A/N:

This one goes to my dear mum, who has been really supportive of my slightly obsessive hobby, knowing that it is practice for my future novel. I really hope she enjoys this and I hope you guys do too! Beta'd by my mum!

Just a quick note – I will be editing all my chapters up to this point. I have found a lot of errors that came into being by general laziness. I should really get someone to proofread my work before I post!

I don't own Merlin

CHARACTERS: Merlin, Arthur & Knights

RATED: K

GENRE: Humor

What if Merlin had been secretly training with Gwaine behind the Kings back and surprises him in a training session?

THE ADVENTURES OF MERLIN

Knight at Heart

The noon sun beat down, its searing rays assaulting the tourney ground with a shimmering heat. It was really quite warm to be training, but the Knights of Camelot knew better than to question their King, so when they were summoned to meet Arthur that morning, they were all obediently silent, apart from Gwaine – who was nursing a hangover from the night before.

Merlin was perched upon a wooden bench, as far out of the sun as he could manage, clutching his practice helmet beneath his arm. He had been waiting for this day for quite a while, and he couldn't help the grin that stretched across his lips as he remembered Gwaine's supportive speech.

After a horrific incident in which Merlin was severely injured during a raid, the ruffian had decided that it was time for the young servant to be able to defend himself, and so the private tutoring began.

The pair had made a mutual agreement that the King did not need to know of the training – choosing instead to surprise him when his skill level had risen.

For several months, twice a day, Merlin met Gwaine at the clearing in which he often spoke to the Great Dragon, and they would spend an hour going through the intricate moves of swordplay.

It was slow to begin with, Merlin not being as fit as he should have been – but after several weeks of training, his scrawny form was slowly being replaced by taut, ropey muscles.

Every morning before dawn, they would stretch to warm their bodies up, before Gwaine sent him to run laps around the clearing.

Slowly, his clumsy tendencies began to diminish, his steps becoming surer and his movements graceful – but Arthur did not notice, which suited Merlin fine – he wasn't prepared to be noticed at that point.

Now, after three months of rigorous training and many bruises, Gwaine announced that he was finally ready to face the King, grinning stupidly from his sprawled position on the ground, Merlin's training sword at his throat.

Merlin took a deep breath as Arthur approached with the Knights, helm upon his head and sword at the ready.

'Ok men, pair off ! I want to see some spectacular fighting today – no slacking off!' He turned to the young manservant, who stood slowly, trying not to show his eagerness. 'Merlin, you're with me.'

He traipsed over to the King, catching Gwaine's eye as he did – noting the wink and barely concealed smile from beneath his scruffy beard.

His anticipation was building as he settled into a basic defensive stance, legs slightly parted, shoulders aligning perfectly with his feet. His grip upon the hilt was sure and firm as he watched Arthur carefully, determining his first move.

'Where's your shield, Merlin?' The king asked in a patronizing tone, twirling his sword in an attempt to distract the youth.

Merlin shrugged. 'I don't think I'll use it today, sire,' he responded casually.

Arthur asked no more questions. If Merlin was feeling confident today, he would soon change that – with minimal bodily harm if possible.

The king lunged forward swinging his sword in a wide arc, before changing his attack at the last minute; however Merlin had been anticipating the move. He had watched his friend fight for long enough to know his tricks, and with a deft flick of his wrists, brought his own blade down to block the attack on his chest.

Through the slits in his helmet, Merlin saw the King's eyes narrow suspiciously before he swung his sword at the youth's head.

Merlin ducked gracefully, turning under the blow and placing himself behind the unsuspecting King.

'A bit out of shape today sire?' The youth asked casually, noticing the other Knights had stopped sparring to watch the flustered King and his wayward servant.

Arthur growled, pivoting on one foot to face the boy – who wore a lopsided grin on his elfin face. His cheeks were flushed red, from the heat or embarrassment, Merlin didn't know – but his brow was furrowed in concentration as he began to attack wildly, hoping to take advantage of the boy's clumsiness.

Only...the clumsiness seemed to have all but fled the servant's lean body. Arthur noticed, as Merlin parried every thrust, that he seemed stronger, lighter on his feet.

The young King couldn't help but be mildly impressed as the youth matched his assaults with enthusiasm and a mild semblance of skill.

'Don't get too cocky, Merlin – that is what will get you killed,' Arthur said breathily as Merlin's onslaught drove him back. Talking would distract the young man, and that was what he was hoping for.

'Good thing cocky is not my strong suit...that's your speciality,' Merlin quipped, removing his helmet quickly and tossing it aside. It was now becoming difficult to see with the sweat rolling from his brow.

Arthur took this as an opportunity to disarm the young man and as the blade slammed to the cross guard of Merlin's sword, his right hand lost its grip.

This was not an entirely bad thing in Merlin's case, for not only was he trained by a Knight, he was trained by the tavern drunkard – who didn't think the day was done until it ended with a good brawl.

He wouldn't let Arthur win. Not this time. Merlin needed to prove to his master that he was not lazy or incompetent – but someone he could rely on when things got rough.

Twirling his sword with his left hand, he feinted forward with the weapon and as expected – the King fell for it. That's when Merlin threw the right hook.

Arthur's helmet clanged and he stumbled back several steps, a look of utter bewilderment adorning his aquiline features. Merlin grinned wolfishly and settled back into his defensive stance, daring the King to match him. With a huff, Arthur divested himself of the protective headwear and raced forward with a cry. The young manservant stood his ground and waited. This would decide the fight – and he was saving the best for last.

Arthur's bulky form barrelled closer, his sword held in a grip far too tight and at the right moment Merlin shifted imperceptibly, grasping the King's bicep as he passed. His fist connected solidly with Arthur's solar plexus, and the sword fell from his fingers, landing in the dry grass.

Still holding Arthur's arm, Merlin kicked him in the back of the knee, forcing him to the grass, sword pressed against his throat.

There was silence for a moment, before Gwaine whooped with glee.

'Well done, Merlin! I knew you could do it!' Pride laced his words as he raced forward.

That was when the other Knights began to cheer, following after Gwaine to congratulate the young man who had finally learnt how to defend himself.

Arthur climbed to his feet slowly, groaning in pain as he clutched his side.

'Merlin! What the hell was that!' He demanded, his face pale and sweaty. For a moment, Merlin thought his victory would end with a night in the stocks, until Arthur's face broke out into a giant grin. 'I'm impressed.' He admitted proudly, clapping him on the shoulder. 'Your form was perfect and you didn't allow me to distract you. You watched me the whole time and anticipated my every move, just like a knight! How long have you been training?'

Merlin blushed, the tips of his ears going red at his master's positive appraisal. He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. 'Sir Gwaine and I have been at it for three months. We didn't want to tell you until I was good enough to make an impression.'

The King draped an arm around his shoulder and together they walked to the benches in the shade.

With a more serious expression, Arthur turned to the youth. 'What brought it on?' He inquired, sitting down beside Merlin.

'When I nearly died in that raid...both Gwaine and I decided that it was time I learnt to defend myself. I don't want to be a burden to you when we go out on patrol. I'll probably be quieter on hunt's too...If I feel like it,' Merlin grinned. 'But I have a responsibility to you, as my King and my friend, to protect you – and now I am as capable as any Knight.'

Arthur softened and gave him a small smile, before dragging him into a headlock and grinding his knuckle into Merlin's scalp.

The youth laughed and pushed him away, his cobalt eyes twinkling with amusement as they met Arthur's.

'You know, I will deny this until my last breath if you ever utter it to another living soul – but I'm proud of what you have become. You are loyal and brave and selfless...a true Knight of Camelot,' the young King admitted softly.

Merlin's grin widened. 'You think so?' he asked eagerly.

Arthur chuckled. 'Yes, you idiot...now get back to my chambers, they need cleaning, my boots need polishing, my clothes need washing...'

At this point in time, Merlin had phased out – ignoring the King as he walked. The man could be a downright prat sometimes, but it was nice to know that if Arthur got on his nerves, he had the ability to put him on his arse.

I hope that was enough to satisfy! Next one goes to a guest who has requested a not-so-powerless Merlin, as it was unspecific – It will contain whump!Arthur and BAMF!Merlin