The Rivals, Part I
Children of the Druids
Chapter 2
Camelot is bustling, even more than usual, with the combatants and spectators who have gathered for the three-day sword fighting tournament due to start the next day. It's an annual event, and Arthur has been champion for years. However, this is the first tournament held since he was crowned King, and Arthur has reluctantly decided not to participate. His uncle Agravaine had argued long and hard to convince him that it would not be appropriate for the King to compete. Arthur recognizes the wisdom of this decision, but it still rankles. He will miss the thrill of the competition, of pitting his skills, honed since before he can remember, against those of the challengers. And winning, of course, always winning. But for now he has to content himself with seeing which of his knights will earn the mantle of champion in this year's contest.
At the banquet, he looks down the table at the assembled knights, courtiers and guests, thinking about what he is going to say in his welcoming toast. He really dislikes public speaking, preferring action to pretty speeches, even those Merlin writes for him. But wearing the crown brings additional responsibilities.
The gathering is a merry one, all feeling the anticipation of the tournament. He gestures at his wine glass, knowing that Merlin will be behind him, ready to serve. Merlin pours some wine into his goblet, setting the carafe on the table and steps back to leave room for Arthur to rise. Arthur takes a deep breath. He stands, goblet in hand and waits for silence.
He gets it immediately. He looks around the room as it quiets to make sure he has everyone's attention. When he has all eyes, he smiles and holds his goblet up. "Lords and Ladies, combatants and guests, welcome to Camelot's annual sword fighting tournament. Once again, we are proud to welcome the finest, most skilled swordsmen in the realm and neighboring kingdoms. Over the next three days, we all will witness and appreciate the skills of our ablest warriors as they compete for the prize – one thousand gold pieces!" He pauses. "I will not be competing this year . . . "
"So finally someone else can win!" one of the knights at the far end calls out to much laughter throughout the hall. Even Arthur manages a smile.
". . . but will be pleased to present the award to the next champion." He raises his goblet and takes a drink as all at the tables follow. "May the best man win!"
Merlin starts clapping to lead the applause, beaming with pride. All cheer the King. When Arthur sits, and the assemblage resumes eating and conversing, Arthur signals to Merlin to come over.
"Yes, Sire?" Merlin says, still smiling.
"Ask Sir Leon to attend me in my chambers immediately after the feast."
Merlin looks down the table at Leon who is deep in conversation with the chamberlain, Sir Lionel. "I think he's busy, Sire."
"Now, Merlin." Merlin nods at this and walks down to where Leon is seated and speaks to him briefly. Leon looks up and nods his assent to Arthur.
xXx
Later that evening, Merlin is kneeling at the hearth, building the fire for the night. Arthur is seated in his favorite chair with the fur throw, his back to the door to his chambers. He's relaxing after the feast, wearing only his red tunic after Merlin had helped him remove his armor and mail. The crown that he had worn at the celebration was tossed casually on the table nearby. He frowns as he reads a document that Lord Agravaine has just handed him.
"What is this, Uncle?" Arthur says to Agravaine, who is seated across from him. "Do you really think this levy is necessary?"
"Yes, Arthur. I reviewed the household accounts with Sir Lionel today. To continue to pay for the service staff you have in the castle, additional funds will be needed." Agravaine says. "Unless of course you would be willing to cut some superfluous servants."
He looks over at Merlin, still tending the fire. Arthur follows his gaze. Merlin, sensing their eyes on him, rises, and says to Arthur, "will that be all, Sire?"
"No, Merlin. I need you to stay. Make yourself useful until Sir Leon arrives."
Merlin busies himself with collecting the bits and pieces of Arthur's armor that had been scattered about earlier, and placing them on the chest near the door. George will take care of them tomorrow, to make sure it's all polished, gleaming and shiny. He retrieves Arthur's nightclothes from the wardrobe, laying them out on the bed. He's turning down the bed, when there is a knock on the door.
"I will consider your proposals, Uncle," Arthur says to Agravaine, by way of dismissal. "Good night."
Agravaine rises. "Good night, Arthur."
Merlin crosses the room and opens the door to admit Leon as Agravaine leaves the room.
"Ah, Sir Leon. Please come in." Arthur smiles at his first knight, who enters and bows his head. Leon moves into the room to stand across the table from Arthur, who gestures to him to take a seat. "I have a favor to ask of you."
Leon sits stiffly in the chair recently vacated by Agravaine. "Yes, my Lord. You have only to ask."
"I would like to borrow Aurelius for a few days to go with Merlin to the Druid encampment," Arthur says. "For protection."
"I don't need protection," Merlin mutters from the doorway. Arthur and Leon ignore him.
"But what about the tournament? Aurelius is my squire; I'll need his assistance."
"Right. Of course." Arthur leans back in his chair, twisting around to look at Merlin who is still standing near the door. "See, Merlin? Sir Leon needs his squire. You can take one of the Orkney twins." Merlin freezes in place.
"No!" Leon interjects a bit forcefully. "He can't."
Arthur turns his head back and gives Leon a good hard look. "Why not? Neither one works with any specific knight. They aren't really needed for the next few days."
Leon knows of the Orkney twins' deception* when they accused Merlin falsely in the theft of a knife a few years earlier and the price that Merlin paid. He hasn't the proof to bring his suspicions to Arthur, but still does not trust them with Merlin.
"I don't need anyone. I'll be perfectly fine," Merlin insists, walking toward Arthur at the table. Arthur and Leon still ignore him.
"You're right, Sire. Aurelius is a much better choice. Of course, he should go."
"All settled, then," Arthur says with satisfaction.
"I don't need protection," Merlin repeats, stepping forward to stand near Leon. "Aurelius should stay here."
"Leon, tell Aurelius to be ready to depart with Merlin and the Druid at first light." Arthur glares at Merlin, who is fidgeting at Leon's side. "Thank you, Leon. Have a good night."
Leon bows for Arthur, glances at Merlin, and leaves the room without another word.
"But, Arthur," Merlin starts to object again.
"Shut up, Merlin. You may go. You leave in the morning. With an escort."
*A/N: See "The Squires' Revenge" by Nantasyland for the back-story of Orkney brothers' history with Merlin.
