"Today, with the approval of the Old Religion's High Council and Camelot's King Arthur's proposition, we celebrate the magic user's tournament." Alator's voice reached every corner of the tournament field. He looked the audience his eyes glowing. "It had been over fifty years when we have last time seen anything like this. Those who want can step out and show us that he is worthy to be the next Cemelot's Court Sorcerer. The rules are simple. Anything goes, but you can't harm anyone permanently. Not your opponent, not the audience." Slowly Alator turned around to see everyone. "Who first fall or give up, loses and that's it. The winner will face the next opponent. Who try to break those rules will get the punishment."

Alator stopped and watched Arthur.

"Shall we start your majesty?"

Arthur nodded and sat with Guinevere. Alator bowed.

"Then, who will be the first one?" Alator called.

Arthur looked the people. There was lot of audience, more than what he had expected. And then, someone stepped on the field. "I, Siorus Bewan will be the first."

Arthur looked the man curiously. He was wearing the clothes what made him look more like a rich merchant.

"And who will be the opponent?" Alator called again.

"I."

This time it was a woman. The woman had red hair and her frame was very noble. Her opponent smirked and bowed. "Cathlyn." He greeted her. The witch just nodded. Alator looked them.

"Are the rules clear?"

"Yes." They both answered.

"Then the field is yours." Alator raised his staff and hit it on the ground. Blinding light flashed quickly and for a moment above the field glistening. Arthur blinked though Alator had told him about this.

"Shield." Alator explained simply and walked away. The competitors walked on opposite sides of the field, and then turned to face each other. Arthur barely had time to figure out what happened. The witch raised out her hand, yelled something and again flashed. His opponent flew back and was left lying on the ground motionless. The audience broke out in howling. Arthur was in shock. Alator indeed had warned him. Those who would fight, would probably be the strongest and most competent at whole country. Same time it would prove that not all of the magic users would be the enemies of the Camelot. Camelot's hand was powerful and reached far, and Uther's persecution was distressed most of the magic users, so those who were able to fled had went further north or Hiperia or Armorica. But Uther was dead, and lot of people think that it was enough. And now Arthur has proved himself to them. The word of the Camelot's new law was reached fast and far. Arthur watched how Gaius kneeled down to check the man and then he nodded to Alator who walked back on the field.

"The firs winner, Cathlyn!"

The woman smiled and looked relaxed.

"Who want to face her?" Alator called and Arthur tried to relax. Everything seemed to be under control, or so he tried to convince himself.

And so it went.

Cathlyn held three rounds and then other witch defeated her. More opponents, more sorcerers, more witches and others. Even Aeron, who held two rounds. Sometimes the round held long time, sometimes it was over quickly. There was lot of fireballs, lightening and earthquakes. One of the witched raised up tree roots to attack. One sorcerer raised the wind and thence consist a small tornado. There were magical swords, shields and daggers. Lot of daggers.

After two hours Arthur felt himself defenceless. This was magic, he though. It was frightening thing. Guinevere was holding his hand and squeezed it firmly, but her gaze never left on the field. With Morgana and Morgause and some other, they had just seen the tip of the iceberg. Arthur quickly learned that most of the fighters used some element powers. Fire and air, sometimes water. Earth seemed to be hardest. Each competitor was stronger than previous, but Arthur though whether any of them really was powerful than Morgana. He needed someone who could protect Camelot and its people, but what he needed most was one who could face the witch. And kill her.

Then there were two men, both of them wearing black cloak. Other was middle aged, he had black beard, and the long hair where was some silver stripes tied back. Arthur couldn't read this man. There wasn't any hint of emotions on his face. Bleddyn Couch had won the previous match almost tragicomically. He was apparently tried to spell what had not worked, then dodge the large fireball, which had hit a protective shield and got all jump drastically. But when Bleddyn had dodged he had slipped on pool of water, what was there from the previous match, and ended up on his back. Once again, the enemy took the opportunity to have sent a series of small fireballs go. Bleddyn was succeeded crawl up in time, spread his arms and simply send fireballs back to its owner. Of course the opponent had shielded himself, but Bleddyn was suddenly behind of him and just knocked him down with beetle. No magic there. The audience was stunned. Alator was just shook his head and murmured something. Arthur hides his amused smile.

Now Bleddyn's opponent was young fiery looking man. Too young, Arthur though. His name was Richard. He didn't even look Arthur, not greeting him at anyway.

When Alator had withdrawn, Richard raised both his hands and began to cast a magic spell. Between his palms began to develop the glowing ball. Bleddyn wrinkle his forehead and took a step back, staggered but remained standing. Richard sent quickly the glowing ball forward. Bleddyn took a step sideways, but the ball was following his moves. Arthur saw how Bleddyn's eyes widened with amazement just moment before the ball hit him. Bleddyn flew sharply backward. In Richard's face spread happy smile and he raised both his hands again.

"Stop!" Alator's cry rang out, but Richard sent a glowing ball.

Though, this time it wasn't aimed toward Bleddyn, but Arthur. The light struck through the shield with loud rumble. Arthur didn't have time to understand what happened when he crashed into the back.

I hope two chapters in one day are enought to you :)