Chapter 18

I eat with Gwaine and Gaius down in the physician's chambers. Merlin still isn't back yet. Apparently, Oswald and his companion have been calling for him all afternoon. I grab the bowls, leaving the clean one out for Merlin.

The door opens, a quiet Merlin entering. He's holding one of his hands in the other, a frown set on his face.

"Are you alright, Merlin?" I ask, putting the bowls back down.

"Yeah," he nods. "I just cut myself."

Gaius gathers some of his medical supplies as Gwaine and I walk over to Merlin. I pull his hand away, inspecting the wound.

"How did you get it?"

"A sword," he answers. Gwaine gives Merlin an odd look.

"Swords are sharp, Merlin. I thought you would have known that."

Gaius comes back over, beginning to clean away the wound. Merlin huffs at Gwaine.

"I'm not stupid," he says. "I was in Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan's room and I saw they had two swords for the melee. They looked blunt but when I touched it…" his face grimaces in memory.

I look at the cut, which is a clean slice. Not anything a dull blade could do, even if it was still sharp enough to break the skin.

"That looks like it comes from a sword just sharpened," I note, biting my fingernail.

"You were lucky," Gwaine says. "I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery."

"What would they want with such a blade?" Gaius asks the thoughts running through my head at the moment.

"I think they mean to kill Arthur in the melee," Merlin answers. I growl lowly.

"I knew something was up with Oswald. He had that glint in his eye today, looked like he wanted to murder Arthur."

"But in front of all those people?" Gaius asks.

"It's the perfect cover," Gwaine counters. "If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional."

"I need to warn Arthur," Merlin announces.

"Merlin, Sir Oswald's a knight. He comes from a well-respected family. You can't accuse him without proof."

"Then we need proof," I say. "Those swords. If we can get our hands on them."

"I'll get it," Gwaine says, stepping forward.

"No, if they catch you, you'll be dead. You don't have any reason to even be near their chambers," I argue, holding his arm.

"Elena's right," Merlin says. "It's safer if I go."

I breathe out through my nose forcefully, not liking the idea of Merlin going either, but he is the best option out of all of us. With nobody arguing, Merlin leaves again, forcing the rest of us to sit and wait patiently. Well, Gaius and I are sitting, used to waiting for these things but Gwaine stands, pacing around.

After some time, my own worry grows, knowing that he should have been back by now if everything went smoothly.

"Merlin should be back by now," Gwaine says, voicing my inner thoughts.

"I agree," I say, pushing myself into a stand. "I'm going to check on him."

"I'm coming."

"Elena, Gwaine!" Gaius calls but we are already leaving.

We jog through the silent castle, Gwaine relying on me to find their chambers. I have no idea which one it actually is but I have a few guesses since I know which are the preferred guest chambers.

I know we've found the right one as we stand outside the door, Merlin's voice ringing through. Gwaine pushes past me, entering first.

"Is there a problem here?" he asks. I scurry in behind him, running over to Merlin who honestly looks a bit terrified. My eyes catch the three daggers on the wall and my fury grows. I grip Merlin's shoulders, standing in front of him, between him and the two men.

"No. Now leave," Oswald growls. Gwaine turns back around to us.

"You alright, Merlin?"

I feel Merlin shake his head, not even offering a sarcastic remark.

"I thought I told you to leave?" Oswald speaks again, getting more and more on my nerves.

"I wasn't talking to you," Gwaine retorts.

Sir Ethan steps forward, brandishing his sword. "How dare you speak to a knight like that!"

"How dare you attack a servant!" I exclaim, turning to face them. "He doesn't even have a weapon."

"Here," Oswald snarls. "Have one then."

He pulls out something from his waist, pulling his arm back. Merlin's hand grip my own shoulders, pulling me down to the ground as the knight throws it. A heavy thud sounds from the wall behind us and I glance up, seeing a fourth knife hilt deep in the wood. My heart races, knowing I was standing in front of it less than five seconds ago.

"Thanks," I whisper to Merlin. Gwaine, even with no weapon of his own, ready's himself in an offensive stance.

"That's two of my friends you've almost hurt. You won't touch them again," he snarls. Ethan attacks Gwaine, swinging his sword at my unarmed friend. I would be worried – hell, I am, - but Gwaine has fought worse.

Not to my surprise, Gwaine disarms Etha, catching his sword.

"Careful!" Merlin exclaims as Oswald attacks Gwaine from another front.

"Don't worry. I can handle this thug," he cries back, a small smirk playing at his lips.

Ethan attacks from behind but Gwaine turns, knocking him away. It's Oswald's turn to attack from Gwaine's six.

"Behind you!" I cry, my mouth running without my permission but I'm glad it did. Gwaine follows my warning, spinning around and disarms him. The two men are on defenceless unless they want to go against an armed Gwaine (which is not a good idea).

There's shuffling outside the room, Leon and a few companion guards entering.

"What's going on?"

Leon's eyes filter the room, seeing Gwaine with the weapons, the two knights defenceless. I'm still huddled on the ground, the knives above my head. I honestly have no idea how this is going to look to him.

As Gwaine is distracted, Oswald sends a backhand to Gwaine, knocking him to the floor.

"Gwaine," I cry, running forward. I kneel down next to him, but he seems alright, if not a bit dazed.

"This man attacked me! I demand an audience with the King!"

"Only because you threw a knife at my head!" I shriek, pointing to the knives still in the wall. "You could have killed Merlin!"

My chest heaves with my heavy breaths, glaring at the knight but I turn my attention to Leon who has to make the decision here. He looks conflicted, eyeing off the knives but then back to Gwaine, who is in reality, holding the weapons and in the knight's room. Leon has no choice.

"Arrest him," he orders, gesturing to Gwaine. "Call for the King."

Xx

I follow Leon as his guards drag Gwaine down to the Council chamber. I don't speak up, trying not to be angry at him. He's only doing his job, but I also have to watch Gwaine be dragged by his arms when he doesn't deserve it and it physically hurts to watch.

"I'm sorry," Leon says after a while, keeping his voice low. "I didn't have a choice."

I shake my head, giving him a quick glance. "I know," I sigh. "I just don't want to see how this all goes down."

"Are you unhurt?"

"I'm fine. Merlin pulled me out of the way. He had three thrown at him before I even got there."

"What were you even doing in their chambers?"

"I…I…Merlin just had forgotten something and went in there and they attacked him," I lie. "Gwaine and I went looking for him."

Gwaine is held in front of the King and even Arthur stands off to the side. The Prince casts his eyes over Melin, Gwaine, and myself.

"Sire," Oswald addresses. "This man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me."

"Is this true?" Uther asks.

"I stepped in the protect Merlin and Elena," Gwaine spits, tired from fighting both the knights and now the guards who are holding him tightly, his hands chained.

"I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up," Oswald says. I almost bring blood into my mouth from how hard I have to bite my tongue. I can't speak up here unless asked to.

"Indeed," Ethan agrees. "I can vouch for his every word."

"He's a liar!" Gwaine cries, struggling against his capture.

"I will have your tongue!" Uther exclaims, stepping forward threateningly. "How dare you speak to a knight in that way?!"

Gwaine calms himself for a moment, looking directly at the King. "Nobility is defined by what you do, and not by who you are." He starts struggling again, as though he can still attack the two knights. I pinch myself, hating seeing him like this. "And these men are anything but. They are arrogant thugs!"

"Gwaine," Arthur calls, trying to calm the man.

"Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves," Oswald sneers.

"I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's Code."

"I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of."

"Sir Oswald, please," Arthur protests.

"Nothing less than his execution will give me the satisfaction."

Tears flood into my eyes and my gaze drifts over to Arthur who is watching Gwaine intently. His eyes move, meeting mine and I send a silent plea for him to help.

"Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation. Sir Oswald is a dear friend and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart."

"How can you say that when you see the way he behaves," Uther argues.

"Gwaine risked his life to save mine. I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency."

Uther looks as though he internally debates, a want to please all parties but his son win's over.

"You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the city."

I stumble in relief. Banished, but alive. I can live with that, and most importantly, Gwaine can. It's not like he comes to Camelot often anyways. Or at all really. The guards release him, and he pulls away, as though he was the one to make them let go. He glares at the two knights, rubbing his jaw before marching out of the chambers.

The rest of the council, considering it's late at night wander off. Merlin and Gaius leave, and so does Leon and his guards. I wait until it's just Arthur and myself left in the room. He walks over to me, tired and frustrated and I feel the same way.

As soon as he's in reach, I wrap my arms around him, finally letting a few tears fall. He silently returns the gesture, rubbing my back.

"Thank you," I sniffle, my forehead resting against his shoulder. "You just saved his life."

"I meant what I said," Arthur replies quietly. "He's a good man and he means a lot to you. I wouldn't see him executed for something like this." I squeeze him in another silent thanks. "Was he really protecting you and Merlin?"

"Yeah. I don't know what's up with those two knights, but you need to watch out in the melee Arthur." I lean back, gripping his shoulders so I can look into his eyes. "I'm serious. You need to watch them. Oswald isn't the same person that you once knew."

"I'm beginning to believe that," he says, perking an eyebrow. "You should go say your goodbyes to Gwaine."

I nod, brushing my eyes off. I give the Prince another tight-lipped smile before turning to venture back to Gaius' chamber.

As I walk, I debate my options. I could leave with Gwaine. I miss him so much and this is the perfect opportunity. And considering he can never come back to Camelot; I don't know if I'll ever run into him again.

But then Merlin's face flashes in front of my eyes and with his, Arthur's. It would be selfish of me to leave, but is that such a bad thing? But I can't up and leave again, not when Arthur has been there for me so much. The least I can do is stay and help him. I know that isn't the only reason I'm staying. There's a much stronger force than a sense of duty holding me here.

"Merlin? Gwaine?" I call out, entering the physician's chambers. Merlin is sitting at the table with Gaius.

"Elena," he greets. "Gwaine just left here. He said he was going to say goodbye to you then leave."

"Oh, thanks," I say, getting ready to go back out.

"Oswald and Ethan," Merlin adds. "They're not who they seem. They are the thugs that attacked Arthur and me at the tavern."

The dots start to connect.

"That would explain their hatred towards Gwaine. And why they're in the melee," I explain aloud to myself. "I've warned Arthur to look out for them but he's not going to back out."

"I know. I'm going to use my magic if I have to," Merlin notes.

"Be careful," I warn. "I'm going to find Gwaine."

This leaves me with the entire castle to search. I jog, not wanting to waste time. I look in every nook and cranny, even asking the guards on duty if they've seen him but he's nowhere. I refuse to believe he left the castle without saying goodbye but even so, I wander out into the Square, peering down the main road but there's nobody moving.

"Gwaine," I mutter to myself, pinching between my eyes. I feel my eyes tear up again, the sense of abandonment filling me. With nowhere else to check I slowly walk back to my chambers, hugging myself to keep the cooler night air off my body.

I open the door to my room, which is dark with no candles lit. My body stiffens as I see the outline of a figure on my bed, just sitting there. I exhale loudly as they stand, the light from the moon reflecting off their hair.

"Gwaine, you bastard," I exclaim. "I thought you left."

"Without saying goodbye? Never." He comes over, wrapping me in a deep hug. "And I'm not leaving yet anyways."

"What? But Uther is going to kill you if you stay!"

"I think Arthur is a nobleman worth dying for," he says softly, and I pull away from the hug, trying to see his face through the darkness. My mouth is open, my hands clenching around his shirt.

"You continue to surprise me," I say after a pregnant pause, a string of laughter erupting from the both of us. "Let me get a candle lit."

I light the candle, bringing a soft glow to the room. I lay horizontally on the bed, Gwaine joining as our heads fall over the edge, blood running to them.

"How'd you know this was my room anyway?"

"That knight, the blonde one. He was walking around, and I figured he would know."

"Leon? Slightly curly hair, tall?"

"Yeah, that's the one. Is he…?"

"Yeah. So, mission save Arthur; what's the plan?"

Gwaine sits back up and I follow suit, the blood in my head becoming painful.

"Well, it's a melee. All I need to do is make sure the odds are even. Two against two."

"I could go in, I can use a sword as well," I say, wanting to be apart of it all. "They wear helmets so they wouldn't even know who I was."

"They will if you last long enough. Or it could get knocked off," Gwaine counters. "Besides, I don't want you to get in trouble as well. I'll need a set of armour though."

"Leave that to me," I mutter, knowing exactly where to find those. "I can't believe you're doing this for Arthur." Gwaine doesn't say anything, just looking at his hands, chewing his cheek. "Gwaine?"

"I'm not doing it just for him," he says. I frown, not understand the implication at first but I smile softly, knowing that he's doing it for Merlin as well. At least, that what I think he means.

We spend the next hour or so talking, lying on the bed in random positions until the exhaustion of the past day slowly takes over us and the chatter dies out.

Xx

The sun reaching over the trees wakes us up, my neck cracking from the odd position I slept in through the night. I laugh, noting that Gwaine must feel worse, his head twisted painfully to one side as my foot had pushed him through the night.

I tell Gwaine to stay in my room while I go get breakfast for both of us. After telling Gwaine to eat, I go out in search of some armour. I could get some from the armoury but it's not the best quality or condition since they're mostly for Squires. I have another place to go to though, I just have to make hope they haven't left.

I knock on his door, crossing my fingers that he's in there. I almost cry out in relief as the door opens.

"El? What do you need?" Castor greets, eating his porridge. I glance over his shoulder, seeing his armour laid out ready for the melee.

"I was wondering if you would like to give up your place in the melee for a worthy cause?" I ask innocently, even adding a big smile at the end of it. He looks me up and down suspiciously.

"Why?"

I huff, looking around for any prying eyes or ears, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. "Because I have someone who needs to enter but doesn't have any armour. Or a name to enter in that won't get him killed."

"Is it Gwaine?" he hushes. I nod, sucking on my cheek. He shrugs. "Yeah, he'll probably have more fun than me in it anyways. I'm not big on these things."

"Not sure fun is a part of the reason," I snort. "But thank you. He'll be posing as you, so I need to stay down low for a little while."

"Can do," he says, lying backwards on his bed, balancing the bowl on his chest. I shake my head at the easy-going nature of the boy, but also thanking him for it. It was too easy with him. I gather the armour in my arms, resting the helmet underneath my chin.

"Thank you!" I call back, kicking his door shut with my feet.

I shuffle back to my room, knocking with my feet. "It's Ellie!" I hiss through the wood. The door opens and I slip in through, letting the armour tumble from my arms onto the bed. "Let's get you into this. It's starting soon."

I help him strap everything on, tightening the straps. He must wear the helmet, but we keep the visor up for now. I pick up the blunt sword Castor was going to use.

"Are you ready?" I ask, grinning up at him, hiding the nerves.

"Let's kick some thugs' arse," he grins back.

Xx

I help Gwaine mount on the horse, watching the other knights also mount in preparation. Arthur and Merlin are not to far away, the Prince still on the ground. I pat Gwaine's leg.

"Good luck, I'll be rooting for you," I say. Gwaine nods and if I could see into his helmet, I know he just winked. He nudges his horse forward, moving off to wait near the arena. I watch him go before running over to the warlock and his master.

"Elena, beginning to think you weren't going to wish me luck," Arthur greets. I scoff, rolling my eyes.

"When have I not?" I counter back. "Good luck and keep your eyes open."

"I know how to fight," he huffs, stretching his neck to warm up.

"Just…never-mind," I sigh. "Kick some butt." Arthur smiles, nodding and Merlin helps him mount. Without another word to us, he kicks his horse to go join the others. "Come on, Merlin."

Merlin and I walk over to the audience stand, both of our hands sweating and anxiety bubbling.

"I'm scared for him," Merlin admits as we find out spot. "He doesn't know what's coming."

"Does he ever?" I retort. "Besides, I think you'll find he has more help then you realise."

The crowd starts filling in around us, their excited chants and chatter almost drowning out my own thoughts. As long as Arthur and Gwaine can survive this melee, everything will be fine. Arthur can beat Oswald – or whoever is posing at him. He's done it twice now, and Gwaine is skilled. Both are strong men.

The trumpets play in the background as the King enters. The crowd stands in respects, seating again after Uther sits. The horses line up on either side of the arena and I barely make out who is who, especially with their helmets down.

The signal is given and the horses charge at each other. For a moment, I'm not sure if I'm worried more about Gwaine and Arthur or the horses more. They look as though they're about to trample each other.

The lines of horses become a mess and I instantly lose sight of whose who, getting glimpses of Gwaine, Arthur, and the other two men before they disappear into the sea of swords again. I grunt in frustration, moving my upper body as though to look past the other competitors.

Gwaine is still mounted but one of the two imposter knights ride up behind him, swinging his sword and striking Gwaine along his back. My heart clenches as Gwaine moves in pain. A hand cups my jaw, my teeth biting one of my fingers.

"He's heading straight for Arthur," Merlin says. I look back out, seeing what the warlock does. Ethan is riding towards the Prince but Arthur ducks just in time and Ethan is thrown off his horse. Just next to him, Gwaine is dismounted as well, possibly by Oswald.

Not giving up, Ethan grabs Arthur by the leg, pulling him down off his horse. I suck in an audible breath, grabbing Merlin's jacket as Arthur slams against the ground. Ethan raises his sword, pointing it down at Arthur's chest but he rolls out of the way in time, getting back to his feet.

Still on his horse, Oswald is riding hard towards Arthur. Gwaine is still on the ground, in pain, but moving.

"You'll have to do something. Otherwise, Arthur will die," Gaius whispers form Merlin's other side, barely reaching my own ears. I hear Merlin cast a spell under his breath and within the next second, Oswald's saddle his falling from his horse and he also tumbles to the ground, breaking from his ride towards Arthur.

"Come on Gwaine," I mutter under my breath.

"It's two against one," Merlin observes as Arthur stands, the two other knights ganging up on him. I smile, watching Gwaine finally stand.

"No, it's not," I protest, pointing at Gwaine who joins. Merlin follows my sight.

"Who is that?"

I grin, waiting for him to realise on his own. Gwaine fights against Ethan, spinning the knight's sword around and it flings up into the air, landing in his own hand, giving him not only two swords, but a deadly one.

"There's only one person I know who can do that," Merlin grins. Well, two people. Gwaine taught me but I've hardly ever used it since it can go wrong so easily. But he makes it look like child's play.

Gwaine stabs Ethan and the crowd gasps but I let out a silent cheer. Next to them, Arthur is knocked to the ground by Oswald who raises his sword for the kill but Gwaine steps in and using both his swords, blocks Oswald's and stabs him at the same time. The crowd gasps again and I use that cover to laugh with relief, dragging my hands down my face.

Arthur and Gwaine face each, their swords half raised. Arthur removes his helmet but Gwaine only opens his visor. I watch Arthur smile, shaking his head. Gwaine reaches up, grasping his helmet.

"No, Gwaine," I moan.

His hair tumbles freely once more and he turns, facing Uther.

"Guards! Seize him!"

Xx

Merlin and I wait as Gaius, Arthur and the King discuss Gwaine's fate. The identities of the men have been revealed and Gwaine was released, but not yet free. He paces the corridor as Merlin and I lean against the wall.

After a lifetime supply of anxiety builds up in me, Arthur finally appears. He doesn't look to happy but considering he doesn't have guards preparing to seize Gwaine, I take it as a better sign.

"The King is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the melee," he announces.

"That's fantastic!" Merlin beams, but I'm waiting for the 'but.'

"Thank you, Arthur," Gwaine says.

"But…" There it is. "he's a stubborn man. He will not rescind his judgment. You must leave Camelot."

Gwaine, as though submitting to his fate gives Arthur a short smile, nodding. I grip Gwaine's hand, knowing this is probably the best outcome that we could get from Uther.

"Oh, you got to speak to him, Arthur, make him change his mind," Merlin pleas.

"Merlin," Gwaine sighs.

"I'm sorry Gwaine. My father's wrong. If it were up to me…" he trails off and even I see the regret in his eyes.

"I know," Gwaine says. "You don't need to explain yourself.

"You have until sunset."

Arthur leaves us, giving us each a look of regret but sincerity. I would have to thank him again later. We walk silently back down to Merlin's room as Gwaine grabs his things, which is not much. Things don't change with him, do they?

"Where will you go?" Merlin asks.

"I was thinking Mercia," he remarks. I laugh, leaning against the table.

"We have some good memories there," I recall. "Being chased by those mercenaries. That bread fight."

"And not to mention Ruth," Gwaine adds, sending me into laughter.

"I forgot about her. You'll have to stay out of that part of town unless you want a broom up your backside."

"You went to Merica?" Merlin asks astonished. I nod.

"More ale for your money," Gwaine answers, earning a scoff from me. "I'm joking," he adds after Merlin's expression doesn't change.

"Why don't you tell the King who you really are, he'll grant you a pardon, you can stay in Camelot?" Merlin pushes, and I can tell he's desperate for a new friend here. I sigh, pushing back off the table.

"Gwaine wouldn't want to stay here anyways, not while Uther is still breathing anyway," I answer for him. "Honestly, neither do I, I'm just waiting for Arthur."

"Arthur showed me that he is a noble man. One day, maybe we can fight together again," Gwaine offers. You could come with me again."

"I would love to," I say, "but I have a family here. I just wish that you could join it."

"I know. I'll write more letters to you."

"You better," I playfully warn. "And I want to fight you again, so you can have your butt kicked."

"That'll be a day," he teases. I realise that there's nothing else for him to do here.

"I'll walk with you to the gates," I offer.

Merlin and Gwaine say their goodbyes and I think Merlin's dealing with this all harder than I am. I think I just know that I'll be seeing him again. I wrap my hands around Gwaine's arm, leaning into him as we walk out of the castle and onto the main road.

"Are you going to let me go once I reach the gates?" he teases.

"No," I reply. "The guards are going to have to pull me away." Gwaine looks back over our shoulders and I follow his line of sight. Merlin and Arthur are standing on the ramparts above the lower town and Gwaine playfully salutes them. "How's your leg and back?"

"Gaius did what he could," he answers. "They'll be fine. I've had worse."

"And probably worse to come," I snort.

The rest of the walk is in relative silence until we reach the gate. I've managed to hold everything back until now as I let go of his arm and we face each other, sad eyes meeting sad eyes. My lip slowly trembles and Gwaine breaks the stillness, wrapping his arms around my neck, bringing me to his chest. I squeeze his torso, not wanting to let go.

"I don't want to say goodbye again," I cry.

"Neither do I," he answers quietly. "But orders are orders."

"Come back. When Arthur is king, come back."

"I will," he promises. He leans down, kissing the corner of my cheek and mouth then finally pulling apart. He starts walking, crossing the border of the city, smiling back at me as I watch him, hugging myself. I don't move until he's out of sight, blocked by the land and foliage.