Nimueh's fingers moved delicately over the surface of the water basin, tracing the edges of a carefully sculpted magic egg. Her eyes were cold with purpose as she placed the egg into the water, watching it glide away on the current. The egg, containing the afanc she had created, traveled silently through the underground waterways, moving toward its destination—a manmade cavern beneath Camelot.

Her gaze shifted, watching Camelot from a distance, as the water basin reflected the darkening sky.

"Diegol cnytte, gewitte me yst, aliese hine," she whispered in an ancient tongue, her words barely audible. "To Camelot, he comes."

The egg pulsed with an eerie energy as it continued its journey, heading toward the unsuspecting city.

In the bustling streets of Camelot, Gaius and Merlyn carefully examined the body they had found. Artemis and Apollo were close by, the children's innocent gazes flickering from one adult to another. Artemis, the more curious of the two, was peering intently at the corpse, her eyes flicking back to Merlyn and Gaius. Apollo stood closer to his mother, his small hand resting on her arm.

Merlyn shifted, her voice low as she tried to keep the children out of sight. "Aren't you scared?" she whispered to Gaius.

Gaius glanced up, his face calm. "Of what?"

"That you might catch whatever it is," Merlyn pressed, her unease palpable.

Gaius straightened up, his gaze hardening. "I'm the court physician, Merlyn. This is part of my job. Most of the time, there's nothing really to be scared of."

But as Gaius turned the body over, revealing the pale, white eyes staring back at them, Merlyn's breath hitched. She quickly pulled Artemis and Apollo a little further back.

"You were saying?" Merlyn murmured, her eyes narrowing with a mix of fear and curiosity.

Gaius frowned. "People mustn't see this. They'll panic."

At Gwen's house, she and her father, Tom, were preparing for the day. Gwen handed her father a sandwich, a playful smile on her face.

"Dad, here's your sandwich," Gwen said, her voice light.

Tom took the sandwich with a grin. "Ooh, mmm, what's in it?"

"It's smoked pigeon," Gwen replied, "but I'd say there's more smoke than pigeon."

Tom laughed heartily. "You're such a good girl to me."

Gwen laughed as well. "And I've done you some watercress soup for tonight."

"Don't tell me, with more water in it than cress?" Tom teased.

They both chuckled as Gwen wrapped her arms around him for a quick hug.

"I'll see you later," Gwen said with a wave.

"Okay. Bye," Tom replied as she left.

Merlyn and Gaius wheeled the body past the drawbridge, their steps hurried. Artemis and Apollo trailed close behind them, their eyes watching the scene with a mixture of curiosity and unease. Apollo was silent, his small form close to Merlyn, while Artemis moved with quiet grace just behind Arthur, hoping to impress him, the way she always did. Her young mind, still learning to control her powers, wanted her father to notice her abilities.

Gwen, on her way into the castle, approached, noticing them.

"What are you doing?" Gwen asked, her curiosity piqued.

Merlyn gave her a quick glance, her expression neutral. "Er... just moving something," she said, trying to keep the situation calm.

Gwen raised an eyebrow. "Looks heavy."

"Yeah, it's... nothing really." Merlyn paused, changing the subject. "Did someone get you flowers?"

Gwen laughed. "Oh! No. [giggles] Would you like one? A purple one. Purple suits you. Not that I'm saying red doesn't suit you."

Merlyn smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Thanks." She tucked the purple flower into her scarf. "See you."

"Bye," Gwen called after her, watching Merlyn hurry away.

Inside Morgana's chambers, Gwen entered with the bouquet of flowers she had picked.

Morgana looked up from her desk, her tired eyes softening as she saw the flowers. "You look happy."

"I picked these for you," Gwen said, holding them out with a warm smile.

Morgana smiled back, her heart lightened. "Oh, that's so sweet."

"Something to cheer you up," Gwen added. "I know you're not sleeping well."

"You cheer me up," Morgana replied, her voice quieter now.

Gwen placed the flowers into a vase, setting them down gently. "There. That should help a little."

Back in Gaius' chambers, Merlyn and Gaius stood over the body, carefully inspecting it. Artemis and Apollo stood nearby, their small figures barely making a sound as they watched. Artemis leaned against the wall, her focus intense as she tried to discern any magical energy surrounding the body. Apollo remained closer to Merlyn, his hands glowing faintly, casting a soft light on his mother's face.

Gaius held a magnifying glass, his brow furrowed. "I've never seen anything like this before."

Merlyn, her gaze intense, asked, "Do you think it could be some kind of plague?"

"No," Gaius replied, his voice darkening. "I fear this is something far worse. Something unnatural. But who has this kind of power?"

Merlyn swallowed hard, her instincts telling her that dark magic was involved. "You think it's caused by magic?"

Before Gaius could respond, the door swung open, and Arthur entered, his presence commanding. Artemis's eyes quickly shifted to her father, hoping he would notice her.

"Merlyn!" Arthur called, his tone cutting through the room.

Merlyn quickly stepped in front of the body, her heart racing. "Erm... I'm on my way. Sorry I'm late."

Arthur raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "Don't worry. I'm getting used to it."

Arthur's gaze shifted to the purple flower tucked into Merlyn's scarf. His eyes narrowed just slightly. "Gwen gave that to you, didn't she?"

Merlyn nodded, trying to mask her discomfort. "Yeah, she did."

Artemis, her eyes still trained on her father, looked back at her mother, then took a quiet step closer to Arthur, eager to impress him with her powers. The faintest shimmer of shadow moved around her, but she quickly controlled it, not wanting anyone to notice.

Arthur's expression softened, but his business was more pressing. "Tell Gaius my father wants to see him now."

Merlyn nodded, a little too quickly, and closed the door behind Arthur as he left.

"Gaius," she said urgently, her voice hushed. "I don't like this. If Uther finds out—"

Gaius, ever the pragmatist, held up his hand. "I know, Merlyn. We need to keep this quiet. For your sake, for the children's sake."

Merlyn's eyes darkened as she glanced down at the body once more. "We'll have to be careful. Uther can't know about this... about the magic."

Gaius nodded solemnly, his voice a whisper. "Get this covered up, quickly."

Merlyn's gaze flicked to the door, then back to Gaius. "We're running out of time. We have to protect them."

Artemis, her eyes full of resolve, stood a little taller by her mother's side. Apollo, standing silently by her, placed a hand on Merlyn's shoulder, his warm light pulsing gently. Together, they would face whatever came next, but only in secret.

The castle was tense. The walls echoed with whispers of sickness spreading rapidly through the town, and Uther's anger was barely contained. He stood above a pale, dying man, his heart hardened by years of ruling but still unprepared for such a dark turn of events.

"What's happened to him?" Uther asked, his voice low and full of concern as he looked down at the unfortunate soul lying on the cold floor.

Gaius gave a troubled shake of his head. "I don't know, Sire. It's the second case I've seen today."

Uther's gaze hardened. "Why didn't you report it to me?"

"I was attempting to find the cause," Gaius explained, his voice calm but laced with worry.

"What did you conclude?" Uther demanded, his eyes narrowing.

Gaius sighed, unable to hide his growing concern. "I don't think it's time to jump to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one."

Uther's frustration was evident. "What are you concealing from me?"

"I've seen nothing like it," Gaius said, his voice low and troubled. "The victims are dying in 24 hours, and it's spreading fast."

Uther's jaw clenched as he took a step toward Gaius. "What is the cause?"

"Most likely..." Gaius paused, his eyes flickering to the man's still form. "Sorcery."

Uther's face twisted in anger. "We must find who did this."

Arthur, standing silently by his father, nodded solemnly. "I will, Father."

"Conduct door-to-door searches. Increase your presence in the town. Double the guards on all the gates. And lend the physician your servant," Uther ordered, his voice firm and unyielding.

Arthur hesitated for just a moment. "Merlin?"

Uther turned to him sharply, his expression softening only for a moment. "We need Gaius to find a cure. He needs all the help we can give him. If Gaius is right, this city will be wiped out. This is the kind of magic that undermines our authority and challenges everything we've worked for. If we can't control this plague, people will turn to magic for a cure. We have to find this sorcerer quickly."

Arthur clenched his jaw, knowing there was no other choice. "Yes, Father."

As Arthur led the guards through the streets of the lower town, Merlyn stayed close to Gaius, her children trailing behind her. Artemis, though only a small child, had already learned to mirror her father's strong presence. She walked with purpose beside him, her small figure determined. Apollo, by contrast, stayed close to Merlyn, his hand resting on her cloak as he sensed the gravity of the situation. The innocent wonder in his eyes was now mingled with a quiet concern.

Merlyn's eyes caught sight of the sick man in the street, a feeling of helplessness washing over her. She turned to Gaius. "Gaius? He's still alive."

Gaius frowned deeply. "I'm afraid there's nothing we can do for him."

"But we haven't tried," Merlyn urged, her heart aching at the man's suffering.

Gaius's voice softened but remained firm. "If we don't know what a disease is, how can we cure him?"

Merlyn's heart fluttered with a dangerous thought. "With magic."

Gaius looked at her sharply, his voice low. "Look around us. They're suspicious of everyone. This isn't the time for magic. Science will lead us to the source of the disease."

Merlyn nodded, but her mind raced with the thought of all she could do if only she were allowed to use her magic. It was tempting—too tempting. The thought of saving someone, of using her gifts for good, gnawed at her, but she kept her resolve in check.

Back in Gaius' chambers, the room was bathed in the warm glow of a lantern. Gaius was busy working, heating a vial of liquid. His eyes were sharp, focused, but there was an unease behind them. Artemis and Apollo stood nearby, watching with intent eyes. Artemis, eager to impress Arthur, hovered just outside the doorway, her small form poised with anticipation. She could feel the tension between her father and Arthur, the weight of responsibility pressing down on her.

Merlyn turned to Gaius. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice steady despite the concern she felt for the man outside.

"I'm examining the contents of that man's stomach," Gaius replied, not meeting her gaze.

"Will that tell you who did it?" Merlyn pressed.

Gaius sighed. "No, but it might tell us how this illness is spreading. I do know this much—it's magic of the darkest kind."

Merlyn clenched her fists. "Why would someone use magic like that?"

Gaius paused before responding, his voice laced with bitter experience. "Magic corrupts. People use it for their own ends."

"But not all magic is bad," Merlyn said softly, almost to herself. "I know it isn't."

Gaius turned to her, his eyes sharp. "Magic is neither good nor bad. It's how it's used."

The door suddenly burst open, and Arthur walked in, his face drawn, the weight of the search for the sorcerer heavy in his every movement. He was accompanied by a handful of guards, his presence commanding the room.

"To Guard Over there." Arthur's voice was strong, unwavering as he surveyed the room. "To Gaius Sorry, Gaius, we're searching every room in town."

"What for?" Gaius asked, his expression unchanged despite the interruption.

"The sorcerer," Arthur said, his eyes locking with Gaius'. "We have to find him before anyone else falls ill."

"Why would he be here?" Gaius asked, clearly confused.

"I'm just doing my job," Arthur replied, his gaze never wavering as he continued to assess the room.

Gaius shrugged, his expression unfazed. "We have nothing to hide. Go on, then. Search."

Arthur's eyes flicked to the scattered papers on the desk. "What are all these books and papers?"

"My life's work," Gaius answered, his tone warm but tinged with a bit of pride. "Dedicated to the understanding of science. You are welcome to read through them if you wish."

Arthur waved him off, not paying much attention. His eyes were already scanning the rest of the room. "What's this room up here?"

Merlyn straightened. "Er, it's mine."

"What do you expect to find in there?" Gaius asked, his tone edged with curiosity.

"I'm looking for material or evidence suggesting the use of enchantments," Arthur said, his voice tinged with a subtle frustration.

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "What've you done with the magic book I gave you?"

Merlyn's heart skipped a beat. She knew what book Arthur was referring to—an item that carried both memories and danger.

Arthur stepped forward, his steps heavy as he went into the room. "Merlin, come here. Look what I found."

Merlyn moved to his side, trying to steady her breath.

Arthur smiled slightly, his voice teasing. "I found a place where you can put things. It's called a cupboard."

Merlyn exhaled quietly in relief. Arthur, distracted, didn't notice the book that was almost exposed, tucked beneath the bed. As he left the room, Merlyn quickly covered the book with the bed sheet, using a subtle flick of magic to ensure it remained hidden.

Arthur turned back to her with a raised brow. "How long do you think it will take to find a cure?"

Gaius, ever the professional, adjusted his glasses. "It depends on how many interruptions I get."

Arthur offered a small, apologetic smile. "Of course. I'm sorry. To Guards We're finished here."

As they left the room, Merlyn turned to Gaius, her voice urgent. "We have to hide that book."

"No," Gaius replied sharply. "We must use it."

Merlyn met his gaze with defiance. "If I don't practice, how will I ever become the warlock you say I'm meant to be?"

Gaius' voice softened but remained firm. "There will come a time when your skills will be recognized. But not now, Merlin."

Merlyn crossed her arms. "When? How long must I wait?"

Gaius sighed. "Patience is a virtue."

Merlyn's frustration flared. "Sitting by and doing nothing—that's a virtue?"

"Your time will come."

Merlyn's eyes softened as she glanced down at Artemis and Apollo, standing just by her side. They were both so young, and yet they had already begun to show the traces of their magical gifts. Artemis, though just a child, already felt the weight of the world pressing on her shoulders. Apollo, quieter and more sensitive, seemed to cling to her for reassurance, his small hand gripping her sleeve.

"I could cure the man we saw earlier," Merlyn murmured, her voice full of quiet determination.

"I know it's tempting to use your magic, Merlin," Gaius said with a deep sigh. "But we need to find the source of this disease. You can't just save one person. We have to stop it from spreading."

Merlyn's eyes softened, but she held her ground. "Arthur is out there, looking for the sorcerer."

"And a sorcerer powerful enough to cause this will never be found searching the town," Gaius replied grimly.

Merlyn gave a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping. "So what can we do?"

Gaius' response was quiet, yet filled with a weight of unspoken knowledge. "Hope that science can find the answer before it kills us all."

Merlyn's hands trembled as she set down a vial she had been working on for the past few hours. A dull, persistent ache had settled in her chest, and dizziness crept up on her. At first, she thought it was exhaustion, but now it felt more like something sinister. Her pulse quickened, her skin clammy. The unmistakable symptoms of the disease had begun.

Gaius had been in and out of the chambers, trying to focus on finding answers. But now, as he approached Merlyn, he couldn't ignore the change in her appearance.

"Merlyn," he said softly, his eyes scanning her face. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know," Merlyn whispered, rubbing her forehead as if the pounding in her temples could be soothed away. "I just feel... off."

Gaius's eyes narrowed with concern. "It's the disease. You've contracted it."

Merlyn felt a cold panic begin to settle in her stomach. The very same illness that had been ravaging the town was now within her.

Arthur stood in the midst of the search party, his mind whirling with worry. He had checked every street and every house in the city, and still, there was no sign of the sorcerer who was behind the disease. His thoughts, however, kept drifting back to Merlyn. He hadn't seen her for hours, and there had been no word from her. He had sent word that morning for her to meet him, but no reply.

Then, he saw Gwen rushing toward him. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with fear.

"Arthur!" she cried. "It's Merlyn. She's sick."

Arthur's blood ran cold. "What do you mean sick?"

Gwen's voice trembled as she spoke. "I don't know. She collapsed. I think... I think she has the disease."

Arthur didn't waste another second. He turned and rushed toward the castle, Gwen on his heels.

Arthur burst into Gaius's chambers, his face a mask of concern and fear. "Merlyn!" he called out, his voice thick with panic.

Merlyn was lying on the bed, her skin pale, her breathing shallow. Gaius was at her side, looking more grave than Arthur had ever seen him.

"Gaius," Arthur said, trying to keep his voice steady, though it cracked slightly. "What's happening to her?"

"It's the disease, Arthur," Gaius answered quietly, his voice heavy with the weight of truth. "She has contracted it. There's nothing I can do... at least not yet."

Arthur's gaze flickered to Merlyn, who smiled weakly at him, but it did little to reassure him. His mind raced. What could they do? He couldn't lose her. Not like this.

He moved to her side, taking her hand in his. "Merlyn," he whispered, his voice tight. "You're going to be okay. We'll find a way."

Merlyn's eyes fluttered, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Arthur... don't worry," she said, though the words were barely above a whisper. "We'll figure this out."

Artemis and Apollo were in the doorway, staring at their mother. Artemis, always so composed, felt an unfamiliar pang of fear. Her magic, her ability to read emotions, flared within her, but there was nothing she could do to make her mother's illness disappear.

"Mama?" Apollo whispered, his small hands clutching his sister's. "Is Mama going to be okay?"

Artemis stood still for a moment, trying to push the fear out of her chest. "She'll be fine," she said with an assurance she didn't feel, but she held her brother's hand tightly, hoping her words would somehow bring comfort.

Merlyn's eyes flickered to them, and though she was weak, she managed a smile. "Don't worry, children," she said softly. "I'll be alright. I promise."

But even as she spoke, she knew the truth—that the disease was relentless, and they were running out of time.

Arthur stormed into the council chamber, his mind clouded with a mix of anger and fear. His father was standing by the table, waiting for an update on the situation. But Arthur didn't bother with formalities.

"Father," Arthur said sharply. "Merlyn's sick. She has the disease."

Uther's eyes narrowed, but there was no hint of sympathy in his expression. "Then we'll deal with it like we deal with everything else," he said coldly. "Find the source and destroy it."

Arthur clenched his jaw, his anger flaring at his father's lack of concern for Merlyn's well-being. "You don't understand, Father. This is different. If this disease is tied to magic, we need to move quickly. And we need a cure. I don't care what it takes."

Uther's eyes grew colder. "We'll find the sorcerer responsible. That's what matters."

Arthur's voice was barely controlled. "No, Father. What matters is saving her."

But Uther's attention was already elsewhere, his focus fixed on the task of protecting the kingdom, as always. Arthur, however, had no intention of sitting idly by. He would do whatever it took to save Merlyn.

Arthur hurried through the winding halls of Camelot, his heart heavy with worry. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Merlyn, whose condition had worsened by the hour. As he pushed open the door to Gaius's chambers, the first thing that caught his eye was Merlyn, pale and shivering in bed. The sight of her in such a weakened state made his heart clench painfully in his chest. He couldn't lose her—not now.

Gaius was hunched over a table, carefully examining vials of water and various herbs, but he looked up as Arthur entered, his expression grave.

"Gaius," Arthur said, his voice trembling with fear. "What's happening to her?"

Merlyn, barely conscious, turned her head toward Arthur. Her eyes were clouded with exhaustion, but there was something else there too—something darker and far more dangerous. She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat.

Gaius's voice was heavy with the weight of their situation. "It's the sickness, Arthur. It's spreading rapidly. The water... it's the source. But the remedy—it's elusive. I can't give her anything to counteract the effects fast enough."

Arthur's heart sank as he stepped closer to Merlyn's bedside. He reached out and gently took her hand, his touch trembling. She winced slightly, but her grip remained firm.

"We can't lose her, Gaius," Arthur said, his voice shaking with desperation. "You have to find a way to save her. I can't do this without her. I won't."

Gaius's gaze softened, but there was little comfort to offer. "I'm doing everything I can. But this disease, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. It works quickly—too quickly."

Merlyn's breathing grew more shallow as she lay in the bed, her fever rising with every passing minute. Arthur stood at her side, feeling helpless as his world seemed to crumble around him.

"I won't lose her, Gaius," Arthur said, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't. She's... she's everything to me."

Gaius said nothing, only watching as Arthur leaned over Merlyn, brushing the hair from her forehead with trembling fingers. He wanted to be strong, to promise that everything would be okay, but he couldn't. The sickness was spreading too fast, and they didn't have much time.

"Please, Gaius," Arthur said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "There must be something we can do."

Just as Gaius opened his mouth to respond, Merlyn's eyes fluttered open. She turned her head toward Arthur, and her voice came out as a soft, almost imperceptible whisper. "Arthur... you have to... stay strong. For the children..."

Arthur's heart clenched at her words. He squeezed her hand tighter, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.

"I'm here, Merlyn," he said, his voice choked. "I'm not going anywhere. You'll make it through this. We'll get through this together."

Gaius watched the scene unfold with a heaviness in his chest. He knew the odds were against them, but he wasn't ready to give up. Not yet.

"I'll keep searching," Gaius said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "We need to move fast."

Outside Gaius's chambers, Uther paced back and forth, his anger growing as the news of the spreading sickness reached him. He had already lost so much—his kingdom, his faith in his own judgment. Now, with Merlyn's condition worsening, he found himself torn between his duty as king and his fatherly concern for his son.

"This madness cannot go on," Uther muttered under his breath. "The city is crumbling, and now... now we lose Merlyn, too?"

Arthur emerged into the hall, his face drawn with exhaustion, his eyes steely with determination.

"Father," he said, his voice low but unwavering, "we can't waste time. We have to find this sorcerer."

Uther turned sharply to face him, his frustration clear. "And what do you propose we do, Arthur? The disease is spreading faster than we can stop it."

Arthur's voice became cold and firm, his resolve unshaken. "We find the source, we stop it, and we save her. That's the only option."

Uther stepped closer, his frustration twisting his features. "You're too close to this, Arthur. You're letting your emotions cloud your judgment."

Arthur clenched his fists at his sides. "I will not lose her, Father. And I'll do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means defying you."

Uther's gaze darkened, but he said nothing in response. Arthur turned to leave, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination.

Arthur returned to Merlyn's side, his worry deepening as he saw how much weaker she had become. The fever had risen, and her breathing was ragged. Apollo and Artemis were standing near the bed, their small faces full of helplessness and fear. Arthur felt a pang of guilt—he was supposed to protect them, but he couldn't protect Merlyn from this.

Apollo looked up at his father, his voice trembling with fear. "Papa... is there nothing we can do? We can't lose her."

Arthur knelt down beside his children, pulling them both into a tight embrace. He couldn't help but tremble as he held them, his own fear mirrored in their small bodies.

"We won't lose her," Arthur whispered, his voice shaky. "I promise you both, we won't. We'll find a way."

Merlyn stirred slightly at the sound of her family's voices. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at them all, a weak but loving smile curling on her lips. The effort seemed to drain her, but she spoke anyway, her voice barely a whisper.

"Arthur... Apollo... Artemis... I'm sorry. I didn't want this... to happen."

Arthur gently cupped her face in his hands, his heart breaking at the sight of her struggling to speak.

"Merlyn, don't say that," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "We're in this together. You've always been there for me, for us. Now we'll do everything we can for you."

Merlyn's eyes fluttered closed again, her words too faint to be understood. But she held onto Arthur's hand, as though her life depended on it.

Arthur, Apollo, and Artemis stood by Gaius's side in the dimly lit chamber, their faces filled with worry and determination. Gaius stood at his desk, carefully examining vials of water and herbs, his mind racing for a solution to save Merlyn from the mysterious illness that plagued her. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air.

"Mama's getting worse, Papa," Artemis said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her wide eyes were filled with fear. "Is there anything we can do?"

Arthur's gaze flicked to his children, his heart tight with concern. He knew their hope and fear mirrored his own. "We'll find a way," he promised, his voice steady, though his worry was evident. He turned back to Gaius, his jaw set in determination. "What can we do to help?"

Gaius motioned toward a glass vial containing a sample of the tainted water. "This water supplies the entire town," he explained. "We need to examine it carefully to understand what's causing this sickness. There may be something in it, or it could be a spell."

Apollo nodded, his young face set with resolve. "We'll help. We'll do whatever it takes."

"Take a sample of the water and bring it back to me," Gaius instructed. "We need to figure out the source of the sickness. It may be our only chance to stop it."

Arthur handed the vial to Apollo, who took it with steady hands, dipping it into the water. The water shimmered strangely, and an unsettling growl echoed through the cavernous space, sending a chill down their spines.

"What was that sound?" Apollo whispered, his voice trembling with unease.

"That was no ordinary creature," Gaius replied, his expression darkening. "We need to leave now."

Without another word, Gaius pulled them away from the water's edge. The air was thick with tension as they rushed back to the safety of Gaius's chambers.

As they made their way through the winding tunnels, a low growl resonated again, louder this time, as a massive beast—a creature made of clay—reared from the water, its glowing eyes fixed on them. The Afanc. It was no ordinary beast, and it seemed to know they were there.

"What in the world...?" Apollo gasped, his heart racing with fear.

"That is an Afanc," Gaius said, his voice grim. "A beast conjured from clay, summoned only by the most powerful sorcerers. We're dealing with dark magic here."

Arthur's fists clenched in anger. "Then we know who is behind this. We need to stop it."

Gaius nodded. "It must be destroyed, or this sickness will continue spreading."

Back in Gaius's chambers, the urgency in the air was thick. The trio gathered around a large book, desperate to find a solution. Gaius turned the pages quickly, searching for any clue that could help them defeat the Afanc.

"It's an Afanc," Gaius muttered, his finger landing on an ancient illustration of the beast. "A creature that feeds on life force. Its magic is deeply connected to the water source. If we don't find a way to stop it, Camelot will be lost."

Arthur's jaw tightened. "How do we stop it? The sooner, the better."

Gaius looked up, his face etched with concern. "We need to defeat the sorcerer behind it, but that may take time we don't have. The Afanc's magic is powerful. The disease... it spreads quickly."

Arthur, Apollo, and Artemis made their way through the familiar pathways leading to Kilgharrah's cave. The great dragon's fiery gaze illuminated the shadows of the cavern.

"Kilgharrah," Arthur called out, his voice echoing in the vast space.

The dragon flew down with a great flap of its wings, landing gracefully before them. "The mighty King Arthur and his children. What is it you seek?"

"We need your help," Arthur said, his tone firm. "We're facing an Afanc, and the sickness that comes with it. How do we stop it?"

Kilgharrah studied them intently, its amber eyes glimmering with ancient wisdom. "Ah, the Afanc. You seek to stop it, but there is more to this than you understand."

Arthur frowned, impatience creeping into his voice. "Tell me what I need to do. I will do whatever it takes."

Kilgharrah's voice rumbled. "You are one half of the solution, Arthur. The other half lies with the elements your children command. Trust in them, and together, you can defeat the beast."

Arthur's brow furrowed in confusion. "The elements? What do you mean?"

Kilgharrah's eyes glowed brighter, his gaze piercing. "You and your children are the key. Only together can you hope to defeat the Afanc and the sorcery that controls it."

With those words, Kilgharrah spread his wings, preparing to leave. "The rest is for you to discover. Good luck, Arthur."

Arthur stood silently as the great dragon vanished into the shadows. Apollo and Artemis exchanged a look, both of them sensing the importance of the journey ahead.

"We'll figure this out," Artemis said quietly, her eyes determined.

Arthur nodded, pulling them both close. "Together, we will."

Arthur paced back and forth, his mind consumed with worry. Merlyn's condition had worsened, and the plague that had ravaged Camelot threatened to take her from him. Apollo and Artemis stood near the door, their young faces filled with concern, but their resolve was unwavering.

"We have to stop the Afanc," Arthur muttered, his voice tight with urgency. "Before this plague spreads any further, before it takes Mama from us..."

Apollo stepped forward, his brow furrowed with determination. "Papa, we can help. We'll fight with you."

Artemis nodded beside him, her eyes sharp and focused. "Together, we'll stop it."

Arthur turned to them, a proud but worried smile on his face. "I know you want to help, but this is dangerous. Promise me you'll stay close."

"We will," Artemis said firmly.

Arthur, Apollo, and Artemis ventured into the dark cavern where the Afanc had made its lair. The air was heavy with tension, and the shadows seemed to stretch and shift ominously around them. Morgana walked quietly behind them, her presence a silent reminder of the danger they faced.

"We have to find it before it finds us," Apollo said, his voice steady despite the growing unease.

Arthur gripped his sword, his eyes scanning every corner of the cavern. "Stay sharp," he ordered.

A low growl echoed from the depths of the cavern, sending a chill down their spines. "It's close," Artemis whispered, her hand twitching at her side.

Morgana stepped forward. "I can feel it too. We must be careful."

Suddenly, a massive shape moved through the water with terrifying speed, the Afanc lunging toward them from the shadows. Arthur swung his sword, but the creature was quicker, disappearing into the darkness just as quickly as it had come.

"Where did it go?" Artemis asked, her eyes darting back and forth.

Arthur's expression was grim. "It's playing with us."

The Afanc suddenly leapt from behind a stone pillar, its claws slashing at Arthur. He managed to dodge, but the creature's speed was overwhelming. Apollo moved swiftly, his hands glowing with a soft golden light as he formed a barrier of energy around them.

"Stay back," Apollo warned, holding the barrier in place. "I'll keep it at bay for now."

But the Afanc was relentless, pushing against the barrier with raw strength. It wasn't enough. The creature was growing impatient.

"We need to end this," Arthur said, his voice full of urgency. "The longer we wait, the worse it gets."

Morgana stepped forward, her eyes determined. "We can't let it escape. If it does, the plague will spread faster."

The Afanc, frustrated and enraged, let out a loud roar, charging again. But just as it reached them, Artemis raised her hand, her eyes glowing with quiet power. The shadows around the Afanc twisted, distorting its sense of direction, creating an illusion of endless walls.

"It's trapped," Artemis murmured. "But not for long."

Arthur nodded. "We have to strike now."

With the Afanc disoriented and trapped in the maze of shadows, Arthur lunged forward. He swung his sword, but the creature dodged at the last moment, knocking the sword from Arthur's hands and swiping at Morgana's torch. It was clear that time was running out.

"Papa!" Apollo called, his voice strained. "We need more power!"

Arthur glanced at his children, seeing the determination in their eyes. He knew they were the key. "Together," he said.

Apollo nodded, his hands glowing brighter as he focused his energy into a focused beam of light. The Afanc roared, but the light blasted through its form, creating a burst of heat that caused the creature to shriek in pain.

Artemis stepped forward, her eyes narrowed. She focused on the shadowy corners of the cavern, manipulating the shadows to further confuse the beast. The Afanc staggered, disoriented by the light and illusions.

With one final swing, Arthur grabbed the torch, and with all his strength, thrust it into the Afanc. The beast let out a blood-curdling scream as it was engulfed in flames. The fire consumed it quickly, leaving only charred remains behind.

The cavern fell silent, the danger finally over. Arthur, Apollo, and Artemis stood together, breathing heavily but relieved. Morgana stepped forward, her eyes glinting with pride.

"You did it," she said softly.

Arthur looked down at his children, his heart full. "We did it. Together."

Uther sat on his throne, chuckling to himself as he perused the parchment in his hands, his advisors standing nearby, waiting for his reaction. He was in high spirits today, the sense of triumph hanging in the air.

"It's very good," Uther muttered, almost to himself, his eyes scanning the words.

Gaius stood beside him, his face serious as he offered a different kind of report. "Good news, Sire. There are no new deaths, and those that are sick are recovering."

Uther nodded, clearly pleased. "Good. Strange, I've never heard of an Afanc before," he said, his brow furrowing slightly in thought.

Gaius shifted, his tone more somber now. "It's conjured from clay by powerful magic. The kind of magic that can only be invoked by an ancient sorcerer. One with the ability to mirror the spirit of life." Gaius carefully pulled out a cracked eggshell from a pouch, holding it up for Uther to see. "I found this at the water source. It bears the mark of Nimueh. We must remain vigilant, Sire."

Uther's face darkened at the mention of Nimueh. The name had long been a thorn in his side, and the thought that she was once again involved filled him with frustration. "Will I never be rid of her?" he muttered bitterly.

Gaius, ever the calm presence, simply bowed his head. "Sire."

Uther's anger flared, his patience running thin. "Leave me," he commanded, his voice sharp.

The room emptied, and Uther remained seated on his throne, alone with his thoughts. The heavy weight of the kingdom's troubles pressed down on him, and the looming threat of Nimueh was something he could never seem to escape. His hands clenched around the armrests as he sank into a deep silence, contemplating the long road ahead.

Meanwhile, in Merlyn's chamber, the atmosphere was markedly different. The once-quiet room now hummed with the soft sound of the castle's bustle, but inside, there was a calm that hadn't been there before. Merlyn lay in bed, her body weak but recovering, the fever that had gripped her for days now subsiding. The plague had been vanquished, the Afanc destroyed, and with it, Merlyn's strength was slowly returning.

Beside her, Apollo and Artemis sat close, their small hands reaching out to her, offering comfort in the way only children could. Artemis, ever the thoughtful one, gazed up at Merlyn with a relieved smile.

"Mama, you're getting better, aren't you?" she asked softly, her voice full of hope.

Merlyn gave a faint but reassuring smile. "I am, Artemis. Slowly but surely."

Arthur stood nearby, watching his family with a mixture of relief and pride. The children had been his strength through the darkest days, and now, seeing Merlyn awake, her eyes gleaming with the return of life, lifted a weight from his heart.

Apollo, always the optimistic one, smiled brightly. "We knew you would get better. You're strong, Mama. You always are."

Merlyn's hand, though weak, reached out to brush against Apollo's cheek, her fingers trembling slightly but steady enough to convey her love. "Thank you, Apollo... Artemis. You were both so brave."

Arthur, unable to hold back any longer, moved forward and sat beside Merlyn, taking her hand in his. His voice was low, filled with the depth of his emotions. "We were so worried. I didn't know what I'd do without you."

Merlyn's smile, though tired, held warmth. "But you didn't lose me," she whispered, her voice thick with affection. "We're together."

The children, seeing their mother's strength return, beamed with joy and comfort. They huddled closer, their small arms reaching out to wrap around both Merlyn and Arthur. Their bond, strong and unbreakable, was clear for all to see.

Artemis, her eyes wide with admiration, smiled up at Arthur. "Papa, we knew she'd be alright."

Arthur's heart swelled at the sound of the word "Papa," and he couldn't help but smile. It was a word that felt right, a word that felt like home. The love he felt for his children, for Merlyn, was everything to him. They were his family, his strength, his reason to fight.

"We're a team," Arthur said softly, his voice filled with a quiet conviction. "And we'll always be together."

Merlyn nodded, exhaustion still tugging at her, but the warmth of her family kept the weariness at bay. Her children, her partner, all of them were here. And for the first time in days, she felt the true light of hope return.

Merlyn and Gaius sat at the table, a modest meal between them. The fire in the hearth crackled, casting warm light across the room as they shared their dinner. Merlyn eyed the fish on his plate with a critical glance, his brow furrowed.

"This fish didn't come from the water, did it?" Merlyn asked, taking a small bite.

Gaius looked up, unfazed, and offered a slight chuckle. "Well, where else is it going to come from? The water's fine now. That's not your worry. This is the work of a very powerful sorcerer. I only hope you didn't come to her attention."

Merlyn shook his head slightly, his thoughts turning inward. "Doubt it," he muttered. "Well, no one else seems to appreciate my skills. I just want someone to see me for who I am."

Gaius set down his fork and gave him a sympathetic look. "One day, Merlyn. One day."

"One day what?" Merlyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

"One day, people won't believe what an idiot you were," Gaius replied with a playful grin.

Merlyn let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "Thanks."

Meanwhile, deep in her cave, Nimueh stood silently by her stone basin, watching through the swirling mist that clouded her vision. Her gaze was fixed on the events unfolding far away, and her lips curled into a cold, calculated smile.

"Merlyn," she whispered under her breath, her voice low and venomous. "You will pay for this."

Later that evening, Arthur, Apollo, and Artemis gathered in the Great Hall, their faces tense as they prepared to face whatever came next. Arthur's eyes met Merlyn's, concern clouding his usually steady expression.

"How are you feeling?" Arthur asked, his voice soft but filled with concern.

Merlyn, though still recovering, gave a small smile. "I'm better," she assured him. "The Afanc is gone, and the sickness has passed."

Apollo and Artemis stood near, their little hands held together in solidarity. Both were looking up at their parents with silent understanding. Despite their age, the children had inherited powerful abilities, and they had helped in ways beyond their years. Artemis's mind-reading and illusion-crafting abilities had been invaluable during the crisis, while Apollo's light manipulation and healing powers had brought comfort to Merlyn during her darkest moments.

"Don't worry, Mama," Artemis said, her voice soft but filled with determination. "We're here. We'll protect you."

Apollo nodded. "Papa and Mama will be safe now."

Arthur placed a hand on both of their shoulders, smiling down at them. "Thank you, both of you. You've been so strong."

Merlyn looked at the family she cherished, her heart swelling with love for them. As they stood together, she felt the weight of their bond, the strength of their unity, and the unspoken promise that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.