Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters. I only own the ones that I've made up myself.
A/N- Thanks everyone who reads this story and takes the time to leave a review. You're all amazing! Happy saturday to all of you!
- x Milou Lilly
Chapter 38: The Sorcerer's Shadow
Gwen pulled the hood further over her head as she and Lyanna made their way through the crowd of man that were walking towards the training ground. Today was the day that lots of men from all corners of the kingdom came to Camelot to participate in the tournament that was going to be held the next day. The entire city was swarmed with people and Lyanna needed an escape because the place was rather suffocating right now.
They left Camelot behind them, much to their relief, and headed towards the hills. It was a lovely spring day and birds were chirping in the canopies as they walked past them. It didn't took long before Lyanna and Gwen sat down on top of a hill and were able to see the castle in the distance.
Gwen had brought them a basket filled with various food so that they could have a picnic together as they enjoyed the enjoyed the nice weather. "I can't remember this many people being at Camelot for a tournament before," Gwen said as she handed Lyanna a simple ham and cheese sandwich.
"This tournament is different, Gwen, mainly because you don't have to be a knight to be able to participate so everyone can join. But only if you're not a lady because then you're not allowed to do so and you're pretty much forced to watch them from the stands," Lyanna grumbled, feeling sour. She had never been able to fight in a tournament before and she really wanted to do that.
"No wonder that Camelot is so packed at the moment," Gwen understood as she filled two goblets with wine and handing one to Lyanna. "Why do you want to fight so badly, Lyanna?"
"For the same reason that most of those men want to. This is the perfect opportunity to prove yourself so that everyone knows what you're capable of. Because I'm a woman people tend to think that I can't fight and have no place there, but they're wrong," Lyanna clarified.
"You don't need to prove yourself," Gwen said to her, smiling. "You're already the finest swordswoman that Camelot has to offer and that has to count for something."
Lyanna nodded. "Sure it does, but it doesn't get me anywhere. You have no idea how many times I've asked my father to let me become a knight or join a tournament, but you can figure what his answer was. Anyway by now I have no desire to become a knight anymore. I'm quite content with the life of being a physician."
"And by becoming Merlin's wife one day?" Gwen guessed and Lyanna spat out her wine in the grass before having a cough fit. Lyanna now had the tears in her eyes from coughing and was almost wheezing before she was breathing properly again. "Sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up like that. But that's what you want right?"
"Of course I want that more than anything," Lyanna admitted, feeling better because she was able to be completely honest with her dearest friend. "Just like you're hoping to become Queen one day." Lyanna smirked at her.
Gwen jaw dropped a bit. "Queen? No. No. No. I'm not made to be a Queen. I would be rubbish at it," she objected.
"Gwen, it's impossible to get any experience on how to become a Queen, but I can guarantee you that you have whatever it takes to be a wonderful Queen. The people are going to love you because you have a good heart, Gwen. I'll be there to help you and of course Arthur will be there. It's not as terrifying as it sounds like."
"But dinners with your father does sound like a nightmare," Gwen teased and Lyanna began to chortle in an unladylike laughter which Gwen joined.
"Yes, I can understand why you think that. He always disagrees with everything that's being said and he values his own opinion above others. If only he knew that his children were in love with servants he would be completely upset or think that it's another enchantment. I'm glad that your name got cleared, Gwen."
"I'm glad that you and Merlin were there to help me out and that Merlin even changed into an old man," Gwen retorted. "What was it like to see him so old? I've often wondered about this since this all happened."
Lyanna sighed, but with a playful smile on her lips. "For some reason it felt completely natural. Sure, he looked different but he was still the same Merlin and I could picture myself being just as old at his side which was a nice thought," Lyanna confessed.
Gwen flashed her a warm smile. "And I'm sure that the future will hold that for both of you. You two honestly belong together and you'll get married within a few years. Don't bother denying it, Lyanna, I know this will happen."
"As you will marry Arthur," Lyanna replied, grinning sheepishly. "Which reminds me, maybe our children can play together."
The maid began to laugh. "Yes, that does sound very lovely. Can you imagine the palace being filled with little mixtures between Arthur and me, or mixtures of you and Merlin?" she asked her.
Lyanna snorted. "Oh dear, please don't. There don't need to be more Merlin's and Arthur's in this world. We should keep the children at a minimum," she insisted, giggling. Even though they were just messing around with this subject, deep down they both knew that they wanted their future to be like this.
"Well, at least we could babysit each other's children when that day comes," Gwen supplied, taking a sip from her whine. "Maybe Gaius could babysit on them while we go double dating."
"Gwen, you're being a bit unreasonable," Lyanna said between laughter. "Gaius would never babysit on several children and nor would Arthur and Merlin go on double-dates with us. In case you've forgotten, Arthur is my brother and he would spend the whole evening making sure that there is enough distance between me and Merlin and I would lose my sanity. I think that we should stick to just simple dates with the man of our dreams or going on girl's nights to keep sane."
Gwen raised her goblet and Lyanna did the same. "Yes, that does sound like a dream coming true. Let's toast for a beautiful future here in Camelot," the maid said, smiling as their goblets clanked together. "We should be getting back."
"Do we have to?" Lyanna complained, frowning her eyebrows.
"Yes, we do," Gwen stated sadly. "I need to help Morgana with a few things."
Lyanna chewed on her cheek. "Yes, you're probably right. We'll have to do this again soon."
They picked up their belongings before they left the place in the sun and began to make their way back to Camelot as they chatted animatedly with another about irrelevant things, which was a nice thing. As they got there they parted ways because Gwen went to check up on Morgana and Lyanna made her way to the armoury to pick up her sword because she wanted to train a bit by herself.
As she stepped into the armoury she was astonished by what she was witnessing. A rather gangly kid was swinging with his sword towards another man who was using a whip. The kid managed to get the whip from him as the man unsheathed a dagger. Lyanna now got aware of Merlin's presence as another man stood in front of him.
"What's the meaning of this?" Lyanna questioned, using a tone in her voice to let them know that they were caught doing something wrong.
They all turned to look at her and knew well enough who she was. The gangly kid took a step to the side and lowered his hands. The other two bowed clumsily. "We've done nothing wrong, Milady. We simply came here to fetch our armour," the one who had just fought said.
Lyanna frowned. "I think it's for the best that you'll leave for now," she said to them. They bowed again before they scurried out of the armoury. Lyanna then whirled her head to face Merlin and the gangly kid. "Can you please tell me what really happened? I could tell that they were lying."
"I found these two bullying him here," the gangly kid explained, gesturing towards Merlin who was averting Lyanna's gaze. "They even hit him with a whip."
"They did what?" Lyanna almost shouted until Merlin closed the distance between them and placed his hands on her shoulders to calm her down. No one was allowed to hurt Merlin. No one.
"It's alright, Milady. They didn't hurt me," Merlin tried to assure her. He called her by her title because they weren't alone and Lyanna felt uncomfortable because of it. He had been calling her by her first name for years now and she wished that he didn't have to address her differently in public. It didn't seem right.
She gave him a small smile. "Well, that's good to hear," she said gratefully, even though she was going to ask him more questions about this encounter later because she wanted to know exactly what made these men do such a thing to him. Lyanna looked at the gangly kid. "I believe that I have to thank you for standing up to them."
He slightly shrugged. "It's alright. I've already had a run in with those two," he responded.
Merlin removed his hands from Lyanna's shoulder, much to her dismay but she kept a small smile on her lips. "You have?" he questioned.
"Yeah, I know what it's like to be picked on," he answered and Lyanna believed him. He was the kind of guy who was the target of all the knights, much like Merlin always was with Arthur. Even though not as much now anymore as it used to be. Maybe that was because Arthur and Merlin realized that they were going to be family one day.
"Merlin!" Arthur voice bellowed. It was so loud that Lyanna was convinced that everyone in the castle must've heard it, which wasn't shocking. It happened a couple of times a day so everyone was quite used to it by now.
"Well, thanks again," Merlin said a bit nervously. "I'm..." Before he could finish his sentence Arthur shouted his name again, but louder this time. "...Merlin. That's me."
"I'm Gilli," the boy responded.
They shook hands as Arthur once again shouted the name of his manservant. "Ugh, I got to go," Merlin excused himself before looking at Lyanna. "Do I see you tonight?" he asked her inside her head.
It cost her a bit of trouble not to speak out loud. "Yes, I'm looking forward to that." Merlin nodded before running out of the armoury leaving Lyanna behind with Gilli. She looked at him. "I want to thank you again for standing up for Merlin. I'm Lyanna and I don't believe that I've seen you here before. You're here for the tournament?"
Gilli nodded. "I am, Milady," he responded.
Lyanna noticed the silver ring that Gilli was wearing. She didn't know what it was but there was something alluring about that ring that drew her attention. "Well, I'm sure that I'll be seeing more of you then. I wish you good luck. Right now I need to go." She picked up her sword before she walked out of the armoury.
After she had gotten changed into her armour she made her way to the training ground, which was packed with all the men that came here to Camelot to join the tournament. She was still a bit sour of not being able to participate herself, but over the years she had gotten quite used to it.
She trained there by herself for a while, just fighting with a dummy. Once she was bathing in her own sweat from excising so intensely because it was such a warm day there were a couple of knights of Camelot who were fighting in the tournament themselves who wanted to have a friendly duel with her. It was nice to be able to have a little practice with everything that was going on.
Once she was finished she returned to her chambers where she took a long bath and reheated the lavender scented bathwater several times before she put on a more flowing gown. She wasn't in the mood to braid her hair, so she let it hang loose around her face. It made her look simple, but yet like the lady that she was.
It was after nightfall that Lyanna was sitting at the table in the council chamber next to her brother as Merlin was serving them dinner. She was quietly talking with Arthur about future ideas for their training's with the knights as her gaze occasionally lingered to Merlin and he gave her a small smile without the others noticing. Only Arthur seemed to be aware of their staring, but he didn't say anything about it because would do the exact same thing when Gwen was here.
Lyanna was ruffling through Arthur's hair because he had made a comment to her when Morgana suddenly spoke a bit louder. "Remind me how many times you've won this tournament, Uther."
"Three," the King answer humbly.
"That's a lot to live up to, Arthur, Morgana said to the prince.
Arthur didn't show many emotions. "Indeed," he retorted.
Morgana looked at Uther again. "I remember your last victory. You were a master in the arena. It's such a shame we won't see you compete again," she continued.
Lyanna was wondering what the King's ward was up to, but she knew that it couldn't mean anything good. "Who says you won't?" Uther reasoned.
"I thought you said you were too old to take to take the field?"
"Not age that stops me. I'll still prove a match for any man," the King firmly responded.
"Well, we won't be finding out," Arthur said quietly. Lyanna took another sip from her wine as her eyes met Merlin's again who was currently refilling the King's goblet. He gave her a rather doubtful look as if he also wondered what Morgana was playing at. After everything that Morgana had done they immediately thought that by everything that she did, was a plot to murder everyone in Camelot. They hate to be cautious with her.
"Why ever not?" Uther wondered.
"Because I don't want you you getting hurt," Arthur simply responded after exchanging a look with Lyanna.
Uther began to laugh. "Do you think you could still win the crown?" Morgana asked him.
"The kingdom needs him to rule, not to fight," Arthur determined, not liking the sound of their father fighting in the tournament.
"Do you think I can't do both?" Uther questioned his son.
Morgana smirked. "Well, you're not as young as you used to be. Besides, I need someone to keep me company in the stands since Lyanna will be attending the wounded men."
Everyone now eyed Lyanna who smiled shyly. "Excuse me," she muttered before standing up and walking out of the courtroom, feeling their gazes burning in her back.
"I wish these tournaments were over," Gwen complained as she braided Lyanna's hair. "It took me ages to get here from my house because the entire town is filled with people. They're everywhere, Lyanna."
Lyanna snickered. "You have to be strong for a couple more days, Gwen. Just until the winner has been announced. People will leave Camelot the next morning."
The maid sighed. "I'm looking forward to that. I can imagine that it must be rather impossible to do your rounds with Gaius with all of this going on."
"Yeah, I'm not looking forward to that as well. But first I have to worry about injured men which have my first priority right now," Lyanna replied, standing up as Gwen was finished with doing her hair.
"Do you think that Arthur is going to win this tournament?" Gwen asked as they left the chambers.
"I do. Arthur has a good chance to win this since he's the most experienced swordsman. He's been training for these moments his entire life. He's going to be fine, don't worry too much," Lyanna tried to assure her.
They walked down the corridors. "You sure are confident, Lyanna."
"I have to be," Lyanna chuckled. "I've trained with Arthur my whole life and I know what he can do. I've never met anyone else who fights like him. Like I said, he has a good chance to win this tournament."
"And what if he doesn't?" Gwen wondered.
Lyanna looked at her. "Then nothing horrible happens, Gwen. Only his honour will be a bit damaged I'm sure." Gwen smiled faintly at that, realizing that Arthur's pride meant a lot to him.
As they reached the tournament ground they parted because Gwen went to join Morgana at the stands while Lyanna made her way towards the tents. As she pushed the flaps aside she was able to hear Arthur say "Shut up" to his servant. Merlin was smirking as he watched how Arthur whirled around to see his sister standing there, looking rather annoyed. "Hi... Lee," he quickly mumbled.
"Don't you hi me," she replied, crossing her arms. "How many times have I told you to be nice to others, especially those who do everything for you?" Arthur shook his head and Lyanna sighed. "You surely know how to be the biggest prat this kingdom knows." Merlin snorted and Arthur glowered at him. "Just remember that. Anyway I came here to wish you good luck and to tell you that I have faith in you."
Arthur flashed her a warm smile before he leaned forwards and kissed her forehead. He stepped out of the tent after that. Lyanna then met Merlin's gaze and they smiled at each other before Merlin softly pressed his lips against hers. It was a rather chaste kiss and as they parted they were both grinning goofily.
"Right," Lyanna muttered. "A day filled with looking after injured men is waiting for me."
"I know that you would much rather fight instead of being a physician right now. I think the reason that you're not allowed to participate is because now others actually have a chance of winning because you would smoke them like a ham," Merlin said proudly, placing his hands on her arms.
Lyanna giggled. "You sure are very sweet. You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better. Thank you and I will keep this in mind."
His grin enlarged as his arms now went around her waist and pulled her closer to him. "It's just part of my charm." He kissed her again and this one lasted longer than the other one.
"We need to go before they wonder where we are," she said against his lips, but he refused to let go off her. "Merlin! Stop it!" she cried out between giggles.
"You can't blame me," Merlin pouted as he pulled back to look into her eyes.
Lyanna tenderly stroke his cheek. "You're the most adorable man that I've ever met and I'm glad to be yours. Well, not yet. But perhaps soon. Now we really need to go. Come on, magic boy."
"I'm not a boy," he corrected, frowning slightly.
She chuckled. "No, you're an amazing man. Is that better?"
"Much better," Merlin laughed as she stepped out of his hold and they left the tent together. There were many people gathered at the tournament ground as they pushed their way through the crowd and joined up with Gaius who Lyanna was assisting today.
At that moment Morgana took her place in the stands and all the participants that stood in the arena, which was a weird thing because normally the King was the one who did that. "It's my pleasure to welcome you all to Camelot," she began as she addressed them. "This is a contest like no other. It is open to all comers. Including our reigning champion, the King." Trumpets were being heard as Uther entered the arena and Lyanna gasped. Her father was going to fight. "There are no rules, no weapons are banned. The last man standing takes the prize. Let the tournament begin."
"Why didn't my father tell me about this?" Lyanna wondered, crossing her arms.
"It must've been a spur of the moment," Merlin figured. "We heard how Morgana spoke to him during dinner last night. He wants to prove himself that he's not too old to fight." He was right. Uther's pride could become his downfall.
The tournament began and the first battle was that of the King against a commoner. The years of training gave Uther the upper hand and he won his first match without any difficulties, which gave Lyanna some relief. She couldn't watch him getting hurt. The crowd erupted in applause as Uther took off his helmet.
Arthur was the next one to fight, but he managed to knock his opponent out by hitting him in his face. Lyanna couldn't stop laughing as she watched that, surprised by how easily that battle had came to an end. Gaius was the one who silenced her by glaring at her.
Shortly after that the first people that needed treatment were brought to them, even though it were only minor injuries. So Lyanna spend her time tending wounded people, and watching the other battles commend. It was all that she could do after all.
It was the last fight of the morning when Gilli took his stand. Lyanna currently had no person to treat and straightened her back as she watched how Gilli fought against his opponent. When she had first seen Gilli she was a bit astound by the fact that the was fighting in the tournament because he was rather gangly and didn't look like someone who knew how to hold a sword. Clearly she had gotten that wrong.
His opponent had the advantage because he was stronger, but Gilli was quick and managed to avert his blows. The man's sword got stuck into the wooden fence, but somehow the sword got stuck in deeper as if it was pulled by some invisible force. Lyanna exchanged a look with Merlin who had clearly seen the same thing. Gilli had used magic and had won the match.
"Well, who would've believed it," Gaius said, a bit impressed.
After Gilli had listened to the crowd applauding for him because he had won they approached him. "That was a fine victory," Lyanna said, smiling even though her eyes weren't.
"Thank you, Milady," Gilli responded, bopping his head a little out of respect.
Gaius noticed the wound on his shoulder. "That'll need treating," he said.
"That's alright," Gilli shook it off as it was nothing.
"Gaius and the Lady Lyanna here are working as our court physicians," Merlin enlightened him. Lyanna stiffened a bit by the way that he addressed her, which was something that she would never get used to.
"It's just a nick, I'm fine," Gilli said to them before he turned around and walked away.
"He's using magic," Lyanna stated once he was out of hearing range and placed her hands on her hips.
"I suspected as much. The ring bears a mark of the Old Religion. Such rings are very rare, but they act as an conduit, a... a channel of magical powers," Gaius explained to them.
"So he does have magic like us?" Merlin questioned.
Gaius shook his head. "He doesn't have your powers, Merlin, but as to wield a ring as that would need considerable gifts."
"Well, he's braver than me, using magic in front of all those people," Merlin responded.
"Brave or stupid, if my father finds out, he'll have him killed," Lyanna said replied. "He's playing with his life."
Once all the injured contestants were being taken care off the tournament had came to an end and the entire ground was already abandoned. They were heading back to the castle when one of the guards approached them. "The King has asked for you immediately, Milady," he said to her.
Wondering what could've happened they followed the guard as he leaded them into the palace and through the endless corridors. They ended in a corridor where the King was waiting for them. On the door there was a black mark as if someone had set it on fire.
"Sorcery," Uther said convinced. "It's the only explanation."
"I'm not entirely sure that it's sorcery, Father," Lyanna replied doubtfully, even though she knew the truth.
"What other explanation could there be?" Uther protested, snapping at her. Lyanna flinched a little, even though she should've been used to it by now. "The guards report seeing a, an unnaturally bright light, its heat so intense that they could feel it at the end of the corridor. These scorch marks would seem to support their story."
"But they appear to have been there for some time. Did the guards get a good look at this man?" Gaius asked him.
"No, it was too dark," the King responded.
Gaius looked at Lyanna and Merlin for a second. "Unfortunate. I can see no evidence of magic."
"There is a strange odour. How do you explain that?" Uther wondered.
"Well, it's coming from the grain store there," Gaius enlightened him, even though it wasn't exactly the truth. "It's a alecost for the tavern. They use it in their brewing. It imparts a special flavour."
Uther needed a moment to let this sink and knew that the physician must be right, even though he wasn't. "Very well," he said before walking away and leaving them there.
The three of them made their way to the physician chambers so that they could discuss this matter in private without someone overhearing them.
"It's clearly Gilli, judging by the scorch marks and the odour," Gaius said convinced when the door closed behind them. "There's an old healing spell. It's crude, but it works. You heat the skin to coagulate the blood and it cauterises the wound."
Lyanna scrunched her nose at that new information. "It explains why he didn't want us to treat him," she agreed with him.
Gaius looked at them. "You'll have to talk to him before it's too late," he insisted before he walked over to the small kitchen.
Merlin nodded. "I will see him right away," he said before turning to Lyanna.
"Do you want me to come with you?" she asked him.
"No, I'll be fine. I think that you need to dine with your family tonight anyway," he supplied, smiling down at her. He then kissed her cheek before running out of the room.
"I can't believe that only one day has finished," Gwen complained as they were standing at the tournament ground, watching the crowd gather in the stands. "I'm longing back to the time when things were quite and peaceful in Camelot."
"Only two more days, Gwen," Lyanna said positively. "It will be over before you know it, and things will go back to normal. It will almost be as if the tournament has never happened."
Gwen chuckled. "I can't wait. Yesterday night there were a few drunkards wandering the streets and made a lot of noise. They were taken away by the guards eventually. I can't stand that for another night."
"Well, if it's really bothering you, then you're more than welcome to spend the night in my chambers," Lyanna kindly offered, surprising her friend. "You don't have to look so shocked, Gwen. I mean what I said. It will be fun."
"Like a girl sleepover?" the maid asked a bit bewilderment, while she was smiling.
"Exactly like that," Lyanna laughed.
Her smile brightened. "I'd like that."
"Great. Then that's settled. You should meet up with Morgana," Lyanna said sadly.
Gwen nodded, her smile fading. "I would much rather stay here with you, but you're right. She's going to ask questions about my loyalty if I don't show up."
"I'm afraid so. You won't have to pretend forever, Gwen. We're going to find a way to solve this," Lyanna assured her, even though she had no idea how. "I'll see you tonight then." Gwen gave her a wave before she pushed her way through the crowd.
Lyanna met up with Gaius and Merlin next to the tournament ground. Merlin told her what had happened during his conversation with Gilli last night. The boy had gotten the ring from his father, who had been a sorcerer but was afraid to get caught so he never used his powers. Gilli uses the ring because without magic he is a nobody. Lyanna understood what he was trying to do. He wanted to prove everyone that he wasn't a nobody, and was able to fight. It surprised her how no one noticed that Gilli was using magic because his swordfighting skills were poorly, and he stood no chance against those tall opponents.
The second round of the tournament had started and Lyanna spend her time observing the participants and tending the injured men. The King was having a though battle, but won it in the end. It was Arthur's turn shortly after that and his opponent proved to be more difficult than his previous one, but he managed to win without much effort. It didn't seem to surprise anyone.
"Why are you grinning?" Merlin asked her, noticing the glee in her hazel eyes.
Lyanna looked up at him. "Because it's surely a family trait that Pendragon's know how to fight," she answered.
"I don't think you can inherit such a thing. It's mainly because you've all trained incredibly hard for it," Merlin retorted, crossing his arms.
"Well, genetics do have something to do for it," Gaius interfered with their peaceful discussion. "Being good with a sword is more than just training. If you would have inherited clumsiness you would never get far I'm afraid." Lyanna snickered at that.
By now Gilli entered the arena and saluted the crowd. His opponent was a man named Nollar, who had been the same man that had bullied Merlin in the armoury a few days ago. This man ran in to attack him and kept slamming at him with his axe.
Gilli was pressed against the stands where the other man, who was Nollar's accomplish, grabbed him from behind and held him tight so that he couldn't escape.
From where they were standing Lyanna and Merlin were able to feel the magic that was being used. Nollar was being thrown backwards and Gilli escaped the other man's hold before he lunged forwards and killed Nollar.
Lyanna exchanged a look with Merlin. "I have to speak to him," she insisted, pushing her way through the crowd. Merlin was right at her heels in case she was going to do something foolish. He knew that Lyanna was someone who could easily lose her temper when injustice was involved and she had occasionally told him that he was the one that kept her sane.
They found Gilli sitting in the armoury by himself. "I've never killed a man before. I just wanted to feel...what it was like to be...respected," Gilli said, astonished by his own actions. "But this...I'm not a killer. This isn't me."
"You have to withdraw," Lyanna said to him, gentleness and kindness in her voice. "I understand what you're going through, but you're playing with your life right now."
Gilli gave her a faint smile. "I'm going to," he told her.
It brought her some relief to hear that. "I'm sorry, but it's for the best."
"What do I do, Lee?" Arthur asked, sounding hopeless. He was fidgeting with the necklace that she had given to him a few years ago for their anniversary.
She met his gaze and gave him an encouraging smile. Since the King and Prince were facing each other in the next round Arthur was pondering about what he had to do. "I wish I knew, Arthur," Lyanna said to him. "Father is expecting you to fight your best tomorrow."
"What would you do if you were in my shoes?"
Lyanna sighed. "I would've let him win, but that's my choice. You and I both know that he's going to gloat if he wins, but I think that's for the best because he is the King of Camelot after all and he can't get injured." Arthur closed his eyes and Lyanna quickly wrapped her arms around him. "It's a though choice, but it's yours to make, Archie. You'll figure out what to do."
"I wish I'd be fighting you instead," Arthur responded.
She laughed. "I don't think so. You would be having to face the humility of being defeated by your sister in front all of Camelot," she teased him and they chortled together.
Arthur took a deep breath and Lyanna ran her fingers through his mop of blonde hair. "So, you're basically implying that I should let Father win?" he asked just to be certain.
"I think that it's for the best," Lyanna sadly stated. "But you shouldn't worry. If you're so eager to prove yourself there are many tournament's left that you can win should that help you. No matter what happens in the arena you're going to be an amazing King when the day is right."
"Thank you for keeping faith in me, Lee," Arthur gratefully replied, kissing her temple.
"That's what sisters do," she responded and the sentence stung a little because her thoughts wandered to Morgana who was also their sister, even though she showed no affection. She was only holding a grudge to those who were standing between her and the throne of Camelot. "Right, if you'll excuse me I have a girls night to prepare to."
Arthur gave her a questioning look. "Is Morgana coming over?"
Lyanna shook her head. "No, Gwen is. We're going to gossip all night about what a dream guy you are," she teased him, noticing the smirk on his lips.
"Are you not going to gossip about my manservant?" Arthur playfully asked her.
She pressed her lips together. "That's something I'm not going to share with you. I don't even want to know what you and Merlin discuss about us in private."
Arthur let out a soft laugh. "I don't think that something you wish to hear and -"
"Oh god," Lyanna cried out, covering her ears. "Never mind that! If it's inappropriate then I don't want to know. Right, I'm going now. I'll come back in the morning."
Lyanna was nervously fidgeting with her fingers as she watched how her brother and her father were standing in the middle of the arena, preparing for their fight. For everyone else here it was an exciting match between the King of Camelot and his son, but for her it was so much more. It was her family and she didn't want them to lose, which was making it more complicated.
The thought that they both could get injured was heavily presence in the back of her head and she wasn't able to shake it away.
"Lyanna, you're fidgeting," Merlin noticed, his voice gentle but also concerned. "It's going to be alright."
Her eyes darted up him. "I hope so," she almost squeaked, not being able to control her voice. "What if they both get hurt, or worse? If Arthur wins my father is going to be a pain in the ass because he's too proud. But Arthur is exactly the same. No matter what happens the result is going to be dreadful."
Merlin scanned the crowd for a moment before Lyanna felt how his fingers intertwined with hers. There were plenty of people everywhere, but everyone was so focused on the fight that was about to begin that no one was paying any attention to the princess that was holding hands with the prince his manservant out in the open. His fingers were tracing small circles on the skin of her hand and Lyanna was grateful for the comfort that he was he giving her because it seemed to be working.
Arthur took his shield and Uther struck him. The prince parried a little late and the fight had begun. Arthur's footwork was clearly better than that of his father as they danced together across the arena as their swords clashed together. Arthur managed to knock the King to the ground, who stood up again.
"It's going to be alright," Merlin whispered into her ear, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. "Just breathe, Lyanna. Don't be so tensed."
Lyanna felt how he squeezed her hand and she exhaled deeply as she listened to the sound of swords clashing together. She knew that Merlin was fighting the urge to pull her into his arms because that would surely draw attention and that wasn't what they needed. Her hazel eyes shifted to his blue ones. "Thank you," she quietly said.
He smiled down at her before they both focused on the fight again. They had both taken off their helmets now. The King was sweating and panting heavily as Arthur ducked under his father's swing easily. Lyanna then noticed how Arthur looked at her for a moment and she gave him an encouraging smile.
Arthur allowed Uther to disarm him and the prince fell onto the ground. Uther smiled and offered Arthur his hand to help him up as the crowd cheered. Both Lyanna and Merlin let go off each other's hand before they staggered after Arthur. Lyanna hurled herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm proud of you," she beamed. "I know that you're upset right now and that it was a though choice, but it was the best thing that you could do."
"Thank you, Lee," Arthur responded, kissing her forehead before he strode away towards the tents.
They were joined by Gaius. "The King's through to the final. You need to worry about who he might be facing next," he said to them.
Lyanna's eyes darted when she saw how Gilli took his stand in the arena and the crowd applauded for him. She was cursing under her breath while Gilli's fight began and he used his magic to win again.
"I can't believe that boy," she cried out, clearly irritated. "He told us that he was going to withdraw and yet here he is."
"We'll have to warn the King," Gaius insisted.
Merlin shook his head. "No."
"Why are you protecting him?" the physician wondered, eying his ward.
"Gaius, you know that my father will do to him if he finds out," Lyanna said, not wanting to think about it.
"Gilli is using magic for his own gain," Gaius firmly responded. "It's corrupting, poisoning him."
"Just let me talk to him," Merlin pleaded, sounding a bit hopeless.
Gaius took a deep breath. "I fear it's too late."
"Gaius, please. You taught me what magic was for," Merlin responded. "You gave me the opportunity to be the person that I am today. I've had you to help me. Give me one more chance to talk to him."
"We'll have to put an end to this," Gaius retorted. "If fights tomorrow, either his magic will be found out, or worse... The King will die."
Night had fallen over Camelot as both Merlin and Lyanna walked through the lower town together. Lyanna was wearing a grey cloak so that she could blend in easily between the people with the hood up to shield her face. She had changed her flowing gown into a more simpler dress and her hair was braided. Normally she wouldn't wear something like that, but she didn't want to draw any attention. And the princess visiting these places surely would be a strange sight and people would talk if they would recognize her.
"What if we can't change Gilli's mind?" Lyanna asked sceptically as they got closer to their destination.
"We will," Merlin responded positively. "What has happened to you, Lyanna? You were always so positive about everything."
She bit her lip. "I've been hurt and betrayed a lot, which changes your view on things. Besides we still have Morgana to worry about, because we have no idea when she is going to strike next. I'm constantly worrying about the next threat and now another guy might kill my father tomorrow. I'm losing my sanity and I don't know what to do. I'm freaking out!"
Ignoring the fact that they were in public Merlin pulled her against his chest. She buried her head into his shoulder as she felt how Merlin repeatedly stroke her back. His lips were placing feathery kisses down her ear. "I know that it's frighting and it's only logical to react like this, Lyanna. You're the bravest woman in the world and you always want to carry everyone's weight on your shoulders, but you're not alone. I'm here with you and I plan to stay there for as long as you'll have me. We're going to solve this together, like we always do."
Because Lyanna wasn't wearing an expensive looking dress, no one seemed to recognize her. She pulled up her head before she kissed Merlin. It was a simple and sweet kiss, which held so many hope and love which they found with each other. "I'd be so lost without you, Merlin. You're all that makes sense in this world," she muttered against his lips.
Merlin grinned. "We should get going," he responded. "We have every chance to continue this later tonight." Lyanna giggled as he let go off her and immediately felt colder without him so close.
They entered the tavern named the Rising Sun. As they stepped inside they were welcomed by the smell of ale and the sound of people laughing. They saw Gilli sitting in the middle of a small crowd as they all listened intently to what he was saying.
"Now, a lot of people have asked me, "How did he fall on his back?" I just tripped him like that. I mean, I'm strong, you don't realise it," Gilli explained and the people laughed again. It was about five minutes later that they entered the guest room with Gilli, where he was staying with two other man. Lyanna removed the hood from her face, and Gilli's eyes darted when he realized who she was. "What's this about?"
"Your opponent," Lyanna replied firmly. "I thought you might like to know how he is."
Gilli faced them. "Is he alright?" he asked them.
"Gaius and the Lady Lyanna think that he'll pull through, but...he might not have been so lucky," Merlin informed him.
"It could've been me that got injured," Gilli responded.
Lyanna frowned as she crossed her arms. "You told me yesterday that you weren't going to fight anymore and then I saw you competing and ignoring our concerns," she said to him.
"You've seen the way people are now," Gilli said. "They're showing me respect. And You don't know what that's like for me."
"I do," Merlin stated.
"No. No, no one does," Gilli protested.
Merlin paused, then closed the door behind him before he grabbed Lyanna's hand as they both realized the same thing. "Forbærnen," they whispered together. They held out their clenched fists before slowly opening it to reveal a mini flame.
"It's...lonely. To...be more powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow. To...be special and, and have to pretend you're a fool," Merlin admitted and Lyanna could detect the hurt in his voice, which brought tears to her eyes. "I know how it feels, I understand, but I've found someone who understands what I'm going through and I'm not alone anymore."
Gilli was looking at both of them in pure bliss. "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!"
"Gilli," Merlin scolded him.
"You can't tell me what to do!" Gilli shouted at them.
"You need to learn to use your magic for good!" Merlin was now yelling. Lyanna squeezed into his hand in the hope to calm him down. "That is it true purpose! It's not meant for your own vanity!"
"I'm not going to apologize for who I am! You can be a servant and the Princess of Camelot, and pretend you're less than them, but I'm not going to..."
"You're out of your mind!" Lyanna shouted back. "That's not what we do!"
"No? You're defending the King! Protecting a man that would have you dead!"
"You're forgetting the fact that he's also my father! No person deserves to die, so that's not going to solve anything. Right now my priority is my father's and your safety," Lyanna yelled, tears rolling down her cheek.
Gilli shook his head. "You've been pretending for so long now that you've actually forgotten who you are."
"That's not true," Merlin stated.
"Isn't it?" Gilli questioned as if they were telling him a joke.
Merlin looked at Lyanna for a second. "No," he firmly responded.
"It's time someone struck a blow for the likes of you and me. And if you're too weak, then I will," Gilli responded, smirking.
Lyanna had enough and ran out of the chamber as more tears escaped from her eyes. She nearly ran into several commoners as made her way out of the tavern and stepped outside, being welcomed by the chill night air. Lyanna turned towards the castle with great haste, not wanting to be seen by anyone.
She was brought to a halt when someone grabbed her by her wrist and she looked into a pair of piercing blue eyes. "Ssst. Come with me," Merlin quietly pleaded and she obeyed without arguing simply because she was tired from shouting.
Merlin escorted her to the castle at a slower pace as she sniveled. He made sure that they wouldn't run into anyone as he brought her back to her chambers. He carefully made her sit down on her bed as he began to take off her shoes to make her more comfortable. Merlin then sat next to her and pulled her into his arms.
"I just can't believe that he's planning to kill my father," Lyanna said between sobs. "I pitied Gilli when he first came here because I imagined how horrible and lonely he must've felt because everyone was always picking on him. But even holding a grudge like that doesn't justify murdering innocent people." Even though her father wasn't exactly innocent, he still didn't deserve to die for it.
Their cheeks were pressed together and Merlin kissed her soft skin. "He has completely lost what the true purpose of having magic is," Merlin agreed with her, his fingers softly stroking her arms. "He's hopeless, and doesn't have any control of what he's doing anymore. He's bittered."
"That's something that we've seen before. We have to stop him. I can't stand by and watch him murder my father. He may have made many mistakes in his life, but he can't do this."
"He won't," Merlin assured her. "I won't let him. I'll stop him."
"I don't know what to say," Lyanna replied.
"You don't have to say anything," Merlin said, cupping her face. "I'll stay here with you until you fall asleep." He kissed her lips softly before bringing their cheeks against each other again.
"What are you doing here, dear?"
The King was standing in front of the window in his quarters as his daughter approached him. The heels that she was wearing clicked on the stone ground.
"I came to wish you good luck, Father," she said to him.
He chuckled as if she had just told him the funniest joke that he had ever heard and she frowned at him. "As if I need that."
"I came to tell it to you anyway," Lyanna said, smiling faintly. "Gilli may look like an easy opponent, but has made it so far in this tournament for a reason." Because he's using magic. "You can't underestimate him, Sire."
"I won't, Lyanna," Uther assured her, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I'm going to win this tournament for you, and I'll make you proud."
Lyanna blinked in awe. She was perplexed by his sudden words. "I'm already proud of you, Father," she replied. "You're going to be amazing."
"Thank you, dear," he said, kissing her forehead before she excused herself and walked out of his chambers. His words kept repeating themselves inside her head as she left the castle behind her and joined Gaius at the tournament ground to prepare for the final battle.
The stands in the arena were already swarmed with people. Arthur was sitting on the throne and was looking rather gloom to be sitting there all by himself. Merlin was standing beside her and gave her an encouraging smile. "Relax," he quietly said as he leaned forwards and his lips were close to her ear. "He's not going to harm your father."
"I'd kiss you right now if there weren't any people watching," she replied with a whisper and noticed that he was blushing. "Maybe after the tournament." She was just messing with him, but seeing the effect that she had on him was making her smirk. "You're adorable."
Gilli entered the arena and his gaze locked with Lyanna for a moment before he smirked and focused on the crowd. Uther saluted his opponent. "For Glory!"
Gilli saluted him back. At that moment their fight began and their swords clashed together. Lyanna gasped as she saw how Gilli was using his magic to make Uther's sword stuck in the ground and he lunged at him. Next to her Merlin was using his own magic and his eyes flashed gold while Gilli lost his shield. Lyanna now realized that she was standing rather close to Merlin and there chests were pressed together, but they didn't bother to move away. Instead they smiled at each other.
Gilli was well aware that Merlin and Lyanna were responsible for that and was glaring at them before he swung at his sword at the King. Uther's strong blows were taking the upper hand and Gilli didn't see a way out, so he once again used his magic, but this time to make the sword fly out of Uther's hands. The King blocked him with his shields as Gilli kept striking him.
The strong blows caused Uther to fall backwards. Gilli stabbed at the King and his sword went through Uther's shield. Without hesitating Lyanna quickly used her magic and Gilli's sword got stuck into the shield. Merlin looked down at her, grinning brightly. "I thought that you were going to leave this to me," he said to her.
"I'm not going to let you have all the fun," Lyanna retorted, smiling warmly at him.
Gilli's gaze lingered towards them and both Merlin and Lyanna shook their head. By now he realized that they weren't going to let him win and would continue to sabotage him like that.
Because Gilli was delaying the King managed to knock him down and threw him on the ground instead. Both men scrambled to their feet to grab a weapon. Gilli picked up his shield and hesitated for a moment until he figured that it would be useless for him to use his magic again.
The King struck at him again and Gilli was lying on the ground again, yielding. Uther eyed him for a second before leaning back, claiming his victory. Lyanna let out a relieved sigh when she realized that her father was alive and alright. And that was all that mattered at that moment.
Lady Ravanna: It's true love when the smell of horse dung doesn't make you want to run away haha. Ravanna is such a lovely name though :) I'll keep it in mind. Alice and Anna are also cute names :P Twins would be adorable, but I'm not exactly sure yet haha. I really want to see a cute mixture between Merlin and Lyanna. It would be the cutest kid :3 Merlin is definitely going to have his hands full that's a fact. The name Colin is always nice, but I'll think of something haha. Thanks for the review and suggesting things with me :))
HPuni101: That's so incredibly sweet of you to say :) I feel flattered by your compliment. The relationship between Uther and Lyanna has always been very strained but Morgana's betrayal is almost here now. And I can't say anything yet about how this story is going to end. I want it to be a big surprise to everyone ^^ Thanks for the review!
Grank: It has always been one of my favorite episodes too =D Dragoon the Great is such a fascinating character
Lbunny: I believe there was enough Myanna for your taste? :) Good haha! There can never be enough that's a fact haha
Guest: I did my best and I'm glad that you liked this previous chapter so much and that I've done it right. Both couples are so adorable they make me grin all the time haha. Old Merlin is so sassy :P I'm trying to add my own things into this story while trying to make sure this story stays close to the tv show. But awwwh I love how you're going to reread that chapter that often :3 Thank you so much for your review!
Avalongirl55: Awh thank you :)) By accident? I'm glad you found this story then haha. Merlin is such a lovely character and its impossible not to like him. I would love to see Lyanna in the shew too, but unfortunately she's not :[ So we have to do it with this fanfic and imagination I'm afraid. Thanks for the review!
Narnian Dreams: Yeah, it makes me happy that you liked it :)) Thanks for the review!
lozipozivanillabean: Did you just read the entire story in one sitting? It's quite a read :P I'm glad that you like it and I'll update regularly. Thanks for the review!