Arthur's Sons (Book 1)

A Remedy to Cure All Ills (Part 1)

Gwen skipped merrily into Morgana's chambers carrying a boutique of lovely flowers.

" Look what's just arrived for you." Gwen beamed holding out the flowers.

" Who are they from?" Morgana asked tilting her head slightly. 

" I don't know. Maybe Arthur?!" Gwen guessed having been given them by another servant.

" How disappointing." Morgana huffed turning back to her dresser.

" Why? Who'd you like them to be from? " Gwen asked curiously.

" I don't know. A tall, dark stranger?" Morgana grinned wickedly while Gwen laughed and set about finding a vase to put them in.

The next morning Gwen enters to find Morgana sleeping soundly and drew the curtains.

" My Lady, it's time to get up." Gwen called gently and began pottering around the room getting it ready. After a moment she realises that Morgana hadn't stirred and goes to her side shaking her gently.

" My Lady?" Again Morgana doesn't wake, Gwen touches her forehead and pulls back at how clammy it is, she then checks her pulse to find it incredibly weak. Fear grips Gwen's heart and she rushes to the door.

" Guards!"

Gaius arrives and examines the sleeping Morgana while the King and Prince watch him, worry mirrored on both their faces.

" Her body seems to have closed down." Gaius informed them as he sat back.

" Why? You don't have an answer, do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It's been nearly two days. And what do you know?" Uther asked fear lacing his voice.

" I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain." Gaius told him looking back at the Lady just as worried.

" What could cause such a thing?" Uther queried. 

" An infection, possibly, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her, Sire." Gaius gathered his things intending to return to his chambers to do some research, he made his way down the griffin landing where Gwen and Merlyn were waiting anxiously.

" Is she any better?" Gwen asks quietly, Gaius shakes his head sadly. Gwen climbs the stairs as Gaius descends and meets Merlyn on the landing.

" She's all but dead, Merlyn." Gaius informed her gravely. 

" No, you're going to cure her. You have to." Merlyn told him determination filling her voice.

" Don't you start. I've tried everything." Gaius sighed but he did appreciate his ward's faith in his abilities. 

" I was wondering...Maybe I could...help." Merlyn tried hesitantly.

" If you're suggesting magic...Have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father? This is not a magical illness, it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary." Gaius scolded.

" There must be something more I can do." Merlyn sighed disheartened. 

" And yarrow." Gaius finished before heading back toward his chambers leaving behind a brooding Merlyn.

Arthur was thinking about Morgana's illness and wondering if there was maybe something Merlyn or maybe the twins could do to help her when he was approached by a hooded man in the square.

" What's your business here?" Arthur asks as the man approaches.

" My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills." Edwin replied with a humble bow.