Wizard Germs
a Sword in the Stone story
by Niki
"In just a few weeks you'll be as good – er as bad," Merlin corrected himself, as he tucked his rival into bed, "as ever."
Showing the child that brains were more powerful than brawn had taken a lot out of him. But, he would never admit it. Usually he was tired after a wizards duel, but Madam Mim was a tough opponent. She was villainous, but she wasn't foolish. And, although he didn't want Arthur to see it, she was powerful. She made him sink to his lowest trick – he became a germ. One that caused a rare but powerful illness that cuased spots, fever, chills, and violent sneezing. He could feel it in his bones and was very happy to be dropping Arthur at the main castle before heading up to his tower.
As soon as he returned to his tower, he and Archimedes, his highly educated owl, prepared for the onslaught that they knew would come.
"Archimedes? Hepgushoo!" Merlin sneezed wetly. "Where's the extra blanket?" He shivered against the wind that cascaded through the drafty walls.
"Still in the woods. I doubt you thought you'd go this far to train a pupil."
Merlin sighed. Archimedes was correct. "Fine then. But, don't you be telling Evelynne about this." He took his hat off and settled into bed. "Heh-Eh-Gushoo!" he sniffed wetly.
Within his owl house, Archimedes shook his head. Evelynne was the wizards healer. She didn't need to be called on. She knew when to come.
* "Merlin, what did you do to yourself?" a soft voice asked.
It was Evelynne.
The illness had fully set upon Merlin now. He was covered with red spots, and pulled the covers all the way around him, even though he was sweating. He raised his handkerchief to his face and sneezed wetly, "Heh-Gusshoo! Suchssh!"
Evelynne shook her head, causing her soft brown curls to dance around her shoulders. She laid her hand on Merlin's forehead, to confirm her suspicions about a fever.
Merlin whimpered ever so slightly. He withdrew with a gasp and buried his nose into the handkerchief, "Heh-Gushhasha!" he sneezed heavily.
She pointed her wand and a basin of cool water with a rag appeared. She gently wrang out the excess water and placed the rag on his forehead. She pointed her want at the bed and two more blankets appeared.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she asked what happened.
Sleepily, he told her the story of the wizards duel.
She sighed, exasperated. She had seen him almost fifteen times in just as many years. All, but one, of the visits had taken place after he had been dueling. "Merlin, you have to take better care of yourself."
He sniffed wetly. "It was for a good cause: Arthur. Heh-Gusshoo!"
"Arthur?" she asked. Then her eyes widened. "I see," she said, understanding. She stood to leave. "I'll heal you this time. You take good care of that boy," she ordered.
She placed a hand on his head and the other one over his face, closed her eyes and bowed her head in thought.
Merlin's breathing cleared, but he started panting heavily.
"One more sneeze should do you," she said as she walked away and disappeared in a burst of blue light.
"Heh-ha- hah…."
"Merlin?" Archimedes asked.
"Heh…kaHAH- ESNOO!"
Disclaimers: The idea belongs to history, and the movie belongs to Disney. This is also one that I wrote when I was a child. I tried to update it a bit, but it's still... kidish.
Written for Fandom Bunny #189 – Write a fan fic for a Disney cartoon.