Chapter 5: A Druid Surprise

Leon was riding hard. The horse that carried him was fuming as he almost flew through the forest. In front of him he heard his fellow travellers urging their horses on as well. If they weren't on this mission he would have stopped without hesitation and confronted the lowlifes that were chasing them. But he couldn't. They where only three of them against at least a dozen of pursuers and one of them was unarmed. If he and Elyan failed this task, there was no telling what the Druids may do in their grief. So they raced on as the woods became one blurry green.

Eight days passed since the King declared his radical break with his father's former reign but no news was heard from the King's second in command or the brother of the Queen. On the ninth day in the late afternoon three worn riders entered the city. Too tired to notice the commotion they caused, they entered the citadel and found themselves facing a rather worried King. Arthur swiftly descended the stairs and grabbed the reins of Leon's horse so the knight could get of the horse with less difficulty.

"You're hurt." Arthur stated with concern as he saw Leon's right hand was securely bandaged.

"Just a scratch, really, nothing to be worried about." Leon dismissed with a grin.

"I'll let Gaius be the judge of that" Arthur said not convinced at all by their crumpled appearance. His initial fear was that the talks went wrong and they barely escaped with their lives. This was of course an absurd assumption as the Druids are notoriously peaceful and the third companion clearly was a druid.

"Well, we made it to the Druids without any obstacles. They were somewhat harder to find than anticipated. The way back was a bit more challenging, but may I introduce Galahad, son of Iseldir, chieftain of the druids." Leon explained and signalled their third companion to come closer. The druid lowered his hood and stepped forward. He was very young, nothing more than a boy really. Arthur estimated he was no older than sixteen. But he walked towards him with a refreshing confidence. This will be interesting, Arthur thought.

"It's an honour to be welcomed at your court, Your Majesty." the druid said and bowed.

"Please, the honour is mine, I hope your stay here is a peaceful one. My servant, if he ever gets here on time, will show you the way to your room. There you can freshen up for dinner. My Queen is very sorry she couldn't be here to greet you, but she's looking forward to making your acquaintance."

"As do I. Your Majesty, My Lords.", Galahad bowed again and followed Merlin who just appeared on the stairs clearly out of breath.

"Now Leon, Elyan, tell me everything." Arthur motioned his knights as they watched the young druid leave.

Once Merlin and Galahad were out of sight it was very hard to discern which one of the two was more excited to meet the other.

Each of them took turns staring at the other from the corners of their eyes as Merlin lead Galahad through the castle corridors.

"So you're a druid." Merlin finally said as he opened the door leading to Galahad's room.

"Yes." Galahad answered with a smile and gazed around in awe at the richness of the chambers for a few moments.

"And you're Emrys." Galahad completely caught Merlin by surprise.

"Ssst!" Merlin quickly closed the door. "You can't call me that in here." He continued very worried.

"I'm not stupid. I won't call you that again. My father told me you prefer Merlin."

"Well, that is my name."

"That it is." Galahad concluded and walked through his chambers once more, marvelling at its beauty.

"You don't have to worry. I won't complicate things for you – although I've heard you don't need any help on that account." Galahad grinned. "Is Camelot always this busy? I think I've counted at least hundred people in the streets today. And all those colours and smells…do you ever get bored here? It's not like the forest, all these stones and statues. It's rather beautiful if you like such things. Do you like those things? How's your room?"

"Um, yes, not really, sometimes and it's much simpler." Merlin tried to reply. Great, just great, he thought to himself. Just what he needed: a talkative druid. "I'll bring you some new clothes if you want, your cloak is all torn." Merlin pointed at the impressive tear across Galahad's shoulder.

"Oh, that. It got caught in a tree, made me fall down, you see. Don't tell my father." Galahad responded, pointing at the mud stains.

"What exactly happened?" Merlin was curious.

"Adventure." was Galahad's rather brief answer.

"You must be tired then. There's a bath ready behind the screen and dinner with the King and Queen is in two hours, if you can be ready by then..."

"Perfect." Galahad replied. "And Merlin, thank you."

"For what?" Merlin asked puzzled.

"For being so normal, if I'm right you'll be one of the few who'll act towards me like that."

"So Galahad, what do you find of the city so far?" Gwen asked and took a sip of her glass. She and Arthur were both very curious about their guest. Now, without the dirt or his druid cloak, he looked even younger than he had this afternoon. Gwen noticed he hadn't stopped gazing around the room from the moment Merlin lead him in, even if he tried to conceal his enthusiasm a bit.

"It's both what I expected it to be and yet it surprised me altogether."

"Well, looks like we have a diplomat amid us." Arthur remarked amused as he motioned Lauren to pour some more wine.

"That is my intention, Your Majesty."

"Please, call me Arthur tonight." Arthur insisted. "I must be frank with you Galahad, if you don't mind. I expected someone older."

"Arthur!" Gwen gave him a reproachful look.

"No, no it's fine." Galahad came to the rescue before Guinevere could berate her husband some more. "I understand, but as I see it age can be measured in many ways, years being the most meaningless one."

"I can see now why your father sent you." Arthur said and for a moment he was lost in thought.

"Galahad, it was a pleasure to meet with you but I can tell my husband wants to talk about tomorrow. So, goodnight." Gwen said elegantly and left with a smile.

"We'll sign the treaty tomorrow if you agree with terms." Arthur started. The treaty was simple really. All druids would be welcome again inside Camelot if they abide by the rules of the city.

"The elders agreed, but they prefer to stay in the woods bordering your kingdom. They don't want to be in anyone's way."

"They understand I don't tolerate magic of any sorts?"

"They do, that's why they prefer to be close to the border. We live following certain um innocent ceremonies. So if the need arises they'll just cross it. Technically they wouldn't be breaking any of your rules."

"Fine, as long as it is peaceful, secretive and doesn't harm any citizen of mine I'll turn a blind eye."

"You mean as long as it stays the same as it always did?" Galahad clarified cheerfully leaving Arthur looking rather dumbstruck.

"Humph, exactly." Arthur cleared his throat. "So that's settled then." He started to get up.

"Your Majesty, I do have a personal request." Galahad said quickly and Arthur curiously sagged down again. "I wish to become a knight of Camelot."

"You know that a knight has to be of noble birth, as it is the custom here?" Arthur tried to explain.

"I'm aware of that, but I also know you value merit more than birth since your most trusted knights had more humble upbringings."

This was so true it left Arthur speechless, so Galahad continued.

"But you were honest to me so I must be honest to you. It's about magic." Galahad said solemnly. Arthur instinctively grabbed the arms of his chair more tightly; a gesture that wasn't lost to the young druid.

"I don't practice magic." He went on swiftly. "It normally requires relentless study for which I don't have the heart. I do have something you might consider a magical ability. For lack of a better word I've called it magical awareness. Whenever I come across magic, I can sense it. It's like a gut feeling or a tingle running down my spine."

"But you grew up around magic." Arthur commented intrigued.

"Yes and you can imagine its downsides. But after years of concentrating I managed to control my ability, making it at ease with familiar magic and on alert for unknown sources. Now my gift has evolved to a stage where I can assess the threat and the power of a sorcerer."

"Does the sorcerer have to be in the room or vicinity?"

"You're asking me about my reach?"

Arthur nodded.

"It depends. A sorcerer's power and his or hers intent increases my ability to pick it up. For example if Morgana would enter Camelot, I'll probably wouldn't know unless I concentrated on finding her specifically. But if she were to enter the castle with murderous intent, I'll know. That will most likely be the case for any magical assailant whether it's a person or a creature."

"I can't give you an answer immediately but expect one in the morning." Arthur said as he stood up again; a sign for Galahad to do the same which he did this time.

"Of course, My Lord." He bowed and left.

"Arthur, you're up already!" Merlin said surprised as he walked in with breakfast.

"Ssst." Arthur shushed motioning towards the bed. Gwen was still sleeping soundly.

"Have you slept at all?" Merlin whispered as he left one tray and took the other one outside, following Arthur. The king carefully closed the door.

"Yes." Arthur answered a bit offended at the accusing tone. "I think." He relented as Merlin gave him a doubtful look.

"Dozing off in your chair doesn't count." A comment Arthur dismissed quickly.

"Merlin, what do you think about the young Druid?" Arthur asked as he plucked an apple off the tray.

"I haven't talked to him much, but he seemed very capable." Merlin answered – which wasn't a complete lie.

"I'm thinking about making him a knight."

"And you want my opinion?"

"Of course not. I just wondered."

"It carries more weight than the treaty. That's just paper, but if you'd let him become a knight, show him your trust, it becomes real."

"I thought so, that's why Leon's giving him a tour of the castle this afternoon."

"You do know there's going to be trouble?" Merlin already heard the rumour of Galahad's ability. It was amazing how thin the walls in this castle sometimes were.

"He's not a sorcerer, Merlin. He can tell if one's inside the castle though. It's quite a gift."

Normally Merlin would have slammed this ridiculous logic right back at Arthur, but he didn't. Arthur distinguished 'druid with gift' from 'sorcerer'. Now that was interesting.

The treaty was signed without any fuss. Formalities were exchanged. Boring stuff really, Merlin thought as he suppressed a yawn. He was glad he didn't have to do any of the preliminary work. Imagine him sitting behind dusty law books or in official robes.

The commotion started after everything was powdered and sealed. It started when Arthur declared Galahad could become a knight if he passed the requirements. In the past this would entail proof of nobility and a physical test. Nowadays the first wasn't an absolute requirement anymore. Most knights were of noble families, but that was the old Camelot. The new was full of promise and opportunity for everybody with a loyal heart and lots of courage. Of course, the issue of nobility wasn't the reason why a collection of unknown voices started to murmur and protest at Arthur's decision. No, the reason was it meant a druid would be living amongst them – and that was unexpected. Merlin crossed his fingers, hoping the dreaded feeling he was experiencing as he looked at Galahad's excited face would be proven wrong. For if Merlin was right, the druid would be in a lot of trouble very soon.

"Merlin! The king made me a knight!" Galahad yelled happily as Merlin entered the boy's room hours later. "Well, not yet, he still has to knight me, but Sir Leon assured me it was just a formality at this point." He had spent the afternoon trotting behind the older knight as he explained more about Camelot and knighthood.

"I was there." Merlin replied much calmer.

"Oh, you're not very happy about it." Galahad instantly became quiet.

"No, I'm happy for you and when Arthur asked me I told him it was a good idea." Merlin quickly clarified, conjuring another smile on Galahad's face. "But have you really thought this true? Knights of Camelot aren't really known for their lifespan. I mean, can you even handle a sword?"

"Don't worry about that. I had to stay here. The treaty was only part of the reason I wanted to come here."

"And what was the other?" Merlin asked although he already suspected what the answer would be.

"To help you. Imagine how much easier you can protect the king when I'll have your back. I mean, who looks after you, Emrys?"

"Don't let anyone hear you say that; especially Gaius, or he'll give you an hour long lecture. That reminds me, he sent me to invite you over for dinner. He wants to meet you."

"Really? That's terrific. Do you think he'll ask about herbs and stuff? I don't know a lot about them, but maybe more than the average person. He's famous you know." Galahad prattled along as Merlin ushered him outside.

This is going to be a long evening, he thought as Galahad kept talking. But somehow he didn't mind.

"Arthur told me about your gift. He actually called it that, can you believe it? Never mind, but how did your magic react to mine?" Merlin suddenly remembered.

"I had to shut you out the moment I saw the towers of Camelot, your powers were too distracting, like a dull hum in the back of my head."

"Thanks…I think."

"Sorry, that didn't come out very nice."

"Well, at least you said 'distracting', not annoying."

"... and then he almost killed me with poison." Gaius ended the story of how Merlin freed a goblin.

"I gave you the antidote in time, didn't I?" Merlin defended his actions. They were talking for hours now and the empty dishes were long forgotten. Galahad seemed to know exactly which questions to ask Gaius. And Gaius enjoyed the enthusiastic youngster. Earlier in the evening both of them had a long discussion about the various uses of aspen, something Merlin found as thrilling as cleaning Arthur's boots. But the retelling of his previous adventures proved to be equally tiresome as Galahad wanted to know everything in detail.

"You actually challenged a goblin? Why did you do that?" The boy asked.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time." Merlin answered wearily.

"That's the fourth time you said that this evening."

"And he'll say it many times more." Gaius remarked and continued to speak to Galahad. "Even nowadays he still hasn't learned to think properly sometimes. Last time he used a vanishing spell on a Sohrden. Now tell me, does that seem rational?"

"Now wait a minute. When did I do that?"

"When you were out hunting with Arthur, I showed you the book remember?"

"You need to be a little more specific."

"The lion-like beast or Black Sohrden you encountered the day you met the druids?"

"Oh and why was that stupid?"

"Sohrden's are twin creatures. They represent balance in the symbols of the Old Religion, but they're not friendly. Both need each other and they can only be killed if they're killed together. The absence of the other works as a sort of shield. They're incomplete, so they can't die." Galahad explained.

"Why haven't you told me that earlier?" Merlin asked as he got up and put on his jacket.

"I thought I already did." Gaius said. "What are you doing?"

"Finishing the job. I can't really leave one of those prowling around." Merlin answered.

"I'm coming with you."

"No, Galahad, it's too dangerous."

"I'm not a meek little Druid boy, running scared in the forest. I'm quite capable of protecting myself, thank you very much. Besides I can track it. Or where you planning to search behind every tree?"

"Fine. Just...be quiet."

"How are we going to get past the guards?" Galahad whispered ten minutes later as they were huddled behind some barrels close by the eastern gate.

"That's the easy part. They're stupid."

"Really? Camelot's guards have a mighty reputation."

"Seriously?" Merlin was honestly surprised. "Watch this." His eyes glowed gold as one of the nearby torches sputtered and died out. One of the guards kicked the other one awake and both of them went to check it out. Soon all the others torches at the gate mimicked the first, leaving the entrance pitch black and the guards in panic.

"Come on." Merlin signalled Galahad to follow him as they easily passed the commotion and ran towards the trees.

"Any ideas on finding this beast?" Merlin asked as they walked between the trees. The moon wasn't full yet but it was a clear cold night without any clouds to obstruct its light.

"It will find us." Galahad answered briefly. Now that was encouraging, Merlin thought as he walked on looking for a good place to spend the night. If they had to wait, they could at least do it comfortably; preferably with a fire. The next hours Merlin asked Galahad dozen questions about his life in the forest and in return Galahad had hundred of questions of his own.

"What did the druid in the woods mean when he said it was time. Time for what?" It was something that had been bugging Merlin endlessly since that day.

"Everything. There's going to be exciting times."

"No, don't be so chipper. Exciting times in Camelot usually means someone tries to kill Arthur." Merlin answered gloomy.

"Sorry."

"You remind me of someone. A friend, Lancelot, he too was a noble knight who knew about my magic." Merlin said after a while.

"What happened to him?"

"He died…" They didn't talk very much after that, both of them lost in thought.

In the end it took longer than anticipated. It was becoming lighter in the east before something sinister started to move along the trees. Both Merlin and Galahad were already dozing off as the latter suddenly jumped up. The fight was brief as Merlin just used the same spell. Luckily this time it worked from the first try.

When finally they entered the physicians chambers most of the morning had already passed.

"I take it from your battered appearance that you've dealt with the beast?" Gaius asked as Merlin and Galahad sat down to rest. Merlin mumbled something affirmative while Galahad just yawned.

"I'm afraid you've no time to rest. Arthur's been looking for you, for both of you."

"Time to face another beast then." Merlin sighed as he reluctantly shuffled to the door.

"Where have you been?" Arthur asked sternly some time later. He was sitting behind his desk with a look that dared them to come up with a damn good explanation.

"The tavern, Merlin's showing me around the town." Galahad lied quickly. Merlin could have kicked him then and there.

"I should have guessed. Just go do something useful for once. You're lucky Lauren's here to pick up your slack." Arthur said annoyed.

"And Galahad, training starts this afternoon. I'll expect you to be rested by then. The knighting ceremony will happen in a few days." Arthur continued but he needn't to fear, for Galahad just beamed with joy as he heard those words.

"Have you been talking to Gaius?" Merlin asked suspiciously as they exited the room.

"Yes, we all did yesterday over din-" Galahad answered clearly not following where Merlin was coming from.

"Never mind, just don't say I'm at the tavern."

"Why?"

"Because Arthur believes I'm in the tavern all day." Merlin tried to explain.

"So it is a good excuse then?" The young druid remarked.

"Just... Whatever." Merlin brushed it off. "What do you want to do now? I'm guessing from the skip in your walk you're not thinking about resting?"

"I'm not skipping, I just want to get to the city fast."

"I can tell. Arthur said I was to make myself useful, so let me be your guide, okay?" Merlin offered. He was really tired but somehow he felt like he couldn't leave Galahad strolling into town alone. Not while everybody knew him as a Druid... Sometimes Merlin wished he wasn't proven right all the time. Then his life would be much easier, but as he suspected trouble arrived an hour later in the form of a dozen burly men. Galahad hadn't noticed them as he was busy breathing in all the smells and colours. So when Merlin pulled him in an alley he was rather confused.

"What are you doing?"

"Saving you." Merlin whispered as they looked onto the market from behind some packs of wool. He pointed towards a group of men, all dressed in the uniform of Camelot's knights and guards, who were clearly not looking for pottery or fine cloth. Merlin was so busy following their movements, he completely failed to notice that Galahad had gotten up again and walked towards the men until it was too late.

Merlin got up as fast as he could while the knights started to surround Galahad. He had some difficulty to push through the mass of people that already gathered around and found Galahad lying on his back.

"I wasn't taught to hate Camelot." Galahad defiantly spat back at Sir Orrell, clearly the one who had pushed him.

"What did they teach you?" Another knight asked.

"Honour, faith, patience."

"You can add 'humiliation' to your list, we're happy to school you."

"Sir Orrell, stop!" Merlin ordered, a bit surprised the knight did as he was told until he saw who had spoken.

"You can join the lesson, servant or leave." The knight threatened, but he didn't get the desired effect as Merlin stood next to Galahad and helped him up. The men shuffled anxious, knowing very well they couldn't really do anything while Merlin was around. The servant was the confidant of the king. Everybody knew that. But leaving now would mean they'd been ridiculed by a green recruit and a servant. That wasn't an option either.

"Gentlemen! What's going on here?" Gwaine's voice rang across the market. He didn't sound friendly. The crowd parted as Gwaine entered the circle.

"Back off Gwaine, this doesn't concern you."

"You're threatening not only two of my friends, but at the same time the peace treaty we've signed with the Druids. That makes for three good reasons for me to meddle. Not that I need one." He went to stand next to Galahad and crossed his arms.

"Gwaine is right." Another man said as the crowd parted again. Sir Leon had arrived and looked very angry, though he controlled it well. Before he could say anything else, Galahad spoke up.

"Sir Leon, Sir Orrell has called me a traitor and a weakling and thus impugned my honour. As a soon to be knight I would like to evoke the knight's code and demand satisfaction."

Merlin felt as if he was struck by lightning. But Galahad was serious and waited for Sir Leon to answer. Merlin shook his head, trying to catch Leon's attention, but the older knight now tried to hide his amusement as he gave Galahad one of his gloves, which the youngster immediately threw on the ground, just in front of Sir Orrell's feet.

"The code doesn't apply to him. He isn't a knight yet."

"Afraid of a boy, Sir Knight?" Gwaine taunted and gave Sir Orrell a measuring look.

At these words a red-faced Sir Orrell snatched the glove from the ground and stormed away.

"It's settled then. Gentlemen, off to the tournament field. I'm betting a lot of people would want to see this." Gwaine took the lead and continued to shout. "Everyone, in two hours the fights begins, bring ale and food."

"What? I can always try." Gwaine grinned when he caught Merlin's clouded expression.

"Are you all mad?" Merlin nearly shouted as the four of them made their way back to the castle. "What do you think will happen if Sir Orrell kills Galahad? What were you thinking?" He asked the young knight.

"It wasn't going to stop, Merlin, even if Sir Leon forbid it. They would've lost face and tried again." Galahad explained.

"I'm off to inform Arthur of this... turn of events. Gwaine, gather the rest, will you? Training's cancelled." Leon proceeded as if nothing remotely important had happened.

"What's with all of you? Why aren't you more worried about this?" Merlin felt as if he was missing a part of the story.

"See you in two hours, Galahad." Gwaine replied as he happily took off. When they were alone, Merlin continued to grill the young druid.

"So you're going to get yourself killed in order to maintain the peace." Merlin questioned. "I could have talked to Arthur, he-"

"Merlin, you shouldn't fight my battles."

"This shouldn't be your battle to begin with." Merlin retorted. It was obvious why the knights had cornered him. They were afraid of magic.

"Unless you're planning to tell Arthur about your magic there isn't much you can do." Galahad shot back, knowing very well he was using Merlin's weakness. It worked as the warlock refrained from answering.

"Look, I'm sorry, but you don't need to worry. I can look after myself." Galahad said after they arrived at the armoury.

"Can you even handle a sword?" Merlin asked again; a question Galahad didn't answer but instead grinned mysteriously in what he obviously felt was a sufficient response.

"Citizens of Camelot" Arthur spoke loudly from upon his throne. He overlooked the crowds. The tournament stands were packed. "We've gathered to witness the duel between Sir Orrell and Sir Galahad. This isn't a fight to the death but will end when one of the opponents surrender or when first blood is drawn. May the best man win."

"Arthur you can't let him do this." Gwen said worriedly as she watched the young recruit approach them. He was wearing Camelot's colours and certainly looked like a knight. Galahad took off his helmet and bowed before retreating to the middle of the field, just opposite Sir Orrell.

"Don't worry, Guinevere." Arthur tried to comfort her, but he himself was feeling a bit nervous. It didn't help that Merlin was shooting him angry glances every now and then. After the sound of the clarions died out the crowds were silent as the two men readied their swords. Merlin was conflicted. He had planned to help with magic, but Galahad had forbidden it. If he did it now, Galahad would notice and probably would never forgive him. But better an angry friend than a dead friend, right?

Sir Orrell charged ahead, swinging his sword like a madmen, while Galahad remained still like a statue. Merlin fought the impulse to close his eyes, but the impact never came. Galahad spun aside at the very last moment, hitting the knight's leg with the broad side of his sword, making him lose balance within the first fifteen seconds of the fight.

Sir Orrell got up looking angrily at the crowds who had started to laugh and charged again and again. Metal hit metal, but the swords never got close to Galahad who parried every strike by twisting his wrist at the very last moment, making his opponents sword head for the ground every single time.

"You can close your mouth." Gwaine said as he stood next to Merlin. Both of them were looking at the fight, but both knew who would win. It was obvious who was the stronger swordsmen.

"You knew." Merlin said accusingly.

"Leon and Elyan told us what happened on their way back. The bandits didn't- Did you see that!" Gwaine started but was distracted when Galahad switched his sword to his other hand. With one well executed swing he disarmed Sir Orrell who completely was caught off-guard by this last move.

Galahad took a step closer and brought his sword to Sir Orrell's neck.

"Do you yield?" Galahad spoke loudly.

"I would've killed you if I had the chance." Sir Orrell confessed quietly. Merlin pierced his ears but couldn't hear what they were talking about. Everybody looked expectantly at the fighters in the middle of the field.

"I know." Galahad answered equally quiet. "But my father also taught me to have mercy." Sir Orrell looked at the boy in front of him, really looked this time.

"I yield!" he yelled. Merlin let out a relieved sigh as he walked upon the field towards a beaming Galahad followed by Gwaine.

"Merlin, did you see!" Galahad asked enthusiastically and took off his helmet. Behind him Arthur had descended from the tribune and motioned Sir Orrell and the other knights that were involved this morning to follow him. But Galahad didn't notice that, he just focussed on Merlin.

"No, I was adjusting my boots. Of course saw that!" He quickly added when Galahad's smile dropped. "You should've told me."

"Yeah, but it was more fun this way."

"Galahad, I've a feeling we're going to get along great." Gwaine interjected as Merlin opened his mouth for a lecture.

Inside the castle the mood was far from pleasant as Arthur paced in front of his men.

"I'm ashamed of you," he finally said "I thought I was standing before knights of Camelot but you acted no better than the ruffians we're keeping out of Camelot. I need knights who I can trust and who trust me. If you can't trust my judgment then maybe you should re-evaluate your position as knights."

"You're dismissing us, Sire?" Sir Orrell asked unsure.

"Not yet, Sir Orrell, I do believe in second chances even if you didn't give Galahad a first, but this is a warning. I can't have strife among the ranks. We either stand united or fall alone. This is your choice." The room grew quiet once more as each of the knights stared at their feet, reflecting on the King's words.

"I expect your decision in two days at Galahad's knighting ceremony. That will be all."

That night they did go to the tavern. Gwaine insisted and he was very hard to refuse. Besides Galahad enjoyed this chance to get to know his fellow knights. Of course Merlin gave his version of how he met the knights.

"Gwaine here, he goes looking for trouble and when he finds it, which he always does, he goes 'Want to have some fun?'. Seriously, the first time I met him was during a fight in a tavern, the second was strangely similar, the third time he was in a slave traders dungeon fighting for entertainment. We're actually keeping him around for his own good."

"Oi! Nobody is keeping me, I'm as free as a feather."

"Yeah, right, you're a knight of Camelot who's taken an oath of loyalty to your king, but sure, you're as free as you ever were."

"Well, I would leave if it ever get boring here. A little advice Galahad, if you're looking for trouble stick close to Merlin and Arthur, it's never far away…"

How true his words were.

"Percival!" Gwaine suddenly shouted as the giant man wormed his way through the sea of half-drunk men. "When did you return?"

"Just now, I heard I missed all the commotion?" Percival answered and stared at the young druid still wearing the knights attire.

"Yes, you did and he prefers 'Galahad' for some reason, although 'commotion' is much more accurate." Gwaine answered in his stead and clasped the young druid by the shoulder.

"Merlin, you have a moment?" Percival asked seriously and motioned Merlin to follow him to a somewhat quieter corner of the tavern.

With Merlin gone Galahad asked Gwaine something that had him puzzled.

"You're actually quite civil to me, why?" He asked curiously.

"You are a fellow knight. Besides you're friends with Merlin, so that makes you mine as well." Gwaine responded light-hearted."Also, I'll have to keep an eye on you. With your fight this afternoon, you've probably managed to capture the heart of every maiden of Camelot. They'll be hovering around you like bees to a flower."

Galahad looked like rather pale after that comment. At the same moment a half of dozen drunks burst into song, masking whatever Galahad had mumbled next.

"What? I didn't catch that!" Gwaine shouted loudly.

"I don't know how to talk to girls!" Galahad shouted back drawing attention as a couple of women turned their heads and giggled.

"Fear not, my friend. We'll remedy that in no time. Margaret, some ale!" Gwaine motioned towards the bar.

Meanwhile on the other side of the tavern Percival was rummaging in his pockets.

"Your mother asked me to give you this." He handed Merlin a letter."She's fine though, we were there before any large scale attack."

"Thanks." was all Merlin could say, but he knew Percival didn't need any fancy words.

"Merlin! Galahad just told me he's never had a tankard of ale!" Gwaine yelled across the tavern, holding up several cups. Merlin sighed as he made his way back.

"And he isn't going to right now. Come on Galahad." Merlin said as he started to push Galahad out of the tavern.

"You're such a spoilsport, Merlin." Gwaine said disappointed for a moment, then he noticed Percival and handed him two cups.

"Why did you do that?" Galahad asked when they walked back along Camelot's narrow streets.

"I'm not taking the chance that you're a talkative drunk."

Please leave a review, I love to know your thoughts on Galahad! Next chapter will resume the main plots timeline.