(I don't own merlin or any of its characters all rights go to the BBC and its creators)

the mettle of a man

Merlin reaches deeper into the tree's hollow to snatch the last mushroom. The rough bark scratches at his cheek and his fingers just brush the damp fungus. It's no use, it's out of his reach. He cautiously looks around before he whispers a spell and the mushroom grows more plump and large enough for him to grab it. He places it gently in his sack and picks up his bow to adjust the string.

Suddenly, he hears someone yelling. He throws the bow over his shoulder and runs toward the sound dropping the sack to the ground.

A screeching beast swoops low in the clearing. It's terrifying talons stretching forward to catch its prey. A man bravely tries to fend off the monster, but his sword bounces off

ineffectively. Finally, he lands a fierce blow but the weapon shatters leaving no injury on the winged creature. The man screams when his shoulders are pierced by claws. His cries become louder as his feet lift off the ground.

Merlin stops in his tracts. He must act quickly. He reaches back for his bow and loads it quickly with a bow. He whispers "bréifneach" as he pulls back the string and lets the arrow fly. The arrowhead glows and finds its mark. The animal shrieks in pain dropping the injured man. It turns its head toward Merlin and snarls but doesn't rush to attack him and instead fly's off.

Merlin rushes to the man laying bleeding on the ground. They are too much out in the open and would be at a major disadvantage should the creature return. Carefully the young wizard moves him to a fallen tree and begins to tend to his wounds.

"What was that thing?"

"That, my friend, is a good question?"

"I've never seen anything like it."

"Me either."

"But you knew how to fight it…"

"...that was just luck my friend…"

The other man looks unconvinced, but holds his tongue. Merlin puts some healing herbs on the worst of the gashes on the man's side causing the stranger to jump and hiss in pain.

"Sorry. This medicine will dull the pain, but we'll need to make our way back to Camelot to treat your cuts and bandage your foot. I am afraid that I don't have a horse, so…"

Merlin stands up and helps the other man to his feet. Merlin lowers his shoulder waiting expectantly. The other man smiles and puts his arm around Merlin's shoulder.

"Well, it looks like we're going to have a lot of time for conversation. I guess introductions are in order. My name is Merlin."

The other man grits his teeth through a wave of intense pain. "Lancelot."

The walk back takes a long time, but Lancelot uses all his strength to make the journey and can't spare much for conversation. He finally succumbs to exhaustion and collapses fully onto Merlin who carefully lifts the man over his shoulder with a slight huff and continues on to Camelot.

Merlin gets strange looks from most people as he moves through the town toward the castle. But he can't help but notice a few ladies looking at him with appreciation at the ease of which her Carry's his burden. Merlin smirks at them and enjoys the blush that blooms on their cheeks.

He makes it to the entrance of the castle where he notices a new guard working at the castle. He's barely fitting in his new shiny gear. Merlin rolls his eyes in frustration when the young man blocks his path. But before Merlin has a chance to speak, an older guard grabs the new guard's shoulder.

"No need to bother Merlin, young pup. He lives here in the castle with the King's Physician, Gaius. And the man that he's caring for is in need of some medical attention. And by the looks of it, if you don't get out of his way soon, he might be needing the services of an undertaker instead."

The young guard moves back without another word shaking off the other man's hand off his shoulder. Merlin nods his thanks to the other guard and heads into the castle.

Inside Gaius' chambers, the old physician looks over Lancelot smiling when he sees the evidence of Merlin's care. He washes the wounds and adds more herbs. Merlin hands him a roll of linen which Gaius uses to cover the gashes while the young wizard attends to the man's ankle. Having removed the boot, he was happy to see that it had not been broken during the attack. It is bruised and swollen, but he knew the remedy for that. He places a mixture of Comfrey and Yarrow on the ankle and wraps it with a long strip of

linen. Out of the corner of his eyes, he can see Gaius smiling proudly at his young apprentice. The patient's body relaxes as the medication starts to take effect.

Gaius stands up stretching out his back. "Most of the wounds themselves are superficial. The fever should pass tonight. Because of your fine work, he'll be able to walk tomorrow. He'll need to rest for a few days to allow the worst of the wounds to heal. Merlin…" Gaius turns to the other man. "Those wounds were not caused by a sword…"

"It was some kind of creature."

"Hmm..strange that it attacked a man. I wonder why it didn't attack livestock. It would be a much easier target?"

"Perhaps it has a taste for men."

"That would be disastrous for Camelot. I must warn the king."

The next morning, Lancelot wakes and sits up with a groan. Merlin who has been looking out a window brings him a cup.

"Drink his, it will help with the pain. You took quite the beating, but you should be all right in a day."

Lancelot drinks as instructed and downs it all in one go. He wipes his mouth and hands the cup back to Merlin. He looks down and sees his bandages.

"I feel much better than before. You did all this?"

"I had some help."

"Well, I owe you a debt of gratitude, my friend."

Merlin smiles at the other man. "So what brings you here to our land?"

"Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking, I...I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.

"Lancelot…"

"Yes?

"They are going to love you.

"They are?

"I've seen you in many men could live through an attack like that. You could shame the great Arthur himself."

"I hardly think so."

"In fact, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to him right now. The look on Lancelot's face was priceless. "You know Arthur?"

"Oh yes. Give me a few moments. I'll be right back."

The Training ground is full of excitement. Small crowds of people watch as a nobleman tries to pass Arthur's test.

"Right, you jumped up dung beetle, this is it. The final test. Pass this and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail, and you're no one. You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine. You face me. Your challenge is to last one minute of free combat.

Grummond, Second son of Wessex."

Arthur draws his sword and nods for a servant to turn over an hourglass. "Your time starts now."

Arthur watches unimpressed as Grummond swings his swords around. He finally rushes at Arthur who gives the man two quick blows taking down the man. Everyone cheers the Prince. But Arthur is not pleased. He scowls as he removes Grummond's flag.

It's a shame how these noblemen fight. Merlin could best any of them as well as any of the Camelot's knights with an arm tied behind his back. Thankfully, he had an actual fighter that could give Arthur a run for his money.

Arthur grumbles to two of his men. "Take him away."

Arthur strolls over to Merlin.

"Grummund's the third to fail this month. How am I meant to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?"

"Well, I think I might be able to help."

Arthur looks surprised. "You, Merlin? You haven't the faintest idea what it takes to become a knight. Courage, fortitude, discipline."

Merlin laughs and thinks to himself "if you only knew." But tells Arthur, "No, no, no, of course I don't, but I do know someone who does."

"Yeah?"

Merlin rewrites history a bit. "He saved my life."

Arthur jokes. "That's blowing it for starters."

"He's really good. Honestly."

"That's great, Merlin. I'm sure he's terrific, but you forget the First Code of Camelot."

"The what?"

Arthur rolls his eyes. "The First Code. Only those of noble blood can serve as knights. So, unless your friend is a nobleman…"

Merlin's mind starts racing. "Oh, yes, he is a nobleman."

"Is he?"

"Absolutely."

"Very well. Bring him to the training ground tomorrow. And make sure he brings his seal of nobility."

"Very good. Thanks Arthur. You won't regret it." But Arthur has already moved on having dismissed his servant. Normally this would have aggravated Merlin, but he is in too good of a mood and walks away with a bounce in his step.

Lancelot turns excitedly when Merlin returns. He's standing without appearing to be in any pain.

"Well? Did you speak to him?

"Yeah, I spoke to him."

Lancelot can barely stand still. "And?' Merlin looks sad.

"And…"

Lancelot looks crushed. And Merlin quickly smiles. "He said he would like to meet you.'

Lancelot hugs Merlin. Yes! Thank you. Thank you!"

The young wizard slaps the other man on the back. "Hey, really, it was no problem, really. It's nothing...You're not a nobleman, by any chance, are you?

"A nobleman? No. Good lord, no. Why do you ask?

It's just that there's this…" Gaius interrupts,

" The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who

wished to destroy it. He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life. So he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him..."

"The nobility." Merlin says flatly.

"...And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day, only the sons of noble families have served as knights."

Merlin crosses his arms. "That is wrong and it doesn't even make sense. The nobles have become soft. We need warriors. Men that have fought for everything they needed their entire lives."

Gaius frowns. "Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly, I am."

The old man retires to his room. Lancelot collapses into a chair deflated. Merlin studies the man.

"Why do you want to be a knight so much?"

Lancelot sighs. "When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains. They were slaughtered where they stood, my father, my mother. Everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made swordcraft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted myself to the art of combat, and when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now, it seems, my

journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted."

Merlin places a hand on Lancelot's shoulder. "I give you my word, whatever it takes, I will make this right."

Merlin enters the Hall of Records and Geoffrey of Monmouth stands up to greet him. "Merlin, how are you?"

"I am well sir. I am doing some research for Gaius."

"Yes, of course. Please let me know if I can be of service." The old man shuffles back to his desk

"Thank you." Merlin calls after him.

Merlin moves around bookcases grabbing a few random books and the one that he actually needs. He finds a table far away from Geoffry and begins to flip through the book that lists noble families. He stops when he finds the page listing his family's page, the House of Ambrosia. He smiles when he sees the crest of a shield with a unicorn and dragon on both sides and a golden laurel encircling the bottom.. Stealthy, he slips a scroll from his shirt and lays it down on top of the page. He whispers an incantation and the blank page fills with the House of Ambrosia crest and Lancelot's name.

"Hello, long lost cousin."

Not too long after, Merlin enters the physicians' chambers holding up a parchment for Lancelot to take. Lancelot takes it and begins to open it.

"What's that?"

"This is your seal of nobility."

"I don't understand."

Merlin bows low to an invisible audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lancelot, first son of Lord Benedict of Ambrosia"

Lancelot holds up his hand. "No, Merlin. No."

"Oh, right. So you don't want to be a knight, then."

"Of course I do!"

"Well...the rules don't allow it. Damn the rules! The rules are wrong!"

But it's a lie. It's against everything the knights stand for."

"You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it."

"But the rules, Merlin…"

"We're not breaking the rules. We're bending them, that's all. You get your foot in the door. But after that you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you succeed - if they make you a knight - it'll be because you earned it, noble or not. I can't change the way things are done around here, but you can...if you let me help you."

Lancelot doesn't say anything, so Merlin takes it as consent and continues on. "My uncle was known to be a bit of a womanizer and it wouldn't be out of character for him to have fathered a child . So…" Merlin opens his arms, "welcome to the family!"

Lancelot's breaks and he can't help but walk onto the hug. He's overwhelmed with emotions and a tear escapes down his cheek. He's closer to his dream than ever before.

Now that they have a nobility seal, they need to dress Lancelot like nobility or no one will believe him to be one. And the best seamstress in all the land is at Merlin's disposal.

Lancelot stands stiffly while Gwen takes his measurements. He seems uncomfortable as she wraps the tape measure near parts of his body that he's not used to having a woman touch.

He stumbles over his words. "This... This is very kind of you, err…"

"Gwen."

"Gwen."

"Short for Guinevere."

Lancelot gives her a big smile looking a little love struck . " thank you, Guinevere."

Gwen keeps working and doesn't see how this man is looking at her. "Don't thank me. Thank Merlin. Merlin would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlin? Sorry, can you raise your arms? Thank you. Sorry. I think it's great that Merlin's got you this chance. We need men like you."

Lancelot looks pleased. "You do?"

Gwen blushes and this catches Merlin's notice. The beautiful servant girl continues feeling a little bit awkward realizing how her words could be taken. "Well, not me personally, but you know...Camelot. Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me."

"Well, I'm not a knight yet, my Lady."

"And I'm not a lady." Lancelot's looks lost and his expression makes Gwen giggle. Lancelot tires again. "Sorry, my…"

Gwen steps back and rolls up the measuring tape. "Okay, we're done. err…I should have these ready in no time. It's nice to meet you Lancelot.."

Gwen reached out her hand to shake Lancelot's, but he surprises her by taking her hand and kissing it like you would a proper lady. She takes a sudden intake of breath feeling moved by his gesture. Merlin, having enough, grabs his new friend's shoulder and pushes him out the door, none too gently.

Merlin and Lancelot walk down the Courtyard Corridor.

"She seems lovely. Guinevere."

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, she is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise."

"Are you two...you know."

Merlin laughs but his smile doesn't reach his eyes. "No, no. Just friends. Come on. We have lots to do."

Merlin, Gwen and Lancelot enter the training grounds. Lancelot looks very fine in his knight costume which Gwen nervously adjusts. Arthur has his back to them as he commands his men through training exercises.

"One. Two. Three. Four. One. Two. Three. Four."

Merlin looks Lancelot over. "Well...you certainly look the part."

Gwen sighs. "Doesn't he just?"

Lancelot frowns and shifts uncomfortably in the fine garments. "I don't feel it."

Arthur calls out for his men to stop. "Okay, that'll do for today. Well done." Merlin pushes Lancelot forward. "Here's your chance. Go for it."

Arthur returns his weapon to the sword rack and the fake noble approaches him.

The Prince turns to look to see who is seeking his attention. "Yes?"

Lancelot bows low before the prince. "Lancelot, 1st son of Lord Benedict of Ambrosia .

"Lance...a lot? My servant mentioned you. Got your seal?"

Lancelot holds out the scroll.

"Sire."

Arthur takes advantage and smacks the would be knight causing him to fall to the ground.

Arthur is unimpressed. "Sluggish reactions. In a battle field you'd be dead by now. Come back when you're ready." And the man starts to walk off.

Lancelot gets up and widens his stance. " I'm ready now, Sire."

Arthur turns around and sees that Lancelot wasn't giving up so easily.

"You are, are you? Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables."

The people around them laugh and a confused Lancelot looks to Merlin and gives him a thumbs up.

In Gaius's chamber that night, Gaius and Merlin prepare medicine. The old man feels bad for his young ward.

"I'm sorry about Lancelot. I see you were upset."

Merlin brushes it off. "It's wrong that only nobility can become knights. There are strong men, good men, that would gladly lay down their lives in service to the King."

Gaius looks at him. "Merlin, we spoke about this already…"

The door to the room opens up and Lancelot enters entirely covered in dirt. Merlin smiles. "How'd it go?"

Lancelot just groans and stumbles his way to Merlin's room.

Gaius turns to Merlin looking angry; he stands as tall as possible trying to look imposing. "What've you done, Merlin?"

Merlin looks him straight in the eye. "I used magic to help a friend."

"Your magic is not a toy to be used or abused as you see fit. You don't know the power you have."

"Excuse me Gaius, but you know nothing about my magic. You have no idea how I use it or what I am capable of. I am not a child and I don't need your permission. I am helping a good and capable man achieve his dreams. And I will dispute unfair rules designed by a foolish king. If you want to punish me for it, go ahead, but I have done nothing wrong."

Merlin, having nothing else to say, grows quite as he continues his work.

Down in the Lower Town, Arthur and his guards find Lancelot sharpening swords. Arthur grabs a nearby broom and throws it at Lancelot who glances up when notices a quick movement. His instincts take over and he grabs it before the broom sticks him.

"Not bad."

Lancelot bows. "Would you like me to sweep the guardhouse again, Sire?"

"it certainly needs sweeping. But first…"

Arthur picks up another broom and removes the bristles. "... I'd like you to kill me."

Lancelot brows furrow. "Sire?"

Arthur waves his arms. "Come on. Don't pretend you don't want to. Lancelot removes the bristles from his broom.

Arthur smiles. "Hell, if I were you, I'd want to. Come on." They begin to battle but Lancelot is holding back. "Come on, Lancelot, you're not beating a carpet."

They keep fighting until Arthur hits Lancelot in the stomach causing him to have the wind knocked out of him. He crouches trying to breathe.

"Congratulations, Lancelot. You just made basic training."

A warning bell tolls and screaming comes from the Main Square. Arthur runs toward the commotion. Merlin helps an injured woman and sits her near Gaius as he tends to another victim.

"You're safe now, I promise."

Lancelot runs into the square. "What happened to these people?"

"Their village was attacked by a winged monster."

Lancelot and Merlin exchange a look.

King Uther and Arthur look down at the Square. Arthur clenches and unclenches his fists. "I'd hunt this thing down if I could, but I cannot track a creature through the air."

"You don't have to track it. First Greenswood, then Willowdale. The creature's heading south, towards the mouth of the valley. "Arthur nods.

"...To Camelot.".

"You must prepare your knights, Arthur."

Arthur places his hand on his sword at his side. "Have faith, Father. We'll be ready.

The Prince gathers his men. "The beast is heading for Camelot. It's fast and agile, but big enough to hit and hit hard. Starting today your training routines will concentrate on an attack strategy. We don't have much time. Dismissed."

Arthur sees Lancelot approach. "Yes, Lancelot?"

"Is there anything I can do, Sire? It's just...I know that in the event of battle, only a knight may serve."

"That's correct, Lancelot. And you are not yet a knight. Which is why I'm bringing your test forward. You'll face me in the morning."

The next morning finds both Arthur and Lancelot at the training grounds in full armour.

Arthur faces the other man. "Well, here we are. Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, first son of Lord Benedict of Ambrosia." He signals to the timekeeper. "Your time starts now."

The two put on their helmets and begin the fight. Lancelot swings and misses and Gwen grabs Merlin's arm. She lets go realizing what she's doing. "Oh, sorry." Merlin gives her a comforting smile and squeezes her hand.

Arthur makes a powerful punch knocking Lancelot to the ground throwing his helmet nearby on the ground. Arthur moves to remove Lancelot's flag, but the man surprises him by knocking down the prince. Lancelot points at his sword down at his opponent. "Do you submit, Sire?" The guards move forward disarming Lancelot and holding him still.

Arthur stands and grabs his sword. His face looks stormy as his men force Lancelot to kneel.

Sometime later, Lancelot finds himself in a similar stance, but this time it takes place

inside the Uther touches the blade of his sword gently on each of Lancelot's shoulders. "Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot."

The crowd cheers and Morgana and Gwen stand next to each other looking over Camelot's newest knight.

"Who is this man? He seems to have come out of nowhere."

Gwen smiles at her secret.: "I know. It's been a bit of a surprise to all of us."

Uther is speaking to Lancelot. "You do us a great honour, Sir Lancelot. The knighthood is the very foundation of Camelot."

Lancelot bows. "The honour is all mine, Sire."

"Your father would be very proud"

Lancelot shifts uncomfortably. "Yes, Sire."

Uther notices. "I had not seen Lord Benedict for many years. Longer than I'd imagined his loss was a great sadness to the relm but i never realised he had a son ."

Lancelot chuckles unconvincingly.: "Well...here I am."

"Indeed you are. And I've kept you too long already. Enjoy the celebrations."

Lancelot bows obviously relieved.. "Sire." The other knights approach and shake their new member's hand while Uther opens the seal and turns to a woman of the court.

"Take this seal to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the Court Genealogist. I want his opinion by morning."

Across the room Merlin stands with Gaius.

"Look at him, Gaius. Does not Lancelot deserve this moment?"

"I never said he didn't. But destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Merlin. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight you brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold."

"If I played god, I was meant to... by your definition of destiny.. It was impossible for me not to use my gifts. I have done what is right and I will face whatever consequences befall me."

Arthur and Lancelot sit on top of a table drinking. Arthur sees Gwen and Morgana across the room,

Arthur looks at Morgana. "Here's trouble. Tell me, do you think her...beautiful?" But Lancelot isn't looking at her, instead he is wanting Gwen.

"Yes, Sire. I do"

Arthur sighs. "Yeah. I suppose she is." Morgana notices his attention and their eyes lock for a moment.

Merlin, who is now standing next to Gwen, leans toward her . "You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen." Gwen shakes her head.

"Don't be silly"

"What? So what if he did? Would that really be so bad?" She signs.

"He's not really my type."

Merlin can't hide the pleasure in his voice. "Gwen, you are special and beautiful on the inside and the outside and anyone who you choose to be with, is very lucky indeed."

Gwen smiles up at Merlin and blushes a little bit.

Their conversation is cut short when Arthur speaks to the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our new recruit, our new knight of Camelot, Sir Lancelot."

The crowd erupts with applause and the music grows louder as everyone celebrates.

The next morning, Merlin and Lancelot come out of their shared room groaning and holding their heads.

Gaius pours two drinks. "Good morning, gentlemen." He hands them the cups of bubbling liquid. "Don't look at it, don't smell it, just down it in one."

Both men grimace as they drink the concoction.

Gaius smiles "Better? Good. Can't have you nodding off on the first day on the job, Lancelot."

Merlin interrupts. "That's Sir Lancelot, if you don't mind." Lancelot snorts.

Suddenly, the door opens and guards enter.

Merlin, no trace of levity any longer asks, "What are you doing?" One of the guards responds, "King's orders."

They take hold of Lancelot and take him away.

In the Council Chambers, Lancelot is on his knees before the court. Uther points to the arrested knight but addresses Geoffry.

"Tell him what you told me."

Geoffrey clears his throat. "These credentials are faked. The seal itself is faultless, forgery of the highest possible standard, but a forgery it must be. There is no record of a son of the late Lord Benedict of Ambrosia. Therefore he…"

Uther finishes the statement. "Lied" He walks closer to Lancelot and looks down at the man. "Do you deny it?"

"No, Sire."

"You've broken the First Code of Camelot. You've brought shame upon yourself and upon us. You are not worthy of the knighthood bestowed upon you. You never were. And you never will be. Get him out of my sight."

The guards pull Lancelot off the ground and take him out of the room. The man looks at the ground the entire time, too ashamed to look anyone in the eye.

Arthur approaches his father who knows what his son will say.

"Do you contest my judgment?"

Arthur knows this will be difficult. Most conversations with Uther are. "His deception was inexcusable. But he meant no harm, Sire, I'm sure of it. He only wished to serve."

"The First Code is a sacred bond of trust. It is what binds the knights together. How can you trust a man who's lied to you?"

In the Dungeon, Merlin visits Lancelot.

Merlin struggles. "I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot."

"You're not to blame."

"Yes, I am. I pushed you. I made you lie."

Lancelot looks his friend directly in the eyes. "The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear, and mine to bear alone."

"I wish there was something I could do."

Lancelot smiles. "There is. You can stop blaming yourself."

Merlin returns home heavy hearted and Gaius calls out, "Merlin?"

Merlin signs. "I can't do this right now, Gaius."

"No, that's not what this is about. Here. Come and take a look at this. I realised my mistake. I've been looking for the creature in the wrong place, in the records of all

known living things in the kingdom. And then I thought, but what about creatures only recorded in legend? In myth? Then I discovered this."

Merlin looks at the image in the book. "That is it. That's the monster that attacked Lancelot."

Warning bells ring out and Merlin and Gaius go to the window where they can see people running around screaming as the griffin flies above them.

Arthur is yelling orders to his knights: "On me! On me! Defence!" The knights crouch down as the creature attacks.

Back in the cell, Lancelot watches in horror as he cannot do anything to help.

Arthur strikes the creature in the chest with a spear but it shatters. The prince falls backward and a guard tosses him a torch who waves it at the monster. Finally, something affects it and it hisses and flies off.

In the Council Chamber, Uther seems pleased.

"You said your knights were the best in the land. You proved that today." Arthur has a sour look. "All I know is it's still out there".

"Let's not wait for it. The kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this now."

Gaius has snuck in without the other men noticing. "Sire, if I may…" Uther turns to his physician. "Gaius?"

"I've been researching this creature, Sire. I believe it to be a griffin. The griffin is a creature of magic and can only be killed by magic.".

Uther grows angry. "I don't have time for this. You are mistaken. It's a creature of flesh and blood like any other. Arthur proved that today."

Arthur speaks up, "I'm not so sure, Father. I think there may be some truth in what he says. The griffin was unharmed, Sire. Our weapons seemed useless against it."

"Useless? I think not. No, it's tasted our steel once, the next time will be its last. When will your knights be ready to ride again?"

Arthur stands taller. "An hour. Maybe two."

Uther squares his jaw. "Good. We finish this tonight."

Now it is Arthur who visits Lancelot in the Dungeon.

"I should've known. How could I have been so stupid?! You don't sound like a knight, you don't even look like a knight!"

"I'm sorry.."

"I'm sorry, too. Because, Lancelot, you fight like a knight. And I need...Camelot needs…"

Arthur pauses for a moment. "The creature...some people believe this griffin to be a magical creature meaning that only magic can destroy it."

"Do you believe this?"

"It doesn't matter what I believe. The use of magic is not permitted. The knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone."

"Sire?"

"There's a horse waiting outside"

Lancelot smiles gratefully, "Thank you. Thank you, Sire."

"Lancelot, take it and never return to this place."

Lancelot looks wrecked "No. No, please, I...It's not my freedom I seek. I only wish to serve with honour."

Arthur's voice grows soft. "I know."

"Then let me ride with you, Sire"

"I cannot. My father knows nothing of this. I release you myself, but I can do no more. Now go before I change my mind."

Arthur turns away letting Lancelot know that there is nothing more to say and to leave.

Lancelot knocks on Gwen's door.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, My Lady."

"Lancelot, what are you doing here?"

"I need weapons, armour, and the best you've got. Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him. It's my duty. Knight or not."

"Lancelot, I don't believe I've ever met your like before."

In Gaius' chambers, Merlin prepares for battle with the griffin. Gwen rushes in.

"Merlin! Lancelot's riding out to kill the griffin!"

"He's what?"

Merlin grabs his bag and rushes out to where Lancelot is saddling a horse. "I'm coming with you."

Lancelot is firm. "No, you're not."

"Just try and stop me."

"Merlin, you're not a soldier."

"Lancelot, Arthur needs all the help he can get. Now let's go."

In the forest, the Knights on horseback approach the griffin. Arthur draws his sword "For Camelot!"

The knights draw their swords as well and repeat their leader's words. "For Camelot!"

When Merlin and Lancelot arrive, they can hear the sounds of battle and the screeching of the griffin. They find Artur unconscious on the ground. Merlin jumps down and feels for a pulse.

"He's alive."

Merlin watches as Lancelot lowers his visor, rears his horse and readies his lance. The knight charges the creature and it's now or never.

Merlin says the incantation, "Bregdan anweald gafeluec."

Lancelot's lance grows with a blue flame and hits the griffin, killing it. The magic glow disappears and Merlin shouts happily.

Lancelot makes his way to Merlin and dismounts. "Lancelot, you did it! You killed the griffin!"

Lancelot removes his helmet and looks at his friend. "I heard you. I saw you."

Merlin starts to deny it, but the other man holds up his hand. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit."

Merlin looks unsure. "What are you going to do?"

"The only thing I can do"

Behind the Council Chamber's door, Arthur and Uther argue over what to do with Lancelot. Uther is unmovable in his belief, and Arthur is frustrated that his father will not change.

"He laid down his life for me! He served with honour."

"But the law is the law. The Code bends for no man."

"Then the code is wrong!"

A moment later, Lancelot bursts through the door, the guards hold him firm. Uther demands, "What is this?"

Lancelot begs, "Let me speak!"

Uther holds up his hand. "Wait! I'll hear him."

Lancelot is released. "Forgive me, Sire. I've come to bid you farewell." Arthur looks hurt. "What is this, Lancelot?"

"I lied to you both and now there is conflict between you. I cannot bear that burden, as you should not bear mine. I must start again, far from here. Then maybe one day fate shall grant me another chance to prove myself a worthy knight of Camelot."

Arthur tires to change the disgraced knight's mind. "But...Lancelot, you've...already proved that to us."

"But I must prove it to myself." He bows to Uther. "Your Highness." And then to Arthur. Then the man is gone leaving behind a disheartened Arthur.

Gwen can see Lancelot leaving as she looks out a window of Morgana's chambers. "Gwen? Guinevere?" Morgana gently presses. "Is it Lancelot?"

"Yes, my Lady."

Morgana smiles and reaches for her friend and servant's hand intending on cheering her up..

"Come, Gwen. We've a busy day ahead."

Merlin and Gaius are also watching Lancelot leave.

"Perhaps you were right, Gaius. Perhaps I should have never got involved."

"No Merlin, I was wrong. Lancelot needed you and you needed Lancelot. Your destinies were entwined."

Merlin does not find comfort in these words. He has few good friends and it hurts to watch Lancelot leave. " Will he ever return?"

"That I cannot say."

Merlin whispers, "Till next time then, Sir Lancelot."

The End