Greetings! I have Returned! (Lol, that's from Merlin 2x01!) Congrats to those of you who figured out I stole the whole 'dragon-bonded-human' thing from Dragon Heart. Love that movie! Other thing: I plan on giving our favorite dragons a more dominant role in this fic. Cuz they're AWESOME! Thanks for all the favs/follows/reviews. You guys rock!
In case you were wondering, chapter one's alternate title is as follows: In which Lord Merlin beats up an Old Lady.
Alright, on to the show!
While Knight Valiant was off galavanting with his new sheild, Merlin was ajusting to court life. Uther thought it best if Arthur and him trained one-on-one. He secretly wondered if it was because he had actually beaten Arthur in a fight, twice even. So here they were, wacking each other. Merlin hitting Arthur senseless in his turn, while Arthur tried to teach Merlin battle instincts.
"Head!"
THWAK.
"Sheild!"
CLINK.
"Body!"
BUMF.
"Sheild!"
DOING!
"Ow! That was my head. Prat."
"Merlin, how am I ever going to get you battle-ready if you don't exspect the unexspected?" the blonde demanded.
Merlin reajusted his mail while the prince rolled his eyes. "Fine. Let's again then. But after that, we're having an actual duel. I can beat you and your shoddy foot-work any day!"
"Oh ho ho! That's a bet I know you'll lose."
"Then shall we? My Lord."
Later that night was the welcome feast for the tournament the King held every spring. Gwen wasn't sure how she felt about surving at it; not at all. At least she got to see friendly faces around. Arthur was laughing along other meat heads. Typical.
Merlin seemed to have struck up a conversation with Sirs Leon and Bedevere. He was smiling while the others told him stories. Gwen didn't want to admit it, but somehow he could pull off armor. The thought had her blushing, so she turned away before Merlin could see it. It was improper for two people of their statuses to be together. Gwen turned to see Morgana staring dreamily at the raven.
Morgana finally worked up the nerve to talk to Merlin. Thankfully, it was actually acceptable for her to spend time with the newest knight, and she planned to do just that.
"Hello Merlin. Are you ready for the tornament tomorrow?"
He made his way down to the cave walking like a zombie, which wasn't entirely wrong. That damn train was going to kill him soon; especially because Arthur thought he needed more practice. Stupid Arthur. Stupid Training. Stupid, stupid Destiny. He couldn't just be normal, nooo he had to special.
Merlin continued stomping down the steps, landing at the bottom with a great huff. At least he had one person (*cough* dragon *cough*) he could to about anything.
"Uhh! I ache all over. Is this what's like to be old?" he stared.
"Merlin, I may be old, but I'm not that old!" came the dragon's indignant reply.
"Fine, fine, you win Kilgharrah. What did you want to speak about?"
The beast just shook his head. "I was going to tell you more about the Old Knights, but now I'm not so sure."
"What?! No! Please, I'll be good; I want to know more!"
A deep chuckle filled the cave. "Very well, I will tell you. Hmmm were to start... ah yes that's it; the begining. Long ago this land was in a constant cycle of blood shed and war. One man was destined to change that. He was going to unite the lands under peace and joy. Yes Merlin, that was Bruta- Camelot's first king. Bruta decided the best way to do this was to rally the Knights of Old together.
"They rode out upon the field with my ancestors proudly tailing them. Once the warriors saw that the Knights had rallied behind Bruta, they realized he was a great man. The Old Knight wouldn't just follow many one! They saw that Bruta was a wise and noble man, and strived to follow his example. Since then, Camelot and the Knights have been on the same path of Destiny. It is even said that 'When the last Knight makes the King from Slayer's son, the Age has begun.'"
"Wow, that just- Wow."
"Indeed." When a yawn escaped Merlin, that dragon continued. "Young Warlock, you should get some rest, you have a big day tomorrow."
"Night 'Gharrah, I'll come visit you soon." And with a mighty sigh, the raven truged back up the stairs.
Morning found Merlin making his way to Gwen's father's forge. He was susprised to see Gwen there, but it was a good one.
"Hi Gwen. I was wondering if your father would be willing to mend my armor. The royal forges are swamped, and your dad is the best blacksmith in town..."
She beamed at him; her father would consider it an honor to help Merlin. "Don't worry, I'm sure he would love to."
"Oh Gwen that's wonderful! Ah, I got to go; I'm suposed to on the field in three hours. Just have the stuff there by ten-thirty. Thanks!" He called the last part over his shoulder on his way to his chambers.
Merlin's new mamservant was rather dull. The man's name was George, and all he would do is prattle on about the weather and brass. His jokes were horrible! However, he was efficient, he even had Merlin in his mail and shoulder armor before Arthur. With nothing else to do, ge decided to tease the prince.
"You nevous?"
"I'm the Prince, Merlin, I don't get nervous."
Merlin smirked. "Are you sure about that?"
"Will you just SHUT UP!"
Merlin rased his hands in a show of defeat, starting to slowly back away. He had a stupid grin slapped on his face, but it fell when reached his tent. Inside was the Lady Morgana, who was obviously waiting for him.
"My Lady?"
"Oh hello Merlin. I was hoping that you would wear this for luck," she inquired while handing him the ribbon she had in her hands.
"Thank you Morgana. That in really sweet of you." The lady turned a bright shade of red as she quickly floated out of the tent. The horn sounded, prompting Merlin to leave the tent as well. The tornement was about to begin!
He went on shortly after Arthur's match, facing a beast of a man. He was more muscly than a mountain and growled ferally every time someone walked close by.
Merlin decided to play defence and let the other man swing first. The sword came down, powerfully but slow. Merlin twisted out of the way, using the force to propel him. The brute slashed again, but was blocked by the raven's sword. Merlin swiped his weapon, twisting it painfully around opponent's blade. He gave it a sharp tug, sending the sword clattering to the ground. The mountain/man put up his hands in a show of defeat.
The rest of the day went in a similar fashion: wacking knights with pointy objects. Valiant by far fought with the least humanity, and Arthur fought with the most.
By the end of the day, the four finalists were Merlin, Arthur, Valiant and Enwain.
Valiant strutted over to the prince and the raven knight. "Your pretty handy with a sword."
"Like wise," Arthur replied flatly. Merlin had to repress a chuckle. The yellow knight looked like a wheel of pompus cheese as he strode off.
"Creep."
Arthur snorted in reply. "Ah, I'll see you later. I need to go give my servant his orders for the day.
Night found Merlin at yet another feast. Uther loves his damn feasts.
"Ah Merlin. I was quite impressed with you fighting today. You could very well beat my son tomorrow."
Merlin gave a small nod. "Thank you, my lord." That was that, and the worlock found himself shuffled down the line of waiting well-wishers.
"Hello again Sir Merlin."
He flashed the woman a stunning smile. "It is good to see you once more, Lady Morgana." Merlin bowed and kissed her knuckles. The raven gave her another grin before moving down the isle. "Until next time, my Lady."
Morgana sat at hee mirror thinking over the day's events. She decided that Merlin was a better swordsman than she originally thought. The way she felt when his lips brushed over her skin; pure heaven. Then there was the yellow knight. He was slimier than a snake. She sincerly hoped Merlin would be escorting her to the feast, not Valiant. She hated that guy! With sweet dreams of the newest knight, Morgana drifted to sleep.
There was definately something fishy about that pompus cheese wheel. And Gorge and Morris were determined to figure it out. George was doing it because of his loyalty to Camelot, and Morris because Sir Merlin had stood up for him in the past.
Their great plan started when they, for some odd reason, both went to the armory an hour before the sun came up to polish their masters's mail and armor. They both where intrigued by Knight Valiant's sheild. That is, until it started hissing. Both servant gave each other a scared but determined look. What ever sorrcery this is, there's no way this is gonna slide.
Soon the Plan escalated after finding out that Valiant's opponent was injured badly from a snake bite. So now it was Sir Merlin and Sir Valiant in the finals. They only had two days to expose the magic sheild. It was decided that the two men would sneak into the yellow knight's room to deal with the snakes.
They waited in an aclove by his room that Morris used to hide from the King's son. As soon as Valiant left the room- struting like a fat peacock they might add- Morris and George snuck in. George started examining the sheild. He was so engrossed with it, he didn't see the snake preparing to attack him. Thankfully, Morris did. The head sliced off like warm butter with a sickening shlick.
Merlin and Arthur were sitting in the prince's room. Talking. That alone was weird enough. Now granted, it was about how Merlin should act at court, but they were still talking. That is, until George and Morris burst in. George slammed a unnatural snake head on the table, and Morris blurted out in an excited manor.
"Knight Valiant is using an enchanted sheild. We saw it. It started hissing and the snakes on it blinked! And then later we, uh, went to see if it really was witchcraft. We, that is George and I, went into his room. George started looking the sheild over when this freaky snake tried to bite him, so I took its head off."
"Uh yeah, riiiight," Arthur replied skeptically.
"Arthur, they might be telling the truth; given them a chance. George, Morris, is what your saying true?"
"I bet my life on it." George stated.
"Me too," Morris echoed.
"Well then, I believe you. Arthur does too, he just doesn't know it."
"HEY!" Arthur yelled
"But it's true, right?"
"Yeah, I trust them."
Early the next morning, Valiant was brought before the King's court. It is sufice to say that it didn't follow the Plan. The fact that Enwain died didn't help in the slightest. The servant duo officially hated Uther. And they hated the cheese wheel even more after he insulted Sir Merlin.
"George, did you tell me the truth earlier?" Both master and servant were in Merlin's chambers after the audience.
"Of course I did, my Lord."
Merlin sighed. "I believe you. But I need some time to think. George, I'm not sacking you, don't worry. Take the rest of the day off; just be here bright and early to help me with my armor. I still have to face Valiant."
"Sir, are you sure that's wise?"
Merlin gave his manservant a weak smile. "No, but I have no other choice. Guess I'll just have to expose him while I fight."
"Kilgharrah!"
The dragon flew down to his perch. "What is is young warlock?"
"I need to expose a corrupted knight. He's using a magic sheild to cheat in the tournament... Do have any ideas?"
"Hmmm I might have a few. But Merlin, don't expose yourself in the process."
Valiant brought down his sword upon Merlin. The raven's eyes flickered briefly, before they dulled. Never to twinkle again.
"-Merlin!"
Morgana bolted upright in her bed. Dammit! Merlin dying at the hands of the yellow knight. Not good. She walked over to the window and peered out. It was well after two in the morning, and the newest knight was still practicing for tomorrow. Hopefully it's enough.
Morgana walked in to Merlin's chambers as George finished putting on Merlin's armor.
"Merlin be careful, please. I-I can't lose you. Not when we were becoming friends."
Merlin gave her a reassuring smile. "You know me Morgana. I'm always careful. See you at the feast."
Merlin walked out onto the field. Today is Valiant's last day of corruption. Today, Valiant pays for his crimes.
The yellow knight charged at Merlin. He blocked it in his usual way. His body went into auto pilot. Thrust, Parry, Block, Swipe. Over and over again. With each new move, his heart beat stronger. He could feel the power flooding his veins.
Valiant slammed his foot on Merlin's and gave him a dirty punch. That's it. No more Mister Nice Old Knight. Merlin muttered the spell the dragon had taught him under him breath. The snakes popped out like springs.
"What are you doing?! I didn't summon you!" Valiant eclaimed.
"MAGIC! EEVVIILL!" The King cried. Merlin repressed a laugh at the deranged Uther.
"Now they see what you really are." Merlin brought his sword down the second the snakes made a move. He whacked away Valiant's blade with inhuman strength. The yellow knight's life ended when Merlin's blade found a home in his gut. "Looks like you're not going to the feast after all." Well, that's one less evil knight in the world. The croud was in an uproar at the cheese wheel's demise. The world is definately a little safer.
Uther was very suprised when Arthur lost to Merlin, but he was glad to the the prince didn't fight the magic knight.
"My honorable guests, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you champion. Lord Merlin Ambrosius, Knight of Camelot!"
Merlin strode into the banquet hall and took Morgana's arm. In the end, it worked out well for everyone.
Morgana was elated; her escort for the evening was none other than Merlin. Her dreams were wrong. And now she got to spend the evening with her favorite knight.
Morris was pleased was well. Shortly after the fight between Merlin and Valiant, he was rehired. Life was looking up!
Alternate chapter title: The Time when Morris and George make a Plan to Deal with a 'Wheel of Cheese'
There it is! Second chapter is done. Hope y'all enjoyed. I think that George and Morris will get to appear quite a bit now... I need servants to help smooth out the story! FYI, I might not get this updated next week... I'm going to DC on a class field trip, and I'm not sure that I will be able to get enough time finish chapter three. Please don't hate me!
Until then, stay spunky my Faithful Readers!