Chapter 1

SUMMARY: AU version of SE04 EP09, 'Lancelot Du Lac' where it isn't only Merlin who notices that Lancelot doesn't seem quite right and Gwen's friends have faith that she is not capable of betrayal.

A/N; I have read many comments from fans saying that they dislike this episode so I am surprised there are not a lot of AU versions already floating around. I have certainly come across many fics where the enchanted bracelet was recovered but only a few that seek to put to rights the idea that Lancelot is a traitor.
This story starts at the point where Merlin realises that this version of Lancelot cannot be the real thing, as he does not know that Merlin possesses magic.
Thank you to M.D. Jensen for letting me use the version of Percival's family that she invented in her absolutely beautiful story "To Honour the Fallen". (Go and read it now if you haven't already!)

Merlin stumbled out of his room, still in shock with the gut wrenching realisation that the Lancelot who had suddenly appeared during today's introductory round for the jousting tournament, was not the noble, self sacrificing Lancelot he so fondly remembered.

Truth be told, he'd suspected it from the moment he first laid eyes on the knight but had managed to deny the painful reality until now.

The idea of somebody defiling his friend turned his stomach and his magic itched with the need to find out who had done this and for what purpose.

Some of the shock must have been apparent on his face as he shambled past Gaius as he sat at his desk just outside the door to Merlin's room.

"Oh no, I've seen that face before."

Merlin breathed deep before speaking, "I wanted to believe that everything was fine. That we had the real Lancelot back." His voice was filled with forlorn desperation.

Gaius stared back at him, brow furrowed in bemusement.

"It's not him Gaius. He doesn't remember I have magic. The real Lancelot would never forget that." Merlin spoke just above a whisper, not wanting the intruder to overhear.

Apart from his mentor, Lancelot had been the only person in Camelot who Merlin could share his burdens with and the only one who truly knew and accepted him for what he was. His presence in Camelot had given Merlin a much needed friend and somebody to lean on when it seemed his destiny was an impossible dream. The Knight had a special place in Merlin's heart and his loss at The Isle of the Blessed had scarred the warlock forever.

Gaius glanced in the direction of Merlin's room before answering. "It certainly looks like him Merlin. Are you sure he's not just tired? This is all probably as exhausting for him, as it is for us."

"No, it's more than that. It felt wrong from the start." He turned to look at Gaius more sternly, "How could a man possibly make his way out of the underworld Gaius? The Caillech demanded a permanent sacrifice; she wouldn't have just thrown him out or allowed him to leave of his own volition."

"Mmmm. I would've thought it impossible too. Only those of the Old Religion would possess that knowledge. Are you sure of what you're suggesting Merlin?"

"Believe me, I wish I wasn't. But it's not him Gaius, I'm sure of it."

"If what you say is true, why is that thing here? I fear something treacherous is afoot."

The two looked at each other for a few seconds, until they both spoke almost in unison.

"Morgana?"

"But why?" Merlin added. "and how?"

"First things first my boy. I need to try and work out how this entity has been summoned. Then we may have a better idea of who's behind it."

Gaius put down his quill and crossed the room towards the tomes of magic and the Old Religion that he had piled up in a dark corner shelf. Although Arthur, and Uther before him, knew he still retained some books containing banned subjects, they had no idea of the true scope of knowledge Gaius had managed to save from the flames during The Great Purge. Their content had proved invaluable against foes of magical origin in the past and the two men hoped they would again provide some answers.

"Looks like we'll be having a long night Merlin," the old physician exclaimed as he set a stack of books down in front of his ward, and donned his reading spectacles.

Merlin's face fell. He was already tired from attending Arthur all day as he welcomed his wedding (and tournament) guests. He sneezed loudly as he opened the dusty book on top of his pile. He didn't know at the time but it would be the volume entitled 'The Art of Necromancy' at the bottom of the stack of books that would give him the information he needed.

Throughout the next day, Merlin watched Lancelot as closely as he could, on the alert for anything that could indicate an ulterior motive. He saw nothing suspicious however and the knight behaved with all the graciousness he always had.

Besides completing the duties demanded of him by Arthur, Merlin always tried to keep an eye on those knights he was closest too and he was a very interested spectator when Percival took on a visiting knight in the second last joust of the day.

He had already watched on proudly as Leon won his bouts with ease. The experienced knight's confidence and skill made the art of jousting look a whole lot simpler than it really was. Gwaine and Elyan were new to the sport however and neither had been in an organized jousting tournament before but their competitive spirit and natural talent saw them through to the final rounds the next day.

Percival on the other hand seemed to be having a few difficulties. He had almost been unhorsed during his bout that morning and as he took the field to take on the Knight Errand, Merlin observed him make a couple of mistakes more akin to a novice.

The warlock spent a great deal of time with the knights; during training, on patrols and relaxing with them during his off time, so had become very familiar with their body language and likely responses. It was clear from Percival's behaviour that day, that something had rattled the largest of the knights and Merlin could not help but worry about the cause of his unease.

Arthur was standing next to Merlin as they watched Percival's bout and the King was not pleased with what he had just witnessed.

"He's fighting like an untrained commoner not a knight of Camelot." Arthur exclaimed indignantly.

"Or like someone whose mind is elsewhere."

"What was that Merlin?" the King asked half heartedly, not really interested in anything except his beautiful betrothed who was picking her way through the crowds toward him, a smile upon her face that could outdo the sun.

Noticing that Percival wasn't the only one distracted, Merlin shouted out a few words of reassurance to the largest of knights.

"Bad luck Percival."

The large man looked back at him, face drawn tight in worry.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. It was only your first jousting comp. after all." Merlin added, trying to ease his friend's tension.

Once the day's duels were complete Merlin dragged Arthur's armour back his tent and settled down for an hour or so of repairing and polishing before supper. Actually, there wasn't much repairing to do but the castle was so manic at the moment, that he thought it was the best place for finding a bit of peace and quiet.

"Merlin," a soft voice called out to him. "I was hoping to find you alone."

"Percival," Merlin sat up straight, armour forgotten. "You should be with the other knights at the tavern."

The afternoon sun shone through the red canvas, filling the interior with a warm, fiery glow and as Percival entered he too was enveloped in the comforting hue.

"You were close to Lancelot weren't you Merlin?" the knight sat down stiffly on a wooden chair beside the servant. "Out of everybody in Camelot, you would notice if there was something wrong with him, wouldn't you?"

"I'm not sure what you're getting at?" he answered evasively, not sure he liked where the conversation was headed.

"Merlin," although Percival was speaking softly, he conveyed a seriousness that was verging on fear. "It's not him. I'm sure of it. I know it sounds crazy but you must have noticed it too surely?"

Merlin stood up, backing away, his eyes closed tightly torn between telling Percival of his suspicions and denying he had noticed anything.

"Can you come to Gaius' rooms tonight?" He finally managed, "We can't talk here."

Later that evening Gaius was in the midst of preparing supper for himself and his ward when he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Gaius called.

Percival entered the physician's chambers tentatively, eyes casting round the room.

"Are you injured Sir Percival?" Gaius enquired of the Knight, looking him up and down for signs of damage.

"Ah, no. There was something I needed to talk to Merlin about actually."

"Well, come and sit. He should be finished with his duties to the king by now. He's not usually late for supper." Gaius spoke, noting the nervous fidgeting and awkward grin.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

Percival tried to think of an excuse and was all set to make his getaway when the door flew open.

"Sorry I'm late," Merlin came bustling in, talking to his mentor as he hung up his jacket. "Can you believe he had me sorting through his wardrobe? He doesn't want Gwen to think he's a messy slob. Honestly, I think she's well aware of his personal misgivings by now but no I've got to stay late and ...Oh, Percival." He stopped his complaining abruptly upon noticing the knight.

"Percival came to see you Merlin." Gaius gave his ward the what's-going-on-here eyebrow.

Merlin sat down heavily at the table, gesturing for Percival to do the same.

"Actually Gaius, it's something you need to hear too. Percival has his doubts about Lancelot too."

Gaius' eyebrow was almost at his hairline as his eyes went from Merlin's to Percival's.

"I know it sounds crazy but if you'll just listen." Percival stopped, bracing himself for the memories. "When I first met Lancelot, I was in a bad way."

Percival recounted the tale of his family's deaths and his subsequent encounter with Lancelot. His father, mother, and the twins (a 16 year old brother and sister) had been killed outright by Cenred's men and Percival had fled into the forest with his youngest brother, Frederick, who was gravely injured during the attack. The boy died in Percival's arms two days later and it was the morning of the following day that Lancelot found him, still clutching the body of his sibling in his arms. Together they buried Frederick then returned to the family farm to give Percival's slaughtered relatives decent burials.

"I felt like there was nothing left to live for. Lancelot got me through the worst days of my life Merlin. He made me realise that wasting my life in anger and grief was not what they would've wanted."

Gaius and Merlin were quiet, both honoured and touched by the trust Percival was showing in them by telling his tale.

"Anyway, before the tourney today ...Lancelot said something that didn't add up." The knight was breathing hard, his distress obvious. "Lord Godwyn's knights were going through some exercises with a couple of the other visiting knights. Lancelot, Gwaine, Elyan and I were watching; just checking out the competition you know? Anyway, Lancelot made a joke about how Sir Tolmy could be my brother."

Lord Godwyn's champion was a man mountain. He was taller than even Percival and had the brawn to match.

"Perhaps he was confused?" Gaius questioned in self appointed role of devil's advocate.

Percival shook his head vehemently, "No. He looked me straight in the eye as he was saying it." The knight stood up and took a few steps away from the table, his back towards Merlin and Gaius. "Why would he make a joke out of something like that? He helped me bury my family for god's sake. How could he have forgotten that?"

Merlin looked toward his mentor who gave him a sign to go ahead and tell Percival of their own findings.

"You're not crazy Percival, we think something weird's going on to." Percival turned and returned to his seat at Merlin's words, watching the warlock intently as he continued.

"Just like with you, this 'Lancelot' had forgotten something that happened to me when he first came to Camelot. Something the real Lancelot would never forget."

"We have to tell Arthur." Percival stated.

Gaius humphed. "We need more than just a few suspicions before we worry the King." Gaius authoritative tone settled the knight. "A few lapses in memory cannot be used to condemn a man."

"Have you noticed anything else odd about Lancelot?" Merlin asked.

"Well," Percival started to reply. "Early this morning I saw him come out of Sir Agravine's room. I didn't think much of it at the time but later on when I took my horse to the water trough after my morning bout, I saw them together behind the tents. From the way they were acting, I got the feeling they didn't want anyone to know about it."

Merlin's mind reeled. If Agravaine was involved, it gave greater credence to their theory that Morgana was somehow behind it all. Gaius and himself knew he's been in cohorts with the witch for some time but had no concrete evidence to take to the King (that hadn't involved the use of magic in its collection).

"We have to work out what's happened Merlin. He gave up his life for us, for everyone in Camelot. We owe it to him to find out the truth." Percival appealed to his audience.

Merlin nodded. His skin crawled as he thought about Lancelot being manipulated by Arthur's slimy, scheming Uncle. It was bad enough that he was playing Arthur for a fool; weaselling his way into his heart and confidence, whilst betraying him behind his back.

"We will Percival, I promise you. Can you help me keep a close eye on Lancelot?" Percival nodded, convinced by the absolute surety in Merlin's tone. He had only heard Merlin sound so commanding and authoritative once before; when they were on the trail of the dragon's egg.

Merlin decided there was nothing for it but to do some good old fashioned sneaking about. It was about time to bring an end to Morgana and Agravaine's partnership and his heart skipped a few beats as he resolved that he'd do whatever it took.

Sleep would not come for the young Warlock that night and it wasn't just because he had given up his own room and bed to Lancelot. Long after the returned knight had gotten back from his evening at the tavern and retired to bed, Merlin lay tossing and turning upon his makeshift bed in Gaius' main room. Sighing heavily, he decided to give up on sleep for the night and do something more useful. Lighting a candle silently, he resumed his research. There was only one more book on his pile to go through.

An hour or so later he jumped to his feet, knocking a couple of vials off the table as he knocked it with his shoulder.

"Gaius, wake up!" he shook the old man's shoulder. "Gaius I've found it."

"What are you doing Merlin! You should be asleep!" Gaius answered, still half asleep.

"No listen to me Gaius. I've been doing some research and I think that Lancelot's been raised from the dead."

The physician looked aghast and was suddenly wide awake.

"What? You mean necromancy?" he hissed.

Merlin face was serious, almost to the point of being severe as he showed his mentor the book he'd been reading.

Gaius fumbled around for his reading glasses as he replied in a tormented voice, "Even in the days of the Old Religion necromancy was viewed with the utmost suspicion. If that creature in there," he gestured towards Merlin's bedroom where Lancelot slept, "is a shade, we need to proceed with the greatest of caution. The first thing we need to do is to establish exactly what manner of being he is."

"I've found a way to determine that." Merlin turned the pages to a picture of a spiral with a series of complex spells and routines outlined beneath. "This book says shades are mere shadows of their former selves; tormented souls summoned from their rest by the necromancer's art."

Merlin's lips pursed in disgust as he thought of the real Lancelot; his confidant and trustworthy friend being used so revoltingly made him feel nauseous and angry, in equal measures.

"I'll prepare the revelation spiral and work on the spell tonight. Tomorrow at dawn, we'll have our proof."

Gaius nodded, impressed by his young ward's determination and dedication.

Merlin finished painting the spiral pattern on the floor just as the morning daylight started to filter into the high windows of physician's quarters. He had carefully situated it carefully, ensuring that anybody coming down the narrow staircase that lead from his bedroom would have to cross through the swirls.

"Onluc pa sopan trao," the Warlock uttered, finishing his preparations. The spiral glowed red as it took on the enchantment, before returning to a flat whitewash that looked completely normal.

A rustling sound from Merlin's room indicated that the inhabitant was awake. Seems Merlin had just been in time.

"Gaius, wake up!" He hissed to his mentor, who had nodded off again some hours ago. "I think he's about to come out. It's time." The two secreted themselves in a closet on the opposite side of the room, ensuring they would have a clear view of the scene through the gaps between the planks of the door.

As the entity calling itself Lancelot moved down the stairs and across the enchanted shape, a foreboding, ghostly skeleton can be seen pulsing through the man's features. As the shade carried on out the door, Merlin and Gaius left their hiding place.

Even though he pretty much knew already that it wasn't really Lancelot, Merlin hadn't let himself completely give up till now.

"I didn't want it to be true," he spoke flatly, looking thoroughly deflated.

"I know, we all wanted him back Merlin. However we must face it; Lancelot is a shade. A shade with ill intent."

"What's going on here Gaius? If Morgana wanted to kill Arthur during the tournament surely there's simpler ways?"

"We're not even sure it is Morgana who's behind this anyway."

"Who else? Perhaps she wants to destroy Camelot's moral as part of her attack. Bring back the great hero, have everyone witness him winning the tournament then unveil him as a creature of dark magic?" Merlin pondered, finding it impossible to imagine the workings of such a bitter, scheming, vengeful individual.

"Maybe. Whatever the case, you'll have to be on guard Merlin. The tournament is the perfect place for Arthur to fall victim. Don't let him out of your sight Merlin."

"I won't."

A/N: 'Lancelot Du Lac' was my least favourite episode of the entire four series' so far. It was bad enough that they killed off Lancelot at the start of series 4 but to then defile his memory as well was repulsive. It continues to grate on my sensitivities that any other time someone's behaviour is 'off', Merlin notices and acts tirelessly until he knows what going on. Why he wouldn't do that for Gwen, his oldest friend in Camelot, I do not understand.

The only reason I can think to explain the concepts of Gwen's betrayal and banishment, Arthur' pain and then his subsequent forgiveness later in the series is that it is meant to be some sort of preamble for the way he'll react when Merlin FINALLY reveals his secret.

The only features of the episode that redeem it were the wonderful cinematography and the utterly amazing acting by Bradley James and Angel Colby when Arthur places judgement upon Guinevere after seeing her with Lancelot. (And of course Colin Morgan who is always brilliant and gorgeous, but you all know that anyway!)

Feedback appreciated! Thanks.