Author's Note: Sorry it took me so long to update. I force myself to write seven page chapters (with the double spacing, of course) so it takes awhile, but if forces me to write well-developed chapters. Otherwise I'll write like three pages and get writer's block. Or selective A.D.D. Good thing I don't write that long of chapters for all my fanfictions otherwise it'd take me eons to update every one. I'm crazy enough trying to write three at a time.

-11-

Ryll walked into Gwen's house, watching the exchange between her and Merlin. "I need to dress like a boy for a day, so we borrowed some of Arthur's clothes."

Gwen looked a little confused, but nodded all the same. "Alright. Does Arthur know anything about this?" She aimed this question at Merlin.

"No, nothing at all," he said. "But he never wears those. He'll never notice."

"Alright," Gwen said again. "I'll just need to measure you." She went into another room for a second and then came out with a measuring tool.

"They can be a little big. I don't want them to look too tight," Ryll said. "I appreciate you doing this."

"It's no problem," Gwen replied. She measured Ryll and then turned to the clothes. "When do you need these by?" she asked.

"Umm, tomorrow morning?" Ryll looked at Merlin. "I'm sorry about the late notice."

"That's fine. I can have these ready by tomorrow at dawn," Gwen told her. Whether she made the connection between Ryll's sudden urge to be a boy and the day of the tournament, Ryll didn't know, but the girl didn't say anything.

"Great. I'll come pick them up first thing. Thank you."

Ryll left with Merlin, feeling a little nervous for the first time. "Now we just need to get you some papers that will make it official," Merlin told her. He seemed more cheerful about the whole thing than when she had originally told him her idea.

"You seem happier about all this than before," she voiced her thoughts.

"Well, I just keep imagining the look on Arthur's face when you beat him."

Ryll smiled at this. "Well, he can't ever find out it was me."

"No, but we'll know." Merlin grinned. "All those times he turned me into a moving target…."

Ryll laughed. "If he does find out it's me and that you helped me, then you won't be reveling in his defeat. Not that I'd ever tell him you had anything to do with it."

"Why not?"

"Because he won't punish me by making me muck out his stalls and hold up rings while he practices jousting. You though, he most certainly would do that to. What's the worst he can do to me anyway?"

Merlin's grin faded. "I'd be more worried about what Uther would do."

Ryll thought about his words. "I suppose you're right. I can't see him being too tolerant. Perhaps I should be a little nicer than usual toward him at dinner. Get in his favor just in case."

"Good luck with that. That would be like trying to get friendlier with a Humbata."

Ryll laughed again. "Sounds like fun."

"I'll forge a coat of arms for you and bring it to your room later tonight after dinner," Merlin told her as they reached the castle.

"Alright. Thank you again, Merlin."

"Good luck with Uther." He grinned at her before disappearing down the corridor.

Ryll sighed before heading back to her room to change for dinner. She made sure her sword was polished and bowstring waxed before heading down to the dining hall. She didn't quite know what to expect tomorrow, but she hoped she could cajole Arthur into giving away some of the details of the tournament at dinner.

As she entered the dining hall, she found that Uther was sitting alone. She almost turned and walked straight back to her room, but he had already seen her.

"Ah, Amaryllis, please join me," he said, motioning for her to take a seat. She stepped cautiously into the room, coming to her usual chair and sitting down. She was served. "Arthur is still practicing, and Morgana has a headache, so they won't be joining us," Uther told her.

This was not comforting news to Ryll, but she smiled anyway. "I'm sorry to hear that Morgana is feeling poorly." She took a bite, chewing quickly so as to escape as quickly as she could. "Arthur seems confident that he will win tomorrow," she said off-handedly.

"Well, he is an excellent swordsman and fighter. I can see no man besting him." Uther's tone was so confident. Ryll wondered what he would say if she told him she could best Arthur in a fight. She kept her mouth shut.

"So how does the tournament go? Arthur's told me a few details, but not many."

"It starts out with an archery contest. The best shooters are awarded points but everyone is allowed to move up into the next part of the tournament. That's single-combat sword fighting. In this part, the individual who wins moves up, but those who lose are out of the tournament. Jousting is the third part of the tournament. Here the winners are decided. Those who win the jousting and have scored high in the archery move up to the final round. This is combat with any chosen weapon. The last man standing is the victor."

"That sounds like something to behold," Ryll said. Her blood was pumping as she spoke. She was confident in her abilities, but the thought of all those trials against men twice her size was beginning to sound more daunting than it had before.

"It is. I hope you'll be joining us to watch," he said.

"Of course," Ryll said quickly. Only that would mean being in two places at once. Unless she feigned illness and stayed in bed. She put the back of her hand to her head.

"Are you well?" Uther asked, noticing her action.

"You know, I'm actually feeling a bit peaky." Ryll cleared her throat. "I might take an early night and rest up. I wouldn't want to miss tomorrow."

"Of course."

"Excuse me." Ryll smiled, pushing away from the table and keeping her pace steady as she left the dining hall. She glanced back as she left, but Uther was already distracted and paid her no glance.

After she was away from the dining hall, Ryll hurried toward her room. She turned a corner sharply and collided with something solid. She felt hands grip her elbows to steady her, and looked up to find herself facing Arthur. He was still in his armor, his face streaked with sweat and a bit of dirt from hard practice.

"Sorry," she said, smiling sheepishly.

"Where are you hurrying off to? I hope dinner with my father wasn't that bad."

Ryll laughed. "Just a little awkward. But I'm just headed back to my room, I'm afraid I'm not feeling entirely well. Perhaps I overworked myself today."

Arthur frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you'll be better by tomorrow. You wouldn't want to miss out on the tournament."

"No, definitely not. I'm sure I'll be feeling better by then," Ryll said, smiling. "I'll just go to bed early and hopefully sleep will cure whatever ill I have."

Arthur still had his hands on her arms. He cleared his throat, taking a step back and letting her go. "Sorry," he said, pink flushing his cheeks.

Ryll smiled. "I hope you mean to take a bath before going anywhere," she said playfully.

Arthur laughed. "Is that any way to speak to a prince?"

"Only one that smells as sweaty as you." Ryll sidestepped him, laughing all the way down the hall. When she reached her room, she found that Merlin was already there.

"Have you got the coat of arms?" she asked, shutting the door behind her.

"Got it." He grinned, holding up a paper. "You are officially Sir Rowan of Greymark."

"Did you just make that town up?"

"Nope, it's a city. A small one. No one will know that Sir Rowan doesn't actually exist."

"You sound confident. What if Uther knows I'm a fraud just by my name?"

"You're not going to back out now, are you?" Merlin asked.

"No," Ryll said quickly. "Of course not."

Merlin's smile slid. "I wouldn't think any less of you if you did, you know," he said. "It is risky."

"I know that, but I want to go through with it." She smiled at him. "After all, you did go to a lot of effort to create Sir Rowan of Greymark." She rolled up the paper and put it on her bedside table.

"Have you got everything you need?" Merlin asked.

"Yes, I think so. I have weapons. I'll have clothes in the morning. I borrowed some armor from the armory that sort of fits. Well enough anyway."

"I picked out a horse for you. He's in the last stall in the stables. I'll have him ready for you tomorrow at dawn."

"Thank you, Merlin."

"No one will recognize you."

"I certainly hope not or all this effort will be for nothing. Arthur's seen me fight a little, but not with a sword."

"I can't wait to see you out there."

"I hope I don't let you down."

"You won't."

"You've never even seen me fight."

"I've seen you shoot archery and joust. You're incredible. Arthur's going to meet his match."

Ryll smiled. "We'll see."

"What about Uther? Won't he think it odd if you're not watching the tournament?" Merlin asked.

"I pretended I was feeling ill at dinner. He and Arthur won't be too suspicious if I fall too ill to go to the tournament tomorrow. Maybe you can help cover me?"

"Sure. I can tell Arthur that I treated you but you're not feeling well enough to go to the tournament."

"I just hope he buys it."

"You should get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow. I'll get everything ready for you," Merlin said.

"Aren't you going to be helping Arthur get ready?" Ryll asked.

"Yes, but I'll manage both."

"Alright, but Arthur will tan you if you aren't there to help him into his armor. The boy can fight, but he can't even dress himself." Ryll and Merlin laughed at this. "Alright, maybe that was a little harsh. What's the point of being a prince if you can't even take advantage of having a title and having people cater to your ever wish?"

"Speaking of which, Arthur will be wanting a bath. I should go fill the tub."

"He was headed that way a few minutes ago. If he asks where you were, just say I asked you to do me a favor. He might not dump a bucket over your head then."

"Good idea." Merlin turned to leave. "Good luck tomorrow," he said before opening the door. "I know you'll do great."

Ryll smiled at him. After he left, she sank onto her bed. If she was going to do well, she'd better get a good night's rest. Her nerves were on edge. She jumped up, opening her door and calling out Merlin's name. "If it isn't too much trouble," she said to him, "could you bring me a sleeping draft, please? I'm afraid I'll never be able to sleep tonight."

"Of course. I'll bring it to you after I fill Arthur's bath."

Ryll lay in bed waiting for Merlin, half hoping she could just fall asleep, but her eyes stayed open and her mind was wide awake. A tapping came on her door an hour later. She got up and opened it to find a very somber looking Merlin. "He didn't believe me when I said I was doing something for you," he said, stepping into the room. "I even told him I was getting you a sleeping draft."

"He's just nervous about tomorrow," Ryll consoled him.

"He didn't look nervous. Just angry and irritable and obnoxious."

Ryll shook her head. "That's what he does to hide his nerves. I've seen it before."

"Here's your sleeping draft. Just take two sips and you should fall right to sleep," Merlin said, holding out a small vial with deep blue liquid.

"Thank you. I'm just wide awake thinking about tomorrow."

"Why are you so nervous?" Merlin asked, watching as she took two sips of the potion. "Are you afraid of the fighting or afraid you'll get caught?"

"I guess both," Ryll said sleepily. The draft was taking effect almost at once. "After all, I'd hate to be in disfavor with Uther or Arthur. I have nowhere else to call home, and I don't want to leave." She set the vial on the bedside table and lay down, pulling the blankets up to her chin.

"You'll be fine. I'll make sure you don't get caught," Merlin said. Ryll nodded sleepily.

"You're a good friend, Merlin," she said, yawning. Then she was asleep, her dreams calm and deep.

…

As Merlin headed back to his room, he couldn't help but wonder if he had been right in helping Ryll with her plan. She might have gone on with it without him, but the thought of putting her in danger was not a happy one. She was so determined. He wasn't sure exactly what she was trying to prove. Arthur was already enamored with her – that much was obvious. She'd saved his and Morgana's lives. She had everything. Why risk it all for this tournament? Maybe she needs to prove something to herself.

"Merlin?"

Merlin jumped as a voice called out to him. He turned around to see Morgana, wrapped in a robe. Her hair was tousled and she looked extremely tired as if she hadn't slept for nights.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, but I was hoping to get a sleeping draft from Gaius. I've been having nightmares again," she said.

Merlin could see fear flickering at the edges of her hazel eyes. He wondered what she'd been dreaming of. "Of course. I was just headed that way. Do you want me to bring you some?"

"I'll come with you. I don't want to trouble you."

"It's no trouble."

Morgana followed Merlin back to the physician's court where she waited silently while he prepared a sleeping draft. Gaius was tending to a sick noble, but Merlin had seen him mix the sleeping draft enough times to make it himself. He'd used up the rest of Gaius's supply with Ryll's potion.

"Excited for the tournament tomorrow?" Merlin asked.

Morgana jumped a little as if she had been lost in her thoughts. "Not really," she replied, her spirit returning. "Watching men bash themselves up all in the name of glory doesn't really appeal to me."

"No, I can understand that. It seems a little pointless." Merlin capped off the bottle. "Here you go." He handed it to Morgana.

"Thank you, Merlin." She turned to leave, but hesitated. "Merlin, have you noticed anything odd about Ryll?" The question hung in the air. Merlin's smile faded.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

Morgana shook her head, her curls falling over her shoulder and blocking her face for a moment. "I'm not sure. I don't mean that I think she's untrustworthy. She's a good friend. It's nothing; I'm sorry." She smiled nervously. "Sometimes it's hard to tell dreams from reality." She slipped from the room before Merlin could question her words.

Had she dreamt something about Ryll? Merlin thought back to Ryll's behavior. The only thing she had ever done was healed quickly. He thought they'd been able to avoid suspicion, but perhaps he was wrong and some people were beginning to suspect. He knew Morgana would never speak word of Ryll's power to Uther if she knew, but Merlin thought it wise to keep Ryll's healing power between him and her. He didn't want Morgana to be in a position where she had to lie to her guardian. Her words still haunted him though. Gaius had told Merlin that Morgana had been having nightmares for many years, but Merlin wondered if they really were just nightmares. What if they were glimpses of the future? What if she had seen something involving Ryll?

He shook his head. These thoughts were getting him nowhere and he was beginning to worry over nothing. He headed to his room, changing into his sleep clothes before crawling under the blankets. He'd do well to get some sleep since he was going to be up at the crack of dawn helping both Ryll and Arthur prepare for the tournament. He shut his eyes and, despite his worries, found himself drifting off moments later.