Chapter 7-Proof of guilt

Hey guys, this is the 7th Chapter of this story and I just want to thank everyone who has been reviewing, following and adding me to your favourits. It does mean a lot to know that people enjoy reading what I write . So the poll on my profile has changed once again, now you're voting for do you think Lancelot or Merlin should end up with Gwen? The poll as always is on my profile, and you can also just write your answer as a review. I don't own Merlin, but Laudine, Kay and Elizabeth are my inventions. Read and enjoy people .

After another long tournament day there were only two competitors left, Arthur and Valiant. As the prize for the winner I had been made to sit on the supper before the game. I personally would have rather been helping Merlin try and find the proof we needed. I sat by Uther sides as the Knights toasted Valiant. I watch Arthur look on disapprovingly, "So Valiant, do you think you stand a chance of defeating my son?" Uther asked.

"He is a great warrior, My Lord. I do hope to be a worthy opponent," Valiant said taking a drink.

"You should stay in Camelot after the tournament. I could do with more knights like you," Uther offered. I saw Arthur look even more annoyed. Out of the corner of my eye I saw some movement. I turned to see Merlin looking around the door which seemed to be creaking with the movement. He made eye contact with me quickly before disappearing.

"So Sir Valiant where were you before this?" I asked drawing myself into the conversation to distract myself from the feeling in my gut that Merlin was about to do something probably dangerous.

"Travelling," Valiant answered evadingly

"Anywhere nice?" I questioned.

"Elizabeth you sound like you're interrogating the man," Uther interrupted.

"I apologise My Lord. I am just curious you see," I said bowing my head in respect to Uther.

"Curiosity is rare in a lady of the court," Valiant observed leaning towards me.

He was starting to make me feel uncomfortable again and I knew I had to be careful with what I said, "I come from a kingdom where I am encouraged to speak honestly, my father listens to all his children's opinions, just as King Uther listens to his people," I lied about the last part but I had to keep in Uther's good books somehow.

"Thank you Elizabeth," Uther said smiling at me.

"If you excuse me My Lord it has been a busy day and I wish to rest for a while before everything begins again," I said smiling politely at Uther. Uther nodded in return, Laudine followed me out of the council chambers, I turned and walked the wrong way for my room.

"Where are we going My Lady?" Laudine asked hurrying to catch up with me.

"We are going to see Gauis. I think Merlin has done something dangerous again," I explained, quickening my pace.

I walked into Gaius's chambers to see Gaius draining some of the venom from the snake's head, "I'll get started preparing the antidote."

"You killed the snake?" I questioned causing both men to look at me.

"Yes one of them anyway," Merlin explained, before getting up to leave, "I'm going to tell Arthur."

"You'll need to the snake's head," I said from the doorway, "I'll go with you. He's more likely to believe me."

Merlin came towards me and together we headed out the door, only stopping quickly when we heard Gaius, "And Merlin, what you did was very brave."

I didn't bother knocking when I entered Arthur's chambers, Merlin followed behind me holding the head, "Arthur we have a problem," I said standing in front of where he was eating.

"What is it?" Arthur asked from the table, looking annoyed that I'd walked in without knocking.

"This," Merlin said dropping the snake's head onto the table.

Arthur looked at it for a moment before questioning Merlin disbelievingly, "You? You chopped it's head off?"

"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," Merlin said all in one breath.

"Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot," Arthur dismissed.

"Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the snake bite him," I told Arthur agreeing with Merlin.

"I don't like the guy," Arthur admitted, "But that doesn't mean he's cheating.

"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! Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?" Merlin questioned. Arthur picked up the snake's head and looked it over while Merlin spoke, "I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything, I wouldn't lie to you."

Arthur looked once again at the snake's head in his hand before turning to Merlin, "I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true."

"I swear it's true," Merlin said his voice a little desperate.

"Elizabeth?" Arthur said turning to me for guidance.

"He's not lying," I confirmed.

"Then I believe you," Arthur nodded at me.

It didn't take long at all for the guards to gather both Valiant and his shield and the rest of the council into the chambers for a trial of sorts. I ignored the stares I was getting from Valiant as I stood next to Merlin and Arthur. Uther was the final person to enter the chambers and faced Arthur, "Why have you summoned the court?"

"I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament," Arthur made the claim. There was sudden chatter in the council chambers as the muttering began. Uther simply held up his hand for silence.

"Valiant what do you have to say to this?" Uther turned to question Valiant, something I noticed he was less likely to do in the cases which involved magic.

Valiant stepped forwards, "My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?"

"Do you have evidence?" Uther asked reluctantly as if he didn't want to believe the perfect Valiant could be using magic.

"I do," Arthur said nodded towards Merlin who came forward and handed Uther the snake's head.

"Let me see this shield," Uther instructed.

"Don't let him get too close," Merlin whispered a warning to Arthur.

"Be careful, My Lord," Arthur said drawing his sword, while Uther got closer to the shield and nothing happened. Just the Gaius entered the room, I knew we had to go to plan B.

"We need Ewan. Find out what's happening," I whispered to Merlin, who nodded.

Merlin moved over to Gaius as Valiant spoke, "As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield."

"He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive," Arthur stated the obvious.

"Then how am I to know that what you say is true?" Uther pointed out.

"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," Arthur said. I looked at Valiant and noticed something was wrong, instead of looking worried he looked quite smug as if he knew something we didn't.

"Where is this witness?" Uther questioned not really believing anything Arthur was saying.

"He should be here…" Arthur said awkwardly.

"Where's Ewan?" I questioned turning to Gaius and Merlin.

"He's dead," Merlin told me unhappily.

"I'm waiting," Uther said from behind me.

"I'm afraid the witness is dead," I informed Uther.

"So you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?" Uther asked, as if trying to stop his son doing this.

"No, but my servant fought one of the snakes from…" Arthur began to explain.

"Your servant? You made these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?" Uther questioned, suddenly becoming angry.

"I believe he's telling the truth!" Arthur argued back.

"My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?" Valiant questioned looking like he was enjoying this far too much.

"I've seen those snakes come alive!" Merlin burst out, finally having enough of not been treated equally.

"How dare you interrupt?! Guards!" Uther order and the guards moved forward to take Merlin away. Everything was quickly getting out of hand.

I took a step forward ready to order them to stop but Valiant beat me to it, "My lord."

"Wait!" Uther ordered.

"I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account," Valiant said all the while looking at me. I just stared coldly back not wanting his attention at all.

"You see? This is how a true knight behaves - with gallantry and honour," Uther said, making me want to throw something at his head, how could one man be so oblivious to the evil around him?

"My lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal," Valiant said coldly. I bit my tongue to stop myself yelling at him.

"Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?" Uther asked Arthur sounding disappointed.

"No!" Arthur exclaimed.

"Then what am I to make of these allegations?" Uther questioned.

Arthur took a calming breath before turning to Valiant, "Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology.

"Accepted," Valiant smirked back.

I stood outside Arthur's chamber listening to the screaming that was going on inside trying not to wince and I heard something that was probably very expensive china smash against a wall. Then there was complete silence, I bit my nails waiting for Merlin to finally make an appearance unless Arthur had run him through.

I didn't have to wait too long. Merlin came out of Arthur's chambers looking down at his feet as if he was trying not to cry, "What did he do?" I asked softly knowing Merlin was in a delicate state.

"Fire me!" Merlin exclaimed suddenly seeming a mixture of annoyed and upset.

"Think it's time we spoke to the dragon again," I suggested, before taking off towards the dungeon, Merlin followed.

As we walked down to the cave I could see Merlin getting more and more upset about his argument with Arthur. When we entered the cave the dragon was nowhere to be seen, "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," Merlin yelled out into the air, before turning to leave.

"If only it were so easy to escape one's destiny," The dragon's voice echoed from somewhere deep inside the cave. The flapping of wings could be heard. I stopped Merlin by holding his arm and nodding in front of me where the Great Dragon had just landed.

"How can we protect him if Merlin is not his manservant?!" I questioned a little calmer than Merlin.

"A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that," Kilgharrah replied cryptically.

"Oh, great. Just what I needed, another riddle," Merlin complained.

"That your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth," Kilgharrah continued as if Merlin had not interrupted him.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I yelled finally losing my call.

Kilgharrah just stared at me for a moment before speaking more riddles, "You know, young warlock and priestess, this is not the end. It is the beginning."

The dragon flapped his wings again taking back off into the darkness of the cave, "Just give me a straight answer!" Merlin yelled after him.

That is that chapter finished. Remember NEW POLL IS UP! And review people

Until next time

Artistic-Blue-Eyes

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