A Knight Named Valiant:
Merlin had been working for the royal prat for a week when a tournament took place. Knights came from far and wide for a chance to compete in the tournament and win 1000 gold pieces along with the honour of earning the title of Champion.
Arthur had been forcing Merlin to help him train for the tournament which was not something the warlock enjoyed doing. He'd never had any experience with weaponry and had no idea what he was supposed to be doing.
When he returned to Gaius's chambers after training the day before the tournament Merlin's ears were ringing. Groaning Merlin summoned a book on tournament etiquette and tried to concentrate on what the book was telling him. Gaius gave his nephew a stern look for using his magic so causally in Camelot.
Since Merlin knew nothing about armour he sought aid from someone who did. Since Gwen was the daughter of a blacksmith she knew everything there was to know about armour and the warlock spent the afternoon in the blacksmith's house as Gwen imparted all of her knowledge to him. This enabled Merlin to help Arthur into his armour reasonably successfully the following day.
At the tournament grounds, Gwen sat with the Lady Morgana in the stands both watching the proceedings excitedly. King Uther strutted up and down in front of the rows of competing knights.
"Knights of the realm, it's a great honour to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of 1,000 gold pieces. It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!" The king declared. As he walked away to sit upon his throne, he hissed at his son to make him proud.
The tournament commences and Arthur and a knight named Valiant both perform particularly well and both make it through to the next day's competition. As Merlin and Arthur stand near the tournament ground watching the final matches of the day, Valiant approaches to offer Arthur his congratulations on the day's victories.
"Likewise." Arthur responded.
"I hope to see you at the reception this evening." Valiant stated before walking away, his servant hurrying along in his wake.
"Creep." Muttered Merlin. Arthur must have heard him because he snorted with amusement before giving Merlin a long list of chores to complete before the morning. Merlin used magic to get them done. Gaius was not amused.
The following morning when Merlin went to fetch the prince's armour from the armoury, he heard a hissing sound coming from Knight Valiant's shield. Before he could investigate however the knight himself walked in to collect his own armour.
One of the first matches of the day was between Valiant and Sir Ewan. Valiant managed to knock Sir Ewan over and pinned him down with his shield. Emrys suddenly felt a rush of dark magic coming from the shield. Remembering the hissing from earlier the warlock was uneasy and cast a spell allowing him to see what was happening to Sir Ewan just as a snake came out of the shield and bit the poor knight's neck.
"Bebay odothay arisan quickum." Emrys murmured softly so no one else would hear him as Valiant stood up straight again. Three snakes suddenly jumped out of the shield.
"What are you doing? I didn't summon you!" yelled Valiant in annoyance.
"Sorcery! Guards! Arrest him!" shouted Uther pointing at Valiant who was escorted to the dungeons while Arthur dispatched the highly venomous snakes and Gaius had Sir Ewan taken to his chambers for treatment. The rest of the tournament passed without incident though Gaius missed it due to finding an antidote to the snake venom.
Once the tournament was finished and Arthur had been crowned the victor, Valiant was given a trial. He only received this honour because he was a noble. Uther had already decided the man's guilt. The day ended with Valiant's execution.