Alaia Skyhawk: Hehe, for the record, I'm aware that Merlin doesn't actually admit to Gaius about visiting Kilgharrah until S2:01. I'm just pointing it out now so that my deliberate changing of it doesn't confuse people XD
Anyways, onwards to this episode. I've posted the first chapter of the corresponding episode in Whom History Won't Remember, and it's there and ready to read :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Music: N/A
"Whom History Won't Remember" Episode: "Questions and Responsibility"
~(-)~
Chapter 25: Lancelot ~Part 1~
The birds trilled in the canopy overhead, the peaceful sounds of the forest letting him relax for what felt like the first time in days.
Merlin let out a contented sigh, wandering among the trees collecting mushrooms from where the rain two days ago had caused them to sprout. It was a familiar pastime, something he'd done all his life to supplement the meagre food supplies of his home village. It was nice to get out in the fresh air, and escape that last few people in Camelot who praised him on 'sacrificing' himself for Arthur. It had been making him irritated after enduring it for three days, so much so that Gaius had suggested he used a rare morning off, courtesy of Arthur being stuck in a council meeting due to last well into the afternoon, to get some riding practice in as well as some time to himself.
Stooping down to pick them, Merlin smiled to himself at that. Bitan had been all too eager to go out, considering the fact he would let no others ride him meant his only exercise was to be run on a lead rein once a day. Merlin was confident enough in the saddle now to let the horse gallop so long as the ground was flat, and the gelding had seemed to revel in it when they'd charged out into the woods.
He'd left him tied to a tree a short distance away, at the edge of a small clearing where there was grass the horse could graze on while waiting. Bitan had seemed happy to do so, proceeding to tear up and devour the lush green stalks the moment he was left to do so.
That patch of mushrooms collected, Merlin stood up and started looking around for more. He quickly spotted some, crouching down to start putting them in his basket when all of a sudden the forest went utterly silent.
Nervous, he got to his feet and started backing towards where he'd left his horse, knowing that sudden silence in a forest mean something really bad is close by. That was when the screech reached his ears, and the thundering pound of something charging in his direction.
He turned and saw it, breaking into a run the moment he got a close look at it. It was the size of a horse, ran on four legs, and yet had the head and beak of an eagle. So distracted by that, and the sheer terror he was feeling, Merlin tripped on a tree root and fell sprawling into the leaf litter. When he rolled over to stare fearfully up at the creature, when it reared above him spreading wings to match it's avian head, he was all set to panic and try throw the thing away from him with magic when a battle cry distracted both of them.
Merlin scrambled to his feet, watching as the dark-haired man, with no defence other than a sword, charged at the creature lashing out with his blade to drive it backwards. He honestly thought that maybe the man could kill it, but that all ended the moment one particularly strong blow hit the beast and the sword shattered into a dozen pieces. That was when the man had turned, grabbing him by the arm even as he shouted.
"Run!"
Merlin was all too happy to oblige, the two of them sprinting towards where a fallen tree had created a clearing. They jumped over that log, out of sight of the screeching monster, both of them pressing up against the far side of it as Merlin decided if he was going to die then at least he'd go out knowing the name of the man who had stood up for him.
"My name's Merlin, what's yours?"
Fighting to catch his breath, the man answered, wincing as he kept his hand pressed to his stomach.
"Lancelot."
He groaned in pain, Merlin starting to frown when he realised the man was hurt. Lancelot's head started to slump forward as he began to lose consciousness, but before the warlock could do anything his attention was suddenly turned upwards by the scream right over his head.
He got a split-second glimpse of a taloned paw bearing down on him, before he thrust his hand out in desperation.
"Gescildan!"
The talons reflected off the magical shield, Merlin following it up with a shove of raw power to fling the creature up and over his head. It tumbled to the ground, getting to its feet completely unharmed, and yet suddenly wary of approaching him.
It spread it's wings, taking off and flying away, Merlin letting out a shuddering breath of relief before realising something. He spun to look at the man, heart in his throat, his relief returning when he saw he was unconscious and hadn't seen that. He ran to get his horse from where it stood at the far end of the clearing, completely unperturbed from the proximity of the monster, and led it back to where Lancelot lay.
He quickly applied a crude bandage to the man's wound, before starting to lift him as it to drape him over Bitan's saddle. The horse stepped away, whinnying in protest, ignoring every command Merlin tried to give it to stay still until in frustration he switched to the Old Tongue.
"Astandan geserne unful!"
The gelding twitched his ears forward at those words, trusting brown eyes fixed on his master, and this time when Merlin hoisted Lancelot up onto its back the horse didn't move an inch.
Pulling himself up after the unconscious man, Merlin did his best not to wince as he was forced to perch on the very back of the saddle, but even so he filled that discovery away for future reference... His horse understood orders given in the Old Tongue.
He sent the gelding back towards Camelot, glad in the knowledge that when he got back, his now much better reputation meant he knew at least two stablehands who would put Bitan away in Arthur's stable for him. And who would also help him carry Lancelot up to Gaius' chambers.
~(-)~
Merlin stood at his mentor's shoulder anxiously, watching as the physician finished tending Lancelot's wound. The swordsman was still unconscious, fevered, but Gaius did not seem concerned.
"The wound itself is superficial. The fever will pass. He should be fine in the morning."
Merlin sighed with relief, turning his attention to other things.
"Do you know where Arthur went? His horse wasn't at his stable when I got back, and his sword and chainmail weren't in his room when I went to check."
Gaius stood up, frowning a little.
"A report came in while you were out, of an attack on the village of Greenswood, just over an hour's ride from here. A strange creature of some kind, although I've yet to be informed of any details."
Merlin went rigid.
"Greenswood? I wasn't that far from there when I stopped to collect the mushrooms. I was attacked by some weird, winged... thing." He looked at Lancelot. "He stepped in to save me, when I fell over while running for my horse."
The physician's expression became concerned.
"By all accounts that thing is vicious. I doubt running alone would have saved you if you were in the woods... How did you escape from it?"
Merlin grimaced.
"I hit it once, pushed it away, and then it just seemed to give up and fly off."
"He didn't see you, did he?"
Both of them now regarded Lancelot, Merlin shaking his head.
"No, he'd already passed out."
There was a long moment of silence, before Gaius sighed and shook his head.
"Well, what's done is done. Go tend to your duties, Arthur should be back before long and will expect a meal to be waiting for him. I'll keep an eye on Lancelot."
Merlin nodded and did as he was told, while Gaius went to begin getting down the books he would need. The physician paused, realising he should have asked his ward for a description, but then he would get a detailed one from the reports the prince and his father would bring back with them.
~(-)~
The following morning dawned clear, Merlin sat in a chair near his bed while his guest gazed out of the room's single window. Lancelot had woken up shortly after he'd gone out to take Arthur his breakfast, remaining quiet and thoughtful when Gaius had explained to him where he was. Now that Merlin had returned, and the physician had gone out on his rounds, now it seemed, after a few minutes of small talk about how his injury was, Lancelot admitted he had been heading when they crossed paths.
He continued looking out at the city, as though unable to take his eyes from it.
"Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the Knights of Camelot." He glanced at Merlin, seeing the other man's smile at that and stepping down from the table by the window. "I know what you're thinking. I expect too much. After all, who am I. They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land."
"Lancelot." Merlin interrupted him, getting his attention. "Lancelot, they're going to love you. Look at you, you saved my life back there against that thing."
The swordsman regarded him for a long moment, moving away from the window with a small shake of his head.
"But I didn't... You saved mine. I saw what you did."
Merlin started to go pale, trying to remain casual even as he gulped nervously.
"Saw what?"
Lancelot wasn't fooled.
"I saw you push that thing away from us before I lost consciousness. You said a word, ges... gesil..."
Merlin grimaced, getting to his feet and starting to pace on the verge of panic.
"Gaius is going to kill me, never mind Uther. I am in so much trouble."
Seeing the obvious fear in Merlin's sudden agitation, Lancelot stepped forward and took him by the arm to stop him pacing, looking Merlin in the eye as he spoke.
"Do not worry, I won't reveal your secret. I've travelled many lands, including those where magic is permitted. I have seen that it can be used for good."
Merlin just stared at him for several moments, before letting out a shuddering breath and slumping back into his chair.
"Th-thanks..."
Lancelot smiled at that.
"It's fine. Do not let my knowing be a burden to you, nor my ambition to join the knights. It is my own challenge to face."
Merlin, still a bit shaken by the knowledge Lancelot had seen him use magic, started to relax a little now that the fright was past.
"They're going to love you. Trust me. I've seen you in action, you could shame the great Arthur himself."
Lancelot laughed in self-depreciation.
"I hardly think so."
Merlin became thoughtful, suddenly getting up and heading for the door out of his room.
"In fact, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to go and talk to him right now."
The swordsman blinked in surprise.
"You know Arthur?"
Merlin grinned at him.
"Oh yes. And in return for charging in and protecting me like you did, and for agreeing not to tell anyone...um, you know. I'm going to return the favour."
Lancelot followed him into the main chamber.
"Really, there's no need. I can tell you're a good man, and I would never turn over an innocent person to be executed."
Merlin stopped, turning to face him.
"You're a good man, Lancelot, I can tell. And besides, I want to. Now, we'd better get moving, or his royal highness will tell me off for being late."
"Late?"
"You'll see."
Lancelot followed Merlin as the servant proceeded to what was obviously the chambers of a nobleman, gathered the armour laid out on a table in there, and then headed to the training field. He then stood off to one side, watching as Merlin greeted none other than Prince Arthur himself with a 'I'm here, Sire,' and expertly put it all onto Arthur when the prince arrived.
When Arthur strode off to wait for someone to arrive, Lancelot murmured to Merlin when the warlock returned to his side.
"The Prince of Camelot having a servant with magic? I somehow find that rather ironic."
Merlin snorted, actually finding himself enjoying this as he murmured in reply. This was the first time since his friend Will, that he'd been able to talk to someone like this. Gaius wasn't really the type to appreciate some of the comments.
"Yeah, well it's not like I asked to have it, or asked for the job for that matter. I just make the best of things and keep my head down... and put up with Arthur when he decides to act like a prat."
Further conversation was stopped, when a prospective knight carrying twin swords arrived at the field. He seemed unperturbed by the board mounted to one side of it, covered with the 'colours' of other candidates that had failed in the past. He seemed determined that the lengths of cloth tucked into his belt would not be joining them.
Arthur didn't seem that bothered by the man's expression either, walking past him as he spoke in a confident and slightly condescending tone.
"Right, you jumped up dung beetle, this is it. Your final test. Pass this and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail and…you're no one. You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine." The prince faced him with a small smile. "You face me. Your challenge is to last one minute free combat... Grimond, second son of Wessex." Arthur unsheathed his sword and signalled for the nearby sand-timer to be turned over. "Your time starts now."
Merlin watched as Grimond charged the prince with his two swords held at the ready, snorting.
"This is going to be short..."
It was... Arthur ducked under the first swing, elbowed the man in his foolishly unguarded stomach, and then when he started to double over from the blow he kneed him in the face for good measure. Down Grimond, second son of Wessex, went, to lay there unconscious while Arthur pulled the cloth tags from his belt to be added to his collection.
"Take him away."
He walked away from the man, as the knights and nobles assembled here to watch all applauded him, but he didn't look that pleased at his victory. In fact he looked utterly disgusted at how easy it had been.
Merlin noted the pair of servants who came over to carry Grimond to see Gaius, nudging Lancelot to get his attention.
"Go with them, and wait for me at Gaius' chambers. I'll speak to Arthur for you."
Lancelot did as he was bidden, while Merlin hurried to the prince and removed the plate sections of his armour. He then followed the chainmail-clad prince to the upper town adjacent to the castle, listening to him complain even while faced with balancing the aforementioned armour on a shield.
"Grimond's the third to fail this month. How am I meant to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?"
Ah, perfect opportunity, Merlin leapt straight into it.
"Well... I think I might be able to help."
Arthur gave him a dismissive glance.
"You, Merlin? You haven't the faintest idea of what it takes to be a knight. Courage, fortitude..." He tossed his sword onto the pile in his servant's arms. "Discipline."
Merlin would have rolled his eyes and said something sarcastic to that, but this was for Lancelot.
"No no, of course I didn't mean that... But I do know someone who does."
Again, dismissive.
"Yeah?"
"He saved my life."
"That's blown it, for starters."
Merlin seriously wanted to kick him. Why was it that as soon as he thought he was getting somewhere with Arthur, the prince reverted to characteristic 'ass'.
"No no, he's really good. Honestly."
Arthur sighed.
"That's great, Merlin, I'm sure he's terrific, but you forget the First Code of Camelot."
Both of them came to a stop, Merlin frowning.
"The what?"
Arthur folded his arms across his chest.
"The First Code. Only those of noble blood can serve as knights. So, unless your friend is a nobleman..."
"Oh, he... He is a nobleman."
Arthur went silent, staring.
"Is he?"
Merlin nodded sincerely.
"Absolutely."
Arthur looked like he was finding that hard to believe, but to give him his due he nodded.
"Very well, bring him to the training ground tomorrow. And make sure he brings his Seal of Nobility."
The prince walked away, Merlin calling out after him.
"Thanks, Arthur! You won't regret it!"
As soon as the prince was out of sight, Merlin hurried and dropped off the armour to be checked over. He then quickly made his way back to Gaius' chambers, where a much muted Grimond had already woken up and been sent back to his guest room with a headache remedy.
The moment Merlin came in the door, Lancelot rose to his feet and strode anxiously over, waiting to hear what the prince's answer had been.
"Well? Did you speak to him?"
"Yeah, I spoke to him."
"And?"
Standing there, Gaius listening from where he stood mixing a remedy, Merlin couldn't resist pretending with his expression that it hadn't been good, before breaking into a grin.
"And he said he would like to meet you."
"Yes! Thank you!"
Lancelot was beyond elated, and with that Merlin began to feel just a slight sense of dread... Maybe he should have asked this bit first.
"It's nothing, really... And um, you wouldn't happen to be a nobleman by any chance?"
Lancelot shook his head.
"A nobleman? No, good lord no. Why do you ask?"
"Well you see there's this..."
"The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight." Gaius set down what he was working on, walking over to the pair. "Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those that would wish to destroy it. He knew that he would have to trust each of his knights with his life, and so he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him."
Merlin sighed, even as the words sunk in for Lancelot and the man sat down looking bleak.
"The nobility."
Gaius nodded.
"And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day only the sons of noble families have served as knights."
Merlin wanted to curse, this wasn't right.
"But that is just not fair!"
Gaius glanced at him.
"Fair or unfair, that's the way it is." He looked to their guest, his tone apologetic. "I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly I am."
He gave Merlin a long disapproving look, for getting Lancelot's hopes up, before walking out of the room, leaving the pair there in uncomfortable silence. Merlin watched him go, unhappy at this, before sitting down near the swordsman and speak.
"Why do you want to be a knight so much?"
Lancelot raised his head, depression in every line of his demeanour.
"When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains. They were slaughtered where they stood... My father, my mother, everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made sword-craft my life, and every waking hour since that day I devoted to the art of combat." He sighed, getting up and turning away. "And when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot... And now it seems my journey ends. Everything I fought for... wasted."
Touched by the man's confession, Merlin felt his determination not to let it end like this become even stronger.
"I give you my word. Whatever it takes, I will make this right."
He got up and left the room, his mind churning over the possibilities, until with a pause he changed direction and went to Arthur's chambers... He doubted the prince would notice if one sheet of the good parchment from his desk went missing...
~(-)~
Alaia Skyhawk: Hehehe, yes, I made Lancelot find out right at the start instead of at the end. I wanted to put some amusing lines in for him like "The Prince of Camelot having a servant with magic? I somehow find that rather ironic." I have more planned hehehehehe :D
Oh, and 'Astandan geserne unful!' means "Stand still/cease being awkward/silly." Hehe, Merlin's horse 'understands' orders given in the Old Tongue... lol XD