In the courtyard a dozen men were training.

A bearded and extremely tall knight approached them, bowing to Arthur. When he straightened his back Athur could see his height reached
taller than Percival's. "Sir Lamorak." Percival introduced. "My little brother." Arthur grinned. "He's strong as an ox but has a fiery
temper." Percival explained. Lamorak punched his shoulder playfully. "That is Sir Galahad." Leon pointed to a sweaty man dueling with
another knight. His skills were excelent. "He is extremely brave and loyal." Percival claimed. For the next few minutes
new faces were drawn to Arthur and introductions were made. Merlin's loud voice
stopped a conversation Arthur was having. His friend was speaking to a group of young boys, each
slugged over under the weight of their armour. "They look promising."
A knight, Arthur later identified as Sir Kay, joked. The group laughed. Arthur watched the boys listen patiently to Merlin's words.
"A knight of Camelot must never assault, murder or act out of outrage
or revenge. He must never be cruel and must grant mercy to those who ask of it. He must never harm women and offer help to the needy. He
must never battle for love or wordly goods, but only for his God and country. And a knight must never, under any circumstance, commit
treason." Arthur was impressed. Merlin dimmissed the potential knights
to pair up and train. He saw Arthur and ran over happily. "You're suppose to be resting."
Arthur shrugged off his advice saying he felt fine. "Besides someone has to whip you knights into shape. I wasn't going to mention it, but you're getting fat." Arthur joked patting Percuial on the stomach.
"Getting lazy's more like it." Percival laughed and an unfamilar knight added
sarcastically, "Well crime is but a distant e'en now."
Arthur turned around surprised and confused by the man's strange diction.
"Good eventide, your majesty. Sir Bedivere." The sun tainted man bowed.

"Hello." Arthur greeted. "What did you mean, about crime?"
"Since the magical arts have been-"
Arthur missed the rest of his statement.
"Since those wench sorcerers returned to their culvert practices. Sir Owain
muttered bitterly, heard only by Arthur. He was a shorter man but fierce and strong looking. Arthur didn't have time to question his statement but instead directed his attention to a fight breaking out. Two young knights were on the ground wrestling shouting cursing and yelling at each other. Before he could reach them, Merlin was there
forcing them apart, clearly by means of magic. Merlin pulled one to him by his neck and whispered closely. The boy marched away steaming. The
other boy was ordered home sternly. "Marcomir of Bernicia and Egon de Herle." Merlin explained, "Not sure they are cut out to be Knights."

Arthur nodded.
They walked around the yard in silent, watching the knights train. "So I hear there hasn't been much crime of late."
Arthur started. Merlin shrugged. "Since magic was permitted people haven't had any reason to hate the Queen. Mind you, there's still some
stealing and fights in the tavern."
Arthur looked at Merlin's hands. So magic's influence on the kingdom had been a good one.
"The people seem happy."
Merlin smiled. "They adore Guinevere."
Arthur smiled.
"And they are thrilled of your return." Merlin quickly added.

They quickly dived into numerous stories of the past 7 years and of times long before. "You were completely under her control. You would've drown had I not dragged you out." Merlin said in a joshing tone. Arthur smiled. "I can't believe how many times you've saved my life. And I never even saw it." He looked embarrassed. "Who else knew?"

Merlin thought back to dozens of people who had discovered his secret
over the years. "Well Gauis. Lancelot. Mordred. Some others."
"I can't imagine how you manger to keep this a secret.
"Let me tell you it wasn't easy."
"Imagine if my father had found out!"
Merlin smirked.
"What?"
"Well... he did."
"What?!"

"So did your uncle."

"Did everyone knew except me!?" Arthur sighed lightheartedly.

Merlin shrugged. "Guess I was just too smart for you."