (cries)