The Once and Future Queen
'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,' Kilgharrah began.
'Even if you want to destroy Camelot,' muttered Arthur.
'To avenge his family and species,' Merlin snapped.
In Odin's castle the king is meeting with an assassin.
'My Lord, he is here,' Kelda reports.
'You are Myror?' the king directs at the assassin. 'Legend has it, you are the most feared assassin in all the known lands. Tell me, are you as ruthless as they say you are? You would kill anyone?'
'I have killed many people. They are all the same to me,' the assassin says coolly.
'See he's a cold blood killer who could be described as evil and he has no magic,' Merlin said. 'How is that any different to some sorcerer's being evil?'
'None,' admitted Arthur.
'You are prepared to kill royalty?' asked Odin.
'My Lord, you would already be dead had someone placed a bounty on you,' the assassin informs the king.
'Nice,' Gwaine said.
'I want you to kill the man who murdered my son,' King Odin said.
Arthur sighed sadly he'd never wanted to kill Odin's son!
'I want you to kill Arthur Pendragon.'
In the tournament grounds Arthur and the knights are jousting Merlin serves his prince.
'That has got to hurt,' Merlin winces as Sir Leon is knocked off his horse.
'That's the point, Merlin. It's not a pillow fight. Fetch me another lance, will you?' the prince orders. 'Why did you pull out, I was wide open? You could have unhorsed me,' he said.
'I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire,' Leon explained.
'Arthur's not going to like that,' groaned Gwen.
'Tell me about it,' muttered Merlin.
'You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate,' the prince ordered.
'I wouldn't have done if I were facing a different opponent. You are the future King, My Lord,' the knight said.
'You jousted against me in the tournament last year. Are you saying you let me win?' demanded Arthur.
'Oh,' Gwen and Arthur blushed knowing what they were going to see.
'No, My Lord,' the knight said quickly.
'It doesn't matter who I am! I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?' the prince shouts at his knights.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur is still upset about training.
'How am I going to prove myself if my opponents aren't trying their hardest?' demanded Arthur.
'I'm sure it's not happening all the time,' Merlin reassured him.
'So it's happening some of the time?' demanded Arthur.
'No I'm certain it isn't,' Merlin tried again.
'Now you're doing it!' Arthur shouted. 'You're telling me exactly what you think I want to hear!'
'The last time I didn't you threw me in the dungeons and threatened to fire me,' Merlin said.
'Yes. Er...no. Er...what was the question?' Merlin asked.
'That just proves it. All my life I've been treated as if I'm special. I just want to be treated just like everyone else,' Arthur said.
'But you're the future king,' Gaius said quietly.
'So I can't have normality,' sighed Arthur.
Gaius nodded sadly.
'Really?' asked Merlin surprised.
'You have no idea how lucky you are,' Arthur said.
'Fearing execution day in, day out?' asked Merlin.
'Well, anytime you want to swap places, just let me know,' Merlin suggested.
'That's not a totally stupid idea,' Arthur said slowly.
Gaius gave the boys a glare.
'You're Prince Arthur. You can't change who you are,' Merlin reminded the future king.
'Yes I can,' Arthur decided.
Uther and Arthur eat dinner that night, 'we've received reports that a beast has been sighted roaming the forest near the northern borders,' Arthur lies to the king.
'Oh yes,' Gaius raised an eyebrow looking less than pleased with the two young men.
'What's the nature of this beast?' the king questions.
'It is said to have the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the...face of a bear,' Arthur invents.
Gaius snorted.
'Hey I made it up on the spot,' Arthur said.
'I believe it has been conjured by sorcery,' Arthur added.
'Then we must destroy it,' Uther said.
'I'll leave for the northern borders in the morning,' Arthur said.
'But you'll miss the tournament,' Uther said.
'As much as I want to compete, my duty to Camelot comes first,' the crown prince replied.
'You are right, of course,' the king agreed.
In the forest Arthur's knights ride off as he stays behind.
'I'll meet you here in four days. You must tell no one I've returned to Camelot,' he orders. 'You're late,' he says as Merlin comes up.
'Sorry. Gaius had me wa...ing the floors. I couldn't...' Merlin breaths heavily.
'What is that smell? Whose clothes are these?' asked Arthur pulling on an old shirt.
'They're mine. I washed them specially,' Merlin looks vaguely insulted. 'You sure this is a good idea?' Merlin asked.
'Seems pretending to be somebody else is the only way to get people to be honest with me. Grab my bag, will you?' Arthur orders.
'If you want to pass as a peasant, you should probably carry your own bag,' Merlin suggested.
'That's a good point,' Gwen laughs.
'You're forgetting something, Merlin. No one will know it's my bag,' Arthur smiles.
'There must be easier ways to prove yourself,' moaned Merlin.
'Shut up, Merlin,' snaps the prince.
In the council chambers Kelda is informing the king of the assassination plot concerning Arthur.
'I was there in person. Odin has put a price on Prince Arthur's head,' he informed the king.
'Surely he wouldn't dare,' Uther said coolly.
'He's blinded by grief, My Lord,' Uther said.
'Something you should know all about,' sighed Hunith.
'The assassin Myror has accepted the bounty.'
'I've heard of this Myror,' admits the king.
'Who hasn't,' muttered Leon.
'I believe he's heading for Camelot as we speak. I bring you this information at great risk to myself,' the informant hints.
'What does he mean?' asked Lancelot.
'Gold,' Gaius said grimly, 'everyone has their price.'
Uther nods and a sac of gold is chucked at the man, 'double the guards. I want this assassin intercepted before he reaches Camelot,' orders the king.
'Well that worked,' Merlin muttered.
In the woods Myror waits to assassinate Arthur, but he's not with the men supposedly going to the northern borders.
Merlin and Arthur enters Gwen's house, Arthur's hood obscures his face.
'My Lord,' Gwen bows.
'Guinevere. It's good of you to let me stay in your home,' the prince thanks.
'That's as close as to thank as you are going to get out of Arthur,' Merlin grins.
'I'm happy to help,' Gwen nods.
Merlin whispers, 'food.'
'I'll prepare some food for you,' she nods. Then she adds in a whisper to Merlin, I can't believe you talked me into this!'
Arthur hushed to Merlin, 'you can't really expect me to stay here.'
'Sorry,' Arthur said to Gwen.
'We need to keep you out of sight. We can trust Gwen not to tell anyone you're here,' Merlin adds in a whisper.
'I doubt anyone would believe it,' Arthur whispers back.
'That's true,' Leon admits.
'You really can't go without your big bed and your soft pillows?' Merlin teases the prince in a hushed voice.
'This will be fine,' Arthur hisses. 'How are the preparations coming along? Have we found someone to play our knight in the tournament?' asked Arthur at normal voice later.
'Absolutely. He's a famer from one of the outlying villages, and no one will recognise him,' Merlin replies.
'But does he look the part?' asked Arthur.
Later Merlin, Arthur, and Gwen look William over.
'Great,' Arthur said exasperated.
'From now on, you're Sir William of Daira. Imagine you're really...arrogant. Knights like to think they're so much better than everyone else,' Merlin said.
Arthur, Lancelot, Elian, Gwaine, Percival and Leon look really insulted.
'It's not arrogance. Ignore him, he's an idiot. A knight must behave with honour and nobility. That's better,' the prince nods as William's posture changes. 'You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family.'
'Polish my armour, boy,' William snaps at Merlin.
Merlin groaned, 'it was like having two Arthurs!'
'You say like that's a bad thing,' Arthur looked offended.
'You're better in small doses,' Merlin said.
'Now you're gettin' the hang of it,' Arthur grins.
William laughs.
'That's a good point, you do need to polish our armour,' the prince orders.
'Yeah,' William laughs again.
That night Merlin flops onto his own bed.
'Glad to see you're resting, Merlin. I take it that mean you've got the energy to clean my leech tank,' Gaius tells him.
'Oh give him a break, uncle,' sighs Hunith.
'I didn't know Arthur was still in Camelot,' Gaius retorts.
'You didn't tell him?' asked Gwen, 'but you tell Gaius everything!'
'Not everything,' Merlin argues thinking of Freya.
'Ugh,' Merlin groans.
Gwen sweeps her house while Arthur finishes his drink.
'It's been a long day. I think I'll turn in for the night. Is this my bed?' he asks looking at the one bed in the house.
'Of course,' Gwen said looking annoyed. 'I hope you'll be comfortable.'
'I'm sure I will be. Goodnight, Guinevere,' he turns in.
'Goodnight, My Lord,' she says tensely.
Myror scales the wall into the castle.
'Halt! Show yourself. What business do you have in the King's palace?' a guard shouts.
'I came to seek an audience with, er, with Prince Arthur,' Myror said.
'What's your name?' questions the guard.
'My name is Myror,' Myror said honestly.
Myror grabs a guard, Fyren, covering his mouth before releasing him.
'Why are you here?' the guard hisses.
'Where's the honour and valour of the guards?' Lancelot scowls.
'Your information was wrong. Prince Arthur is not among the party travelling to the northern borders,' the assassin informs the corrupt guard.
'The Prince left with them yesterday,' the guard look surprised.
'Then they must have separated. Perhaps he has returned to Camelot,' suggests Myror.
'Not that I've heard. His return would've been announced at court,' the guard assures the assassin.
'It would seem the Prince does not want to be found. Hmm,' murmured Myror.
Merlin and cloaked Arthur head to his tent in the tournament grounds. Uther walks into the stands and the knights enter on horseback to stand before the King.
'Now, remember the plan. I'm competing in the tournament, but no one will know that it's me. All you have to do is acknowledge the crowd at the end of the match. Act like you belong there and people will believe that you do,' Arthur advised William.
'Knights of the realm, welcome to Camelot. You've trained for this day for many years,' Uther greets the knights.
Merlin watches from the tent, 'well, he hasn't fallen off his horse.'
'...our bravery, strength...' Uther continues/
'I suppose that's something,' Arthur admits.
'...and your skill to the test. Today you will fight for glory and for honour. For this is the ultimate test of courage. And it will be the measure of you as men. For only the most skilful, the most fearless among you will emerge as a worthy champion,' finishes the king.
William re-enters the tent, 'they're ready for you, Sire.'
The jousting tournament begins. Gwen cheers for Arthur enthusiastically as he wins each match. Myror also watches. Arthur enters his tent and tosses William his helmet.
'You must go and acknowledge the crowd,' Arthur informs the farmer.
'How do you do that?' asked William.
'You wave, they cheer. It's not difficult. I do all the work, someone else gets all the praise,' groans Arthur.
'Story of my life,' muttered Merlin.
'Know the feeling,' Merlin muttered.
'When I win this tournament, I'll reveal my true identity, get the credit I deserve,' Arthur said.
'Whereas I have to watch people have feasts thrown for their deeds while I just serve,' sighed Merlin.
'Of course you will,' Merlin said.
'Well don't just stand there. Help me off with my armour. And remember to polish it before tomorrow. The horse needs grooming. And don't forget to repair the broken lances,' the prince orders.
Fyren sits next to Myror in the stands.
'Do you have news on the whereabouts of Prince Arthur?' asked Myror.
'Everyone believes he is travelling to the northern borders, but I've discovered that Arthur's servant remains in Camelot,' the guard said.
'Who is this servant?' questions the assassin.
'That's him,' Fryen gestures to Merlin tending to the horse.
'Why is he working for another knight?' the assassin questions.
'He's working it out,' murmured Gaius.
Merlin nods.
Merlin tries to sneak past Gaius to his room. Gaius turns and stares at him.
'Is this about the leech tank?' Merlin groans.
'How very perceptive of you, Merlin,' Gaius agrees.
'I'll clean it tomorrow,' Merlin agrees.
'And will that be before or after you've scrubbed the floors and done the laundry?' Gaius asks.
Gwen clears the table after dinner.
'From what I hear, the ladies of the court are quite impressed with Sir William. They think he's very handsome,' Gwen informs the undercover prince.
'Typical,' Arthur snorts. 'He wouldn't know a real knight if he whacked him round the head with his lance.'
'Why are you doing this?' asked Gwen.
'I fear that people respect me just because of my title,' Arthur explained.
'I don't believe that's true of everyone,' Gwen said softly.
'Would you tell me if it were?' asked Arthur.
'No,' Gwen admits.
'But by saying that your telling him what he doesn't want to here,' Merlin grins.
'When I'm competing as William, my title doesn't matter, nobody gives me any special treatment. So when I win this tournament, if I win this tournament,' the prince corrects himself. 'It will be because I deserve it and not because I am Prince Arthur. I think I'll take a bath.'
'That might be difficult seeing as I don't have a bathtub,' Gwen said.
'I still can't believe people live like that,' Arthur muttered.
'That's because you've always had everything fed to you off a golden platter,' Gwaine said.
'Really? Er...perhaps you could prepare me a bowl of hot water. I take it you have a bowl,' Arthur said.
'I think I can manage a bowl,' Gwen said coolly. 'Just walk all the way down to the well and fetch some water then, shall I?' she asks.
Arthur doesn't appear to care to much.
Merlin asleep on the floor of the physician's chamber, his hands still holding the brush and bucket when Gaius enters. 'Merlin, on your feet!' he orders. 'Arthur may be away, but I'm not. And why is my leech tank still dirty?' he demands. 'Where do you get the idea you can sit around all day doing nothing?' he snaps.
'Nothing,' Merlin muttered, 'I never get the chance to do nothing!'
'Wha..?' Merlin stutters. 'Do you think I sit around doing nothing?' he cries. 'I haven't had a chance to sit around and do nothing since the day I arrived in Camelot! I'm too busy running around after Arthur! Do this, Merlin! Do that, Merlin!
'You are my servant,' Arthur reminds him.
And when I'm not running around after Arthur, I'm doing chores for you!
Gaius has the decency to look slightly guilty.
And if I'm not doing that, I'm fulfilling my destiny! Do you know how many times I've saved Arthur's life? I've lost count. Do I get any thanks? No. I have fought griffins, witches, er...bandits, I have be punched, poisoned, pelted with fruit, and all the while I have to hide who I really am, because if anyone finds out, Uther will have me executed!
Arthur winced at that comment he hated that his friend would be put to death for saving his life and more.
Sometimes I feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions, I don't know which way to turn!' Merlin rants then storms off leaving Gaius staring after him.
'I don't blame you for finally snapping,' said Gwen, 'I'm surprised it hasn't happened earlier.'
In Arthur's tent Merlin is reporting to Arthur.
'Sir Alinor has advanced to the final.'
Arthur faces Sir Leon. Arthur wins and everyone rises to their feet cheering except Gwen.
Arthur looks at little put out by this.
'You're not impressed by this Sir William of Daira,' Gaius comments.
'So that's why you couldn't clean out your leaches by yourself,' Merlin said outrage, 'you were to busy watching the tournament!'
'I have to watch in case anyone gets injured,' Gaius reminds his ward.
'I believe he's an arrogant pig,' Gwen said.
Arthur looks hurt.
'I don't think you're like that anymore,' Gwen assures Arthur.
'Arthur isn't great with first impressions,' Merlin grins, 'I thought the same when I first met him.'
Merlin and William are waiting in the tent when Arthur enters after a fight.
'Congratulations, you are in the final,' congratulates the servant.
'Go on then. You're people await you. No one can say Sir Leon let me win this time,' Arthur said.
'I don't think people were saying that anyway,' Leon said.
'Sounds like the crowd've really taken to William,' Merlin informed him.
'That will change when I reveal my identity,' Arthur told him.
'Why didn't you reveal yourself?' asked Leon.
'I had a lesson in humility,' Arthur smiled looking at Arthur.
'You really miss getting all the attention, don't you?' Merlin asked.
'Just go and water the horse, will you?' the prince ordered.
Merlin brings the horse to the water trough on the tournament grounds as Myror approaches him.
'He's a fine horse. I see your master has advanced to the final. He's extremely skilled with a lance,' Myror complimented.
'He's doing well. Just one more match to go,' Merlin agrees.
'Tell me, what is he like to work for?' asked Myror.
'Between you and me? He can be a bit of a prat,' Merlin admits.
'I am not a prat!' Arthur said offended.
Myror laughs, 'so you are no longer working for Prince Arthur?'
'No. Yes, yes. Not right now. Arthur's away. I'm just...helping out,' Merlin lied badly.
'How can you lie so convincingly about magic but not about anything else?' asked Arthur.
'I've always lied about magic,' Merlin said. 'I don't even have to think about it anymore! It's become instinctual, plus you'd be surprised what your able to do when it's your neck on line.'
'Well, I, erm, I wish your master luck in the final,' Myror said.
'Thanks,' Merlin smiles.
Gwen sweeps the pantry where she's been sleeping when Arthur enters through the front door.
'Guinevere?' asked Arthur.
'Just a minute,' Gwen called.
'Do you have a needle and threat. My shirt needs mending,' demands Arthur.
'Erm...' Gwen began.
'Is this where you sleep? Where's your bed?' Arthur interrupts.
'You're sleeping in it,' Gwen admits.
'Sorry,' Arthur sighs.
'Why didn't you say something?' Arthur looks shocked.
'How could I? You're Prince Arthur. Besides, you didn't give me the chance. You just assumed the bed was yours,' Gwen snaps.
Arthur looks shocked, 'well, how am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?' he asks.
'You shouldn't need to be told to think of someone other than yourself, you're not a child,' Gwen snaps.
'That's you told,' chuckled Gwaine.
'Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please, I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me, don't let me stop you,' Arthur said.
'You don't have any idea, do you?' demands Gwen.
'About what?' Arthur asks.
'About how rude and arrogant you can be!' she snaps.
'Agreed,' grinned Merlin.
'Merlin,' Arthur rolled his eyes.
'This is my home and you are my guest in it! I know you are used to more luxurious quarters, but that is not an excuse to be so rude! You claim titles don't matter to you, but you behave like a prince and expect me to wait on you like a servant! Saying it means nothing if your actions betray you! Would it kill you to say please and thank you once in a while? My Lord,' she adds at the end.
'I don't think saying "My Lord" is going to make your statements any less hurtful or disrespectful,' chuckled Leon.
'Is there anything else you'd like to add?' Arthur asks.
'No, I think that's it,' Gwen looks embarrassed.
'This was certainly the day for rants,' Percival laughed looking between Gwen and Merlin.
'You're right. You have invited me into your home and I have behaved appallingly,' Arthur admits.
'I didn't mean to make you feel bad,' Gwen said quickly.
Everyone raised an eyebrow at her who blushed.
'Oh, really?' Arthur raised an eyebrow.
'Well, perhaps a little,' Gwen admits.
'There's no excuse. I'll make it up to you. Tonight, I will make dinner for you,' Arthur said.
Merlin snorts.
'You're going to cook me dinner?' Gwen asked surprised.
'I most certainly am,' Arthur decides.
'Or not,' Gwen muttered.
'Now go for a walk or do whatever it is that girls do at this time of the evening,' Arthur shoed Gwen from her own home.
'A walk would be nice,' Gwen admits.
'And your dinner will be ready when you return,' he promises her.
Merlin meets Gwen in the street as she walks away from her house.
'Where's Arthur?' Merlin asked.
'He's cooking me dinner,' Gwen informs him.
'Arthur's cooking?' Merlin looks shocked and disbelieving.
Merlin enters Gwen's house where Arthur is staring hopelessly at a raw chicken playing with its legs.
Everyone snorts at the hopeless prince.
'I can't cook,' Arthur said embarrassed. 'I've never had any need to cook and I never will.'
'Merlin, thank God,' Arthur looked relieved.
'I've never seen you so glad to see me,' Merlin muttered.
'I've never been so pleased to see you,' Arthur retorted.
'Gwen says you're cooking,' Merlin said disbelievingly.
'I need you to fetch me two dinners from the palace kitchens,' the prince ordered.
'So...you're not cooking,' Merlin said carefully.
'No, but Gwen doesn't need to know that. As far as she's concerned, dinner will be prepared and cooked by me,' Arthur said.
'You're trying to impress her?' Merlin grins.
'Don't be ridiculous, Merlin. And get me a decent shirt, will you? Your clothes are making me itch all over, it's like having fleas,' the prince orders.
Myror snoops around Arthur's chambers when Merlin comes in to get a shirt. Myror hides, ready to kill Merlin with a dagger, but Merlin leaves and Myror follows him out.
'He's going to find out where we are,' groaned Arthur.
Arthur watches the window for Gwen while Merlin sets the table.
'She's coming. Quick, out the back way. Do something with this,' Arthur tosses Merlin the raw chicken.
'Hope Gwen's impressed with your cooking,' Merlin grins and leaves and Arthur spins around as Gwen opens front the door.
'Guinevere. Perfect timing,' Arthur pulls out her seat for her.
'Thank you,' Gwen said.
Myror watches from the window and preps a mini crossbow.
Everyone tensed at this.
'This is delicious,' Gwen compliments.
'I'm glad you like it,' Arthur smiles.
The night patrol interrupts Myror's assassination attempt.
Everyone breaths a sigh of relief.
'Halt! You! Stop right there!' orders a guard.
'Did you see him?' another guard said,
Myror escapes by hanging under the drawbridge.
Merlin puts cooked chicken on the table as Gaius enters his chambers.
'Dinner's ready,' Merlin said. 'What I said this morning-'the warlock begins.
'It is I who should be apologising to you. I have failed to appreciate just how heavy your burden must be,' Gaius admitted.
'I shouldn't've lost my temper with you,' Merlin apologized.
'It's no wonder you're upset. There's so much resting on your young shoulders. Now that Arthur's away, you must take time to enjoy yourself,' Gaius said.
'Well that worked,' muttered Merlin.
'What about the leech tank?' Merlin asked.
'Don't even think about the leech tank,' the physician waved it aside.
'Really?' asked Merlin.
'All this talk of leeches will put us off our dinner. Where'd that chicken come from? Come in!' Gaius calls as someone knocks.
'The King commands your presence immediately,' a guard informs.
Uther, Gaius, Merlin, and Leon inspect the body of the guard Myror killed.
'Can you determine a cause of death?' questioned the king.
'His neck's been broken. There's scarcely a mark on the flesh. Whoever killed him knew exactly what he was doing,' the physician said.
'Earlier this evening, an intruder was spotted in the lower town,' Leon said.
'Then I fear it's true, Odin has sent an assassin to kill Arthur,' Uther said.
'An assassin?' asked Merlin.
'Have you any word from Arthur since he left for the northern borders?' asked the king.
'No. None,' Merlin said.
'Well I wasn't lying,' Merlin said, 'since he never left for the northern borders.'
'You didn't tell the truth either,' Gaius said.
'When do I ever tell the truth?' Merlin grinned.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
'With this assassin in Camelot, we must be thankful Arthur isn't here. Search the entire town. I want the assassin found before Arthur returns,' the king said.
Arthur and Gwen smile at dinner.
'So, do I have any more annoying habits you wish to tell me about?' asked Arthur.
'No, none,' Gwen said.
'There's something else, isn't there? What is it?' Arthur asked.
'Well, the truth is...you snore,' Gwen giggled.
'I do not snore,' Arthur looked quite as affronted as he did on the box.
'I do not snore,' Arthur huffed.
'You do. The first night you were here, I thought a pig had got into the house,' Gwen laughed.
'So now I'm a pig. Thank you, Guinevere,' Arthur said laughing.
'I just meant you sound like a pig. I think I better stop talking,' Gwen blushed and starts getting up to clear the table.
'I'll do that,' Arthur said.
'Where did you get those plates?' Gwen demanded.
'From...the cupboard?' Arthur lies.
'They have the royal seal. They're from the palace kitchens. I've washed enough of them to know. I take it that's where our food also came from,' Gwen said angrily.
'Look, I can kill a chicken from a thousand paces, just don't ask me to cook it. That's what servants are for. I didn't mean it like that,' Gwen said quickly.
'I'm not ashamed to be a servant. At least I'm not a liar,' Gwen retorted.
Merlin winced at the liar comment.
'We had a nice meal together. What does it matter where it came from?' Arthur protested.
'Because I thought you'd shown some humility!' Gwen cried. 'You'd done something kind for me even though I'm just a servant! A good king should respect his people, no matter who they are.'
Arthur said, 'Guinevere. I know I have much to learn. There are some things that I am terrible at - cooking being one of them. But also, knowing what to say to someone I care about.'
Suddenly Merlin burst in.
'Way to go ruin the movement why don't you,' Gwaine laughed.
'Arthur, there's an assassin's in Camelot. He's here to kill you,' he said.
'The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin sent him,' Merlin was saying.
'Why would Odin want you dead?' asked Gwen.
'Because I killed his son. Odin's son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face. He looked so scared,' sighed Arthur.
'You cannot blame yourself,' Gwen said kindly.
'No one but us knows where you are,' Merlin said reassuringly.
'That's what we thought,' muttered Gwen.
'If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you.'
Merlin left the two.
'May I continue to stay here?' asked Arthur.
'Of course, for as long as you need,' Gwen nodded.
'One more match. The tournament will be over,' Arthur said.
'You can go back to being Prince Arthur. Erm...I thought you might wear it...for luck,' Gwen handed him a piece of cloth.
'Thank you,' he smiled.
Arthur kisses Gwen then stands around awkwardly.
Elian looks awkwardly away not sure what to say when you see your little sister kissing someone. Lancelot looks on jealously he had let Gwen go, knowing she didn't return his feelings but he still loved her.
'I must go,' Arthur says.
Myror watches Arthur meet Merlin in the street on his way to the tournament grounds; he follows them and sees Arthur with his double.
'They're ready for you, Sire,' William says.
Myror watches William hand Arthur the helmet. Myror sees two knights greet each other.
'Sir Alinor, good luck in the final,' the knight says.
Myror attacks Sir Alinor in his tent, dresses in his armour and disguises a deadly lance. Arthur and Myror face each other on the course. Arthur gets hit with the deadly lance and Gwen stands up in shock, running out of the stands to him. Merlin sees the disguised deadly point and heads after Myror. Gwen supports Arthur as they rush into the tent.
'His lance pierced my armour,' Arthur whispers.
'You're losing too much blood,' Gwen takes off the favour she gave him and holds it against the wound.
'Do what you can. I have to be back on the course within five minutes or I forfeit the match,' Arthur said.
'You can't possibly joust, you're too badly injured!' Gwen says distressed.
'I have never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now,' Arthur said proudly.
'You would risk your life to protect your pride? You have nothing to prove. Least of all to me,' Gwen says heartfelt.
'I have everything to prove. To myself,' Arthur explains.
Merlin sees Myror in armour and the dead Sir Alinor. Arthur mounted on his horse motions to the lance rack.]
'You'll have to pass me my lance,' Arthur said.
'This is madness!' Gwen said.
Arthur rides off and Merlin runs up to Gwen.
'Gwen! Where's Arthur?' Merlin demands.
'He's about to joust,' Arthur said.
'He's jousting against the assassin,' Merlin informed Gwen.
Merlin and Gwen rush to the course. Arthur and Myror tilt.
'Unbinde þé téage,' Merlin whispers.
'I was standing right there; how could I not notice?' demanded Gwen.
'You were worried about Arthur,' Percival said.
'You see what you want to,' Merlin added.
'What were you saying?' asked Gwen.
'Unbind the strap,' Merlin shrugged.
Merlin uses magic to snap the girth on Myror's horse so Arthur unhorses and kills him. Merlin helps Arthur off the course.
William, Gwen, Merlin, and Arthur gather in the tent.
'You were jousting against the assassin. He killed Sir Alinor and took his place. The people are waiting for their champion. It's time to reveal yourself,' Merlin said.
'You must go and collect the trophy,' Arthur tells William.
'I thought this was going to be your moment of glory?' Gwen asked.
'Perhaps this is a time for humility,' Arthur said.
'Gwen is really good for you,' Merlin smiled at his friend.
'Giving your blessing,' Gwaine raised an eyebrow.
Merlin rolled his eyes at the other man.
Merlin, Gwen, and cloaked Arthur laugh and smile as William celebrates victory to wild applause.
Merlin goes to the tent where Gaius has carted off Myror.
'Merlin, who is this man? Where's Sir Alinor?' asks the physician.
Arthur stands before the court with a bandage sling over his bloody armour.
'The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot. I was injured whilst killing him,' lied Arthur.
'Odin must be made to pay for his actions. We must strike back at him,' the king decreed.
'Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son? We should try to make peace with him. There's been enough bloodshed,' Arthur said.
'And I think the same should be applied to the magical population,' Arthur said. 'They should be measured on their deeds not magic.'
'Thank you,' Merlin smiled tears in his eyes he'd never imagined Arthur would take his magic so well.
'Perhaps you're right. How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?' questioned the king.
'Very,' Gwen and Arthur's eyes connected. 'I learned a great deal. How was the tournament?' Arthur asked.
'Excellent. We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira,' the king said.
'I'm sorry I missed all the excitement,' Arthur said with a smile on his face.
The courtiers exit into the corridor. Arthur checks to check that his father isn't looking and turns to Gwen.
'Guinevere,' Arthur looks awkward. 'Ahem. What happened while I was staying with you...I'm afraid my father would never understand,' sighed the future king.
'You don't have to explain. Perhaps when you are King, things will be different,' Gwen sighed.
'Arthur?' Uther comes after his son and Gwen walks off with Arthur watching after her.
In the physician's chamber Merlin cleans the leech tank.
'Ugh,' Arthur grimaces.
'Stop being such a princess,' said Gwaine.
'This is horrible. This is so disgusting,' Merlin complained.
'Stop being such a witch,' grinned Gwaine.
'Oh shut up,' Merlin said and directing a spell at him turned the knight's hair bright pink.
Everyone burst out laughing.
'What? What?' Gwaine asked.
'I'll have to get you to that again,' chortled Arthur.
Merlin grinned.
'Well, perhaps you'll think twice about lying to me in the future. And Merlin, there's something on your face,' Gaius said.
'Where?' asked Merlin.
Merlin freaks out about the leeches on his face and arms and Gaius laughs.