5. Lancelot
The show started with Kilgharrah's usual, '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.'
'No pressure,' muttered Merlin.
Merlin is in the woods picking mushrooms. He hears a screech and looking behind him ends up getting chased by a Griffin. Lancelot appears attacking the Griffin with the sword. Lancelot's sword breaks, 'Run! Run!' Lancelot yelled grabbing Merlin's hand and pulling him behind a tree. Lancelot holds his wounded side as they catch their breath.
'It's gone. You saved my life. I'm Merlin,' Merlin introduces himself.
'Lancelot,' Lancelot replies as he shakes Merlin's hand and then promptly collapses.
In the physician's chamber Merlin and Gaius are standing over Lancelot, 'The wound itself is superficial. The fever will pass. He should be fine in the morning,' Gaius was telling Merlin.
Arthur and his father are looking at the remains of a still burning village, 'What creature could've done this?' Uther asked.
'We found no tracks in or out. What the villagers say must be true: it has wings and...' Arthur trailed off.
'You lot get into such trouble,' laughed Gwaine.
Huinith just shook her head wishing she could protect her son.
'What?' Uther demanded.
'And it took no livestock, only people. Whatever it is, it has a taste for human flesh,' Arthur said unhappily.
'Post centuries in all the outlying villages. Put the lookouts on full alert. If this thing should make for Camelot, we must be ready,' Uther ordered.
'Doesn't he care for the outlying villages?' scowled Lancelot.
Merlin is in his chambers talking with Lancelot, 'Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking, I...I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.'
'Lancelot,' Merlin stopped him.
'Yes?' Lancelot asked.
'They are going to love you,' Merlin grinned idiotically.
'They are?' Lancelot asked doubtfully.
'Of course we would,' replied Arthur.
'I've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself,' Merlin assured him.
'Did you just call Arthur great?' laughed Gwen.
'He could not shame me,' said Arthur stoutly.
'How come he bet you when you were fighting,' laughed Merlin.
'I hardly think so,' Lancelot replied.
'In fact, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to him right now,' Merlin decided.
'You know Arthur?' asked Lancelot surprised.
'Oh yes,' Merlin grinned.
In the training ground a nobleman swings a couple of swords around whilst Arthur watches, 'Right, you jumped up dung beetle, this is it. The final test. Pass this and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail, and you're no one. You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine. You face me. You're challenge to last one minute free combat. Grummond, Second son of Wessex,' Arthur drew his own sword and nodded to a servant with an hourglass.
'Your time starts now,' Arthur says as Grummond swings the sword around with the prince watching. Grummond attacks but Arthur takes the wannabee knight down in two blows. The crowd applauds the young prince as Arthur removes Grummund's flag. 'Take him away,' Arthur ordered.
Merlin and Arthur were walking through the lower town, 'Grummund's the third to fail this month. How am I meant to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?'
'Well, I think I might be able to help,' Merlin offered.
'You, Merlin? You haven't the faintest idea what it takes to become a knight. Courage, fortitude, discipline,' Arthur said.
'I don't want to be a knight I'm far happier being a warlock,' smirked Merlin,
'No, no, no, of course I don't, but I do know someone who does,' Merlin said quickly.
'Yeah?' Arthur sounded interested.
'He saved my life,' Merlin said softly.
'I'm sure you could have done something if I wasn't there,' smiled Lancelot.
'Probably,' agreed Merlin.
'That's blowing it for starters,' Arthur snorted.
'No, no, no. He's really good. Honestly,' Merlin continued.
'That's great, Merlin. I'm sure he's terrific, but you forget the First Code of Camelot,' Arthur replied.
Lancelot glared at the box (he really hated the first code).
'The what?' Merlin asked,
'The First Code. Only those of noble blood can serve as knights. So, unless your friend is a nobleman,' Arthur told Merlin.
'Oh, er, he, he is a nobleman,' Merlin said quickly.
'So it was you who begun to lie,' Arthur rolled his eyes, 'figures.'
'Is he?' Arthur seemed surprised.
'Absolutely,' Merlin agreed.
'Very well. Bring him to the training ground tomorrow. And make sure he brings his seal of nobility,' Arthur instructed Merlin.
'Thanks Arthur. You won't regret it,' grinned Merlin.
Merlin enters the physician's chamber where Lancelot is waiting for news, 'Well? Did you speak to him?' Lancelot asked urgently.
'Yeah, I spoke to him,' Merlin seemed determined to draw this out.
'And?' Lancelot asked more urgently.
'And...' Merlin pretended to be disappointed.
'Pain,' Arthur rolled his eyes affectionately.
'No,' Lancelot looked disappointed shaking his head sadly.
'Merlin,' said Huinith, 'that wasn't nice.'
'It was funny though,' laughed Merlin.
'He said he would like to meet you,' Merlin said with a goofy grin on his face.
'Yes! Thank you. Thank you!' Lancelot grinned.
'Hey, really, it was no problem, really. It's nothing – er - you're not a nobleman, by any chance, are you?' Merlin asked.
'A nobleman? No,' Lancelot laughed. 'Good lord, no. Why do you ask?'
'It's just that there's this...' Merlin said hesitantly.
'The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wished to destroy it. He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life. So he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him,' Gaius had come in.
'The nobility,' Merlin said grimly.
'And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day, only the sons of noble families have served as knights,' Gaius explained.
'But that is not fair,' Merlin protested.
'Not it's not,' agreed Gwen.
'But our princess changed that,' grinned Gwaine.
'Don't call me that,' groaned Arthur.
'What about his prattines,' asked Merlin laughing.
Arthur just groaned as Merlin and Gwaine laughed.
'Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly, I am,' Gaius said sadly.
In Merlin's chambers Lancelot and Merlin are talking, 'Why do you want to be a knight so much?' Merlin asked.
'Because being a knight is the highest honour in the land,' said Arthur pompously.
'When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains. They were slaughtered where they stood, my father, my mother. Everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made sword craft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat, and when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now, it seems, my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted,' Lancelot sighed.
Arthur frowned looking around at his knights and Merlin wondering how many others would want to be knights but their status stopped them being so. Or how many others with magic wanted to help but instead feared for their lives which made them so very bitter.
'I give you my word, whatever it takes, I will make this right,' Merlin vowed.
'It was you with the seal,' Arthur said.
'I'd do anything to help my friends,' replied Merlin.
Arthur nodded knowing how loyal his servant was.
Merlin is in the library looking for a book whilst Geoffrey of Monmouth watches him. Merlin takes a book, 'Homework,' he explained.
'You thought that would work,' laughed Gwen, 'most servant can't read; I only can because my mother's employers taught me.'
'Elyan, Gwen, Isadora (my younger sister) and I learnt together,' Sir Leon informed them.
'What about you?' asked Huinith.
'Mother taught me,' explained Merlin.
'Uncle Gaius taught me,' explained Huinith.
Merlin opens the book to a page of Northumbrian nobility, 'Ic us bisen hræd tán hwanon,' Merlin copies the page.
'You used magic to fake the seals now that makes sense why we couldn't tell what it was,' said Arthur. 'What did the spell you used mean anyway? And how can you tell if it has been used in other instances.'
'Well do answer your last question first: quite simply you can't,' Merlin replied and Arthur looked annoyed. 'And the spell meant "For us, I swiftly copy the branches of offspring"' explained Merlin.
Geoffrey wanders over, 'ahem.'
Merlin gives Geoffrey the book back, 'It's a...real page turner.'
Geoffrey looks at the title of the book.
Back in Merlin's chambers Merlin shows Lancelot his faked seal of nobility, 'What's that?' asked Lancelot.
'This is your seal of nobility,' grinned Merlin.
'Lancelot I'll give you a word of advice; never listen to Merlin's plans they almost always end with you in trouble,' Arthur said.
'Hey I'm not that bad,' defended Merlin.
'He keeps things interesting,' laughed Gwaine.
'I don't understand,' Lancelot said blankly.
'Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria,' Merlin said.
'No, Merlin. No,' Lancelot shook his head.
'Oh, right. So you don't want to be a knight, then,' Merlin said exasperatedly.
'Of course I do!' Lancelot said sharply.
'Well...the rules don't allow it. Damn the rules! The rules are wrong!' Merlin decided.
'But it's a lie. It's against everything the knights stand for,' Lancelot explained.
'You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it,' Merlin said softly.
'But the rules, Merlin,' Lancelot argued.
'We're not breaking the rules. We're bending them, that's all.
'Like the whole magic is forbidden law,' Arthur said drily.
'Exactly why I don't listen to the laws that are wrong and need changed,' grinned Merlin.
You get your foot in the door. But after that you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you succeed - if they make you a knight - it'll be because you earned it, noble or not. I can't change the way things are done around here, but you can...if you let me help you,' Merlin pleaded.
Gwen was taking Lancelot's measurements for his armour and clothes, 'thi... er … this is very kind of you, er...' Lancelot awkwardly thanked Gwen.
'Gwen,' Gwen introduced herself.
'Gwen?' Lancelot asked.
'Short for Guinevere,' Gwen elaborated.
'Ah. Then thank you, Guinevere,' thanked Lancelot.
'He's better at thanking people than Arthur,' grinned Merlin.
'Don't thank me. Thank Merlin. Merlin would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlin? Sorry, can you raise your arms? Thank you. Sorry. I think it's great that Merlin's got you this chance. We need men like you,' Gwen told him.
Arthur looked unhappy at this, 'Camelot needs knights like Lancelot.'
'You do?' Lancelot asked.
'Well, not me personally, but you know...Camelot. Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me,' Gwen said.
'Well, I'm not a knight yet, My Lady,' Lancelot replied.
'And I'm not a lady,' giggled Gwen.
Arthur shot daggers at Lancelot wondering how much flirting he could take.
'Sorry, my...' Lancelot apologized.
'You do know she was joking?' Merlin rolled his eyes.
'Okay, we're done. Erm...I should have these ready in no time. It's nice to meet you Lancelot,' Gwen smiled shaking Lancelot's hand. Lancelot takes her hand and kisses it before leaving with Merlin.
Merlin and Lancelot walk along the courtyard, 'She seems lovely. Guinevere.'
'Oh, yeah. Yeah, she is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise,' Merlin smiled.
'Are you two...you know…' Lancelot trailed off.
Merlin laughed, 'No, no. Just friends,' Merlin gives Lancelot a sideways look.
'Friends who have shared a kiss,' said Arthur unhappily.
'It was once,' Gwen said.
'She was just relieved I wasn't dead,' Merlin added.
On the training ground Merlin and Gwen are fixing Lancelot's armour as Arthur trains his recruits, 'One. Two. Three. Four. One. Two. Three. Four.'
'Well...you certainly look the part,' Merlin says.
'Doesn't he just?' Gwen agrees.
'I don't feel it,' Lancelot mutters.
'Okay, that'll do for today. Well done,' Arthur congratulates his knights.
'Here's your chance. Go for it,' Merlin pushes Lancelot forward.
Lancelot approaches him as Arthur puts a sword in the rack, 'Yes?' the prince asks.
'Lancelot, 5th son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria,' Lancelot replies nervously.
'Lance...a lot? My servant mentioned you. Got your seal?' he asks.
Arthur has the fake seal presented to him as Lancelot bows, 'Sire.'
Arthur smacks Lancelot who falls down.
'Sluggish reactions. In a battle field you'd be dead by now. Come back when you're ready,' Arthur begins to walk off.
Lancelot stands up, 'I'm ready now, Sire.'
Arthur turns back to Lancelot, 'You are, are you? Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables.'
The onlookers laugh. Lancelot gives Merlin a look who returns it with a thumbs up.
Back in the physician's chambers Merlin is talking to Gaius, 'I'm sorry about Lancelot. I see you were upset.'
'Oh. You know...that's life. You win some, you lose some,' Merlin said casually.
'You're taking it very well, I have to say. Very mature,' Gaius said proudly.
'Until he realises that you managed to lie my way in,' Lancelot smiled.
'Thank you, Gaius,' Merlin seemed pleased with Gaius' praise when Lancelot came in covered in horse manure. 'How'd it go?'
'Ugh,' Lancelot heads up to Merlin's chambers.
Gaius gives Merlin a pointed look, 'He found work at the stables,' Merlin lied.
'I see. And the truth before I lose my temper?' Gaius warned.
'He's er...trying out for the knights,' Merlin said warily.
'The First Code of Camelot has never been broken for any man. What've you done, Merlin?' Gaius said furiously.
'Okay, I bent the rules a little, but the rules are wrong. They're unfair,' said Merlin stoutly.
'You bent the rules? Using magic?' Gaius looking less impressed bu the moment.
'It was nothing, honestly. It was more of a trick than actual magic,' Merlin said quickly.
'That makes it so much better,' snorted Arthur.
'Worse if anything,' agreed Gaius.
'Your magic is not a toy, Merlin. It's not for you to use or abuse as you see fit,' Gaius said sharply.
'I know. I know,' moaned Merlin.
'Then why'd you do it?' Gaius asked sharply.
'I owe Lancelot my life. I am paying for that debt the only way I can by giving him the opportunity he deserves. If you want to punish me for it, go ahead,' Merlin glared at his mentor.
Arthur and his guards approach Lancelot as he sits sharpening swords. Arthur suddenly chucks a broom at Lancelot who catches it looking at Arthur, 'Not bad,' Arthur gives a compliment.
Lancelot bows, 'Would you like me to sweep the guardhouse again, Sire?'
'It certainly needs sweeping. But first,' Arthur removes the bristles from the end of the brush. 'I'd like you to kill me.'
'Please don't give anyone an open season on you,' groaned Merlin, 'it's hard enough to protect you as it is.'
'Sire?' Lancelot asked confused.
'Come on. Don't pretend you don't want to,' Arthur said as Lancelot broke off his own bristles. 'Hell, if I were you, I'd want to. Come on,' Arthur says and a fight ensues. 'Come on, Lancelot, you're not beating a carpet.' Arthur hits Lancelot in the gut, 'congratulations, Lancelot,' Arthur tosses the stick to Lancelot, 'You just made basic training.' that was when the warning bells went off. Arthur rushed off in their direction.
Merlin helps an injured woman sit near Gaius in the square where Merlin is helping, 'You're safe now, I promise,' Merlin reassures the woman as Gaius tends another woman. 'How is she?' Merlin asked.
'Okay,' Gaius responds.
Lancelot runs into the square himself, 'What happened to these people?'
'Their village was attacked by a winged monster,' answers Gaius.
Merlin and Lancelot share a grim look.
Uther and Arthur are looking down at the square of refugees, 'I'd hunt this thing down if I could, but I cannot track a creature through the air,' Arthur is telling his father.
'You don't have to track it. First Greenswood, then Willowdale. The creature's heading south, towards the mouth of the valley,' Uther says.
'To Camelot,' Arthur understands.
'You must prepare your knights, Arthur,' Uther tells his son.
'Have faith, Father. We'll be ready,' Arthur assures his father.
'Thanks to Lancelot,' muttered Arthur.
'Thanks to Merlin,' Lancelot corrected.
Merlin just shrugged.
Arthur was beginning to realise just how many time Merlin had saved Camelot.
In the physician's chambers Gaius is flipping through a book, 'The wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. The wings of an eagle and the body of a lion,' he repeats.
Arthur is in the square speaking to his knights, 'The beast is heading for Camelot. It's fast and agile, but big enough to hit and hit hard. Starting today your training routines will concentrate on an attack strategy. We don't have much time. Dismissed,' Arthur orders as Lancelot comes up and bows to the young prince. 'Yes, Lancelot?'
'Is there anything I can do, Sire? It's just...I know that in the event of battle, only a knight may serve,' Lancelot pointed out.
Merlin snorted, 'you know how many times I've fought in battles,' he said. 'Illegally, of course.'
'Well none have your power,' Gaius reminded him gently.
Merlin shrugged.
'That's correct, Lancelot. And you are not yet a knight. Which is why I'm bringing your test forward. You'll face me in the morning,' he told the knight.
Arthur and Lancelot are in the training grounds the next day both dressed in full armour, 'Well, here we are. Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria...' Arthur nods to the timekeeper. 'Your time starts now,' Arthur and Lancelot put on their helmets. The two fight; Lancelot barely misses Arthur.
Gwen grabs Merlin's shirt as this happens.
'Already liking Arthur,' laughed Gwaine.
'Oh, sorry,' Gwen says letting go of Merlin's shirt.
Arthur punches Lancelot who falls back his helmet askew. Arthur puts his sword to the ground removing Lancelot's flag from the post.
'Shame,' Arthur began but was interrupted.
Lancelot had rose from the ground sword in hand and knocks Arthur off his feet pointing his sword at him, 'Do you submit, Sire?' Lancelot asked.
Arthur gets up off his feet as the knights restrain Lancelot. He is looking angrily at the wannabee knight who has just defeated him, 'On your knees!' Arthur says pulling out his sword as the guards restrain Lancelot.
Lancelot is kneeling in the throne room where Uther has a sword to his chest, 'arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot.'
The crowd applaud.
Gwen and Morgana are talking, 'Who is this man? He seems to have come out of nowhere.'
'Hark who's talking,' muttered Gwen.
'I know. It's been a bit of a surprise to all of us,' Gwen was looking at Lancelot.
'You do us a great honour, Sir Lancelot. The knighthood is the very foundation of Camelot,' Uther said.
'The honour is all mine, Sire,' Lancelot said honestly.
'Your father would be very proud,' added Uther.
'Yes, Sire,' Lancelot agreed.
'I have not seen Lord Eldred for many years. Longer than I'd imagined, it seems. Last time I saw him, he only had four sons,' Uther looked at him suspiciously.
'I'll give it to him he's sharp,' Merlin said.
'Well...here I am,' Lancelot said uneasily.
'Indeed you are. And I've kept you too long already. Enjoy the celebrations,' Uther smiled.
'Sire,' Lancelot bowed.
Lancelot is greeted by fellow knights who shake him by the hand while a lady of the court is summoned by the king, 'Take this seal to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the Court Genealogist,' he told her watching as the knights and Arthur left. Arthur and Lancelot had their arm around each other, 'I want his opinion by morning,' he told her.
Arthur and Lancelot are sharing a drink. Gaius stands with Merlin, 'Look at him, Gaius. Does not Lancelot deserve this moment?'
'Never get into this kind of conversation with Uncle,' groaned Huinith, 'you'll never win.'
'I never said he didn't. But destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Merlin. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight you brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold,' Gaius warned.
'Yeah, I don't know what it said on your invitation, but on mine it said celebration,' Merlin said impatiently.
'You started the conversation,' Percival said quietly.
Gaius chuckled, 'point taken. Don't come back too late,' Gaius ordered.
'Alright,' Merlin grinned.
Geoffrey of Monmouth is looking over Lord Eldred's pages looking displeased.
Gwen and Morgana are in the hall whilst Lancelot and Arthur watch them, 'Here's trouble. Tell me, do you think her...beautiful?' Arthur asked.
Arthur is watching Morgana but Gwen is followed as she stands to talk to Merlin by Lancelot's eyes, 'Yes, Sire. I do.'
'Yeah. I suppose she is,' Arthur consented.
Morgana notices Arthur watching her.
'You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen,' Merlin grinned.
'Don't be silly,' Gwen looked embarrassed.
'What? So what if he did? Would that really be so bad?' Merlin asked.
Gwen sighed, 'He's not really my type.'
'Oh, well, there's a surprise. Sometimes, Guinevere, I wonder if you'd know what your type was if he was standing right next to you,' Merlin said.
Gwen looks sideways at Merlin, 'You're probably right.'
Merlin grabbed a drink from a passing servant, 'So, come on. Just for the sake of argument. If you had to, Arthur or Lancelot.'
Lancelot and Arthur leaned forward interested. Merlin just rolled his eyes.
'But I don't have to and I never will,' Gwen stated firmly.
'Oh, you are no fun, Gwen,' laughed Merlin.
Arthur pounds the table, 'Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our new recruit, our new knight of Camelot, Sir Lancelot.'
The crowd applauds; Lancelot and Arthur toast.
Merlin and Lancelot come out of Merlin's chambers looking completely out of it, 'Argh. Two yards of ale? Two miles, more like it,' complained Lancelot.
'Good morning, gentlemen,' he hands them two steaming goblets. 'Don't look at it, don't smell it, just down it in one.'
'Tell me about it,' groaned Arthur.
Gwen laughed, 'those three really can't sing,' she smirked.
'At least I didn't go around telling my secrets,' groaned Merlin.
'Which is why you in particular shouldn't get drunk,' frowned Gaius.
'Argh,' groaned Lancelot.
'Better? Good. Can't have you nodding off first day on the job, Lancelot,' Gaius smiled.
'That's Sir Lancelot, if you don't mind,' laughed Merlin and the other two joined in. The guards then enter, 'What are you doing?' Merlin yells.
'King's orders,' replies the guard escorting Lancelot out.
'Stop!' Merlin yells.
Lancelot is on his knees in the courtroom before Uther, 'Tell him what you told me,' the king orders.
'These credentials are faked. The seal itself is faultless, forgery of the highest possible standard, but a forgery it must be. There is no record of the fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria. Therefore he...' Geoffrey was interrupted.
'Lied. Do you deny it?' Uther shot at Lancelot.
'No, Sire,' Lancelot admitted.
'You've broken the First Code of Camelot. You've brought shame upon yourself and upon us. You are not worthy of the knighthood bestowed upon you. You never were. And you never will be. Get him out of my sight,' he orders as the guards drag Lancelot away.
'Sire,' Arthur protested.
'Do you contest my judgment?' Uther asked.
'His deception was inexcusable. But he meant no harm, Sire, I'm sure of it. He only wished to serve,' Arthur defended.
'The First Code is a sacred bond of trust. It is what binds the knights together. How can you trust a man who's lied to you?' Uther asked.
'When they lie for the right reasons,' Arthur said softly looking at Merlin.
'Thank you, Arthur,' smiled Merlin glad that Arthur had accepted him.
Lancelot is in Camelot dungeons when Merlin visits him, 'I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot.'
'You're not to blame,' Lancelot said.
'Yes, I am. I pushed you. I made you lie,' Merlin retorted.
'The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear, and mine to bear alone,' argued back Lancelot.
'I wish there was something I could do,' Merlin sighed.
'There is. You can stop blaming yourself,' Lancelot replied.
Merlin is back in Gaius' chambers where Merlin is talking to Gaius, 'Merlin?' asked the old man.
'Whatever you do, don't say, "I told you so,"' sighed Merlin.
'I have no wish to gloat, Merlin. What's done is done. Here. Come and take a look at this. I realised my mistake. I've been looking for the creature in the wrong place, in the records of all known living things in the kingdom. And then I thought, but what about creatures only recorded in legend? In myth? Then I discovered this,' Gaius showed Merlin the book.
'That is it. That's the monster,' said Merlin excitedly.
The warning bells sound. Merlin and Gaius go to the window watching as the people run around screaming in panic as the Griffin sweeps in from over head.
'On me! On me!' Arthur ordered and his knights surround him. 'Defend!' Arthur ordered as his knights crouch down.
Lancelot hears the Griffin attack and rushes to the bars of his cell, 'what's happening?' he yells.
The knights get up and reform the defence pattern with Arthur at its head, 'charge! On me!' Arthur yells. Arthur strikes the Griffin in the chest with the spear which promptly breaks. Arthur falls back until a guard tosses him a flaming torch which Arthur waves at the beast. The creature flies off making annoyed hissing sounds.
The council, Arthur and Uther are in the council chamber discussing the Griffin's attack, 'You said your knights were the best in the land. You proved that today.'
'All I know is it's still out there,' Arthur sounded annoyed by this.
'Let's not wait for it. The kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this now,' Uther decided.
'Sire, if I may,' Gaius interrupted.
'Gaius?' the king questioned.
'I've been researching this creature, Sire. I believe it to be a griffin,' Gaius informed the council.
'A griffin? What's in a name?' Uther frowned.
'The griffin is a creature of magic,' frowned Gaius.
'Like you,' Arthur said.
'You and the rabbits you hunt, and wolves that hunt your animals, and other animals which prey on humans are all creatures not born of magic,' Merlin said, 'but would you say you had much in common with them?'
'Of course not,' Arthur sounded outraged.
'Well how is it any different than the Griffin and I?' asked Merlin.
'I don't have time for this, physician,' Uther snapped.
'It is born of magic, Sire, and it can only be killed by magic,' Gaius said.
'Oh,' Arthur's eyes widened, 'Merlin,' was all he said, 'why didn't I see this before?'
'You are mistaken. It's a creature of flesh and blood like any other. Arthur proved that today,' Uther said proudly.
'I'm not so sure, Father. I think there may be some truth in what he says,' Arthur said.
'What truth?' snapped Uther.
'The griffin was unharmed, Sire. Our weapons seemed useless against it,' Arthur replied.
'Useless? I think not. No, it's tasted our steel once, the next time will be its last. When will your knights be ready to ride again?' asked Uther.
'An hour. Maybe two,' Arthur said.
'Good. We finish this tonight,' Uther told him.
Gaius and Merlin enter their chambers, 'it true? The griffin can only be killed by magic?' Merlin asked.
'Yes, Merlin. I'm certain of it. If Arthur rides out against it, he'll die,' Gaius said.
Gwen gulped, 'thank you Merlin,' smiled the once and future queen and queen of Arthur's heart.
'Then he must be stopped. Uther must see reason,' Merlin said.
'My father and reason aren't on the best of terms,' sighed Arthur sadly, 'its taken many months to realise that it didn't start with Morgana.'
'Where magic is concerned, our King is blind to reason.
'This is getting seriously creepy,' Merlin said, 'did Gaius and Arthur swap bodies because Arthur keeps repeating Gaius' words.'
And yet...magic is our only hope,' Gaius said.
'You're not suggesting...' Merlin understood.
'It is your destiny, Merlin. The true purpose of your magic,' Gaius said.
'You saw it, Gaius. I can't go up against that thing,' Merlin sounded scared.
'But if you do not, then Arthur will surely perish,' Gaius told his ward.
'No...this is madness. I don't have magic that powerful. There must be another way,' Merlin was almost pleading.
'This is the only way,' Gaius said firmly.
'Do you even care what happens to me? Oh, just do this, Merlin. Do that, Merlin. Go and kill the griffin, Merlin. I'll just sit here and warm my feet by the fire,' Merlin said angrily.
'Merlin,' Huinith quietly reprimanded, 'he's doing his best.'
'I know I was just scared,' Merlin sighed.
'I know,' Huinith nodded sadly.
'I've never seen you so angry,' Gwen was surprised Merlin was the hardest to anger person she'd ever met snapping like that was just not Merlin.
'I've been angrier,' Merlin growled thinking of Nimueh.
'When?' asked Arthur.
'You don't want to know,' Merlin said darkly and something in his voice made them not want to question him any further.
'Merlin! Merlin, you are the only thing I care about in all this world. I would give my life for you without a thought. But for what? I cannot save Arthur. It is not my destiny. You know,' Gaius spoke strongly back.
'I'm sorry,' Merlin apologized.
'I don't know what else I can say,' sighed Gaius.
'I'll say it for you. We have two hours to find a way to kill that thing,' Merlin spoke almost confidently.
Down in the dungeons Lancelot is still in his cell when Arthur enters, 'should've known. How could I have been so stupid? You don't sound like a knight, you don't even look like a knight!' Arthur raged.
'I'm sorry,' Lancelot apologized.
'I'm sorry, too. Because, Lancelot, you fight like a knight. And I need...Camelot needs...' Arthur trailed off.
'The creature?' Lancelot asked.
'We could not kill it. I've never faced its like,' Arthur said grimly.
'I faced it myself, Sire. Some days past. I struck if full square. I wondered how it endured,' Lancelot noted.
'There are those that believe this creature, this...griffin, is a creature of magic, that only magic can destroy it,' sighed Arthur.
'Well that was true,' muttered Lancelot.
'Do you believe this?' Lancelot asked.
'It doesn't matter what I believe. The use of magic is not permitted.
Merlin glared at the box.
The knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone,' sighed Arthur.
'Sire,' Lancelot asked.
'There's a horse waiting outside,' Arthur told him.
'That was very good of you,' smiled Gwen.
Merlin didn't say anything but looked on at the black box and real Arthur proudly.
'Thank you. Thank you, Sire,' Lancelot said.
'Lancelot, take it and never return to this place,' Arthur ordered the man.
'No. No, please, I...It's not my freedom I seek. I only wish to serve with honour,' Lancelot exclaimed.
'I know,' sighed Arthur.
'Then let me ride with you, Sire,' Lancelot reasoned.
'I cannot. My father knows nothing of this. I release you myself, but I can do no more. Now go before I change my mind,' Arthur left leaving the cell door open for Lancelot.
In the physician's chambers Merlin and Gaius are flicking through a book, 'there. You must do this for Arthur,' Gaius showed him the spell.
'I've never cast a spell of enchantment this powerful,' Merlin looked at the book.
'Nothing less will kill it. Here,' Gaius hands Merlin a dagger. 'Try. You have it within you. I know you do.'
'Bregdan anweald gafeluec,' Merlin said.
'Oh that's what you said,' muttered Lancelot, 'what does it mean?'
'Move the powerful javelin,' Merlin replied.
When nothing happens Merlin and Gaius look at each other, 'Don't worry, Merlin, we have plenty of time,' Gaius reassured him.
'Only two hours,' Lancelot reminded them.
At Gwen's house Lancelot knocks on the door and is admitted, 'I'm sorry to disturb you, My Lady.'
'Lancelot, what are you doing here?' Gwen seems shocked to see him there.
'I have no time to explain. I need weapons armour and the best you've got,' Lancelot said quickly.
'But what's this all about?' Gwen asked.
'Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him. It's my duty. Knight or not,' Lancelot said.
'You really believe that, don't you?' Gwen said sadly.
'Which is why he makes such a good knight,' smiled Merlin.
'And I don't?' Gwaine pretended to be offended; Merlin just laughed.
'Yes, My Lady,' Lancelot agreed.
'Lancelot, I don't believe I've ever met your like before,' Gwen looked at Lancelot.
'Guinevere, if I should not return...' Lancelot began.
'Don't go, Lancelot. Please,' Gwen begged.
'But go I must,' Lancelot told her.
Gwen nods.
Arthur marches in front of a row of his knight dressed in full battle armour, 'it's time,' Arthur said and the knights follow him out.
Merlin is still trying the spell in Gaius' chambers, 'Don't worry, Merlin. I know you're trying,' Gaius continues to encourage Merlin.
'And I'm failing. And if Arthur dies because I'm not good enough...' Merlin stresses.
'It wouldn't be your fault,' Arthur said.
'Merlin!' Gaius stops him.
Gwen rushes in, 'Merlin! Lancelot's riding out to kill the griffin!'
'He's what?' Merlin rushes out.
'Merlin?' Gaius calls out.
In the lower town Lancelot is saddling up his horse when Merlin runs up to him, 'I'm coming with you.'
'No, you're not,' Lancelot told him.
'Just try and stop me,' Merlin retorted.
'Merlin, you're not a soldier,' Lancelot reminded him.
'Nah,' Merlin laughed, 'I'm a warlock.'
'You said it yourself, Lancelot, Arthur needs all the help he can get. Now let's go,' Merlin decided.
'That was a side of Merlin I'd never seen,' murmured Lancelot, 'gone was the happy go lucky boy.'
The knights approach the Griffin; Arthur draws his sword, 'For Camelot!' he shouts.
The knights too draw their swords, 'For Camelot!' the echo the prince's words.
Merlin and Lancelot reach the scene of the battle. They can hear the men dying and the hissing of the Griffin; they dismount. Merlin runs to the body of Arthur, 'Arthur,' Merlin checks his prince's pulse.
'Well?' Lancelot asked.
'He's alive,' Merlin said. Lancelot pulled down his visor and rides to greet the Griffin with his lance out, 'Okay, Merlin, it's now or never.'
'I always knew you were mad,' laughs Arthur, 'but talking to yourself?'
Merlin just grinned.
Lancelot rears up on his horse.
'Bregdan anweald gafeluec,' Merlin's spell (yet again) does not work. Lancelot charges, 'bregdan anweald gafeluec,' Merlin repeats. Lancelot passes him, 'bregdan anweald gafeluec.' The griffin charges, 'bregdan anweald gafeluec,' Merlin says again. This time the lance flames with bright blue flames, Lancelot hits the Griffin which dies and the magic glow disappears in a second, 'yes,' Merlin celebrates.
Lancelot removes his helmet as Arthur awakes, 'Lancelot,' Arthur asks.
'Sire,' Lancelot responds.
'You did it. You killed it, Lancelot!' Arthur looks relieved.
Merlin bursts into Gaius' chambers, 'you did it?'
'I did it,' grinned Merlin.
Merlin and Gaius hug, 'Thank God!' Gaius says.
Arthur enters the council chambers where Uther is sitting, 'You did it, my son. You did it.'
'Not I, Father. It was Lancelot,' Arthur said proudly as Lancelot enters behind the prince.
'What's he doing here?' Uther looked angry.
'Father, I can explain,' Arthur said quickly.
'You! Wait outside,' Uther orders and Lancelot quickly exits.
'You had no right to...!' Uther begins but the doors are closed blocking out all sound.
Merlin rounds to corner, 'What are they doing?' he asked.
'Deciding my fate,' Lancelot replies.
'Melodramatic much Lance,' laughed Gwaine.
Back in the council chambers Uther and Arthur argue, 'I confess it, Sire. I released him and I'll take the consequences. But surely Lancelot's actions change things?'
'His actions change nothing. He broke the code!' Uther retorted.
'He laid down his life for me! He served with honour,' Arthur argued back.
'The Once and Future King,' muttered Merlin.
'I see you feel strongly about this, Arthur. Under the circumstances? A pardon, perhaps,' Uther relented slightly.
'No, not good enough, Father. You must restore Lancelot to his rightful place, as a knight of Camelot,' Arthur stated.
'Never. The law is the law. The Code bends for no man,' Uther told him.
'Then the code is wrong!' Arthur all but shouted.
'Hear, hear,' Gwaine shouted.
Outside the council chamber Lancelot and Merlin are talking, 'They'll restore your knighthood, of course they will. You killed the griffin.'
'But I didn't kill the griffin,' a Lancelot walk slightly away from the guards so they cannot hear what he is saying, 'you did.'
'That's ridiculous,' Merlin said awkwardly.
'"Bregdan anweald "' Lancelot repeats the magic words, '...I heard you. I saw you,' Lancelot says. Merlin looks at Lancelot worried, 'Don't worry, your secret's safe with me,' Lancelot reassures the warlock. 'But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit.'
'What are you going to do?' Merlin asked.
'The only thing I can do,' Lancelot re-enters the council chambers.
'What is this?' Uther demands.
The guards restrain Lancelot, 'Let me speak!'
'Wait! I'll hear him,' Uther stopped the guards.
The guards release Lancelot, 'Forgive me, Sire. I've come to bid you farewell.'
'I understand why you left now,' Arthur said, 'I'd do the same.'
'What is this, Lancelot?' Arthur demanded.
'I lied to you both and now there is conflict between you. I cannot bear that burden, as you should not bear mine. I must start again, far from here. Then maybe one day fate shall grant me another chance to prove myself a worthy knight of Camelot,' Lancelot said.
'But...Lancelot, you've...already proved that to us,' Arthur told him.
'But I must prove it to myself. Your Highness,' Lancelot bows to Uther. 'Prince Arthur,' Lancelot bowed to Arthur before backing out of the room. Arthur looks crestfallen.
Gwen stares out of the window watching Lancelot leave.
Arthur glowered looking jealously at Lancelot.
'Gwen? Guinevere? Lancelot?' questioned Morgana.
'Oh. Yes,' Gwen said not paying much attention to Morgana.
'Come, Gwen. We've a busy day ahead,' Morgana tried to distract Gwen.
'Yes, My Lady,' Gwen looked away from the window.
Lancelot is riding off as Gaius and Merlin watch him leave, 'Perhaps you were right, Gaius. Perhaps I should have never got involved.'
'No Merlin, I was wrong. Lancelot needed you and you needed Lancelot. Your destinies were entwined,' Gaius admitted.
'Will he ever return?' Merlin asked.
'That I cannot say,' Gaius sighed.
'Till next time then, Sir Lancelot,' Merlin smiled.