Excalibur
" Come on Alexia. A bit more." Arthur said striking her with his sword, which she blocked quickly." Arthur, if you are forgetting, then let me remind you, today you are going to be crowned as prince. Well which is entirely useless seeing you already are. But still there is a ceremony and you have to get ready." Alexia said pushing him back while Arthur prepared to strike again.
" I know Alexia, and don't worry, Merlin will get me ready by time, won't you Merlin?" He asked the boy, standing a bit far, leaning on the hedge, playing with a shield.
" Ohh offcourse you prat. But it's truly a wonder, how can't you dress yourself even at such age?" He mused.
Arthur stopped and turned to him striking with his sword while Merlin quickly protected himself with shield.
Alexia started laughing, which soon made way to Merlin and finally the trio were laughing, before Arthur cleared his throat.
" The training is over, you can improve. And now you both have to polish my armour, chainmail, wash my clothes, clean my chambers and yes merlin, muck out the stables." Arthur said and left.
Merlin glared at him and whispered 'prat' and then turned to Alexia.
" How come he never asks you to muck out stables?" Merlin asked.
Alexia shrugged in answer.
Nimueh stood among the graves of the dead.
Holding her hand over a particular grave, she chanted, "Gehíere mé' wan cniht áwæce. Beo strangra ond steacra for brecþ wáne. úprærest wærc, Uther Pendragon."
The tomb Nimueh was standing next to, cracked and a gauntlet hand broke through.
In the Great Throne room, Arthur knelt before Uther. Gwen stood next to Merlin and Alexia in the crowd.
"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions according to the statutes, customs and laws laid down by your forebears?" Uther asked.
"I do, Sire."
"Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgments?" Uther asked again.
"I do, Sire." Arthur replied.
Uther held out a scepter and asked, "And do you swear allegiance to Camelot, now and for as long as you shall live?"
Arthur grabbed the scepter and stated, "I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of the kingdom and its peoples."
Uther smiled briefly before turning to grab a crown, which he set on Arthur's head. "Now being of age and heir apparent, from henceforth, you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot."
The court applauded. Arthur stood up and faced the crowd.
"So how does it feel to be servants to the Crown Prince of Camelot?" Gwen asked the pair
"Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege." Merlin commented wryly.
Alexia chuckled, while nodding.
Gwen smiled knowingly. "You're proud of him, really. Even though you complain about him constantly."
"I am not." Merlin and Alexia both said at the same time. Gwen just shook her head a little and continued, "You are. I can see it in your faces."
"Those socks are very clean! Of course I'm proud of them." Merlin retorted. Gwen and Alexia laughed.
Suddenly a great crash was heard. Everyone turned to sound. A Black Knight on a horse burst through the stained-glass window. The courtiers began to scream, and Arthur and the knights drew their swords.
"What in the devil's name?" Uther astounded.
The horse walked towards Arthur. As he passed the table, the people standing at the sides started to rush behind the knights. Merlin, Alexia and Gwen stood there only, while Merlin tried to cover Gwen and Alexia. Both Alexia and Merlin were staring at the knight. As the knight reached near Arthur, he threw down a gauntlet. Uther and Gaius saw the crest on the Black Knight's shield with surprise.
The helmet of the Black Knight was scratched and cut, leaving large gashes in the metal.
Arthur sheathed his sword to pick up the gauntlet, but another knight got there first.
"I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge." The knight said bravely.
"Single combat. Noon tomorrow. Till the death." The Black Knight stated in monotone.
Alexia shivered a bit at the tone. The knight was giving her dreading feelings.
The Black Knight stiffly went out while the court watched.
Back in the physician's quarters, later that night, Merlin and Alexia headed up to their room while Gaius was brewing something. Merlin turned back on the steps and asked Gaius, "Have you ever seen this Black Knight before?" Alexia stopped too, turning to hear the answer.
"I don't believe so." Gaius replied.
"You didn't recognize his crest?" Alexia asked, getting suspicious.
Gaius finally looked up. "Crest?"
"Which house is it?" Merlin asked.
"I'm not sure. I didn't see it that clearly." Gaius mumbled, turning back to his bubbling cauldron.
"But he's not someone you'd forget in a hurry, is he?" Merlin commented, while Alexia eyed him suspiciously.
"No."
Merlin thought for a moment. "So you don't think he's from around here?"
"That would seem likely." Gaius allowed.
"Then what's he doing here?" Merlin asked.
Gaius gave him a slightly annoyed look. "Merlin, Alexia your faith in my all-seeing knowledge is both touching and wholly misplaced. Maybe if you've finished your work, you could go to bed and leave me to finish mine." Alexia was about to protest saying she just asked one question, but stopped seeing Gaius was annoyed.
"OK, we're going." Merlin said climbing the stairs, but stopped. "Gaius?" Merlin turned back at the top of the stairs. Alexia stopped once again in the way.
Gaius sighed and straightened. "Merlin." He said continuing him to ask.
"Do you think Owain can beat him?" Merlin asked quietly. Alexia frowned worriedly.
Gaius looked over at him. "We'll find out soon enough." Merlin nodded and the pair went up to the room, leaving a thoughtful Gaius behind.
" Do you think sir Owain will be fine?" Alexia asked.
" He is quite young. While the Black knight appeared to be experienced." Merlin replied.
" Merlin! I am getting quite bad feelings from the Black knight. It's like... It's like some dark magic." Alexia whispered the last part.
Merlin glanced at her.
" Don't worry Alexia. We will find out soon. I think we must sleep." He replied. Alexia shivered at the thought of sleep and her nightmares.
" I hate sleeping." She said irritated.
Arthur spoke with Morgana and Gwen in Morgana's chambers. "He shouldn't have picked up the gauntlet!" Arthur exclaimed.
"So put an end to it." Morgana said.
Arthur looked angry but resigned to the situation. "The challenge has been taken up. The fight cannot be stopped."
"Then fight in his place." Morgana replied.
"I can't."
"Why not?" Morgana argued.
"Owain picked up the gauntlet. Owain is the one who must fight. That's the Knight's Code. He knew that." Arthur turned to walk out of the chambers.
"But it's a fight to the death!" Morgana exclaimed.
Arthur turned back halfway and said solemnly, "I know."
In the library, Geoffrey was standing at his desk when he saw Gaius enter. "Gaius. Thank God." Geoffrey said to his old friend.
"You know why I'm here?" Gaius asked.
Geoffrey nodded. "The Black Knight."
"So it is he?"
"You saw his crest?" Geoffrey answered.
"Have you confirmed it?" Gaius asked.
"It is the crest of Tristan Du bois." Geoffrey confirmed. Gaius rounded the table while saying, "And he is the only knight ever to have carried such a crest?"
"Yes. According to the records." Geoffrey replied. Gaius gave him an unreadable look.
In the council chambers, Uther sat alone with his sword on the table in front of him. The door opened and Uther reached for his sword for a moment before he saw Gaius entered and relaxed a bit.
"Yes?" Uther asked.
Gaius bowed. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Sire."
"What is it?"
"The knight, the stranger. He bears the crest of Tristan Dubois." Gaius announced portentously.
"Yes." Uther replied again.
"But he's been dead for 20 years." Gaius reminded the king.
"I know. I killed him." Uther breathed.
"But how do you explain...?"
Uther interrupted. "Dead men do not return." The two men stared at each other for a moment before Gaius bowed and left.
At night Alexia was sleeping.
Sir Owain was fighting the knight. He gave a blow to the Black night. But nothing happened. The black knight fought back and finally stabbed sir Owain, killing him.
Alexia quickly woke up panting and sweating.
She raised her hand and wiped the sweat.
Tristan Du bois stood on the grounds in front of the castle the next morning. Merlin and Arthur helped Sir Owain prepare for the fight. "You've never fought in mortal combat before. It's different. It's not like the training I've been giving you." Arthur advised Owain.
"Yeah, I know." Owain replied.
Alexia entered the room. She glanced at Merlin and called him, aside.
He went to her while she whispered.
" Sir Owain is going to die." Alexia said.
Merlin frowned.
" How do you know?" He asked.
" Please Merlin. Believe me. I saw in my dream. Please Merlin. Stop this fight. Somehow, anyhow. Please." She whispered.
Merlin looked at Owain and Arthur talking, and then back at Alexia.
" We can't do anything Alexia." He whispered.
Alexia frowned.
The door opened. Gwen entered and curtsied to Owain. "The Lady Morgana asked me to give you this token. She wishes you to wear it for luck." Gwen offered.
"You can thank her, and tell her I shall wear it with pride. But I won't need luck." Sir Owain said haughtily.
Alexia just stared at the knight in worry.
Tristan Du bois waited in the arena. Arthur walked into the tournament grounds with Sir Owain. He gave Owain one last piece of advice. "Now remember, find the flow of the fight; try to control it."
They entered the arena, Sir Owain and the Black Knight gave each other death glares.
"The fight shall be to the knight's rules! To the death!" Arthur swallowed, before he sidled into the stands. Owain removed his cloak and donned his helmet. Merlin, Alexia and Gaius watched nervously from the sidelines.
"Let battle commence!" Arthur announced taking his seat.
Tristan and Owain fought, swords clanging against swords and shields.
"Come on, Owain!" Gwen cheered him on quietly.
" Please god! Please help him." Alexia prayed silently.
After several more hits, and one close call, Arthur yelled, "One well-aimed blow!"
Owain stabbed Tristan in the gut. "Yes!" Merlin rejoiced. Alexia smiled a bit and grabbed his arm. Gaius looked at the pair.
But to their confusion, Tristan kept fighting. Finally after pushing him on the ground. Tristan raised his sword straight and stabbed Owain. Alexia quickly closed her eyes, her head caught in her hands. The crowd gasped in horror. Morgana's favor fluttered on the ground.
Tristan faced the crowd and took off his glove.
Alexia gasped a bit. How can someone be so ready to kill people.
"Who will take up my challenge?" He stated. Tristan threw down his gauntlet. Arthur tried to bolt over the barrier of the stands, but his father grabbed his arm to stop him. Another knight jumped over the stands and took up the gauntlet.
"I, Sir Pellinor, take up the challenge." The knight said.
"So be it." Tristan replies. He looked towards Uther before walking off of the field. Tristan exited the arena. Merlin and Alexia watched him leave.
"Should we tend to his wounds? He took a hit." Merlin asked.
"Owain didn't land a blow." Gaius replied, looking after the knight.
"No, I saw it. The sword definitely pierced him." Merlin argued.
Gaius looks over at his ward. "Are you sure?"
" Yes, even I saw it." Alexia said.
"Our eyes are quicker than yours." Merlin reminded him. He looked after the knight and stated. "He should be dead."
"Perhaps he already is." Gaius and Merlin exchanged glances. While Alexia gasped, realisation hitting her face like a slap.
This was the dead knight. The wraith.
How could she forget such important thing. Living here for more than six months definitely wiped few memories. Now she didn't know all the things which were going to happen and when. But she remembered few major things.
Uther and Arthur entered the council chambers, arguing loudly. "Why did you stop me?" Arthur exclaimed.
Uther walked quickly. "We have to give our knights the chance to prove themselves."
"Have you seen how this stranger fights?" Arthur reminded him
"And Sir Pellinor is more than a match for him." Uther stated.
"He's not recovered from the wounds he suffered at Othanden!" Arthur argued loudly.
"I can't help that." Uther replied.
He started to head out of a door when Arthur replied, "So you send him to his death?"
Uther turned around and pointed a finger at Arthur. "It was his choice to take up the gauntlet! I am not to blame." He then turned around and left, leaving an incensed Arthur behind.
Merlin, Alexia and Gaius entered the tunnel corridor to the burial vaults.
"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Merlin asked. Alexia rolled her eyes.
"You're not scared, are you?" Gaius teased.
"No, I love old crypts. I wouldn't be seen dead anywhere else." Merlin said sarcastically.
The door slammed behind them. The trio looked at each other. "Must've been a gust of wind." Gaius guessed. "We should've brought a torch."
"Leohtbora." Merlin lighted a torch sitting in the wall of the tunnel corridor.
"Huh. Handy!" Gaius laughed
"Yes." Merlin replied in the same tone.
" I think we are in somebody's grave. So can you both please stop your chatting, so that we can finish our work?" Alexia whispered in irritation. Both the men nodded.
Merlin, Alexia and Gaius walked among the graves. "What are we looking for?" Merlin asked.
"Bring your torch over here." Gaius directed. Both Alexia and Merlin rushed to him.
"We're breaking into someones grave?" Merlin replied, sounding mildly disgusted.
Gaius saw the open tomb. "We're too late. I think someones already broken out." He said.
As the trio entered the physician's chambers, Gaius began explaining. "Tristan Du bois was the brother of Ygraine, Uther's wife."
"Arthur's mother?" Merlin clarified.
Gaius continued, "Ygraine died in childbirth. He blamed Uther and came to the gates of Camelot and challenged him."
"To single combat." Alexia mused in between.
"Uther won." Gaius informed them. "But in his dying breath, Tristan cursed Camelot to one day suffer his return. I thought it was the ramblings of a dying man."
"Men don't just rise up from the dead, though, no matter how angry they are." Merlin commented.
Alexia nodded.
Gaius opened a book, and opened it to a picture of a skeleton holding a shield and sword. "It's my guess we're dealing with a wraith."
"A wraith?"
"The spirit of a dead man conjured from the grave." Gaius explained.
"So this is the work of a sorcerer?" Merlin asked.
"Powerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a tormented soul and make it live again." Gaius told them.
"How do we stop it?"
"We can't. Because it's not alive, no mortal weapon can kill it." Gaius replied.
"Surely there must be something." Merlin exclaimed.
"Nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for."
"And what's that?" Merlin asked.
"Revenge?" Alexia asked. Gaius nodded.
"On Camelot?" Merlin asked. When Gaius nodded Merlin asked again, "What does that mean for Sir Pellinor?"
Gaius looked grim. "I'm afraid it doesn't look good."
Alexia glanced at the page and then at Merlin.
In the arena, Sir Pellinor was fighting Tristan Du bois. Sir Pellinor was doing well and the crowd cheered for him with each hit. He blocked a strike before getting in a couple of his own. Tristan lunged with the sword, and Sir Pellinor managed to trap it between his own sword and shield. The crowd cheered for him.
" They just need entertainment." Alexia huffed in annoyance.
" It's matter of somebody's life and death." She completed.
After a few more strikes, Sir Pellinor ran Tristan through, but Tristan did not fall. He just stood back and looked at the knight.
"The sword went in, I'm sure of it." Gwen commented to Morgana.
"I saw, too." Morgana assured her.
Tristan lunged forward and killed Pellinor, to which the crowd groaned.
" It's not some sort of entertainment." Alexia said opening her eyes, which she squeezed shut as Tristan killed the knight.
Tristan turned to the crowd.
Arthur threw his gauntlet down; Uther tried to stop it.
"I, Arthur Pendragon, challenge you." Arthur said, his anger seething beneath the surface.
Alexia groaned.
"So be it." The knight replied.
"Single combat. Noon. Tomorrow."
Uther entered the council chambers, where Arthur was waiting at the head of the table.
"How could you be so stupid? I'll revoke the challenge." Uther fumed.
"No. The Knight's Code must be upheld. That's what you told me." Arthur replied, looking calm.
"This is different."
Arthur continued. "Once the challenge has been laid down it cannot be rescinded."
"You are Crown Prince." Uther countered.
"There cannot be one rule for me and one for all the rest." Arthur argued, still looking calmer than his father.
"I forbid you to fight." Uther ordered.
"You want me to prove that I'm worthy of the throne. I cannot do that by being a coward." Arthur reminded him
"No, Arthur, this will be your death!" Uther exclaimed.
Arthur gave his father an unreadable look. "I'm sorry you have so little faith in me, Father." he said before he left the room.
"Arthur!" Uther exclaimed after him.
In the physician's chambers, Merlin was pacing back and forth. Alexia sat on the bench with worry etched on her face. "You were right." Merlin said.
"I wish I wasn't." Gaius replied.
"If Arthur fights that thing, he'll die." Merlin said.
"He is Camelot's strongest warrior." Gaius reminded him. "If anyone can defeat it, he can."
Alexia gave him a unbelievable look.
"You said yourself, no mortal weapon can kill it." Alexia reminded him.
Merlin looked at her.
"Which means we have to find a way to defeat the wraith ourselves." Merlin said.
Both Alexia and Gaius looked at him.
"How do you propose to do that?" Gaius questioned.
"If no mortal sword will kill it..." Merlin ran to their chamber to fetch their magic book. ",then we will. With mortal magic."
"Merlin, it's too dangerous." Gaius told him.
"We don't have a choice." Merlin reminded him, before turning back to his book.
" Let's do this." Alexia said after thinking for a bit.
Tristan Du bois stood motionless outside, while Uther paced the Council Chamber. Gaius entered and bowed.
"Good evening, Sire."
"Gaius." Uther said formally.
"There is a matter of great urgency, which I must discuss with you."
"Then spit it out." Uther said impatiently.
"Tristan's tomb is empty." Gaius said dramatically. "I believe he's been conjured from the dead."
"How is this possible?" Uther questioned.
"I believe he's a wraith." Gaius informed him.
"A spirit?" Uther clarified.
Gaius nodded. "He has come to take vengeance for Ygraine's death."
"It was magic that killed her, not I." Uther denied vehemently.
"Nevertheless, it was you he blamed." Gaius allowed. "You cannot allow Arthur to fight. No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith. It will stop at nothing till it has accomplished what it came for. Arthur cannot win, he will die."
"He will not listen to me." Uther said quietly, leaning back against one of the council room's pillars.
"Then you must tell him who the knight is." Gaius suggested.
"No." Uther argued immediately.
"You cannot hide the truth forever." Gaius replied.
"I am the King. You will not tell me what I can and cannot do." Uther ordered.
Gaius just gave him a look. "That is your choice, Sire. You tell him, or let him go to his death."
"No one but you or I will ever know the secret of Arthur's birth." Uther replied.
"The boy is of age, he should know." Gaius said.
"Never!" Uther exclaimed. "You made an oath. I warn you not to break it."
The two men stared at each other before Gaius finally spoke "Very well, Sire."
"Leave me." Uther ordered. Gaius bowed and walked out of the council chambers.
In the outskirts of the castle, Merlin and Alexia approached Tristan. They inched closer and raised their hand together towards the knight. Taking a deep breath, they chanted, "Cume her fyrbryne."
A stream of fire approached the knight, setting Tristan on fire. The fire faded and Tristan remained standing, unscathed. Tristan looked at Merlin and Alexia and growled. Alexia quickly turned and grabbed Merlin, running from there.
They burst into Arthur's room to see him practicing with his sword.
"Merlin, Alexia, you know that conversation we had about knocking..." Arthur said.
"You have to pull out." Merlin pleaded breathlessly.
Arthur scoffed. "And why is that?"
"Because he'll kill you." Alexia said.
"Why does everybody think that?" Arthur exclaimed.
"Because they're right!" Alexia replied back. "Just pull out. You're the Crown Prince. No one wants to see you die over some stupid challenge."
"I am not a coward." Arthur stated.
Merlin gives him an understanding glance. "We know that. We've stood there and we've watched you overcome every fear you've ever faced." He said.
"That's what's required of me." Arthur replied.
"But you are more than that. You're not merely a warrior. You're a prince, a future king! You've proved your courage, but you must prove your wisdom." Merlin advised.
"I'm not backing down." Arthur said, giving his sword an experimental swing.
"Please, Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary knight." Merlin walked towards the window. Arthur ignored him to keep practicing with the sword. "Look at him. He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep. He just stands there, in complete silence. Doesn't that tell you something?"
"No one is unbeatable." Arthur said.
" And that includes you too Arthur!" Alexia exclaimed frustrated.
Arthur glared at her.
"If you fight him, you will die." Merlin told him.
Arthur was starting to get annoyed. "I'm not listening to this."
"I'm trying to warn you, Arthur." Merlin said fervently.
Arthur turned sharply and swung the sword at his neck, only stopping a couple of inches away. "And I'm trying to warn YOU, Merlin!" Arthur yelled. Merlin gave him an annoyed look.
" Leave, you both!" He announced. Alexia and Merlin sighed before turning and walking away.
They exited the room. Merlin glanced at Alexia, who looked back at him.
Both were worried.
Alexis looked at the ground and finally a look of determination came on her face.
" Come with me." She said.
Merlin looked confused, but followed her regardless.
In the council chambers, Uther drank alone. The candles blew out and Uther turned to see Nimueh.
"I should've known." Uther said quietly.
Nimueh gave him an evil smirk. "It is more than I'd hoped for, Uther. Soon Arthur will be slain. You will have sent him to his death."
"Haven't you tired of revenge?" Uther asked quietly.
"Haven't you?" Nimueh retorted. "You began this war when you threw me from the court and slaughtered all of my kind."
"You brought it on yourselves. You practiced evil."
"I was your friend, Uther! You welcomed me here." Nimueh reminded him.
"You betrayed that friendship." Uther stated.
"I did as you asked!" Nimueh exclaimed. "I used the magic you so despise to give your barren wife the son you craved."
"Don't ever speak of her in that way. She was my heart, my soul. And you took her from me." Uther glared at her.
"She died giving birth to your son. It was not my choice. That is the law of magic. To create a life, there had to be a death. The balance of the world had to be repaid." Nimueh stated.
Uther leaned against the table. "You knew it would kill her."
"No, you're wrong." Nimueh argued. "If I had foreseen her death, and the terrible retribution you would seek... I would never have granted your wish."
Uther straightened up. "I wish you hadn't." he replied quietly.
"You wish you didn't have a son?" Nimueh asked, looking briefly confused. "Well, your wish will come true tomorrow."
"I will not let you take him." Uther stated.
"I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon." Nimueh replied, her voice full of buried resentment, anger, and hurt. "Now it is your turn."
Uther looked away for a moment, and Nimueh disappeared.
In the library, Alexia and Merlin was searching through old tomes when Merlin dropped a book. Merlin bent down to pick it up, and saw shoes. When he looked up, Geoffrey was looking down at him and Alexia.
"How did you get in here?" Geoffrey asked, frowning.
"The door was open." Merlin lied.
"No, I locked it." Geoffrey argued.
"Well, someone else must've opened it, then." Alexia replied.
"And you thought you'd come in and help yourself?"
Merlin picked up the book. "I was looking for a book. For Gaius. He thinks the Black Knight is a wraith."
"Then Arthur is in grave peril." Geoffrey said ominously.
Alexia nodded.
"Which is why we're here." Merlin replied.
"We need to find a weapon that will kill something that's already dead." Alexia told him.
"Well, I've read of such things in the ancient chronicles." Geoffrey stated.
Merlin gave him a hopeful look. "Really? What did they say?"
"Well, several fables speak of ancient swords."
"That can kill the dead?" Merlin interjected.
"The swords the fables speak of could destroy anything, alive or dead." Geoffrey said.
Alexia smiled.
Obviously she knew this. The story of Excalibur. But she can't just tell Merlin. It's not like every one knew about dragon-forged swords.
"Can you show me one of these fables?" Alexia asked
"Well, let me think. Yes. Mm..." Geoffrey searched a shelf.
After a moment, Merlin said impatiently, "I'm sort of in a hurry."
"Yes, you young people always are."
Geoffrey flipped through a book. "This is the Chronicle of Beltain. Now then... Ah, here we are." Merlin looked up in interest. "'Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword, begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good.'"
"What did you say?" Merlin asked.
""Sir Marhaus...""
"No. No, no. No, no. Not about him. The dragon." Alexia said.
""The great sword begotten in the dragon's breath..." Merlin and Alexia took off. "...and found it passing good."
Gwen opened Morgana's door to see Merlin standing outside. "Merlin." Gwen said with a smile. "What are you doing here?"
"I've come to ask a favor." Merlin said.
"Yes?" Gwen asked.
"I'm not sure how to ask it." Merlin replied sheepishly.
"Ask, Merlin. You know I'd grant you anything." Realizing what she said, she began to stumble over her words, saying, "I mean, not anything. Obviously, not anything. What is it you want?"
"I've come to ask for a sword. The strongest sword your father's ever made." Merlin said
"What for?" Gwen asked.
"To save Arthur." Merlin replied.
At night, Arthur stared at Tristan, from his window.
Morgana entered the room.
" I don't want you to fight tomorrow." She said.
" You're worried about me?" He snorted.
" I don't know what it is. Please. I am begging you." Morgana pleaded.
" I have to do this, it's my duty." He said.
" I understand." Morgana replied and went out.
Uther entered the physician's chambers, where Gaius was washing his hands. "I'm sorry. You knew that one day this business would come back to haunt me."
"Not quite so literally." Gaius replied.
"I should've listened to you. You said that no good would come of using witchcraft at Arthur's birth." Uther said.
"You wanted an heir. You thought it was the only way." Gaius remembered.
"Nimueh told me there would be a price to pay." Uther said.
Gaius shook his head slightly. "You weren't to know that that price would be Ygraine's life."
"I cannot let Arthur die." Uther said quietly.
"Then you must stop the fight." Gaius told him.
"No, I will take his place."
"Do you know what you're saying?"
"Ygraine gave up her life for him. So must I." Uther said.
"Uther..." Gaius said simply.
"I have no other choice." Uther replied.
"There must be another way." Gaius argued.
"My death will stop the wraith and Arthur will live. But it means you are the only person left who knows the truth about Arthur's birth. I want you to swear to me that you will keep your oath." Uther asked.
Gaius stared at him for a long minute before he said, "I will take it to my grave."
Uther smiled gratefully, and put a hand on Gaius's shoulder. "You have always been a good friend, despite my temper."
"I always thought that would be the death of you." Gaius joked weakly.
They both laughed quietly. "I have one other favor to ask."
Back at her house, Gwen pulled a sword out from under her father's bed. "My father's been saving this. He's always said it was the best sword he's ever made."
"It's perfect." Merlin grinned
Gwen put her head on her crossed arms. "He'll kill me if he finds I've taken it."
Merlin stared at the sword. "He'll understand. You did it for Arthur."
"I knew you were proud of him really." Gwen teased. The two exchanged glances before Merlin wrapped up the sword and took it away.
He met Alexia at the gates.
" Let's go." He said.
She nodded.
They immediately took the sword to the Dragon's Cave.
"Merlin! Alexia!" the dragon greeted them.
"Do you know why we're here?" Merlin asked.
"It may surprise you, Merlin, but my knowledge of your life is not universal." The dragon said humorously.
"It's to do with Arthur. His life's in danger." Merlin knelt to the ground, and began to unwrap the sword. "He will die, unless I can make a weapon that will kill the dead."
"So what do you come to ask of me?" the dragon asked.
Merlin floated the sword in front of Kilgharrah.
"Will you burnish it, to save Arthur?" Alexia asked.
"The dead do not return without reason. Who has he come for?" the dragon asked.
" Uther." Alexia replied.
"Then let him take his vengeance and the wraith will die without my aid." The dragon said.
"But it's Arthur who's going to fight him. You have to save him." Merlin said.
"That is your destiny, young warlock, not mine." The dragon stated.
"But if Arthur fights the wraith and dies, Camelot will have no heir. I will have no destiny." Merlin countered.
The dragon's eyes narrowed. "A weapon forged with my assistance will have great power."
"I know."
"You do not know." Kilgharrah exclaimed. "You can only guess. You have not seen what I have seen. If you had, perhaps you would not ask this of me."
" What do you mean?" Merlin asked.
The dragon looked at Alexia.
" You know the power the sword will hold." The dragon told her in thoughts.
" I know Kilgharrah. But it's time that Excalibur comes into existence. This sword will create a legend." Alexia told him.
"I will do it. But remember young warlock, Young witch, in the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone."
"I understand." Merlin said.
"You must do more than understand. You must promise."
"I promise." Merlin swore.
"I promise you. The sword will be wielded by Arthur and Arthur alone." Alexia promised.
Merlin and Alexia stepped back, and Kilgharrah breathed fire on the sword. When he was done, the sword had beautifully been transformed.
Alexia looked at the sword in awe.
The sword was radiating a special power.
"Heed my words. The sword was forged for Arthur, and him alone." The dragon said before flying back.
In his chambers, Uther stared out his window at Tristan.
Gaius knocked on Arthur's door. "I've brought you something that might help you to sleep." Gaius entered.
"I'm fine. I don't need it." Arthur argued.
"Here. It'll relax you, take the edge off your nerves." Gaius assured him.
Arthur drank it, and grimaced at the taste. "I wouldn't drink it for pleasure."
"Why don't you sit down for a moment?"
Arthur walked numbly towards the bed. "Mind you, if you...forget about the taste, the, er, after-effect is quite pleasurable."
Gaius nodded with a slight smile. "Just lie back."
Arthur passed out on the bed. Gaius left the room and locked the door.
Gaius was moving down the corridor, Alexia and Merlin saw him and Alexia's eyes flashed gold. The key on his belt hanged in the air. Gaius continued to move forward, without realising he left the key.
Alexia quickly ran to the hanging key and grabbed it.
" Let's go." She said moving towards Arthur's chambers.
" How did you know?" Merlin asked moving behind her.
" I heard Uther and Gaius, when they were planning this. You went to Gwen to get the sword." Alexia quickly made up. Merlin nodded.
Quickly unlocking the door, Alexia and Merlin entered.
" You want to do it?" Alexia asked.
" I am not good in any type of healing magic." Merlin whispered.
Alexia nodded.
She moved forward and placed her hand on Arthur's forehead.
" dormiat et curabo eum. " Alexia murmured. Her eyes flashing gold. She withdrew her hand.
Flashing a grin at Merlin, she exited the room.
Merlin followed.
Tristan Du bois waited for Arthur in the arena the next morning.
In the armory, Merlin unwrapped and picked up Excalibur. Uther entered the armory. Merlin quickly hid it, under the table.
" Sire?" Merlin asked pretending to be confused.
"Prepare me for battle." Uther ordered.
Merlin looked at him." But sire, Arthur is going to fight." Merlin said.
"The grievance was with me, the fight is mine." Uther stated.
" But I believe it's my fight." Arthur said coming from behind with Alexia.
Uther stared at him shocked.
" What are you doing here?" Uther asked.
Arthur frowned.
" I am here to fight." He replied calmly.
" You were not supposed to be here." Uther said.
" Tell me, did you drink the potion Gaius gave you?" He asked.
" Yes, but why do you want to... Wait. You asked Gaius to drug me?" Arthur asked.
Before Uther could reply, the drum beat was heard.
" Merlin!" Arthur called glaring daggers at his father, " prepare me for battle." He said.
" No." Uther ordered.
" Merlin!" Arthur warned.
" You will not go against my wish." Uther said.
" Mer- Lin!" Arthur shouted.
Merlin quickly moved to Arthur, preparing him for the battle.
Uther glared at him. Merlin did his job and Arthur was ready.
Uther left the armoury, but not before glaring at the two servants.
Arthur stared at the door.
Alexia quickly moved forward. She gave him the sword. Arthur didn't even glance at it.
Arthur entered the arena to face the wraith.
The fight started. Both the knights parred with each other. After few strikes, Arthur manged to remove the helmet of the black knight, revealing a mummified face. Everyone gasped.
Arthur stared at him for a moment before striking again. Nimueh watched from the crowds.
Finally after few moments, Arthur took his sword and stabbed the black knight in his guts. The wraith screamed and exploded.
Everyone stood up and cheered for the prince.
Arthur panted for a second before raising his sword, cheering. His eyes fell on Merlin and Alexia, who gave him a thumbs up, with bright smiles. He went back to armoury.
" You did it." Alexia said.
" I knew I would." He boasted. Alexia rolled her eyes. She and Merlin quickly took off his armour, while Alexia sneaked the sword out if sight.
" Where is the sword which I used?" Arthur asked.
" Why?" Merlin asked.
" It was the best one I ever used." He admitted. Alexis quickly took a random sword and gave it to Arthur.
" This one." She said.
Arthur picked the sword and smiled.
" Who got this sword?" He asked.
" Merlin. He went to Tom, the blacksmith. Got his best sword for you." Alexia said with a smile.
Arthur looked at Merlin. He flashed his cheeky grin.
Arthur smiled back. Before he turned serious.
"I need to talk to my father." He said and exited the armoury.
" Why didn't you gave him the sword?" Merlin asked.
" So that anyone can use it? No. We just asked for sword for Arthur to kill the wraith. We must ask the great dragon before giving it to him." She said. Merlin nodded.
In the council room. Uther sat there, in his chair. Arthur entered the room, angry.
" You had Gaius drug me!" Arthur bellowed.
" I did what was right." Uther said. Arthur stared at him.
" I was meant to fight him. And you see, I won." He said.
"No, you weren't meant to fight." Uther said
"But the Knight's Code is very clea..."
"Be damned!" Uther argued. "I believed you would die. And that was a risk I could not take. You are too precious to me. You mean more to me than anything I know, more than this entire kingdom, and certainly more than my own life."
Arthur looked shocked at that. "I... always thought that..." he stammered.
"What?" Uther encouraged.
"That...I was a big disappointment to you." Arthur finished.
Uther put a hand on his shoulder. "Well, that is my fault, and not yours. You are my only son. And I wouldn't wish for another."
Arthur looked a bit surprised.
" Uh! You did pretty well." Uther said.
" Umm.. it was just a right blow. That's it." Arthur said.
They both smiled. Before Arthur left the room.
In the physician's chambers, Gaius stared at Merlin and Alexia while they eat. "You know why I'm looking at you." Gaius intoned.
"No." Merlin and Alexia denied.
"A wraith couldn't be killed. No matter what." Gaius said.
" Yep, but still Arthur killed him. Probably you were right. Only Arthur could do this." Alexia said.
" It means you did nothing?" Gaius asked.
"No!" Merlin denied.
"Shame. It saved the prince's life, I'd have been very proud of you." Gaius replied.
Merlin smiled slightly, "Well..."
"Never mind." Gaius said teasingly, putting a spoonful of food in his mouth. Gaius gave them a knowing smile, and they soon burst into laughing.
The Great Dragon called Merlin and Alexia in their sleep, jerking them awake. "Merlin! Alexia!... Merlin!"
Alexia woke up with a groan.
They went down the Tunnel Corridor to the Dragon's Cave.
"So, does Arthur live?" the dragon asked.
" Yes he does, it was perfect. He killed the wraith. Won against it." Alexia said stiffening a yawn.
" As I knew he would." The dragon said proudly.
Alexia just shook her head.
Merlin nodded.
" Thank you." Merlin said.
The dragon nodded.
" Shall we go to sleep?" Alexia asked.
" You can young witch. After hiding the sword." The great dragon said.
Merlin frowned. Alexia smiled as she knew, the sword was not yet ready to be seen by Arthur. It will be his, when he will pull it out from the stone.
" Why? Arthur wielded it. And it was forged for him." Merlin asked.
" Yes it was. But he is not yet ready to wield it." The dragon told them.
" Now what shall we do?" Merlin asked.
"Take the sword far from here and place it where no mortal man can ever find it." The dragon then took off.
" You have to do it on your own. I am going to sleep." Alexia said yawning.
Merlin went to their room and took the Excalibur, examining the sword in the morning sunlight. He exited Camelot carrying the sword and walked to the Lake of Avalon, where he threw the sword into the lake.
Smiling he left the place.