The Protector Chapter 4: Lancelot, a merlin fanfic

Disclaimer: If you looked at the previous chapters, you can see that I don't own anything but the character Kala. If I owned the show Merlin, Arthur wouldn't be with Gwen.

Chapter Four: Lancelot

"Despite having to pick Mushrooms Merlin, it is a pretty nice day out." Kala said plucking a mushroom from the ground before tossing it in the basket.

"It's alright I guess, though I rather be doing this then cleaning Arthur's room and mucking out the stalls." Merlin said shuddering at the smell of the stalls. Kala nodded her head in agreement and before she was able to say anything they both turned to the sound of screeching. "Is that a griffin?" Merlin muttered softly as they stood up. He read about them when he was browsing through Gaius' books.

"I believe so…" Kala said having her bow and arrow ready to fire. Kala and Merlin backed away softly but ended out breaking into a run. Kala shot an arrow but the griffin managed to dodge it and after another arrow shot Kala decided to not waste anymore arrows and she jumped to catch up to Merlin who was a little ways ahead of her. "Thanks for waiting, you're a good friend." Kala said sarcastically.

"Can't you just jump us back to the castle?" Merlin said while running.

Kala shook her head, "Too risky. Why can't you use magic?"

"Same reason, too risky."

"Then we're screwed. It was nice knowing you my dear friend." Kala said running behind Merlin. Kala turned her head to see how far the griffin was to them not knowing that Merlin fell to the ground causing her to trip over his legs and fell down as well. They both turned to their backs seeing the griffin up close to them and they both closed their eyes, Kala was about to jump them away a few miles away from the griffin and Camelot before they heard shouts and a sword being taken out. Kala and Merlin propped themselves up and watches Lancelot try to slay the griffin but when his sword breaks he turns towards the duo.

"Run! Run!" Lancelot yelled running towards Merlin and Kala pulling them both towards the opposite direction of the griffin and hid behind a broken tree. After a few minutes of silence Merlin spoke up.

"It's gone…you saved our lives. Thank you, I'm Merlin and this is my friend Kala."

"Hi." Kala said softly as she looked around cautiously.

Lancelot smiled at the two, "I'm Lancelot."

Kala and Merlin smiled and the three shook hands while laughing. "Well Lancelot, you're hurt, come our guardian is a physician, he can patch you up good as new."

"That would be appreciated." Lancelot said gratefully before passing out cold.

"Well, this would be interesting…" Kala muttered before sighing as she held out her hand to Merlin while her other one grasped Lancelot's arm. Kala jumped them to her bedroom and Merlin helped drag Lancelot down the stairs so that Gaius could fix the wound.

"Gaius, could you patch up our new friend here?" Merlin asked. Gaius looked up from his books and turned to his two wards.

"What on earth happened?" Gaius asked standing up and walking towards them.

"Griffin." Was all that Kala said as she motioned for Merlin to put Lancelot on the bed. After ten minuets of Gaius patching up the passed out Lancelot, Merlin sat down beside Lancelot.

"How is he?" Merlin asked.

"The wound itself is superficial. The fever will pass. He should be fine in the morning." Gaius said standing up. Merlin nodded his head in thanks.

Uther and Arthur rode into the forest and from the distance they observed the village that was on fire. Uther's eyes widened in shock, "What creature could have done this?"

"We found no tracks in or out. What the villagers say must be true. It has wings and…." Arthur said before trailing off.

"And what?" Uther asked impatient.

"And it took no livestock, only people. Whatever it is, it has a taste for human flesh."

"Post sentries in all the outlying villages. Put the lookouts on full alert. If this thing should make it for Camelot, we must be ready." Uther said in full serious mode.

"Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking, I - I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land." Lancelot said staring out the window towards the outer villages. Merlin sat in his chair beside his bed listening to his new friend while Kala sat on Merlin's bed listening as well.

"Lancelot." Merlin said leaning forward in his chair.

"Yes?"

"They are going to love you."

"They are?" Lancelot asked skeptically.

"We've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself besides Kala here." Merlin said smiling.

"You've beaten Arthur in a duel?" Lancelot asked Kala in shock.

"Yes, but we don't speak of it. I'm Arthur's training assistant and you do have ability to be able to beat Arthur." Kala said smiling.

"I hardly think so…" Lancelot said sadly.

"Stop putting yourself down, you're really talented. You would make other knights jealous. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to Arthur himself right now. Come on Kala." Merlin said standing up dragging Kala off the bed. Kala groaned inwardly, she already knows how this is going to turn out. Lancelot can't become a knight, but she doesn't want to be the one to crush his dreams of trying.

"Wait. Merlin, you know Arthur as well?" Lancelot asked amazed.

"Oh yes." Merlin said smiling as he dragged Kala out of the room and towards the training grounds.

"You do know that today is my day off right?" Kala said walking alongside Merlin.

"Yes, and I don't care." Merlin said smiling teasingly.

"I hate you…" Kala said glaring playfully at her friend. They duo shared a laugh as they walked closer to the training grounds. They both stood off to the side watching Arthur beat another opponent. After an hour Arthur walked towards them.

"Kala, you should train them better, this Grummund is the third fail this month. How am I meant to defend Camelot with rubbish people like that?" Arthur said piling stuff into Merlin's hands.

"I offer no advice Arthur due to the fact that today is my day off. I'm only here because my dear friend Merlin here dragged me along." Kala said smiling as Arthur and Merlin through a glare her way.

"I think I might be able to help." Merlin said as the three of them walked through the lower town.

"You, Merlin? Kala I can see helping out, but you haven't the faintest idea what it takes to become a knight. Courage, fortitude, discipline." Arthur said trailing off a list of what he thinks Merlin doesn't have.

"No, no, no, of course I don't," Merlin said rolling his eyes before continuing. "But I do know someone who does."

"Yeah?" Arthur asked surprised and looked towards Kala to confirm. Kala smiled and looked away, she was staying out of this little mess that Merlin is currently digging himself into. Arthur rolled his eyes and looked towards Merlin once more.

"Yeah, he actually save mind and Kala's life yesterday." Merlin said smiling.

Arthur stopped walking and quickly examined Kala and once he saw that she looked fine he scoffed and looked towards Merlin, "Thats blowing it for starters."

"No, he's really good. Honestly." Merlin said trying to convince Arthur.

"That's great, Merlin. I'm sure that he is terrific but you forget the first code of Camelot."

"The what?"

"The first code: Only those of noble blood can serve as knights." Kala said looking at Merlin.

Arthur nodded, "So unless your friend is a nobleman…"

"H - he his, he is a nobleman." Merlin said smiling..

Kala mentally slapped herself, "Why Merlin, why are you digging yourself a big hole of trouble?"

"Is he?" Arthur said not fully believing his servant.

"Absolutely."

"Very well. Bring to the training ground tomorrow and make sure he brings his seal of nobility." Arthur said before motioning Kala to follow him.

As Arthur and Kala began to walk away from Merlin, Merlin shouted, "Thanks Arthur! You won't regret it.

Kala laughed and shook her head. "Oh Merlin, you are going to cause trouble I know of it."

"Were you hurt?" Arthur asked after a few moments of silence.

"You mean when Merlin said that our friend saved us?"

"Yes."

"No, I wasn't hurt. Not a scratch. Why are you asking?" Kala asked as she casted Arthur a curious look.

"Why didn't you know, Jump yourself out of danger?" Arthur whispered so that no one would hear.

"It was too risky Arthur. We were too close to Camelot. Near the end though, when the griffin got too close I was going to take us to safety but our friend came." Kala said quietly.

When Arthur heard her say 'griffin' he had the urge to shout, why didn't Merlin or Kala tell him? He knew that Kala could take care of herself but he couldn't fight the feeling of wanting to protect her. Arthur sighed, "Well, I'm glad you're all right."

"I'm always going to be all right." Kala said smiling, but it soon faded when she saw the same man from a few months ago during Arthur's tournament. Was he following her? She turned to Arthur trying to hide the panic, "Listen, I have to go. I will catch up with you later."

Before Arthur got to say a word he watched as Kala walked quickly to an ally way. There was so much that Arthur wanted to know about Kala's gift, he felt that she wasn't telling him something. Something important. He sighed and shook his head as he continued on walking.

Kala walked through an ally way and snuck up behind the man putting a knife against his neck, "Samuel, what are you doing here? Here to kill me?"

"No, I came to warn you. Believe me when I say this, I'm not against you, I want to help. Now please put the knife down." Samuel said not struggling. Kala stayed quiet for a moment debating her options. This man has caused her pain, tortured her with the Agiel. What is to stop him from stabbing her in the back, literally.

"Fine." Kala said releasing her hold on Samuel. "What are you trying to warn me."

"The other Paladins know that you're here in Camelot. Some are working with Witchfinders and there's some working a women named Nimueh. They say there is also a powerful sorcerer here as well." Samuel said quietly as they both moved into the shadows of the ally.

"When are they coming?" Kala asked seriously.

"From what I hear, they're not, at least for now. From what I can see, you're safe as long as you stay here in Camelot. I'll stick around for as long as I can."

"Thank you. I better go." Kala said walking away and towards Gaius' chambers. On her way there, she kept looking over her shoulder feeling as though she was still being watched. Kala groaned, this was going to make her task of trying to keep Arthur and Merlin alive. Now she has to try to keep herself alive as well. One good thing came out of this though, she gained a new ally. Kala was about to enter Gaius' chambers when Merlin came sneaking out. "Where are you off too?"

"Hall of records." Merlin said walking in the direction of the room. Kala stood debating whether or not to follow before deciding.

"Wait…I'll come with you."

"Great, hurry up." Merlin said smiling.

"Yeah, yeah…"

Merlin and Kala casually walked in the room and began searching for a book. During the search Geoffrey sat at his desk watching Merlin and Kala like a hawk. "This is it." Merlin whispered to Kala as he took the book to a table. Kala nodded and turned to Geoffrey.

"Homework." Kala said innocently as she followed Merlin to the table. Geoffrey rolled his eyes not convinced before looking back to what he was doing. Kala sat down next to Merlin as he began to copy the page of the Nobility seal. Merlin grinned before slamming the book closed causing a cloud of dust flying out. Merlin and Kala both sneezed causing Geoffrey to look up and walk over to them.

"Ahem…" Geoffrey said to duo. Merlin smiled and handed the thick book over to the record keeper.

"Good read, real page turner." Merlin and Kala said at the same time as they walked quickly out the door. Kala busted up laughing, as they both made their way quickly to Gaius' chambers.

When they entered the room, Merlin walked quickly to Lancelot who was currently pealing an apple. "Here."

"What's that?" Lancelot asked looking at the rolled up parchment.

"Your seal of nobility." Merlin said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I don't understand."

"Lady and gentlemen, I give you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria." Merlin announced showing Lancelot the full page.

"Even I have to admit, this is clever. Even for Merlin." Kala said teasingly. Merlin casted a playful glare at his friend.

"No, Merlin. No, this is wrong." Lancelot said shaking his head.

"Oh, okay then. So this means you don't want to be a knight for Camelot. Okay sure…" Merlin said rolling the paper back up.

"Of course I do!"

"But what? The rules won't allow? Damn the rules. The rules are wrong." Merlin said towards his new friend.

"Some rules are meant to be broken Lancelot." Kala said smiling as she patted Lancelot's back.

"But its a lie, this is wrong. Its against everything the knights stand for." Lancelot said trying to convince his friends that what they were suggesting was wrong.

"Whats wrong is that only noblemen can become knights. If I had it my way, I would try to become a knight myself." Kala said crossing her arms.

"Lancelot, you have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it." Merlin said to Lancelot but also indirectly to Kala.

"If you're worried about the rules, don't be, because we're not breaking any. But if you want to get technical, we are bending them to our will." Kala said noticing that Lancelot was about to object.

Merlin nodded agreeing with Kala. "You get your food in the door. But after that you will be judged on your merit alone. If you succeed, they might make you a knight and it will be because you earned it, whether if you are a noble or not."

Lancelot nodded and Merlin grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out the door and to Gwen's house for measurements. Twenty minutes later of convincing Gwen to help them, Lancelot stood still awkwardly as Gwen starting measuring him.

Lancelot cleared his throat nervously before speaking up, "This is very kind of you, uh.."

"Gwen." Gwen said introducing herself smiling.

"Gwen, what a beautiful name." Lancelot said politely.

"Its short for Guinevere."

"Even more beautiful. Thank you, Guinevere." Lancelot said staring at Gwen in the eyes.

Kala smiled at the two before turning to Merlin, "Don't they look cute together?" Kala asked.

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked confused.

Before Kala could answer, Gwen spoke up, "Don't thank me. Thank Merlin and Kala. They would do anything for anyone, especially Merlin. Wouldn't you Merlin?" Merlin smiled and nodded, confirming what Gwen was saying. Gwen smiled and continued taking measurements, "I think its great that Merlin got you this chance, we need men like you."

"You do?" Lancelot turned his head to look at Gwen.

"Well, not me personally, but you know, Camelot. Camelot needs knights, not just Arthur and his kind. Knights like ordinary people, like you and me."

"Well…I'm not a knight yet, My Lady."

"And I'm not a Lady, Sir Knight." Gwen said teasingly.

"Sorry, my…" Lancelot was about to apologize but Gwen shook her head.

"Okay, we're done. Um, I should have these done in no time. It was nice meeting you Lancelot." Gwen said smiling reaching out her hand to shake his. Lancelot grasped her hand and kisses it gently before leaving with Merlin.

Before Kala left with Merlin and Lancelot, she whispered to Gwen in a sing song voice, "Somebody has a crush."

Gwen blushed and swatted Kala's arm. Kala laughed before catching up with Merlin just in time to hear Lancelot sake Merlin a question.

"Are you two…uh, you know…" Lancelot asked Merlin nervously

Merlin and Kala laughed. "No, no. Just friends is all." Merlin said still chuckling softly.

The next day Kala stood next to Arthur at the training grounds yelling out numbers towards the knights before Arthur yelled out, "Okay, that'll do for today. Well done." The knights walked away and Kala followed Arthur quietly. "Why do I get the feeling that the knights listen to you better then they do me?" Arthur asked Kala with a slight smile.

"They listen to you, but perhaps its because I'm a better teacher." Kala said teasingly as Arthur laughed putting his sword away on the sword rack. Lancelot walked up to them with borderline confidence and nervousness.

"Yes?" Arthur asked looking at Lancelot.

"I am Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."

"Lance-a lot? My servant mentioned you. You saved him and my training assistant. I am grateful. Have you got your seal?"

Lancelot bows and shows Arthur his fake seal of nobility, "Sire." Arthur grabs the seal and smacks Lancelot causing him to fall on his back. "Sluggish reactions. On the battlefield, you'd be dead already. Come back when you're ready." Arthur said walking away.

Lancelot quickly got up and said confidently, "I'm ready now, Sire."

"You are, are you? Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables." Arthur said staring at Lancelot with complete seriousness. Lancelot looks towards Kala and then to Merlin feeling uncertain but all that Merlin did for encouragement was give him two thumbs up.

Kala sat at a table nibbling on bread as Merlin helped Gaius crush some herbs. "I'm sorry about Lancelot. I can see you're upset." Gaius apologized genuinely.

"Oh you know Gauis, thats life. You win some and you lose some."

"You're taking it very well, I have to say. Very mature." Gaius said impressed.

Kala snorted as she listened to their conversation. Merlin casted her a glare before smiling at his guardian, "Thank you Gaius."

Lancelot walked in the room covered in dirt, Kala laughed at the sight and Merlin smiled when he saw his friend. "So, how'd it go?"

"Uh…" Was all that Lancelot offered before walking to Merlin's chamber.

Gaius casted Kala and Merlin a stern look. Kala smiled innocently and said, "He found work at the stables?"

"I see, and the truth before I lose my temper?"

"He's uh…trying out for the knights." Merlin confessed.

"But he really is working in the stables, I didn't really lie." Kala said truthfully towards Gaius."I have to go, have fun with the lecture Merlin." Kala said before walking out of the room with her bow and arrows.

Kala walked her way out of Camelot passing Arthur from the distance. Arthur looked at Kala curiously noticing that she was leaving towards the forest. He quickly made his way to follow her, he wanted to know what she was hiding. Kala reached the forest and looked around before walking through the forest. Arthur walked quickly towards Kala.

"Kala? What are you doing out here? You know its not safe with the creature out." Arthur said placing a hand on Kala's shoulder.

Kala looked towards him slightly panicked, "Why did you follow me? Go back to Camelot."

"No, not until you tell me whats going on. You've been acting strangely since the tournament."

"It doesn't concern you Arthur."

"Of course it concerns me, you're my friend. Now tell me, what is going on."

Kala sighed, "I'm here to meet someone. Someone from my past."

Arthur sighed knowing that it wasn't the whole truth but continued to follow Kala deeper in the forest. Kala paused hearing a noise and she pulled out her bow and arrow having it ready to shoot if need be.

"You showed up, Good." Samuel said walking out from behind the tree, Kala sighed as she put down her weapon.

"Do you know how the other jumpers are?" Kala asked getting straight to business.

"From what I saw, most are still alright, I had to torture some to keep up the appearance. There are still some Paladins in the camp training the young Jumpers, but its not looking too good for them. The Paladins are becoming more ruthless. More and more Paladins are going back to the old ways, believing that Jumpers should be exterminated." Samuel said seriously as he looked around cautiously.

Arthur's eyes widened when he heard this, "Wait, what are Paladins?" Arthur asked speaking up for the first time. Samuel casted him a curious look and he turned towards Kala.

"He knows about you? You shouldn't have done that, his father hates magic, what makes you think that his father won't want to kill off jumpers as well?" Samuel said to Kala with fierce seriousness.

"I trust him not to tell, he hasn't so far." Kala said defending Arthur who nodded.

"Okay, just watch your back Kala. You never know when they're going to come." Samuel said before leaving Kala and Arthur alone on the forest. Once Samuel was gone Arthur turned towards Kala.

"What is a Paladin?" Arthur asked blocking Kala's path, stopping her from leaving.

"A natural enemy of Jumpers. Paladins have been hunting Jumpers for centuries, they believe that we shouldn't exist. That no one should have the power that we have. Paladins have this Agiel, its like a wand. It holds the most unbearable pain that you can ever imagine. It even hurts the Paladins, but they were trained to stand it. When a Paladin uses the Agiel against a Jumper, it stops them from being able to jump away." Kala said looking at Arthur straight in the eyes.

"You speak as though you experience it before." Arthur said clenching his fists.

"You can say that. Come, we need to get back to Camelot." Kala said moving around Arthur and started walking towards Camelot.

The next day Lancelot was sharpening swords as Arthur walked towards him. As Arthur got closer he grabbed a broom and tossed it to Lancelot. Lancelot looks up and catches it swiftly.

Arthur looked impressed. "Not bad."

Lancelot stood up from his chair still holding onto the broom as he bowed. "Would you like me to sweep the guardhouse again, sire?"

"It certainly needs sweeping, but I can just have Merlin do it. First though," Arthur said picking up another nearby broom and takes off the bristles. "I'd like you to kill me."

"Sire?" Lancelot asked uncertain.

"Come on. Don't pretend you don't want to." Arthur said moving back into the little street taking a stance. Lancelot removes the bristles on his broom and walks towards Arthur. "Hell, if I were you, I'd want to as well. Come on."

Lancelot takes the first swing as Arthur defended himself. After a few moments of fighting "Come on, Lancelot, you're not beating a carpet!"

Arthur and Lancelot continues to fight and Arthur manages to shove Lancelot sending him into a pile of hay. Before Arthur could attack Lancelot, Lancelot manages to swiftly dodge out of the way. A few moments later Arthur jabs Lancelot in the gut. "Congratulations, Lancelot. You just made basic training." Arthur said before walking away leaving Lancelot stunned.

As Arthur continued to walk away, they all heard screaming. Arthur stopped and looked back at Lancelot before turning to run towards the gates.

Kala and Merlin were helping Gaius by helping the injured get safely inside the gates. Merlin knelt down beside the woman he helped. "You're safe now. I promise."

"How is she?" Kala and Merlin both asked at the same time, motioning to the other woman Gaius was treating.

"Okay." Gaius said focusing on the elderly woman.

Lancelot jogged towards the three of them asking with concern. "What happened to these people?"

"Their village was attacked by a winged monster," Kala said to Lancelot before whispering, "The griffin." Merlin, Lancelot and Kala shared a look knowing that this was the same griffin as before.

Up in the upper corridor Uther and Arthur looked down at the square where all the injured people were. "I'd hunt this thing down if I could, but I cannot track a creature through the air." Arthur said mad, this creature hurt the people in a small village and tried to hurt his friends. He wanted nothing more then to get rid of this creature.

"You don't have to track it. First Greenswood, then Willowdale. The creature's heading south. Towards the mouth of the valley." Uther said as he and Arthur began walking.

"To Camelot." Arthur said realizing.

"You must prepare your knights, Arthur."

"Have faith, Father. We'll be ready." Arthur said with determination.

In the main square, Arthur's knights stood in rows and Kala stood off to the side as Arthur walked around. "The beast is heading for Camelot. It's fast and agile, but big enough to hit and to hit hard. Kala and I both want you all to concentrate on an attack strategy. We don't have much time. Dismissed." Arthur said as he watch the knights walk away. After a moment he and Kala turned to walk away as well as Lancelot walked up to them. "Yes, Lancelot?"

"Is there anything I can do, sire? It's just…I know that in event of battle, only a knight may serve."

"Thats correct, Lancelot. And you are not yet a knight. Which is why I'm bringing your test forward. You will face me in the morning" Arthur said stopping for a moment before walking away leaving Lancelot standing in shock. Kala stayed behind with Lancelot smiling.

"Congrats Lancelot. It seems like you are one step closer to becoming a knight of Camelot." Kala said trying not to laugh at Lancelot's stunned face.

The next morning Kala, Merlin and Gwen stood off to the side watching as Arthur and Lancelot stood in the middle of the training field. Arthur walked towards Lancelot saying, "Here we are, your final challenge. Succeed and you joint the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria," Arthur turned to the timekeeper and nodded. "Your time starts now."

Arthur and Lancelot pulled on their helmets and began fighting. During the fight Lancelot swung his sword at Arthur and Arthur barely manages to dodge the swing.

Gwen gasped and unconsciously grasped Merlin's jacket. "Oh, sorry." Gwen said sheepishly. Merlin didn't know what to say so he turned towards the fight as Kala began chuckling earning her a soft shove from Gwen.

As the fight continue, Lancelot and Arthur expertly swings their swords until Arthur punches Lancelot causing him to fall back. Arthur stuck his sword in the ground and removed his helmet before he went to reach for Lancelot's blue flag. "Shame." Arthur said a little disappointed.

Lancelot quickly gets up and shoves Arthur to the ground and holds him at sword point. "Do you submit, sire?"

Two guards walks up behind Lancelot and restrains him as Arthur angrily stands up and points his once fallen sword at Lancelot. "On your knees."

Merlin and Gwen looked confused at Kala as she began smiling. She knew what was going on and she had to admit, she didn't think that Lancelot would actually make it and she was glad that he proved her wrong.

In the throne room Lancelot was at the front kneeling with a sword pointed at his chest by Uther. "Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot."

The room busted out with applause by the knights as Lancelot stood up. Lancelot looked at Merlin and Kala, smiling towards them. At the other side of the room near the windows as Morgana continued clapping she turned to her maidservant Gwen. "Who is this man? HE seems to have come from nowhere."

"I know. He's been a bit of a surprise to all of us." Gwen said looking at Lancelot.

At the celebrations Kala stood by Gaius and Merlin. She had a bad feeling in her stomach since she saw Uther talking with Lancelot after being knighted. Merlin started talking to Gaius as they looked towards Arthur and Lancelot talking. "Look at him, Gaius. Does Lancelot not deserve this moment?"

"I never said he didn't. But destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Merlin. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight you brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold for Lancelot and even you Merlin." Gaius said to Merlin quietly.

"Yeah, I don't know what it said on your invitation, but on mine it said 'celebration?'" Merlin said smiling slightly as Gaius chuckled.

Kala shook her he'd before speaking up, "Gaius is right Merlin. I think Uther is suspicious of Lancelot on whether or not he says who he claims to be. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen."

"You worry too much Kala, all those years in the woods seemed to make you paranoid." Merlin said nudging Kala's arm with a smile. Kala rolling her eyes before heading over to Gwen and Morgana.

"You look beautiful Morgana. Is that a new dress?" Kala asked smiling towards her friend.

"It is actually, Gwen here made it for me. The best seamstress of all Camelot." Morgana said smiling towards Gwen who blushed at the compliment. The three girls began to talk and catch up and in the distance Lancelot and Arthur were staring at them.

"Tell me, do you think her beautiful." Arthur asked Lancelot with his eyes on Kala who was dressed in her usual brown dress with a long sleeve white shirt underneath.

Lancelot had his eyes on Gwen and nodded, "Yes, sire, I do."

Arthur's face fell a little thinking that Lancelot fancied Kala as well. It would make since for Kala to go for Lancelot though Arthur felt saddened at the thought but he knew that it wasn't right for him, the Prince of Camelot to marry someone in a lower status. Arthur sighed, "Yeah, I suppose she is." Arthur turned towards Lancelot and saw that he was staring at someone else. He followed his gaze and saw that it landed on Gwen, Arthur began chuckling as he felt his heart feel lighter. "You fancy Gwen don't you?"

Lancelot looked towards Arthur in shock, "What?"

"Go on, go talk to her." Arthur said nudging Lancelot's arms.

As Arthur and Lancelot began to start bickering Kala and Gwen walked towards Merlin. Merlin looked towards Gwen and smiled, "You know what Gwen? I think Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you."

"Don't be silly." Gwen said blushing.

"So what if he did? Would that really be so bad?"

"He's not really by type." Gwen said sighing slightly.

"Sometimes Guinevere, I wonder if you'd know what your type was if he was standing right next to you or even a slight distance away from you." Kala said smiling.

"What of you Kala? I think Arthur has eyes for you." Gwen said motioning to Arthur who was currently looking at Kala. Merlin nodded in agreement as Kala turned around softly and caught Arthur's eyes. She smiled and waved slightly before turning back around to talk to her friends.

"He's just my friend, besides, he's the Prince of Camelot and I'm just someone who spent a good part of her life in a forest who came from a poor family." Kala said taking a sip of her drink as she silently added, "And who also has people wanting to kill me."

The next morning Kala sat at the table eating some porridge that Gaius had made for her as Merlin and Lancelot walked down the stairs in pain. Lancelot mumbled towers Merlin," Two yards of ale? Two miles more like it."

"Good morning, gentlemen." Gaius said loudly as the two men winced causing Kala to laugh. "Here, drink this, just don't smell it." Gaius said handing Merlin and Lancelot a a drink. After the two men drank it, Gaius smiled, "Feel better? Good. Can't have you nodding off on the first day on the job right Lancelot?"

"Right." Lancelot said smiling towards Gaius.

"Hey, that's Sir Lancelot now." Merlin said smiling. His smile fell as guards marched right into the room. "What are you doing?"

As the two guards grabbed Lancelot by the arms they said, "King's orders."

"No, stop!" Merlin shouted as the guards and Lancelot walked out of the room. Kala looked Merlin with a certain look, she warned Merlin that the King was suspicious.

"We'll visit Lancelot in the dungeons tonight, even if we have to jump down there." Kala said softly, even though she was mad at Merlin, Lancelot was still their friend. Merlin nodded as he sat down with his head in his hands, he felt incredibly guilty.

Later that night Merlin and Kala made their way down tot he dungeon. Merlin walked up Lancelot's cell as Kala stood back to give them privacy to talk, "I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot."

"Merlin, you are not to blame." Lancelot said truthfully as he continued to sit on the ground.

"Yes, I am, I pushed you and I made you lie. You were against it, but I convinced you. I'm so sorry."

"The choice was mine and this is my punishment that I have to bear and bear alone. If you want to do something, you can start by stop blaming yourself."

Kala walked up to cell, "I'm sure everything will turn out fine, the most that could happen is having you leave Camelot."

"I hope you're right Kala. You two should probably leave now. Good bye, my friends." Lancelot said as Kala and Merlin nodded before leaving.

Merlin and Kala walked into Gaius' chambers depressed. Gaius looked up from his work and asked, "Merlin? Kala?"

Merlin sat down at a chair and said depressed, "Whatever you do Gaius, don't say 'I told you so.'"

"Merlin, I'm sure Gaius won't gloat. Right Gaius?" Kala said looking towards Gaius with a slight glare.

Gaius nodded, "I don't have a wish to gloat, though I shall say this. We all learn from our mistakes."

Merlin and Kala looked towards Gaius with a blank look but quickly looked towards the window when the warning bell started to ring. All three of them walked towards the window to see all the people running in different directions screaming as the griffin flew around above them. Arthur and his knights stood around together with their shields and swords and spears up ready to strike when the griffin gets close enough. When the griffin flies towards Arthur, Arthur strikes the griffin in the chest only to have the spear break in half. The griffin strikes towards Arthur once more causing him to fall backwards. Arthur holds up his shield when one of the guards from inside ran out and tossed him a torch. Arthur reaches for it and begins waving it towards the griffin causing the creature to flight away hissing. Everybody sighed in relief as the griffin flew away, they were safe for now.

Up in Gaius' chambers Kala stared off in deep thought, thinking about a weapon breaking when trying to strike the griffin. Merlin tapped her shoulder bringing her out of her thoughts, "Come on, we're headed to the council chamber." Kala nodded as she followed Gaius and Merlin out.

Down in the council chamber the three of them stood off to the side as Uther, and Arthur followed by guards walked in. Uther placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "You said your knights were the best of the land. Today you proved yourself right."

Arthur shook his head and said disappointed in himself, "All I saw today was the creature flying away."

"Then lets not wait for it to come back. This creature has been tormenting this kingdom for too long, we will finish this now." Uther said towards his son.

As Gauis tried to convince Uther that the griffin can only be killed by magic. Arthur agreed with Gaius, "The griffin was unharmed Father. Our weapons seemed useless when fighting."

"Nonsense." Uther said stubbornly.

Kala walked towards them, "Sire, our weapons are useless against the griffin. Merlin and I came across the creature before, Lancelot saved us and when he struck the griffin with his sword. The steel broke in half and the griffin flew away with no wounds. Today Arthur's spear broke in half when he struck the griffin. Those are not a coincidence Sire."

Uther stared at Kala knowing that he should believe her and his son but his pride is too strong. "Arthur, when will your knights be ready to ride?"

Arthur sighed, "In an hour, maybe two."

"Excellent, we finished this creature off tonight." Uther said before walking out of the council chamber. Arthur looked towards his friends not knowing what to do about killing the creature. He knew that Gaius and Kala were right, all their weapons are useless.

"Try not to die tonight Arthur." Kala said seriously towards Arthur. Arthur nodded before walking out the chamber to gather his knights.

"Merlin, where magic is concerned, the King is blind to reason. Magic is our only hope in this situation." Gaius said when they entered his chamber.

"You're not saying what I think you're saying…"Merlin said in disbelief.

"It's your destiny Merlin, the true purpose of your magic." Kala said patting Merlin's shoulder. "And I will be right beside you."

"But you two saw the creature. I can't go up against it."

"If you don't Merlin, Arthur will perish." Gaius said seriously.

"This is madness, I don't have magic that powerful. There has to be another way." Merlin said shaking his head.

"This is the only way Merlin and you are powerful. You just don't know it yet. I will be by your side every step of the way. If things get too tough, I will get you out of there and we will hunt for another alternative." Kala said looking at Merlin straight in the eye to show him that she is telling the truth. Merlin nodded before going towards the books to find a way to kill the creature. Kala smiled slightly before helping her friend.

Arthur walked down to Lancelot's cell with slight anger. "I should have known. I mean how can I have been so stupid? You don't sound or look like a knight." Arthur said in anger and frustration.

Lancelot looked down at the ground in shame before looking up at Arthur and sincerely said, "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too because Lancelot, you fight like a knight and a damn good one at that. And I-Camelot needs…"

"The creature? Is it still alive?" Lancelot asks with concern for Camelot.

"We couldn't kill it. I never faced a creature like this one."

"I faced the creature myself. Some days past. I struck it full square and it left like it was nothing."

Arthur nodded, recalling what Kala had told his Father. "Some believe that this creature is a griffin. It is a magical creature and in the end, only magic can kill it."

"Do you believe that to be true, sire?"

Arthur paused for a moment, he trusts Gaius and Kala to be telling the truth about the creature being of magic, but in the end, its what his Father believes and wants. "It doesn't matter what I believe…the use of magic is not permitted in Camelot. Camelot's knights must destroy this creature with the steel of our swords and our strength alone. There is a horse waiting outside."

"Thank you, sire." Lancelot said as he bowed.

"Lancelot, take the horse and never return to this place." Arthur said looking at Lancelot with complete seriousness.

"No, please, its not my freedom that I seek. I only want to serve with honor."

"I know…" Arthur said with a sigh.

"Then let me ride with you." Lancelot said with determination.

"I can't. My Father knows nothing of this. I release you myself, but I can do no more. Now go before I change my mind and lock you up again." Arthur said walking towards the wall and facing it so that Lancelot can leave the cell behind his back.

In Gaius' chambers Gaius, Merlin and Kala are flipping through books to find a spell that will be powerful enough to stop the griffin. Gaius opens a book and points, "There, you must do this for Arthur."

Merlin takes a look at the spell and shakes his head. "I never casted a spell this powerful."

"Nothing less that this spell can kill the griffin Merlin. I know you can do this. Here." Kala said holding out a rusted dagger to Merlin who took it slowly.

"Try, Merlin." Gaius said encouragingly. Merlin nodded and held the dagger up in front of him as he started to read the spell from the book. In the end nothing happened and Merlin looked towards Gaius and Kala.

"Don't worry Merlin. We have plenty of time to get this spell right." Kala said smiling at her friend. Merlin nodded as he held the dagger up once more to recite the spell.

Lancelot straps his horse securely to a wooden post before he walks up to Gwen's door quietly and knocks. Gwen opens the door and stares at Lancelot in surprise having not expected to see him at her doorstep. Lancelot looks at Gwen sheepishly, "I'm sorry to disturb you, my lady."

"Lancelot, what are you doing here?"

"I haven't the time to explain. I need weapons and amor. The best that you have got."

"What is this all about?"

"Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him, its my duty even if I'm a knight or not."

"You really do believe that?"

"Yes, my lady." Lancelot said with a nod.

"Lancelot, I never met someone like you in my entire life."

"Guinevere, if I shouldn't return…"

"Then don't go…please." Gwen said pleading.

"I must." Lancelot said softly.

Arthur walks down the line of his armored knights as he says, "It's time." The knights all being to follow Arthur out of Camelot to face the griffin.

Merlin tried once more to make the spell work before he dropped his arm and sighed. Kala smiled lightly at him, "Don't worry Merlin. We know you are trying your hardest. Just try again and this time just relax a little."

"I may be trying, but I'm failing. If Arthur dies because I'm not good enough…"

"Merlin!" Gaius yelled. Before Merlin had the chance to respond, Gwen came running in with panic.

"Merlin! Lancelot is riding out to kill the griffin." Gwen said in a pant, having rand all the way from her home.

"He's what?" Merlin said as Kala reached for her bow and arrows before grabbed Merlin's arm and they both made run out the door.

Merlin and Kala made it to the lower towns in time to see Lancelot saddling up his horse. Merlin stood in front of Lancelot and said seriously, "We're coming with you."

Lancelot shakes his head in disagreement, "No you two are not."

"Just try and stop us." Kala said crossing her arms as she glared at her friend.

"Merlin, Kala, you two are not a soldier."

"You said it yourself Lancelot. Arthur needs all the help he can get. Now lets go." Merlin said before walking in the direction they needed to go.

Arthur and his knights rode their horses in the forest as they approached the griffin who stood a distance away hissing at them. Arthur reached for his sword and held it high above him as he yelled, "For Camelot!" The rest of his nights repeated what he said as they charged towards the griffin.

Lancelot, Merlin and Kala rode through the forrest quietly as they heard men yelling in the distances with swords hitting the hissing griffin. The three of them rode towards where the fallen knights lay quietly. They dismounted their horses and they checked on the knights. Merlin and Kala spotted Arthur laying by the rock, "Arthur!" Merlin and Kala yelled quietly.

They knelt beside Arthur as Merlin felt for a pulse as Kala wiped some hair away from Arthur's face. Lancelot looks towards Merlin, "Well?"

"He's alive, he has a pulse." Merlin said smiling lightly.

"When you wake up, you are so dead." Kala said softly towards the unconscious Arthur. In the distance they hear the griffin hiss, the three of them looked towards the night sky in search of the griffin. Lancelot walks away as he puts his helmet on. Kala and Merlin knelt beside Arthur once more as Lancelot rides his horse a distance away as he faces the griffin.

Kala looked towards Merlin, "Okay Merlin, it's now or never." Kala said before wrapping her arms around Arthur and jumping him a distance away. Merlin nodded to himself as he started to recite the spell once more as Lancelot charges towards the griffin. As Merlin continued to say the spell and Lancelot continues charging towards the griffin, Kala walked quietly towards the tree watching from the distance as she muttered, "You can do it Merlin."

After a couple more attempts the spell worked causing Lancelot's weapon to turn into blue flames as Lancelot hits the griffin causing the griffin to magically disappear. Merlin smiled, "Yes!"

Kala laughed as she jumped the unconscious Arthur and herself back to where Merlin was. As soon as she stood next to Merlin Arthur started to stir awake causing Kala and Merlin to run away towards Camelot.

Arthur stood up and faces Lancelot who sat on his horse quietly. "Lancelot."

"Sire." Lancelot said from the short distance.

"You did Lancelot! You killed the griffin!" Arthur said smiling with disbelief.

Merlin and Kala bursted into Gaius's chambers smiling. Gaius stood and looked at Merlin, "You did it?"

Merlin smiled even wider as Merlin and Kala said at the same time, "I/he did it."

The three of them started to laugh happily as the hugged each other. "Thank God!" Gaius as he hugged his two wards tightly.

Arthur enters the Council chambers and walks towards his Father. Uther stared at his son smiling as he grasps her son's shoulders "You did it, my son. You did it."

"Not I, Father. Lancelot was the one that killed the griffin."

Lancelot enters the chambers quietly. Uther stared at Lancelot before looking back at his son, "What is he doing here?"

"Father I can explain."

"You! Wait outside." Uther said to Lancelot who bowed at walked back outside. Lancelot stands outside the door as Merlin and Kala walked towards him.

"What are they doing?" Merlin asks nodding towards the closed doors.

"Deciding my fate." Lancelot said softly.

"They'll restore your knighthood, you killed the griffin." Merlin said trying to cheer Lancelot up.

"But I didn't kill the griffin." Lancelot said as he walked farther away from the guards so that they wouldn't hear what he would say next. "You did."

"Thats ridiculous." Merlin said unconvincingly.

Lancelot started at Merlin not believing him. Lancelot repeated the first two words of the spell that Merlin said "I heard you and I saw you. I even saw Kala disappear with Arthur and then reappear."

Merlin and Kala looked towards each other worriedly. Lancelot shook his head, "Don't worry you two…both of your secrets are safe with me. I can't take the credit for what I didn't do. There will be no more lies and deceit coming from me."

"So what are you going to do?" Kala asked softly.

"The only thing I can do." Lancelot said before walking towards the chamber doors and barging in.

"What is this?" Uther said angrily. The guards moved in to restrain Lancelot.

"Let me speak!" Lancelot said struggling with the guards grip.

"Wait, let me hear him." Uther said motioning for the guards to release Lancelot.

"Forgive me, sire. I have come in here to bid you farewell."

"What is this Lancelot?" Arthur said wondering what Lancelot was doing.

"I have lied to both of you and now there is conflict between you two." Lancelot said.

Kala looked to Merlin whispering quietly, "What else is new?" Merlin covered his mouth to hide his smile and tried to refrain from laughing.

Lancelot continued to speak, "I can't bear that burden, as you should not have to bear mine as well. I must start fresh far away from here. Maybe one day, fate will bring me back here to have the chance to prove myself worthy to be a knight of Camelot."

"Lancelot, you have already proved yourself." Arthur said quietly.

"Yes, but I must prove it to myself." Lancelot said before bidding the King and Prince goodbye.

Merlin, Gaius and Kala watch as Lancelot rides away from Camelot. As Merlin and Gaius spoke to each other, Arthur walks towards Kala.

"Hello Arthur, how's your head?" Kala said smiling.

"It's been better. You were there when Lancelot defeated the griffin weren't you?"

"What makes you say that." Kala said with fake confusion.

"I believe you said something like, 'when you wake up, you are so dead.' Ring any bells?" Arthur said smiling lightly.

Kala laughed and nodded, "Ya, you caught me. I was there. I jumped you away from the line of fire as Lancelot rode towards the griffin."

"Thanks, but next time, don't put yourself in danger like that." Arthur said grateful but was serious as well.

"I make no promises when it comes to making sure that you are safe." Kala said looking towards Arthur who stared down at her silently telling her that he was serious.

"No matter what, you're not going to listen are you?"

"Nope, you're just going to have to deal with it."

"You're impossible." Arthur said smiling as Kala started laughing as she nodded.

A/N: Chapter four is finally here. Sorry for the long wait, I had finals to study for and I had to pick classes for the next semester. Let me tell you, college is not as fun as they make it seem in the movies. Sorry if there is spelling errors, I've been using TextEdit instead of microsoft word (which is currently not working.)

I will try to have the next chapter up by the end of the month, but knowing me, it will probably be next month. So much for wanting to update every two weeks. I hope you're enjoying this story, feel free to leave suggestions and comments.