AM I THE ONE? | Arthur Pendragon [1]

Poor Gwen

*Annabelle's P.O.V.*

I stood next to Merlin, as Gaius showed us another victim. He told us that this one was different, and that it might help us find the cause of the disease.
"What's different about this victim?" He asked us, and Merlin looked down at the victim.
"Uh... S-She's a woman." Merlin stated, and I looked over at Gaius for a second, rolling my eyes. I then looked back at my older brother with a teasing smile.
"Sometimes I do wonder whether your magical talents were given to the right person." I joked, and he gave a small sigh before looking down at the victim.
"Anna, you took these words right out of my mouth." Gaius said, and I chuckled. "Anything else?" He asked us, and I looked down at the victim as well.
"Um..." Merlin trailed off, and I looked at Gaius.
"She's a Courtier." I stated, making Gaius give me a small smile.
"Ah." He gave a nod.
"But how does that help us?" I asked, a little confused by his way of thinking.
"Courtiers sell their goods in the Lower Town. So what does that mean?" Gaius explained, and gave us another question.
"Um..." This time it was I who trailed off, uncertain.
"That-That sh-she hasn't spoken to any Town's people." Merlin said, and Gaius nodded... But with a grimace.
"Yes, it suggests that the disease is not spread by contact." He explained, and I looked at him in interest.
"Well, they probably also eat different food." I observed, and Gaius nodded.
"Good. Anything else?"
"Um... " Merlin trailed off.
"They doubtfully breathe the same air." I stated, and Gaius nodded once more.
"So what's the only thing they do share?" Gaius inquired. I looked at Merlin.
"Uh... Water." I said, since it is the only thing all the people in the city share, and Gaius nodded. "Water. You think the disease is spread through water?" I realized shocked, and Gaius looked at me.
"Anna... We're a prodigy." He said, walking over the table, and grabbing the bucket that was on the stool next to it. He then held it out to Merlin, indicating that he is supposed to get a sample from the pump. My brother grabbed the bucket, and headed out.

*10 minutes later*

I whipped around from where I was, helping Gaius, once I heard the door open loudly, only to face Gwen with a tear stained face.
"Gwen!" Gaius and I both exclaimed.
"Gaius!" Gwen ran over to us, breathing heavily.
"You have the sickness?" Gaius asked worried, and Gwen shook her head, choking back a sob.
"My father. Please Gaius, he's all I have!" She pleaded, and I looked at her with sympathy.
"Gwen, I have no cure." Gaius said, shaking his head in sorrow.
"I am begging you!" She begged, choking back another series of sobs.
"I wish there was something, anything, but so gar the remedy is beyond what I can achieve." Gaius explained sadly, and more tears poured out of my friend's eyes. Gaius grabbed her hand in comfort. "I'm sorry, Gwen." She choked back another sob and shook her head, before running out of our chambers. It was then I noticed my brother standing near the wall, looking at Gwen with pained eyes. Once she disappeared from our sight, he quickly walked over to us.
"There must be something we can do." He said, and I heard the pain and urgency in his voice.
"My best try is to see if the water holds some answers." Gaius replied, and I grabbed the bucket from Merlin's shaking hands, before he dropped it.
"But that will be too late for Gwen's father!" Merlin exclaimed, and I put a hand on his shoulder.
"I fear you may be right." Gaius replied,grabbing a little glass bottle and pouring some water into it. He then took the flower Gwen gave to Merlin and put it inside the bottle. I looked over at Merlin, but was only able to see his back as he disappeared behind the door of our room.

*Late in the evening*

"Merlin, are you sure you're alright?" I asked from behind the screen, where I changed into my nightgown.
"Yes, I'm fine." He replied, but I didn't believe him one bit. I just hope he won't do anything stupid.