AN: Thanks to everyone who reviewed and didn't threaten me (no-one did which was good)

I own many things, but not the amazing show; 'Merlin'

Chapter 10

Prince Arthur was astounded. How on earth had that idiot, his very own cousin would you believe it, beat him with a bow? Arthur was the best archer in Camelot and there was no way he was to let that idiot — Merlin— best him at archery. He'd show him tomorrow, he'd make him rue the day he came to Camelot!

Arthur grinned to himself as he watched the arrival of the singer for the celebrations tomorrow. He watched as she dismounted her horse. She was called Lady Helen and apparently her singing was spectacular. Well, Arthur supposed he'd see tomorrow. Turning from the window, the recognised Prince of Camelot prepared to sleep, looking forward to what the next day would bring. Then a thought struck him and he mentally cursed, the celebrations meant no training tomorrow. Prince Arthur scowled at his pillow.

The sun shone through the window, waking Merlin, who had been sleeping in Camelot castle, yet dreaming of Ealdor and the simplicity of life it promised. Yet here he was, Merlin sat up and flattened his hair, which had a habit of sticking up after sleep. A wry smile flicked across his features as he thought you signed up for this so live with it

Yet that, he reflected, was easier said than done. Merlin got up, thinking about how long he had been in Camelot now, no longer than a week, he thought, and yet it seemed as if years had been spent within the white castle. Merlin stretched both arms above his head as he wandered aimlessly to the window, he saw people preparing for the celebrations tonight. Of course! He thought jubilantly due to the celebrations my training has been cancelled today! A smile stretched across Merlin's face, growing wider as his now well manservant entered.

"Good morning, My Lord," spoke the boy, placing the breakfast tray down

Merlin spun and started for the table "Indeed it is Vyorn,"

Vyorn looked slightly bemused at his master's enthusiasm but went to make his bed nevertheless as Merlin started breakfast.

"Might I be so bold, sir, as to ask what has put you in such a fine mood this morn?"

"Indeed you might, and for the last time, my name is Merlin, Vyorn."

"Of course... Merlin..."

"As to what makes me happy today, why it is the thought of no training with the pra— uh, prince."

"Of course, but what will you do today?"

Merlin looked at his manservant "Pay a visit to Gaius,"

"The court physician, My L—Merlin...?"

"Yes, I could do with something to help me sleep better,"
"You have trouble?"
"Well not quite, yet I awake in the night sometimes, it's irritating no end,"

"Of course,"

"Thanks Gaius,"

"You're quite welcome,"

As Merlin made to leave the physicians the old man called him back

"Merlin...?"

"Yes Gaius...?"
"I don't suppose, well, as you have nothing to do today, would you mind taking a preparation to Lady Helen?"

Merlin smiled "Of course not," He took the small bottle "What's it for?"

"She needs it for her voice,"

Merlin reached Lady Helens chambers easily, using the physician's instructions. He knocked, yet when receiving no answer entered anyway.

Placing the preparation down, Merlin picked up a doll made from straw, turning it over in his fingers. Placing it down he discovered a book, it looked suspiciously like a magic book. When Lady Helen entered Merlin gave her the medicine and then left swiftly.

As he was walking across the courtyard he saw they dark skinned woman who worked for the lady who he had accidentally walked in on a few days previous. He caught her up and spoke,

"Hello, I didn't get a chance to thank you before,"

She smiled "Hi, I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen, I'm the Lady Morgana's maid."

Merlin held out a hand "I'm Merlin, though many people call me idiot..."

"Hmmm, I'm not sure about that, I saw you stand up to the prince,"

"You did?"

"Yeah, it was so brave"
"It was stupid,"

"Well, I'm glad you walked away, you weren't going to beat him. I mean, well, Arthur's one of these rough-tough-save-the-world kind of men and well," She looked at Merlin "You don't look like that."

Merlin lowered his voice "I'm in disguise,"

That made her laugh, and Merlin, then she said she had to go help Morgana prepare for the celebrations and Merlin supposed he ought to prepare also.

The celebrations were underway when Merlin entered he stood, declined a drink and watched generally. He saw The Lady Morgana enter,

His jaw dropped, she looked amazing. Behind him he heard Arthur's 'god have mercy' and agreed. He watched her walk over to Arthur and averted his eyes, secret prince he might be, but she was out of his league anyway. He didn't notice, therefore, Guinevere until she spoke

"She looks great doesn't she?"

Merlin knew she was talking about Morgana and smiled despite himself

"Yeah,"

"Some people are just born to be queen,"

"No,"

"I hope so, one day," said Gwen "Not that I'd wanna be her," Merlin saw the look across her face "Who'd want to marry Arthur?"

Merlin found it amusing "O come on Gwen, I thought you liked those save-the-world types...?"
"No," Gwen said "I like much more ordinary men like you, well, not you I mean, not you. I like much more ordinary men, like you."

"Right..." said Merlin, further amused, however they had to stop their conversation as Morgana, (to Merlin's utter embarrassment) walked up to them at that precise moment.

"Hello, Gwen, who's this you're talking to?" her word were accented and Merlin, despite himself, looked up at her, he noticed her eyes were pale green

"This is Sir Merlin of Ygrad," put in the maidservant "He's new in Camelot, training to be a knight,"

"Being trained by Arthur, poor you," Commented the raven haired woman

"Well, everyone must do their duty, My Lady." Said Merlin, wishing the ground would swallow him

Morgana smiled "Indeed that we must, yet, please, call me Morgana Merlin, I may call you Merlin,"

"Of course," Merlin smiled back

There was no chance to talk further as everyone went to their seats and Merlin, who didn't have a seat, not being a knight yet, stood by the table.

Uther, father thought Merlin shying away from the thought, introduced Lady Helen, and after a minute of her singing, Merlin noticed that something was wrong. Everyone was falling asleep, magic!

Merlin had heard about Mary Collin's threat and thought this might be it, as he saw 'Lady Helen' approach Arthur slowly

With his ears covered, Merlin felt magic rush through him, making the chandelier fall on the woman. Her song stopped abruptly and everyone awoke, looking at Mary Collins, who no longer looked like Lady Helen with shock. The old woman had enough strength left within her to hurl the knife. It headed straight for Arthur, Merlin rushed without thinking, magic flowing through him again. He roughly pulled Arthur from the path of the weapon. Both of Uthers sons fell to the ground as the blade struck the chair the blonde boy had previously sat in. They both stood up and Uther turned to face Merlin, awestruck

"You saved my boys life,"

"Well," Merlin stammered

"You must be rewarded,"

"I sought no reward your highness,"

Uther scrutinised the secret warlock for a moment longer "Well, whenever you need anything, you only have to ask it,"

Merlin bowed courteously.

Gaius walked into his chambers.

"Sir Merlin," He exclaimed "What brings you here?"

Merlin, who had been standing in wait for the physician, grimaced and held up his left hand "When I pulled the prince from danger my finger twisted as I fell, I fear it to be broken,"

"I see, let me look at it,"

A few minutes later Gaius secured the broken finger to the one next to it so it would set.

Then he wordlessly got up and returned with a rectangular package, he handed it to Merlin and then spoke

"This book was given to me when I was your age; I think it will be of more use to you than it was to me,"

Looking inside the book Merlin exclaimed "This is a book of magic!" he glanced up at Gaius in awe "Thank you! I will study every word!" he promised

At that moment Merlin's manservant entered, "The king has requested to see you," He stated and left

Merlin handed the book to Gaius "I'll come back for it," he promised. Then went to see the king

When he got there, he saw Prince Arthur also there. Merlin bowed "My Lord," and was told to rise.

Uther studied the two before him and then spoke

"Merlin, I have remembered an important part of any young knights training,"

Merlin looked at the king, interested as the monarch continued

"Every knight in training must first serve a fully qualified knight to learn their ways and, as you saved Arthur" – Uther gestured to his son – "I have decided that, for some duration, you shall be Prince Arthur's squire(thatright?),"

"Father!" Exclaimed the prince and Merlin felt his heart plummet, great.

Uther Smiled as he dismissed the two boys, unaware than neither party was happy with this appointment.

Well, here it is, one of my longest chapters, although most of it was the dragons call

Be brutally honest with me, was it worth the wait?

Please review and tell me :-)

Until next time

S