Chapter 11

A/N: I know, I know, I'm absolutely terrible for saying I was back and then breaking that promise. The end of Merlin left me in such a state of sadness, I could not bring myself to continue with any of my stories. But I can't just leave my work unfinished; at least this way, there's still some Merlin in my life. Apologies for being gone so long and even more so if my writing comes off a bit rusty as I haven't in a while. Please enjoy this quick teaser for what's to come and I swear I won't leave again! xx

"It was poison!" Uther yelled out. Shouting and the sounds of swords being drawn out filled the air as Camelot's men targeted Bayard and his knights. The Mercier king held up a palm, a look of fear crossing his face. None of his knights fought back, as if to surrender so quickly. Morgana, eyes wide and utterly horrified, yanked free from Arthur and dropped to her knees by Merlin's side. She ignored the commotion around her, panicking and near tears as she scanned Merlin's unconscious body. Oh Gods, this isn't happening… this isn't happening…

"Here!" Morgana nearly jumped, she had been so focused on the serving boy, she hadn't noticed that Gaius was promptly at Merlin's other side. The court physician went to work right away, pressing a hand to his forehead. "Merlin? Merlin can you hear me?"

"Is he still alive?" Morgana asked shakily, turning to look at the old man. Gaius did not answer right away. "Can he make it? Can you save him?"

"We need to bring him back to my chambers," the old man answered. Right away, Arthur came between the two, leaning down and grabbing Merlin by his arms and pulling him up. "Bring the goblet," Gaius ordered, "We need to identify the poison." Morgana did not need to be told twice. She swiftly grabbed the chalice and made to follow the other three to Gaius's chambers.

Before she could get any further past the king, Uther thrust an arm out and stopped her. "Morgana, where do you think you are going?" He sounded surprisingly calm for someone who made his son's manservant drink a cupful of poison. In fact, he didn't even care that Merlin was on the brink of death; just that he was granted with the opportunity to kill more men this time around. His knights had wasted no time in seizing Bayard and his men.

"I need to make sure he is alright," Morgana responded, trying to tug free from his grip but the king held on. "My lord," she begged, a twinge of desperation on her voice, "That would have been me a few seconds ago and Merlin risked his own life."

"Gaius will take care of it," Uther insisted. "You stay safe here, where I can see you." He motioned for her to hand over the goblet. "Give this to your serving girl to take to Gaius." Behind them stood Gwen, frozen at her spot, looking from Morgana to Uther. For a split second, the ward weighed out her options. There were many choices she could make right now. She could listen to him and give the chalice to Gwen. Or she could take the risk and defy him and go to Merlin. Whatever the choice, it was going to end badly for her, in one way or another. To be good and do as she was told? Or go to the boy who was lying on his deathbed for her, despite the consequences of ignoring orders?

"Morgana," Uther pressed in his razor-sharp voice, "Give your serving girl the chalice." At that moment, Morgana dropped all intention of staying on Uther's good side.

"No," Morgana snapped, breaking free from the king. "He needs me." Without another glance at the shock and anger on Uther's face, she turned and ran to Gaius's chambers, Gwen trailing after her. Damn the consequences, she thought to herself, I have too much heart to do as I am told by a man who has none.

A/N: I know it was short, but as I said, it was only a teaser! I didn't want to keep you waiting too long for a full update plus the next chapter is going to be quite long. I'm back, I promise. Major grazie to those who still read and still left reviews during my long disappearance. More to come and cheers!