Saving Arthur

The Illness

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been busy with college homework. Just finished my second week!

Prompt: Merlin falls ill when a creature takes over his body.

Idea by: Me

Disclaimer: Of course, like always. I sadly do not own Merlin!!

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Merlin's POV

"Arthur, look out!" Merlin rammed into his king knocking him out of the way as a serpent came flying out of the lake. The minuscule snake withered on the ground in front of them as it missed it's target.

Arthur withdrew his sword swiftly and sliced the creature in half. "Well, so long for taking our sweet time home." They both bent down and stared at the slimy, black body. "What is that?" he asked. "That's way too small to be a normal snake."

Merlin shrugged and shook his head. "I don't know. It's not like anything I've ever seen before. We can't take the chance. We need to assume it was made by magic." He glanced up not realizing that his king had been staring at him the whole time.

"Morgana?" Arthur asked. "You think she's back?"

Merlin nodded his head. "Or, if not her, someone she's working with." His voice began to tremble with the fear thickened in his next words. "Her magic is growing, Arthur."

Arthur sighed and stood to his feet. "We need to get back to Camelot and warn the Knights; double training."

Merlin stood to his feet and jogged back to the horses with Arthur. A sudden pinch on his wrist made him shout out as he grabbed at his skin.

Arthur turned around to face him. "What is it?"

Merlin rubbed his left wrist. "It was nothing. Probably just a bee sting."

Arthur looked at him skeptically before continuing on his jog. Merlin turned his gaze down to his hand just as a black strip wiggled up the side of his arm from underneath his skin. He blinked his eyes several times afraid that he was seeing things. When nothing else moved, he saddled his horse and road to Camelot with Arthur.

The day went by quickly once they arrived at Camelot. Numerous people hustled around preparing things for what they hoped wouldn't be an upcoming attack.

Arthur stood talking to his knights in the court chambers. "Double the guards. I want everyone put in extra training with harder courses. I want everyone ready for if Morgana attacks. She's getting bold. Summoning magic within Camelot's borders. We must be ready for anything."

Merlin stood at the back of the chamber as he observed like he usually did. His heart pounded against his ribs as he strained his mind to focus on the conversation ahead. He began to feel dizzy, light headed, and like the chamber was on fire. Why was he feeling this way? Maybe he had contracted an illness from being outside the Kingdom for two days?

He jumped as a hand waved in front of his face. "Everything okay, Mate?" He turned to see Gwaine, his heart pumping more quicker.

Merlin nodded his head and gave a quick smile. "Everything's fine."

Gwaine gave him a skeptical look. Merlin could tell that he didn't believe him.

The court chamber cleared out swiftly with only them two and Arthur remaining. "Come on, Merlin!" Arthur called. "You can help me get out of this armor."

If Merlin was feeling like himself, he would've probably replied with a smart remark, but instead, he followed the King back to his chambers.

He didn't make a peep as he helped undress Arthur, and laid all the armor on the table to be taken to the armory.