When Will led Lancelot to the training field both princes were already present. Arthur in his chainmail and Merlin in one of his preferred high collared tunics. Now that Lancelot looked at the younger prince, he could not understand how he could have ever mistaken him for a servant. "Good morning Lancelot, Will" he nodded to his servant, "I trust you slept well"? Lancelot returned the smile
"Yes Sire" He bowed to them both. It was now Arthur's turn to speak
"So Lance-a-lot my brother says that you wish to be a Knight of our fine kingdom, now, even though that may not be possible at the moment, we may have an alternative way for you to still serve Camelot as a warrior. First, however, you need to prove yourself as a fighter, Merlin may have vouched for your character but I will be the one testing your skill and it's worth to our land. There is armor laid out for you on a bench near the weapons store, Will shall help you put it on, choose a weapon and meet me at the center of the field".
Both Lancelot and Will understood the tone of command and went to do what was told. When Lancelot came back he was dressed as Arthur chainmail with a plain red squires cover tunic. "Ready"? Asked Arthur
"Yes sire"
"Good, I want you to go for the kill because trust me, I will". Said, Arthur. Merlin handed his brother his helm and Will did the same for Lancelot both of them stepping back to the walls at the edge of the grounds to watch.
Arthur was not joking when he said he would move for the kill, he threw everything he had at Lancelot, who surprisingly held his own pretty well and also managed to get many good swipes in. Finally, Arthur managed to knock Lancelot down, he looked towards Merlin in disappointment, Lancelot had potential but he needed training. Just as Arthur was about to declare victory, however, bending to pull the strip of cloth that hung from the belt on his opponents hip, Lancelot kicked Arthur in the stomach, making him fall on his back and stood above him sword pointed to the prince's neck. "Do you submit sire". Arthur looked up at the man in fury.
"A true king will never submit, he would rather die on the battlefield". Both men turned at the voice, it was Merlin, coming closer he looked at Lancelot and continued "You should never insult one by demanding such of them".
Lancelot immediately stepped back and to the surprise of both royals, knelt on one knee before them, head bowed hand closed around the hilt of the sword buried in the ground before him. "Forgive me, your highness, I have yet a lot to learn" the address was meant for Arthur, who had by now gracefully risen from his position on the field to stand before the bowed man. Arthur smiled humility "rise Lancelot you have shown you are worthy of a place among my Knights". When Lancelot did rise, his face betrayed the overwhelming joy he felt.
Before more could be said they heard the warning bells and all four present ran towards the main square. What they saw were dozens and dozens of injured streaming in through the cities main gates. Merlin followed by the other three made their way to the crowds where they saw Gaius already tending to some of the injured with Morgana's assistance. "What happened"? He asked the old man.
"From what I can gather they were attacked by some sort of winged beast". Merlin immediately looked to Will and Lancelot who nodded to him, confirming that it probably was the same one they faced earlier.
"Merlin" Gaius called for his attention "there are too many casualties coming in, Morgana and I can't handle them all". Merlin nodded and immediately took action.
"Arthur?" he turned to his brother
"I'll go inform father and we'll move from there".
"Right" he affirmed the stated course of action
"Will"! Go to Gaius's room check the book labeled bestiary, on the right side of the shelves, try and identify this creature". Merlin ordered.
"Yes Sire"! Came the immediate reply and required action.
"Lancelot you're with me, once we get our information I would like you to ride out with Arthur and myself". The man addresses nodded and began by assisting with some of the injured. While speaking Merlin had begun rolled up the long sleeves of his green tunic and was now carefully inspecting a deep cut on the leg of one of the new arrivals.
They worked tirelessly all afternoon and by the time they were done, they were able to effectively deal with at least two life-threatening injuries and many more minor ones. Merlin was a very good physician but terrible at healing magic so all injured we're dealt with unaided by it. When Will came running down the stairs, he found Merlin cleaning his hands with a bucket of water
"It's called a Griffin," he said breathing hard from his run.
His master looked up at him "Are you sure"?
"Yes. It fit the description in Gaius's book perfectly. It was the monster Lancelot and I encountered in the forest".
"Merlin" Arthur called from his right, his brother walked up to him fully clothed in armor.
"I am riding out with some of the knights..."
"and I'm riding out with you". Arthur looked at his brother curiously.
"What happened to leaving the fighting to me"? Merlin took his brother's arm and led him to the far wall away from the crowd.
"This creature, it's born of magic, you won't be able to defeat it with sword and sinew alone".
Arthur sighed…"Alright but I want you in armor or you are not coming. I won't have my knights distracted, wasting their attention on a seemingly unprotected prince". Merlin understood his brother's concern.
"I've also invited Lancelot, he would be an asset on the field". Arthur silently agreed.
Not long after Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin and a handful of Camelot's finest were seen riding out through the city gates, it was nightfall by the time they managed to track the creature down. The Knights fought bravely but Merlin was right they were no match for this monster and currently his brother was unable to use his power to stop it either. "Arthur" he heard Merlin's cry and was right in time to duck out of the way to avoid the creature decapitating him with its claws.
Merlin ran to him "Are you alright"?
"Yes I'm Ahhh…" the Griffin may have avoided his head but it got his shoulder. "I won't be of much use like this". but Merlin's attention was somewhere else. While the brothers were distracted a single armored rider, on horseback, carrying a lance seemed to have turned his attention toward the creature and was now was preparing to ride towards it.
"Lancelot" Arthur's stunned voice seemed to carry to Merlin.
"He won't be able to do it alone" Merlin left his brother leaning against a nearby rock as he turned his full attention to the scene before them. As Lancelot road, weapon raised, Merlin raised his own hand simultaneously and began to chant in a strong firm voice. Before Arthur's eyes, the weapon glowed bright blue just before it collided with the creature, causing it to fall to the ground, dead on impact. Arthur's eyes widened in wonder. It was different from what he witnessed in the privacy of Merlin's room his brother looked so formidable, hand outstretched, eyes glowing with power.
When back at the palace, the princes took advantage of the opportunity provided by the days incident; Camelot had lost more Knights. It took a bit for them to convince Uther of their plan, An elite force of commoners! He was not pleased with the idea, but he saw the wisdom in it and Lancelot's battlefield performance only served to strengthen their case. Both brothers found Lancelot outside the throne room staring out a window.
"Lancelot"? Arthur called for the man's attention "You did well today our kingdom owes you a great debt". Merlin smiled at him as well, confirming his brothers words. Lancelot looked at both men before him and replied in a solemn tone
"I think all three of us know who this kingdom is truly indebted to My Lords".
"What is it you are trying to say Lancelot". It as Arthur who asked, trepidation running cold through his veins.
Lancelot looked at Merlin in the eyes and answered calmly answered "Bregdan Anweald" Merlin's eyes widened imperceptibly "forgive me, I couldn't help but overhear". Arthur tried to move forward to intervene but his brother raised a hand to stop him.
"And what do you propose to do with this knowledge"?
"Nothing, My Lord, you risked a great deal to save your people, I will not disrespect your decision. I however, cannot take praise for something I have not earned". The noblest of them all Merlin remembered Kilghara's voice from the crystals describing Sir Lancelot.
"Thank you, Lancelot" It was Arthur who spoke, "Would you then be open to an opportunity to prove your worth"?
Lancelot smiled to the prince "I would long for nothing more sire".
The next morning found Lancelot riding out of the gates of Camelot, south towards the lands of Lord Tensen, a scroll of entitlement within his grasp claiming him as one of Arthur's loyal and the first engaged under the Order of the Brotherhood. Merlin added his own letter of instruction to the Lord now both brothers watch from the battlements as the man who had earned their respect road away to prepare for his own destiny.