Chapter Six

For Honor, For Camelot

–

Before you begin on the journey of revenge,
dig two graves.

–

"It's too dangerous, Morgana," said Merlin firmly, pausing from his incessant pacing as Morgana stared on at him from behind her desk, growing annoyed. "We don't know how Valiant would react, and you could get hurt."

"Unless you have any other ideas how to expose Valiant then there is no other way," she retorted.

Merlin sighed, looking at Morgana with an exasperated expression before pacing back and forth again. She had hatched a plan that entailed her seducing Knight Valiant, tricking him into exposing his magic just as the guards and Arthur showed up to see it all with their own eyes. It wasn't the strongest strategy in the world, but they had no other options, no other ideas. Merlin would run up to Arthur's chambers and somehow manage to draw him and his men to Morgana's chambers (even if he had to get Arthur to chase him with a sword) that evening so that Morgana's efforts wouldn't be for nothing. She would send a message to him to meet her just after his practice spar that evening so that he would still be in possession of his shield. She didn't want to seduce Valiant, quite the opposite, the man made her skin crawl. However, there was no denying he was visibly attracted to her, and he was out to claim any and everything Arthur cherished and the top of that list was indeed Morgana.

"Morgana, it's farfetched," he went on, speaking wildly with his hands. "There is no guarantee that I can draw Arthur to your chambers. What if you're stuck alone with him?"

"I can take care of myself, Merlin," she insisted.

"I know," he said quickly, "but that doesn't make me any less ill at ease. Couldn't you just speak to Arthur, talk him out of fighting Valiant?"

"I could never do that," she said, shaking her head as if Merlin had just asked her to shave all her hair off.

"He might listen to you though," said Merlin desperately. "You and Arthur– he trusts to you."

"It's not that," she said sharply. "If we can't prove that Valiant is guilty then Arthur should fight him."

"What?" Merlin breathed, aghast and frozen before her. "Why on earth would you say that? He'd be risking his life to prove Valiant is using magic."

Morgana gently placed her hands on her desk tabletop and pushed herself to her feet. She slowly strode to her window, her back to Merlin as she looked down onto the practice field. Arthur was wailing on a wooden practice dummy with his sword. She wondered for a moment whether he was picturing Valiant or Merlin underneath the old rusted armor. She absentmindedly twirled her necklace between her fingers before finally responding to the young warlock without tearing her eyes away from the field.

"Arthur does not fight for his own life," she said quietly. "He does not fight for vanity, for glory or -in this instance- for the self-gratification of proving his father wrong."

"Then what does he fight for exactly?" asked Merlin in a sardonic tone.

"He fights for honor, and he fights for Camelot," she said swiftly. "It is his duty."

"In some stupid tournament?" he scoffed. "Surely you cannot think that when he goes and spars against a dozen or so equally narcissistic and blood thirsty knights that Camelot even crosses that big-head of his. He's out to revel in the prestige of becoming Champion and flaunting you on his arm."

"Arthur is not like them," she hissed, jerking her head to look at him for the first time, "and don't ever think he is. He may be a pompous clotpole at times, but when he steps onto that pitch before the people of Camelot it is them that he is fighting for. Arthur represents the future, better days, and he knows this. He knows that his own image is not just of himself but of the entire kingdom, and he knows that he must honor the crown that has been bestowed upon him. If he were to appear weak to his people then I fear Camelot would be in grave danger."

Morgana regretted snapping at her new friend as soon as she ceased her speech. Merlin swallowed hard and awkwardly ran his fingers through his hair. She sighed and continued.

"I've known Arthur all my life, and I know him better than anyone," she said, smirking to herself as she returned her gaze onto the prince out the window again. "As much as it pains me to admit it – and believe me it does – he will make a great king someday, much better than his father. So it is not pomposity or grandeur that drives Arthur to fight Valiant tomorrow, it is for honor, for Camelot."

"You believe Camelot would be better off with an honorable dead prince than a living coward of one," said Merlin, grasping Morgana's gaze one final time.

"We won't let it come to that," said Morgana, slowly walking before Merlin. "We will expose Valiant, and Arthur won't have to fight to reclaim his dignity. Don't worry, just get Arthur and the guards to my chambers at precisely the stroke of seven this evening, and you'll see that all your fretting was for nothing."

"I hope you're right," he frowned. "Arthur's life is in the balance."

Morgana placed a reassuring hand on Merlin's elbow and looked up into his piecing blue eyes. When she did, her necklace began to glow again, just as it had the last time she and Merlin had touched. It glowed with such ferocity that Merlin could even see the illuminated gold orb from beneath her maroon gown. A comforting warm sensation seeped through Morgana's veins, seemingly softening her very heart. Why was this happening? She had made physical contact with many people since she had worn the Everstone and none of them had even shown a hint of a flicker of light. Merlin's eyes remained glued onto the glowing stone, forcing him into a stunned silence. Morgana tried to recall every syllable within the explanation the ancient book delivered her, and then the only probable answer struck her like a ton of bricks.

Though many of the Everstone's powers remain a mystery, it has been rumored that each piece grants the possessor the ability to heal mortal wounds and illness (though pay a price in return), detect other sorcerers in their midst...

Morgana suddenly jerked her hand away from Merlin's elbow, backing away with ungraceful haste. She gripped the Everstone with one hand and her mouth with the other. She tried to conceal a gasp but failed miserably. Merlin looked bewildered, as if he had just been released from a state of hypnosis. It couldn't be true. There had to be some mistake, some logical explanation other than Merlin being a magical being. He would have told her – wait, why would he have told her? He barely knew her – well, she wouldn't go as far as saying that, but they were both still getting to know each other. She was still the king's ward regardless, and those with magic were as good as dead in Camelot. Of course Merlin wouldn't have told her. What if he didn't know himself? Morgana had just began to develop her powers herself, and it was possible that Merlin could be like her. Though Morgana didn't know the level of competency Merlin had with magic, she did know one thing – she was no longer alone, at least she hoped not.

"Milady, is everything alright?" asked Merlin gently, choosing to pretend that he didn't just witness a brief glimpse of the Everstone to not startle her further.

"Er– yes – fine," she stammered, abruptly forcing her hands to inexplicably straighten her skirts, "but you really must be going so I can prepare for this evening."

"Y– Yes, I suppose that's–"

"Lovely, cheers then," she said erratically, all but shoving him out the door.

Merlin sent her a very confused stare before departing through her heavy wooden door. Morgana locked the door behind him, and pressed her back against it. Morgana stood frozen for a long time, wondering whether she wanted Merlin to be a sorcerer or not. Yes, she would have a kindred spirit and a confidant, but she also wouldn't wish the threat of being revealed as a sorcerer before the king onto her worst enemy.

–

The Great Dragon was no help. All he did was spout off a load of rubbish riddles about destiny that did nothing but make the young warlock more frustrated than before. Morgana was about to put herself in a sticky situation to save Arthur's life (and reputation for that matter), and he had no idea what was going to happen. He sat upon the castle steps, judging the sun's light for time. In a few short hours he would have to trick Arthur into Morgana's chambers without a guarantee of success. If he could only find another way. He didn't even notice that Gwen had sat down beside him until she spoke.

"Is it true about what you said about Valiant using magic?" she asked tentatively.

Merlin merely nodded.

"What are you going to do?" she asked dumbly.

"Why does everyone think it's down to me to do something about it?" he smirked.

"Because it is," she said indignantly. "Isn't it? You have to show everyone that they were right and they were wrong."

"And how do I do that?" he said quietly.

"I don't know," she sighed.

"Gwen, all I've done is destroy Arthur's reputation, get myself sacked and now I've put Morgana's life in danger–"

"Morgana?" Gwen interrupted. "What does she have to do with this?"

"It's a long story, but I'd never let anything happen to her," he promised. "Don't worry."

Gwen didn't know what else to say. She didn't like the idea of Merlin and Morgana scheming without her knowledge. She rather enjoyed Merlin's company more than he knew, and Morgana already attracted noblemen like flies to honey. It just wasn't fair that she'd began doing the same to those of lesser status, the men that would never be allowed to be with her even if she wanted them to. Merlin wasn't the slightest in tune with Gwen's differing worries because something had suddenly caught his eye – a statue of a dog holding a shield.

"That's it," he smiled, getting to his feet to examine the statue further.

"Where are you going?"

Merlin ignored her question and began furiously trying to lift the large stone carving by hand to no avail. Gwen rose to her feet and stood curiously behind him. Merlin knew that if he could manage to bring this stone creature to life then he could surely force the snakes in Valiant's shield to reveal themselves. If he could use his magic to enchant the statue then Morgana wouldn't have to enchant Valiant without hers.

"Do you have a wheelbarrow?" asked Merlin with a sly grin that caused Gwen to blush against her will.

–

Gaius nearly dropped his potion when Merlin burst into his chambers wheeling a statue carves like a vicious dog.

"What on earth are you doing?" he asked.

"I have to let everyone see the snakes," said Merlin, rather out of breath from wheeling the heavy statue all about the castle, up and down stairs and every which way.

It appeared as though Gaius instantly understood what Merlin was up, for he turned back to his brewing with a smile and without another word. Merlin drug the statue into his room and closed the door behind him before he pulled up a familiar loosened floorboard and removed his book of spells that Gaius had so generously given him to practice with. Placing the book open on his bed, he scanned the pages for the perfect spell. He grinned like a Cheshire cat when he spotted it, drawing an invisible line under the proper spell. He opened his palm and stared at the statue with great determination.

"Barbae dorsanthae areesan quickum," said Merlin.

Nothing happened. He tried again, and again, and again, and again. Nothing. Time was running out. He needed to get the spell to work and fast.

–

Valiant wielded his mighty sword as Arthur lay wounded and unconscious upon the cold, lonely earth. All Morgana could do was stare on with an expression of terror and helplessness. There was an odd sort of silent gasp in the air as Valiant lifted his sword high above his head and thrust it with one fierce thrust through Arthur's broad chest. The Prince was dead.

Morgana shot up from her bed, sweating and breathless as she was the last time she experienced the same nightmare. A knock had woken her, swift and concise against her door. She looked out her window and saw the sun beginning to set. She couldn't remember falling asleep, and she couldn't imagine being able to fall asleep when she had so much on her mind. She quickly took to her feet and darted before the mirror to check her appearance one final time. Her stomach ached with nerves, but after her nightmare repeated itself, Morgana knew that she had try anything to prevent her dream from coming true. She slowly strode to her door after her intruder had knocked once again. Heaving a heavy breath, Morgana placed her hand on the handle and pulled open the door.

–

Merlin must have tried the spell a thousand different times from a thousand different places in a thousand different voice and – nothing. He had to force Arthur into Morgana's chambers in less than an hour, and he had nothing. Against Morgana's advice, Merlin decided that he would try to talk Arthur into forfeiting the fight, because it wasn't just Arthur's destiny he was defending, it was his own as well. He was desperate to prevent Arthur's downfall, and he had to do something, anything.

He found Arthur standing in a daze before his fireplace, admiring the dancing flames. He looked a loss for words, for anything really. He didn't have to look over to see who had entered his chamber. He knew it would be one of two people – Merlin or Morgana, and when the familiar whiff of lavender with a hint of honey didn't fill his nostrils, he instantly recognized the scent of servitude.

"I thought I told you to get out of my sight," Arthur muttered.

"Don't fight Valiant tomorrow," said Merlin, unfazed. "He'll use the shield against you."

"I know," he said, and for a moment Merlin thought he was speaking to Morgana again.

"Then withdraw," said Merlin defensively. "You have to withdraw."

"Don't you understand?" Arthur snapped, jerking his neck to face him for the first time. "I can't withdraw. The people expect their prince to fight, and how can I lead men into battle if I withdraw?"

"Valiant will kill you," said Merlin fiercely. "If you fight you die."

"Then I die," he said poignantly.

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

"Because I have to," he said as if he was declaring the sky blue, "because it's my duty."

"Morgana was right," Merlin muttered, and Arthur's interest perked up. His brows furrowed with curiosity, slowly turning his head to the side to give Merlin a sort of appraising look.

"What did you say?" he breathed.

Before Merlin could elaborate, a knock on the door behind him interrupted their conversation. It was the tall stature of Sir Leon followed by Sir Pellinor. They sent Merlin a formidable glare, but chose to ignore his presence over all. Arthur straightened posture, trying to appear prince-like despite the afternoon's events. He tore his gaze from Merlin and focused onto his two knights.

"Our apologies for interrupting, sire–"

"You weren't interrupting, go on," said Arthur for good measure. "What is it?"

"The King wishes to speak to you about an urgent matter in his chambers," said Sir Leon. "He sent us to retrieve you."

"Of course," said Arthur astutely. "Let's go then."

"Wait!" Merlin interjected as Arthur carelessly brushed by him. It was nearly seven, and he couldn't allow Arthur to leave.

"What is it now, Merlin? asked Arthur in an annoyed tone.

"Er– I– I mean, the Lady Morgana asked me to send for you," said Merlin. "She wishes to speak with you in her chambers immediately."

"Morgana can wait," he said shamelessly. "I'm certain whatever it is she wants with me is not more important than what my father needs. I won't be long."

"But–"

"That will be all, Merlin," said Arthur as the two knight departed out the door before him.

"But Knight Valiant is in her chambers," said Merlin quickly out of sheer desperation.

Arthur froze, his fists clinched into involuntary fists. His back was to Merlin but the young warlock did not need to see the prince's face to know exactly what his facial expression was. He was livid, no doubt about it.

"And why is that?" asked Arthur in a slow droll without turning to face his ex-servant, venom dripping from every syllable.

"Er– because she was trying to seduce him into exposing the snakes in his shield," said Merlin with an upward inflection.

"Damn her," Arthur cursed under his breath.

He gripped his sword holster and stomping off towards Morgana's tower. Merlin heaved a heavy sigh, darting off in the same direction as Arthur. The knights shouted after the prince, but he waved them off and muttered something about not being long. Halfway to Morgana's chambers, Arthur broke into a sprint which caught Merlin off guard and perhaps the prince himself. It wasn't long before the two men reached the bedroom of the king's ward and the heard the muffled blood curdling screams from within.

–

Moments Earlier...

"Sir Valiant," Morgana squeaked as if she was completely surprised he had come to see her though it was she who had sent for him.

"My Lady," he bowed, a sickening grin across his devious face.

"Come in, come in," she said in a bashful sort of way.

Morgana backed away from the doorway to beckon him inside. She looked him up and down. He'd changed from his armor and apparently bathed. He was not covered in grime or sweat from his sparing practice, but wearing his best robes. He must have cut his practice early to prepare himself to see her, and to her great dismay his shield was nowhere in sight. Her faux smile fell instantly and all she could focus on now was how to get rid of him. He was no use to her now, and she was frantic to force him from her chambers to plot her next move to prevent Arthur's grave fate.

"I must admit, milady, that I was all but surprised when I was beckoned to your chambers to share a glass of wine," said Valiant arrogantly, sitting down on her desk chair and making himself at home without Morgana's welcome.

"Weren't you?" she said in a much higher tone than she was accustomed to hearing from herself.

"Not at all," he smirked. "I saw you watching me, and I could tell you were just playing opossum with me at the reception."

Morgana gritted her teeth and fought the urge to verbally reprimand him.

"Ah, it appears you must know me better than I know myself," she said reluctantly.

"I'd like to," he smiled, raising his eyebrows implicitly.

"You are too bold, sir," said Morgana in a slightly lighthearted manner, though not too much so.

"You must recall it was not I who invited you to my chambers, milady," said Valiant, extending his hand and grabbing onto hers. He yanked her forward to force her onto his lap. Morgana immediately struggled to stand up once again, but Valiant kept her in his clutches, holding her down.

"Unhand me," she hissed.

"Come now," he teased wickedly. "I thought this is what you wanted when you asked me to see you in your chambers."

"There has been an mix-up," said Morgana. "I meant to send for Arthur."

"The Prince?" Valiant snorted with the utmost distaste on his tongue. "You must be joking."

"I am not," she snapped, feeling Valiant's grip tighten around her wrists.

"That spoiled royal brat and his idiot stool pigeon made fools of themselves in front of the entire court, and you still have the desire to–"

"Well, that spoiled royal brat and his idiot stool pigeon have more dignity in the tips of their fingers than you have in your entire body," she seethed. "They could have only made fools of themselves if they were lying."

"And you think they were speaking the truth, do you?" Valiant smirked.

"I do not think," she spat. "I know."

"Ah, now I see," said Valiant, smiling as if he'd just had a revelation. "You wanted to try and protect your sweetheart, eh? You wanted to try to seduce me, trick me into exposing my shield's power? What a naïve, stupid child you are to think something so foolish would work on someone like me."

"Someone like you?" Morgana scoffed. "And who are you exactly, a renegade knight? I have scraped the remnants of horses' dung from the soles of my boots with more caliber than the likes of you, as well as better looks and smell for that matter. Now, for the last time, release me!"

"No one insults my honor," he growled, "not event the king's little charity case."

"Honor must first exist in order to be insulted," said Morgana.

Suddenly, Valiant shot up, taking Morgana with him. He forced her towards her large fourposter bed and threw her with great force upon it. She was so stunned by how fast he had moved that she barely had time to react. She gripped her soft comforter, trying to pull herself backwards onto the floor. However, Valiant yanked her back towards him by her slender waist.

"What in pity's sake are you going?" she gasped, fighting him off of her.

"Teaching you a lesson about honor," he grunted, "by taking yours."

Valiant propped himself up to straddle the king's ward, his weigh nearly suffocating her. She pressed the heels of her palms against his chest to shove him away to no avail. He was like a wild animal, hunting his prey. When he tried reaching behind to lift her skirts, Morgana began to scream. Valiant clasped his bear-like paw around her mouth to muffle her cries for help as he continued. Morgana used her hands to grab onto Valiant's face, trying to push him every which way away from her and claw him at the same time. She damned her short fingernails, but did not give up trying to scratch his eyes out nonetheless. For a quick second she managed to sink her teeth into his plump fingers, but soon regretted such a rash decision as the same hand she had just bitten returned with a vicious blow to her cheek. Angry tears streamed down her face as he reached up and tore at the front corset of her dress. She was so furious and not just at Valiant. She was disgusted with herself for allowing herself to become to vulnerable, so exposed. Never in her life had she felt so naked, nor would she ever again.

"Morgana?" called a distant yet familiar voice. "MORGANA!"

A chill shot through the spines of both Arthur and Merlin as they listened to Morgana's terrifying screams. The prince pounded on the door to no avail and soon began trying to kick it open. Merlin's heart was racing, whilst Arthur was caught up the the moment, Merlin's eyes glowed gold and the lock clicked open. Arthur flung in inelegantly, wielding his sword, and Merlin right behind him. Valiant had apparently looked up when the abrupt sound from their intruders rung in his ears, allowing Morgana to take advantage of his moment of weakness. She jerked her head to the side and slid her body to an angle to reach his sword, slipping it from his holster. She then pointed it at his chest and forced him to climb off of her as she clambered to escape towards the door just as it burst open.

The front of Morgana's new violet gown was ruined, torn down the front to expose her white slip. She tried to hold it closed together with her elbow as she balanced pointing Valiant's sword at its owner with one hand and cradled her aching jaw with the other. Valiant held his hands in the air in some sort of playfully sardonic manner that made the skin of all three of the others crawl. Merlin instantly ripped off his jacket and held it so Morgana could slide her arms into it, downing her small frame into the faded leather fabric. At the sight of Arthur's additional sword, Morgana took a couple additional steps behind her and threw Valiant's sword into the hall to disarm him further. Just as Merlin was about to affectionately check to the condition of the king's ward, Arthur confidently swung his free arm around Morgana's upper body and pulled her against him while still pointing his weapon at the perverted knight.

"Calm down there, prince," said Valiant, smiling wickedly.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't run you through," said Arthur in such a callous manner that it made Merlin's heart freeze in his chest for just a moment.

"I can give you two," he smirked in reply. "You wouldn't want to add murderer to your list of offenses – after liar and coward of course, and I'm sure the lady Morgana wouldn't want to add whore to hers and–"

Arthur released Morgana and strode forward, the tip of his blade to close to slitting Valiant's throat that a small bead of blood dripped slowly from his neck. Morgana appeared to have made strides to go up and slug the rogue knight herself, but Merlin had grabbed her hand and pulled her back with some difficulty. He would have held onto her a bit longer, but Morgana made a quick and uncomfortable glance down at her chest for an unknown reason and abruptly freed herself from Merlin's touch before he could try to comfort her more so.

"Your crimes deserve no less than death," Arthur seethed. "I shall inform–"

"Who exactly?" Valiant laughed in airily. "Everyone on the entire royal court thinks you to be just as I said – a liar and a coward – including your own father. And what makes you believe that the Lady Morgana's testimony would do you any good? It can be plainly seen that she would do anything to protect you, so that obviously includes telling a lie or two for good measure. I'm sure after all these years the king and the court knows that even better than I."

Morgana frowned, looking down at her feet. Arthur swallowed uneasily and took a very reluctant step backwards after several moments of silence.

"The court won't be fighting tomorrow," said Arthur coldly. "My father will not be the one wielding my sword. It will just be you and I before all of Camelot, and you will be forced to pay for your sins on a much grander stage."

"You will pay with your life," Valiant teased, "and even if I had an enchanted shield – I would not need it to end you."

Valiant made certain to nudge Arthur harshly with his shoulder as he strode by the flaxen-haired noble. He paused as he reached Merlin and Morgana.

"See you at the feast, milady," the knight smirked, winking at her.

Though Valiant was easily twice Merlin's size, the warlock still held his ground and took a step forward before Morgana's small stature. However, Morgana didn't need protecting seeing as she took an unabashed step forward and swiftly stomped her foot as hard as she could on Valiant's massive toes. As he lifted his foot up to groan in pain, she took that moment to just as effectively slug the knight square in his lower abdomen with all her might. She knew she'd knocked all the wind out of him because she heard it escape his lungs as soon as her fist struck his gut. He was hunched over in pain and Morgana, Merlin and Arthur were all wallowing in his agony.

"I'd sooner be escorted by horse dung," she said, referring to her prior sentiments.

Merlin was positive that Valiant would have retorted with a crude reply if he wasn't so winded and contorted in sheer pain. Just as the knight turned the corner to leave there was a loud clanging to signal he had fallen into some sort of large object and hurt himself more so. It was lucky that Merlin had turned his head to the side or Arthur and Morgana would have surely seen his eyes glow gold.

"Are you alright?" asked Merlin, looking Morgana up and down as Arthur hurried to her side as well.

"Just embarrassed, I'm so sorry," she apologized. "I was such an idiot, thinking I could help. All I did was make matters worse."

Arthur ignored her words and gently tilted her head to the side by holding her chin with his thumb and index finger. A bruise was already beginning to form where he had struck her. Arthur pulled his hand away and grimaced in disgust. He's kill Valiant, he really would.

"It was an impressive right hook," Arthur smiled.

"Well, I knew it was effective from experience," she grinned slightly. "I've used it on you more than once, and it seems to work out in my favor rather nicely."

–

A/N: Sorry, it took me forever to update everyone! I had to rewrite this chapter 3 times, and it still came out rubbish. I was going to have this big Merlin/Morgana finding out about each other's magic scene that was all dramatic etc, but I decided against it last minute. It's too soon, so I'm waiting a few chapters more. Though Morgana has a decent suspicion already, and Merlin is nearly 100% Morgana has magic besides the gift of Sight so yeah... Anyways, review && I'll update faster & I won't sick an angry serket on you! Also, sorry if Morgana came off all Mary Sue-ish in this chapter. It won't happen again, but I need to show some weakness and ignorance in the characters before I build them up to who they really become.

PS: THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR WONDERFUL AND GENUINE REVIEWS! I ADORE YOU ALL && THANKS FOR HELPING ME REACH 100=)

–

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