Chapter 7

Today was one of the more rare occasions of Hazel's new life. With some extreme luck, she had managed to finish a good portion of her duties early, and thus she had a little free time to herself. With little else to do, she would spend these days practicing writing the alphabet while watching Arthur, Percival, and Kay as they trained in the courtyard. Sir Ector was acting as their instructor, and it was clear that the older man had his work cut out for him with his three young protégés.

First and foremost was Arthur himself. When training, the boy had put his true sword away in favor of a wooden blade for fear that he would damage it, and his feelings weren't unjustified. His skinny features produced little force when he swung his weapon, and he seemed to grow tired quickly. What was worse, for him at least, was his ever clumsy mannerisms. Sir Ector would give him the order to charge with a jab, and the boy would trip on his own feet and fall on his face just inches from where his target stood. Still, much to Ector's pride, the boy never gave up, and each time he tried harder and harder.

Next was Percival, whom provided many headaches for Ector, both technically and literally. The boy had insisted on not wearing his glasses, stating that they gave him an image unbecoming of a knight, and he also made the argument that he would be of better use to his king and country if he could learn to fight without them. Though Ector had his doubts, he did in small part find truth in his words and permitted him to continue. He quickly came to regret this decision as Percival would swing the sword madly in all directions to strike down the target dummy. In the process, he knocked over a weapons rack and scattered several spears all over the ground, hit Ector three times in the head, scared a horse in the nearby stable that ran off while the stable hand was dragged behind by its reins, broke a window, and struck Arthur in the chest until the wooden sword finally flew out of his hand. All the while, the target had remained completely unscathed, and Ector had an aching head for his troubles. Percival felt very small at this point, and he quietly replaced his glasses over his face, not even bothering to reclaim his lost sword.

Then there was Kay. During the entire session, the eldest boy had sat back and watched the two flounder about under Ector's tutelage. He had gotten several laughs in, though he didn't seem too intent on training himself. Earlier, Ector had griped at the boy and told him he needed to practice. In reply, Kay merely yawned, and he then started to doze. However, karma has an odd sense of irony, as the sword that Percival had incidentally thrown had went whistling through the air and into his face, waking him up and knocking him to the ground. He came up with a twisted nose and a murderous look, and Percival quickly made himself scarce. Sir Ector merely groaned as he rubbed his aching head, and he told the boys that it was time for a short break. Kay stormed his way back into the castle to tend to his injuries, and he was followed by Ector whom was in search of something to clear his migraine. This left Arthur and Percival alone. Arthur put away his wooden sword, and then he reclined against the wall of the castle.

"That could have gone a whole lot better." he grumbled as he wiped sweat off of his brow.

"I concur." Percival piped in.

"But don't lose heart just yet, your highness. After all, it's like Master Merlin says. Rome wasn't built in a day."

"No, but that's how long it took for Pompeii to be destroyed." Arthur retorted negatively.

Percival flinched, almost sorry he had said anything. Arthur's confidence had taken many effective blows over the past couple of weeks. The Saxons had been getting very abrasive lately, and their victims were bringing all of their grievances straight to the young king. As his knight, Percival desperately wanted to help, but, sadly, he was every bit as clueless about what to do as his lord. For the most part, it seemed that these raids were spearheaded by a saxon lord by the name of Averil the Wild, and what a proper title the man had. He was a very belligerent fellow that lived in a manor somewhere in the woods that sat at the mountain foothills. He seemed to delight himself in causing pain to others, as well as force those weaker than himself to do his bidding. For all intents and purposes, he was a monster, and one that few men were willing to stand against. Arthur had been spending several restless nights trying to decide how to handle the situation, particularly in finding him. The man was a shadow, there one moment and then just gone. Percival gave his head a shake to ward off a cold shiver running down his spine. The idea of one day facing the man was not among the many fantasies he had regularly concerning knighthood. To clear his mind, and perhaps to ease Arthur's, he looked about the courtyard for some sort of distraction, and he quickly spotted their fellow classmate, Hazel.

"Oi, Miss Hazel. How are you today?"

He had intentionally made this a declaration rather than a simple salutation. As he had hoped, it had gotten Arthur's attention, and the boy was now walking over to the red head. He peered over Hazel's shoulder and saw that she was working on her alphabet.

"You're getting a lot better." he said approvingly.

"You're not drawing them as crookedly as you used to. Give it a week or two more, and you'll be writing in complete sentences."

Hazel looked up at him and smiled. She had been working very hard lately, even staying up later so that she could practice writing whole words rather than letters.

"How about your speech?" Percival said, officially joining the conversation.

"Archimedes has been working exceptionally hard on that with you. Have you learned to anything, yet?"

Hazel beamed at him, clearly excited he had asked. She had been waiting for just the right time to try this, and now seemed to be just the time. She reached into her apron pocket and produced a bright red apple. She quickly thought over Archimedes' lessons, and how it was important to break down the word into pieces, saying each part one at a time.

"A-ap-ple." she said with a small giggle of triumph. It was always so refreshing to hear her own voice rather than a squirrel chirp. It just continued to prove to her how real this situation really was. She looked at Arthur and Percival, and the two boys clapped and smiled.

"Masterfully done, Miss Hazel." Percival praised.

"Yeah." Arthur chimed in.

"Archimedes has done really well in his teachings. Won't be long until we can't get you to stop talking."

The two boys laughed and Hazel joined in, though she wasn't quite sure she got the joke. She set her notepad on the ground and stood up to stretch. She then spotted the wooden sword that Percival had thrown, and she walked over to it and picked it up. She studied it curiously before swinging it a few times like she had seen Percival and Arthur do. It felt somewhat clunky in her grip, and she had a harder time holding it up than the other two had. Arthur watched her curiously, and he couldn't help but laugh as she swung the sword.

"I guess that makes three of us that need practice."

Arthur nodded in kind, and he seemed less and less stressed than before. He looked up to the sky, admiring the clouds and the warm, spring weather. He wished that days could always be like this: quiet, carefree, and none of the nonsense that had come with him gaining the kingdom. He walked over and reclaimed his wooden sword, giving it a few practice swings. Hazel paused what she was doing and looked at him. Slowly a wicked little smirk etched its way across her lips. Just as Arthur paused to rest, she lunged at him and swung her wooden sword.

"Woah! What? Woah!"

Arthur, not expecting the assault, began to stumble backward. In the process, his sword arm swung upwards, and he deflected Hazel's attack. The girl pressed forward, knocking Arthur further backward until the boy finally found his footing and held up his sword to block. The blades collided with a loud crack, and Hazel grinned wickedly. Arthur breathed hard as his heart began to beat madly in his chest. He hadn't expected Hazel to act like this, as any girl he had ever met in the past, which were few, had only ever wanted to wear pretty dresses and that sort of thing. Hazel, however, was proving to be quite the opposite. She was having mad fun as she pressed her assault, and it was difficult for him to keep up. Percival was likewise stunned, and he whispered a silent prayer in thanks that his mother wasn't here to see this. Oh, the things she would say.

At last, Arthur found his footing once more. This time, he attacked and forced her back. Hazel giggled madly, her feet a blur as she stepped back. They carried on for a few more minutes until they both collapsed onto the ground, both breathing hard and gasping for air. After a few moments, Arthur began to chuckle, and then he started to laugh. Hazel soon followed suite, followed by Percival. The three friends rolled against the ground and clung tightly to their sides as they let the mirth of the moment take hold. After a short fit of giggles and guffaws, they finally regained their composure and allowed themselves to breathe.

"Splendid work on your part, Miss Hazel." Percival gasped with a small smile.

"I believe that was just what we all needed."

"You got that right." Arthur said between breathes before sitting upright.

"I don't even remember the last time I was able to laugh like that. I'm actually sorry it stopped."

"Then allow me to remedy that, lad!"

The trio looked up to Merlin and Archimedes walking out into the courtyard, the friendly wizard carrying a picnic basket in one hand, and a large blanket in the other.

"You have all been working hard lately in your schooling," Merlin said.

"So Archimedes and I have decided to treat you all to a well-deserved picnic. I have plenty of wonderful food and a few games I am sure you will enjoy."

Percival and Hazel beamed with excitement, and they both scrambled to their feet.

"A welcome idea, sir Merlin." Percival said.

Hazel nodded feverishly in agreement. As for Arthur, however, the boy was frowning with uncertainty.

"I don't know, Merlin. I mean, I am the king, and I should probably be here if…"

"Nonsense boy!" Merlin interjected, cutting him off.

"Even kings need time for rest and relaxation. I mean just look at you, when was the last time you had a decent night's sleep."

Arthur opened his mouth.

"…that's what I thought," Merlin continued, leaving Arthur with his mouth hanging open.

"Now then, it's settled. I've already set up a wagon out front, so let's be on our way. Come on, lad. Pick up the pace. Pick up! Pick up!"

Merlin started ushering Arthur along with his cane, and Hazel and Percival fell in behind them. Before they knew it, they were bouncing down the road and onto the beautiful countryside. For Hazel, it was almost like going home. Living in the castle could, at times, be very gloomy, and she missed the sights and smells of nature. They came to a stop in a meadow a few yards away from a nearby forest. Hazel was the first to bounce out of the cart, dancing her way through a patch of wild flowers. Merlin laughed as he watched her go, and he soon followed along with Arthur and Percival. As the bespectacled soothsayer spread out a blanket, Percival came up carrying the basket. He was wearing a puzzled expression.

"Master Merlin, how much actually did you pack? I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging or anything, but there's hardly any weight to this basket."

Merlin grinned at him and chuckled.

"My boy, you should know me better than that by now. Open the lid, won't you? Arthur, Hazel, have a seat."

The two did as they were told, and Percival lifted the lid on the basket. Merlin produced his wand, and he tapped the side of the basket three times.

"Higitus figutus! Hockety Pockety!"

The basket suddenly bounced up and down, and then small plates began to weave their way out of the basket. They then grew to regular size, and they were followed by Merlin's tea set. Within moments, an entire feast's worth of food had presented itself before them, and the students cheered at their teacher's handiwork. Merlin allowed himself a chuckle a playful bow, incidentally knocking Archimedes off of his cap.

"You are all too kind. Feel free to dig in, kids. There's plenty to go around."

There was no hesitation on the children's part. They quickly got to work sampling Merlin's wares, and their faces were evidence enough that they approved. Both Arthur and Percival were making quick work of a roasted chicken while Hazel quietly tended to a salad and hazel nuts, and she was doing her best not to be disgusted by the sight. She had come to terms with the diets of humans, especially thanks to Merlin's science lesson and her own personal experiences. Some creatures preferred meat while other ate vegetables. However, that didn't mean she had to like the sight of it. When the meal was finished, Merlin stood and popped a kink in his back.

"Alright, then. What say we have a little fun before we dive into the dessert, eh?"

He extended his arms and pulled on his right sleeve.

"Nothing in this sleeve."

He opened the other sleeve. "Nothing in this sleeve."

He then scratched his chin thoughtfully and pat his sides.

"Now where did I put that thing?"

Suddenly, his eyes brightened.

"Aha! Of course! It's under my hat."

He lifted his hat, and out fell a ball and a long, flat stick with a round handle. This brought about another cheer from the children, though they were all also wearing confused looks. Arthur gathered up the items, and he studied them carefully.

"What are these for, Merlin?"

"Cricket, my boy!" Merlin said with no small amount of excitement.

"It is a sport that won't be invented for another thousand years or so, but I felt that you all deserved a special treat."

Percival took the cricket bat from Arthur with a look of utter amazement.

"Fascinating. Truly astounding. I do marvel at your powers at times, Master Merlin."

Merlin gave them a deep bow.

"Thank you, Percy, I deeply appreciate the compliment. Now then," he took the bat and the ball back. "Let's play ball!"

In a matter of moments, a set of wooden stakes called wickets were set up a few feet apart from one another. Percival was the first at bat, and he eagerly stood waiting for Merlin to toss the ball, or, as the elder had put it, bowl it. The old wizard had exchanged his hat for a baseball cap, which he flipped backwards. He stepped back from his wicket a small ways, took a running start, and then he pitched the ball towards Percival. It bounced once, and then Percival struck it right and true. The ball bounced outside of the pitch area twice before Arthur dove for it. By then, Percival had already scored a run at the first wicket, and he was running for the second to score another. Arthur scrambled for the second post, and he slid across the ground and tapped the ball to the wicket just before Percival could score another run.

"Runner out!" Merlin declared. "Masterful try, Percy, but its Hazel's turn now."

The young knight nodded, and he handed the cricket bat to Hazel.

"Godspeed, Miss Hazel. I will be rooting for you."

The girl nodded and she took the bat with zeal. She trotted over to her wicket and she waggled the bat readily for the bowl. Merlin tossed the ball, and it bounced once across the ground. Hazel swung the bat, but it was a bit too soon. The ball bounced against the wicket, and Merlin declared the first strike. Hazel frowned as Percival tossed the ball back to Merlin, but she immediately struck a ready pose as the old wizard lined up again for another bowl. There went the pitch, and Hazel swung her bat. There was a sharp crack, and Hazel giggled with glee as it bounced a few feet away.

"Run, Hazel!" Percival commanded.

"Grab the ball, Arthur!" Merlin called.

Both individuals immediately dropped into sprints. Arthur managed to scoop up the ball, and he spun around to throw the ball at the wicket. However, his legs became tangled due to the sudden motion, and he fell down flat on his face. Hazel immediately stopped, and she rushed over to where he was. She helped him to his feet and looked him over. There had been a rock where he had fallen, and he had torn his shirt and scratched his stomach. Hazel grew concerned, and she beckoned Merlin over. The elderly wizard's cap disappeared and replaced itself with his usual hat, and he trotted over and inspected Arthur.

"No worries, Hazel." he said with a smile.

"Just a scratch. You alright, lad?"

Arthur slowly got to his knees, and he had his head lowered.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

He got up, and he started to walk off.

"Uh, I-I need a minute."

Merlin frowned as he watched him go, and he looked to his other students.

"Percival, why don't you and Hazel clean up the lunch area? I'll be right back."

He briskly made his way after the young king with Archimedes flying alongside him. They found Arthur sitting at the edge of a river, absently throwing rocks into the water. Merlin moved in and took a seat at his side. Very carefully so as not to startle his young ward, he gingerly set his hand on his shoulder, and he cleared his throat.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Arthur didn't speak for a long moment as he stared down at his own reflection in the water's surface. At last, he looked up to his teacher.

"I'm sorry, Merlin. I'm trying to have fun, I really, really am. It's just that all I can think about is that, when it's all over, the madness will just start all over again. People will be piling into the throne room bringing me problems I don't know how to solve. The Saxons are going to burn down another village, and just be gone by the time I even think to send anyone. Not to mention that any time I've tried to make alliances with the local nobles, they just laugh in my face. It's the same thing over and over every day because nobody will take me seriously."

Merlin frowned. There were times he forgot that Arthur was only thirteen years old. Even with Merlin's guidance, he was still very much a child, and responsibilities like this would be crushing on even the most experienced of men. He opened his mouth in an attempt to say something soothing, but nothing came. What could he say? That everything would get better soon? That would be the worst possible lie he could tell the boy, especially at this point. It was only going to get harder from here on. Arthur flashed his mentor a pitiful look, as though he were looking for something.

"Merlin, you always say that knowledge and wisdom were the real power. So, tell me what I gotta do that'll make this better. You just have to know!"

Merlin rubbed the back of his neck as a large lump grew in his throat. He was silent for a few moments as he gathered his thoughts, and then he sighed.

"Lad, I'm afraid that there isn't much I can tell you. True, I did say that knowledge was the root of all greatness, but that is just one of the main keys needed to truly become a man of character."

Arthur felt his heart sink to his feet. This was certainly not what he had wanted to hear, and it only added to his mounting grief. However, he did see a small ray of hope within his instructor's grim words.

"If that is just one of the keys, then what else is there?"

Merlin smiled.

"I'm glad you asked, lad. First of all, there's…"

Suddenly, there was a loud scream, and the two jolted to standing positions. Arthur listened carefully, and he was certain he could hear the sounds of battle along with shouts from Percival. Arthur suddenly bolted off in the direction of the quarrel.

"Wart! Wait!" Merlin called after his protégé. He rushed to follow after him, but he tripped over the trim of his robe.

"Infernal thing!"

Arthur pumped his legs hard until he could at last see the sight where they had been having their picnic, and then the scene unfolded before him. There was two of them; a pair of men dressed from head to toe in fur. They were bulky brutes, and one of them even bore a Saxon flag like a cape across his back. Arthur didn't recognize these men from any reports given by the local knights around his kingdom, but one did have a wolf tattoo on his arm signifying his allegiance was to none other than Averil's lot. But that wasn't frightened Arthur most. No, it was the fact that Hazel was being held under the flag bearer's arm, kicking and screaming madly in a futile attempt to escape his grip. As for Percival, the older boy was warding off the second attacker with the cricket bat. He ducked under a swipe from the enemy's sword, and then he bashed him hard in the hard, knocking him now. As for his companion, however, had already saddled onto his horse, and he rode off with Hazel in tow. Arthur didn't have the time to think about it. He scrambled about looking for some means to chase after them, and his gaze fell on the other man's horse. He rushed over to the old nag and jumped up for the stirrup. However, as his lousy luck would have it, the action had startled his new mount. The horse reared back onto its back legs, causing Arthur to get his leg tangled up in the stirrup.

"Woah? What? Woah!"

Just like that, the horse took off with Arthur hanging on for dear life onto the side of the saddle. Fortunately, the horse was galloping in the same direction as its former master's partner. Arthur clung madly to the running mare as they closed in on his target. Within moments, the two horses were side-by-side. From his position on the horse, Arthur could see that he was perfectly adjacent to the saddle strap on the other horse, though it was a long reach. Nevertheless, he had to try. He leaned forward, trying his hardest to grab the strap, though it always seemed to evade his hand at just the last moment. He could now feel his feet slipping loose from his horse's stirrup. Met with no other option, Arthur coiled his legs and brought himself closer to the side of his horse. Then, with what little muscle he could muster, he sprang outward, coming loose from his horse's stirrup and grapping onto the saddle strap of the other horse. The sudden weight caused it to pull loose, and now the Saxon's saddle was starting to slip to one side. No longer able to maintain his balance, the man fell over to one side of his horse with Hazel in tow, and the two rolled across the ground as the horse galloped away without a single thought. Arthur also hit the dirt, just narrowly evading the horse's stomping hooves, and he slowly got up to his knees. The Saxon had already recovered, and his green eyes burned with a feral rage.

"You sniveling likkle brat!" he bellowed as he produced a wooden club. "I'll box ye wot good for makin' me trip!"

Arthur struggled to his feet, trying his best to muster up a look that was meant to intimidate. Instead, he looked more like he was having a stomach ache.

"You are outside of your territory, Saxon! I order you to return to the lands you came from!"

The man got a good laugh out of that.

"O' really? Well, who do ye think ye are to be tellin' me to get?"

Arthur straightened his spine to make himself taller, and he pushed back his fear to keep his voice from cracking.

"My name is Arthur Pendragon, son of Uther Pendragon, and I am the king of all England!"

To Arthur's shock, the declaration seemed to stun his new foe. For a few fleeting moments, Arthur actually felt that he may force his opponent to retreat, but his hopes were dashed when the big oaf began to laugh so hard that he had to lean over to catch his breathe.

"You?!" he gasped between breathes. "Ye ain't nottin' but a beardless welp! That were a good jest."

Arthur managed to maintain his glare, though he took a tiny step back.

"I AM the king, and if you don't back off, then I will…"

By then, the man was standing in front of him, and he seized Arthur by the front of the shirt, lifting him up off the ground. Arthur now had a clear view of the ugly man's face, his rancid breath, and his yellow, crooked teeth.

"Go on ahead, whelp." he hissed, pulling Arthur closer. "Whatcha gonna do?"

Unbeknownst to the two, Hazel had recovered from her fall, and she gave her head a shake to clear it. She then spied Arthur's predicament, and a curtain of red shaded over her eyes. Without a moment's thought, she charged in, dived for one of the Saxon's legs, and then bit down hard. The man suddenly forgot about the boy in his hand, dropping him, and he bellowed with rage. He bent down and yanked Hazel away from his leg.

"Why ye likkle pest! I'll fix you, I will!"

"I think not, my ill speaking friend!"

Merlin had at last caught up with Arthur, and by now he was fuming angry. With stick in hand, he charged onto the battlefield as he declared his spell.

"Higgitus, figgutus, wockety, WAP! Lightning strike with a zap and a ZAP!"

The sky grew dark, and, with a clap of thunder, a bolt of lightning streaked down. The man released Hazel, whom scrambled to get away, but it was too late to avoid the bolt. It struck him head on, leaving him a smoldering mess. It hadn't killed him, that wasn't Merlin's style, but it had given him enough of a jolt to make him realize that he was outmatched. With that, he turned on his heel, and he started to run away, all the while smaller bolts of lightning struck the ground behind him until he vanished behind a hill. Merlin, now satisfied, then marched over to Arthur as Hazel helped him to his feet.

"Thank goodness I got here in time." he said with heavy relief. "Are you both alright? Anything broken or otherwise?"

Arthur shook their heads.

"I'm a little scuffed up from when I fell off the horse, but other than that I'm alright."

He looked to Hazel. The girl was a mess, but it was neither the bruises on her arms or how disheveled her hair had become that made her upset. It was, instead, the sight of her red dress, which had been torn in several places. It had been her only real possession since her transformation, and she loved the color red. To see it in such a state was almost too much for her to bear. Arthur watched her carefully for a moment, and then he smiled sympathetically.

"Don't worry." he said, setting a hand on her shoulder. "I'll have the royal seamstresses repair it for you when we get back to the castle. It will be as good as new."

Hazel looked at him. Before Arthur could react, she pulled him into a tight hug, silently crying onto his shoulder. To say the least, Arthur was stunned, and he was left without any ideas on what to do. He wanted to consult Arthur, but he didn't dare move. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her to console her.

"Hey, it's gonna be alright. You're safe, and we're all ok."

It was a couple of moments before Hazel finally released him. She flashed him a smile, and then, as best as she could, she mumbled, "T-th-ank y-you."

Arthur returned her smile with one of his own.

"You're welcome. C'mon, we'd better get back to Percival. I've think the picnic is over."

Hazel nodded, and she started back for the picnic sight. Arthur started to follow, but Merlin pulled him back. He was grinning from ear to ear, and he was just bubbling with pride.

"My boy, that must have been the most excellent display of heroism I have ever seen. Simply marvelous!"

Arthur blushed, and he rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"What's more," Merlin went on, "I think you have found two more keys to becoming a great king."

Arthur perked up at that, and he looked to Merlin eagerly.

"Really? What are they?"

Merlin took the boy by the shoulders, looked him in the eye, and then flashed him the largest smile he could muster.

"Courage, my boy. Courage and compassion."