[VALIANT'S GUEST CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
[casts a spell]

Arthur rolls his eyes, "always with the spells, Merlin?"

Merlin grins, "always."
Laughing Gwaine shakes his head.

[The door unlocks. Merlin enters and takes a sword from a rack, approaching the shield. Merlin turns to the door when he hears someone approaching. a snake slithers out of the shield and poises to strike.]

Hunith gasps, "Merlin!"

"Don't worry mother, I see it." Merlin reassures her, she calms a bit.

[Merlin sees the shadow of the snake and turns around to cut off its head. the other snakes come out, but Merlin drops the sword, grabs the first snake head and runs out of the room.]

Arthur's jaw drops, "did you actually just kill the thing?"

Merlin chuckles.

[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]

Gaius drains some venom from the snake head

"It looks so fake," whispers Kait.

"Trust me, it wasn't." Mutters Merlin with a chuckle.

GAIUS
I'll get started preparing the antidote.

MERLIN
I'm going to tell Arthur.

GAIUS
You'll need this.

[Gaius hands Merlin the snake head.]

GAIUS
And Merlin, what you did was very brave.

"You looks so smug," laughs Kait.

[ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]

Arthur dining in his chambers

ARTHUR [sceptically]
You? You chopped its head off?

"Exactly!" exclaims Arthur.

MERLIN
Ewan was bitten by a snake from the shield when he was fighting Valiant. You can talk to Gaius, you can see the puncture wounds in Ewan's neck where the snake bit him. Ewan was beating him, he had to cheat.

ARTHUR
Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot.

MERLIN
Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the snake bite him.

ARTHUR
I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating.

MERLIN
Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom. When Ewan's conscious, he'll tell you what happened. If you fight Valiant in the final, he'll use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you. Look at it!

"You had so much confidence in me," smiles Arthur.

[Merlin picks up the snake head.]

MERLIN
Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?

[Arthur takes the snake head and looks it over.]

MERLIN
I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you.

Arthur looks at Merlin, "that is what truly made up my mind. What made me question the system, when you thought nothing you said counted, when you said nothing you said or did mattered."

Merlin's clear blue eyes light up and he gives Arthur a full show of his dimples.

ARTHUR
I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true.

MERLIN
I swear it's true.

ARTHUR
Then I believe you.

"And that is when I truly believed you were a good man." Merlin responds.

[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]

Valiant is escorted through the Square to the Council Chamber of Doom. Gaius treats Sir Ewan in the Physician's Chambers. Ewan wakes

GAIUS
Welcome back.

EWAN
There was a snake on his shield. It came alive.

GAIUS
You're weak. The snake's venom is still in your system.

EWAN
I must warn Arthur.

Arthur smiles.

GAIUS
Arthur already knows. He's requested an audience with the King. Now, they'll want to talk to you. Rest. You'll need your strength. I need to fetch more herbs. I'll be right back.

[Snake slithers to Ewan's bed and strikes him.]

The smile is wiped off his face and Arthur and Gwaine growl low.

[COUNCIL CHAMBER]

Uther enters

UTHER
Why have you summoned the court?

ARTHUR
I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament.

UTHER
Valiant, what do you have to say to this?

VALIANT
My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?

UTHER
Do you have evidence?

ARTHUR
I do.

[Arthur motions for Merlin to come forward. Merlin hands Uther the snake head.]

[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]

Gaius mixing a potion

GAIUS
I'm afraid this potion tastes like toad water, but it'll get you back on your feet. Ewan?

[Gaius checks for Ewan's pulse.]

[Council Chamber]

UTHER
Let me see this shield.

MERLIN [whispers to Arthur]
Don't let him get too close.

Hunith is proud, "you protected him even though he would kill you without a blink."

ARTHUR
Be careful, My Lord.

[Arthur draws his sword. Uther inspects the shield. Gaius enters the room.]

GAIUS [whispers]
Merlin.

ARTHUR [whispers]
We need Ewan. Find out what's happening.

[Merlin nods.]

VALIANT
As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield.

ARTHUR
He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive.

UTHER
Then how am I to know that what you say is true?

ARTHUR
I have a witness. Knight Ewan was bitten by one of the snakes from the shield. Its venom made him grievously ill, however, he has received an antidote. He will confirm that Knight Valiant is using magic.

UTHER
Where is this witness?

ARTHUR
He should be here...

"Oh no," whispers Hunith as she closes her eyes.

[Arthur turns to Gaius and Merlin.]

ARTHUR
Where's Ewan?

MERLIN
He's dead.

UTHER
I'm waiting!

ARTHUR
I'm afraid the witness is dead.

Merlin hangs his head.

UTHER
So you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?

ARTHUR
No. But my servant fought one of the snakes from...

UTHER
Your servant?

Gwaine hisses threatening at the cruel look on Uther's face.

You made these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?

ARTHUR
I believe he's telling the truth!

VALIANT
My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?

MERLIN
I've seen those snakes come alive!

UTHER
How dare you interrupt?! Guards!

[Guards begin taking Merlin away.]

Hunith indraws a sharp breath and immediately pleas, "Arthur!..." She knows from what she has seen that the prince would take care of her son.

VALIANT
My Lord.

UTHER
Wait!

VALIANT
I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account.

UTHER
You see? This is how a true knight behaves - with gallantry and honor.

Arthur's lip curls.

VALIANT
My Lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal.

Now Arthur's dark blue eyes flash dangerously even as Merlin snorts, "does he ever withdraw? Oh no, he always has to fight," his voice drops to a mutter, "even when it means I have to save his sorry..." Merlin trails off as Arthur rolls his eyes.

UTHER
Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?

ARTHUR
No!

UTHER
Then what am I to make of these allegations?

"Morgana looks so concerned," Kait says sadly.

ARTHUR
Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology.

VALIANT
Accepted.

[Arthur's chambers]

Arthur mopes in his chambers

ARTHUR
I believed you, I trusted you, and you made me look a complete fool.

"Oh no, Arthur," whispers Kait sadly.

MERLIN
I know it didn't go exactly to plan.

ARTHUR
"Didn't go to plan"?! My father and the entire royal court think I'm a coward! YOU HUMILIATED ME!

Merlin looks away.

MERLIN
We can still expose Valiant.

ARTHUR
I no longer require your services.

MERLIN
You're sacking me?

ARTHUR
I need a servant I can trust.

Gwaine's eyes flash as he clenches his jaw.

MERLIN
You can trust me!

ARTHUR
And look where it got me this time. Get out of my sight!

[Dragon's Cave]

Merlin goes to see the Dragon

MERLIN
Where are you? I just came to tell you: whatever you think my destiny, whatever it is you think I'm supposed to do, you've got the wrong person! That's it. Goodbye.

Kait and Arthur snort.

KILGHARRAH
If only it were so easy to escape one's destiny.

MERLIN
How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me?

KILGHARRAH
A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that.

Merlin closes his eyes and shakes his head, he has head those words so many times.

MERLIN
Oh, great. Just what I needed, another riddle.

KILGHARRAH
That your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth.

MERLIN
What is that supposed to mean?

KILGHARRAH
You know, young warlock, this is not the end. It is the beginning.

MERLIN
Just give me a straight answer!

[Main Square]

Merlin sits on the steps in the Square. Guinevere approaches

GUINEVERE
Hello, Merlin.

MERLIN
All right?

[Guinevere sits next to him.]

GUINEVERE
Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?

[Merlin nods.]

GUINEVERE
What are you going to do?

Merlin laughs fondly, "she believed me just like that."

Hunith smiles, remembering the girl.

MERLIN
Why does everyone seem to think it's down to me to do something about it?

GUINEVERE
Because it is! Isn't it? You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong.

MERLIN
And how do I do that?

GUINEVERE
I don't know.

[Merlin catches sight of a dog statue.]

MERLIN
That's it.

Hunith frowns, "what are you thinking of?"

"Ya what are you thinking?" Gwaine repeats with just a bit of twinkle in his eye.

GUINEVERE
Where are you going?

MERLIN
Do you have a wheelbarrow?

[Gaius' Chambers]

Merlin wheels in the dog statue

GAIUS
What are you doing with that?

MERLIN
I'm going to let everyone see the snakes for themselves.

[Merlin puts the statue in his chamber and pull the magic book out from under a floor board.]

"Oh Merlin," Hunith smiles, unlike the rest of them she caught on with what her son was trying to do.

MERLIN
"Bebay odothay. Bebay odothay arisan quickum."

[Merlin tries out the spell]

MERLIN
Bebay odothay arisan quickum. Bebay odothay arisan quickum.

Kait chuckles.

[Morgana's chamber]

Morgana has a nightmare about Arthur fighting Valiant and jerks awake

MORGANA [whispers]
Arthur!

"She cared about you then."

[Morgana gets up and goes to the window to watch Arthur practicing in the Square below.]

[Merlin's room]

[Merlin tries the spell over and over but nothing happens.]

Arthur and Gwaine bursts out laughing at all the ways (and positions) Merlin tried the spell.

[Arthur's chambers]

Merlin enters Arthur's open chambers

ARTHUR
I thought I told you to get out of my sight.

Kait scolds.

MERLIN
Don't fight Valiant in the tournament tomorrow. He'll use the shield against you.

ARTHUR
I know.

"You believe him," Gwaine says astonished.

MERLIN
Then withdraw. You have to withdraw.

ARTHUR
Don't you understand? I can't withdraw. The people expect their prince to fight. How can I lead men into battle if they think I'm a coward?

MERLIN
Valiant will kill you. If you fight, you die.

ARTHUR
Then I die.

Merlin huffs and glares at the screen.

MERLIN
How can you go out there and fight like that?

ARTHUR
Because I have to. It's my duty.

[Merlin's room]

[Merlin wakes early the next morning with the spell book in his lap, and speaks drowsily.]

MERLIN
Bebay odothay... arisan quickum.

Arthur and Gwaine chuckle, but quickly muffle it at the glares from Kait and Merlin.

"Excuse me for staying up all night trying to save your arse." Merlin rolls his eyes knowing this wouldn't be the last time.

Arthur grins and ruffles Merlin's hair, earning another glare, this time playful.

[Valiant sharpens his sword near the tournament grounds. Arthur stands in the arena and looks around.]

[Arthur's Chambers.]

Arthur's old serving boy, Morris, helps him with his armour. Morgana enters, Morris quickly bows and exits.

Merlin snorts.

Morgana puts her hands on Arthur's back and he begins to turn around

MORGANA
Let me.

[She fixes the strap for the gorget and tightens the vambrace.]

MORGANA
I used to help my father with his armour.

Gwaine and Merlin lower their heads slightly. They too had lost or never had a father.

[She hands him his helmet.]

ARTHUR
Thanks.

[Arthur turns to leave.]

MORGANA
Arthur, be careful.

[Arthur nods.]

ARTHUR
See you at the feast.

[Tournament Grounds]

Arthur enters the arena. Arthur and Valiant put on their helmets prepare to fight

[Merlin's room]

Merlin mumbles the spell with his eyes closed.

MERLIN
Bebay odothay arisan quickum.

[There's a growl, but Merlin keeps repeating the spell.]

Gwaine laughs, "how did you not hear that?"

Merlin blushes, "I had been thinking and wanting it to happen so much I thought I had imagined it."

Hunith smiles and quietly laughs with the others.

MERLIN
Bebay odothay arisan quickum.

[The Rottweiler barks.]

Even merlin chuckles this time.

MERLIN
I did it!

Arthur's body shakes as he laughs, "well that woke you up fast." Merlin rolls his eyes, but smiles.

[The dog starts lunging at Merlin, he rushes out of the room and shuts the door. Gaius enters.]

GAIUS
Arthur's fighting Valiant!

MERLIN
I know. I'm on my way. Oh, whatever you do, don't go into my room. We'll deal with it later.

[Gaius peeks into Merlin's room and the Rottweiler barks at him.]

Hunith giggles, "he's just like you Merlin."

Merlin shakes his head, "he just haaad to look."

[Tournament grounds]

Arthur and Valiant fight, Merlin franticly watches.

Merlin sees an opportunity.

MERLIN
Bebay odothay arisan quickum.

Arthur's curious, "why did you wait?"

"I had to make sure you weren't to close," Merlin turns to him.

Arthur nods, looking thoughtful.

[The snakes come out of the shield. The crowd stands up in surprise.]

VALIANT
What are you doing? I didn't summon you!

The tree boys smirk.

UTHER
He is using magic.

"No dur...!" Merlin exclaims as he rolls his eyes. Kait chuckles.

ARTHUR
And now they see you for what you really are.

Arthur looks at Merlin, "you know I always wondered why they came out early." Merlin flashes his dimples for a split second.

VALIANT
[chuckles]

[Valiant sends the snakes to the ground.]

VALIANT
Kill him!

[Arthur backs up toward the stands]

"You know you weren't really in danger by then. I wouldn't have let them hurt you." Merlin says with a glint in his eye

Arthur smiles fondly at his best friend, "I know."

[Morgana grabs the sword from the knight sitting next to her and throws it to Arthur.]

MORGANA
Arthur!

Everyone smiles at their relationship back then.

[Arthur catches it.]

"Nice catch," mutters Kait.

[Swings at Valiant and then kills the snakes. Arthur disarms Valiant and runs him through.]

ARTHUR
It's looks like I'll be going to the feast after all.

[Valiant drops and the crowd cheers.]

[Arthur slaps Merlin's shoulder on his way out of the tournament grounds.]

Merlin smiles.

[Banquet Hall]

Arthur escorts Morgana to the feast

UTHER
My honourable guests, I give you Prince Arthur, your champion.

[The court applauds and Arthur offers Morgana his arm.]

ARTHUR
My Lady.

[Morgana curtsies.]

MORGANA
My champion.

Merlin rolls his eyes, "and his head gets bigger."

Arthur smirks, planning on a bit of revenge for all the comments later.

MERLIN
See, I told you he gets all the girls and the glory.

GAIUS
And he owes it all to you.

Gwaine and Arthur nods and Arthur says, "its true."

MORGANA
Has your father apologised yet for not believing you?

ARTHUR
He'll never apologise. I hope, uh, you're not disappointed Valiant's not escorting you.

MORGANA
Turns out he wasn't really champion material.

ARTHUR
That was some tournament final.

MORGANA
Tell me about it. It's not every day a girl gets to save her prince.

Gwaine snickers.

ARTHUR
Uh, I wouldn't say I needed exactly saving. I'm sure I would've thought of something.

Merlin snorts, "more like I would have thought of something."

MORGANA
So you're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl.

Merlin huffs, "always. He'd rather die," he trails off muttering, "gets rather annoying especially when it your job so save his..."

Arthur scolds.

ARTHUR
Because I wasn't.

MORGANA
You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me.

ARTHUR
Me too. Then I wouldn't have to listen to you.

MORGANA
Fine!

ARTHUR
Fine.

[Morgana storms off to talk to Guinevere. Arthur turns to Merlin.]

Gwaine cracks up laughing, " two are like little children! You have your tantrum then run off to your servants." Merlin snorts out a laugh, and Arthur scowls.

ARTHUR
Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me. Like I needed any help.

Snorts.

I wanted to say I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you.

"I'm impressed, Uther would have never spoken to a servant let alone apologize." Gwaine says.

Merlin smiles, "Arthur is a good man, better than his father."

MERLIN
No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and call it even.

ARTHUR
Uh, I can't be seen to be buying drinks for my servant.

Kait breaths out a laugh, "nice try though."

MERLIN
Your servant? You sacked me.

ARTHUR
Now I'm rehiring you.

MERLIN
[snorts]

ARTHUR
My chambers are a complete mess. My clothes need washing. My, uh, armour needs repairing. My boots need cleaning. My dogs need exercising. My fireplace needs sweeping. My bed needs changing. And someone needs to muck out my stables.

Merlin shakes his head and grins.