Chapter 6 – Bravery and Cowardice:
The next morning, Merlin still wasn't talking to Arthur. Any attempts made by Arthur to initiate their usual banter immediately wilted under the force of Merlin's glares. The rest of their lesson was spent in terse silence. Arthur puzzled over his math problems and handed them to Merlin when he was finished. Merlin corrected them swiftly, savagely scrawling corrections into the paper with red ink while Arthur fidgeted, uncomfortable in his own room.
They were relieved of the awkward tension by three short blasts of an air horn, signaling the ship's arrival in its next port-of-call, Benwick. Merlin quirked her eyebrow in a silent question and Arthur nodded his dismissal. She thrust his marked-up papers into his hands and vanished from the prince's room in a flash.
X-x-x
Merlin left Arthur's chambers in a rush and nearly ran into Gwen, who had been hurtling down the hall at breakneck speed. The servant didn't seem to notice their near collision at all. She was bouncing on her feet distractedly, radiating giddy excitement.
"Merlin! Can you believe it? We're finally here! In Benwick!"
Merlin was confused to say the least. She'd read all about the ghost city of Benwick. It had been formerly known as New York City and had been abandoned before the Great Catastrophe when most of it had gone underwater, but it was still supposed to be a very impressive sight to see. But somehow, Merlin was quite certain that Gwen wasn't that hyped up over 20th century architecture. "What's in Benwick?"
"My father and brother live here and I haven't seen them in years. I'm so excited!"
Merlin grinned. "That's awesome Gwen, I'm so happy for you." It made her remember that her own visit home to Ealdor was long over due as well. "Do I get to meet them?"
"Of course!" Gwen was surprised that her friend would even ask such a question.
Merlin's smile widened. "I can't wait."
"Good, 'cause we're going right now." Gwen turned and trotted off down the hallway at a brisk clip. Even with her long legs, Merlin had to struggle to keep up with the eager servant. She only caught up just as they reached the top deck and Gwen slowed down to join the line of people leaving the ship.
Merlin eyed the gangplank nervously. It wasn't all that wide and it was a long way down. She didn't have the best balance, one misstep and she'd be careening into the water below…
Merlin snapped herself out of it and berated herself for being paranoid. She'd jumped from greater heights cliff-diving in Ealdor, that little drop was nothing to worry about. Merlin held this somewhat comforting thought in her mind until it was their turn to cross. Gwen went right over the gangplank with no problems, her enthusiasm blinkering any fear she may have had. Merlin, on the other hand, was not that fortunate. She took a deep breath and cautiously crossed, placing one foot at a time in front of the other. She supposed it wasn't that bad. Still, Merlin didn't relax until she had both feet once again planted firmly on solid ground.
Merlin took a cursory glance around. The Queen Ygraine was moored right next to The Dragon. Nobles from both ships were disembarking for a look around the famed city. They were dressed rather inappropriately, in Merlin's opinion, clad in heeled shoes and floor length dresses that swept the glass littered ground. A few servants were also milling about, enjoying a few precious hours off. Merlin also noticed a few groups of strangers in rough black cloaks that concealed all but their chins. As they passed by, she found there was something strangely familiar about their voices. Merlin didn't get a chance to question their identities because she was distracted by an ear-splitting shriek.
She turned around to see some sort of sea–like creature that might have been cute at some point, rearing out of the water. It mutated before their eyes, growing larger and scary-looking. Wing-like protrusions extended from its back, wicked talons glinted on four large paws, and a sharp, aquiline beak graced its fierce face. The creature let out a shrill cry and bore down on Gwen, who was frozen in place with fear near the edge of the dock. Merlin leapt forward towards her friend while the rest of the people in the vicinity fled, screaming.
The monster flapped its wings, spraying sea water everywhere, until only its rear legs skimmed the water. Merlin tugged at Gwen urgently, pulling her back but there was nowhere to run. The two girls cringed back as the heavy beating of wings drew ever closer.
There was a sudden yell followed by a screech and a large splash. It took some time for the blood roaring in Merlin's ears to subside enough for her to realize the absence of flapping. She warily opened one eye a sliver, then they both flew open as she took in what she was seeing in gape-mouthed amazement.
A man had jumped from the rigging of one of the ships onto the beast's back. They were both in the water; the man flopping like a ragdoll, fighting to keep his grip, as the thing writhed around trying to dislodge him.
"Gwen!" She shook the other girl's shoulder. "Gwen look!"
Gwen opened her eyes and squinted, not believing what she was seeing.
They both stared, astounded as the man pulled out a sword and stabbed the creature repeatedly in the back. It didn't die, as it should have, but it was in enough pain that it let out a furious roar. The beast gave one last vicious thrash, finally succeeding in throwing off the man, and then sunk back into the ocean to lick its wounds.
For a beat or two, it was silent. Then the air was filled with the sound of applause. People had lined the upper decks of the nearby ships when they had heard the commotion and were currently hanging off the railings, craning their necks to get a good look. Those who had fled from the dock had retreated safely behind a rusty fence several meters inland and were gawking at them too.
Merlin ignored them, she only had eyes for their mysterious savior who was steadily making his way to the dock. He was doing a lopsided sort of kick-crawl-thrash with one arm out of the water, holding his sword aloft. When he reached the dock, he threw the weapon onto the platform and then followed suit.
Merlin couldn't help but stare as the man hoisted himself up out of the ocean, streams of water running down his body. His soaked through shirt clung to biceps and triceps and other well defined muscles that she didn't care to name. He hopped out with little effort and shook dark wet hair out of his handsome, tanned face. Merlin and Gwen sighed simultaneously.
The stranger smiled at the two girls, making them weak in the knees. "Hello, I'm Lancelot."
Gwen made a breathy noise at the sound of his voice. Merlin hid a grin, she'd never seen Gwen react like this to anyone. "I'm Merlin and this is –"
"Gwen!" the servant cut in.
She blushed prettily when Lancelot kissed her knuckles. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady."
Gwen blushed harder. "I'm not a lady, but I assure you the pleasure is all mine. And thank you so much for saving me, you were so brave out there."
Lancelot smiled at her shyly and offered her his arm, determined to take her on a tour around the surviving parts of Benwick. Merlin sighed and followed, already all but forgotten.
Most of Benwick was built on an island and had been one of the first major cities to flood when the sea level rose in the 21st century. The remaining parts that were still accessible were only a tiny fraction of what the city used to be. It was still possible to walk around the city, but it took a long meandering path. Of course that had to be the very path Lancelot decided to take them down.
Through Gwen's flirtatious small talk (Lancelot didn't stand a chance once Gwen turned on her charm), they were able to learn quite a few things.
The creature that had attacked them was called a sea griffin, a mutated hybrid between an eagle and a sea lion. Merlin didn't even want to think too hard about how that could have possibly worked. They also found out that Lancelot was a dock worker who was coincidentally good friends with Gwen's brother, and was more than happy to lead them to her father's workshop.
Merlin found Gwen's father, Tom, to be quite intimidating at first. He was sturdily built and strong despite his age. However it didn't take too long for her to realize that Tom possessed the same warm personality and kind heart as his daughter.
Elyan, Gwen's brother, was something of a troublemaker. He and Lancelot regaled Merlin with stories of their numerous escapades while Gwen caught up with her father. When they got bored of that, Elyan took Merlin and Lancelot out back to look at the ships he and his father had built. Tom was known as one of the most skilled and sought after ship builders on this side of the world.
Soon, in what had felt like no time at all, it was nearly midday. Tom tried to talk the girls into staying for a lunch of smoked pigeon and watercress soup, but they had to decline, citing the ship's departure at noon. Gwen said her goodbyes with misty eyes and was passed around for hugs.
Lancelot, being the gentleman he was, offered to row them back to the docks using one of Tom's boats. They took a more direct route this time and Merlin got a chance to look around that city itself. The avenue they were sailing down was flanked with looming buildings that seemed to graze the sky. All of them were in a bad state, missing most of their windows or collapsed in on themselves. One in particular had been eroded by the elements so that all that remained was a rusty frame that creaked ominously when the wind blew.
Lancelot moved at a brisk pace, navigating the maze of streets with the confidence of someone who knew their way very well. The city was eerie, deserted and silent, inhabited mainly by flocks of red-eyed pigeons, but also intriguing and striking in its own way. It was like being transported back in history, a badly preserved piece of ante-apocalypse life. Merlin tried to imagine life here in a glamorous city, hundreds of years ago, but it was difficult, it was all so alien to her.
Lancelot led them around a corner and Merlin was surprised they had reached the docks already. The two girls thanked Lancelot once again and bid him farewell. They got in line to board the ship and Sir Leon, when he recognized them, let them pass right away. This time, Merlin conquered the gangplank with less trouble, acutely aware of a certain attractive dock worker's presence the entire time.
X-x-x
Merlin slipped into the dining hall, late as usual. For some reason, lunch was being held on the Queen Ygraine instead of on Arthur's ship like the rest of the festivities. All of the nobles and servants had already begun dining and serving when Merlin got there. She tried her best to be stealthy and failed. Gwen's sharp eyes found her first from behind Morgana's chair at the high table. The servant sent her a knowing look tempered by an amused smile. Morgana, following Gwen's gaze, found Merlin as well. The princess made a face at her and Merlin responded in kind, twisting her mouth and bugging her eyes out. And it was just her luck that Arthur turned his head at that moment and caught her making that expression. He glared at her reproachfully and Merlin stared coolly back. She was still irked by his comment from the day before, it was childish of her, but the stupid prat needed to be taught a lesson.
In Merlin's quest to sneak closer to the high table, she caught sight of someone else lurking in the shadows. It turned out to be Sir Valiant, who was acting suspiciously, like he was hiding something. Merlin watched him closely, certain that he was up to something. She nearly jumped out of her skin when a lumpy something under his jacket moved.
Valiant turned his body away from her and rearranged something out of her line of vision. He glanced around shiftily and Merlin didn't look away quick enough, their eyes met. She averted her eyes but it was no use, he'd seen her. Valiant took a menacing step forward but was diverted by a scream.
Morgana was perched on her chair screaming hysterically, while Arthur and Uther desperately tried to locate the source of her fear. A viper appeared all of a sudden, wound around the arm of her chair, hissing and baring its fangs. Morgana screamed again and shuffled backwards, completely forgetting that she was standing precariously on a chair. She tipped backwards, arms flailing and hands groping air.
Merlin instinctively reached forward, as did everyone around her, but they were all too far away. And then Valiant was there. He caught Morgana before she hit the ground and set her on her feet with ease. Then he turned to the snake and lopped its head off with a clean swipe of his sword. It was silent and then the room burst into cheers. Uther shook Valiant's hand vigorously and Morgana clung to his arm, thanking him profusely. Arthur, in contrast, was scowling at the man, irritation clear on his face.
Merlin kept her eye on Valiant as he was fawned over by noblewomen and slapped on the back by other knights. Whatever had been concealed under his shirt was gone now. She looked between the body of the snake Gaius was carefully examining and back at Valiant. It didn't take a genius to make the connection. Then Merlin thought about the two fatal puncture marks Gaius had found on Sir Ewan's little finger this morning. She needed to tell Arthur what she knew.
It wasn't to hard for Merlin to make her way to the high table in the ensuing confusion. Gwen was escorting a distraught Morgana back to her room while Uther and the council were making investigations. Through it all, Arthur was still sulking in his seat. Merlin knew why he was annoyed, Arthur was a man of action, he hated being useless. He hadn't been able to protect Morgana because court etiquette said it was rude to bring weapons into a place of dining. Merlin had commented on that very rule when Arthur had taught it to her, saying it was stupid. Arthur had agreed readily but it didn't change the fact.
"Arthur. I need to tell you something," Merlin announced without preamble.
He twisted around in his seat, surprised that she was talking to him again. A snarky response fell away from his lips when he heard the seriousness in Merlin's voice. Arthur studied her for a moment. "All right. What –"
"Arthur." Uther stood with Gaius, a grave expression on his face. "A word."
The prince nodded. "In a moment –"
"Now."
The king left no room for argument and Arthur really didn't want to make a scene in front of everybody. "Yes, father." He gave Merlin an apologetic look. "Sorry, M, can it wait?"
She shrugged. "Guess it'll have to."
"I'll hear you out later, promise."
Merlin nodded, distracted by the sight of Valiant sneaking out of the room through a servants' entrance. Since Arthur was busy, she took it upon herself to follow Valiant and see what he was planning now.
Merlin followed the clanking of his armor and the yellow hem of his cape around corners, up flights of stairs, and down long corridors. He turned to look behind him a few times, forcing Merlin to dive into nearby doorways, but luckily he didn't notice. Valiant finally paused in front of the armory and disappeared inside. Merlin, curiosity piqued, marched inside with a vague plan of confronting the knight.
She scanned the room, seeing racks of weapons, colorful shields, and all types of armor but no Valiant. Merlin moved in further to look behind the javelins when the door slammed shut. Valiant stood behind her, smirking and blocking the only exit.
"Well, well. If it isn't the prince's lapdog herself."
Merlin stayed silent, ignoring his comments.
"You really think I didn't see you following me? And they say you're the one who teaches Prince Arthur. If that is so, I do fear for Camelot."
When Merlin didn't say anything, Valiant continued jeering.
"He's not very bright, your prince. I always wondered how he won these character tournaments every year. I should've known it was nepotism through and through. But this year, I think I've outperformed him at last."
"He's more man than you," Merlin gritted out. "I know what you did and you won't get away with this."
"Easy now, sweetheart. And what are you going to do to me? Your word means nothing against mine, and your precious master can't do anything about that. Nevertheless, perhaps I should still put a muzzle on you myself." Valiant punctuated each of his last few words with a leering step forward. Merlin scrambled back as quickly as she could until her back hit a wall.
Valiant dropped the tip of his sword to rest in the vulnerable hollow of Merlin's throat. She stiffened and did her best not to breathe. Merlin was all too aware of the cold metal touching her neck and what would happen if she made any sudden movement. Her life was at his mercy now.
Valiant tensed when voices echoed down the hallway, but he didn't move away, assuming the people would keep moving. So when the muted footsteps stopped outside the armory, he only had a moment's notice before the doorknob was turning. Valiant yelped in an undignified manner and flinched away from Merlin when Uther entered followed by Arthur.
The latter's eyes immediately darted between the naked blade and Merlin, still pressed up against the wall. His hand went to his hip where a sword should have been. Upon finding it still absent, the movement was quickly aborted. Arthur settled for demanding, "What is going on here?" in his most authoritative voice.
"I was just teaching her a lesson," Valiant explained defensively. "She accused me of treason, sire! I could not let it go unpunished."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Is this true Merlin?"
She scowled at her feet, but nodded all the same.
"If you had a problem with my servant, you should have come to me first," Arthur snapped.
Valiant risked a glance at the silent king. Uther met his gaze steadily. "That is the protocol."
Valiant made a show of being contrite. "Of course, sire. It won't happen again."
Uther accepted this with a nod. "If that is all, I have some business to attend to. Arthur, Sir Valiant."
"Father." Arthur barely spared him a fleeting glance.
In contrast, Valiant bowed deeply, respectfully. "Sire."
The moment Uther left, Arthur rounded on the other two. "Now tell me what really happened."
"She -"
Arthur gave the man a withering glare. "I wasn't talking to you, Sir Valiant. Merlin, now if you'd please."
"You can't possibly -"
"No. And you can't possibly be questioning your prince." Arthur's eyes flashed dangerously and Valiant finally took the hint and shut his mouth. "Now Merlin."
Merlin quickly recounted what had happened to the best of her ability. Arthur listened in silence and when she was done, he faced Valiant and asked, "What have you to say about all this?"
Valiant jumped at the opportunity to voice his thoughts. "It's lies, all of it! What she says is absurd! I have nothing against the Lady Morgana. It's preposterous."
"If its so preposterous, you wouldn't mind me checking your rooms just to make sure?"
The knight gulped visibly, his facade cracking just a bit. "Go ahead, sire."
Arthur called a few guards over to watch Valiant while he led another group to search his rooms. "Merlin, you stay here too."
She caught his arm as he walked by. "I'm telling the truth, Arthur, I swear it."
"I know, I trust you. But this way he can't say you interfered."
She nodded and squeezed his hand. "Good luck."
Merlin occupied herself with polishing Arthur's armor while waiting for the prince to return. On the outside she looked composed, while her mind was roiling with chaotic thoughts. What if I'm wrong? What if Arthur doesn't find anything?
The door banged open and Merlin's neck snapped up hopefully. But instead of Arthur, she found an angry Uther framed in the doorway. "Sir Valiant, I do apologize. I don't know what Arthur was thinking. He is far too overprotective of that girl, its becoming unhealthy. I will speak to him, but you are free to go."
The king directed a glare at Merlin, making Valiant nothing short of gleeful. "And you! Guards, restrain her. You have overstepped once again. How dare you accuse a knight, and a guest no less. You -"
Arthur burst into the room. "Arrest him!"
Soldiers flooded the room and grasped Valiant by the arms.
"Father?" Arthur looked around the room. "Merlin? Let her go!"
The men flanking Merlin glanced at the king and then at the prince considering whose wrath was the lesser evil. The prince was usually more reasonable, but when it came to Merlin, all bets were off. Both men, coming to the same conclusion, took a step away from her.
Uther was livid. "You fools! Arthur are you mad? Let Sir Valiant go!"
"No father, I'm afraid I cannot," Arthur said without remorse.
"What are you talking about? He saved your sister, Valiant is a hero."
"Valiant is a criminal. He murdered Sir Ewan and he attacked Morgana."
Uther faltered at the mention of his daughter. "Explain yourself."
"He's the one who released the snake in the first place. Two days ago, Morgana was dining with Ewan and the other knights. Valiant released the snake, wanting to scare Morgana but it bit Ewan instead, he died an hour later. Then he tried again today. It attacked Morgana, he killed it, and you think he's a hero for conveniently bringing a sword to lunch. We searched his room and we found another two snakes, identical to the one from today. What further evidence do you need?"
Uther looked like he swallowed something sour. "As Article 19 says, Sir Valiant will be afforded a fair trial for his crimes. I will try you in an hour."
"Oh no, father. But as Article 20 says, the trial must take place where the highest felony was committed. In this instance it would be The Dragon's Call, so therefore I will be residing over the trial."
Valiant, who had begun to look hopeful, deflated once again. Arthur would be acting as judge and jury, as was the custom in all royal courts. And in this particular case, he would be the prosecution as well. Valiant stood no chance against him.
Uther knew this as well, but there was nothing he could do about it, the law was the law.
X-x-x
"You have been assembled here today to witness the matter of Knight Valiant of the Western Isles.
"The defendant has been accused of one count of manslaughter and one count of fraud with attempted assault. Present are the King Uther, Princess Morgana, and the prosecution, which will be represented by myself.
"Bring in the defendant."
Nothing happened. Arthur repeated the command louder. The door opened and a messenger slipped in and whispered something in the prince's ear. Arthur went from surprised to grim to reproachful before sliding fake-sorrow onto his face.
"It seems there has been an incident. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Sir Valiant will not be joining us today. This court has been adjourned." Arthur gathered up the papers full of hastily scrawled statements and arguments that Merlin had organized in the past hour and hopped off his throne. The council members and noblemen in the room didn't care enough to question it, they were just happy to get the afternoon off.
Arthur joined Merlin and Gaius where they were standing in the witness section. "Seems you were right."
Merlin grimaced. "I wish I wasn't."
"But you were wrong about the weapon though."
"That's because you hid everything after I warned you," she protested.
"It was the snake, wasn't it?" Gaius cut in. He didn't look overly surprised.
Arthur nodded.
"I thought there were only three," Merlin interjected.
"There was," Arthur said. "But he kept the head from this morning. He knew he was going to lose so he pricked himself. It's funny though, that was the same punishment I planned to give him anyways."
"And sire, you must be careful with the body," Gaius warned. "It will poison the fish if you dispose of it the normal way. You must burn it."
"I understand. Thank you Gaius. I must report this to my father. I'll see you later Merlin."
