Third Person POV
"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.
Western Isles, shop
Valiant POV
I looked around nervously before entering the shady shop. I was on a mission to find a shield that could help me win the upcoming tournament. But something about the place made me uneasy.
I stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room. I saw in a corner the one I'd come to meet- Devlin.
I approached the merchant and asked, "I understand you have a shield for me?"
The merchant motioned for Valiant to come behind the counter, and then he produced a beautifully crafted shield with painted snakes winding around it.
"With this shield, I guarantee you'll win." Devlin said. "Let me show you how it works."
I watched in fascination as Devlin began chanting a strange phrase, and suddenly the painted snakes on the shield came to life and began slithering out of the shield.
"When you're competing in the tournament, you pin your opponent under the shield." Devlin explained. "A snake strikes, and your opponent will be paralyzed."
I took the shield, and Devlin smiled. The snakes are now under your command. They'll do anything you tell them to do."
I was about to ask how that was possible, when he suddenly had a thought. "Anything?" I asked, and Devlin nodded.
"Just say the word." Devlin told him, with a mischievous look in his eyes.
I looked at the shield and thought for a moment. "Kill him." I said, suddenly serious.
A snake shot forward and struck Devlin, killing him instantly. The merchant collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Camelot – Day
As I ride into Camelot, I can feel the excitement in the air. Everyone is here to either witness or participate in the tournament. I brighten when I remember that I am here to compete. Pressing on, I place my helmet and seal on the registration table at the gates.
"Knight Valiant of the Western Isles. I'm here for the tournament." I tell the considerate steward.
He peers at my identification and smiles. "Welcome to Camelot. You're all signed up and ready to go. Good luck!"
It's such a thrilling moment for me. I am proud to be here competing with the greatest knights from each kingdom. With my horse and armour in tow, I look around and take a mental note of my competitors. Everyone here is an enemy and a comrade at the same time.
Camelot Castle Ramparts
Merlin POV
Arthur training in his standard Armour sans helmet. I am wearing Armour with a helmet and shield.
"Ready?" He had asked me at the beginning of the session.
"Would it make any difference if I said no?" I had asked him, feeling apprehensive.
"Not really." he had replied, sword in hand.
The session had been intense. I had attempted to parry his swings, as he had instructed, while he assailed me.
"Body. Shield. Body. Shield." He would bark at me.
"Shield," I would reply.
"Head." Arthur would say.
"Head? Ow." I would then say ow in response to being struck in the head.
'Come on Merlin, you're not even trying,' he had told me.
My attempts at defending myself were feeble, and Arthur had soon taken to tagging me in the back with the flat of his blade.
'Ow! I am,' I squealed at him, taking to dodge and parry even more frantically.
'Once more,' Arthur had told me, unreasonably determined to make sure I had learned my lesson.
'Oh no,' I had said, steeling myself for more.
'To the left. To the right, and left. Head.' He had said.
'Ow!' I had yelled, cradling my head with my arms, defensively.
'Come on Merlin!' Arthur had shouted at me, jogging my memory. 'I've got a tournament to win!'
'Can we stop now, please? Ow. Shield. Body,' I had pleaded, feeling my energy running out.
'Shield,' Arthur had said one last time, as he had parried my sword to the side.
'Shield. Ah,' I had said in response, wincing at the pain as he hit me on the head, making me topple over backwards and my helmet to roll off.
'You're braver than you look. Most servants collapse after the first blow,' he told me.
'Is it over?' I asked him, lying on the ground, the drops of blood dripping to the ground where my helmet had skidded to a stop.
"That was just the warmup. How's your mace work coming along?" Arthur asks me. Arthur swings a mace over his head.
I sigh.
Gaius' Chambers
I stepped into Gaius' chambers, my armour clanging with each step. I'd been Arthur's training dummy all day- and the bruised and aching body I left behind was decidedly more battered than when I started.
Gaius looked at me knowingly. "So, how was your first day as Arthur's servant?"
I rolled my eyes. "Do you hear clanging?" I asked.
He gestured for me to sit at the table, and I complied, plopping down in my tunic. Gaius came over and began gently massaging my shoulders.
"Ah." I groaned. "It was horrible. I've still got to learn all about tournament etiquette by the morning. Onhríne achtung bregdan!" I tell Gaius, then utter a spell.
After I cast a spell, a book slid to me on the table and opens up.
"Oi!" He said and slapped the back of my head. 'What've I told you about using magic like this?' He asked me sternly.
"If I could actually feel my arms, I'd pick up the book myself." I tell him.
He looks at me for a moment, then shakes his head. "Never mind your arms. What do I do if you get caught?" he asks me.
"What would you do?" I ask Gaius.
He pauses for a moment, considering the question. "Well, you just make sure it doesn't happen, for both our sakes." Gaius tells me.
Gaius then goes back to treating my shoulders. He had learned a massage technique from the knights and was trying to help me relax.
"Ah! I save Arthur from being killed and I end up as a servant. How is that fair?" I ask him.
"I'm not sure fairness comes into it. You never know, it might be fun." he tells me.
I scoff. "You think mucking out Arthur's horses is going to be fun? You should hear my list of duties." I tell Gaius.
He smiles. "We all have our duties. Even Arthur." Gaius tells me.
"It must be so tough for him with all the girls and the glory." I tell Gaius.
"He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure." Gaius tells me.
He presses hard on my arm.
"Ah! That makes two of us." I tell Gaius.
Guinevere's House
I bring Arthur's Armour to Gwen's house. I'm dressed in the Armour.
"So, you've got voiders on the arms." Gwen told me, helping me to place them on my arms.
"Mmhhmmm," I hummed in response, my eyes trained on the task.
"The hauberk goes over your chest." Gwen instructed me, helping me put on the hauberk.
"The chest, the arms, the chest." I repeated the order of the armour, feeling the weight of the pieces on my body.
"I guess you know what to do with the helmet." Gwen said, handing me the helmet.
"Erm, yeah. Yeah, that was the only bit I'd figured out." I told her honestly.
Gwen giggled as she watched me put on the helmet.
"How come you're so much better at this than me?" I asked her, admiring how well she knew all of this.
"I'm the blacksmith's daughter. I know pretty much everything there is to know about Armour, which is actually kind of sad." Gwen said softly.
"No, it's brilliant!" I told her in awe.
Training Grounds
I fumbled to put the vambrace on Arthur's lower arm. "You do know the tournament starts today?" he asked me.
"Yes, Sire." I put the buckle in the gorget and try to fix the strap. "You nervous?" I asked him.
"I don't get nervous." Arthur said with a slight hint of disdain in his voice. "Really? I thought everyone got nervous." I replied.
"Will you shut up!" Arthur yelled at me. Slightly intimidated by his outburst, I grabbed his cape, tied it on him, and handed him his helmet.
"Great, yeah. I think you're all set." I tell him.
Arthur pauses for a moment before yelling, "Aren't you forgetting something? My sword!"
I tried to mask my embarrassment. "Oh, yeah. Yeah, sorry. Guess, uh, you'll be needing that."
Arthur grabbed the sword and marched off to the tournament grounds.
"That went well." I said to myself as I watched him disappears into the misty morning.
Tournament Grounds
Aoife POV
Guinevere, Morgana, Blanche, Briona, Aurelius and I sit excitedly in the stands of the tournament grounds as the competitors enter the arena. Merlin peeks around the entrance as Uther struts past the front line of knights.
"Knights of the realm, it's a great honor to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honor of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of 1,000 gold pieces." King Uther, aka Briona's Blanche's Aurelius' and my father but won't recognize us.
A box is opened revealing the gold.
"It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!" Uther says.
The crowd cheers. The knights exit the arena. Uther stops by Arthur on his way to the stands and speaks to him in a low voice.
"I trust you will make me proud." Uther tells my half-brother.
Uther slaps his back. Guards take Arthur and the other knight's capes, and they put on helmets. The crowd cheers and Guinevere whoops. Arthur and the knight fight.
"Yeah! Come on!" Merlin cheers.
Arthur wins his round and the crowd cheers.
Merlin POV
"Yeah!" I cheer.
Valiant wins his bout. Meanwhile, other knights compete. Arthur and I watch Valiant fighting.
"Knight Valiant looks pretty handy with a sword." I tell Arthur.
Valiant exits the arena and stops near Arthur.
"May I offer my congratulations on your victories today?" Valiant asks Arthur, bowing low and showing the respect of a knight for a superior.
Arthur grunts in acknowledgement, answering with a much less polite "Likewise."
"I hope to see you at the reception this evening." Valiant tells Arthur before turning and leaving with his servant.
"Creep." I mutter under my breath, and Arthur snorts in agreement. I can't help but snort as well.
Arthur then turns to me, his expression serious. "For tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail." he commands.
I withhold another sigh and reluctantly agree.
Merlin's chamber
I feel a sense of pride knowing that Arthur's entire checklist had been magically taken care of. The shield was repaired; his tunic was washed, his boots were clean, his sword was sharpened, and his chainmail was polished, while I read the magic book. Gaius enters and all of the objects drop.
"Are you using magic again?" Gaius asks, raising his eyebrows.
"No." I lie, my cheeks turning pink.
'What's all this, then?' he asked as he pointed at the mess.
I shrugged, unable to find an appropriate response.
Gaius shook his head. "I just came to tell you that supper's ready." he tells me.
Throne room
Lady Aoife POV
I could barely believe her eyes. The throne room of her father's court was bustling with the tournament knights, queuing to meet Uther and Lady Morgana. "Knight Valiant of the Western Isles, My Lord." Valiant addressed Uther. "I saw you fighting today. You have a very aggressive style." Uther said.
"Yes, as My Lord said, 'To lose is to be disgraced'." Valiant parroted. I grimace in disgust.
"Very well then. Knight Valiant, may I present the Lady Morgana, my ward." Uther said and I shift uncomfortably as Morgana stole a glance away from the peacock standing nearby. Valiant bowed low to kiss Morgana's hand and I could still see her big brother Arthur's wry grin.
"My Lady." Valiant said as he looked up at Morgana.
"I saw you competing today." Morgana told him.
"I understand the tournament champion has the honor of escorting My Lady to the feast." Valiant tells Morgana
I want to vomit.
"That's correct." Morgana tells Valiant.
"Then I will give everything to win the tournament." Valiant said confidently.
I saw Morgana appraise Valiant with a smile and a nod, to which he responded with a nod of his own.
"My Lady." Valiant told Morgana.
He then moved on to shake hands with the other knights, as Morgana and Gwen watched him. Seeing the end of the line, King Uther called out to his son.
"Arthur." he said.
"Father." Arthur said as he bowed.
Morgana, standing by me, commented, "They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant."
"They're not the only ones." Arthur replied as he looked over at Valiant.
"You're not jealous, are you?" Morgana asked with a slight hint of playfulness in her voice.
Arthur just said, "I don't see there's anything to be jealous of."
The smile on Morgana's face faded away and she watched as Arthur walked away. I looked around the room and knew that almost some felt that same feeling of admiration for Valiant.
"Could Arthur be any more annoying?" Morgana asked us, her voice dripping with disdain. "I so hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament."
Gwen, Briona, Blanche, and I all looked at each other and shook our heads, bemused. "You don't really mean that." we all said simultaneously.
But Morgana merely smiled. "Yes, I do." she replied.
Castle – Armory
Merlin POV
I hear a hissing sound as I entered the Armory. Knowing I shouldn't, but unable to resist, I take a few steps forward searching for the source.
"Hello? Is there someone there?" I ask.
Despite the darkness, one thing stood out in the dimly lit room: Valiant's shield. I move closer and there it was - one of the snake eyes blinked.
I reach to touch it when someone puts a sword to my chest, and I get up.
"Can I help you with something, boy?" Valiant asks me.
I jump back, stuttering, "Nope. I'm good. I, I was just...I was, erm, gathering my master's armor."
"Then you'd best be on your way," Valiant rumbled.
"Right, yeah. No problem." I stutter.
Grabbing the armor, I stumbled out of the armory.
Arthur's Chambers
As I stood in Arthur's chamber, staring at the various pieces of armor laid out on the table before me, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Could I really put it all together properly? I needed to. If I couldn't, it could mean trouble for me—for us both.
I watched silently as Arthur entered, dressed all in white and adorned in a gambeson. He surveyed me cautiously as I stood before him, and then he inquired, his voice tinged with suspicion, "You did all this on your own?"
"Yes, Sire." I replied. A flicker of surprise lit within his gaze, and his eyes softened a little. He nodded and said, "Now let's see if you can get me into it without forgetting anything."
I took a deep breath, pushing aside my trepidation, and got started. First, I put on Arthur's hauberk and coat of mail, which I followed with the gorget, vambraces, pauldron, and couter. Then came his mail coif, belt, sword belt, dagger, and sword. Lastly, I handed Arthur his helmet.
The entire process had taken longer than I expected, but Arthur seemed pleased with the result. He gazed upon me in admiration and commented with a gleam of humor in his eye, "That was much better. Not that it could have got any worse."
I wanted to believe him, so I just offered him a small smile and replied, "I'm a fast learner."
Arthur gave me a pointed look and then told me, "I hope, for your sake, that's true."
My heart felt heavy, but I nodded and replied, "Good luck."
Tournament grounds
I was standing in the entrance of the tournament grounds, watching as Arthur walked out onto the arena. The anticipation of the crowd around me was palpable, and for the first time in my life, I truly felt the excitement of such a large gathering.
Gaius, who was standing beside me, noticed my interest in the competition.
"Is it my imagination, or are you beginning to enjoy yourself?" Gaius asked me.
I paused for a moment, caught off guard.
"It...It isn't totally horrible all the time." I admit.
I continue to watch Arthur fight, cheering every time he manages to successfully block and dodge his opponent's attacks. I cannot help but admire him and the skill with which he fights. Arthur eventually emerges victorious, and despite myself, I smile in delight. "Yes!" I cheer the loudest, clapping enthusiastically.
Valiant POV
I fight in the arena. I knock down Sir Ewan, whose helm rolls off. I pin him down with his shield.
I say the spell.
Serpents come out of my shield.
"Strike him!" I tell the snakes.
Serpent bites Sir Ewan. I hit him and stand up. The crowd cheers. Arthur and Merlin see Sir Ewan just lying there.
"I think he's badly hurt." I hear.
Gaius enters the arena with his medical bag.
Gaius's chambers
Merlin POV
I enter and put down Arthur's Armour.
"How is Ewan?" I ask, my voice thick with worry.
Gaius shook his head slowly. "It's most odd. Look at this." He pointed to two small wounds on Ewan's neck. "Looks like a snake bite."
"But how could he have been bitten by a snake? He was injured in the sword fight." I said, confused.
"But the symptoms are consistent with poisoning: slow pulse, fever, paralysis." Gaius said.
"Can you heal him?" I asked.
Gaius sighed. "Well, if it is a snake bite, I'll have to extract venom from the snake that bit him to make an antidote."
I felt a chill run down my spine. "What happens if he doesn't get the antidote?"
Gaius sadly met my gaze. "Then I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for him. He's going to die."
"He was fighting Knight Valiant." I mumble.
Gaius gave me a strange look. "What's that?"
"Nothing." I said quickly, before quickly leaving the room.
Castle – Guest chambers
Valiant walked his way through the red ribbon chamber and I spy on him from around the corner and follow to spy on Valiant in his guest quarters. Valiant reaches into a cage and pulls out a white mouse.
"Dinner time. Come on." Valiant said to the shield, before I realized that the shield was actually made up of three intertwined serpents. I watched in horror as Valiant fed the mouse to the snakes.
I quickly scurried away, my heart pounding. But he hadn't managed to get away stealthily. Valiant had heard me and was now chasing me. I raced through the winding corridors, until I reached the Criss-cross Corridor. I managed to slip into an alcove, just in time. I watched as Valiant gave up the chase, seemingly content that he had scared me away.
Gaius's Chambers
"Gaius, I've just seen one of the snakes in Valiant's shield come alive. He's using magic." I tell him, my voice filled with urgency.
Gaius sighed and pushed his spectacles up his nose. "Are you sure, young Merlin?" he asks me.
"The snake ate a mouse - one swallow, straight down, and Sir Ewan was fighting Valiant when he collapsed. It must've been one of the snakes from the shield. I have to tell Arthur." I continue, feeling more certain with each word.
Gaius pauses, considering a moment before saying, "Is there any chance you might be mistaken?"
"I know magic when I see it." I tell him with certainty.
"Perhaps." Gaius presses, "But have you any proof?"
I narrow my eyes at his words. "Don't you believe me?" I ask him, feeling the heat of anger rising in my chest.
Gaius regarded me for a moment, an expression of sympathy on his face. "I fear you'll land yourself in trouble. How will you explain why you were in Valiant's chambers?"
"What does that matter? He's using magic to cheat in the tournament!" I tell Gaius, my fists clenched.
"But you can't go accusing a knight of using magic without proof. The King would never accept the word of a servant over the word of a knight." Gaius says firmly.
My body aches with frustration. "What? So, what I say doesn't count for anything?" I ask him.
"I'm afraid it counts for very little as far as the King is concerned. That's the way it is." he tells me.
Aoife POV
Training grounds/Tournament grounds
I pace nervously behind the tent, watching Merlin and Arthur prepare for the tournament grounds. I watched as Merlin helped Arthur into his armor and saw the serving boy of Arthur's opponent heft a step ladder to put the helm of his master.
"You're telling me you've got to fight that?" Merlin asked Arthur.
"Yes, and he's strong as a bear. But he's slow." Arthur replied.
"Ah, and you're fast." Merlin said, nodding approvingly.
"Exactly." Arthur nodded.
I gave Merlin a quick kiss before hurrying away to the stands. I see Morgana and Gwen and noticed how Morgana was absently stroking Gwen's cloak.
"You're not worried, are you?" Gwen asked Morgana.
"No." Morgana told Gwen, yet I could tell she was lying.
Back on the tournament grounds, my spell allowed her to hear Merlin and Gaius speaking. "How're you getting on?" Gaius asked Merlin.
"Fine. Just doing my job. Minding my own business." Merlin told him.
I watched as Arthur fought the bear knight and won. Valiant won his next match, and Merlin, Gaius and I looked at the final brackets.
"Valiant's going to fight Arthur in the final. He'll use the shield to kill him." Merlin told Gaius.
"Not if I can help it" I mutter.
Gaius' Chambers
Merlin POV
I had been sitting with Ewan in Gaius' chambers, not knowing what else to do, when suddenly Gaius entered the room.
"Merlin, about what I said yesterday… Look, Uther wouldn't really listen to you or me, but you are right. We can't let Valiant get away with this." Gaius said to me.
"But we don't have any proof." I told him, feeling helpless.
Gaius thought for a moment before he spoke. "Well, if we could cure Ewan, he could tell the King that Valiant was using magic. The King would believe in another knight. But how do we get the antidote… Well, that's another matter."
I get up and leave.
"Merlin?" Gaius calls after me.
Council Chamber of Doom
Third Person POV
The knights toast.
"Long live Valiant!" the knights' toast.
Seated at the head of the chamber, Uther addressed him. "So, Valiant, do you think you stand a chance of defeating my son?"
Valiant stood firm. He may have been new to Camelot, but he was a skilled knight. "He is a great warrior, My Lord. I do hope to be a worthy opponent."
Merlin peeks into the Council Chamber.
Uther nodded in approval. "You should stay in Camelot after the tournament. I could do with more knights like you." He offered Valiant his seal of approval and the chamber agreed with a loud cheer.
Valiant bowed his head in submission. "I'd be honored, My Lord."
Valiant's guest chambers.
Merlin POV
As I head into Valiant's guest chambers, I cast a spell to unlock the door. Once I enter the room, I take a sword from the rack and approach a large shield. I turn to the door when I hears someone approaching. A snake slithers out of the shield and poises to strike. I see the shadow of the snake and turn around to cut off its head. The other snakes come out, but I drop the sword, grab the first snake head and run out of the room.
Gaius's chambers
I took a deep breath and stepped inside Gaius's chambers. He was already hard at work, carefully draining the venom from a snake head.
"I'll get started preparing the antidote for Ewan." Gaius told me.
I nodded and told him, "I'm going to tell Arthur."
Gaius looked up at me and said, "You'll need this." He handed me the snake head, but there was something else in his gaze. He seemed to understand something in that moment that he couldn't say.
I took the snake head and turned to go, but he stopped me. "And Merlin, what you did was very brave."
I was taken aback by his words. Gaius wasn't one to give compliments easily, so I knew his words were genuine. I thanked him before I left, knowing I'd done something that had made him proud. With a newfound determination, I left to tell Arthur what had happened and how, together, we might be able to save Ewan.
Hallway
As I go down the hallway to show Arthur the snake head, my heart races as I think about what I'm about to show Arthur. But as I turn the corner, I am stopped short by a sensation I wasn't expecting.
My eyes meet Aoife's and there is an electric shock in the air as we gaze at each other. We move closer to each other without thinking and before I can take in a single thought, my lips are on hers.
I feel the warmth of her kiss and my body tingles as we move even closer. I regret it in the same breath as I relish it, and it is with great effort that I break the kiss. I can almost taste the regret in the air.
I step away quickly, realizing the folly of my actions. I know that Aoife is to be married soon, and I cannot be responsible for compromising her purity. I set my jaw and bow to her, hoping she will understand.
She nods in acceptance, her eyes never leaving mine. I turn away, my mind racing. I know that this moment between us will stay with me forever, but what I choose to do next will affect the rest of my days.
I take a deep breath to steady myself, then continue down the hallway.
Arthur's chambers
I walked into Arthur's chambers and saw him dining, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. It was a moment of peace and respite in this chaotic kingdom.
I waited in the shadows, watching as he finished his meal. When he was done, he looked up and saw me.
"You? You chopped its head off?" Arthur asked me, his tone surprised yet commanding.
I knew he was referring to the snake that had bitten Ewan during his fight with Valiant. I knew he was skeptical, so I was ready to explain.
"Ewan was bitten by a snake from the shield when he was fighting Valiant. You can talk to Gaius; you can see the puncture wounds in Ewan's neck where the snake bit him. Ewan was beating him, he had to cheat." I told him.
"Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot." Arthur said, as if he was trying to make sense of the situation.
"Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the snake bite him." I countered.
Arthur shook his head, obviously not liking the conclusion he was coming to.
"I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating." he said.
I knew I had to be persuasive, or I might not get through to him.
"Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom. When Ewan's conscious, he'll tell you what happened. If you fight Valiant in the final, he'll use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you. Look at it!" I said, pointing to the snake head I had carefully preserved.
Arthur took the snake head and looked it over carefully. After a few moments, he looked up at me.
"I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you." I told him.
"I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true." he said, his gaze intense.
"I swear it's true." I replied without hesitation.
Arthur nodded and looked away, seemingly lost in thought. After a few moments he spoke.
"I believe you." he said, making his decision.
Gaius's chamber
Gaius POV
Valiant is escorted through the Square to the Council Chamber of Doom. I treat Sir Ewan in my chambers and Ewan wakes.
"Welcome back." I tell Ewan.
"There was a snake on his shield. It came alive." Ewan tells me.
"You're weak. The snake's venom is still in your system." I tell Sir Ewan.
"I must warn Arthur." Ewan tells me.
"Arthur already knows. He's requested an audience with the King. Now, they'll want to talk to you. Rest. You'll need your strength. I need to fetch more herbs. I'll be right back." I tell Sir Ewan and then leave.
Briona comes in then.
Valiant's snake slithers to Ewan's bed and goes to strike him but Briona saves him.
Castle – Council chamber of doom
Merlin POV
King Uther enters.
"Why have you summoned the court?" the King asks.
"I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament." Arthur tells his father.
"Valiant, what do you have to say to this?" the King asks Valiant.
"Liar." is said by none other than Blanchefleur.
"My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?" Valiant asks the King.
"Do you have evidence?" King Uther asks Arthur.
"I do." Arthur tells his father.
Arthur motions for me to come forward, and I hand Uther the snake head.
Gaius' chamber
Briona POV
Gaius mixes a potion.
"I'm afraid this potion tastes like toad water, but it'll get you back on your feet. Ewan? Briona what are you doing here?" Gaius asks me and sees the stunned by magic snake.
Gaius checks Ewan for anymore puncture wounds and poison.
Castle – Council chamber of doom
Arthur POV
"Let me see this shield." Father tells me.
"Don't let him get too close." Merlin whispers to me.
"Be careful, My Lord." I tell my father.
I draw my sword. Father inspects the field. Gaius enters the room.
"Merlin. Ewan can't testify yet. He's too weak." Gaius unknowingly whispers to Merlin.
"We need Ewan. Find out what's happening." I whisper to Merlin having not heard Gaius.
Merlin nods.
"As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield." Valiant tells father.
"He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive." I tell father.
"Then how am I to know that what you say is true?" Father asks me.
"I have a witness. Knight Ewan was bitten by one of the snakes from the shield. Its venom made him grievously ill; however, he has received an antidote. He will confirm that Knight Valiant is using magic." I tell father.
"Where is this witness?" Father asks me.
"He should be here..." I tell him.
I turn to Gaius and Merlin.
"Where's Ewan?" I ask Merlin and Gaius.
Gaius and Merlin exchange looks, before Gaius finally speaks. "He's still recovering from the venom and the antidote." he says. "He won't be able to come before the council chamber."
I turn to my father, unsure what to say. I can feel my heart pounding against my chest. This is it - the fate of Knight Valiant rests in my hands.
"Father, I ask you to remember this room and all that is at stake,' I tell him. 'This shield contains more than just a crest - part of it is shrouded in dark magic. To unleash the powers of this shield, it must be in the presence of its owner - Knight Valiant."
Father stares at me, his expression unreadable. I could feel the air in the chamber thickening with tension.
Suddenly, a voice breaks through the silence.
"Your Majesty." Merlin said. "I believe there is an alternative."
We all turn to Merlin, who has a determined look on his face. "My Lord, I think I know a way to prove that this shield is indeed possessed of dark powers. If we allow Knight Ewan to testify, he can confirm that Valiant has used his powers in battle, and that the shield is the source of his power."
I exhale a deep breath, and my father gazes at Merlin before speaking. "Very well, then. In that case, let us summon Ewan, and let us hear what he has to say."
The council chamber hummed with anticipation as we waited for Ewan to arrive. When he finally does, he looks weak and tired, but he manages to stand tall and proud as he speaks.
He confirms that Valiant indeed used dark magic to win his battle, and Father immediately orders Valiant to be taken away.
"Let justice be served." Father announces.
I look up at the shield and close my eyes in admiration. Merlin did it - justice had been served, and the castle was safe once more.
Arthur's chambers
Merlin POV
I was in the center of Arthur's chambers, the prince sitting across from him. He watched as Arthur slumped his shoulders and moped, knowing that something was wrong.
Arthur looked up at me, a solemn expression on his face. "I no longer require your services." he said, his voice firm and decisive.
"You're sacking me?" Merlin said in disbelief, taken aback.
"I need a servant I can trust not to kiss my sister, Aoife." Arthur sighed, his voice heavy with frustration.
I shake my head frantically, taking a step forward. "You can trust me!" I said desperately.
Arthur glared at me; any hint of emotion gone. "And look where it got me this time. Get out of my sight!" he snapped.
I hesitated, a thousand thoughts running through my mind. I wanted to stay, the familiar urge to protect Arthur and the kingdom overwhelming me. But no matter how much I wanted to stay, I had been dismissed. Taking a deep breath and forcing back the tears that threatened to spill, I bowed my head and made my way out of the chambers, vowing to find a way to redeem myself.
Castle – Dragon's cave
Merlin POV
Merlin's heart was pounding in his chest as he stood in the mouth of the dragon's cave. He had been here before, but never had he felt so nervous. He glanced around, searching for the dragon, but there was no sign of it. Taking a deep breath, he called out into the darkness, "Where are you? I just came to tell you: whatever you think my destiny, whatever it is you think I'm supposed to do, you've got the wrong person! That's it. Goodbye."
His words echoed through the cave, and slowly the dragon emerged from the shadows. Its bright yellow eyes glowed in the dim light. "If only it were so easy to escape one's destiny," it replied, its deep voice reverberating through the chambers.
Merlin felt his throat tighten. He backed away a few steps, trying to distance himself from the dragon. "How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
The dragon looked at him with a combination of amusement and pity. "A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that."
Merlin groaned. "Oh, great. Just what I needed, another riddle." He shook his head in frustration.
Kilgharrah chuckled. "That your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Merlin asked, his voice full of frustration and confusion.
Kilgharrah's voice softened. "You know, young warlock, this is not the end. It is the beginning."
Merlin furrowed his brow. He wanted answers, not more riddles. He opened his mouth to plead with the dragon, but at that moment Kilgharrah disappeared back into the shadows, leaving Merlin alone with more questions than before.
Tournament grounds
Ewan POV
Ewan watched from the sidelines, sharpening his own sword with determination. He was determined to win and to prove himself as a worthy fighter.
Arthur stood in the arena, surrounded by the sound of rival competitors. He was confident, but also nervous; he wanted to put on a spectacular show. He slowly looked around, taking everything-the people cheering, the clanging of blades, the smell of sweat-in.
Arthur's chamber
Third Person POV
Arthur was preparing for the tournament, his old serving boy, Morris, helping him with his armor. As Arthur was about to buckle the last strap for his gorget, Morgana entered the chamber. Morris bowed and exited as soon as he noticed her presence. Morgana quickly stepped forward and put her hands on Arthur's back, silently asking him to turn around.
Arthur turned and, without a word, Morgana began adjusting the straps of the vambrace. She tightened it, bestowing a silent assurance of her sisterly concern.
"I used to help my father with his armor." she said in reminiscing voice. Morgana handed Arthur his helmet, a quiet reminder of the battle that was soon to come.
"Thanks." Arthur said, with a hint of gratitude in his voice.
He turned to leave, and Morgana walked closer. "Arthur, be careful." she said in a sincere and caring tone of voice. Even though it was not her usual behavior, Morgana can be seen in her moment of compassion.
Arthur nodded, conveying his understanding, and said, "See you at the feast."
Morgana watched in silence as Arthur exited the chamber and she prayed silently that he would heed her plea of caution.
Tournament grounds
Arthur strode onto the tournament grounds, a look of grim determination etched into his face. The sun was beating down on the hot, dusty arena and he could feel the sweat dripping down his forehead. On the other side of the platform, he could see his opponent: Ewan, a seasoned champion whose skills were already well known among the tournament watchers. The two opponents nodded a silent greeting to one another before donning their helmets and strapping their shields onto their arms.
The tournament grounds thrummed with excitement as two brave knights stepped onto the field. Everyone in the crowd held their breath in anticipation of the duel between Arthur and Ewan. The two were evenly matched and both clearly determined to win.
When Arthur and Ewan clashed, sparks flew and glass flew. Arthur used his shield to knock Ewan's helmet off, exposing his face to the crowd. Ewan retaliated by knocking Arthur to the ground, sending a loud thud through the grounds.
Arthur quickly scrambled to his feet, but was no match for Ewan. The latter disarmed him quickly, raising his sword for the final blow. Before he could strike however, Arthur expertly blocked his attack with his shield and caught Ewan off-guard.
Arthur then used this opening to his advantage and lunged at his opponent. Arthur's powerful blows caused Ewan to drop his sword, and as soon as he did, Arthur pinned him to the ground.
The match was won. Arthur had defeated Ewan. The crowd erupted in cheers, their faces glowing with admiration and joy. Ewan slowly rose to his feet, and the two men bowed to each other in an exchange of respect.
The tournament had a winner.
Castle – Banquet Hall
Merlin POV
The great banquet hall was full of courtiers, the chatter of voices rising to the tall ceilings. Music and laughter filled the air, punctuated by the occasional applause of a toast.
At the far end of the hall stood King Uther, his face unreadable to the crowd beneath the mask of politeness he wore. As prince Arthur entered, Uther lifted his hand and the chatter instantly calmed.
"My honorable guests." Uther announced. "I give you Prince Arthur, your champion!"
The court erupted in applause. Arthur offered Morgana his arm and smiled.
"My lady." he said.
Morgana curtsied and smiled up at Arthur, her eyes sparkling in the candlelight.
"My champion." she said.
By the entrance I chuckle softly, shaking my head.
"See, I told you he gets all the girls and glory." I spoke.
Gaius looked at Arthur with a proud smile. "And he owes it all to you." he said.
Just then, Morgana stormed out of the hall, angry after a heated argument with Arthur. Arthur turned to me, uncomfortable with the situation.
"I wanted to say I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you." Arthur said.
I waved off his concern. "No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and call it even." I said with a smirk.
Arthur laughed nervously. "Uh, I can't be seen to be buying drinks for my servant." he said.
I snort. "Your servant? You sacked me, for kissing Aoife." he said.
Arthur straightened. "Now I'm rehiring you." he said.
I roll my eyes, but before I could respond, Arthur started rattling off a list of tasks. "My chambers are a complete mess. My clothes need washing. My, uh, armor needs repairing. My boots need cleaning. My dogs need exercising. My fireplace needs sweeping. My bed needs changing. And someone needs to muck out my stables," he said.
I looked around the banquet hall and smiled. "You got it. Someone definitely owes someone a drink." I spoke.