Chapter 5: Healing and Leaving

Author's Note - I am terribly, terribly sorry that it is probably been more than a year since I've published anything and I know that is no excuse. I admit I got side-tracked by writing other things that will probably lead to a full-scale fanfiction later on and I thought I had lost the majority of this when I was clearing my laptop because it wasn't working. Also finishing my last year of high-school and trying to complete a 2,000-word dissertation for my drama class which, made me so stressed I couldn't even cope. Finally, the biggest bombshell of all when I needed them most, many of my friends abandoned me for other people and I guess I should have suspected it because the truth is none of my friends ever stay very long and I guess that's just life.

Right on to the important things because I don't want to worry you, my fellow readers about me. I have been working on Freya Potter and Merlin Ambrose as well as Dancing Lessons with A Snape so it shouldn't be long before they are updated as well and in order to combat my writer's block and distractions I am going to set up a prompt fanfic were once every two weeks I'll post a thousand fanfic in order to keep me focused on the main fanfics.

So, sit back and Enjoy!

Disclaimer I own no part of BBC Merlin and I do this for enjoyment, not profit.

Before she could reply Gaius ripped the blade from her side, hoping that the distraction of Arthur would help. It didn't. The pain was so intense that it caused her eyes to flash gold and a piercing scream to be the release that could be heard in, all five kingdoms, by magical and non-magical alike.

[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]

It took all the men around her, to stop Merlin from moving around though the pain was almost blinding her that she did not hear what was going on around her.

"Cast the Spell already, Balinor before she loses any more blood," Gaius said worriedly while trying to steam the blood flow.

Without a word to anyone Balinor began. "Quo vulnere curaret darentque eam educauit somnos, illa resipiscant."

The servant girl stopped moving and breathing for a single moment that all the men moved back in shock. "No, no Merlin don't do this not now, come on stop playing around. Please wake up, I promised you, that you would live. Please don't leave, I need you!"

Arthur said begging Merlin to come back, his eyes filling with tears that blinded him and Balinor and Gaius looked at each other in dismay and grief, not believing that their daughter/niece was dead, not from a blade. Although she was Emrys even she couldn't cheat death maybe, even that was a mistress that could not be escaped.

Uther stood up in shock, slowly backing away from the servant who had saved his son's life numerous times though most of her kind would wish him and his family dead: At this Uther had a realization the girl was different from the rest. Although a part of his mind was reminding him about happened to Ygraine and how he lost her to magic not realizing that it was a tool just like a sword, a lance or crossbow could be.

"We need to move her into the infirmary, there is a chance we can still save her."

"I am not giving up on my daughter just yet Gaius. She's strong, she has much power and life within her that most could only dream for and this not gain." Balinor proclaimed while almost pleading that she would return to them. "Merlin, please my girl, please come back if not for my sake or Gaius' then, for your mother."

There was a slight paused as all six men looked on but, then when, Lancelot looked at the still figure of his best friend he noticed something.

"Merlin's moving. It's faint but, it is there Gaius." Meeting eyes with both Merlin's Father and Uncle. "Please, trust me. Check her pulse again."

Balinor stared at the young knight blankly not daring to hope falsely while the prince still held his daughter's hand weeping on to it in grief. Though, reluctant to Balinor move his hand from Merlin's forehead to her neck and pressed two fingers to it.

Thump

Thump

There it was. Lancelot was right. Balinor looked up at his brother-in-law and gave him a nod making a small smile break out on both of their faces,

"Arthur, we need to move her to my chambers. Lancelot, I need both you and Ewan to go to the infirmary, one, if you, get Sir Leon while the other can assist Guinevere with getting supplies such as water and bandages." The physician said to those around him.

Arthur looked up at the older man in confusion, "What are you talking about, Gaius? Merlin is dead, shouldn't we just take her back to the infirmary with the others."

"There is still hope for her, Arthur. Her pulse is weak but there is still a chance that between me and her father that we can save her." The Dragon – Lord witnessed the look on Uther's face, as though he assumed that magic was what Balinor would use to save his daughter.

"Arthur, look she's fine but, if we don't move her now, Merlin might get worse," Gaius said checking to see, that yes, his brother-in-law's spell had worked.

There was a pause for a mere moment before, the prince reached do and lifted the servant girl into his arms before, her father could.

"It's probably best if I carry her, Balinor." He said while adjusting her in his arms with the help of Gaius to do minimum damage to her already weak state. "No one knows of your connection to Merlin, apart from a few of us."

So, with that, the group minus two of them headed towards the Physician's chambers.

[INT. KING'S PALACE, INFIRMARY – EVENING]

Her scream was enough to alert Gwen and Sir Leon that something was terribly wrong so, with one look they moved to leave the infirmary but, before they could Sirs Lancelot and Ewan burst into the Infirmary.

"Lance, Ewan what's happened?" Gwen asked as she approached them. "We heard someone scream and it sounded like Merlin. Everyone heard it."

The pair of knights shared a look, before Ewan answered, "That's because it was Merlin."

Before either could ask the other knight interrupted. "We can't talk here. Guinevere take as many medical supplies as you can. Ewan, you go with Leon and get two buckets of water for Gaius. We'll meet you at his and Merlin's Chambers."

[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - EVENING]

The group rushed into the room, with Gaius then with the help of Balinor moving the spare cot into the center of the room close to the fire.

"Quickly, Arthur lay her down on the cot so, I can have a better look at her injuries," Gaius told the prince as he moved towards the cot.

It wasn't long before the quartet burst into the room though, Gwen and Leon were shocked at the sight that greeted them.

It was Merlin. Her tunic crimson with the blood that had come from the gaping wound in her side, her skin deathly pale, almost gray, then the snow-white skin that usually lit up when she smiled or laughed. If it wasn't for Leon's previous experience with such a scene he might have dropped the bucket of water he held in his hands. Guinevere wasn't as calm as her childhood friend and rushed to her side.

"Merlin! Gaius, what happened to her? I knew she was upset earlier but, what caused this?" The younger woman asked close to tears as she took her friend's hand in her own.

The physician sighed. "Mary Collin's younger sister came back for revenge. Now I need your help, Gwen can you change Merlin into this without aggravating her wounds, behind that screen?"

"Of course, Gaius," Gwen stated having gained some composure as she went and down as Gaius asked after she pulled the screen all around the cot.

Ewan, Lancelot, and Leon along with Balinor helped Gaius sort his supplies as he started to sort bandages and anti-septic while Balinor helped to make a speedy pain relief potion.

Once, Gwen had completed her task, Arthur slumped down into the chair she had previously occupied, "This is all my fault, I should have never said those things to her."

Balinor looked at the prince in shock, while Uther moved towards his son. "Why do you think it's your fault, Arthur? It is a servant's job to protect their master, even in situations like this. Just like it is our duty to rule over them and provide guidance to those beneath us."

Before, the prince could reply the Dragon – Lord spoke up, instead not believing what he just heard. "Of course, you would think that way Uther, you would never believe it was something deeper, more important than a simple duty. That's something you never considered when came to me or Gaius or even Merlin!"

"If there is something you are not telling me, say it now Balinor before, I alert the guards to arrest you, considering I did not have the chance all those years ago," Uther said coldly, not seeing the shocked looks shared between the Gwen, Arthur and the knights.

It took all of Balinor's self-control not to lunged at the man and kill him with his bare hands.

"There has been a prophecy spoken about it for years, something has always been known by the magic users, druids, dragon-lords alike." The man took a breath as he revealed something that was unknown to the King. "The Once and Future King will unite the lands of Albion and bring magic back to lands, from whence it was taken."

Uther stood back, in a rage. "Magic will never return to this land Balinor, never again will it return to Camelot, magic is the cause of everything bad that this has happened to me and my family starting with the death of my dear Ygraine-"

"Queen Ygraine died because you decided to believe and trust Nimeuh when she said she could get you a son. It was your ignorance-" But Balinor could not finish his sentence as a flash of light filled the room blinding everyone.

When, the light cleared everyone looked over to Merlin who, moments before had been breathing irregularly, her breathing became even as though she was sleeping.

Arthur quickly took Merlin's hand in his. "What just happened Gaius? Is Merlin going to be alright?"

Gaius approached the bed where his niece was lying completely abandoning the tonic he was making, and he did a quick examination before he replied.

"Amazing, it looks as if there is no damage to her as if the sword never pierced her side. Though there is a faint line here, do you see it, Guinevere?" Gaius said asking the young woman to come forward and have a look.

"I see it Gaius, but how could this possibly have happened so quickly."

The prince sighed, "This is because of what she told me earlier, isn't it? How there was a purpose for her being here in Camelot and the reason for her powers? A reason for her being, Emrys?"

The nod from the man he saw as an uncle was all the confirmation he needed.

"Merlin should not have to protect me, I should be the one protecting her... this is all my fault. I should never have blamed her for her actions when her response was because of the mistakes made by me and my father." At seeing his father ready to retort, Arthur began again rising, before he could speak. "So Morgause was right then, your actions did kill my mother and if it was not for Merlin I would have killed you where you stood."

There was a silence, which resulted in Uther storming out of the room not being able to face the truth of his actions and the fact that his son agreed with this man and his poison child that had been nothing but, trouble since she entered Camelot.

Arthur sat down next the bed were Merlin was lying on the cot.

"I was right about what I said earlier, Lord Balinor. It would be safer if Merlin returned to Ealdor. For herself and for others."

Knowing that a fight was going to happen, Leon, Lancelot, and Ewan stood at the ready while, Gwen moved to sit on the other side of Merlin. Gaius with an eyebrow raised that dared Arthur to not go any further, on the subject that had caused destruction earlier and caused heartbreak for his niece.

Balinor laughed hollowly at the young man. "Easier? Safer? You must be joking, Arthur. You think that if Merlin left then, all the acts that happen in Camelot would just stop, just like that... You are so wrong, even if Merlin left this God-awful place attacks would still happen. Trust me, I lived here with Gaius before the Purge and then, during the just few days of it before I fled. Do you honestly believe Merlin's life would be easier if she went back to Ealdor? I've lived that life it is not any easier, than the one I lived here."

As he finished speaking, Balinor saw the same determined look on his face that he had several hours ago, when he decided to banish the pair from Camelot.

The Dragon-Lord made one last attempt to change the prince's mind.

"Does her love mean nothing to you, Arthur?"

"What - What are you going on about Balinor?" The younger man asked stunned by such a question.

"My daughter loves you, I do not know why but, she does. And because of her love for you, she is currently lying on that bed like she has several times before in a similar state. She didn't do it for herself or for Camelot or for your Father." The older man shook his head not sure whether he should be proud, angry or disappointed at the man in front of him. "She did it for you …. now I understand that the words you spoke to her were nothing but lies."

Gaius sighed as Arthur left the room without saying a single word in reply to the accusations made, by the father of the women that he was not going to admit that he was in love with in turn.

Gwen shared a look with the 3 knights, basically indicating that one of them should go after Arthur. It did not take long for them to get the gist so Sirs Leon and Ewan bid their farewells to the remaining people in the room and headed there.

"Will Merlin be alright now Gaius, that she has healed herself?" Gwen asked approaching the older man.

Gaius nodded. "Yes, Gwen she will be fine after a couple of hours' sleep will give her enough time to recover from this over the deal."

"Then she is coming back with me to Ealdor."

This comment came from Balinor startling the trio who almost forgot he was still in the room.

"She would be better off as the prince so kindly put it."

After that Gwen left the room, with Lancelot walking her home leaving the brothers to sit a silent vigil at Merlin's bed-side.

[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - Early Morning]

When Merlin awoke it took her a few moments to realize where she was as, she knew that while her own bed wasn't as soft as the one owned by the prince, it was better than the coat she was currently lying on.

It was the sight of her father, sleeping next to her bed that finally allowed Merlin to remember the events of the last few hours.

The fight with Arthur.

Him banishing her and her father from Camelot

Merlin writing a letter to him.

Meeting with her Father to stop Kilgharrah.

A moment of peace before, Mary's sister attacked.

Getting struck by a magical blade.

Arthur reassuring her that everything would be okay.

Then darkness.

Merlin does not remember much after that except experiencing a lot of pain.

"Ah Merlin, finally you are awake. We both were starting to worry that you would not wake for several hours yet."

She smiled at her uncle as she sat up on the cot, though she did so stiffly as despite there being no visible wound from the blade, she was still sore.

"What happened? All I remember is immense pain and then darkness." The young said accepting the cup of water offered by her uncle though he avoided her eyes as he handed it to her.

Gaius sighed as he sat back down. "The combined magic of your fathers and your own save you but, we were convinced that we lost you for a few moments, Art- the knights and Guinevere were very concerned for you. They left soon after your magic healed you. Although I should tell you that Uther and Arthur were here and are aware of your magic also, Balinor and Uther had a short conservation or rather argument over what happened to Ygraine."

Merlin lay back worried at this. "There is something you've left out uncle, and I can tell that you're afraid to tell me what it is. Tell me I can take it."

Before he could, her father awoke from his position and at noticing her awake smiled at her. "I'm happy to see you back with us Merlin."

However, that smile turned into a frown once Gaius mentioned Arthur's role in the events of the previous night and that same sadness at seeing the crestfallen look on his daughter's face at hearing that they, that she was essentially banished from Camelot again by Arthur's words.

"So, everything he said last night, about forgiving me with the dragon – saying I was not the monster that I was convinced I was and promising that I could return to Camelot after taking you back home, every single word from his lips was a lie." Merlin choked as her tears being held at bay while Balinor and Gaius tried to comfort her as best they could.

Her uncle tried to convince her it was for her protection. "Arthur believes that by sending you away, sending you back to Camelot you will be safer there. He forgets that until the magic ban is lifted there will always be magical attacks on Camelot and without you, by his side, these incidents will be more difficult to handle. I believe that the prince meant what he said to you but just let his anger get the best of him last night."

She sighed, believing that it might be best for her to go back to Ealdor to see her Mother, Freya, Mordred, and Morgana for a while, get away from this kingdom and all its problems including Arthur.

At seeing it useless to tried to persuade his niece to change her mind, he conceded and Balinor spoke up.

"I know this is a sore spot but, it might be best if we leave here in the next hour or so to avoid an encounter with Uther." At seeing Merlin's face fall further he tried to make something positive out of it. "It is late enough, that your friends are probably up and about…. we probably have enough time for you to say goodbye to them at least for now."

All he got in reply was a nod from the young woman the bed before, she got up and headed up to her room to gather up the remaining odds and ends, that she forgot about yesterday and changed into her traveling clothes that consisted of a pair of brown trousers, blue tunic, brown jacket, and her signature blue neckerchief that was laid out on top of her bed carefully.

It did not take long for her to clean up the room and put everything in order as it had been when she first arrived in Camelot. Merlin gave the room a quick scan before heading towards the door, giving one final look at the room she had spent the last two years of her life in and then exited back to the main physician's chamber were her Uncle was preparing a bag for them as Balinor examined the potions and books that his brother-in-law had in his possession.

It did not take them long to gather everything they needed for the one-way journey and soon they were headed out the door of the chambers towards the courtyard.

[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – Morning]

When they reached the courtyard, it was not hard for them to get horses together: Merlin already had one as it the mare had been given to her by Arthur after the incident with the unicorn when she had borrowed Alexis to go after the prince. Meanwhile, it was not hard to find a horse that would not be missed by the stable-boys and Midnight was the perfect fit for her Father as the horse was with calm and he was used to the presence of magic due to being used by Merlin several times in the past. The pair with the help of Gaius was able to get the horses ready with all their supplies, and they were just about to mount the steeds when a voice called out to them.

"Merlin wait! You can't go just yet."

The young woman turned around, only to be greeted with the sight of the knights and Gwen coming towards the trio and she was quickly embraced tightly by the other young woman.

"You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?" Gwen asked letting her go.

Merlin sighed. "I thought it would be easier on everyone if we just left without drawing attention to ourselves. it's not like we are welcome here anymore…. Art- the Prince made that quite clear to both Gaius and my father that he does not want a witch in Camelot … I'm sure Uther will be thrilled."

Though the Knights opened their mouths to contradict her, after seeing what happened last night and Arthur's reaction they quickly closed them admitting defeat.

There was a brief silence before Lancelot asked. "How long do you think you will have to stay away?"

The servant girl shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know probably indefinitely depending if the attacks stop or if an extreme magic attack forces me to return to save everyone." Or if Prince Arthur comes to take me back to Camelot which, is unlikely.

After that Merlin continued to say goodbye to all the knights individually, hugging everyone in turn but before long the sun could be seen just below the horizon, meaning they had to leave soon in order to escape before the residents of Camelot knew they were gone.

"Merlin, we need to leave before Uther changes his mind and decides to kill us both," Balinor said reluctantly knowing that because of him, she had to leave the life she had built here behind.

With one last hug to Gaius, she was assisted onto her horse by Sir Leon who made sure Merlin was settled but, before he could walk away the serving girl took hold of his hand and stopped him.

"You have already done so much for me, Leon." Merlin said smiling sadly down at him. "and I know I have no right to ask this but, will you do one last thing for me?"

"Of course, Merlin."

Merlin sighed. "Please look after them both for me: Uncle Gaius won't admit it but he is getting older and without me to help him well... as for Pr-prince Arthur, just make sure he doesn't do anything stupid that Gaius can't solve himself."

The knight squeezed her hand as a reassurance and a promise before releasing it allowing Merlin to take hold of her reins and with one last wave, she and her father departed Camelot possibly for the last time.

**********TFK&TLDL**********

They traveled for two straight days through the forest, not daring to stop in case King Uther changed his mind and sent knights after them. This determination helped Merlin to focus on what was in front of her and not behind - her real home.

Her home in Ealdor had almost everyone she cared about there. Her mother, Will, Mordred, Freya and finally Morgana who was like a sister to her after everything they had been through especially after everything they had been through with Morgause.

After that incident, Uther decided that it would be best for Morgana to lie low for a while and although the King had planned for his ward to go stay with a family friend, it was secretly decided between Art- the Prince, Morgana and herself that the best way for the seer to recover and focus on her powers was to go stay with Merlin's mother, Hunith for a while. The fact that she could be spending time with Mordred who she had not seen since her friend's village was attacked, was just a bonus.

During their ride, Merlin and her father did not speak much though that could be because one, Balinor felt guilty and upset that it was because of him that Merlin had to leave Camelot, her life, her friends, Gaius and the fact that he had a part to play in the downfall of his daughter's 'relationship' with Prince Arthur and that made him feel even worse and two, that Merlin was determined on reuniting her parents above anything. Even above her own happiness.

**********TFK&TLDL**********

Hey guys, again I'm so, so, sorry but I'll try my best to sort this writing block out and I'll see how it goes.

So, tell me what you think about this chapter by leaving comments down belong and I'll try to post as soon as possible.

Next time – There is a reunion with Hunith and Balinor and Merlin deals with being at home, reuniting with Mordred, Freya, and Will and facing her village.

3/11/2017 or 11/03/2017