Valiant
Merlin, the knights of the roundtable, Gaius and Huinith watched as the box flared into life once more.
The voice of the Great Dragon was heard once more, 'in a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.'
The Knight Valiant enters the shady shop.
'Don't tell me you were the one who saved me from those snakes,' moaned Arthur.
'Okay I won't tell you,' said Merlin cheekily.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
'I understand you have a shield for me,' Valiant spoke.
The unknown merchant gestures to Valiant who follows him to behind the counter.
'With your swordcraft and this shield, I guarantee you will win,' said the shop owner.
'Show me how it works,' demanded Valiant.
Certainly. Tharanai im bis entra ofra honra stolle.' The shop owner who was deemed a sorcerer said.
'What does that mean?' Percival asked Merlin.
'Umm, "Change it here. The sound of my voice causes filthy wounds"' said Merlin.
The snakes slither out of the shield. Arthur shudders remembering the snakes all too clearly.
'When you're competing in the tournament, you pin your opponent under the shield, a snake strikes. Your opponent will be paralysed,' the sorcerer said.
The shop owner hands him the sword.
'The snakes are now under your command. They will do anything that you tell them to do,' said the sorcerer.
'Anything?' asked Valiant.
'He's up to something,' said Merlin.
'Just say the word,' replied the shop owner not noticing Valiant's intention.
Both of the conspirators laugh.
'Kill him,' said Valiant.
A snake lashes out at the shop owner killing him instantly. Valiant rides for the city placing his helmet and seal on the table.
'Knight Valiant of the Western Isles. I'm here for the tournament.' Valiant speaks to the Sean the Steward.
'Welcome to Camelot,' smiled Sean.
Outside the castle Arthur and Merlin are training.
'Ready?' Arthur asked swinging his sword.
'Would it make any difference if I said no?' the young warlock asked.
'Not really.' Arthur admitted.
Merlin draws his sword and Arthur attacks.
'Body. Shield. Body. Shield.' Arthur intones.
'Shield.' Merlin responds doing his best to keep up with the warrior.
'Head,' Arthur surprises Merlin.
'Head? Ow.' Merlin protests at the pain.
'Come on, Merlin. You're not even trying,' complained the prince.
Arthur tags the manservant in the back.
'I know. Ah.' Merlin gets hit again.
'Once more,' Arthur continues going.
'Oh, no.' Merlin pleads.
'To the left. To the right. And left. Head.' Arthur continues training.
'Ow!' Arthur gets another hit.
'Come on, Merlin! I've got a tournament to win,' complained the spoilt prince.
'You not Merlin,' Gwaine rolled his eyes.
'Can we stop now, please? Ow! Shield. Body,' Merlin said.
'Shield,' Arthur helped.
'Shield. Ah.' Merlin was hit again in the head.
'Ow,' Merlin topples over his helmet rolling off.
'You're braver than you look. Most servants collapse after the first blow.' Arthur gave Merlin half a compliment.
'Was that a compliment?' asked Gaius.
'I think it was,' laughed Gwaine.
'Is it over?' asked Merlin looking up from the floor.
'That was just the warm up. How's your mace work coming along?' Arthur threatened.
Merlin sighed as they resumed fighting.
Later Merlin walks into Gaius' living quarters dropping his armour as he goes.
Gaius chuckled, 'so, how was your first day as Arthur's servant?' he asked sounding like he knew the answer.
Merlin tapped his head.
'Do you hear clanging?' asked Merlin.
Arthur rolled his eyes, 'honestly it wasn't that bad!'
Merlin slumps down at the table wearing his tunic as Gaius begins massaging the warlock's shoulders.
'Ah! It was horrible. Ahh, and I've still got to learn all about tournament etiquette by the morning. onhríne achtung bregdan.' Merlin suddenly began doing magic.
The book on the tournament moved towards him and flipped open. Gaius was not impressed wearing an expression of extreme annoyance and slight fear he hit Merlin over the head stopping the massage.
'Oi!' he shouts at the same time.
'What've I told you about using magic like this?' Gaius scolded.
'Father could kill you for it,' Arthur reminded his friend.
'It's a part of me,' said Merlin. 'I want to be myself; magic and all.'
'If I could actually feel my arms, I'd pick up the book myself.' Merlin said.
'Never mind your arms. What do I do if you get caught?' Gaius said.
'What would you do?' asked the still innocent boy.
'Well you just make sure it doesn't happen, for both our sakes.' Gaius said treating his ward.
'Ah! I save Arthur from being killed and I end up as a servant. How is that fair?' Merlin complained.
'I'm not sure fairness comes into it. You never know, it might be fun.' Gaius suggested.
'It's easy to look after Arthur,' admitted Merlin.
Merlin scoffed, 'you think mucking out Arthur's horses is going to be fun? You should hear my list of duties.'
'We all have our duties. Even Arthur,' reminded Gaius.
'It must be so tough for him with all the girls and the glory.' Merlin moaned enviously.
'He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure.' Gaius explained.
'Ah! That makes two of us.' Merlin referred to both their destiny.
Merlin brings Arthur's armour into Gwen's where she shows him how to put it on.
'So, you've got voiders on the arms,' Gwen began.
'Mm-mmm,' Merlin listened.
'So he can listen,' grinned Arthur.
'You'd be surprised when he is trying to learn new stuff,' laughed Gaius.
'The hauberk goes over your chest,' Gwen continued.
'The chest. The arms. The chest,' Merlin rambled.
'I guess you know what to do with the helmet,' laughed Gwen.
.
'Erm, yeah. Yeah, that was the only bit I'd figured out,' grinned Merlin.
Gwen giggled as Merlin put the helmet on looking a bit of a fool. He really didn't suit armour.
'How come you're so much better at this than me?' questioned Merlin.
'I'm the blacksmith's daughter. I know pretty much everything there is to know about armour, which is actually kind of sad,' Gwen said.
'No, it's brilliant!' grinned Merlin.
The scene cuts to when they are on the training grounds. Merlin is struggling to get the vambrace on Arthur's lower arm; much to the prince's annoyance.
'You do know the tournament starts today?' the arrogant prince asks impatiently.
'Yes, Sir,' said Merlin with a goofy look on his elfin face.
Merlin fixes the buckle on Arthur's gorget.
'You nervous?' asked Merlin.
'I don't get nervous,' said Arthur.
'Really? I thought everyone got nervous,' said Merlin in surprise.
'Will you shut up!' Arthur finally snaps.
Merlin ties Arthur's cape around him and places the helmet on his head completely forgetting Arthur's sword.
The knights and Gwen noticed. While Arthur looked annoyed, Merlin embarrassed, the knights and Gwen laughed. 'What?' asked Gaius.
'The sword,' chuckled Gwen.
'He's forgotten it,' smiled Huinith, 'some things never change. I'd send him out for wood and he'd forget the wood but bring home a stranger.'
'Great, yeah. I think you're all set,' Merlin completely oblivious.
Now everyone but Arthur was laughing (a smile was playing on the prince's lips).
'Aren't you forgetting something?' Merlin didn't seem to think so, so Arthur had to fill the boy in, 'my sword.'
Merlin's reaction was comical like he had been hit on the head with a hammer, 'oh yeah. Yeah, sorry. Guess, uh, you'll be needing that.'
Arthur rolled his eyes at his manservant.
Arthur furiously grabs the sword and marches off to fight.
'That went well,' Merlin said.
'If that went well I'd hate to see when things didn't go well,' Gwen shook her head.
Gwen and Morgana are sitting excitedly in the stands as the knights walk into the tournament. Merlin peeks around to watch whilst Uther stands up in front of Morgana and introduces the tournament.
'Knights of the realm, it's a great honour to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of 1,000 gold pieces,' announced the tyrant king opening a box revealing the gold up for grabs. 'It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!'
'That was certainly true with Valiant,' muttered Merlin.
The crowd begins cheering.
'I trust you will make me proud,' Uther told his son slapping him on the back and moving away.
'No pressure,' murmured Elyan.
The guards take Arthur and the other knights' capes and puts on the knights' helmets. Gwen whoops and Arthur faces his first opponent.
'Yeah! Come on!' Merlin cheers on his prince as he wins.
'Yeah!' cheered Merlin as Arthur won the duel.
Valiant is now fighting in a very violent style as Arthur and Merlin watch him.
'Knight Valiant looks pretty handy with a sword,' Merlin commented.
Valiant wins and exits the arena stopping to talk with Arthur.
'May I offer my congratulations on your victories today?' Valiant says to the young prince.
'Likewise.' Arthur is polite to the noble.
'I hope to see you at the reception this evening,' the knight says and leaves with his servant.
'Creep,' Merlin says.
Arthur snorts looking like he agrees with Merlin.
Merlin snorts as well.
'Uh, for tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail.' He orders much to Merlin's disgust.
Merlin is once more in his chambers reading his magic book whilst the chores are being magically done.
'So that's why you get through your chores so quickly,' says Arthur.
'That's terribly dangerous,' said Gwen.
Gaius then enters the room at which the magic is stopped with a furtive looking Merlin.
'Are you using magic again?' scolded the physican.
'No' lied Merlin.
Everyone snorts at this.
'What's all this, then?' Gaius gestures to mess on the floor.
Merlin shrugs not looking at his mentor.
'I just came to tell you that supper's ready,' the old man obviously not wanting to get into an argument today.
In King Uther's throne room the knights all queue up to shake hands with the King and Lady.
'Knight Valiant of the Western Isles, My Lord,' Valiant introduces himself to Uther.
'I saw you fighting today. You have a very aggressive style,' commented Uther.
'Well, as My Lord said, "To lose is to be disgraced,"' returned the knight.
'I couldn't agree more. Knight Valiant, may I present the Lady Morgana, my ward,' Uther said looking impressed.
Valiant bows to Morgana and Arthur looks on bemused.
'My Lady,' Valiant takes Morgana's hand and kisses it.
'I saw you competing today,' Morgana flirted.
'I saw you watching. I understand the tournament champion has the honour of escorting My Lady to the feast,' Valiant wooed.
'That's correct,' smiled Morgana.
'Then I will give everything to win the tournament,' Valiant said.
'Too much,' said Merlin.
On the screen Morgana is smiling and nodding at the traitor.
'I guess traitors really do go together,' Arthur snarled.
Merlin frowned.
'My Lady,' Valiant walks over to shake hand with the other knights with Morgana and Gwen watching him.
Arthur bows to his father.
'You bow to your father?' questioned Elyan.
'He's the king,' shrugged Arthur.
'Arthur,' Uther says.
'Father,' the younger Pendragon replies.
Arthur looks at his opponent as he walks over to Morgana, 'They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant,' she commented as the knights continued to congratulate Valiant.
'They're not the only ones,' Arthur teased.
'You're not jealous, are you?' smirked Morgana.
'I don't see there's anything to be jealous of,' responded Arthur.
Morgana doesn't smile back as Arthur walks off.
'Could Arthur be any more annoying? I so hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament,' responded Morgana to Gwen.
'You don't really mean that,' Gwen said.
'Or so I hoped,' sighed Gwen.
'Yes, I do.' Morgana assured her.
At this time Merlin is in the armoury and hears a hissing sound.
'Hello? Is there someone there?' shouted the warlock.
'You could sense the magic couldn't you?' asked Percival.
'Always,' replied Merlin.
Merlin finds Valiant's magic shield where he walks over to it and a snake blinks at him. He's about to investigate further when suddenly he finds a sword at his chest.
'Can I help you with something, boy?' asked Valiant.
'Nope. I'm good. I, I was just...I was, erm, gathering my master's armour,' Merlin stutters.
'Then you'd best be on your way,' suggested the yellow knight.
'Right, yeah. No problem,' Merlin scarpers picking up the armour and stumbling on his way out.
Arthur is in his chambers dressed in his gambeson with his armour laid out for him to see.
'You did all this on your own?' asked Arthur in disbelief.
'Yes, Sire,' Merlin agrees enthusiastically.
'Now let's see if you can get me into it without forgetting anything,' Arthur said looking for fault.
Merlin puts on Arthur's armour flawlessly.
'That was much better. Not that it could have got any worse,' Arthur said insultingly.
'Can't you two ever not insult each other?' asked Gaius.
'It's get boring,' laughed Merlin.
'I'm a fast learner,' smiled Merlin.
'I hope, for you sake, that's true,' Arthur replied.
'Good luck,' Merlin said as Arthur left.
Arthur now marches into the arena as Merlin watches from the sidelines.
'Is it my imagination, or are you beginning to enjoy yourself?' asked a laughing Gaius.
'It...' Merlin paused to sigh, 'it isn't totally horrible all the time,' the warlock reluctantly admitted as the two watched as Arthur thought his opponent. 'Yes!' Merlin suddenly claps as Arthur beats his opponent hands down.
Valiant and Sir Ewan replace him. Valiant manages to knock Ewan down pinning him down.
'Strike him,' Valiant orders and the snakes rise from the shield. 'Strike him,' Valiant repeated. The serpent bites Sir Ewan and Valiant stands up to cheers as Merlin and Arthur watch.
'I think he's badly hurt,' said Merlin worriedly to Arthur as Gaius runs onto the court with his physicians' bag.
Sometime later Merlin enters the physicians' quarters as he puts down Arthur's armour.
'How is he?' Merlin asked.
'It's most odd. Look at this. See these two small wounds. Looks like a snake bite,' said Gaius.
Arthur's eyes flash angrily remembering that his knight had died.
'How could he've been bitten by a snake? He was injured in the sword fight,' Merlin asked.
'But the symptoms are consistent with poisoning: slow pulse, fever, paralysis,' said Gaius.
'Tell me about it,' murmured Merlin.
Arthur frowned remembering the poisoning.
'Can you heal him?' asked Merlin naively.
'Well, if it is a snake bite, I'll have to extract venom from the snake that bit him to make an antidote,' explained Gaius.
'What happens if he doesn't get the antidote?' questioned Merlin.
'Had you never had snake poisonings in Ealdor?' questioned Lancelot.
'There were no poisonous snakes around just little grass ones which could bite your ankles once threatened but do no real harm,' explained Merlin.
'Then I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for him. He's going to die,' said Gaius softly.
Arthur winced knowing that was exactly what had happened.
'He was fighting Knight Valiant,' Merlin said.
'That's how you worked it out,' said Arthur.
'Wasn't hard to work out – I'd felt the magic on the shield – but as it was just a simple animation spell not dark magic. It was the way in which it was used not the use of it that was dark,' explained Merlin.
'You wouldn't have turned him in if he wasn't using magic to hurt people,' said Gwen.
'My kin?' asked Merlin.
'What's that?' Gaius asked too busy looking after Sir Ewain to properly listen to Merlin's realisation.
'Nothing,' Merlin said quickly before leaving Gaius to look after the knight.
Merlin follows Valiant into his chambers where he pulls a mouse out of a cage.
'Is he going to feed the mouse to the snake?' asked Gwen in disgust.
Merlin nodded.
'Dinner time. Come on,' Valiant calls to snakes who appear out of the shield gobble up greedily.
'Do they need feeding?' asked Percival.
'Yes – they are real currently,' said Merlin.
Merlin after seeing this scurries away but Valiant hears and follows but is unable to follow him as Merlin successfully hides in an alcove.
Merlin has returned to Gaius.
'I've just seen one of the snakes in Valiant's shield come alive. He's using magic,' Merlin hurriedly says.
'Are you sure?' asks Gaius.
'The snake ate a mouse - one swallow, straight down.
Gwen grimaced.
Sir Ewan was fighting Valiant when he collapsed. It must've been one of the snakes from the shield. I have to tell Arthur,' said Merlin.
'When did you start trusting me?' asked Arthur.
'No idea,' said Merlin.
'Is there any chance you might be mistaken?' Gaius said sharply.
'Don't you believe him?' Gwen glowered.
'I did but it was complicated,' Gaius said.
'I know magic when I see it,' Merlin stated.
'Perhaps,' agreed Gaius, 'but have you any proof?' the man questioned.
'Don't you believe me?' questioned Merlin hurt colouring his face and voice.
'I fear you'll land yourself in trouble. How will you explain why you were in Valiant's chambers?' Gaius pointed out.
'He's Merlin,' said Arthur. 'Has a real knack of being where he shouldn't.'
'Don't knock it it's saved your life on many occasions,' Merlin defended himself.
Huinith groaned, 'I don't want to know.'
'What does that matter? He's using magic to cheat in the tournament!' Merlin exclaimed.
'But you can't go accusing a knight of using magic without proof. The King would never accept the word of servant over the word of a knight,' Gaius patiently explained.
Arthur scowled, 'that's not right!' he said realising how wrong the kingdom was.
'What? So what I say doesn't count for anything?' Merlin shouted.
'I'm afraid it counts for very little as far as the King is concerned. That's the way it is,' he sighed.
'There's going to be changes when we get back,' said Arthur.
'More so than four commoner knights and a lady?' laughed Gwaine.
'Yup first the ban on all magic will be lifted; only magic that is used to hurt people!' said Arthur. 'And even then it will depend on the circumstances; killing will be death but stealing imprisonment or a fine!'
Merlin smiled, 'just like it is for non-magic people,' said Merlin.
'Equality,' agreed Arthur.
Merlin and Arthur are on the grounds as they watch a small serving boy put a ladder up to his tall knight dressed all in brown.
'You're telling me you've got to fight that?' said Merlin in horror.
'Yes, and he's strong as a bear. But he's slow,' said Arthur.
'Ah, and you're fast,' grinned Merlin.
'That's what I like about you,' smiled Arthur. 'You're a hell of a lot smarter than most servants. But it really annoys me that you seem to make yourself more stupid.'
'I do,' said Merlin.
'Why?' asked Elyan.
'No one in the right mind would think idiotic, clumsy, forgetful Merlin was the most powerful warlock ever!' explained Merlin.
'Exactly,' Arthur said.
Arthur's armour is ready and the scene cuts to stand where Morgana is stroking Gwen's cloak.
'Um Gwen what is she doing?' asked Elyan.
'I don't know,' said Gwen with a look of complete revulsion on her face.
'You're not worried, are you?' she asked.
'No,' Morgana defended herself.
Merlin watches as Valiant puts down his shield and Gaius approaches the boy.
'Why couldn't you have just replaced the shield with an identical that wasn't harmful?' asked Arthur.
'That's a good idea and not hard to replicate things either,' agreed Merlin.
'How're you getting on?' asked Gaius.
'Fine. Just doing my job. Minding my own business,' said Merlin slightly coldly.
Gaius snorts, 'when you mind your own business I'm the king!' said Gaius.
'Just fulfilling my destiny,' laughed Merlin.
'And your natural inquisitiveness,' muttered Huinith.
Both Arthur and Valiant win their next matches with Gaius and Merlin watching the bracket.
'Valiant's going to fight Arthur in the final. He'll use the shield to kill him,' said Merlin in alarm.
Merlin sits with Sir Ewain in Gaius' chambers when the physician walks in.
'Merlin, about what I said yesterday...Look, Uther wouldn't really listen to you or me,
Arthur scowled once again.
but you are right. We can't let Valiant get away with this,' Gaius agreed.
'But we don't have any proof,' said Merlin in anger.
'Well, if we could cure Ewain, he could tell the King that Valiant was using magic. The King would believe another knight. But how we get the antidote...Well, that's another matter,' sighed Gaius.
'What did you do?' sighed Huinith.
'Who says I did anything?' asked Merlin.
'I know what your like,' was all Merlin's mother replied.
'You'll see,' laughed Merlin.
'Merlin?' Gaius asks as Merlin runs off.
Huinith sighed worrying about her son.
The knights are toasting each other's victory.
'Long live Valiant!' cheered the knights.
'Or not,' said Sir Leon.
'So Valiant, do you think you stand a chance of defeating my son?' questioned Uther.
'He is a great warrior, My Lord. I do hope to be a worthy opponent,' said Valiant calmly.
Merlin is peeking into the chambers to check that Valiant is where he's supposed to be.
'You should stay in Camelot after the tournament. I could do with more knights like you,' said Uther.
'Ones that kill for glory,' said Merlin in disgust.
'I'd be honoured, My Lord,' said the yellow knight.
Merlin runs up to Valiant's guest chambers, 'Allinan,' whispered Merlin as the door unlocks.
'What?' began Arthur.
'Open,' replied Merlin.
Merlin takes a sword from the rack.
'You can't even swing a sword!' said Arthur incredulously.
'You didn't see him when he fought when Morgana was in control,' said Lancelot.
'How much is you and how much is your disguise?' asked Arthur.
Merlin sighed, 'sometimes I wonder!'
He approaches the magical shield but moves away when he realises that someone is coming in. A snake has slithered out and is about to strike at the servant. Merlin lashes out with the sword without turning to look at it.
'How?' asked Arthur.
'Isn't it abvious our warlock here sensed it with his magical powers,' laughed Gwaine.
Merlin just rolled his eyes.
The other snakes follow their brother out and Merlin drops the sword grabbing the snake rushing out of the room.
Back in Gaius' chambers Gaius drains some venom from the snake's teeth.
'I'll get started preparing the antidote,' said Gaius.
'I'm going to tell Arthur,' said Merlin.
'Again you trust me,' said Arthur.
'You'll need this,' said Gaius handing the snake head to Merlin.
'And Merlin, what you did was very brave,' added the old man.
'It was,' agreed Sir Leon.
Arthur is dining in his chambers with Merlin talking to him.
'You? You chopped its head off?' questioned the prince with a look of disbelief on his face.
'I still find that hard to believe,' Arthur shook his head.
'Why is that so hard to believe?' asked Merlin.
'You look like you couldn't hurt a fly,' said Elyan.
'You haven't seen me angry,' said Merlin.
'Oh yeah,' challenged Arthur, 'let's see then!'
'No,' said Merlin flatly.
'Why not?' asked Gwaine pouting.
'The last time I got angry – really angry – was when Morgana returned and that was that freak storm that I caused!' said Merlin grimly.
'Ewain 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,' Merlin protested.
'Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot,' said Arthur.
'I do,' Merlin pointed out.
'You're insane,' said Arthur.
'Not really if I find a prison that could hold me I'd be surprised,' laughed Merlin.
Sir Leon and Arthur scowled at the implications of Camelot's security.
'Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the snake bite him,' retorted Merlin.
'I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating,' said Arthur.
'Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom. When Ewian'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.
'Was that a compliment?' asked Elyan.
'You know Elyan I think it was,' replied Gwaine.
Look at it!' Merlin said in an urgent voice picking up the snake head. 'Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?' asked Merlin. Arthur picked up the snake head and looked at it as Merlin continued talking, 'I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you.' Merlin's voice went soft.
'That's when it began to hit home to me how unfair the world was,' said Arthur quietly.
'I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true,' the prince said.
'I swear it's true,' the honesty shining in Merlin's face.
'Then I believe you.' Arthur said.
Valiant is being escorted the king's throne room. Gaius is treating Sir Ewain who wakes up.
'Welcome back,' Gaius greets the man.
'There was a snake on his shield. It came alive,' the knight told the physician.
'You're weak. The snake's venom is still in your system,' Gaius told the man.
'I must warn Arthur,' Sir Ewain tries to get out of bed.
'He's very loyal,' said Merlin.
'So are you,' said Lancelot.
'Arthur already knows. He's requested an audience with the King.
'You have to request audiences with your father?' asked Elyan.
'For official business,' shrugged Arthur.
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,' Gaius left his patient. As soon as the physician's' back was turned one of the snakes of Valiant's shield slithered over to him and once more bit him.
Elsewhere Uther has entered the council chamber where Arthur, Valiant and Merlin are waiting for him.
'Let me see this shield,' commanded the king.
'Don't let him get too close,' Merlin whispers to Arthur.
'You were willing to protect someone who would have you killed?' asked Gwaine.
'I guess I'm a better man than he,' shrugged Merlin.
'Be careful, My Lord,' Arthur draws his sword warily.
Uther is inspecting the shield as Gaius enters the room.
'Merlin,' Gaius whispers hoping to attracts his ward's attention.
We need Ewan. Find out what's happening,' Arthur instructs his servant in a whisper.
Merlin just nods and goes to Gaius.
'As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield,' Valiant claims.
'He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive,' Arthur points out.
'Then how am I to know that what you say is true?' questions Uther.
'I have a witness. Knight Ewain 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,' explained Arthur.
'If only things had gone to plan,' sighed Merlin.
'Where is this witness?' questions the king.
'He should be here...' Arthur trails off. Arthur turns to Gaius and Merlin who exchange a significant look. 'Where's Ewan?' asked Arthur.
'He's dead,' said Merlin softly.
'I'm waiting!' Uther was impatient.
'I'm afraid the witness is dead,' said Arthur sadly.
'So you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?' asked Uther angrily.
'No. But my servant fought one of the snakes from...' Arthur began.
'Your servant? You made these outrageous accusations against a knight the word of your servant?' said Uther in outrage.
'It's unfair that just because Merlin wasn't a knight is word wasn't taken seriously,' scowled Arthur.
'I believe he's telling the truth!' Arthur said,
'My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?' questioned Valiant.
'Who'd saved my life,' retorted Arthur.
'I've seen those snakes come alive!' Merlin glowered.
'How dare you interrupt? Guards!' Uther ordered.
The guards begin to drag Merlin away.
'My Lord,' Valiant interrupted.
'Wait!' Uther stopped the guards.
'I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account,' Valiant said.
'Of course not,' muttered Merlin, 'it's not like killing the prince will cause anyone any inconvenience. And the only hope that my people have for freedom,' Merlin rolled his eyes.
'You really have that much faith in me?' asked Arthur.
'All those who have not become so angry and bitter at the world do,' replied Merlin sadly.
'You see? This is how a true knight behaves - with gallantry and honour,' said Uther in approval.
'Where in the code does it say that it is gallant to kill to win and when is it honourable to lie and cheat?' asked Gwaine.
Nobody bothered to answer Gwaine.
'My Lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal,' said Valiant.
'Like that's going to happen,' said Merlin, 'Arthur is the epitome of honour, valour, and gallantry,' Merlin rolled his eyes.
'How do you manage to say that like it's a bad thing?' asked Arthur.
'Do you know how many times I've had to save you because you won't back down?' asked Merlin.
'Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?' Uther demanded.
'No!' Arthur said in outrage.
'Then what am I to make of these allegations?' questioned Uther.
'Why is the only time your father isn't paranoid about magic when there is a plot to kill you?' asked Merlin.
'Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology,' said Arthur.
'Accepted,' Valiant smiled.
Arthur is in his chambers moping.
'I believed you, I trusted you, and you made me look a complete fool,' Arthur raged at Merlin.
'I know it didn't go exactly to plan,' began Merlin.
'"Didn't go to plan"? My father and the entire royal court think I'm a coward! YOU HUMILIATED ME!' shouted the prince.
'We can still expose Valiant,' Merlin began.
'I no longer require your services,' said the prince coldly.
'You're sacking me?' said a hurt Merlin.
'I need a servant I can trust,' said Arthur.
'Not Merlin then,' said Gwaine.
'Just because I had a few secrets,' said Merlin.
'A few?' chortled Leon.
'Well a lot,' agreed Merlin.
'You can trust me!' says Merlin.
'But you couldn't trust me,' said Arthur.
'I don't trust anyone,' said Merlin sadly.
'And look where it got me this time. Get out of my sight!' ordered the prince.
Merlin is seen rushing to where the Great Dragon resides.
'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,' Merlin shouts.
'What is it about you and him?' asked Elyan.
'We're kin; I'm more closely related to him than I am to any other sorcerers,' explained Merlin.
'If only it were so easy to escape one's destiny,' chuckled Kilgharrah.
'How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me?' questioned Merlin.
Arthur winced.
'A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that,' explained the great dragon in his usual mysterious way.
'Oh, great. Just what I needed, another riddle,' snapped Merlin.
'That your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth,' said the wise dragon.
'What is that supposed to mean?' questioned Merlin.
'You know, young warlock, this is not the end. It is the beginning,' the Great Dragon flapped away.
'Just give me a straight answer!' shouted Merlin.
Merlin is now sitting on the steps outside the castle when Gwen approaches him.
'Hello, Merlin,' she comes and sits beside him.
'All right?' asks Merlin.
'Shouldn't it be Gwen asking that?' asked Elyan.
'Merlin cares more about others than himself,' explained Gaius.
'Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?' Gwen asks worriedly.
Merlin nods.
'What are you going to do?' asks Gwen in distress.
'Why does everyone seem to think it's down to me to do something about it?' Merlin snaps at Gwen.
'Don't take it out on Gwen,' growls Arthur.
'Because it is! Isn't it?' Gwen asks desperately, 'you have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong,' said Gwen with certainty.
'You don't know how many times your advice has helped me,' smiled Merlin.
'And how do I do that?' Merlin sighs.
'I don't know,' admitted Gwen.
Merlin looks towards a picture of a dog statue a look on his face that tells everyone an idea has occurred to him. 'That's it.'
'Where are you going?' Gwen asked in confusion as Merlin leapt up a spark of hope in his eyes.
'Do you have a wheelbarrow?' asked Merlin randomly.
Merlin wheels the dog in the wheelbarrow into the physician's chambers.#
'What are you doing with that?' Gaius asked in shock.
'I'm going to let everyone see the snakes for themselves,' Merlin responded.
'So that's why they came out early,' said Sir Leon, 'I'd wondered why they came out so early. I didn't think any sorcerer would make it so obvious.'
Merlin placed the dog on his floor and pulled out the magic book from under the floor board.
'Bebay odothay. Bebay odothay arisan quickum,' Merlin incants.
'What?' asked Gwaine.
'I command you to rise up to life,' explained Merlin.
'Bebay odothay arisan quickum. Bebay odothay arisan quickum,' Merlin repeats the spell.
In Morgana's chambers the future enemy of Camelot is dreaming of Arthur and Valiant fighting. She sees the snakes. Waking up with a start she whispers, 'Arthur.' Getting up she watches as the prince trains in the courtyard on his own.
Merlin tries to spell over and over again.
Merlin gives up and ends up in Arthur's chambers.
'I thought I told you to get out of my sight,' snapped Arthur.
'Don't fight Valiant in the tournament tomorrow,' begged Merlin. 'He'll use the shield against you.'
'I know,' Arthur agreed.
'Then withdraw. You have to withdraw,' Merlin begged.
'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?' asked Arthur shortly.
'That was when is started to see the prattiness was a cover for your good heart and the heavy weight that was being the future king,' said Merlin.
'Valiant will kill you. If you fight, you die,' Merlin stated.
'Then I die,' was all Arthur said.
'Arthur don't ever speak like that again,' said Gwen.
'The whole world will be down the drain if you die,' agreed Merlin.
'No pressure,' muttered Arthur.
'How can you go out there and fight like that?' asked Merlin.
'Because I have to. It's my duty,' replied Arthur.
The next morning Merlin awakes and begins reciting once more.
Valiant is sharpening his sword in the training grounds whilst Arthur is looking around.
Arthur is being helped with his armour by Morris when Morgana enters. Morris bows and exits whilst Morgana begins to help her brother.
'Let me,' said Morgana and begins to help him.
'I wish that we had helped her,' said Arthur.
'It wasn't your fault,' said Merlin, 'the blame lies between me and Uther.'
'Uther I understand but you?' asked Gwen.
Merlin's eyes darkened as he turned back to the box.
'I used to help my father with his armour,' Morgana says handing Arthur his helmet with a sad look.
'Thanks,' Arthur says and turns to leave his sister.
'Arthur, be careful,' warns Morgana.
'She did care,' sighed Arthur.
Arthur nodded, 'See you at the feast.'
Arthur and Valiant enter the arena put their helmets on and begin to fight with one another.
Merlin is in his chambers with his eyes closed mumbling the incantation.
'Bebay odothay arisan quickum,' Merlin murmured there is a growl but he doesn't notice.
'Why didn't you notice the growl?' asked Elyan.
'I had imagined that a lot,' shrugged Merlin.
'Bebay odothay arisan quickum,' Merlin repeats but this time the dog barks. Merlin grins, 'I did it,' he yelled.
The dog leaps at Merlin as Merlin leaves for Gaius's quarters and Gaius himself rushes into the room.
'Arthur's fighting Valiant!' Gaius informs Merlin.
'I know. I'm on my way. Oh, whatever you do, don't go into my room. We'll deal with it later,' Merlin instructs.
Gaius looks at Merlin in shock then peering into Merlin's room sees the dog.
Arthur fights Valiant managing to knock the helmet off the knight's head. Arthur pulls off his own helmet pulling off his head protection. Valiant is able to knock Arthur to the ground stepping on the Prince's shield. Valiant disarms Arthur who catches him before the man can strike. Valiant pins Arthur to the wall but Arthur shoves him away. Merlin takes the opportunity to work his magic.
'Bebay odothay arisan quickum,' the snakes come out of the shield causing the crowd to stand up in their surprise.
'What are you doing? I didn't summon you!' snarled the knight.
'No that was Merlin,' laughed Gwaine.
'He is using magic,' Uther stood up.
'Well done genius,' Merlin rolled his eyes.
'And now they see you for what you really are,' Arthur taunts.
Valiant chuckled sending the snakes to the ground, 'kill him,' was all the corrupt knight said.
Arthur backs up to the stands where Morgana grabs a sword from the side and flings it at with a shout of 'Arthur!' Arthur catches it.
'Once she was saving my life,' murmured Arthur.
'And now she's trying to take it,' sighed Merlin.
Arthur then kills the snakes and runs Valiant through with the sword.
'It's looks like I'll be going to the feast after all,' whispered Arthur into Valiant's ear as he drops to the ground and the crowd cheers for there prince.
Arthur enters the banquet hall where the courtiers are dining. Uther immediately spotted him.
'My honourable guests, I give you Prince Arthur, your champion,' Uther presented his son as the court applauds and Arthur takes Morgana by the arm.
'My Lady,' Arthur steers Morgana around the hall.
'My champion,' smiles Morgana.
'See, I told you he gets all the girls and the glory,' Merlin comments to Gaius.
'And he owes it all to you,' smiled Gaius proud.
'Has your father apologised yet for not believing you?' questioned Morgana.
'He'll never apologise.
'Just like you,' smirked Merlin.
I hope, uh, you're not disappointed Valiant's not escorting you,' laughed Arthur.
'Turns out he wasn't really champion material,' Morgana suggested.
'That was some tournament final,' Arthur said.
'They've become the norm since Merlin got here,' muttered Arthur.
'That's why I came here,' Merlin replied.
'Tell me about it. It's not every day a girl gets to save her prince,' Morgana commented.
'Uh, I wouldn't say I needed exactly saving. I'm sure I would've thought of something' Arthur defends.
'Is that with or without Merlin's help?' asked Gwen.
Arthur didn't reply.
'So you're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl,' Morgana said.
'Or a warlock,' added Merlin.
'Because I wasn't,' Arthur states.
'You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me,' said an angry Morgana.
'Me too. Then I wouldn't have to listen to you,' retorted Arthur.
'And you'd be dead,' said Gwaine drily.
'Fine!' Morgana snapped.
'Fine,' Arthur repeated.
Morgana storms off to talk to Gwen. Arthur turns to Merlin.
'Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me. Like I needed any help.
'None at all,' Merlin shook his head.
I wanted to say I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you,' Arthur half apologized.
'Well your better at apologizing than Uther is,' Merlin consented.
'No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and call it even,' Merlin suggested.
'Uh, I can't be seen to be buying drinks for my servant,' Arthur reminded him.
'Your servant? You sacked me,' snorted Merlin.
'Now I'm rehiring you,' replied Arthur
.
Merlin snorted.
'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,' Arthur finished.
'Okay I'm going to make lunch now I wonder where?' Huinith started. 'Ah there's a note from M. saying that I'll find a plate of food in the kitchen.'
Huinith hurried back in with a plate of fruit and a plate of bread with ham slices.