Gwaine
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.
In the countryside Merlin and Arthur ride to a hill overlooking a small village.
'You know what you need after a hard day's hunt?' Arthur asked.
'Sleep,' Merlin replied.
'A nice cold tankard of mead,' Arthur said ignoring his servant.
Gwaine nodded, 'yes you do.'
'You know Merlin doesn't drink,' Elyan said.
'I have to come up with an excuse when Merlin ends up in trouble,' Gaius said long suffering.
'Hey,' Merlin retorted. 'It's not my fault that Arthur and Camelot are always being attacked!'
'Mead,' Merlin said confused.
Arthur and Merlin dismount and tie their horses up in the small village.
'No better place to measure the mood of your people than the local tavern,' Arthur said.
'This is one of those moments where I tell you something isn't a good idea and you ignore me, isn't it?' asked Merlin.
'Does he ever listen?' asked Gwen.
'To me?' asked Merlin. 'Never.'
'Something bad is going to happen,' groaned Hunith.
'You're learning, Merlin. Slowly, but you're learning. Now, remember, in here you're not my servant, I'm just a simple peasant like everyone else,' Arthur said.
'Simple part's right,' Merlin muttered.
'Merlin,' Hunith scolded.
'What?' asked Arthur.
'I said, the sun is very bright,' Merlin said.
'Your not going to fall for that?' asked Gwaine incredulously.
'Yeah,' Arthur said suspiciously. 'Yeah, it is.'
In the Tavern the barmaid is serving Arthur and Merlin.
'Afternoon. What'll it be?' asked the barmaid.
'Er...' Arthur grunted.
'I thought you wanted mead,' Gwaine said.
'Mmm. You're an handsome fellow,' the barmaid said.
'Thank you,' grinned Merlin.
'Well, you wouldn't be the first to say it,' Arthur said.
'Oh, no, sorry,' the barmaid said not sounding sorry at all. 'I was talking about your friend here.'
The Knights burst out into raucous laughter causing both Merlin and Arthur to scowl.
'It's not that funny,' Merlin scowled.
'Him?' Arthur said shocked.
'Is it really so incredulous that I could be attractable to women?' asked Merlin scowling.
'Thank you,' Merlin replied.
'Two tankards of mead, please,' Arthur said changing the subject.
'I was wrong. Coming here was a great idea,' Merlin grinned.
A bulky man enters and the tavern goes quiet.
'This is where we met,' Gwaine suddenly realised.
'Did it really take you that long to realise?' asked Merlin.
'I've been to lots of taverns,' Gwaine replied.
'Afternoon, Mary. Business looks good,' the bulky man says.
'We have our better days,' Mary replies.
'I don't suppose you'd begrudge me my share, then,' the man asks.
Mary throws him some coins.
Hunith sighed, 'it seems you have people like him wherever you go.'
'And the rest?' demands the man.
'That's all we got,' Mary retorted.
The man grabs the front of Mary's shirt and pulls a dagger on her.
There were curses from the knights at this un-chivalrous act.
'I'll not ask again!' threatened the man.
'Take your hands off her,' Arthur said.
The man attacks Arthur. Arthur throws Dagr into a shelf.
'That wasn't too bad,' Gwen said relieved.
'I'm gonna make you pay for that,' the man promises.
Merlin chuckles, 'I'd like to see you try.'
'Because no one touches the Great Emrys,' grinned Gwaine.
The man whistles and a group of tough looking men enter the tavern.
'You really had to jinx it, didn't you Merlin,' Gaius shook his head.
'You had to open your big mouth, didn't you Merlin?' Arthur said resigned.
'You two have got yourselves in a bit of a pickle, haven't you?' Gwaine said grinning.
'I take it this is your idea of a good night,' Leon shook his head.
'You should get out of here while you have the chance,' Arthur warned.
'Not on your life,' Gwaine laughed.
'You're probably right,' Gwaine agreed.
Gwaine takes a swig from his drink, hands the drink to the leader and punches him. A brawl ensues.
'Why is it that every tavern I walk into ends up in brawl?' asked Gwaine.
'Because you're there,' suggested Percival.
'Arthur!' Merlin shouts.
'Merlin! Behind you!' warned Arthur.
Behind Merlin a man throws a chair causing Merlin to duck.
'Ætslide bencþel,' Merlin incants.
Merlin's spell throws a bench at two large men marching toward him.
'Could really do with you around the tavern sometimes,' Gwaine grinned.
'You can get yourself out of your own mess,' Merlin snorted. 'If I was there whenever you ticked someone off I'd never be able to have another night's sleep.'
'I'm not that bad,' Gwaine protested.
Mary tries to rescue her merchandise as the fight goes on. Merlin slides under the bar and Mary help him knock out one of the men. Merlin magically throws plates at another attacker and Gwaine approaches the counter as he knocks out the man he has in a headlock.
'Pass the jug, heh?' asks Gwaine.
Merlin immediately hands Gwaine the jug as asked and Gwaine takes a swig of the mead from the jug.
'Was that really the time?' asked Gwen.
'It's always time,' grinned Gwaine.
'Gwaine, it really is not healthy to be perpetually drunk,' sighed Gaius.
Then Gwaine punches an attacker behind him.
'What do they call you, then?' asked Gwaine.
'You're really having that conversation now?' Hunith demanded.
'Merlin,' Merlin replied.
'Gwaine. Pleasure to meet you,' Gwaine responded.
Gwaine smashes the jug on another attacker's head.
'How many of them are there?' asked Leon.
Arthur shrugs, 'no idea.'
'A lot,' Merlin said.
'Such a waste, heh?' Gwaine laughed.
Arthur fights the leader who pulls a knife. Gwaine lunges at the leader, but takes a knife to the thigh. Gwaine tries to get up, but falls over and knocks himself out on a bench.
'Gwaine,' laughed Leon.
Merlin examines Gwaine.
'How is he?' asked Arthur.
Merlin's bandages Gwaine's leg.
'You've picked up a lot from Gaius,' smiled Hunith.
'Not good,' Merlin said seriously. 'He's losing a lot of blood.'
Outside the tavern the peasants throw rotten food at the leader in the stocks outside the tavern. Gwaine is slung over Arthur's horse.
'So dignified,' grinned Percival.
'Gwaine isn't dignified when he's awake and not tied to a horse,' laughed Merlin.
'If this man ever troubles you again, word is to be sent to Camelot. Soldiers will be here within a day,' Arthur promised.
'How can you make a promise like that?' asked Mary.
'Because I'm the King's son, Prince Arthur,' Arthur informed them.
Arthur and Merlin ride off.
'Prince Arthur? Prince Arthur in my tavern? Come on!' Mary said disbelievingly.
Mary and other peasants pelt the leader with rotten food.
That night in Merlin's chambers Merlin and Arthur set Gwaine down on the bed.
'Merlin, fetch me some fresh water, towels, a needle, and silk thread,' ordered Gaius.
'And honey?' asked Merlin.
'You're learning,' smiled Hunith.
'You're very like Gaius,' Merlin said.
'You're learning,' Gaius says approvingly.
Arthur looks at Gaius for explanation.
'Helps fight the infection,' Gaius explains simply.
'Will he be alright?' asked Arthur.
'Providing he's strong,' Gaius said.
'According to the dwarf I'm strength,' grinned Gwaine.
'And I'm courage,' Arthur said. 'I take it that means your magic.'
'Who else?' grins Merlin.
'He's that, alright. The man saved my life, Gaius. He's to be given anything he needs,' ordered Arthur.
The next day Gwaine wakes and Merlin enters with a breakfast tray.
'What am I doing in this bed?' asked Gwaine.
'It's hardly the first time I've woke up in a strange bed,' grinned Gwaine.
'Gwaine!' Gwen said.
'I meant with all my travelling,' Gwaine said quickly.
'You were wounded. Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician,' Merlin replied.
'Arthur?' asked Gwaine.
'Prince Arthur. You saved his life,' Merlin explained.
'If I'd known who he was, I probably wouldn't have. He's a noble,' Gwaine said in disgust.
'Hey what's wrong with nobility?' demanded Leon.
'Nobles aren't necessarily noble,' Gwaine scowled.
'Yeah, but he's a good man,' Merlin said.
'If you say so,' Gwaine snorted.
'You're a hero. The King wants to thank you in person,' Merlin said.
'Like you?' snorted Gwaine, 'you were made a servant.'
'Well it gave me a chance to look after the prat,' Merlin replied.
'Please, no. I've met a few kings. Once you've met one, you've...you've met them all,' Gwaine said.
'What king have you met?' asked Gwaine.
Gwaine scowled, 'it doesn't matter!'
'He'll probably give you a reward,' Merlin said.
'I'm not interested. Besides, I've got everything I need right here,' Gwaine replied.
'Why did you help us?' asked Merlin.
'Your chances looked between slim and none. I, er...I guess I just kind of like the look of those odds,' Gwaine shrugged.
In Arthur's chambers Merlin is tending to his morning duties.
'How's Gwaine?' asked Arthur.
'Recovering,' Merlin said simply looking out the window. 'Who's that?' asked Merlin.
Arthur goes to the window to see a knight riding into the Square.
'Ahh, Sir Darien. He's here for the mêlée,' Arthur says.
'Oh, yeah. The tournament where the knights ride around hitting each other with blunt weapons for no good reason,' Merlin said.
'It's much more than that,' Leon said insulted.
'Are all knights the same?' asked Merlin.
'A little more to it than that,' Arthur replied.
'Really? All I've ever seen is people getting the seven bells knocked out of them so that the last man standing can be called the winner,' Merlin replied.
'The mêlée is the ultimate test of strength and courage,' Arthur said.
'Great that both Strength and Courage are together,' Merlin grinned.
'Are you sure we're talking about the same thing?' asked Merlin.
'Well, I wouldn't expect you to understand. You're not a knight,' Arthur said.
'Oh, well if it means I don't get clobbered 'round the head, I'm glad of it,' Merlin muttered.
'I think Merlin's the bravest of us all,' Lancelot said.
'I'm afraid it doesn't,' Arthur said proving his point by throwing a cup at the back of Merlin's head.
'Ow!' Merlin said.
Arthur nods his head towards the armour sitting on the table.
'I need that lot cleaned by noon,' Arthur said.
Merlin rubs his neck, 'agh.'
In another part of the kingdom two of the men from the tavern enter a shop.
'The Stalorne blades, just as you requested,' the shopkeeper brought out two apparently dull blades.
The leader and his follower inspected one of the swords.
'They're blunt,' the man said.
'That is only how they appear,' his leader said.
To prove his point cuts his ally's shirt with the sword and they both laugh together.
'Why should you want such a weapon?' asked the shopkeeper.
'To kill Arthur,' Merlin said simply.
'As always,' sighed Gwen.
'That's none of your business, old man. You have the crystals?' demanded the man.
'Money first,' the shopkeeper demanded.
He tosses the shopkeeper a pouch. The shopkeeper then fetches a box and the leader reaches for it.
'Not yet,' the shopkeeper said. 'Þece treowee andwlitan heora fram gesiht eallra.'
'He's a sorcerer,' Arthur said frowning.
'I'm a sorcerer,' Merlin retorted.
'But you're not evil,' Arthur said.
'I don't think he's evil,' Gaius said. 'He's just trying to make ends meat.'
The spell makes the crystals glow.
'The wearer of these crystals will be able to take on the form of whoever's blood they touch,' explains the shopkeeper with a laugh.
'Thank you,' the raider said.
'Thank you,' nods the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper is run through with one of the Stalorne blades.
'That is why you don't do deals with thugs like this,' Arthur said.
'Now what?' asked the smaller man.
'Now, Ebor, we can take our revenge on Prince Arthur of Camelot,' the taller man said and both of them both laughed.
'Was being humiliated really punishable by death?' asked Gwen.
In Merlin's chambers Gwaine puts on his boots, opens the window and looks down on Camelot.
In the lower town Gwaine spots Gwen, snatches a flower from the basket of a girl passing by, and presents it to Gwen.
Arthur frowned, 'you better not hit on Guinevere.'
'Err…' Gwaine said.
'Gwaine flirts with everyone who he doesn't believe has someone,' Percival laughed.
'I believe this belongs to you,' Gwaine flirted.
'I don't think so. It's not my colour,' Gwen let him down.
'Ah, well...let us see,' Gwaine puts the flower in Gwen's hair.
'I bet you've got a whole bunch of those to hand out,' Gwen said.
Elyan nodded, 'at least she's smart.'
'No. Yours is the only one,' Gwaine holds up empty hands as proof. Gwen scoffs and tries to move past him.
'I'm Gwaine,' Gwaine introduced himself.
Gwaine holds out his hand and Gwen shakes it and keeps walking. Gwaine doesn't let go and pulls her back.
'You really don't take rejection well,' snorted Leon.
'You haven't told me your name. You look like a princess to me. So it's probably something like Sophia or...or Esmeralda. That's it. Princess Esmeralda,' Gwaine bows to Gwen.
'Stop it. People are staring,' Gwen said embarassed.
'Not until you tell me your name,' insisted Gwaine.
'Do you manage to pick up any girls like that?' asked Leon.
'It's Gwen,' Gwen replied.
'There,' Gwaine said satisfied. 'That wasn't so hard now, was it?' Gwaine asks as Gwen tries to move past him. 'Let me carry that. A princess shouldn't have to lump her washing around.'
'Or a future queen,' grinned Gwaine as Lancelot winced.
'Unfortunately I'm not a princess,' Gwen replied.
'Ah, but you see...you are to me,' Gwaine said.
'No your Arthur's queen,' grinned Merlin.
Gwen laughs.
'This isn't working, is it?' asked Arthur.
'Caught on,' glowered Arthur.
'No, not really. But I like that you tried, and that you know when to give up,'Gwen takes the flower out of her hair and hands it to Gwaine. 'You'd better have this, in case someone else takes your fancy,' and continues down the street.
'I've only eyes for you,' Gwaine calls after Gwen.
'And every other pretty unmarried girl around,' Percival snorted.
'I'm sure,' Gwen said doubtfully.
Gwaine chuckles as he turns to walk up the street.
In the forest two knights are sitting around the camp fire.
'How much further would you say it is to Camelot?' asked one of the knights.
'Half a day's ride,' replied the other knight. 'The journey is almost over.'
'It is for you,' the criminal plotting Arthur's death appeared.
The knight sees the thug rushing in for the attack.
'Oswald!' called the knight.
The thug then stabs Oswald whilst his ally takes down Sir Ethan from behind. A servant exits one of the tents.
'Dagr!' the smaller man shouts.
Dagr throws a knife into the servant's back.
'That backstabbing thug!' Gwaine look incensed.
'The crystals,' Dagr ordered.
The smaller man opens the box. Dagr wipes blood on one of the crystal necklaces and puts it on.
'Blood magic,' muttered Merlin darkly.
'You look good, Dagr,' the thug said.
'Sir Oswald,' Dagr as Sir Oswald said.
'Sorry, Sire,' the smaller man smirked giving a mocking bow.
'That's alright,' smirked Dagr in Sir Oswald's body as he takes the box and hands the second crystal necklace to his friend.
'You're turn,' Dagr said. 'Then we can take our rightful place in the mêlée.'
'Rightful?' asked Percival with a snort.
In the main square Dagr as Sir Oswald and his disguised fellow criminal road into the Square. Arthur and Merlin greet them.
'Sir Oswald! Didn't think you'd be brave enough to show up,' Arthur said.
'And miss the chance of putting you on your backside?' asked Dagr as Sir Oswald.
'Ha-ha. You've never managed it before,' Arthur said amused.
'That was then. This is now,' Dagr as Sir Oswald said.
Arthur gives him a friendly punch and turns to the unfamiliar knight.
'Sir Ethan,' the thug introduces.
Arthur and the fake Ethan grasp arms.
'This is my servant, Merlin. He loves hard work so, anything you need, just give him a call,' Arthur said.
'Gee thanks Arthur,' muttered Merlin.
'Don't they have any other servant to help out?' asked Gwaine.
'Apparently not,' Merlin replied. 'But it's good because I get to keep an eye on what guests are up to. So many of them have tried to kill you!'
'Believe me, I will,' Dagr said.
In Sir Ethan and Oswald's chambers Merlin is tending to them.
'Merlin!' shouts Dagr.
'He's taking advantage of his new position,' Gwaine shook his head.
Merlin enters carrying a large trunk, 'here it is.'
'What took you so long?' demanded Dagr.
'Lugging trunks up flights of stairs isn't easy, you know,' Gwen said angrily.
'What? It weighs a ton. The stairs...seven flights,' Merlin said.
'That's very kind of you,' Sir Ethan's doppelganger said.
'But you can't leave it there,' Dagr snapped.
'I can't?' Merlin asked incredulously.
'It's in the way,' Dagr replied.
'Of what?' asked Gwaine angrily.
'OK, where do you want it?' asked Merlin.
'Over there, by the bed,' the fake Sir Ethan said.
Merlin picks up the trunk and moves it.
'Oh, no. The...other side,' Dagr says angrily.
Merlin drags the trunk to the other side of the bed.
'It's going to get in my way there,' the fake Sir Ethan said.
'Are they deliberately trying to give you extra work?' asked Gwen.
'Yes,' Merlin said.
'Why?' asked Hunith.
'Because he's Arthur's servant and helped to stop them thieving from Mary,' Gwaine said with a grin at Mary.
'Where do you want it?' asked Merlin.
'On top of the wardrobe,' Dagr said.
'On top?' asked Merlin.
'You're absolutely right, Oswald,' the fake Sir Ethan agreed. 'That's exactly where it should be.'
'Er...' Merlin pants as he attempts to put the trunk on top of the wardrobe. Dagr opens the latch and everything falls out.
'And I take it you got the blame?' asked Hunith.
'Of course,' Merlin shrugged.
That night in the physician's chambers Merlin quickly slurps his pea soup.
'It's very hard to work out whether you are eating or inhaling that soup,' Gaius said.
'He always eats like that during harvest season,' smiled Hunith.
'Hey I was starving,' Merlin complained.
'I haven't had anything all day. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call,' Merlin complained.
'He makes Arthur look nice,' muttered Merlin.
'What was that?' asked Arthur.
'Nothing,' Merlin said quickly.
'How is he?' asked Gaius.
'I always like Oswald,' smiled Gaius.
'Awful. He treats me like dirt,' Merlin complained.
'That doesn't sound like the young man I knew. He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul,' Gaius said.
'He must have changed,' Merlin said.
'You must remember that not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur,' Gaius said.
Merlin spits his soup in Gaius's face.
'Merlin,' scolded Hunith.
'Thank you, Merlin,' Gaius said.
'Sorry,' Merlin said.
The door opens and Gwen peeks in.
'Merlin, I think you need to come with me,' Gwen said.
'Did you find something out about the raiders?' asked Lancelot anxiously.
In the Rising Sun in the Lower Town Merlin is looking at Gwaine in exasperation.
'You drank all this?' asked Merlin exasperated.
'With some help from my new friends!' Gwaine said drunkenly.
'Which I had to pay for,' scowled Arthur.
'Arthur you're the crown prince of Camelot,' Gwen said. 'You can pay for that.'
'I shouldn't have to!' Arthur said angrily glaring at Merlin and Gwaine.
'Yeah!' cheered the tavern folk.
'He says that he hasn't got any money. So it looks like you'll have to pay,' the Inn Keeper said.
'How is that fair?' asked Leon.
'It's not,' Merlin said simply.
'But...I can't afford this,' Merlin replied.
'See I didn't have any choice,' Merlin said.
'You better find someone who can,' the Inn Keeper said grimly asGwaine laughs and falls over.
In Merlin's chambers Merlin helps a staggering Gwaine into the room.
'You're the best friend I've ever had,' Gwaine swayed slightly.
'You seem to have quite a few,' Merlin said andthey laugh.
'I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill,' Gwaine laughed.
'I wouldn't,' muttered Merlin.
'Right. What is it with you and nobles?' asked Merlin.
'Is it really fair to ask him when he's drunk?' asked Leon.
'He wouldn't tell me any other time of the day,' replied Merlin.
'Oh, nothing. My father was a knight in Caerleon's army,' explained Gwaine.
'Your father's a noble?' asked Arthur shocked.
'Yeah,' shrugged Gwaine. 'I've got a seal and all.'
'He died in battle, leaving my mother penniless. And when she went to the King for help, he turned her away,' Gwaine replied.
'It sounds like Will's story,' Hunith said.
'Except his father was just one of the common foot soldiers, not a knight,' Merlin said. 'But same gist.'
'Does it happen a lot?' asked Arthur.
'Yes,' Gwen said grimly.
'It's up to the king what happens upon a noble death if there is no of age son,' Leon said.
'You didn't know him?' asked Merlin.
'Just some stories I've been told,' Gwaine replied.
'The locals told me about him,' Gwaine explained. 'He was supposed to be a good landlord.'
'Yeah, I know how that feels. I met my father just briefly before he died,' Merlin said.
'You were the first person I could talk to my father without questions since he died,' Merlin said.
'Why?' asked Gwaine.
'He was banished,' explained Merlin.
'It was the easiest way to explain it,' Merlin said.
'What had he done?' asked Gwaine non-judgementally.
'Nothing,' Merlin said defensively. 'He served the King.'
Arthur frowned at this but he couldn't defend his father because it was true. Arthur had begun to realise that his father wasn't as good a king as he had thought before. It was people like Merlin, Hunith and Balinor who suffered.
'But the King turned against him?' asked Gwaine. 'That doesn't surprise me.#
'Arthur's not like that,' Merlin said.
'Ha!' Gwaine said not believing Merlin. 'Maybe,' Gwaine said. 'But none of them are worth dying for, heh?'Gwaine laughs, hits his head on wall, and laughs some more.
In Arthur's chambers Merlin enters with a breakfast tray.
'Sorry. I know, I'm late,' Merlin said quickly.
'Not at all,' Arthur said stiffly.
'Someone's not happy,' Percival said.
'Good,' Merlin said looking relieved.
'Sure you're alright? You're not sick, unsteady, about to burst into song?' asked Arthur.
'Merlin doesn't drink,' Gwaine repeated.
'No, why?' asked Merlin.
Arthur picks up a piece of paper, 'fourteen quarts of mead, three flagons of wine, five quarts of cider...'
'I can explain,' Merlin said quickly.
'It was Gwaine's fault,' Merlin said.
'Four dozen pickled eggs,' Arthur continued.
'That was Gwaine. He went to the tavern and, er..he couldn't pay for it,' Merlin explained.
'So you said I would,' Arthur said angrily.
'Mm. You know, if I hadn't, that inn keeper...he, he would've strung us both up,' Merlin tried.
'Somehow I don't think Arthur would mind,' Leon said amused.
'I fail to see the downside,' Arthur replied.
'You said he should be given anything he needs,' Merlin said.
'Good turn it around on the princess,' grinned Gwaine.
'I don't think that will work,' warned Gwen.
'Four dozen pickled eggs?!' demanded Arthur.
'I'm not even going to ask,' Leon shook his head.
'I'm sorry...I'll pay for it,' Merlin said spontaneously.
'Don't be silly Merlin you can't pay for all that,' Hunith scolded.
'I worked for it,' Merlin muttered.
'So did I,' Gwaine added in.
'It was your fault in the first place,' Merlin pointed out.
'You most certainly will,' Arthur said grimly.
In the throne room Merlin and Gwaine are sat polishing boots with a line of boots that they still had to scrub.
'Arthur is a thoroughbred little braggart,' Gwaine said.
'So are you,' pointed out Percival.
'Only on my father's side,' Gwaine replied. 'My mother's a maid. It's probably why Caerleon didn't give her my father's money.'
'Why?' asked Merlin.
'For making us do this,' Gwaine said.
'I think it's fair,' Merlin replied.
'For the entire army?' asked Gwaine.
'If you admitted your father was a knight, you wouldn't have to,' pointed out Merlin.
'You'd probably end up becoming a knight,' Lancelot said.
'I refuse to serve for Uther,' Gwaine retorted.
'Maybe. But I'm not making the same mistakes that he did. Anyway, my father always treated his servants well,' Gwaine said.
'You didn't know him,' Merlin pointed out.
'The locals always spoke well of him,' Gwaine said adamantly.
'Well, I like to think that he did. What about yours?' asked Gwaine.
'No, he didn't have any servants,' Merlin said.
'He did before he was banished,' Gaius said. 'The House of Ambrose was wealthy.'
'He didn't have...well...anyone,' admitted Merlin sadly.
'He was delighted to realise he had a son,' Gwen said kindly.
'When did he die?' asked Gwaine.
'About a year ago. I just wish that I had the chance to know him better. So much he could've taught me,' Merlin said wistfully.
'Usually the parent would teach their children their magic,' Gaius said. 'If not they'd usually seek out a sorcerer to teach them or go to the druids or Priests of the Old Religion although they'll only take the most powerful.'
'But you did get to meet him,' pointed out Gwaine.
'Yeah,' admitted Merlin.
'If there's one thing that I learned from my father's life, is that titles don't mean anything. It's what's inside...' Gwaine slaps Merlin's knee with the cleaning brush... 'that counts.'
'Ow,' complainedMerlin as he rubs his knee.
In the training grounds Arthur attacks a practice dummy.
'You look like you need a bit of practice,' Dagr as Sir Oswald suggests.
'Ah, you think so?' Arthur asked.
'I know so,' Dagr says confidently.
Arthur gestures "bring it" and Merlin hands Dagr disguised as Oswald a sword and a fight ensues.
'You're rusty,' Arthur comments. 'You're not as quick as you used to be.'
'He's a different person,' Gwaine pointed out.
'I know that now,' Arthur rolled his eye.
'Still quick enough to hit you,' taunted Dagr.
'I thought you were left handed?' Arthur asked.
'Sir Oswald is,' Gwaine said.
'You must have been close to him to remember that,' Gwen said.
'He taught me a bit as a child,' Arthur admitted.
'Yes, I am, I...' Dagr said quickly and switches the sword to his left hand, '...just wanted to give you a chance. Why don't we make this more interesting? 50 gold coins first clean hit.'
'Make it a hundred,' Arthur said.
'See the princess still has his gold,' Gwaine said.
'No thanks to you,' muttered Arthur darkly.
Dagr attacks but Arthur pins his arm and taps his armour.
'You can keep your money,' Arthur said.
Arthur leaves and the criminal disguised as Sir Ethan approaches Dagr.
'Don't worry, in the mêlée there'll be two of us,' the pretend Sir Ethan said.
'Don't worry I'll save the princess,' Gwaine grinned.
'And with the Stalorne blade I will fillet the little brat,' Dagr added.
Dagr turns to Merlin who overheard them as he picked up the borrowed sword.
'You do have a knack of accidentally finding out plots against Arthur, don't you Merlin,' Gwen said.
'Somebody has to,' shrugged Merlin.
Dagr spits.
In Sir Ethan and Sir Oswald's chambers Merlin examines the Stalorne blades and one of them cuts his finger.
'What are you doing with that, boy?' Dagr demanded.
'Uncovering the latest plot against Arthur,' Gwaine replied.
'Wha...Er...I was just tidying...' Merlin stuttered.
'Gaius is right Merlin,' Arthur said, 'for someone with so many secrets you are an appalling liar.'
'Tell me about it,' groaned Merlin.
'Keep away from things that don't concern you,' warned Dagr.
Merlin takes dinner plates and leaves.
In the physician's chambers Gaius bandages Merlin's cut finger.
'To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it...' Merlin trailed off and mimics a grimace.
'You were lucky. I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery,' Gwaine warned.
'What would they want with such a blade?' asked Gaius.
'I think they mean to kill Arthur in the mêlée,' Merlin said.
'Don't they always,' Gwen shook her head.
'Yes,' groaned Merlin. 'And I have to deal with it!'
'But in front of all those people?' asked Gaius.
'It wouldn't be the first time,' Merlin muttered.
'It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional,' Gwaine pointed out.
'I need to warn Arthur,' Merlin said.
'I'd never believe that Oswald would try and kill me,' Arthur said.
'Merlin, Sir Oswald's a knight. He comes from a well respected family. You can't accuse him without proof,' Gaius reminded him.
'Then we need that blade,' Merlin said.
'I'll get it,' Gwaine said.
'What if they catch you? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's chamber? No. It's safer if I do it,' Merlin said.
'Do you always have to endanger yourself?' groaned Hunith.
That night Merlin sneaks into Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan's chambers while both fake knights are asleep. Merlin opens the trunk to get the Stalorne blade but he notices the crystal around Oswald's neck. Merlin approaches the bed and sees Dagr in the crystal. Dagr wakes up and grabs him.
In the physician's chambers Gwaine his pacing worrying about his friend.
'Merlin should be back by now,' Gwaine said.
'I know,' agreed Gaius.
'I'm going to go see what's going on,' Gwaine said.
'Gwaine,' Gaius said warningly.
'I wasn't going to sit around and do nothing whilst my friend was in danger!' Gwaine said.
In Sir Oswald's chambers a dagger is thrown just above Merlin's head.
'I was just rearranging the bed clothes, that's all!' Merlin said.
Dagr responds to Merlin by throwing the second dagger at the servant boy, 'you here that. Sir Ethan?' Dagr said obviosuly not believing Merlin. 'He was just rearranging the bed clothes,' Dagr throws third dagger.'My mistake,' he said. 'He's not the snivelling thief I thought he was.'
'No that's you,' Arthur scowled.
Dagr attacks Merlin with a sword.
'I thought you might be cold!' Merlin said.
'You really are a bad liar,' Gwaine shakes his head.
'Of course you did,' Dagr said disbelievingly.
Merlin ducks as Dagr swings his weapon at him.
'Is there a problem here?' asks Gwaine walking in seeing Merlin being threatened.
'No,' Dagr says. 'Now leave,' orders Dagr.
'There's obviously some sort of problem,' snorted Leon. 'Otherwise you wouldn't be threatening to kill a servant.'
'You alright, Merlin?' asked Gwaine.
'Fine,' Hunith said drily, 'just been almost killed again.'
'Not exactly the first time,' Merlin shrugged.
Merlin shakes his head, 'no.'
'I thought I told you to leave?' Dagr said sharply.
'I wasn't talking to you,' retorted Gwaine.
'How dare you speak to a knight like that!' the apparent Sir Ethan demanded.
'You're not a knight!' Leon said.
The fake Sir Ethan attacks Gwaine. Gwaine disarms Sir Ethan and catches his sword. Dagr attacks Gwaine.
'Careful!' Merlin warns.
'Don't worry. I can handle this thug,' Gwaine growled.
'Not without getting arrested,' Gaius sighed.
Gwaine fights Dagr, and then the fake Sir Ethan who attacks from behind. Gwaine knocks Sir Ethan down, then Dagr attacks from behind.
'Watch out!' Merlin calls again.
Gwaine disarms Dagr when Sir Leon enters.
'What's going on?' asked Sir Leon.
'You have to say it looked bad,' Sir Leon said, 'an apparent commoner attacking an apparent guest knight in his own chambers.'
Gwaine turns to look and Oswald backhands him, knocking Gwaine to the floor.
'This man attacked me! I demand an audience with the King!' the fake knight cries.
'My father will never side with Gwaine,' groaned Arthur.
A while later in the Council Chamber Merlin walks in with Gaius after the disastrous attempt to steal the swords.
'It's not Sir Oswald. It's that thug from the tavern, Dagr. He's using a magical crystal to change his appearance,' Merlin is explaining.
Guards bring Gwaine into the council chamber in chains.
'Not the most comfortable night I've ever spent,' grinned Gwaine.
'Trust me I know,' agreed Elyan. 'Being held by Morgause and Morgana wasn't easy.'
'Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me,' Dagr claimed.
'Is this true?' asked Uther.
'I stepped in to protect Merlin,' Gwaine retorted.
'I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up,' Dagr said.
'Indeed, I can vouch for his every word,' the fake knight agreed.
'He's a liar!' Gwaine shouted.
'I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a knight in that way?!' Uther was outraged.
'He's not a knight,' Leon said insulted.
'Nobility is defined by what you do, and not by who you are. And these men are anything but. They are arrogant thugs!' Gwaine said.
'That's true,' agreed Arthur.
'They were thugs before it was revealed they weren't knights,' Gwaine said sharply.
'Gwaine,' Arthur said warningly.
'Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves,' Dagr said.
'I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's Code,' Uther said.
'I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of,' Dagr agreed.
'Sir Oswald, please,' Arthur said placating.
'Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction,' Dagr said.
'Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation. Sir Oswald is a dear friend, and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart,' Arthur pleaded Gwaine's case.
'Which is why I serve you,' Gwaine said. 'Because you are a true noble.'
'How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?' demanded Uther.
'Gwaine risked his life to save mine. I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency,' Arthur said.
'You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the city,' Uther warned.
Outside in the corridor the two fake knights talked.
'That servant boy is onto us,' the fake Sir Ethan said.
'What's he gonna do? We're knights, remember? You've seen what happens when a commoner accuses a knight,' reminds Sir Oswald.
'It's good that you've begun to change that,' Lancelot said.
In the physician's chambers Gwaine packs his belongings.
'I'm sorry,' Merlin said.
'Don't be. I never stay in one place for very long. People get sick of me too quickly,' Gwaine said.
'I wonder why,' Lancelot said with a grin.
'I didn't,' Merlin said quietly.
'After the trouble I caused?' asked Gwaine.
'You livened the place up,' Merlin laughed.
'Make sure you look after Arthur. He's in danger,' Gwaine said.
'I thought you hated nobles?' Merlin asked.
'Heh, well...maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?' Gwaine said.
'You inspire loyalty Arthur,' Lancelot said.
After Gwaine was brought in front of the king and condemned to exile he and Gwen meet in the palace corridor. Gwen has obviously heard what has happened and his worried.
'Worried about your man,' grinned Gwaine.
'I heard what happened,' Gwen said.
'Yeah, well, there you go,' Gwaine replied disgruntled.
'You did a brave thing,' Gwen said.
'Hell of a lot of good it did me,' Gwaine said darkly.
'I know Arthur. He's not like Uther. You saved his life, I'm sure one day he'll repay you,' Gwen said convinced.
'Of course,' Arthur said simply.
'He tried to speak up for me,' Gwaine admitted.
'Arthur's fair. He's loyal. He'll be a great king. I know he will,' Gwen said.
'Clearly. If he makes everyone feel the way that you do. At least now I know why you turned me down,' Gwaine said amused.
'Is it really that obvious?' asked Gwen blushing.
'Yes,' Merlin said.
'It's not just me that says that,' Gwen said quickly.
'No, I'm sure it isn't. Let's hope he lives that long,' Gwaine said grimly.
Meanwhile Merlin and Gaius have returned to their chambers. The two of them are clearly worrying over what to do next to thwart the two imposters' plans to kill Arthur.
'I don't know what we do,' Merlin admitted.
'I could try and persuade Arthur to withdraw from the contest,' Gaius suggested.
Lancelot shook his head, 'that's not the knight's way.'
'He won't,' Merlin said simply.
'At least I knows Arthur,' Merlin said with a grin.
'I know Arthur. I'll have to somehow...use my powers to defend him,' Merlin realised.
'What if father sees you?' demanded Arthur.
'You sound like Gaius,' Merlin muttered. 'But you left me little choice.'
Arthur nodded, 'sometimes it feels like none of my feats are truly my own.'
'Of course they are,' Merlin said sharply. 'The knights, Gaius and Gwen have all helped! Does that mean your triumphs are any less yours? I just helped in a different way to them.'
'With the King and half of Camelot watching?' demanded Gaius.
'He has a point,' Gwen said worrying about her friend.
'I don't have a choice,' Merlin replied.
'At least you didn't end up caught,' Arthur said.
'It's hardly the first time I've used magic in front of Uther or in a tournament,' Merlin pointed out.
'Valiant,' agreed Arthur.
The next day Arthur and Uther are in the prince's chambers.
'Ah. I trust you're ready for the challenge?' asked Uther.
'It would have been much easier if you'd arrested the imposters,' Merlin said darkly.
'Yes, Father,' Arthur replied.
'I came to bring you this. I won my first mêlée with this blade. The edge has been dulled, it's perfectly safe. All of Camelot is eager for a victory today, Arthur. I know you won't let me down,' Uther said.
'I never really appreciated how much pressure your father heaps on you,' Merlin said.
'It's my duty as prince of Camelot,' Arthur retorted.
'I know,' Merlin said softly, 'but it doesn't mean it's easy for you.'
Meanwhile Gwen is in Morgana's chambers. Gwen looks worriedly out Morgana's window at the townspeople walking to the tournament grounds. Clearly she is worrying about her future husband.
In the tournament grounds a crowd begins to gather to watch their prince fight. The trumpets sound.
In one of the tents on the tournament grounds the two fake knights stand. They are obviously over confident despite that no one who has tried to kill Arthur has succeeded. The fact that Gwaine and Merlin attempted to reveal to Arthur what they are doesn't bother them in the slightest.
'Prince Arthur isn't going to know what's hit him,' Sir Ethan's imposter smirks.
'Gwaine and Merlin revealed that they weren't all they said they were,' Arthur said. 'I learnt the hard way to trust Merlin.'
'Valiant?' asked Merlin.
'Oh, I hope he does. If it's over too quickly, that'll be no fun at all,' Dagr replies causing the other bandit to laugh. 'Ready?'
'Absolutely,' the other conspirator said and they clang swords in salute.
In Arthur's chambers Merlin is preparing Arthur for melee.
'You know those moments when I tell you something isn't a good idea?' asked Merlin.
'You know he'll never withdraw,' Gwaine said.
'I had to try,' Merlin retorted.
'And then I ignore you, yeah,' Arthur replied.
'You really should start listening to Merlin,' Gwen said.
'It would save a lot of problems if he did,' muttered Merlin.
'And then I'm proved right?' continued Merlin.
'Which he always forgets the next time,' Merlin muttered darkly.
'Merlin, your concern for my wellbeing is touching,' Arthur said.
'I'm serious. I think you should withdraw,' Merlin said.
'And of course the idiot ignores me,' Merlin scowled.
'Look, I know you think the mêlée is some kind of...stupid game, but it's more than that. It's about proving to the people that I'm fit to lead them,' Arthur explained.
'Which is why I can't withdraw,' Arthur said. 'If I withdraw at the first sign of trouble I'd look like a coward.'
'Better be alive to fight again and seen as a coward. Than dead and a hero,' Gwen said. 'Camelot needs you!'
'I know,' Merlin said softly and hands Arthur the dull sword. 'Just be careful.'
In the tournament Uther enters the stands. Merlin stands next to Gaius in the crowd. Uther gives the signal and the mêlée ensues. A strange knight in a helmet is injured by a Stalorne blade. The fake Sir Ethan) rides toward Arthur.
'He's heading straight for Arthur,' Merlin said.
Arthur ducks the Starlone blade. The pretend Sir Ethan is thrown from his horse and the unknown knight is knocked off his horse. The fake Sir Ethan still goes for Arthur on foot.
'He doesn't give up. Does he?' Lancelot asked.
'When do they ever?' asked Arthur.
'Arthur's in trouble,' Merlin said grimly.
The fake Sir Ethan jumps and pulls Arthur off his horse, then tries to stab him.
'And that's not an obvious assassination attempt at all?' Merlin said sarcastically.
Arthur rolls out of the way, avoiding the magically sharpened blade. Arthur fights with the fake Sir Ethan. Dagr rides toward them to attack Arthur.
'Oh great it's two on one,' groaned Elyan.
'You'll have to do something. Otherwise, Arthur will die,' warned Gaius seriously.
Merlin murmured something under his breath causing the girth to break on Dagr's saddle and he falls off his horse. Thus his attempt on Arthur's life failed. However, he quickly gets up to join the fray.
'It's two against one,' Merlin said.
The unknown fighter gets up and joins Arthur.
'Who is that helping Arthur?' asked Merlin.
'Don't you recognise me?' asked Gwaine with a grin. 'I'm insulted!'
'I don't know, but I think we should be thankful he is,' Gaius replied.
'Very,' nodded Gwen.
Gwaine disarms the fake Sir Ethan and catches the Stalorne blade.
'There's only one person I know who can do that,' Merlin said.
Gwaine stabs the fake Sir Ethan and the crowd gasps.
'It did look bad,' Leon said grimly, 'considering they looked to have blunt blades.'
Dagr knocks Arthur down and goes for the kill. Gwaine blocks Dagr and stabs him with the Stalorne blade. Once again the crowd gasps. Arthur and Gwaine get up and face each other.
'They'll expect us to fight to the end now,' Arthur removes his helmet and the crowd cheers.
'I would win,' Arthur and Gwaine said today.
'Do I need to remind you who won when you two last fought?' asked Merlin.
'Nobody,' Gwaine said.
'There was a fire before I won,' Arthur added.
'I won,' corrected Gwaine.
'The fire was a little bit convenient wouldn't you say,' suggested Merlin.
'You,' Arthur said.
'You fought bravely. The field is yours,' Arthur said.
Gwaine sticks his sword in the ground and lifts his visor.
'I should've known,' Arthur smiles as he shakes his head and Gwaine removes his helmet. 'Nobody fights like you do,' Arthur said.
'Insanely,' suggested Leon.
Gwaine turns toward the King's box, surprising Gwen and Uther.
'Uther's not going to be happy that an apparent commoner murdered apparent nobility,' Lancelot warned.
'Or even that a man of non-noble birth fought in the melee,' agreed Arthur.
'Do you ever think it's funny that Lancelot was the commoner who wants to be a knight and Gwaine is the noble who pretends to be a commoner?' asked Merlin.
'Guards! Seize him!' Uther ordered.
In the ten Gaius kneels over the bodies of the fake knights.
'Is there nothing you can do for them?' asked Uther.
'I'm sorry, it's too late for them,' Gaius said.
'You were sorry for them?' demanded Gwaine.
'The real Ethan and Oswald,' Gaius explained.
'The prisoner is responsible for their deaths. I want him executed immediately,' Uther decreed.
'Without so much as a trial,' Arthur frowned he always at least gave his subjects a chance to defend themselves.
'You might want to wait before you pass judgment. I fear that...'Gaius pulls the crystal from Ebor's neck. 'Sir Ethan...' Gaius pulls the crystal from Dagr's neck, '...and Sir Oswald are not all that they seem,' Gaius says as he removes their helmets to reveal Ebor and Dagr.]
'Sorcery,' Uther said.
'And once again, I owe Gwaine my life,' Arthur said.
'And Uther still banishes him,' Merlin said bitterly.
'Father doesn't admit to being wrong,' Arthur said.
'Admitting to being wrong is not a weakness,' Merlin said. 'It would end many wars if someone would back down.'
In the corridor Merlin, Arthur and Gwaine gather to discuss the king's decisions.
'The King is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the mêlée,' Arthur informs his two friends.
'That's fantastic!' grins Merlin.
'Thank you, Arthur,' Gwaine said.
'But...' Arthur pauses attempting to find the right way to describe his father, he's a stubborn man.'
Merlin snorted, 'that's one word for him.'
'Merlin!' scolded Hunith shooting a glance at Arthur.
'You have right to be angry at my father,' Arthur said quietly. 'He caused your family a lot of pain.'
'He will not rescind his judgment. You must leave Camelot,' Arthur said.
'I rescinded that unfair judgement soon as I became regent,' Arthur said.
Gwaine gives a rueful smile and nods.
'Oh, you got to speak to him, Arthur, make him change his mind,' Merlin said.
'Merlin,' Gwaine said.
'I'm sorry Gwaine. My father's wrong. If it were up to me...' Arthur trailed off.
'I know. You don't need to explain yourself,' Gwaine promised.
'You have until sunset,' Arthur warned.
In the physician's chambers Gwaine is packing.
'Where will you go?' asked Merlin.
'I was thinking Mercia,' Gwaine said.
'It's dangerous,' Merlin said.
'Yeah. And you get a lot more ale for your money. I'm joking,' Gwaine said quickly.
'Somehow I doubt that,' Arthur said drily.
'Why don't you tell the King who you really are, he'll grant you a pardon, you can stay in Camelot?' asked Merlin.
'I could never serve under a man like Uther,' Gwaine replied.
'Don't ask me to take it back,' Gwaine glared at Arthur.
'You have a right to your opinions,' Arthur replied.
'Yet you helped Arthur,' Merlin said.
'He stood up for me,' Gwaine replied.
'I knew he would,' Merlin agreed.
'It wouldn't be the first time he stood up for someone against Uther,' Merlin said. 'Lancelot, myself, Gwen.'
'That showed he is, indeed, a noble man,' Arthur replied.
'Then why don't you stay?' asked Merlin.
Gwaine sighs.
'You could be a knight. Like your father. You and Arthur, you fought well together,' Merlin said.
'We do,' agreed Arthur.
'Then maybe one day we will again,' Gwaine said.
'As we did,' Arthur said.
On the ramparts above the lower town Arthur and Merlin watch Gwaine leave. Gwaine walks down the street and salutes Arthur and Merlin in farewell.
'It's a shame. He would've been a great knight,' Arthur said.
'Maybe one day he still will,' Merlin suggested.
'The rules won't allow it. Knights are noblemen. Always have been, always will be. It's a tradition that...' Arthur trailed off.
'Which you completely changed,' Merlin said.
Arthur stops speaking when he sees Gwen chatting with Gwaine.
Both Arthur and Lancelot both scowl at this moment. Merlin through Lancelot a sympathetic look but knew that this wasn't the time nor the place to say anything to the knight. He hoped that Lancelot would eventually find someone else for his affections.
'They seem very friendly!' Arthur said suspiciously.
'Jealous,' grinned Gwaine.
'You have no reason to be,' Gwen through Arthur a look somewhere between annoyance and amusement.
'Why should you care?' asked Merlin.
'I don't,' Arthur said.
Percival shook his head, 'not fooling anyone.'
Gwen laughs and touches Gwaine's chest.]
'She could do better than that!' Arthur said incensed.
'Like a prince?' asked Merlin eyes twinkling madly.
'What? She should be setting her sights...higher?' asked Merlin with the same expression as in the real world.
Arthur shrugs.
'Oh, but I forget! She can't. A girl of Gwen's standing, no. She could never consort with a nobleman. That's the rules,' Merlin said.
'Change them,' Merlin said.
Arthur glares at Merlin.
'Merlin,' Arthur said warningly.
'Shut up?' asked Merlin.
'You guessed it,' Arthur replied.
Gwen kisses Gwaine on the cheek and they go they wander their separate ways. Arthur and Merlin shove each other on their way back to the castle.
'You two are like brothers,' an amused Gwen said.