A birthday present for LFB72 :)

When the door of his cell squealed he wanted to look, honestly, he just didn't have the motivation to move on his own anymore. Weeks in Morgana's care will do that to a person.

Even the familiar voice wasn't enough to rouse him at first; after all, the witch was capable of sending visions of anyone she wished.

"Merlin, I know this is asking a lot but I really do need you to help me – the knights can only hold her attention for so long."

He gasped as he felt familiar hands on his shoulders. The visions had never touched him before...

"Arthur?"

The name was barely recognizable coming from his dry throat. There was a pitcher in the cell, but he hadn't had the strength to lift it for a few days even though thirst had finally overruled his distrust of the contents. He'd been subsisting on whatever foul potions Morgana had been force-feeding him.

"I'm here, Merlin, and I'm going to get you out. Can you move at all?"

He considered this carefully, trying and failing to muster any power in his limbs. He could move his hands and feet a small amount, but it wasn't enough.

"I'm sorry..."

"No; I'm the one who's sorry. If I'd only been paying attention instead of assuming you'd-" Sounds of fighting echoed in the dungeon - a reminder that it wasn't the best time for a heart-to-heart. "I'm going to put you over my shoulder; it'll hurt but it's the best I can do."

Merlin nodded. He'd done little aside from hurting for quite some time now; at least this pain would have a good purpose.

Arthur had him over one shoulder and was contemplating what to do with the dragging chains when Morgana appeared.

"So nice of you to visit, brother."

Arthur drew his sword, stabilizing Merlin with his other arm.

"No one has to get hurt, Morgana. Let us leave and-"

"And what? You'll come back once your pet has recovered? I knew Uther kept Gaius despite his magic - like father like son, I suppose."

Arthur's grip on Merlin tightened as the latter made a small attempt to see what was happening; his only views were of the king's backside and the cell floor. What was Morgana doing? Was she alone?

"He's not my pet."

Merlin could feel how angry Arthur was, his muscles more tense than they should be going into a fight.

Morgana laughed.

"Hleap on bæc!"

The wall greeted them with open arms and Merlin struggled to stay awake seeing Arthur had landed unconscious just beyond his reach.

Merlin grunted, fighting against the shackles that held him and his magic trapped. He was lying on top of one of his arms, holding the cuff in place so he could tug against it. If he could just get one off...

Morgana advanced into the cell, scoffing at Merlin's pitiful attempts.

"We both know you don't have the strength to help him now, Merlin."

She turned toward Arthur and desperation increased his strength. He yanked his arm as hard as he could, ignoring his body's warning that this was a terrible idea.

Morgana gloated and reached out a hand to Arthur who was stirring. The taunts were lost to Merlin as something popped out of place, skin tore, and he was free.

"Ástryce!"

Arthur gaped as Morgana was dashed against the far wall and fell to the floor in an unmoving heap.

"I thought you couldn't move." He said, climbing slowly to his feet.

Merlin chuckled, though it came out as more of a wheeze. New pains were catching up to him, tempting him to pass out, but he held on.

For you I will always have the strength.