So, I got to say this chapter was a little hard for me, cause I personally think I'm crap at writing fighting scenes (that's also why I keep them so short^^), but we'll see...Please do let me know what you thought and I hope you'll enjoy it. (Sorry for any mistakes still unbeta'd)
Oh and thanks again for all the lovely reviews! :D
Disclaimer: Don't own Merlin...
Chapter 8
Shortly before noon Merlin, who had finally found out about the challenge, was hurrying towards the training grounds, buzzing with excitement and mentally chanting 'Arthur's going to get his ass kicked.' He had just turned a corner when an unfamiliar voice, coming from behind, made him jump in surprise.
"You wouldn't happen to have any mead, would you?" Startled Merlin whirled around and spotted one of Arthur's elite knights standing in an alcove. Leaning against the wall casually the other was smiling at him jovially, but still somewhat expectantly. It was the one Merlin had silently named 'the Rogue', because of his shoulder-long hair and unkempt appearance.
Remembering that he still had to answer the question he abandoned his musings and hesitantly replied "Uhm..no."
"Shame." And producing a pitcher out of nowhere he continued "Thank God I brought some then." before taking a swig from it.
"I'm Gwaine, by the way." Shaking the offered hand Merlin replied somewhat stupidly "Merlin…but I guess you know that already…"
"Yeah, must be strange to meet people who met you, when you haven't actually met them...if that made any sense. But don't you worry you'll have the pleasure of my company soon enough. Now, come along, we wouldn't want to miss the Princess' defeat." Steering his new friend into action the two left the castle.
Merlin, for his part, found himself with a laughing fit and an even stronger desire to learn about the future. Glancing at his newest friend he decided to voice one of the questions that had nagged him since the arrival of the future army.
"Do you know a guy called Lancelot..?"
In the meantime at the training fields three types of onlookers took their places around the area. On one side the future knights, some soldiers and of course King Arthur positioned themselves to 'cheer' for Emrys, on the opposing side Prince Arthur's supporters were gathering; the past knights, several nobles, the Lady Morgana, her maid and naturally the current king, Uther. The two remaining spaces in between were seemingly considered neutral ground and populated by a variety of curious, but impartial people.
When Gwaine and Merlin arrived down there, the former immediately made his way over to his friends, while the raven-head however had no idea where to stand. People would frown if he didn't cheer for his master, but on the other hand he couldn't really not support his future self. Sighing he guessed neutral area would be the best choic-
"Merlin, come on, I'm going to introduce you to the guys." Shouted Gwaine over his shoulder. Naturally, his curiosity effectively cancelled out his worries and he practically run after the other man. He still couldn't quite believe his luck in meeting the boisterous knight, because unlike the others from the future he had no problem with actually answering questions.
Flashback
"Do you know a guy called Lancelot..?"
"Lance? Sure do, why?"
"Why didn't he come with you? I mean he's an 'elite' knight too, right?"
"Course, he is. And let's just say he's currently castle-sitting."
Flashback end
Still smiling triumphantly about having acquired that titbit of information, he vowed himself to spend some more quality time with Sir Gwaine. Said man had by now reached his companions and dragged them, except Sir Leon, who stayed with the king, over to meet the young warlock halfway. Then gesturing to each knight respectively he introduced them, starting with the bear of a man right next to him "This is my buddy Percival, the handsome fellow next to him is Tristan and those two are Erec and Yvain, brothers and terrible lightweights at drinking."
Nodding and smiling at each one of them Merlin noted that, despite his intimidating size and, Percival gave off an aura of kindness. Next to him the brown haired Tristan appeared rather girlish, because of his lean built and impeccable appearance. The brothers, Erec and Yvain, were both blonde and looked rather bland, but he had no doubt that those two could fight, especially if their countless weapons were anything to go by.
Before he could say or do anything else the castle bell announced that it was now noon. Not one to arrive late, Arthur promptly made his grand entrance, in full armour and with his favourite sword at the ready.
The only differences to normal spars being the huge crowd and that Merlin obviously wasn't standing behind him, preparing to hold his cloak or carrying 'refreshments'. Instead, a nameless servant was in his place, not that Merlin particularly minded. In fact, when Arthur had told him that he wouldn't require his assistance this time, he had only shrugged and hurriedly left to enjoy his free time.
Although Merlin had the suspicion that the blonde thought he would try to manipulate him to go easy on his other self or outright try to sabotage him. Yeah, because making his armour too tight or dropping his sword a few times would make such a big difference…
Catching his master's sharp look at seeing him in the 'enemy's corner' Merlin quickly excused himself from the future knights and joined the neutral grounds. Closer to Arthur's side of course.
A few minutes later his older-self entered the 'arena', clad in chainmail and armguards only. Before he took his place opposite Arthur he walked to his King and they exchange a few words. Lastly, nodding once, Emrys joined the prince in the middle of the field and after a short proclamation from Uther the fight began.
.
Whirling into action immediately Arthur attacked mercilessly. Using one of his combinations he showered Emrys with blows, right – left – head – left – feinted right changed to a direct thrust. He partially even moved so fast that the spectators had difficulties following his movements, but even so he had not once broken through his opponents defence. Emrys was fast and for now simply deflected every blow without effort. Realizing that his approach wasn't working Arthur pulled back and circled Emrys, who followed his lead.
The onlookers around the field were perfectly still, most had expected Arthur to win hands down, but now they weren't so sure anymore. The prince was fighting brilliantly, however, Emrys hadn't even retaliated yet and it was quite clear that his skills were superior. The only people who had expected that outcome from the very beginning were those from the future; heck not even Merlin had anticipated that Emrys would be so good.
Seemingly tired of circling Emrys stopped and mock questioned "Ready?" before running at Arthur full speed, brandishing his sword expertly. Seconds later the prince was swamped with blows and hard pressed to defend, several times only managing to block at the very last moment.
And then the unimaginable happened.. Emrys broke through Arthur's defence and literally swept him off his feet. Pointing his sword at the shocked prince's throat he asked "Do you yi-" Before he finished his sentence Emrys suddenly froze and tilting his head slightly he listened to something only he could hear.
After a few seconds his eyes widened comically and he shot forward to cover the fallen prince with his body, while simultaneously shouting "Get down!" Reacting on pure instinct the people threw themselves on the ground, but for some it was already too late, as the world around them burst into flames…
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