Merlin and Mordred trailed Arthur on his way to the training field. "Seriously?" Mordred said skeptically. "The tournament is open to everyone?"
"Everyone," Arthur agreed casually. Catching sight of the look on Mordred's face, he quickly amended himself. "Everyone over the age of sixteen."
[Only sixteen?] Merlin demanded incredulously.
"Plenty of people start their training very young," Arthur explained. Mordred suddenly became very interested in his shoes.
[Still, this strikes me as a very bad idea,] Merlin signed, frowning. [With a prize of a hundred gold coins, I don't fancy the kind of people who will turn up.]
Arthur rolled his eyes. "It's tradition, Merlin. The tournament's been held every ten years for centuries. Nothing to worry about."
At that moment, they reached the training field, which was filled with contestants. A brutish man used a large battleaxe to send the head flying off a training dummy. It landed at Mordred's feet, startling him. "Can he use that in the tournament?" Mordred asked.
"He can use what he likes, it's an open tournament," Arthur shrugged.
Merlin looked around at the thuggish contestants, and he shuddered. [What about the Knight's Code?]
"Counts for nothing. The only rule is…there are no rules," Arthur revealed, grinning. An axe flew past to land in a target, narrowly missing Merlin's head. Merlin jumped violently and stepped closer to Mordred. Arthur winced. "Ah…maybe you should go clean my room."
[Right away.] Merlin all but ran back to the castle.
Mordred briefly watched Merlin, then turned back to Arthur. "So…ten years from now, I could compete?"
"Theoretically, yes."
"Theoretically?"
"I would imagine that Merlin will do everything in his power to stop you entering," Arthur replied, his expression completely serious. Another axe flew past. "Speaking of which, you should probably go inside. Some of these men might pounce on you the moment my back is turned."
Later in the afternoon, Merlin and Mordred polished Arthur's armor in the armory. Mordred eventually paused to look thoughtfully at Merlin. So, ten years from now…
Absolutely not, Merlin interrupted stiffly.
Ten years from now I'll be an adult and you won't be able to tell me what to do! Mordred retorted.
You just watch me, Merlin threatened.
I've faced worse than those men and you know it, Mordred insisted.
Did you not see them on the training field?! Merlin exclaimed worriedly. They wouldn't have cared if that axe sailed a little wider and killed some hapless servant!
Exactly! Mordred said triumphantly. People like that can't be allowed to win!
At that moment, a pair of particularly nasty-looking contestants walked in. One was very muscular and had a beard; the other was more lean and completely bald. "My, if it isn't the Prince of Camelot," the bearded one said, leering at Merlin.
Mordred glared at him. "He's just Arthur's servant, and he's busy. Leave him alone."
The bearded thug shrugged. "I've always wanted a servant." He put his foot up on the bench beside Merlin. "Here. Clean them."
Merlin raised an eyebrow.
"My boots. Clean them." The thug pulled out a whip.
Merlin instantly went very pale. Mordred, get out of here! he cried, hurriedly standing up and crossing the room to get a cloth. The thug smirked at his friend and lashed out with the whip, catching Merlin on the hip.
I am not leaving you with them! Mordred insisted defiantly. He looked back at the bearded thug. "Be patient and let him fetch a cloth!"
"I don't care if he uses his tongue!" the thug retorted. "I want them cleaned now!" He suddenly narrowed his eyes. "Or does he not have a tongue? Is that why he has a little boy to speak for him?"
"Stay where you are," said a voice in the doorway. The two thugs whirled around to see a skinny young man about Merlin's age glaring at them.
"Oh, so you've decided to join us after all," the bearded thug said patronizingly.
"I think you should put that down, sir," the skinny man warned.
Both thugs burst out laughing. "Did you hear that?" the bearded thug asked his friend.
"Oh, I heard it all right," the bald thug agreed.
"Why don't you say it again?" the bearded thug threatened.
The skinny man simply continued glaring.
"I'm not hearing you," the bearded thug added dangerously.
The skinny man stood his ground. "I've said what I have to say."
The bearded thug smirked and cracked his whip. Suddenly, the skinny man had a sword in his hand. The thug tried to strike with his whip, but the skinny man wrapped the tip around his sword and wrenched the whip out of the thug's grasp.
The thug pulled a hatchet out of his belt. "Watch out!" Mordred cried.
The skinny man used the whip to knock the hatchet out of the thug's hand. "Now, get out," he ordered, holding the whip ready to strike. The two thugs glared at him and left.
Once they were gone, the man turned back to the brothers. "Thanks for the warning."
"We should be thanking you," Mordred replied.
The man put his sword back on the rack. "It's all right. I've already had a run-in with those two. I know what it's like to be picked on."
Merlin smiled gratefully and signed a reply. "He also says thank you. He's not used to people standing up for him."
The man smiled and offered a hand. "I'm Gilli."
"I'm Mordred and this is my brother Merlin." Mordred shook Gilli's hand. Instantly, he sensed magic coming from the ring on Gilli's middle finger.
Gilli smiled again. "Nice to meet you. I'd better get back to the inn before someone steals my bed."
That night, Merlin served dinner to the royal family. Morgana flashed a charming smile at the king. "Remind me how many times you've won this tournament, Uther?"
"Three," Uther answered, reaching for his wine.
Morgana raised her eyebrows. "That's a lot to live up to, Arthur." She turned back to Uther. "I remember your last victory. You were a master in the arena. It's such a shame we won't see you compete again."
It was Uther's turn to raise his eyebrows. "Who says you won't?"
"I thought you said you were too old to take the field," Morgana replied, sounding surprised. Arthur glanced at her and his eyes widened.
"It's not age that stops me, I'll still prove a match for any man," Uther insisted.
"Well, we won't be finding out," Arthur interjected hurriedly.
"Why ever not?" Uther objected.
"Because I don't want you getting hurt," Arthur said firmly. Uther laughed.
"Do you think you could still win the crown?" Morgana challenged, a glint in her eyes.
"The kingdom needs him to rule, not fight," Arthur argued, glaring at Morgana.
"You think I can't do both?" Uther demanded.
"Well, you're not as young as you used to be," Morgana said tauntingly. "Besides, I need someone to keep me company in the stands."
Arthur pushed back his chair. "If you'll excuse me, I need to prepare for the tournament. Merlin."
Merlin followed Arthur out of the dining room. As soon as they reached an empty corridor, Arthur leaned against the wall and clenched his fists. He took a few deep breaths, obviously reining in his temper. "Damn her. She knows exactly how to manipulate him…"
[So why'd you leave her to it?] Merlin asked.
"If I stayed in there any longer I might have strangled her," Arthur growled. Merlin's eyes widened and he took a step backwards. "Murdered!" Arthur quickly corrected. "I might have murdered…oh, you get my point." He stormed away in the direction of his chambers.
Merlin was rather late to supper. "Where have you been?" Mordred asked curiously.
[Reading up on this tournament,] Merlin answered, sitting down at the table. He poured himself a bowl of soup before continuing. [It gets incredibly ugly.]
"It's not so bad as all that," Gaius defended. Merlin gave him an incredulous look. "Well yes, people have died, but most contestants yield before their opponents can deliver a death blow."
[People don't die in other tournaments,] Merlin retorted. [A hundred gold coins is not worth risking your life.]
In the morning, both brothers helped Arthur get ready for the tournament. "So…how are you feeling?" Mordred asked conversationally.
"Confident," Arthur replied.
[You sure?] Merlin signed worriedly.
"Yes."
[People die in this tournament!] Merlin fretted.
"Do you really think now is the time to bring that up?" Mordred said incredulously. "Besides, Arthur's too skilled to die!"
"Why thank you for that assessment, Mordred," Arthur cut in, looking amused.
[He's used to fighting opponents that follow the Knight's Code!] Merlin retorted, not reassured.
"Well, at least you're finally talking about the Code like it's a good thing," Arthur said cheerfully.
[I have a very bad feeling about this,] Merlin insisted.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You don't like any tournaments, Merlin, will you quit worrying? I have spent my entire life training for combat. And you've seen me fight bandits and monsters, and they don't follow the Knight's Code either. I'll be fine."
Merlin and Mordred stood with Gaius at the edge of the arena. All of the contestants were gathered inside—including not only Arthur, but also Gilli. Trumpets played and the crowd rose to their feet. Morgana entered the royal box, where only a single chair had been set up. "It is my pleasure to welcome you all to Camelot," she announced. "This is a contest like no other. It is open to all comers." Trumpets played again. "Including our reigning champion, the king!" Uther entered the arena to the sound of cheering. "There are no rules, no weapons are banned. The last man standing takes the prize. Let the tournament begin!"
First, Uther faced an opponent who wielded a flail. The king circled the man, dodging some blows and catching a few more on his shield. After a few minutes, he spotted his chance and kicked the man in the chest. He quickly followed up by elbowing his opponent in the face, knocking him to the ground. He held his sword point to the man's throat. The crowd cheered again and Uther took off his helmet to acknowledge them.
Arthur faced an opponent who wielded two swords. The man wildly flourished his swords while Arthur simply stood still and watched, unimpressed. Finally, the man charged…and Arthur promptly punched him in the face, knocking him over. Like his father, Arthur took off his helmet to acknowledge the cheering crowd.
The bearded thug faced a knight. The knight fought valiantly and soon knocked the thug to the ground, seemingly victorious…then the thug pulled out a dagger and stabbed the knight in the back of the knee. He grabbed his battleaxe and stood up again, slashing the knight's throat. The crowd booed.
Gilli fiddled with his ring as he entered the arena, clearly distracted. He jerked to attention when his opponent swung a claymore at him. He backed away, repeatedly holding up his shield to block the incoming blows. Eventually, his opponent succeeded in knocking him over, but Gilli dodged the next blow and regained his feet. Still, he continued to lose ground until he hit the edge of the stands.
Gilli dodged another blow, causing his opponent's sword to become lodged in the wall. A few moments later, the sword sank further into the wood. Merlin narrowed his eyes, recognizing a magic trick he himself sometimes used in combat. Gilli took advantage of the man's distraction to knock him over and hold a sword to his throat. The crowd cheered.
"Well, who'd have believed it?" Gaius murmured.
A few minutes later, Gilli walked past them on his way out of the arena. "That was a fine victory!" Gaius called.
"Thank you," Gilli said politely.
Gaius nodded at a bloody rip near the top of Gilli's left sleeve. "That'll need treating."
Gilli shook his head. "That's all right."
"Gaius is the Court Physician," Mordred spoke up.
"It's just a nick, I'm fine," Gilli insisted, covering the wound with his hand. In so doing, he put his ring in plain view. After a moment of awkward silence, Gilli hurried away.
Merlin frowned and coughed. [He's using magic.]
"I suspected as much," Gaius agreed. "The ring bears the mark of the Old Religion. Such rings are very rare but they act as a conduit, a channel for magical powers."
"So, he does have magic, like us?" Mordred speculated.
"He doesn't have your powers, but to wield a ring such as that he would need considerable gifts," Gaius replied.
"Well, he's very brave, using magic in front of all those people," Mordred commented.
[Or stupid,] Merlin countered. [I'll bet magic is the one weapon that isn't allowed. He's risking his life in more ways than one.]
That evening, warning bells rang out. Gaius was summoned to the corridor outside the armory, and the brothers followed him. They found the king examining a circular burn mark in the door of the armory. "Sorcery," Uther concluded. "It's the only explanation."
"You mustn't jump to conclusions, Sire," Gaius urged.
"What other explanation could there be?" Uther objected. "The guards report seeing an unnaturally bright light with heat so intense they could feel it at the end of the corridor. These scorch marks would seem to support their story."
Gaius examined the door. "They appear to have been there for some time. Did the guards get a good look at this man?" Mordred's eyes widened as he spotted Gilli's ring lying on the floor nearby.
Uther shook his head. "No, it was too dark." Mordred shifted behind Gaius and bent to pick up the ring.
"Unfortunate. I can see no evidence of magic," Gaius insisted blandly.
"Very well," Uther conceded. He walked away.
Mordred waited until Uther was out of sight, then held up the ring. "You were lying, weren't you?"
Gaius nodded. "It's clearly Gilli, judging by the scorch marks. There's an old healing spell. It's crude, but it works. You heat the skin to coagulate the blood and it cauterizes the wound."
[His shoulder,] Merlin realized. [No wonder he didn't want any treatment.]
"You'll have to talk to him before it's too late," Gaius said worriedly.
Merlin and Mordred went down to the inn and asked the innkeeper which room Gilli was staying in. Following the innkeeper's directions, they went upstairs and knocked on a door.
"Who is it?" Gilli called warily.
Mordred opened the door, revealing Gilli sitting on a bedroll in the corner. "It's just us," Mordred announced cheerfully. "We've come to see how you are."
Gilli leaned against the wall. "I'm doing a lot better."
"Can we have a look?" Mordred suggested.
"There's nothing to see," Gilli insisted.
There was a moment's silence, then the brothers sat on one of the beds. "The way you fought earlier…" Mordred said admiringly. "That was incredible. For someone your size to be able to beat a man like that…I wish I could do that."
"Maybe some day," Gilli suggested, relaxing slightly.
Mordred shook his head. "Nah. Where would I find a ring like this?" He pulled the ring out of his pocket as he spoke, and Gilli's eyes widened. "It's all right, we're not going to tell anyone," Mordred assured. He tossed the ring to Gilli. "It bears the mark of the Old Religion. Where'd you get it?"
"It was my father's. He left it to me," Gilli explained. "He was a gifted man, but he would not touch magic. He vowed never to use it, he feared it. Wouldn't even let me talk about it. He was scared Uther would find out, that the king would discover he was a sorcerer. Even when he was attacked—had three men on him—he wouldn't use this."
"Is that how he died?" Mordred asked quietly.
"I am not going to be like him," Gilli vowed darkly.
"Because you want to be proud of who you are?" Mordred guessed.
"Why all these questions?" Gilli demanded, standing up.
Merlin finally signed his input, which Mordred interpreted. "Because you saved us, and now we're trying to save you. You need to withdraw from the tournament."
Gilli scoffed. "Is that how you lost your tongue, by letting people walk all over you?"
"He didn't lose his tongue!" Mordred exclaimed angrily, rising to his feet.
Merlin pulled Mordred back down and signed again. Mordred looked rather grumpy as he continued interpreting. "He's not ashamed to be mute. He has other talents and he knows how best to use them. And he says your talent is magic, not fighting."
"Magic can be used for fighting," Gilli countered.
Merlin shook his head and continued signing. "Using magic like this, you're going to get yourself killed."
"Without magic, I'm a nobody," Gilli argued. "People think they can kick dirt in my face!"
Merlin stood up as he replied. "If people judge you because you look weak, their opinions aren't worth anything. You're special, whether they see it or not."
"Then let me prove that," Gilli urged.
Mordred sighed and rose to his feet again. "I've seen what happens when people openly use magic in Camelot. It isn't pretty. You seem like a nice guy, and I really don't want to see that happen to you."
At that moment, the door opened and a couple other contestants walked in. The brothers gave Gilli one last warning look, then exited.
In the tournament the next day, Uther faced an opponent who wielded a polearm. The king fought confidently and emerged victorious. Arthur faced a sword-wielding opponent who proved to be much more of a challenge than his first opponent, but eventually the prince also won his battle.
A few minutes later, Arthur emerged from his tent and stalked over to the brothers, looking annoyed. [Something wrong?] Merlin asked.
"I'm to face my father in the semi-finals," Arthur grumbled. "I can't tell who's more pleased, my father or Morgana."
Gilli was up next, facing the bearded thug. The thug charged into the arena with a battle cry, swinging an axe at Gilli. Gilli backed away under the relentless assault. The thug backed him all the way up to the stands…directly underneath the spot where the thug's bald friend was spectating. The bald thug grabbed Gilli's arms, restraining him.
Gilli looked around in a panic as the bearded thug advanced on him. Just as the bearded thug reached striking range, he went flying backwards. Gilli headbutted the bald thug and broke free. Acting quickly, he stabbed the bearded thug through the heart. The crowd cheered, but Gilli did not look pleased by his victory.
After the tournament ended for the day, Mordred found Gilli on a bench in the armory. He was staring blankly out a window. "I've never killed a man before," Gilli said quietly, almost dazedly. "I just wanted to feel what it was like to be respected. But this…I'm not a killer."
"You didn't have to kill him," Mordred said, equally quietly. "Killing in self-defense or in defense of people you care about, that's one thing…but killing for glory, that's just wrong and I can tell you know it."
Gilli looked at him funny. "What would you know? It's not like you've ever killed a man."
"Actually, I have," Mordred retorted. "But never simply because I could. My guardian told me that feeling guilty is a good sign, because it means I know better than to succumb to bloodlust and cruelty."
"I'm not going to succumb," Gilli promised. "I'm withdrawing from the tournament."
Mordred nodded. "Good."
Meanwhile in the prince's chambers, Merlin sharpened Arthur's sword. Arthur was sitting at his table with his chin on his hands, looking thoroughly dejected. "What do I do, Merlin? If I fight my father tomorrow the way I can…I'll show him up, I'll humiliate him in front of his people. Or worse, I could wound him, even kill him!"
[He's not going to back down, Morgana will make sure of that. In fact, she's probably hoping one or both of you will get hurt.] Merlin winced in sympathy. [You're going to have to let him win.]
"And then I'll have to put up with the gloating," Arthur griped. He stood up and began to pace. "Do you have any idea what it's like to live with a man who constantly thinks he's the best?!"
Merlin stared at Arthur. [You've faced griffins, witches, bandits and god knows what else but you can't handle a gloating father?]
"He's so smug," Arthur all but whined.
[Do you want a smug father who gloats over you, a humiliated father who's mad at you, or a dead father who can't do anything with you?]
"I want a father who acknowledges my skills," Arthur grumbled.
The next morning, trumpets played as Uther entered the arena. Arthur was already inside. He faced his father, smiling confidently. "Good luck."
"And you." Uther grinned, equally confident. "You'll need it."
"Don't be so sure, Father," Arthur warned.
Uther took his shield from a soldier. "When I was your age, I conquered Camelot. I didn't inherit this kingdom, I won it. One day you'll be strong enough to take my crown…but not yet."
Uther put on his helmet, and Arthur turned away to do the same. Uther took a swing at Arthur while the latter was still distracted. Arthur just barely parried the blow. Now entirely alert, the prince began trading blows with his father. They both repeatedly blocked blows with their shields. Arthur landed noticeably more blows than Uther, and the king began backing away. Eventually, Arthur hit Uther in the chest with his shield, and Uther fell over.
Arthur stepped back out of reach rather than press his advantage. Uther made a few wild swings, then regained his feet. He pulled off his helmet and hurled it toward the side of the arena, revealing an expression that was a mixture of fury, humiliation and determination. A few moments later, Arthur also pulled off his helmet and looked around at the crowd, his expression one of resignation.
Uther charged at Arthur. Arthur parried the incoming blows, but mounted no further offense and slowly backed away. Eventually, the king disarmed his son. Arthur fell backwards, and Uther held his sword to Arthur's chest. Uther briefly panted, then grinned and helped Arthur to his feet. The crowd cheered. Uther raised his sword, drinking in the adoration.
When Arthur finally exited the arena, Merlin approached him. [Well done. That can't have been easy.]
"If he wasn't my father…" Arthur growled. He stalked into his tent.
Once Arthur was out of earshot, Gaius spoke. "The king's through to the final. You need to worry about who he might be facing next."
Gaius nodded at the arena, and Mordred's jaw dropped as he saw Gilli enter. "What—he said he was going to withdraw!"
Merlin raised an eyebrow. [Are you sure he didn't say that just so you would leave him alone?]
Mordred shook his head. "I didn't even have to talk him into it…or at least, I didn't think I did…"
Gilli caught Mordred's eye and grinned. Then he turned his full attention to his opponent, a man with a large axe. The man battered away at Gilli's shield. Soon, Gilli tripped backwards. A moment later, his opponent's feet slid out from under him and he also fell backwards.
Gilli was the first to regain his feet. He swung at the other man, who still lay on the ground and the handle of his axe to block the blow. After a brief struggle, Gilli ended up on the ground and the man swung his axe. Gilli used his sword to block the blow in the same manner that his opponent had previously used.
The man slowly forced Gilli's sword down toward his throat. Right before the sword made contact, the man cried out in pain and dropped his axe. Gilli stood up and landed a blow on the man's back. The man fell and did not get up again. Gilli grinned and raised his sword, acknowledging the cheers.
Gaius and the brothers entered the physician's chambers. "There's nothing for it," Gaius said grimly. "We must warn the king."
[Absolutely not,] Merlin signed angrily.
"Why are you protecting him?" Gaius demanded.
Merlin stared incredulously at Gaius. [You know what Uther will do to him!]
"Merlin and I have both faced execution in the past, do you really expect us to condemn Gilli to that fate?" Mordred added.
"Gilli is using magic for his own gain," Gaius argued. "It's corrupting him. Poisoning him."
Merlin flinched at the reminder of what had happened to Morgana. [He's not there yet. Just let us talk to him.]
Gaius shook his head. "I fear it's too late."
"Gaius, please," Mordred begged. "He hasn't had anyone to help him, to teach him what magic is for. Give us—give him—one more chance."
[Besides, I owe it to someone to save him,] Merlin pleaded. He'd failed Morgana; he couldn't fail Gilli.
Mordred frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"
[I…] Merlin swallowed. [I just do, okay?]
Gaius sighed and nodded. "You must put an end to this. If he fights tomorrow, either his magic will be found out, or worse, the king will die."
Merlin and Mordred cautiously entered the crowded tavern. Gilli was sitting on a table in the center of the room, surrounded by admirers. "Now, a lot of you have asked me—how did he fall on his back? Well, I just tripped him, like that!" Gilli lifted a foot and mimed kicking. "Cause I'm strong, you don't realize!" He looked up and caught sight of the brothers standing by the door. "If you'll excuse me," he added.
The brothers went upstairs to Gilli's room. About a minute later, Gilli came up and joined them. "What's this about?"
Mordred folded his arms. "Your opponent. I thought you might like to know how he is."
"Is he all right?" Gilli asked, a faint trace of concern in his tone.
"Gaius thinks he'll pull through, but…he might not have been so lucky."
"It could have been me that got injured," Gilli replied, unmoved.
"You said you were going to withdraw!" Mordred exclaimed accusingly.
Gilli shrugged and held out his arms. "You've seen the way people are now. They're showing me respect. And you don't know what that's like for me."
Merlin glared sternly at Gilli and signed his input. "Actually, he's quite familiar with people not respecting him. Most people think mutes are worthless imbeciles."
"You don't need to talk to wield a sword," Gilli retorted. "If the extent of your talents is to shine the shoes of greater men, then you are worthless."
Mordred's jaw dropped in outrage, but Merlin put a restraining hand on his shoulder and then closed the door. Turning back to Gilli, Merlin held out a closed hand. Slowly, he opened it to reveal a small flame. I have plenty of talents. Very few people know of them, and my talents garner me no respect. I know how it feels, Gilli. I understand. Merlin lowered his hand, allowing the fire to go out.
Gilli stared at Merlin, obviously impressed. A tear actually rolled down his face. Then you understand why I have to fight. If Uther is killed, so what? How many of our kind have died at his hands? How many more will? It's time those with magic fought back!
Merlin shook his head. Gilli…
You can't tell me what to do! Gilli yelled, sounding more desperate than angry.
You need to learn to use your magic for good, that is its true purpose! Merlin retorted. It's not meant for your own vanity!
"I'm not going to apologize for who I am!" Gilli insisted, speaking out loud again. "You can be a servant, and let them think you're some cripple—"
I'm not feigning! Merlin interrupted. They did this to me, all because I protected him. Merlin nodded at Mordred. I told you before, I'm not ashamed of what I am. I took a stand for what was right and I paid the price. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
"No you wouldn't," Gilli hissed. "You're defending the king, protecting a man that would have you dead! How can you call that 'taking a stand'?"
I'm protecting you, Merlin retorted. I've seen magic users who let their hatred turn them into monsters.
Gilli shook his head. "You've been pretending for so long that you've actually forgotten who you are." He roughly brushed past Merlin toward the door.
Mordred grabbed Gilli's arm. "Please. You don't even know the worst thing that ever happened to Merlin because of his magic. If you're caught…"
"Worse than losing his voice?" Gilli demanded skeptically.
"Yes!" Mordred snapped. "I foolishly used magic out in the open, like you've been doing." Gilli opened his mouth to say something, but Mordred plowed on. "Merlin took the fall because, despite what you think of him, he's selfless and brave! They…" He broke off when he caught sight of the look on Merlin's face. "You really don't want to know what they did. Luckily we were able to 'prove' Merlin's innocence, but it took ages for him to recover! If you won't withdraw because it's the right thing to do, then withdraw to save your own skin!"
Gilli glanced at Merlin. "It's time someone struck a blow for the likes of you and me. And if you're too weak, then I will." He wrenched himself out of Mordred's grasp and left.
Mordred knocked on Morgana's door, and Gwen answered it. "Yes, Mordred?"
Mordred looked past her shoulder, confirming that Morgana was in the room. "Can I talk to Morgana alone, please?"
Gwen tensed and glanced at Morgana. "Sure." Gwen walked out of the room, giving Mordred an odd look.
Morgana walked over to Mordred. "What is it?"
"If I tell you something, will you swear not to repeat it to anyone?"
"Of course," Morgana agreed, looking both wary and intrigued.
"Uther's opponent tomorrow…he's a sorcerer," Mordred admitted. Morgana gasped. "Merlin and I have been trying to get him to withdraw before he gets himself caught and executed, but…he hasn't gotten caught so far. He says he wants to kill Uther, and…I'm not sure if we should stop him."
Morgana raised an eyebrow. "Mordred, what has Uther ever done for you? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from letting this sorcerer free us all."
"What if he is caught, though?" Mordred fretted. "Being led to a pyre was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. Gilli's not a bad person, he doesn't deserve that."
"It was his choice to take the risk," Morgana pointed out. "If he's fails, it's not your fault, and if he succeeds, so much the better for us all."
Mordred returned to his bedchamber. Merlin had been staring out the window, but he turned around when he heard Mordred enter. We'll have to stop him somehow, Merlin said, sounding oddly desperate.
Why? Mordred argued. Gilli knows the risks. If he's caught, it's no one's fault but his.
It's not his life I'm worried about! Merlin retorted. Killing in mortal combat is one thing, but killing in a tournament when you don't have to…I don't care what crimes your victim has committed, nothing justifies that. Once he starts down that path…
You really think he'll get corrupted? Mordred asked worriedly.
Merlin averted his eyes. I don't know, and I don't want to find out.
Mordred caught his breath. Are you going to turn him in?
No, Merlin insisted vehemently. I wouldn't do that unless he was a threat to someone truly innocent. But I'm not going to let him kill Uther either.
The next morning, Merlin and Mordred stood near the arena entrance. Soon, Gilli approached, walking through a crowd of cheering admirers. Merlin caught Gilli's eye and shook his head in warning. Gilli smirked at Merlin and entered the arena.
Uther was already inside, looking wholly confident in his ability to defeat his opponent. He nodded at the royal box and put on his helmet. Then he drew his sword and turned to Gilli. "For glory!"
Gilli held his sword aloft, mirroring Uther. "For glory."
Both men took a few steps backwards, and king and sorcerer faced off. After a few moments, Gilli charged and was promptly disarmed. Uther tried to take advantage of the opening, but his sword veered to the side and stuck in the ground. Gilli recovered his own weapon and resumed the attack, but Merlin used magic to send Gilli's shield flying off his arm, momentarily throwing him off balance. Gilli looked over at Merlin, furious. Merlin met his gaze, giving him another warning look.
Gilli returned his attention to the king and charged, right as Uther freed his sword from the ground. They traded a few more blows, eventually locking swords. The stalemate ended when Uther's sword flew out of his hand. Gilli then proceeded to batter away at Uther's shield. Uther blocked several blows with apparent ease before Gilli finally succeeded in knocking him to the ground. Gilli stabbed his sword through the shield toward Uther's throat, but another spell from Merlin caused the sword to become stuck in the shield. Gilli looked pleadingly at Merlin. Merlin shook his head again.
Uther maneuvered the shield off his arm and threw it to the side, taking Gilli's sword with it. Gilli overbalanced and fell over. Uther crawled over to retrieve his sword while Gilli retrieved his shield. Both men stood up.
Gilli shot another pleading look at Merlin, but Merlin remained unmoved. Gilli turned back to the fight, just in time to block a blow from Uther. Gilli backed away from the relentless assault and soon fell over again. Uther held his sword to Gilli's throat.
His victory established, Uther stepped back and the crowd cheered. The king raised his sword, acknowledging the cheers. Gilli despondently regained his feet and left the arena, now ignored by the crowd.
Merlin approached Gilli. I'm sorry.
Gilli held up a hand to cut off conversation and continued walking.
Once the crowds had begun to disperse, the brothers returned to Gilli's room at the inn. Gilli was inside, packing. I had no choice, Merlin apologized.
"You did what you had to do," Gilli replied, not looking up. "And you betrayed your kind."
Merlin shook his head. No, that was you. You betrayed us. You'd won, but you were going to kill the king anyway? There's no honor in that.
Gilli looked at Merlin with newfound interest, then sat down on a bed.
Merlin sat opposite him. Come on, look inside yourself. You're better than this. Magic is not meant for fighting, it's not meant to bring you glory.
Gilli narrowed his eyes, looking thoughtful. I never understood my father. I thought that he was afraid of magic, but he wasn't. He was afraid of what it can do, how it can corrupt. I know now that he was—he was strong. Well, he was stronger than me. Gilli slung his pack over his shoulder. I'm sorry.
Mordred sat down next to Merlin. You're not the only one to lose family. I was born into a druid clan. We were attacked when I was a baby, and almost the entire clan was slaughtered. Other druids had to build a shrine to the dead in the ruins, because the Camelot patrol didn't even mark the graves. I used to wonder how things could go so wrong, when we had magic and the knights didn't, but eventually I understood—violence is not our way. We're a peaceful people who wield magic to help and heal, not to harm. That's what magic should be for.
Uther may be blind, but Arthur isn't, Merlin added. The more of our people that use magic for good, the sooner he'll see it for what it really is. And one day he'll change the law. You won't have to hide, your gifts will be recognized. We will be free. And maybe then our paths will cross again.
Gilli nodded and smiled. I hope so.
Mordred held out a hand. Until then, we go unmarked in life as in death.
Gilli shook Mordred's hand. Until then.
Merlin and Gwen set out dinner in the royal dining room. Arthur sat in his chair and stared at the wall, looking sullen. Gwen hesitantly offered him a smile, though he didn't seem to notice.
Eventually, Uther and Morgana walked in, Morgana on Uther's arm. "I thought the boy was going to kill me," Uther was saying. "Then suddenly the old fighting spirit kicked in! I dug deep, found my strength and the whole thing just began to flow. I felt at one with the sword. My feet began to move instinctively." Morgana let go of Uther's arm and they sat down in their respective chairs.
"And now you're a champion once again," Morgana said with a smile. She smirked at her brother. "Maybe you can give Arthur some lessons."
"It is I who learned a great deal from our fight," Uther said seriously.
Morgana snorted dismissively, putting her napkin in her lap. "I can't see what."
"He's a far better warrior than you think. It is Arthur who should have claimed the prize."
"But sadly, he wasn't good enough," Morgana mocked. Arthur glared at her and took a drink of wine.
"Because he threw the fight," Uther revealed. Arthur choked and put down his goblet. "That I might save face."
"You knew?" Arthur demanded.
"I have followed your progress with the sword since you were a boy. I know your abilities better than anyone. I am eternally grateful. I hope that when you are king and have sons of your own, that they will afford you the same honor. Indeed, the most satisfying outcome of the tournament was that Arthur's actions have shown me that he is now truly ready to be king." Uther smiled. Morgana looked as if she had bitten into something sour, though she quickly hid it.
Later that evening, Gaius set out supper. "I'm proud of you both," he stated.
"It was really Merlin," Mordred insisted modestly.
[I'm sure you made a difference,] Merlin reassured.
"Maybe," Mordred replied, staring at his plate. "But you were the one who actually used magic to protect King Uther. I should've…should've helped."
[Perhaps, but you didn't try to kill him either,] Merlin pointed out. [You're only human, Mordred. Believe me, I didn't like protecting Uther, but it was the only way to protect Gilli.]
"Still. I should be able to do the right thing, even when it's hard."
[I'm sure that some day you'll get another chance,] Merlin soothed. [And when that day comes, you will prove yourself.]