The Sorcerer's Secret (a Merlin story)

20

     "The king!" Someone declared as Uther toppled over his face turning paler by the moment, his forehead growing clammy. Arthur rushed to his father's side, Celest dropping to her knees next to them.
"Gawaine!" Celeste called out, panic in her voice.
"Help get me to his chambers!" Gawaine instructed the guards. Leon was one of them. He lifted Uther with ease. Arthur couldn't help it immediately had the urge to scream at Leon what did you do? But Leon was dancing with Celeste when the king fell ill. But still Arthur's mind went to Merlin's warning.
"He's dying? Isn't he?" Arthur asked, gripping his father's hand. "You have to save him." Gawaine looked to Arthur, dark magic was being used and Gawaine was not his cousin, Merlin. He didn't possess the power to save him. "The kingdom is on lock down until further notice." Arthur declared taking the role of King while Uther couldn't speak for himself.

"The kingdom is on lockdown," Celeste repeated quietly to herself. Leon rushed to her side, wrapping a comforting arm around her. "Is he going to alright?" Celeste questioned, her face turned down, her curls falling over her worried eyes. Gawaine didn't answer.

"Gawaine, what do you need to help him?" Arthur questioned.

"Would it be too much to request Merlin? He knows my medicines, tinctures, vials... it will go a lot quicker if I have his assistance." Gawaine focused on Uther as he spoke, unable to bring his eyes to meet Arthur's or Sir Leon's.

"Of course." Arthur said, "if it will help my father." Arthur nodded to one of the guards at the door and he left to fetch Merlin.

"I'm free? Did something happen? What happened?" Merlin questioned as he rushed ahead of the guard. "Is someone dead? I told you something bad would happen if-"

"Something happened, Gawaine needs your assistance in the King's chamber."

"The king's... what happened?" Merlin begged but the guard stayed silent. Merlin ran ahead and down the long marble halls until he reached the King's room. Celeste was on her knees, her small hands holding tightly to Uther limp body. Leon stood over Celeste protectively, possessively. Arthur paced back and forth only looking up at the sound of the door closing after Merlin. "What happened?" Merlin questioned again suddenly breathless.

"Poisoned." Gawaine said, "I need you to get me my case, a few sprigs of mint and lavender as well."

"How?" Merlin began.

"Now Merlin. No time for questions." Gawaine informed him. Gawaine rested two fingers on Uther's neck counting his pulse. Merlin ran down the halls, it felt like a century later when Merlin returned.

"I should start interrogating. I should start seeing how saw something, who prepared his wine and food. Where is his tester? Is he sick too? If so, how did the food get approved for my father?" Arthur snapped. Celeste pulled herself up and wiped at her eyes.

"I will help you. Gather the guards and start in the kitchen. You are sure it was poison?" Celeste questioned softly.

"There are no wounds, it is internal. It has to be poison." Gawaine replied as he opened up his case and started forcing tonics down Uther's throat.

"Come on, let's let them work." Leon insisted leading them out.

"You really think he was poisoned?" Merlin questioned the moment the door clicked closed.

"It is strong magic, Merlin. I am most certainly sure the culprit used poison within the form of dark magic."

Celeste confided in Leon while Arthur stomped around gathering the kitchen staff. She stood, leaning into Leon as he ran his hands up and down her bare arms. Nodding along as she spoke.
"He has treated me like a daughter since he took me in. After everything I put him through with my attitude and disobedience over the years..." she sobbed into Leon. "I can't lose him." Leon kissed her head. "I just got you back, things were starting to look up... I can't believe life could get this turned around so fast!"

"Gawaine is the most talented physician, he will surely help King Uther, bring him back to his glory."

"Where is his taster?" Arthur questioned, demanding answers but the staff just shook their heads cluelessly. "What do you mean you don't know? Where was he when the food was being prepared?" Arthur badgered them.

"Sire," It was Sir Drew.
"What?" Arthur snapped his head around at Drew, irritated.

"I found the taster."
"Where is he?"

"He's dead sire. His body has long been cold."

"Dead?" Celeste questioned, looking for reassurance that this really wasn't happening.

"I'm sorry my lady. He was stabbed." Sir Drew said, tipping his head low in remembrance.

"Take me to him." Arthur demanded. "And no one moves. Leon keep an eye on them. Celeste-"

"I'm coming with you." She said pulling out of Leon's grasp. He reached out wanting to keep her close but she was already out of the kitchen.

"Who could have done this?" Arthur questioned, arms crossed over his chest impatiently.

"Anyone could have had the opportunity, sire." Drew said solemnly. "I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you. I was on my way to the kitchen when I saw his foot poking out from-"

"I believe you." Arthur interrupted. "You don't have to stand up for yourself. I believe you did nothing wrong." Celeste stood with her hand covering her open mouth. She tried to keep breathing. The tester, Keith, had been the kings tester for as long as Celeste could remember, now he was just gone.

"Lady Celeste, why don't I take you back to your room?" Sir Drew offered.

"I just need a moment." Celeste assured them taking a step away.

"Sir Drew is right, you shouldn't see this." Arthur said and Drew held out a hand and Celeste took it. "Keep an eye on her, keep her safe. As far as we know, whoever killed Keith and tried to kill my father is still out there." As they walked, Celeste was silent. She didn't look up as she let Sir Drew lead her down the long halls. She was too trusting.

"Drew," Leon's voice stopped him. "I will take Celeste." Leon offered and Drew nodded. "If you want to take my position in the kitchen?"

"Of course. You sure you are alright, Lady Celeste?" Drew offered and she dropped her hand from his arm and Leon pulled her close.

"I will be fine. Maybe I just need to be with Uther right now." Celeste said softly.

"Well find them, whoever they are!" Arthur's voice boomed through the palace as Celeste slowly made her way to Uther's chambers. "This is unacceptable." Arthur said in an overly annunciated tone. "Unacceptable."