A/N: Sorry for the delay. Thank you for all your reviews.
Lancelot.
Merlyn blew on her cold fingers and rubbed her chilled hands together to generate a little heat. It was a bitterly cold morning and instead of being wrapped up warm in her bed, she was deep in the forest looking for roots and mushrooms. Beside her Glen grumbled, probably regretting his insistence in accompanying her on her search. Gaius's stock of medicinal herbs and other ingredients had been decimated by the various winter bugs that had attacked with a vengeance as the autumn slipped into winter. Hence their early morning trip into the forest.
"What about these ones?" Glen asked pointing at some curious brown mushrooms that gathered around the base of a dead tree.
"That's it." Merlyn agreed kneeling on the damp ground and filling her bag with some of the patch. "That should get us through the week."
"Unless another illness starts in the lower town." Glen added warily. He had spent a week laid up thanks to one of the first delightful ailments.
"Bite your tongue." Merlyn shuddered at the thought of another week like the past, with people lining up to see the court physician. Gaius had treated many of the townspeople as well as those in the palace and was quite exhausted. She worried he would work himself to the ground.
"Sorry. I expect you and Gaius are exhausted?"
"It has not been an easy month," she admitted, "Especially with the guests staying at the palace."
Since the feast over a month ago, Uther had invited Lady Guinevere to stay on in Camelot to provide companionship for Lady Morgana. Lady Rosetta, reluctant to leave her daughter alone decided to stay as well. Lady Guinevere was lovely but the two Ladies were exhausting, and as Lady Guinevere's handmaiden was a fragile creature who had fallen ill yet again, Merlyn had to attend both the Lady Guinevere and Lady Morgana whilst assisting her uncle with the sick.
Glen murmured with sympathy but his response was cut off by a loud screech. Both the servants bolted upright, instinct screaming at them to run. Quickly spinning in circles they sort out the source of the inhuman shriek, only to hear the sound of impossibly large wings disturbing the air. Glen saw it first, grabbing Merlyn's arm and pulling her with him as he took off in the opposite direction. Merlyn stumbled after him, but off balance she tripped over a root after just a few feet, dislodging Glens grip on her upper arm. She crashed down onto the ground but pulled herself up yelling at Glen who had held back.
"Run! I'm right behind you!" And she was until the ankle she had twisted on the first fall gave out and sent her falling to the floor again. Rolling she faced her attacker, extending her arm to protect herself. It was then that she got her first good look at her attacker. It was the largest beast she had ever seen. Its eagle shaped head was bigger than her, and the massive beak was sharp and stained with blood. Large luminous yellow eyes sized her up as prey as it landed on four furry legs, each one bigger than a man. Its two large wings spanned the clearing they had been attempting to escape and Merlyn knew she was in trouble. One of the sharp talons flew at her and barely rolled in time, she felt one of the razor-like claws slice though her clothing and draw blood. Before she could utter a spell, a loud yell interrupted the beasts own high pitched squawk, and a man jumped between herself and the beast. Merlyn scrambled to her feet and Glen rushed back to her, throwing one of her arms over his as their rescuer fought of the beast.
She watched in astonishment as the sword shattered on the beast's chest, and the man threw what was left of his sword at the creatures head.
"Run, Run!" He yelled, ducking under Merlyn's other arm. The two men lifted her clear off her feet as they ran to the tree line, hearing the beast thunder after them. This time they made the tree line, jumping over a dead trunk and tucking themselves against the fortunate shelter. They heard the rush of wings which was at first deafening, until they realised the sounds were getting further away and overtaken by the sounds of their heavy breathing.
The adrenaline rush ebbing, all the aches and pains of the encounter made themselves known. Merlyn's twisted ankle throbbed and the scratches on her arm and cheek smarted.
"It's gone." Glen stated the obvious as he stood up, looking over the log, though the trees and into the now deserted clearing.
Merlyn turned to her rescuer, who lay gratefully against the log.
"Thank you, both of you, you saved my life." She said wincing as she leant forward to check her ankle.
"No problem," Glen said pleased before turning to the stranger, offering his hand. "I'm glad you were nearby. I'm Glen, this is Merlyn."
"Lancelot," The dark haired stranger breathed, reaching up to shake his hand, but he didn't make it. The heavy limb dropped as he slid into unconsciousness.
Glen dropped to his knee and noticed the blood seeping through his shirt. Merlyn jumped into action, her neck scarf quickly fashioned into a compress and a length of Glen's undershirt securing it tightly to the wound. She quickly tore some of her own clothing and made a make-shift wrap for her ankle. Then she and Glen made the long, painful journey back to the castle, dragging their new friend with them.
XxXxXxXxXx
The sun was high in the sky by the time they reached Camelot. Merlyn winced as she imagined the wrath of Morgana when she, Merlyn had not turned up for work. But perhaps her luck had changed because as she had Glen stumbled tiredly though the courtyard; the Ladies Morgana and Guinevere were just leaving the castle and saw the sorry group.
"Good heavens! Merlyn! What happened? Are you alright?" Morgana motioned one of the guards to take over from Merlyn who sat gratefully on the castle steps.
"I'll take him to Gaius." Glen promised, barely faltering in his stride, but Merlyn knew he would pass out the moment he sat down.
"We were attacked in the forest by this giant winged beast. That man Lancelot saved us. I apologise for missing my duties this morning, your highness. It was a difficult journey back."
"You're bleeding!" Exclaimed Guinevere, noticing the blood stained sleeve of her shirt. "And you're limping."
"I fell whilst running from it."
"Looks like Lancelot is not the only one in need of Gaius," said Morgana, helping her handmaiden to her feet. Let's get you inside. The King and Arthur rode out early this morning; there was trouble in one of the villages. I will tell them off your attack upon their return."
XxXxXxXxXxX
Arthur surveyed the wreckage of the village he had passed though only last week. Remembering the people who had lived and worked in the small houses, the children that had ran between the buildings. A hard knot twisted in his gut as he looked down at the burnt out buildings and the utter quiet that had replaced the children's laughter. The winged beast had left few survivors. The untouched livestock had strayed into forest and grazed at the trees as two injured villagers attempted to herd them back into the fields, nervously watching the sky. He ordered some of his men to remain and assist the survivors salvaging what they can. Taking one last look at the tragedy he turned and followed his father back to Camelot.
On his return he was met by his manservant. Ready to berate the younger man for his tardiness that morning, he was stopped by the man's tired and bruised face. Glen launched into an apology, the words tripping over themselves to pour out. Arthur had started to tune him out when he heard the words 'huge winged monster'.
"It was outside Camelot?"
"Several miles to the east, sire. Merlyn was gathering supplies for Gaius and I offered to go with her. She walks really fast, you know!" Glen told him "Anyways, the winged beast would have killed us, but there was this man who saved us. He was brilliant but it was massive and his sword shattered on the creatures feathers!"
"But you got away. Merlyn's alright?" He asked concerned.
"She hurt her ankle and the man…I can't remember his name… He was injured so we had to carry him back to the castle. They're with Gaius. He said they will be fine."
"Good." Arthur said quietly and laid his sword down on the table, looking at the finely forged blade. "You said the blade shattered on his hide?"
"Yes. It didn't even leave a mark. And the man was an expert swordsman; he landed some damaging hits but…" Glen's voice trailed off as he remembered how the creature came so close to killing both himself and Merlyn.
xXxXxXxXxX
"How are his injuries?" Merlyn asked as she slowly made her way down the steps from her room. Gaius, aided by Morgana and Guinevere had convinced her to rest for the day and had her pouring though his medical journals and dusty volumes before allowing her to study her magic book.
To Gaius's delight, Merlyn had picked up the language of the old religion and several druid dialects with little difficulty. Her young mind was like a sponge soaking up the contents greedily. Unfortunately what she lacked was time and patience. The young witch would get impatient and when tired as she often was when her duties were completed, her mind would wander and she would be unable to concentrate.
"The wound is not deep but it has become infected. He is strong, I believe he will rally. How is your ankle?"
"I'm a quick healer; I'll be able to move around tomorrow." Merlyn assured him, taking her place at the table for her supper. "I'm more concerned with that creature that attacked us. Has there been any news?"
"A village half a day from here was destroyed, the King is investigating. Now eat your supper."
xXxXxXxXxX
Glens account of the attack stayed foremost in Arthur's mind though out the day and the training session with the new knights only added to the troubles as he watched them practice. Camelot's knights had a reputation of being of the best, but the men in front of him just weren't making the cut and when he went to sleep that night, it was a troubled rest with terrifying dreams.
The next morning, he stood as Glen prepared him for practice listening as Glen rambled on about the man, Lancelot, who had saved him the previous day. He frowned at the awed sound of his manservant's voice, thick with hero-worship.
It wasn't until later that day that he saw the man in question.
"Right, you jumped-up dung beetle, this is it, the final test. Past this and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail and your no one." He strode into the middle of the training ground adjusting his leather gloves. Turning he noticed Merlyn and Glen stood behind the fence watching with a tall, dark man he had not met before. He unconsciously straightened and turned back to face his opponent.
"You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine…You face me. Your challenge, to last one minute - free combat. Grimond, second son of Wessex, your time starts now."
Arthur almost sighed in disappointment as the other knight approached. Grimond had all the appearance of a great knight, indeed he was a brilliant show man, but he was a poor soldier. His swords sliced musically though the air in big sweeping motions. Arthur knew there was a chance that Grimond was just luring him into a false sense of security but he doubted it and responded as if he were in battle…by quickly defeating his opponent. A few moves and Grimond was knocked out with a knee to the head. He went down quickly. The crowd cheered but Arthur found no pleasure in his victory, looking down at the man on the floor before leaving the field, nodding with a strained smile at the spectators.
His gaze returned to the section of fence that caught his eye earlier. The man he assumed was Lancelot was talking to an enthusiastic Glen who was waving his arms around excitedly and Merlyn was looking at him concerned. She had picked up on his less than pleased mood. He headed toward his armor aware she was following him. The other man had disappeared into the crowd.
He frowned as he watched her approach, clearly favoring her right side. A long scratch marred the skin of her cheek, and he could see the bulk of bandages under her sleeve.
"Are you alright my lord?" She asked concerned as she reached him.
"Shouldn't that be my question?" Arthur replied, gesturing to her arm. "Glen told me you were injured. Are you well?"
"I'm a quick healer." She assured him, grinning "It was my own fault. I tripped whilst running from the creature. I was lucky."
"Yes, I've heard all about your savior. Lancelot." Merlyn must have picked up on something in his voice because she gave him a strange look before smiling.
"Don't worry, Arthur, every other word out of Glens mouth is Arthur this or Arthur that. You're still his favorite hero." She teased him, her shoulders shaking with mirth.
"I am not jealous!" He exclaimed a bit louder than he would like as a few people turned and looked at him which only made Merlyn shake laughter.
"I'm not!" He continued quieter. "I'm glad he was there to help you. I saw what that creature did to the villages. It has a taste for the flesh of man." His gaze returned to her face. Or more precisely, the scratch on her face, realizing just how close Merlyn had come to a similar fate. "I…"
A loud ruckus behind him interrupted his next words, he whirled around to see Glen in the middle of a debris field of his armor, rubbing his knee and scowling at the bench he had just walked into.
"Glen! Honestly if you have dented my armor again…"
"Sorry sire." Glen mumbled as Merlyn helped him gather the fallen armor and fell into step with his master. "That was a good fight sire. You defeated him quickly."
"I think that's the problem." Merlyn observed, struggling with the sword which caused Arthur to pluck from her hand.
"Grimond is the third to fail this month," He complained as headed back to the castle. "How can I defend Camelot rubbish like that?"
"Well, I think I might be able to help."
"You? Glen?" Arthur asked with some doubt. "You don't have the faintest idea what it would that to be a knight. Courage, fortitude, discipline."
"No, no, no, of course I don't but I know someone who does." He said urgently, pausing to let Merlyn grab the elbow cap about to slide to the floor.
"Yeah?"
"Saved my life."
XxXxXxX
Merlyn glared at Glen as Arthur left them.
"What?" Glen asked wide eyed. "I panicked. And Lancelot is the best swordsman I have seen since Arthur! He deserves to be a knight."
"I'm not arguing that Glen. You and I both know nobility does not make a good man. But Lancelot's not a noble and he doesn't have a seal of nobility."
"Well, when Arthur sees how well he fights, he has to let him in!"
Unfortunately, it was not that easy. Gaius sunk their hopes with the story behind the first code of Camelot's knights. Uther's Code. Only those of noble blood could become knights. Both Merlyn and Glen knew that Arthur could not go against his father's code. Lancelot's hopes were dashed.
That knight Lancelot told them his tale, of how northern raiders had attacked his village when he was a small child and killed his family and everyone he knew. How he had sworn he would never be as helpless in the face of such tyranny ever again and dedicated his life to the sword and the belief that one day he would be a knight, defending the innocent against the brutality of others. She watched his despondency with a sad heart and a plan formed in her mind.
XxXxXxXx
"Don't ask!" Was all she muttered as she passed the rolled up parchment to Glen who looked at her with astonishment. His face lit up as he read the parchment and waved it at Lancelot.
"Your seal, Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."
"No, Merlyn how did you do that?" Lancelot asked staring at his name on the seal.
"You don't want to know and I am not telling." Merlyn said firmly. She put away her sewing kit cursing under her breath as she caught her sore fingers. Morgana had needed her dress taken in that morning and Guinevere had lost a few buttons. That along with her minor illegal activity had left her in a bad mood. The men realizing this backed off.
"No, Glen. I can't do this."
"So you don't want to be a knight then?" Glen teased, rolling it up and moving toward the door.
"Of course I do but the rules…"
"The rules are wrong!" Glen argued. And Merlyn nodded; despite her reservations she desperately wanted Lancelot to be a knight. "You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it. This is just a foot in the door. Then you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you become a knight, it will be because you earned it."
"He's right." Merlyn agreed. "We can't change the way things are around here. But you can. And we can help."
Lancelot sat silent. A war played out across his face, his desire to be a knight and the consequences if he were caught. And there would be consequences.
"Alright." He surrendered. "Let's do this."
Glen jumped in excitement and clapped his hands. Beaming he turned to Merlyn who was also smiling until Glen opened his mouth.
"He's going to need to look the part…" Glen wheedled. Merlyn looked at her already sore fingers and groaned.
XxXxXxXx
"This is very kind of you." Lancelot thanked her again as she measured his leg circumference.
"Don't thank me, thank Glen, Glen would do anything for anyone." She told him, trying to defeat his attention, feeling very awkward this close to Lancelot. She was a ladies maid after all. Glen silently preened at her praise and she smiled indulgently at him. Although he was perhaps a few years older than her, she felt like the responsible adult in their friendship, as she often had with her childhood friends Will and Iain.
"I don't think Glens the only one with a generous heart." Lancelot assured her causing her to blush. She ducked out of view behind him and tried to measure his shoulders when there was a knock at the door. Glen opened it without thinking and Guinevere entered the room, some clothing in her hands.
"Merlyn, I am sorry…oh!" Guinevere stopped at the sight of Lancelot who stood dead centre in the room. "I'm so sorry to interrupt. I forgot to give this to you this morning. I managed to tear it by accident."
"It's not a problem. I will repair it later." Merlyn assured her relieving her of the clothing. "This is Lancelot. Lancelot this is the Lady Guinevere. He's trying out for the knights tomorrow."
Lancelot looked as struck by the woman as she was of him and bowed his eyes barely leaving Guinevere's causing the ladies cheeks to darken in a fierce flush.
"Oh that's good. We need good men, I mean not me. Camelot needs good men…" Merlyn watched with disbelief and not a little bit of humor as the normally calm and poised Lady went to pieces in front of the handsome man. Taking pity she interrupted the painful exchange,
"OK, I'm done here and your clothes should be ready tomorrow."
"Thank you, Merlyn." He said tearing his eyes away from the woman in front of it.
"No problem." She said as she ushered the men from the room. She turned to see a rather embarrassed Guinevere looking around the room.
"So, he's trying out for the knights?" She asked failing to appear disinterested. "Elyan was the last one to pass the test. He says that the latest batch of hopefuls is…lacking."
"I believe the Prince is just looking for more some talent. Lancelot is a skilled swordsman. He saved me and Glen from the beast."
"That was him?" Guinevere asked impressed. "Do you know him well?"
"Only a few days. He's staying here, it seemed the least we could do."
Guinevere nodded in agreement. "So you are not… I mean you like him?"
"Sure, he seems like a good man."
"I thought you and Glen were…" Guinevere's voice trailed off suggestively causing Merlyn to choke on the sip of water she had taken.
"What? No, no, no…Friends. I am friends with Glen and friends with Lancelot, no more." Now Merlyn was as red as Guinevere. An awkward moment ensued with the two women avoiding eye contact before the absurdity of it caused Merlyn to start giggling which turned into full blown laughter as a sheepish Guinevere joined her.
"I am sorry. It's none of my business." Guinevere told her. "I think I've been spending too much time with Morgana. I think she is ready to be a wife and is trying to marry me off too."
Merlyn laughed weakly, knowing the real reason Morgana was desperate to divert Guinevere's attention towards visiting Lords and the Knights and away from a certain Prince.
"It's quite alright. You're not the first to think that. I have to deliver some medicines to the town now, I will have your dress ready by tomorrow."
"Oh there is no rush, Merlyn, I know you are busy. May I accompany you to the town? I have not had the chance to see much of Camelot yet."
"Of-course, however I warn you I will be going to some of the poorer areas of the lower town."
"Even better." Guinevere assured her. "Shall I meet you at in the courtyard?"
XxXxXxXxXx
The next few days past with many sightings of the winged beast, but there were no further attacks. Lancelot had been in the stables two days when Arthur tracked him down. He had, had the man muck out the stables twice; sweep the guard house and the armoury. The man had done this without complaint. He could take orders and he could work hard. Now he sat sharpening his blade. Arthur tossed the broom stick at him and was impressed when the man sensed and caught the weapon before it hit his face.
Already the other man had shown natural ability with the sword, something the nobles before him had lacked. He wanted to see what else he could do. Inviting the man to attack him, he noted the speed and strength behind the moves. Footwork not perfect but he would learn quickly. Stamina and focus was acceptable. Lancelot kept his cool, even when Arthur taunted him with his broom handle. Most importantly, the man could take a hit. A hard blow to the chest winded him, but he did not drop his weapon.
"Congratulations," Arthur told him sincerely. "You've just made basic training."
Any other conversation was interrupted by the warning bells tolling though the citadel. And the screams that followed them. People started running, some to the town entrance, others to their homes.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
The injured sat in the court yard as Gaius, Merlyn and other volunteers moved from group to group, dispensing water, blankets and medical aid as they went. On the terrace, the King and Arthur looked down on the suffering soles of another destroyed village, who had survived the journey to the citadel. The slashes, blood and terrorized faces told a savage tale. The winged beast, with a taste for human flesh had fed again.
"First Greensward then Willowdale. The creatures heading south, towards the mouth of the valley…"
"To Camelot," Arthur finished grimly.
"You must prepare the knights." Uther told him, heading toward the throne room, where his advisers were gathering.
"Have faith, father, we will be ready." Arthur told him, more confidently than he felt.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"The wings of an Eagle and the body of a Lion. The wings of an Eagle…" Gaius's voice was a murmur as he poured over the books of mysterious and magical creatures, the few copies that the King had allowed him to keep where many others had been destroyed or locked away. He had attacked the books with Merlyn's description of the beast but, like Merlyn, had other duties such as caring for the poor men, women and children who crawled into Camelot after the creature's blood-thirsty attacks.
Merlyn tried her best not to disturb him as she tackled the tear in Guinevere's skirt by firelight. Both jumped when the door to Gaius's chambers swung open, and Glen bounced in the room, vibrating with excitement.
"Lancelot's test is tomorrow!" He told them, as a shaky Lancelot entered behind him. "The Prince brought it forward."
"Congratulations." Merlyn told him smiling. "Arthur would not have considered it unless he believed you would make it."
"I hope I fare better than the last contender." Lancelot said remembering how quickly the noble had been dispatched. He headed toward the pile of blankets by the fire place that was his temporary bed as Glen left in a rush, babbling on about Lancelot's sword.
Gaius watched it all, a stern look of rapprochement and disapproval on his face. Merlyn grimaced and returned to work, praying that this would not blow up in their faces.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Merlyn made sure she was able to watch the final test, finishing her chores off quickly. The Lady Morgana was still abed, but the Lady Guinevere was dressed and standing beside her as a nervous Lancelot stood in the ring of Knights and spectators.
"Succeed and you join the elite, fail and your journey ends here." It was a good sign, Merlyn thought, that Arthur was a lot more polite to Lancelot, than he had been to Grimond. It was one of the things she admired about the Prince, that he could sometimes look beyond a person's rank, and judges them on their character and ability. It showed in the way he spoke to and treated Glen, Lancelot, Grimond and even herself. He could be a tyrant to Glen, but he let the younger man get away with far more than any other man would.
She and Guinevere winced and trembled at every clash of swords as the two men dueled, gasping as Lancelot fell. Merlyn saw the disappointment in Arthur as he stood over Lancelot's prone body, but she could not read the look on his face moments later as he ordered Lancelot to his knees…
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Glen's manic grin was infectious, as was amusement she was getting from Arthurs annoyance at his manservant. Merlyn knew her friend could be insufferable on the rare occasions he was right. As if the evening's festivities wasn't enough, Guinevere's discomfort of the Lady Morgana's appraisal of the newly Knighted Sir Lancelot was an added bonus.
"Who is this man? He seems to have come out of no-where." The Lady Morgana whispered.
"I know. He's been a bit of a surprise. To all of us."
"You saw him fight?"
"Yes, I was fortunate to watch the final test. It was impressive."
"Is it true he fell Arthur?"
"Yes. It was a great test, He was amazing." Morgana had now caught the interested note in her friend's voice and sighed with relief. Guinevere did not seem to be interested in Arthur, but she knew that the Lady Rosetta had tried to get her daughter interested in the future King. Arthur did not seem to pay Guinevere any extra attention either, but neither was he paying her any. She had been disappointed to realize that the interest he had shown a few weeks back, had not really been him, but an impostor. Morgana wondered if he was still mad at her for not realizing that he had been replaced by the evil sorcerer.
Merlyn lost interest as she watched with careful eyes as Lancelot spoke with the King, a tight fist of unease in her stomach. She had a feeling that this was not over.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Arthur decided he liked Lancelot. The man was quiet, modest and when he spoke, he showed intelligence and logical feelings. He also held his drink well. The rest of his knights drank and sang rowdily. Lancelot sat on a table and watched. Always on alert. He was now watching the three women who had walked into the room. The Ladies Morgana and Guinevere both looked beautiful thanks to the effort of the third that walked slightly behind them, in her far more humble attire. He was pleased to note that the scratch on her cheek had almost disappeared, and the limp had gone entirely.
"Here comes trouble." He stated, gesturing at the trio who started to make their separate ways. He nodded towards Merlyn, who had followed Glen to the buffet.
He had noticed that Lancelot had spent a lot of time with the young woman much to his discomfort. He felt very protective over the handmaiden who had saved his life. There was something about her. Something he had noticed the moment they had met when she had looked at him with fire in her eyes. Whatever it was about her, he knew it, like her was special.
"Tell me… do you think she's beautiful?" He asked, trying to decide whether or not to interfere.
"Yes, Sire, I do." Lancelot said sincerely. Arthur was not ready for the brief spurt of panic that went though him and turned his head sharply toward the other man. Only to find that instead of Merlyn, his new Knight was watching the Lady Guinevere. He followed the man's gaze to where the two Ladies where talking.
"Yes, I suppose she is." He said, ignoring the flutter of relief in his stomach. As if she had felt his gaze the lady Morgana looked up and saw the two men watching. She smiled her most flirtatious smile at him, and he quickly broke eye contact and rose, banging on the table to gather the attention of the room. He felt Lancelot deserved a toast.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Glen approached her grinning, a tankard of mead in his hands, the contents sloshing over the sides.
"Isn't this wonderful! Look at him." He said taking a huge swig and gesturing toward his new friend, nearly hitting a passing Knight who glared menacing at him. Lancelot was across the room in deep conversation with Prince Arthur, and the two Ladies. "I think he has a thing for Lady Guinevere."
"I think it's returned." Merlyn agreed smiling indulgently. "Arthur likes him as well. He knows he has a great Knight on his hands."
"I knew he would." Glen said. "I knew it, I knew –hic- it." Merlyn turned to her friend who was shaking his head slightly.
Eying the now half empty tankard she wondered. "Are you alright? Glen, how many of those have you had?"
"A few, two, maybe –hic- three. Don't worry Lynnie, I'm not drunk." Yep he was swaying. And he was in trouble.
"Glen, do you remember what I said I would do if you ever called me Lynnie."
Glen stood a deep frown on his face as he tried to remember what she had threatened him with the last time he had made the mistake.
"Face…Broomstick…Stables…Anything familiar?" Merlyn prompted, amused at her friend who was most certainly drunk.
"Whas wrong with Lynnie. It's p'fectly good name." He argued, his words beginning to slur.
"Nothing." Merlyn agreed. "It's just not mine. I think it's time to go, Glen."
"Don't wanna." Glen said, defiantly taking another swig.
"I'll walk you home." Merlyn bargained. "Come on, Glen, put the tankard down. Glen appeared to think for a minute, then let out a world wary sigh and put down his tankard. Unfortunately he misjudged the table and the tankard immediately tipped off the table, spilling its contents down Merlyn's skirt and crashing to the ground. The surrounding Knights jeered at the noise and Merlyn found all attention fixed on them.
Gritting her teeth she battered Glens hands away as he clumsily tried to dab at her skirt.
"It's fine Glen, let's just go."
"Are you OK?" Merlyn looked up to see that Lancelot and a grinning Arthur had joined them.
"Glyndwr!" He boomed "I told you that you could only have two tankards of mead, not get in your cups!"
"I did ave two, or maybe three, but Merlyn's got most of that one."
Merlyn glared at the restrained laughter on Arthur's face as Glen looked apologetically at her.
"You know he can't hold his drink," She hissed at the Prince, keeping her voice down as Glen engaged in conversation with Lancelot.
"Yes." Arthur agreed, still smiling.
"You ass." She whispered fiercely, annoyed when he only laughed. One of the patrons at the table looked up in astonishment as the Prince was insulted by a mere slip of a girl, a servant no less.
"Don't worry," Arthur told him, "It's not the first time she's called me that." The old man's eyes bulged.
"You…" Merlyn's cheeks were now red with embarrassment and anger. Biting her lip she held back a retort that was burning her tongue. She really did look beautiful when she was angry, Arthur thought. And it was so much fun to rile her.
"And it probably won't be the last." He continued before walking away, throwing a grin back at her. Merlyn glared back at him, then at Lancelot and Glen who were also looking at her in awe and amusement. She grabbed Glens jacket and pushed him toward the door.
"Will you be alright?" Lancelot asked, following them to the door.
Merlyn nodded and refused his offer to escort her home.
"I'll be fine. I've dragged Glen home before. It's your night, Lancelot. Enjoy it!"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
It all came down the next morning. Lancelot's deception was discovered. Merlyn cursed herself. She should have chosen a more obscure genealogy. And she damned Uther and his code. She remembered the look on Arthur's face. He was humiliated too. And he thought, correctly, that she had known Lancelot's true origins.
"I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot." She told him, when she went to visit him in the dungeon. Guilt nearly suffocated her as she got her first glimpse of the man sat on the floor of his cell.
"You are not to blame."
"Yes I am…"
"The choice was mine, the punishment is mine alone to bear."
He refused to let her feel guilty, forgave her completely. But she knew it would be a long time before she would forgive herself. Glen too was inconsolable and just a little hung-over. Arthur was in no mood to go easy on him, so she sneaked him Gaius's remedy and water when she could. Guinevere was also upset. She was quiet all day and demanded that Merlyn tell her everything she knew. Merlyn had been grilled by both the Lady Morgana and Guinevere for every scrap of information she may have.
"I don't see that he did anything so terrible." Morgana argued. "He sounds like more of a noble than some of the noblemen in the Knighthood. And Camelot needs more Knights, better Knights."
"But he lied." Guinevere spoke softly. "It's the deception that I can't… I have not known him for so long, but I believed deception would be against his character."
"It is." Merlyn told her. "He has fought himself everyday on this. He just wanted to serve so badly."
She was excused and left the Ladies chambers, listening as Morgana comforted Guinevere. She hoped that the incident would not damage the budding friendship she had with the Lady Guinevere but was afraid it may have. As a result she was miserable when she returned to her chambers.
Gaius was however much more interested in his discovery. He had found it, the winged beast.
"I've been looking for the creature in the wrong place. In the records of living things in the kingdom. Then I thought of the creatures recorded only in myth and legend. And I found this." He said, pointing at the drawing on in one of the oldest books open on the table.
"That's it!" She said straight away, breathlessly, her mind flying back to the clearing, the deafening sounds of giant wings, piecing cries and sharp talons. Then the warning bell sounded out and she realized the sounds weren't only from her memory. People outside began to scream in terror and they heard the sounds of hundreds of feet, run for safety.
Rushing to the window, Merlyn heard Gaius gasp at the sight of the beast tearing through the air. Prince Arthur came charging though the castle doors, his knights behind him and faced the beast. The beast seemed to be weighing them up too. Scattering them before landing. Arthur engaged the beast, dodging the sharp beak and swinging talons. Then watched in disbelief as his spear shattered against the creatures hide.
Ducking the creatures return blow, he fell on his back, the huge creature on his back.
"Arthur!" Then the guardsman threw him a torch. Fire. It pushed back the creature, long enough for Arthur to stand. And it was enough to scare the creature away. Arthur watched in disbelief as the creature flew away. It would be back, he was certain. He picked up the broken spear and stared at the end, aware of his men doing the same. He turned back toward the castle, barking orders at the knights and giving the quick-thinking guardsman a thankful nod and pat on the back. Merlyn came out of the door at speed. Whipping her head around, looking for the danger. Her eyes landed of him and he saw a flash of relief in her eyes.
It was then he remembered that Merlyn had been attacked by that creature. She had been sprawled on the floor, with a twisted ankle and no shield to protect her. Just fortunate a plucky young man with a sword had come to the rescue. Lancelot, who's sword had shattered on the creature's skin.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
His father's praise did mean a lot. But Arthur knew the creature would be back. He saw Gaius and Merlyn slip into the great hall and wait quietly to be acknowledged.
"The Kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this."
"Sire, if I may…" Gaius requested the Kings attention. "I've been researching this creature, Sire, I believe it to be a Griffin."
"A Griffin? What's in a name?" Uther asked, almost dismissively.
"A Griffin is a creature of magic."
The statement went down like a lead balloon. Arthur practically saw the blinders come down over his father's eyes. He was to ride out tonight with his Knights, against a creature of magic.
"I could be wrong. I hope I am wrong, Sire. The creature may be killed by natural means if you hit the right spot, everything has a weakness. Either way, this is not a natural creature." Gaius's reassurance was appreciated and Arthur clung to it. But he still remembered the sound of the spear shattering on the feathers.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
"If Arthur rides out against it, he will be killed." The cold certainty of Gaius's words shook Merlyn to the core.
"Then he must be stopped. Uther must see reason."
"Where magic is concerned, our King is blinded to reason. And yet magic is our only hope." Gaius said gently, walking over to her and taking her hands in his.
"You're not suggesting…" Gaius squeezed her hands when her voice shook. He had heard her wake up the past few nights, breathing heavily as her heart ran a mile. She never screamed, but Gaius knew that the creature terrorized her every night.
"It is your destiny, Merlyn. The true purpose of your magic."
"You saw it, Gaius. I can't go up against that thing. Not again." She said shaking her head and attempting to pull away.
"But if you do not Arthur will surly perish." She remembered the look on Arthur's face as he left the great hall. Resolved in the face of impossible odds.
"No, no. This is madness; I don't have that sort of power. There must be another way" Merlyn denied, breaking free of her guardians grip and pacing the room. But she was listening, Gaius noticed and pressed on.
"This is the only way." He told her. The fear on her face tore at him but he steeled himself.
"Do you even care what happens to me? Do this Merlyn, Do that! Go kill the Griffin Merlyn while I sit warming my feet by the fire." Even as the words left her mouth Merlyn knew they were lies, but she kept going."
"Merlyn!" Gaius voice snapped her back to reality. He approached her again, his hands reaching and grasping her forearms. "Merlyn, you are the thing I care about most in all this world. I would give my life for you without a thought. But for what? I cannot save Arthur. It is not my destiny. You know…"
A tear trickled down Merlyn's cheek at her Uncles words. "I'm sorry." She whispered.
"I don't know what else I can say." He said, wiping away the tear from her face.
"Then I'll say it for you," She said swallowing the lump in her throat. "We have two hours to find out how to kill that thing."
XxXx
Lancelot watched the Prince pace as he tore into his cell.
"I am sorry." He said, aware of how small those words were, when the Prince surprised him.
"I am too. Because you fight like a knight, and I need…Camelot needs…" Arthur trailed off, the injustice of it all churning his stomach.
"The creature…"
"We could not kill it. I've never faced its like.
"I have faced it myself, Sire, some days past. I struck it full square. I wondered how it endured."
"There are those that believe this creature, this Griffin, is a creature of magic. That only magic can destroy it."
"Do you believe this, Sire?" That was the question. In his heart he believed it to be a creature of magic. He just hoped it did not require magic to destroy it.
"It doesn't matter what I believe. The use of magic is not permitted. The Knights must succeed with steel and sinew alone. There is a horse waiting for you outside."
Arthur wished he could take Lancelot with him. That he had a Knight like Lancelot at his side. The only thing he could do was give the man his freedom. Lancelot fought this. But it was all he could do.
His men were ready to ride and so was he. He just needed to see if Gaius had found anything. He knocked and entered the chambers to find both Gaius and Merlyn buried in books. They looked up at him, then at the window. Time was almost up.
"I just came to see if you had found anything else."
"No as yet, sire." Gaius answered, returning to the book. "I will continue till the last possible moment."
"Thank you." Arthur's eyes clashed with Merlyn's and he took a moment. Just to look at her. "Could you do me favor Merlyn, and help me with my armor. Glen is nowhere to be seen. And I have yet to lose a tournament with you arming me. I feel I need a little luck."
"Yes, Sire." Merlyn came around the table towards Arthur who stood behind Gaius, out of sight. She helped him resit the breast plate and checked his armor, when his hand stilled hers. He threaded his fingers in-between hers and brought them up to his chest for a brief moment. Their eyes locked for a few seconds.
Neither of them said a word.
He squeezed their hands once then gently dropped them. Merlyn let hers fall as he released her fingers.
"Wish me luck?" He asked walking towards the door.
"Good Luck." Gaius turned to smile at the young man, but his eyes were on Merlyn.
"I will see you later." She said simply. And there it was, Arthur realized as he left the room, the reason he had gone. The belief that had helped him though the duel with Valiant, shining brightly in her eyes.
Back in Gaius's chambers, Merlyn threw herself into the research. She would find it, she swore. She will find it!
XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Merlyn raced through the castle and reached Lancelot just as was readying his horse.
"I'm going with you." She told him.
"No you're not!" He said firmly, but Merlyn ignored him.
"I will not be fighting, I will be tending the wounded and we both know there will be wounded. Arthur's going to need all the help he can get. Let's go!"
XxXxXxXxXxxXx
The Lady Guinevere looked out the window as the knights rode off. She was devastated at learning of Lancelot's deception, although when Merlyn had revealed the reason, the motive for his actions she understood. She took comfort in knowing he was a good man and hoped for the best. She was still at the window when she saw another pair of riders. Two she recognised. She watched in disbelief as Merlyn and Lancelot left Camelot together.
XxXxXxXxXXxXx
Merlyn gasped as she saw the knights on the ground. She knew a few where beyond her help. For a few terrifying moments she could not see Arthur. A flash of blond hair behind a rock had her racing down a small bank and stumbling to a stop by the prone body of the Prince. Trembling fingers found a pulse. But any relief was sent flying away as the hiss and screech of the Griffin invaded the forest.
Merlyn stood shakily to her feet and swallowed as the Griffin landed, an even more terrifying creature, bathed in shadows. She watched as Lancelot rode past her, watched as he stared the animal down, before his face was hidden by his helmet. The large lance looked formidable in his hold. I was the perfect vehicle for her spell. It was now or never.
Before she even realized it, she was chanting the spell, over and over. Lancelot raced past her and her voice grew. The Griffin charged at them, his every step shaking the ground. It needed to work. It had to work. She threw everything into those three words..,
"Breydan anweald gafeluec!"
The tip of the lance flickered and burst into blue flame. Lancelot saw it out of the corner of his eye but did not react. He felt the power in his weapon as the lance came to life. He aimed, straight for the center of the creature's chest and hit. He listened in amazement as he heard the Griffin screech, not in annoyance, but in pain.
"Yes!" Merlyn cried as the creature fell. Not noticing the Prince beside her stir until he groaned and sat up.
"Merlyn." He muttered standing up and stumbling. Merlyn quickly ducked under his arm and steadied him. Arthur focused on her for a second, then on the fallen Griffin, then on the rather impressive sight of Lancelot on his horse, bloodied lance in hand.
"Lancelot!"
"Sire!"
"You did it. You killed it Lancelot!" Arthur laughed joyously, squeezing Merlyn in celebration.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
Merlyn entered the room to find Gaius anxiously waiting. Her smile told him everything.
"You did it."
"I did it."
"Thank God!" Merlyn ran into his open arms and sobbed in laughter and relief.
XxXxxXxXxXxXx
"He laid down his life for me. He served with honor." This time he would be heard. He faced his father determined that Lancelot be treated fairly. He and his father had clashed so many times recently, clashed painfully and he knew this was going to be yet another, but he would not yield.
"I see you feel strongly about this Arthur. Under the circumstances a pardon perhaps."
"No. Not good enough. You must restore Lancelot to his rightful place as a knight of Camelot."
"Never." Uther hissed the word. The law is the law. The code bends for no man"
"Then the code is wrong!"
XxXxXxXxXxxXx
"But I didn't kill the griffin." Lancelot said quietly. "You did."
Merlyn froze for a split second before chuckling.
"That's ridiculous."
"Breydan anweald… I heard you." Lancelot stated it calmly, non-judgmental. "I saw you,"
He must have seen Merlyn's fear as the smile dropped from her face and she looked nervously around. He looked at her fondly then wrapped an arm around her shoulder and squeezed.
"Don't worry your secrets safe with me. But I cannot take the credit for something I did not do. There will be no more lies. No more deceit."
"What are you going to do?" She asked.
"The only thing I can do."
XxXxXxXxXx
Guinevere watched as Lancelot loaded his horse with what few belongings he had, as he said goodbye to Merlyn with a quick hug. She waited until Merlyn left before approaching the man she had admired greatly.
"I thought you had left last night, with Merlyn."
"No milady." Lancelot turned to her and smiled. "Merlyn had discovered the Griffins weakness and had to tell Arthur. I would not let her head out into danger alone. Arthur needed help."
"Even though he had tossed you in the dungeon."
"He's the one who let me out." Lancelot grinned briefly before smiling sadly.
"Must you go?" She asked "You have your pardon. You could stay."
Lancelot shook his head. "There are things I must do. Things I need to sort out. I hope to return one day and hopefully have a place here. But it is not the right time."
Guinevere looked down at her hands that were worrying her handkerchief. She felt cheated. Like she had found someone special but had been refused. Lancelot grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to her soft skin.
"I will see you again, milady." Guinevere smiled and pushed the handkerchief into his hands.
He smiled at her before swinging onto his mount and taking one last look around the place he had hoped to call home, before he rode out of the courtyard.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Merlyn was tiding up when Arthur made it to Gaius's chambers. His wound had stopped bleeding ages ago but it required cleaning.
"I can clean the wound…Unless you would rather wait for Gaius?"
"No. I'm sure there is no need to wait for Gaius. Go ahead."
He watched her face as she worked, her attention fixed on the injured patch of forehead. The cut extended into the hair line and she gently removed the hairs glued to the wound by dry blood. He winced as she hit a sore bit and she looked at him in disbelief.
"The big, bad Knight hurt by a teensy tiny cut. You big baby."
"It just took me by surprise." He said, glaring mildly as she laughed. She hit another area and he flinched.
"Is this revenge?" He asked, "For the other night."
"And why would I possibly need revenge." Merlyn asked him, innocently.
"You called me an ass."
"You are an ass." She said. But there was no malice in her voice. Just a gentle…fondness perhaps.
The next few minutes passed in a comfortable silence as Merlyn finished the wound, before he broke it.
"Thank you." She looked questioningly at him. "For this and for riding out with Lancelot. You put yourself in great peril. I know the Griffin scared you. Lancelot could have delivered the message."
Merlyn was quiet for a moment, tidying the table in front of her, avoiding his gaze. "I was scared, yes. And I don't like being scared. But I thought I was needed."
"You were." Arthur told her. "Thank you. And I understand why you helped Lancelot, or at least kept his secret. I don't want to know how involved you were in his deception."
"He saved my life." Merlyn told him, "And he is a good man and an amazing soldier. He would have been one of your best Knights."
"He may yet be." Arthur agreed, causing Merlyn to meet his eyes. "He saved my life as well. He saved Camelot. I'm not sure I agree with the part of code that declares only a noble man can be a Knight."
"Maybe," Merlyn spoke gently, "When you are King, you can decide whether to amend the code. But for now, it is your Fathers code."
Arthur nodded. "I challenged him on it and I think I made an impression. Lancelot's decision to depart also made him think. We are fighting so much these days."
"I thought things were getting better?"
"They are." He agreed quickly. "I think his failing to recognize Odin was an imposter shook him up. There are still things I am struggling with…"
He looked at the fragile flower for but a second then crushed it in his gloved hand.
"You need to learn that there is a right and a wrong way of doing things."
"…But I have to learn to deal with that."
"You're all done." Merlyn told him. "It was a clean slice. Barring any infection, it should not scar."
"Thank you." He told her walking to the door. "I will see you later.
Merlyn smiled and watched him walk out the door. "Yes you will."
Thank you for reading. I'm not going to put a timeline on the next chapter as i have no idea when i will be able to complete it or post it. But i promise i will eventually update. I do enjoy writing fanfic but unfortunately have less and less time to write it.
Thanks to all those who continue to bare with me. Hope you are all having a good start to the new year!