Valiant

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

We save Arthur's life and we end up his servants. How is that fair? Merlin thought as he brushed Arthur's horse. Arthur had done everything possible to make his life more difficult. He had had him clean his chambers top to bottom with the smallest brush he could find, clean his armor, walk his hounds, mend his clothes, polish his boots and now she was grooming his horse his horse and it wasn't even mid day.

Mira-Liana on the other hand, hadn't been given such hard work and when she was done with her tasks, she would help Merlin with his chores or spent time with Gwen and Morgana.

That night when he got home he was so relieved collapsed into a chair as Mira-Liana helped massage his stiff and aching muscles. She was quite good with it and the villagers back in Elador had often asked her for back rubs and help with their sore muscles.

"So, how was your first day as Arthur's servants?" Gaius asked.

"It was fine for me, but I think Merlin got the short end of the stick," said Mira-Liana, as she expertly worked on her brother.

"That's one way of putting it. The only reason he doesn't give you any hard work is because he fancies you!" said Merlin.

Mira-Liana went red in the face. "He does not fancy me," she said. "And I don't like him that way."

"Then how do you explain the way he was looking at you last night when you danced?" said Merlin. "Or the way you were looking at him?"

"He has a point," said Gaius. "None of the knights and Arthur could keep their eyes off you. And Arthur asked only you to dance last night."

"Just because he asked me to dance, doesn't mean he likes me that way," Mira-Liana insisted. "And besides, Uther would be furious if a common servant girl and a witch became the next Queen of Camelot and the wife of his first and only son. And another thing, Merlin, do you want to see me married to Arthur?"

"Not particularly, no," said Merlin. "But who knows? Maybe the royal idiot will straighten himself out and win my approval."

"Time will tell. Now, what about your love life? How's Gwen?"

"Gwen and I are just friends, Mir," he said, blushing red.

"Uh-huh," said Mira-Liana. "Alright, I'm going to work on the stiffer parts. Try to keep still and tell me if I hit a really sore spot."

"Don't worry about that. You're doing fine," said Merlin. "Oh, Gaius, it was horrible. And I've got to learn all about etiquette and tournaments by the morning."

Gaius chuckled.

"Pass me the book and turn it to page twelve, would you? My arms are too stiff to move," said Merlin.

"Certainly," said Gaius, passing the book.

"Oh, ahh," said Merlin, as Mira-Liana worked on a very stiff part. Thankfully, the pain was gone within a few seconds. "Heavens, you're good. I just can't believe it. We save Arthur from being killed and we end up his servants. How is that fair?"

"I'm not sure fairness comes into it. You never know, it might be fun," said Gaius.

Mira-Liana chuckled.

"Somehow, I don't think Merlin's jobs are ever going to qualify as fun. Besides, Merlin's got a point. I don't mind not taking credit sometimes, but other times it just really stinks. Arthur gets all the glory and everything else."

"Well, he is the future King. People expect so much for him and he's under a lot of pressure," said Gaius.

"Ahh, that makes three of us," said Merlin.

XXX

Thankfully, Gwen was more than happy to help with the armor, as she knew all there was about it, due to being the blacksmith's daughter. But it was much harder putting it on Arthur than putting it on one of Gwen's father's wooden models, even with Mira-Liana's help.

It didn't help that Arthur seemed to be in tense mood.

"You do know the tournament starts today, don't you, Merlin?" Arthur snapped

"Yes sire," he sighed back. Unable to resist irritating Arthur, he said, "Are you nervous?"

"I don't get nervous," said Arthur.

"Really? I thought everyone got nervous."

"Please just shut up." Arthur shouted at him.

"Right," Merlin said, finally. "I think you're ready."

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Arthur snapped.

Merlin looked blank.

"My sword," said Arthur.

"Right here," said Mira-Liana, handing the blade to him.

Arthur just glared as he began to storm off, but stopped when Mira-Liana said, "Arthur!"

"Yes?" he asked.

"Good luck," she said. "I'm sure you'll be fantastic."

Arthur's expression softened and he nodded. "Thanks, Ana."

When he left, Merlin stared his sister incredulously. "'Ana'?" he repeated.

"Shut up," she snapped.

The tournament went well Arthur won all of his fights. He actually seemed noble and brave when he fought but he was still an arrogant jerk towards Merlin. Until a knight called Valiant, fought his opponent and the opponent fell, but something was wrong. Gaius was with the fallen knight. Merlin and Mira-Liana decided to ask Gaius later.

Valiant came over.

"I was impressed by your victories today," he told Arthur

"Likewise," Arthur replied.

As soon as Valiant left, Mira-Liana muttered, "Creep."

"Don't like him, Ana?" Arthur asked.

"I don't trust him. I can't explain it, but he just scares me a little," she admitted. "He doesn't seem like a true warrior."

"I agree," said Merlin. "Being useful with a sword is one thing, but what you do with it is another."

Arthur smirked. "Well, he won't come near you if I have anything to say about it. Oh, and Merlin, tomorrow you need to brush my tunic, polish my boots, clean out my chambers, sharpen my sword and clean my armor," then he just walked off.

"Why am I not surprised?" Merlin muttered.

XXX

Of course Merlin used magic to clean all of Arthur's clothes, armor, etc. But he had to clean his room by hand. Thankfully, Mira-Liana had done most the jobs, but there was still a bit to be done. Unfortunately Mira-Liana walked in while Arthur's equipment was being cleaned by magic. Everything fell to the floor.

"Relax, it's just me," she said. "But if it'd been Gaius, you'd be in trouble."

"Well, it's a good thing you're not Gaius, then," said Merlin.

"But you should still be more cautious," she said. "Would you come with me? I've got to drop off Arthur's armor and if Valiant's around—"

"Consider it done," said Merlin.

He got up and they carried Arthur's armor together. When they arrived at the armory, there was no one there but a soft noise made them freeze.

"Did you hear something?" Merlin asked.

"Yes, I—"

Another hiss startled them.

"It's coming from over there," said Merlin.

"Valiant's shield?" said Mira-Liana, as she crouched by Merlin.

It was an unusual design, true. Three emerald green snakes surrounded a yellow and white background. They could swear they saw the eyes of one of the snakes blink. Suddenly, they felt a sword at their throats. It was Valiant they stood up to face him.

"What were you doing to my shield?" he demanded.

"We've done nothing. We just came to do something for Prince Arthur, our master. Forgive me my lord, we couldn't help admiring your impressive shield," said Mira-Liana.

Has anyone ever told you how brilliant you are? Merlin asked.

Not as often as I'd like, she said.

"Excuse us, we need to be running errands for our master," said Merlin.

"Very well," said Valiant, sheathing his sword again. "Be on your way."

They nodded and quickly left the room.

XXX

"I can't believe you and your sister did all this. Not bad," Arthur told Merlin, after inspecting his work. Merlin smiled. This was a compliment from Arthur. "Now let's see if you can get me into it without forgetting anything."

Without replying Merlin got him dressed using as much magic as he could get away with without being caught. Merlin then handed him his sword and helmet.

"That was much better, not that it could've been any worse."

"I'm a fast learner," said Merlin, smiling.

"I hope for your sake that's true."

"Good luck,"

Arthur didn't reply and just walked past him.

Merlin and Mira-Liana stayed in the background as Arthur walked into the ring.

"Is it my imagination, or are you by any chance beginning to enjoy your service?" Gaius appeared beside them.

"Well…it's not completely horrible all the time," he admitted.

Mira-Liana smiled.

"Yes," they called joining in with the crowd when Arthur gained any advantage.

When Valiant fought again, Merlin and Mira-Liana were the only ones rooting for Valiant's opponent Knight Ewan. But something was wrong. The knight suddenly collapsed. Valiant had won.

Merlin and Mira-Liana hurried with their duties helping Arthur and rushed home to ask Gaius what was happening.

"How is he?" Mira-Liana asked.

"Not good, look at this these two small wounds. It's a snake bite."

"How can he have been bitten by a snake? He was in a tournament," Merlin asked.

"I don't know," said Gaius.

"Can't you do anything?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Well if it's a snake bite I'll have to extract venom from the snake that bit him to come up with an antidote."

"What happens if he doesn't get the antidote?" asked Merlin.

"Then I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for him, he'll die," said Gaius.

"He was fighting Knight Valiant," said Mira-Liana.

She looked at Merlin and knew he was thinking the same thing she was. But were their suspicions truly possible? They needed to find proof.

They followed Valiant and pushed door open just enough to see inside. Valiant took a mouse and held it over his shield. The three snakes on the shield all came to life and ate the mouse. Merlin and Mira-Liana ran but Valiant heard them and went to investigate. Luckily they managed to stay hidden.

I can't believe this, he's using magic to cheat in the tournament, said Merlin.

Somehow, I can. I just knew there was something wrong with that man. We've got to tell Gaius and warn Arthur. He's going to get himself killed if he fights Valiant, said Mira-Liana. I hope I never see that sight again.

You won't, not if I can help it.

They burst into Gaius's chambers.

"We've just seen the snakes on Valiant's shield come alive!" said Mira-Liana. "He's using magic!"

"Are you sure?" asked Gaius.

"One of the snakes on the shield swallowed a mouse whole. Knight Ewan was fighting Valiant when he collapsed. It must've been one of the snakes on the shield," said Merlin.

"We have to tell Arthur," said Mira-Liana.

"Is there any chance you might be mistaken?"

"We know magic when we see it!" said Mira-Liana.

"Do you have any proof?" Gaius asked.

"Don't you believe us?" asked Merlin.

"I do. But you'll land yourselves in trouble if you go accusing trusted knights of using magic to cheat without any solid evidence. How will you explain why you were in Valiant's chambers?"

"He's right, Merlin" said Mira-Liana. "Uther would never take the word of a servant's over a knight's. And as a woman, my word counts for even less than yours. We need proof."

"Typical," Merlin muttered. "Well, then, we'll go get some proof tomorrow."

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana stared in shock at Arthur's next opponent. He was massive, almost seven feet tall and as broad as a house.

"You're really going to fight that?" said Mira-Liana.

"Yep," said Arthur. "He's strong as a bear, but he's slow."

"And you're fast?" said Merlin.

"Exactly," said Arthur.

"That normally works," said Mira-Liana. "I don't see why it shouldn't now."

But I hope it doesn't.

As predicted, Arthur won the tournament, but this confirmed Mira-Liana's fears. Valiant would fight Arthur in the morning.

"Arthur's going to fight Valiant tomorrow and he'll use the shield to kill him," said Mira-Liana.

"Arthur won't die, I promise you that," said Merlin.

Later that night, they made sure Valiant was at the feast before sneaking into his chambers. Merlin picked up Valiant's sword. It was heavier than it looked but he still just about managed to trace the snake shape on the shield with it. They thought they heard a noise and turned around as a snake rose out of Valiant's shield. Merlin struck its head off with Valiant's sword and the other two came out the shield. Quickly, they picked out the stone head of the dead snake and ran.

Gaius started working on the antidote immediately after gaining venom from the snake's head. Before Mira-Liana and Merlin left, he handed them the snake's head and told them they'd been very brave in what they'd done.

XXX

Arthur stared at the two, incredulously.

"You?" he said. "You chopped its head off?"

"Yes," said Merlin.

"Arthur, you have to listen to us. The snake comes from the shield and bites anyone who could beat Valiant. Knight Ewan was beating him and he got poisoned by a snake," said Mira-Liana. "Ewan was under Valiant's shield, no one could see the snake's bite."

"Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot," said Arthur. "I know neither of you like him and I don't either, but that doesn't mean he's cheating."

"You can talk to Gaius if you want more proof," said Merlin. "When Gaius has finished the antidote, Knight Ewan will tell you what happened. If you fight him, he will use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you and you'll die. Please, have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?"

"We have to talk to your father. He'll listen to you. We're just servants and I'm a woman—our word doesn't count for anything in his eyes," said Mira-Liana.

Arthur sighed. "I'll do it. But only if you swear to me this is true,"

"It is," said Mira-Liana.

Arthur sighed. "Alright, Merlin and I will go. Ana, I don't want you near this. Father's not going to like me accepting Merlin's word and he'll have a heart attack if you're involved. He might take it badly and do something to you. And don't argue with me," he added when Mira-Liana opened her mouth to protest. "Please, just wait while I speak with my father."

Mira-Liana looked reluctant and angry, but nodded. "Alright, I will," she said.

XXX

But nothing ever goes according to plan, does it?

Mira-Liana waited in Arthur's chambers and when he and her brother returned, Arthur looked furious.

Not daring to speak aloud, she said in Merlin's mind, What happened?

Uther didn't believe us. Knight Ewan is dead, Valiant's shield didn't come to life, and Arthur looked like a fool in front of everyone. He didn't mention your name to Uther, but Arthur's still angry.

That isn't good.

Arthur turned to them, anger in his eyes and fury in his voice. "I believed you. I trusted you and you made me look like a complete fool!"

"Well, it didn't go exactly to plan…" said Merlin,

"Didn't go according to plan? My father and the entire Royal Court think I'm a coward! You humiliated me!" he shouted.

"Arthur, please, we can still stop Valiant," said Mira-Liana.

"I no longer require your services—either of you."

"You're sacking us?" said Merlin.

"I need someone I can trust."

"You can trust us," said Mira-Liana.

"And look where it got me, get out of my sight—both of you!"

"As you wish," said Merlin.

He and Mira-Liana reluctantly left the room and went to see the Dragon later that night.

XXX

Merlin carried the torch with one hand and held his sister's with the other.

"Where are you?" Merlin called to the Dragon "I just came to tell you you've got the wrong people. Whatever you think our destiny is; you're wrong."

"That winged nuisance isn't going to show up, Merlin. Let's just go," she muttered. Loudly, she said, "Good-bye, Dragon."

She was upset by Arthur's words and actions and nothing seemed to make her feel better. Whatever her destiny was—being Arthur's protector or wife—it didn't matter to her any longer. How could she protect or love someone that hated her?

They were about to leave when a noise startled them and the Dragon appeared.

"If only it were that easy to escape one's destiny," he said.

"How we protect someone who hates us?" Merlin demanded.

"He doesn't want anything to do with us—let alone love me," said Mira-Liana.

The Dragon smirked. "One half can never truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon, the two of you shall learn that."

"Great, more riddles," said Merlin.

"That yours and Arthur's destiny lies together is but the truth," said the Dragon.

"Meaning, what, exactly?" Mira-Liana, demanded.

"You know, young witch and warlock, this is not the end—only the beginning."

"Just give us a straight answer!" Merlin shouted.

But the Dragon flew off, unwilling to tell them anymore.

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana sat on the front steps, thinking of the Dragon's words and what they could do when Gwen came over and sat by them.

"Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?" she asked.

They just nodded.

"What're you going to do?"

"Why does everyone think it stands to us to do something?" said Merlin.

"Because it is, isn't it?"

Mira-Liana sighed. "We don't know anymore, Gwen. Arthur doesn't want anything to do with us after yesterday. You should've seen the way he looked at us. What do you think we should do?"

"I don't know," she admitted.

Mira-Liana was silent but then a statue of a dog caught her and suddenly an idea hit her.

Merlin, look at that.

Look at what?

Look at the dog statue. If Valiant can make his shield's snakes come alive with magic, maybe we can do the same. Come on!

They persuaded Gwen to put in her wheelbarrow and they carried it to their room—ignoring the protests of Gaius—to try and bring it to life.

"Who should do it?" Merlin asked.

"You know our magic is stronger when we work together. We'll both do this," she said.

They held on to each other's hand and said, "Mbay umdofay arisam quicam."

Together, they worked on the spell and concentrated as hard as they could, but the spell did nothing and in the end, they got frustrated and went to see Arthur.

XXX

Arthur was standing by the fire with his back towards them.

"I thought I told the two of you to get out of my sight," he said.

"It might've escaped your notice, but we don't always do as we're told," said Merlin.

"Arthur, please, you don't have to listen, but just hear us out. If you fight tomorrow, Valiant will use the shield against you," said Mira-Liana.

"I know."

"Then withdraw," said Merlin.

"Don't you understand? I can't withdraw. I'm the future King! I have to show that I can lead men into battle."

"Arthur, if you fight, you will die!" said Mira-Liana.

"Then I die," said Arthur.

The two sighed.

"How can you do this?" asked Merlin.

"Do what?" asked Arthur.

"Face your death," said Merlin.

"I have to, it's my duty. I know I'm a coward, but I have to do this."

"Don't you ever say that," said Mira-Liana, her voice suddenly fierce.

"You are not a coward," said Merlin.

"Yes, I am. I'm frightened."

Mira-Liana felt it was safe to walk over and put her hand on his shoulder. "Arthur, listen to me, being brave is not whether or not you're scared. Being brave is when you feel fear, but you still go through with the job that's right. You may be a lot of things, but you are not a coward. You're one of the bravest and greatest men I've ever met. Even if you act like an idiot sometimes."

Arthur sight and smiled a little before touching her cheek. "I appreciate your words, but I still have to go through with this. I'm sorry."

They could do no more to persuade him, so they left the Prince's chambers and headed back to their room. All night long, they worked on the spell, determined not to let Arthur be killed. They would do whatever it took to stop Valiant.

XXX

Morning followed and Arthur was having his armor placed on. Arthur should have been thinking about his impending death but his thoughts were on Merlin and Mira-Liana. Mira-Liana's words echoed through his head "You're one of the bravest and greatest men I've ever met."

Women had called him brave before but there was something about Mira-Liana that made people sure she spoke the truth or at least what she believed was the truth. It wasn't only her words that had touched him. The way she'd stood up for her brother when they'd met, her beauty and bravery and the way it'd felt she'd placed her hand on his shoulder…

"Let me help," A woman's voice told him. Arthur couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed when he saw it was Morgana. But he let her help him.

"Arthur; be careful," she called to him but, it meant nothing to him. He had always known Morgana cared about him and wanted to be his queen. The thought of having a queen turned his thoughts back to Mira-Liana. No. He told himself she would never be his. He didn't want her to be his. Did he? Arthur sighed. It was too late to worry about that now, he stepped into the battleground and walked to his death.

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana kept muttering the spell as they drifted in and out of sleep. Eventually, a dog's barking startled them. The spell had worked and the dog had come to life!

"We did it!" said Merlin.

"Yes!" said Mira-Liana. Her face paled. "Oh, no, it's dawn. We need to go, now."

"On my way," he said.

They ran into Gaius.

"Arthur is fighting Valiant!" he said.

"We know, we're on our way," said Merlin.

"Oh, whatever you do, stay out of our room. We'll deal with it, later," said Mira-Liana.

They ran into the stadium and hid behind a pillar. It couldn't be more perfect. If they kept hidden, no one would tell they were wielding magic and Valiant could be revealed as the monster he was.

Merlin felt a wave of fear, both from himself and Mira-Liana as Arthur fell to the ground, but quickly got back up and fought.

Mira-Liana and Merlin grabbed each other's hands and raised their free ones as they focused and said, "Mbay umdofay arisam quicam."

To everyone's horror—and Valiant's shock—the snakes appeared out of the shield.

"What're you doing?" he asked, alarmed. "I didn't summon you!"

"He's using magic!" Uther hissed.

"Now, they see you for what you really are!" said Arthur, smugly.

Valiant, however, didn't look defeated as the snakes slithered out of his shield and he ordered them to kill Arthur. Merlin and Mira-Liana felt more fear and guilt. They hadn't thought about what would happen after the snakes came out of the shield! But, thankfully, Morgana tossed Arthur a sword, which he used to kill the snakes and kill Valiant.

Relief flooded Merlin and Mira-Liana as the crowd cheered Arthur and he looked proud of himself. As he passed by the two, he smiled at Mira-Liana and patted Merlin's shoulder.

At the feast, Uther declared Arthur to be Camelot's champion and then the Prince came in, with Morgana on his arm.

"I told you he gets everything," said Merlin, to Gaius.

"Almost everything," said Mira-Liana, softly.

"And he owes it all to you two," said Gaius.

Mira-Liana smiled, but it didn't meet her eyes as Arthur's conversation with Morgana met their ears.

"…not everyday a girl gets to save her prince," said Morgana.

"Well, I wouldn't say I needed saving, exactly. I'm sure I would've thought of something," said Arthur.

"See, you're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl," said Morgana.

"Because I wasn't," said Arthur.

"You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me," said Morgana.

"Me too," said Arthur. "Then I wouldn't have to listen to you."

"Fine!" said Morgana.

"Fine!" said Arthur.

Merlin and Mira-Liana chuckled as Arthur came over to them.

"Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me. Like I needed any help," he said.

"You'd never admit it even if you did," said Mira-Liana.

"True," he said. He sighed. "I wanted to say…I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you two."

Merlin and Mira-Liana smiled.

"That's alright. You can buy us some drinks and we'll call it even," said Merlin.

"Uh, I can't really be seen buying drinks for my servants," said Arthur.

Mira-Liana teasingly raised an eyebrow. "Your servants?" she said. "You sacked us, remember?"

"Now I'm rehiring you," said Arthur. "There are a ton of jobs to be completed tomorrow and I really need the two of you to get on it." But he looked at them and nodded. "Alright, I'll buy you drinks, but don't get used to this. And Ana?"

"Yes?" she asked.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked.

She nodded and as she took his hand, she shot a quick glare at Merlin, who was looking extremely smug.