The Sorcerer's Shadow
'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,' Kilgarrah says as Merlin appears and his eyes flash gold.
'Honestly Merlin isn't the only one with a destiny,' Arthur said.
Gilli is through the rock valley. Gilli is walking in the woods where the sound of creaking trees and birdsong fills the air as light filters through the tree tops. Gilli carries a sword on his back when a bulky man appears behind him. In front of Gilli an older man runs down the hillside.
'Gilli,' murmurs Merlin with a smile knowing what this story was of.
'You know him?' asked Gwaine.
'He's a friend,' Merlin shrugged.
'Didn't he come second in the tournament?' asked Arthur.
'That's him,' Merlin said.
'He wouldn't make a bad knight, you know,' Arthur murmured.
'And now you've got rid of that ridiculous no commoners rule he could join,' Gwaine said.
'Wonder why he hasn't tried to sign up already,' Arthur said.
'Because he has magic,' Merlin said simply. 'Not everyone's as suicidal as I am.'
'Was he cheating by using magic in the tournament?' asked Arthur frowning.
'Technically he wasn't,' Merlin said. 'After all the only rule of that tournament is there are no rules!'
'Your mother know you're out here? What's your name, boy?' demanded the man.
Merlin looks warily between the two men cornering him, 'Gilli,' Gilli replied warily.
'What's in the bag?' asked the other man.
'Nothing,' lied Gilli causing the second man to grab his bag off Gilli's shoulder revealing bowls.
'Where you headed?' asked the first man as the second stands up.
'Camelot. To fight in the tournament,' Gilli said causing both men to laugh.
'He doesn't look like much of a fighter,' Arthur said.
'Neither does Merlin,' pointed out Lancelot, 'but he could beat us all without moving his hands if he wanted too.'
'Is that what your pretty, new sword's for?' asked the first man pointing at the sword on his back.
'Yeah,' Gilli said.
'Let me see it,' the first man said taking the sword. 'You ever seen this tournament?' the man asks studying the sword. 'Believe me, a little boy like you's got no chance. Especially without a sword,' the first man tickles Gilli under the chin mockingly and laughs.
'Then he comes second in the tournament,' an amused Gwen said.
'He even beat Arthur,' laughed Merlin.
Arthur scowled, 'I let him.'
'Sure you did,' drawled Gwen.
'Give it back,' Gilli demanded.
'A sword is really expensive for a commoner,' Lancelot said.
'I'm doing you a favour! One day you'll thank me!' the first man said as he and his accomplish walk off.
'Sure he will,' Merlin said sarcastically.
'I said, give it back,' demanded Gilli a dark tone in his voice as he runs after the men and tackles them but is quickly knocked back by the stronger and older man.
'I thought you were a fighter?!' the first man said as they approached Gilli. 'Well, here! I'll show you how to fight,' the first man says as Gilli ran at him causing the man to punch him in stomach where Gilli falls and the man spits at Gilli lying on the ground. 'Good luck at the tournament.'
'He doesn't need it,' Merlin declared.
The first man points at Gilli who has yet to get off of the ground. Then both men leave laughing and the first man claps the second man on the back. Gilli scurries back to his belongings where he pulls out a magic ring and his eyes glow gold.
Merlin and Arthur walking through the courtyard to the training grounds. Arthur is dressed in his chainmail whilst Merlin is carrying the rest of his armour.
'Did anyone think this tournament through? A contest open to all comers worth the price of a hundred gold coins. Hmm. I wonder what kind of people are going to turn up?' questioned Merlin.
'It's tradition, Merlin. The tournament's been held every ten years for centuries. Nothing to worry about,' Arthur said as a contestant chops a training dummy's head off with an axe.
'Well that's reassuring,' Hunith said.
'Tell me he can't use that in the contest,' Merlin said.
'He can use what he likes, it's an open tournament,' Arthur replied.
'What about the,' Merlin tsked, 'Knight's Code?'
'Counts for nothing. The only rule is: there are no rules,' Arthur replies.
'So does that mean legally speaking he can use magic?' asked Merlin.
'Uther wouldn't let a sorcerer live,' Gaius said.
The bulky man from the forest throws a hatchet into the target which just misses Merlin who has to duck suddenly to avoid the hatchet. The hatchet gets embedded in the centre of the target. Both men from the forest smirk at each other.
'Yeah, you're right. There's nothing to worry about,' Merlin said.
'You sound really convinced,' Lancelot said laughing.
Gilli enters Camelot which is decorated for the tournament. There are other men milling around who are carrying shields and weapons. One of the men carrying a shield knocks Gilli as they pass each other. Gilli goes to the inn packed to bursting with warrior-type men.
'Excuse me? Hello?' Gilli calls.
'Drink?' Evoric asks.
'A room,' corrects Gilli.
'I'm only taking competitors,' Evoric said as poured ale from a jug into a metal mug. Spectators have to stay outside the city walls,' Evoric informed Gilli.
'But I am a competitor,' Gilli said.
'Of course you are,' Evoric says sounding unconvinced.
Gilli pulls out a scroll bound by a red ribbon, 'here,' Gilli says handing Evoric the letter who looks at it surprised as he looks up at the boy in front of him. 'I'd like a room, please,' Gilli repeated.
Evoric pulls out a key, 'You'll have to share.'
'It's always full for tournament day,' Merlin said.
'But...' Gilli said turning around to look at his fellow competitors not looking like he wanted to fight them.
'Do you want a bed or not?' asked Evoric so that Gilli goes to take the key but Evoric pulls it back and holds out his hand. And I'll have my money now.'
'Why?' asked Gilli.
'Because dead men can't pay,' Arthur said grimly.
'Because you'll be dead by sunset,' Evoric said.
'So much faith everyone has in Gilli,' snorted Merlin.
'That's because they didn't know he had magic,' pointed out Arthur.
'He still came second,' Merlin replied. 'Some have skill with the sword, others with the arrow, and others with the axe. Gilli has magic so what?'
A man is coming out of his room and goes towards the stairs as Gilli comes to the top of the stairs. The man walks passed Gilli. Gilli goes to his room looking warily around to see he was sharing with a man with a load of curly hair. As Gilli walks in the curly haired man walks out. Gilli walks to the door closes it. Now alone Gilli puts the ring on.
Merlin is fixing Arthur's armour in the armoury when the two men from the forest enter. The bulky, bearded man hands his dagger to the older, thinner, bald man who accepts it easily.
'Why, if it's not the Prince of Camelot,' the bulky man said.
Arthur looks insulted, 'he's not the prince of Camelot. Anyone can see that!'
Merlin laughs and shakes his head, 'no, I'm his servant.'
The man raises his eyebrows causing Merlin to look at him not impressed, 'I've always wanted a servant,' he stomps his boot on the bench next to Merlin. 'Here. Clean them,' ordered the man.
'You'd never take that from me,' Arthur said.
'Because under all your arrogance you are a good man,' Merlin said.
'What?' Merlin asks.
'My boots. Hurry up,' ordered the bulky man.
The man holds a curled up whip in front of Merlin's face. Merlin not looking happy gets up and walks to the other side of the room as the two men share a look behind Merlin. The bulky man strikes him with his whip causing Merlin to hiss in pain.
'I'd love to see what happened if you turned around and turned them into the pigs they are,' Gwaine laughed.
'As tempting as that was I do hold my life in higher regard than some petty revenge,' Merlin replied.
'I'm looking for a cloth!' Merlin replied.
'I don't care if you use your tongue! Clean 'em!' ordered the man with a shout.
'Stay where you are,' Gilli said who has entered at some point during the confrontation.
'Oh, so you've decided to join us after all,' the man says turning away from Merlin to walk towards Gilli.
'I think you should put that down, sir,' Gilli replies.
'I really think you should,' Elyan agreed, 'considering you are facing two sorcerers that you've taunted and bullied and hurt.'
'One of which is the most powerful sorcerer of all times,' agreed Gwaine laughing.
The two men laughed, 'did you hear that?
'Oh, I heard it alright,' the bald man said.
'Why don't you say it again?' asked the dark haired man.
'I'm sorry, this is my fault,' Merlin said trying to diffuse the tension.
'No it's not,' Gwaine said angry on his friends' behalf. 'It's theirs!'
'I'm not hearing you,' the dark haired man said.
'I've said what I had to say,' Gilli replied.
The dark haired man turns as he snaps his whip and Gilli uses magic to grab a sword. Gilli then slashes the sword towards the whip using his magical ring get the whip. The dark haired man pulls a dagger.
'Did you realise he had magic then?' asked Arthur.
'Not really,' Merlin admitted. 'When I saw the ring I thought it looked magic but I wasn't sure. It wasn't until the next day that I realised it.'
'Watch out!' called Merlin.
Gilli whips the dagger out of the dark man's hand, 'now, get out,' Gilli orders.
The dark haired man looks at his bleeding hand that the whip had left. He looks at Gilli leaves with his bald headed companion as Gilli holds the sword in warning. As soon as they leave Merlin lets out a slight laugh causing Gilli to turn to Merlin.
'That's the thing about bullies,' Merlin said, 'deep down they are just cowards picking on those weaker than them. If they are faced by a stronger opponent they run. I found that growing up in Ealdor a lot.'
'Were you bullied at Ealdor?' asked Gwen asked softly.
'I am a bastard,' Merlin pointed out.
'Merlin don't call yourself that,' Hunith scolded gently.
'I know that if things had been different…'Merlin trailed off, 'but they weren't! The other villagers had comments to make.'
'Thanks for the warning,' Gilli said placing the sword in the rack.
'It's me who should be grateful,' Merlin replied.
'It's alright. I've already had a run in with those two,' Gilli replied as Gilli feels the other swords in the rack.
'You have?' asked Merlin.
'Yeah, I know what it's like to be picked on,' Gilli replied.
'Merlin you really have a way of making people like you instantly,' Hunith smiled.
'Merlin!' Arthur called from outside.
'Well, thanks again. I'm-'Merlin began.
'Merlin?!' shouted Arthur.
'...Merlin. That's me,' Merlin completed his sentence holding out his hand.
'I'm Gilli,' Gilli said and they shake hands where Merlin notices the ring.
'Your instincts are something else,' Gwen shook her head.
'MERLIN!' Arthur shouted.
'Ugh, I got to go,' Merlin rushed off.
Merlin serving the Pendragons at dinner that night. Merlin is pouring Arthur wine for a silver jug. Uther, Arthur and Morgana are eating. Two straight faced guards stand behind Uther's chair as the royal family eat.
'Remind me how many times you've won this tournament, Uther,' Morgana says taking a bite of food as she smirks.
'She cajoled him to going into the tournament,' groaned Arthur. 'Why?'
'Honestly I have no idea,' Merlin admitted. 'It's not like she or Morgause attempted anything! Maybe she hoped that with Uther's injury and age he would be killed!'
'Three,' Uther replied.
'That's a lot to live up to, Arthur,' Morgana comments chewing.
'There's more to being a ruler than being the strongest warrior,' Merlin said wisely.
'Indeed,' Arthur said noncommittally as both he and his father take a sip of wine.
'I remember your last victory. You were a master in the arena. It's such a shame we won't see you compete again,' Morgana says.
'Who says you won't?' asked Uther taking a bite.
'I thought you said you were too old to take the field?' asked Morgana.
'Not age that stops me. I'll still prove a match for any man,' Uther said.
'Only because I threw the match,' muttered Arthur.
'Well, we won't be finding out,' Arthur said.
'Why ever not?' asked Uther.
'Because I don't want you getting hurt,' Arthur said causing Uther to laugh.
'Do you think you could still win the crown?' asked Morgana.
'The kingdom needs him to rule, not to fight,' Arthur said.
'Do you think I can't do both?' Uther demanded.
'You're not helping,' Gwen said softly.
'Well, you're not as young as you used to be. Besides, I need someone to keep me company in the stands,' Morgana said.
'If you'll excuse me, I need to prepare for the tournament. Merlin?' Arthur asked.
Arthur begins to leave his father and Morgana to their dinner. Merlin puts down the pitcher and follows him out.
'It is such a shame. It would've been good for the people to see you compete one last time,' Morgana says as Uther takes a bite of apple. 'But still, Arthur's probably right. You can't do everything.'
The crowds are gathering at the tournament grounds. Merlin is putting Arthur's armour on Arthur in Arthur's chambers. Merlin picks up Arthur's sword for Arthur to take as Arthur attaches his gauntlets to his arms.
'How're you feeling?' Merlin asks softly still holding the sword.
Gwen smiles, 'you know Arthur hates discussing his feeling.'
'Confident,' Arthur replied.
'You sure?' asked Merlin.
'Yes,' Merlin said bluntly.
''Cause last time this tournament was held,' Merlin's voice drops to a whisper, three men died.'
'I don't think that is going to help Arthur's nerves,' Lancelot shook his head.
'I don't get nervous,' Arthur interrupted.
'Sure you don't!' Merlin said sarcasm lacing his voice.
'Really?' asked Arthur.
'That was just on the first day,' Merlin said.
'Thanks for that, Merlin,' Arthur said.
'And on that second day...' Merlin said.
'I think he gets it,' Hunith shook her head.
'Let's just...get through the first,' Arthur said.
'So you don't get nervous,' laughed Merlin.
'Shut up, Merlin,' snapped Arthur but Merlin just laughed.
'You're right. 'Cause that's when most people die,' Merlin said handing Arthur his sword.
'Not helping,' Lancelot shook his head.
'Merlin,' Arthur said warningly.
'Yes,' Merlin said expectantly.
'Shut up,' Arthur said clapping Merlin on the shoulder.
The contenders were waiting in the arena as the crowds clap. Gilli looks at the purple cloaked knight beside him. Arthur stands in the crowd with his helmet in his hands. Merlin and Gaius stand watching the procession of fighters. Morgana walks in alone causing Arthur to frown wondering where his father was.
'He hadn't told you he was planning to work?' asked Hunith quietly.
'No, I had no idea,' Arthur agreed.
'In fairness the king hadn't planned to fight until Morgana encouraged him to do,' Gaius said.
'It is my pleasure to welcome you all to Camelot. This is a contest like no other. It is open to all comers. Including out reigning champion, the King.'
Morgana smirks and Uther comes in to cheers of the crowd. Uther is wearing his armour and the Pendragon crest. Merlin and Gaius turn to share a look. Arthur does not look happy. Gilli peaks for a look.
'That was when I found out,' Arthur shook his head.
'There are no rules, no weapons are banned. The last man standing takes the prize,' Morgana says as Uther comes to stand at Arthur's side who gives his father a confused look. 'Let the tournament begin,' Morgana announced.
The crowd cheers and wave flags. A man wearing a helmet with light brown hair swings a mace around his head. Uther walks into the arena and places his helmet on his head preparing for battle.
Arthur watches his father with worry. The brown haired man swings his sword at Uther but it hit's Uther's shield. The man swings the sword at Uther again forcing Uther to duck. Morgana watched with interest.
'She hopes father will die,' Arthur said understanding why Morgana had pushed Uther into signing up for the tournament.
The brunette swings his mace at the king forcing Uther to defend. Uther fights back and knocks the sword out of the man's hands. The man falls to ground as Uther holds him at swords point. Arthur gets up and runs to his father as Morgana fakes a smile and begins clapping. Arthur watches with obvious pride as Uther takes off his helmet and holds his helmet up to cheers from his people.
Arthur is up next already in his helmet. Facing him is a man wearing a black headscarf and twirling two swords in either hands. Arthur watches the man unimpressed. The man runs at Arthur with a yell. Arthur easily defends himself knocking the man straight down to floor so that his headscarf now covers his face. Arthur takes his helmet off and holds it above his head to cheers of his people.
'All flash no skill,' Arthur said.
A bulky peasant man wearing leather clothes and a black helmet wields an axe. His opponent is a knight wearing a blue tunic over his chainmail with a shield with a yellow symbol on it. The knight is forced to use his shield to defend against the axe attack.
Then uses his other arm to hit the man with a sword knocking him down. He raises his arms up to cheers of the crowd as Gilli watches with interest from the crowd. The peasant on the ground uses the knight's distraction to slash him with a dagger to Gilli's horror. Then the peasant gets up and swings his axe at the knight's head.
'The first death of the tournament,' murmurs Merlin.
'He can't be allowed to do that,' Lancelot said.
'The first rule is there are no rules,' repeated Arthur.
'But what about honour and nobility,' Lancelot said.
Next up is Gilli holding a too large sword and fingering his ring. Gilli is fighting a man wearing a helmet and black furs. The fur wearing man swings his sword forcing Gilli to defend himself with a plain round metal shield.
Gilli gets injured and is on the ground. Just when the fur wearing man looks about to win Gilli twists to avoid the blade. Back on his feet Gilli is still dodging the swings of the blade causing the fur-wearing man's sword to get lodged in the wooden fence.
'All power, no skill,' Arthur commented.
Gilli seeing his chance glances down at his ring which glows golden-orange as Gilli's eyes. The sword goes further down the fence and gets stuck. The fur-wearing man tries desperately to pull his sword from the wood to no avail.
From the side lines Merlin sees the magic, but no one else does. Gilli slashes the man's legs defeating his opponent. The crowd goes wild. Gilli stands up as the fallen fighter struggles with pain on his face.
'The people always love a dark horse,' Gwen smiles.
'Well, who'd've believed it,' Gaius says.
Gaius turns his head slightly towards Merlin. Merlin's attention, however, is on Gilli. Gilli is basking in the attention and smiles at the cheers and Merlin stares at Gilli. Gilli leaves the stadium and Gaius and Merlin approach Gilli.
'That was a fine victory,' Gaius compliments.
'Thank you,' Gilli replied keeping on walking.
'That'll need treating,' Gaius suggested gesturing towards the wound on Gilli's arm.
'That's alright,' Gilli said stopping to talk to Merlin and Gaius.
'He turned down treatment?' asked Arthur in alarm knowing never to turn down treatment especially if you needed healing.
'He was fine the next match,' frowned Leon.
'He likely healed himself with magic,' Gaius said.
'Gaius is the court physician,' Merlin explained gesturing towards the old man.
'It's just a nick,' Gilli said placing a hand over his wound revealing his ring.
'He's not very careful with hiding the ring,' Hunith said quietly.
'He's not very good at hiding at all,' Gaius said darkly.
'I'm fine,' Gilli said leaving.
'He's using magic,' Merlin said.
'I suspected as much. The ring bears a mark of the Old Religion. Such rings are very rare, but they act as a conduit, a...a channel for magical powers,' explained Gaius.
'Is it always a ring?' asked Merlin curiously.
'Not always,' Gaius replied, 'but it is usually something that can be kept in contact with the skin and have the marks of the old religion engraved into it so is usually a ring, a pendent, a bracelet.'
'So he does have magic like me?' asked Merlin.
Gaius smiled sadly, 'no one has magic like you.'
'He doesn't have your powers, Merlin, but as to wield a ring such as that would need considerable gifts,' Gaius explained.
'So he could use magic without the ring?' asked Arthur hesitantly not used to talking about magic with anything but hatred.
'Yes,' agreed Gaius, 'but the ring will focus and amplify his power. As well as allow him to wordless spells which he can get away with even in the heart of Camelot.'
'Well, he's braver than me, using magic in front of all those people,' Merlin said.
'Stupid,' corrected Hunith.
'Brave or stupid. If Uther finds out, he'll have him killed,' Gaius said leaving.
Gilli enters the empty armoury. Gilli walks slowly into the armoury and places his shield onto the table. Gilli takes his sword out with his injured arm hissing in pain. Gilli checks his arm and places the sword in the rack. Gilli glances around but someone else enters the armoury at that point.
Gilli runs off out of the armoury. Then in an apparently empty Gilli walks down. Gilli looks behind him to make sure that no one is following him. Standing in a closed doorway Gilli heals his wound with the ring in a corridor.
'Þurhhæle licsar min,' Gilli enchants.
Gilli's eyes and ring glow gold. He places his magic infused ring on his ring. There is a flash of golden light from the healing magic Gilli uses and Gilli screams. Gilli breathes a sigh of relief as the light vanishes.
'Hey!' a guard shouts.
Merlin winced, 'and that is why using magic in a public place is not to be recommended.'
'I've been trying to tell you that since you came to Camelot,' Gaius said.
Merlin winced, 'I have to in order to protect Arthur and Camelot.'
A guard has spotted the magic and Gilli and comes running towards Gilli. Another guard from the opposite direction comes running after him. The two guards come after Gilli and grab him but he escapes, losing the ring on the floor.
Hunith shook her head, 'if he continues like this he's going to end up dead.'
'Don't worry, mother, I spoke to him,' Merlin said.
'Somehow, Merlin, that does not reassure me,' Hunith replied dryly.
There is a smoking burn mark on the door. Gilli runs down the corridor and stops and looks back before hiding in an alcove and waiting for the guards to pass. Then Gilli opens the door and enters the room where Gilli checks his wound. Gilli then raises the hand which had had the ring on it to find the ring missing. Gilli pinches his hand as the bells begin to ring.
Uther looks at the burn mark made in the door where Gilli cauterised his wound. Uther runs a hand down the burn mark. Gaius is standing behind him with a silent Merlin at his side.
'Sorcery. It's the only explanation,' Uther said.
'It was only healing magic,' Merlin defended his friend. 'Something you have advocated in the past you bloody hypocrite.'
'You mustn't jump to conclusions, Sire,' Gaius said quickly.
'What other explanation could there be? The guards report seeing a, an unnaturally bright light, its heat so intense they could feel it at the end of the corridor,' Uther said turning and going someway down the corridor. 'These scorch marks would seem to support their story.'
'But they appear to have been there for some time. Did the guards get a good look at this man?' asked Gaius as he and Merlin spot Gilli's ring.
'No, it was too dark,' Uther said.
'Thank goodness,' sighed Hunith feeling for the other young and reckless sorcerer.
'Unfortunate. I can see no evidence of magic,' Gaius said.
'There's a strange odour. How do you explain that?' demanded Uther turning back to face tgem.
'Well, it's coming from the grain store there,' Gaius points. 'It's an alecost for the tavern. They use it in their brewing,' Gaius explained.
'You can make an excuse like that,' Merlin said, 'but you can't think of a better excuse than the tavern.'
'He is still using the tavern as an excuse,' pointed out Gwaine.
'Just in a different way,' chimed in Gwen.
'Never thought of it that way,' grunted Merlin. 'Gaius do you have any excuse but the tavern?'
'Brewing?' asked Uther.
'Indeed, Sire. It imparts a special flavour,' Gaius replied.
'It's good that Uther knows very little about brewing,' Gaius said. 'Or I'd be in a lot of trouble. I do try and stay Uther's hand even if it almost never worked,' Gaius sighed mind heavy with the death he was unable to prevent.
'Very well,' Uther said and turns to walk down the corridor.
Gaius and Merlin enter the Physician's Chambers.
'It's clearly Gilli, judging by the scorch marks and the odour,' Gaius said as Merlin stops his mentor and takes the ring. 'There's an old healing spell,' Gaius explained as Merlin shuts the door. 'It's crude, but it works. You heat the skin to coagulate the blood and it cauterises the wound,' Gaius explained turning to face Merlin.
'His shoulder?' Merlin said clapping his own shoulder.
'Gaius knows what a shoulder is,' laughed Hunith.
'Well, no wonder he didn't want any treatment,' Merlin said looking at the ring.
'You'll have to talk to him before it's too late,' Gaius said.
The Rising Sun sign shakes outside in the heavy rainfall and wind. Inside Gilli's room Gilli is sat on the ground with his arms wrapped around his legs when there is a knock on the door he starts suddenly. Gilli scrambles around.
'Who is it?' asked Gilli in a low voice.
'He must have thought that it was the guards,' Arthur said.
Merlin steps in, 'Merlin. Come to see how you are.'
Gilli looks relieved and sits back down, 'it's a lot better.'
'Can I have a look?' asked Merlin.
'There's nothing to see,' Gilli replied.
'Literally,' Merlin laughed.
'The way you fought earlier,' Merlin said taking a seat on Gilli's bed, 'that was incredible,' Merlin grins at Gilli.
'Yeah?' asked Gilli.
'For someone your size to be able to beat a man like that,' Merlin said laughing. I'm sure a lot of people are going to think you're using magic,' Merlin said giving Gilli a pointed look. I'm not going to tell anyone.'
'I'm not using magic,' Gilli said.
'Sure you're not,' Gwaine snorted.
Merlin holds up Gilli's ring, 'You don't have to fear me. It bears the mark of the Old Religion,' Merlin said throwing the ring to Gilly who caught. 'Where did you get it from?'
'My father,' Gilli said getting up off of the floor. 'He left it to me,' Gilli explained.
'Did he have the same powers as you?' asked Merlin.
'He was a gifted man, but he would not touch magic. He vowed never to use it. He feared it, wouldn't even let me talk about it,' Gilli said.
Gaius sighed, 'not surprising giving the times we're living in.'
'Why?' asked Merlin.
Gaius sighed, 'you two were not born in the time of the great purge. You could never understand what it was like back then!'
'He was scared Uther would find out, that the King would discover he was a sorcerer. Even when he was attacked, he had three men on him, he still wouldn't use this,' explained Gilli shaking the ring at Merlin.
Arthur's eyes widened in horror, 'I had no idea how frightened of father magic users were. To choose death over using magic.'
'It just changed how he would die,' Gaius said grimly. 'Killed or burnt.'
'It was more complicated than that anyway,' Merlin said quietly.
'Is that how he died?' asked Merlin.
'I'm not going to be like him,' Gilli replied thickly not answering the question.
'Because you want to be proud of who you are?' asked Merlin.
'As you should be,' smiled Hunith.
'Why all these questions?' asked Gilli.
'You remind me of someone I know,' Merlin said.
'Who?' asked Gilli.
'Himself,' Lancelot said.
'Or was it Morgana,' Arthur said quietly.
Merlin didn't answer but stood up and walked over to Gilli, 'you saved my life,' Merlin said as the sound of laughter can be heard from outside, 'and I'm trying to save yours. You need to withdraw from the tournament.'
'It's an open competition. You're supposed to be able to use whatever skills you have,' Gilli said walking around Merlin.
'The king would not include magic,' Gaius said grimly.
'Fighting skills, and you're not a swordsman, or a gladiator. Fighting is not your talent. Magic is,' Merlin said.
'It can be used to fight,' Gaius said quietly. 'Indeed it was used in the Tournament before the days of the great purge.'
'Then why can't I use it?' asked Gilli turning to face Merlin.
'Because my father would have you killed if he ever found out,' Arthur said darkly.
'Because it's banned,' Merlin said.
'Without magic, I'm a nobody. People think they can kick dirt in my face,' Gilli said.
Gaius sighed, 'he's very like you.'
'You're not a nobody! Merlin shouted. 'You're special,' Merlin said calmer.
'Then let me prove that,' Gilli said.
Merlin rolled his eyes, 'if you continue to use magic here, you will be caught. Uther will have you executed.'
'He's not going to listen,' sighed Hunith.
Before either Gilli or Merlin can say anything else a man with curly blonde-brown hair enters. Then another man follows him into the room. As the other men enter the room and Gilli walks away from Merlin.
The next day the tournament continues. Uther is fighting in the tournament. Uther knocks his opponent down. Uther then stands taking off his helmet. The crowds cheer for their king and the winner.
Arthur fights a man with a pointed, tin helmet. Arthur and the tin helmet man clash swords. Arthur is being pushed against the wooden side of the tournament grounds where his helmet too is knocked off. Despite this Arthur comes back but is booted in the face. Still Arthur too manages to knock the man down and win his bout.
In the Pendragon tent Arthur throws down his gloves onto the table. Arthur is fiddling with his armour when Uther walks in causing Arthur to frown. Morgana too is present in the Pendragon tent.
'Have you seen who you are to face in the semi-final tomorrow?' asked Uther with a laugh causing Arthur to frown. 'Might need to put in some practice,' Uther says taking a seat as Morgana pours a drink and hands it to Uther who toasts Arthur.
'Let me guess himself,' Lancelot shook his head.
'Well, the crowds are really looking forward to it. So am I. It should be quite a match,' Morgana says as Arthur walks out, unhappy and Uther sips his drink.
In the fields Gilli walks through with his sword in his hands. The two men from the forest approach Gilli. The bulky man places a hand on Gilli's chest much to Gilli's alarm.
'Seems like you're my next opponent,' murmurs the man.
'Excuse me,' Gilli says and tries to walk past but his stopped by the bigger man. 'Can you let me pass, please?'
'No,' the bulky man shakes his head pointing a fat finger in Gilli's face. ''Cause I want you to help me decide which of these I'm going to kill you with.'
'Arrogant idiot,' scowled Merlin.
The bulky man laughs revealing an assortment of weapons under his outer clothes knocking Gilli on the chin as Merlin watched with a frown. Gilli pushes past them as Merlin watches Gilli go with a frown. Both men laugh at Gilli. Gilli walks through the training grounds.
The crowds are already cheering when Gilli enters the arena, salutes the crowd whilst Merlin remains cleaning armour in the training grounds. The bulky man from before runs in to attack him. On the side lines Merlin and Gaius share a worried look. The man gets him pressed against the stands where the bald man grabs him from behind the fence and holds him.
'Hello again,' the bald man greets.
'That can't be allowed,' Lancelot said.
'It's not,' agreed Arthur. 'You are not supposed to interfere with other's battles but there's not much that can be done to stop him.'
Gilli's eyes turn gold much to the bulky man's surprise. Gilli uses magic to throw the bulky man off him. Gilli then escapes manages to escape the bald man much to his disgruntlement. Gilli then runs at the man on the ground kills the bulky man by running him through. Both Merlin and Gilli look horrified at what Gilli has done.
Gilli sits in the armoury alone. Merlin approaches him.
'I've never killed a man before,' Arthur says softly.
Arthur sighed he knew that feeling. Arthur thought of the first time he had lead a raid on the druid camps. Arthur could only hope that Merlin would never find out about that. Merlin would quite rightfully never forgive Arthur for the attack on his people.
'I just wanted to feel...what it was like to be...respected,' Gilli said hollowly as Merlin sits next to him. 'But this...I'm not a killer. This isn't me.'
'You need to withdraw,' Merlin said quietly.
'I'm going to,' Gilli said.
'Why didn't he?' asked Gwen.
'Honestly I have no idea,' admitted Merlin sighing glancing at Arthur wondering what Arthur would say at how close Merlin had come to letting his father die.
The tavern is full of drunken tavern goers. Gilli enters the tavern.
'There he is!' one of the tavern goes shouts and tavern cheers.
Evoric hands Gilli a drink, 'drinks are on the house.'
Merlin sighed, 'he gave into his pride.'
The tavern cheers, 'hey Gilli! That's my boy!' one man says.
'Three cheers for Gilli!' another says.
'Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!' another man cheers.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur is sitting at his long but empty table apart from his belt. Arthur has his arms crossed with his head rested sulkily on them. At the other end of the table Merlin sharpens Arthur's sword.
'Cheer up, princess,' laughed Gwaine.
'What do I do, Merlin?' Arthur asked looking up at his friend. 'If I fight my father tomorrow the way I can, I'll show him up. I'll humiliate him in front of his people. Or worse, I could wound him, even kill him,' Arthur said sitting up suddenly in horror at what could happen.
'He's not going to back down. He's...determined to prove himself,' Merlin said grimacing slightly. 'You have to let him win.'
Arthur sighed, 'you don't have to put up with the gloating. Do you have any idea what it's like to live with a man who constantly thinks he's the best?' Arthur asked standing up suddenly and walking away from the table.
'I wonder,' Merlin laughed.
'Mmm. Must be irritating,' murmurs Merlin causing Arthur to turn around and look at him as Merlin finishes sharpening Arthur's sword and holds it out in front of him.
The next day the crowds at the arena cheer. Arthur waits for Uther to arrive in the arena. The trumpets announce the King's entrance. Uther walks in carrying his helmet. Morgana stands up to join the applause. Uther walks into the stadium and holds up his sword to more cheers. Arthur and Uther face each other in the middle of the stadium.
'Good luck,' Arthur said.
'And you. You'll need it,' Uther replied.
'Don't be so sure, Father,' Arthur replied as Morgana smirked.
'When I was your age, I conquered Camelot,' Uther said as they took their shields. 'I didn't inherit this kingdom, I won it. One day you'll be strong enough to take my crown, but not yet,' Uther said as they put on their helmets as Merlin and Gaius watch from the side lines.
'Uther didn't inherit the crown?' asked Percival.
'Then why does he look down on the peasant class?' asked Gwen.
'The Pendragons have always been noble,' Arthur said, 'but the old king passed away with no heir. There were several families who could hold claim by blood to the throne. Father was just the one who claimed it but to so he had to go to war with the other families.'
'Ready?' Uther asked.
'Ready,' Arthur said.
Arthur takes his shield and Uther strikes but Arthur parries a little late.
'I thought you said you were ready?' Uther says.
Arthur and Uther begin to fight again in earnest. Both king and prince parry blows from one another as they cross swords. Merlin and Gaius watch from the side line. They move back from one another and circle one another.
'Need a breather, Father?' laughs Arthur.
Arthur twirls his sword in his hands. Uther and Arthur begin to fight again and Arthur pushes Uther to the ground. In the crowds Morgana smirks whilst Merlin and Gaius share a worried look with one another.
'I thought you were going to throw the fight,' frowned Leon.
'Footwork. Always was your weakness,' Arthur informs his father.
'That's the thing about fighting someone you know rather than a stranger,' Arthur said. 'You know their fighting style – their weakness and strengths.'
Uther swings frantically at Arthur as he gets up. He turns around and staggers, shakes off his shield and helmet an angry look on his face. Arthur pauses looking sad as he stares at the crowds cheering for him then too removes his helmet and chucked it away. They resume fighting with Uther sweating and panting heavily.
Arthur ducks under Uther's swing easily. Arthur then allows Uther to disarm him. Arthur falls to the ground where Uther holds him at swords point. Merlin watches from the side lines with pride on his face for his prince.
Uther smiles and offers Arthur his hand to help him up as the crowd cheers. Uther holds his sword up as the crowd's cheers. Morgana claps whilst Arthur looks annoyed. Merlin meets Arthur on his way out of the arena.
'Well done. It can't been easy,' Merlin said.
'It certainly wasn't,' grimaced Arthur.
'If he wasn't my father...' Arthur mutters as he walks off unhappily.
'The King's through to the final. You need to worry about who he might be facing next,' Gaius warns.
'Gilli,' Arthur said grimly.
Gaius nods back to the stadium. Merlin's face goes grim when he see that Gilli's back in the arena with his sword and shield. Merlin and Gilli's meet. Gilli is fighting a man with an axe and a turban. The man is beating Gilli badly.
The man pushes Gilli to the ground who uses magic to make the man fall over. Gilli gets up and swings his sword at the turban wearing man. The man defends himself with his axe and kicks Gilli so that it is now the man on top of Gilli.
Gilli groans as he tries to prevent the axe from coming any closer to him with his sword. Gilli glances down at his ring causing it to glow. Gilli makes the axe heat up causing the man to let go of Gilli and the axe staggering around with burnt hands in pain.
Gilli takes his chance and kills the man. Merlin doesn't look happy with Gilli as he watches Gilli. Gilli meanwhile raises his sword above his head as the crowd cheers. Merlin meanwhile shakes his head.
Merlin is sitting in the physician's chambers drumming his fingers on the table. Gaius opens the door and walks in looking very grim. Gaius enters and sees Merlin sitting in the dark. Gaius goes over to the table.
'I thought you said the boy was going to withdraw?' Gaius asked taking a bundle of herbs.
'I thought he was,' muttered Merlin.
'I can understand why he did not,' Arthur admitted.
'That's what I thought,' Merlin said grimly.
'We'll have to warn the King,' Gaius said.
Hunith looked horrified, 'Uther will kill the boy.'
'No,' Merlin said.
'Why are you protecting him?' Gaius asked.
'Because he's like me,' Merlin said quietly.
'You know what Uther will do,' Merlin said.
'Gilli is using magic for his own gain,' Gaius said walking to Merlin. It's corrupting him, poisoning him.'
'He didn't have a teacher to teach him right from wrong. What magic should do and shouldn't do. I wasn't going to stand back and do nothing as another one of my people slipped down the path of darkness. Not again!' Merlin said.
'Morgana was not your fault,' Arthur said quietly.
'If I had been more willing to take the risk,' Merlin said. 'If I hadn't listened to Gaius and Kilgarrah…'
'I fear I have fault there too,' Gaius sighed.
'As do I,' Arthur said. 'I was the one who lead the raid on her druid friends. She quite rightfully never forgave me for that one!'
'But if I had taught her that would have never happened,' Merlin said.
'Merlin,' Hunith said quietly. 'We do not know what would have happened had you done things differently. Just remember that you were working against Destiny the whole time!'
'Just let me talk to him,' Merlin said.
'I fear it's too late,' Gaius sighed shaking his head.
'Was it?' asked Arthur frowning.
'No,' Merlin said sharply.
'Good,' Arthur said.
'Gaius, please,' Merlin said walking over to his mentor. 'You taught me what magic was for. You gave me the opportunity to be the person that I am today. I've had you to help me. Give me one more chance to talk to him.'
'I'm glad you managed to talk him out of using magic,' Gwen smiled.
'I didn't,' Merlin said grimly. 'Not then.'
'But then my father?' asked Arthur.
'I stopped him,' Merlin said. 'Only then did I get through the Gilli.'
'We'll have to put an end to this,' Gaius said pointing a finger at Merlin's chest. 'If he fights tomorrow, either his magic will be found out, or worse...the King will die.'
Merlin leaves the physician's chambers. The door to the tavern opens and Merlin enters. The tavern is still very full. Merlin closes the door behind him and moves seeing that Gilli is the centre of attention.
'The attention has gone to his head,' sighed Arthur.
'Now, a lot of people have asked me, "How did he fall on his back?" I just tripped him like that,' Gilli said miming the motion. 'I mean, I'm strong, you don't realise it,' Gilli said as Merlin shook his head.
The door to Gilli's guest room is opened. Gilli and Merlin enter Gilli's guest room.
'What's this about?' Gilli asked not looking at Merlin.
'What do you think?' Arthur snorted. 'You are still using magic to win.'
'Your opponent. I thought you might like to know how he is,' Merlin said.
'Is he alright?' asked Gilli turning slightly to look at Merlin.
'Gaius thinks he'll pull through, but...' Merlin shrugs, he might not have been so lucky.'
'It could've been me that got injured,' Gilli said.
'Not if you had withdrawn as you had said you would,' Merlin said.
'I thought you weren't going to fight?!' Merlin shouted.
'You've seen the way people are now. They're showing me respect. And you don't know what that's like for me,' Gilli said.
'I think he does,' Leon said.
'I do,' Merlin said thickly.
'No. No, no one does,' Gilli retorted softly.
'I think Merlin does,' Gwaine laughed.
Merlin pauses, then closes the door, and whispers a spell into his hand, 'forbærnen.' Merlin approaches Gilli with his clenched fist and opens it to reveal a mini flame, 'it's...lonely,' Merlin says tears glittering in his hands. 'To...be more powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow. To...be special and, and have to pretend you're a fool. I know how it feels, I understand.'
'Then you understand why I have to fight. If Uther is killed, so what? How many of our kind have dies at his hands? How many more will? It's time those with magic fought back!' Gilli said.
'Not like that,' Merlin sighed. 'If Uther is killed by magic Arthur will never allow magic to be free.'
'Gilli,' Merlin sighed.
'You can't tell me what to do!' Gilli shouted turning and facing Merlin once more.
'He'll try,' Arthur shook his head.
'You need to learn to use your magic for good! That is its true purpose! It's not meant for your own vanity!' Merlin shouts.
'I'm not going to apologise for who I am! You can be a servant and, and pretend you're less than them, but I'm not going to...' Gilli said shaking his head violently.
'No, that's not what I do!' Merlin shouted.
'No? You're defending the King! Protecting a man that would have you dead!' Gilli said.
'For the future,' Merlin murmured.
'I'm protecting you!' Merlin retorted.
'You've been pretending for so long now that you've actually forgotten who you are,' Gilli said.
Merlin sighed, 'sometimes I wonder if Gilli's right.'
'That's not true,' Merlin defended shaking his head.
'Isn't it?' Gilli demanded.
'No,' Merlin disagreed shaking his head not looking like he really believed what he was saying.
'It's time someone struck a blow for the likes of you and me. And if you're too weak, then I will,' Gilli said and leaves.
'Merlin is many things,' Leon said grimly, 'weak he's never been. I didn't believe he was weak even before I found out about his magic. A man who walks into a battlefield without armour is brave.'
'It's not like Merlin needs armour,' snorted Arthur.
Merlin lies awake at night. He gets up sneaking past a sleeping Gaius who does not awake when Merlin leaves. Merlin runs through the woods outside of Camelot's walls to the clearing near Camelot.
'Ω δρακον, έάω μαλερός σοφόνους φθέγγομαι τείδε άναδικέω!' Merlin shouts as he runs and stopps in the clearing.
'What are you saying?' asked Gaius curiously.
'O dragon, permit the appeal for an audience to speak here, fierce, wise-minded one! Come to earth!' Merlin replied. 'It wasn't an order but a request. After the last time we met,' Merlin grimaced. 'I didn't want to force Kilgarrah to come despite needing his advice.'
'Why?' asked Arthur glaring.
Merlin sighed, 'you know why.'
'You were going to let my father die!' Arthur said furiously.
'I didn't know!' Merlin shouted. 'Uther has caused so much pain. So much suffering. Do you really think I would care if he were to die? Because I wouldn't. But was it my choice? And could I lived with myself for causing you so much suffering?' Merlin demanded.
Merlin completes the spell and breathes as she looks up waiting for Kilgharrah to answer his call. The sound of flapping fills the air. Kilgharrah arrives with a roar. Kilgharrah lands in the clearing opposite to the young Dragonlord and Merlin smiles slightly at his old friend.
'I was beginning to hope you'd forgotten me,' Kilgharrah said.
'Like we'd ever forget him,' muttered Arthur.
'I don't think so,' Merlin replied with an incredulous smile.
'The problem is, young warlock, that you wish to talk, but you don't wish to listen,' Kilgharrah said causing Merlin to grimace. 'The last time we met, you chose to ignore my advice and overrule me.'
'He's not happy with you,' Gwaine smirked.
'And for good reason,' Merlin said grimly, 'considering I took away his free will!'
'I,' Merlin shook his head, 'I'm sorry.'
'A dragonlord should never abuse their power,' Kilgharrah scolded.
'He's right,' sighed Merlin.
'What reason do you have to summon me this time?' Kilgharrah demanded.
'You are a creature of magic, and only a creature of magic could hope to understand,' Merlin said causing Kilgharrah to turn his head curiously. 'Uther is to fight a young sorcerer in the tournament tomorrow,' Merlin said beginning to pace. Gaius wants me to prevent him from using magic, but if I do that, there is every chance he will die.'
'Your choice is a hard one, young warlock,' Kilgharrah says and Merlin nods. 'Yet you, like I, must hold hope that Arthur will bring about a new age. An age where the likes of you and I are respected once again,' Kilgarrah says causing Merlin to nod. 'If he sees his father killed through the use of magic, it will harden his mind forever,' Kilgharrah said darkly.
'That's why you saved my father,' scowled Arthur. 'To manipulate me!'
'I didn't want to manipulate you!' Merlin said hotly. 'I just want to one day free to be who I am without fear of death!'
'But would Arthur have even known it was magic?' asked Leon. 'It would look to all that Gilli had killed the king in a fight.'
'But if he did…' Merlin trailed off. 'I couldn't take that chance!'
'No. There, there must be some...other way,' Merlin said desperately.
'Gilli's not bad,' Merlin said. 'Just misguided. I gave up on Morgana and set her on the path of darkness, revenge, destruction, hatred and evil. I wasn't going to do the same with Gilli! I certainly didn't want him dead!'
'To see one of your kin die is never an easy thing, but all great struggles demand sacrifice. I am sorry, young warlock. I wish I had some words to help you,' Kilgarrah said softly.
'So you made your peace,' Gwen smiled.
Merlin nodded, 'what I did to Kilgharrah was wrong! I'll never do that again! I still go to Kilgharrah for advice and help but I don't force him to help me.'
'Some choices are easy, some...stay with you forever,' Merlin says softly tears in his eyes.
'You were talking about Morgana,' sighed Gwen.
Merlin sighed, 'Gilli reminded me of Morgana when she was on the knife's edge between good and evil. I could have helped her but out of fear I did not and look how well that turned out,' Merlin said bitterly.
Kilgharrah sighs and Merlin sighs in a bittersweet kind of way.
The next day in Camelot dawns with the sound of birds above the castle. Uther is getting ready in his chambers with his curly haired servant's help. Uther is just putting on his gauntlets and picking up his sword when Arthur enters.
'I've come to wish you luck,' Arthur said.
'Against a boy?' Uther questioned pulling his sword out of it's scabbard and inspecting it.
'Against a boy with magic,' Gaius says grimly.
'He's reached the final,' Arthur pointed out.
'Arthur, even you could beat him,' Uther said placing his sword back in the scabbard as Arthur stands determinedly straight faced.
In Gilli's chambers Gilli smirks as he holds his sword that he plans to kill Uther with. Gilli mimes killing the king with the sword. Gilli then twirls the sword around and practices some more.
Merlin winced, 'oh Gilli.'
'Just be glad you brought him around eventually,' Gaius says darkly.
'And Merlin never found out about him,' Merlin said. 'All we needed was for her to corrupt him.'
The crowds in the stadium cheer. Merlin watches as Merlin armed once again with sword and shield walks through the crowd of spectators into the arena. Gilli seemingly sensing Merlin's looks around at Merlin before entering the arena.
'Can he sense your presence?' asked Leon.
'Not sure,' Merlin admitted. 'I don't think so. He probably just expected me to be there so was looking for me.'
Merlin frowns at Gilli and shakes his head to not do it. Gilli raises his eye brows menacingly and enters with a smirk. Arthur watches from the throne as Uther and Gilli face each other. Uther smirks then turns to put on his helmet.
Uther salutes Gilli, 'for glory!' Uther says his voice echoing slightly inside his helmet.
Merlin winced, 'pride.'
Gillie salutes back, 'for glory.'
Uther and Gilli begin to fight. Gilli charges at Uther who easily defects the boy knocking Gilli's sword out of his arm. Gilli dives for his sword and at the same time Gilli uses magic so that the king's sword is stuck in the ground.
Gilli charges once again with an angry roar. Merlin counteracts with magic causing Gilli's sword to fly out of his hands. Gilli exchanges an angry look with Merlin and attacks again. Both Gilli and the king have hold of their swords once again.
Gilli charges once more with an angry roar at Uther. The two opponents parry blows. The king and Gilli have their swords locked together. Uther is the stronger of the two. Gilli looks around desperately and uses magic to knock Uther's sword out of his hands.
Merlin hissed, 'how did Uther not realise that that was magic? Surely he realised that he did not just let go of his sword.'
'I don't know,' Gaius admitted grave. 'Let's just be glad for the boy's sake that the king did not realise what was going on.'
The king glances at his fallen sword. Uther is forced to defend himself with his shield from the attacks from Gilli. Uther falls to the floor and his helmet falls off. Gilli charges and is about to kill the king.
Gilli's sword goes through the king's shield and is about to kill the king when Merlin once again counteracts with his own magic. Gilli tries to pull his sword out of the shield. Gilli puts a foot on the king's shield as he tried to tug the sword out of the shield.
'It's seems to me that the battle is more between Merlin and Gilli than the King and Gilli,' Leon said.
Gilli looks at Merlin as he realises Merlin's not going to let him hurt the King. The king shoves Gilli off of him. Gilli looks around desperately for his sword which is lying a little away from him. Uther scrambles for his sword.
Gilli runs for his shield which he picks up. Gilli looks at Merlin as Uther runs at him. Gilli turns in time to defend himself with his shield. Gilli falls to the ground. Uther holds the young sorcerer at swords point and wins.
When it is clear that Uther has won Uther pulls back and turns to his people. The crowd cheers for their king and victor. Gilli sits up slowly and sadly. Uther holds his sword up to more applause. In the royal box Arthur claps for his father. Gilli walks off the field sadly.
'I'm sorry,' Merlin says softly.
Merlin tries to approach the other sorcerer. Gilli holds up his hand and keeps walking. Merlin swallows and watches Gilli go.
In the guest bedroom Gilli is packing the things on his bed. The door is open through which Merlin enters. Gilli looks up still packing at Merlin when Merlin enters.
'I didn't have a choice,' Merlin said quietly.
'Yes you did,' Arthur said sharply. 'And you chose to save father's life despite your own reservations about my father's life. And managed to do so without the boy being executed.'
'You did what you had to do,' Gilli said not looking at Merlin. 'And you betrayed your kind.'
'You don't think that,' Hunith worried. 'You must never think that!'
'No, that was you,' Merlin said walking around to the other side of Gilli causing Gilli to look at him. 'You betrayed us. You'd won, but you were going to kill the King anyway? There's no honour in that.'
'No there's not,' agreed Lancelot.
Merlin's words caused the other sorcerer to sit down frowning as his words sank in, 'come on, look inside yourself. You're better than this. Magic is not meant for fighting. It's not meant to bring you glory,' Merlin said.
'If I'd wanted glory Camelot would be the last place I'd practice in,' Merlin agreed.
Gilli is silent for a second as before he spoke, 'I never understood my father. I thought that he was afraid of magic. But he wasn't. He was afraid of what it can do, how it can corrupt. I know now that he was, he was strong. Well, he was stronger than me,' Gilli is silent as he swings his leather bag onto his back. Gilli sighs, 'I'm sorry.'
'See I did get through to him,' Merlin said. 'Eventually.'
'Now, I know it doesn't seem like it now, but one day magic will be permitted once again,' Merlin said.
'It will,' promised Arthur.
'And when that day arrives, oh,' Merlin smiled envisioning that day.
'You really wish for that day,' Arthur said softly.
'Always,' Merlin replied.
'You'll no longer have to hide who are. Your gifts will be recognised. We … we will be free. And who knows, maybe, maybe then our paths will cross again,' Merlin said nodding.
'Do you think they will?' asked Elyan.
'I hope so,' Gilli said nodding.
'It will,' Arthur said again. 'I owe that much to the magical people,' Arthur glanced at Merlin. 'I was born by magic and am only alive to this day because of magic. I'd be a bigger bloody hypocrite than my father if I was to leave things the way they are!'
'Oh, they will,' Merlin said nodding. 'We're kin.'
'You've been spending too much time with Kilgharrah,' Percival said.
'Kin?' Gilli asked.
Gilli holds out his hand for Merlin to take. Merlin takes Gilli's hands and shakes it.
Gilli leaves the tavern with his leather bag swung over his shoulder. Gilli walks slowly down the street as Merlin watches Gilli leave from the battlements. Merlin nods his head in the direction of Gilli.
'I hope I see him again,' Merlin said.
The servants set the table for the Pendragons. A pig's head is added to the numerous platters already present on the table. Arthur is already at the table when Uther enters with Morgana on his arm.
'I thought the boy was going to kill me,' Uther says.
'So did I,' Morgana says placing a hand on Uther's arm.
'And hoped so,' Arthur said bitterly.
'Then, suddenly, the old fighting spirit kicked in. I dug deep, found my strength, and the whole thing just began to flow. I felt at one with the sword,' Uther said groaning as he sat down as Merlin smiled.
'You mean Merlin saved you,' Gwaine corrected.
'My feet moved instinctively,' continued Uther.
'And now you're champion once again. And maybe you can give Arthur some lessons,' Morgana said.
'It is I who learned a great deal from our fight,' Uther said.
'I can't see what,' Morgana said putting a napkin on her lap.
'He's a far better warrior than you think. It is Arthur who should've claimed the prize,' Uther said.
'So he noticed,' murmured Percival.
'Yeah, I hadn't expected him to,' Arthur agreed.
'Why?' asked Merlin. 'You were being sort of obvious.'
'Merlin,' Arthur said warningly.
'Shut up,' Merlin said and laughed.
'But sadly he wasn't good enough,' Morgana said.
'Didn't she know you threw the fight?' asked Gwen frowning.
'It must have been hard to see from the stands,' shrugged Arthur.
'Or she just hoped to cause tension,' Merlin suggested.
'Because he through the fight,' Uther said causing Arthur to choke on his drink, 'that I might save face.'
'You knew?' Arthur asked surprised.
'I have followed your progress with a sword since you were a boy,' Uther says holding his hand up to gesture Arthur's young age. 'I know your abilities better than anyone. I am eternally grateful. I hope that, when you are King and have sons of your own, that they will afford you the same honour. Indeed, the most satisfying outcome of the tournament was that Arthur's actions have shown me that he is now truly ready to be King,' Uther says and raises his glass and the three toast as Merlin smiles proudly from the side.
In the physician's chambers Merlin and Gaius are sitting down for their dinner after their work is done for the day. Gaius places a plate of food in front of Merlin. Merlin looks up in surprise at his mentor.
'I'm proud of you,' Gaius said.
'Oh, I don't deserve it,' Merlin said.
'Yes you do,' corrected Hunith.
'You're being hard on yourself. Alright,' Gaius says and takes his plate.
'Er, wha-what are you doing?' Merlin asked.
'You said you didn't deserve it,' Gaius replied simply.
'Gaius, I haven't eaten,' Merlin pointed out.
'Pity. It's delicious,' Gaius said.
Gaius...' Merlin said and tries to take the plate and Gaius slaps his hand.
Gaius laughs, 'alright.' Gaius takes Merlin's plate out of hiding.
'You planned that all along,' Merlin said sounding annoyed.
'To make you feel better,' Gaius shrugged.
Merlin laughs, 'thanks.'
'And it worked,' Gaius laughed.