Merlin grinned childishly as a beautiful glossy blue butterfly landed on his nose. Eyes crossed, he watched as the butterfly tittered, quivering, before gently flying off to join its friends. The prince sat crossed-legged in the middle of a clearing, hundreds of blue butterflies fluttering around him. Merlin was dressed in a simple tunic and leggings, his hair ruffled and eyes bright. The prince often felt overwhelmed in the castle and frequently escaped to the forest to be alone and practice his magic. Sometimes Will came along, but this time Merlin had preferred to be alone. There was something so calming about being surrounded by leaves of green and the warm magic that echoed his soul. The birds chirped cheerfully, adding to the peacefulness of the day. Merlin uncrossed his legs and got up, preparing to go back to the castle. As much as he would have liked it, he couldn't stay the whole day.

A loud roar drove Merlin to whip his head around, searching for the source. It was, as Merlin's eyes widened, a large creature as big as a barn with wings and a beak, and it was running right toward him. The butterflies scattered and the birds fell silent, the branches quaking as the animals fled. Merlin turned and ran hoping he was fast enough to escape the beast. It soon became clear, however, that the creature grew closer every second and Merlin stopped abruptly, turning around and holding up his hands. He planned to use his magic to defeat the beast, even if he didn't even know what spell he would use against such an adversary. The prince didn't get the chance, for a dark-haired man leaped in front of Merlin and slashed the creature's chest with his sword. It snarled and rose up on its hind feet.

"Run!" the man yelled and Merlin obliged, turning and the man joined him. The prince and stranger jumped over a couple of logs and hit behind it, effectively confusing the creature, who flew into the air away.

Merlin breathed heavily for a moment, letting his heart settle as the man allowed his head to fall back.

The prince turned to the stranger and smiled. "You saved me,"

The man nodded, his features drawn tightly.

"I'm Merlin," the prince introduced.

"Lancelot," the man managed to say before he closed his eyes in exhaustion, and Merlin caught sight of the dark stain growing on his shirt. Well. Now it really was time to go back to Camelot.

Merlin sat next to Gaius as he dabbed a wet cloth on Lancelot's forehead, who lay on the cot sleeping fitfully.

"The wound itself is superficial and the fever will pass," Gaius informed Merlin. "He should be fine by morning."

Merlin nodded. "Thanks, Gaius."

The physician glanced at the prince. "How did you come by him, sire?"

"He saved me from a strange creature. I was going to use my magic, but considering I don't even really know combat spells, I probably wouldn't have done anything against it."

Gaius' eyebrows furrowed, but before he could ask any more the door opened and Will came in. "There you are, sire. When did you want dinner and who is that man?"

"He saved my life," Merlin responded.

"Oh, he's one of those."

"What?"

"A hero. When did you say you wanted dinner?"

"I didn't."

"Well, dinner will be waiting for you in your chambers." With that Will left Merlin staring at the door. "What's got into him?"

Gaius just raised an eyebrow.

Uther and Arthur sat on their horses overlooking a small village that burned, smoke rising into the air.

"What creature could have done this?" Uther wondered.

"We found no tracks, in or out," Arthur reported. "What the villagers say must be true: it has wings, and…"

Uther looked over. "What?"

Arthur bit his lip. "It took no livestock." He met his father's eyes. "Only people. Whatever it is, it has a taste for human flesh."

The king looked back over the village, eyes wandering over the houses. "Post sentries at all the outlying villages and the lookouts on full alert. If this thing should make for Camelot, we must be ready."

Lancelot stood by the window, looking out into the city of Camelot. "Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the Knights of Camelot."

Merlin smiled from where he leaned against the table.

"I know what you're thinking. I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land." Lancelot took a breath to continue, but Merlin interrupted him.

"Lancelot."

"Yes?"

"They're going to love you."

Lancelot turned to him. "They are?"

Merlin laughed. "I've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself."

Lancelot scoffed, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I hardly think so."

Merlin pretended he didn't hear him. "In fact, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to him right now."

Lancelot blinked. "You know Arthur?"

Merlin paused in the doorway and lifted an eyebrow. "Oh yes. I know him very well."

"Right, you jumped-up dung beetle, this is it." Arthur proclaimed loudly as he tightened his gloves. "Your final test."

Merlin and Lancelot stood off to the side, watching as Arthur and another man got ready to duel in the clearing.

"Pass this, and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail, and you're no one. You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. What kind of langue was that? A killing machine?

Arthur turned around. "You face me."

The man was whipping his blades around, to show off or to get ready, Merlin wasn't sure.

"Your challenge is to last one minute in free combat. Grimond, second son of Wessex…" Arthur nodded at the man in charge of the time, and the hourglasses was tipped. "Your time starts now."

The man came forward, still whipping his blades, and with a confident yell swung one at the eldest prince. Arthur ducked and elbowed the Grimond in the back before raising his knee to his face. Grimond fell over and lay there, groaning. The small crowd applauded, but Arthur took Grimond's sash with a disappointed look.

Merlin looked at Lancelot with his eyebrows raised. Lancelot returned the look.

"Grimmond's the third to fail this month," Arthur complained to Merlin, who walked beside him. "How am I meant to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?"

"I think I might be able to help," Merlin said, sidestepping a man before hurrying back to Arthur's side.

"You want to finally become a knight?" Arthur asked, bemused.

"No, no, no, not me. I know someone who does though,"

"Yeah? How many friends do you have who can fight?"

"He saved my life," Merlin responded, rolling his eyes.

"That's blowing it for starters."

"He's really good. Honest."

"That's great, Merlin. I'm sure he's terrific. But have you forgotten the first code of Camelot?"

Merlin groaned. Of course, he had. Only nobles could become knights. That would ruin Lancelot's chances of becoming a knight.

"No," Merlin said indignantly. "He is a noble."

"Is he? Very well. Bring him to the training grounds tomorrow. And make sure he brings his seal of nobility."

"Thanks, Arthur. You won't regret it!" Merlin shouted as Arthur walked on, grinning.

Merlin opened the door to Gaius' chambers. Lancelot rushed over and asked quickly. "Well? Did you speak to him?"

"Yeah, I spoke to him."

"And?" Lancelot looked terrified, his eyes were wide and he was rocking slightly on his heels.

"And…" Merlin looked down and shook his head. Lancelot sighed in disappointment.

"He said he would like to meet you." Merlin continued his grin back in place.

Lancelot laughed. "Yes!" Lancelot grew serious for a moment. "Thank you, thank you!"

Merlin smiled. "It's no problem, really. It's nothing."

Lancelot suddenly frowned. "How do you know Arthur?"

Gaius frowned from behind him. "You didn't tell him?"

Lancelot narrowed his eyes. "Tell me what?"

Merlin rolled his eyes at Gaius. "Gaius is being dramatic. It's nothing, Lancelot. I know Arthur because I'm his brother."

The man's eyes went wide. "You're Prince Merlin?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "How many other Merlins do you know?"

Lancelot spluttered. "I didn't think you would be the prince, how likely would that have been?"

Merlin cleared his throat. "Yes…speaking of ranks, you're not a nobleman by any chance are you?"

"A nobleman? No, of course not. Why'd you ask?"

Merlin bit his lip. He had known that Lancelot was not a nobleman; it was clear he did not know the many rules of Camelot.

"It's just that-"

"The first code states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight," Gaius said, coming up behind the prince. Lancelot stared at Gaius, the hope in his eyes flickering.

"My father created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wished to destroy it." Merlin continued. "He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life, so he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him."

"The nobility," Lancelot murmured.

Merlin sighed. "And thus the first code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day, only sons of noble families have served as knights."

Lancelot sat down with crushed spirits. "That's not fair.¨

"Fair or unfair, that's the way it is." Gaius firmly stated. "I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly, I am."

Gaius gave a warning glance to the prince before walking back to the table and continuing to split wheat.

Lancelot ran his hands over his bowed head, disappointed, while Merlin watched, thinking of something, anything he could do for this man.

Prince Merlin had invited Lancelot to spend the evening with him, so the two sat at the table in the prince's chambers, both silent as they watched Will fill their goblets with wine.

"So," Merlin said, breaking the silence. "Why do you want to become a knight anyway? They aren't as glorious as everything seems to think they are." Merlin thought of a few knights who, despite his status, had bullied him as a young kid for liking his books more than the sword. Cowardice, they had said. Merlin knew some still thought of him as such.

Lancelot looked up. "When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains." He paused and Merlin waited, sensing this was something Lancelot wasn't entirely willing to share. "They were slaughtered where they stood - my father, my mother, - every one. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that I would never again be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made swordcraft my life. Every waking hour since that day I devoted to the hour of combat."

Lancelot met Merlin's eyes, the former with fire and determination, and the latter with understanding and admiration.

"And when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot." the swordsman looked down at his lap. "And now it seems my journey ends. Everything I've fought for; wasted."

If Merlin had not already been convinced this was a man worth twisting the rules for, he was now. "I give you my word," Merlin leaned his elbows against the table. "Whatever it takes, I'll make this right."

Lancelot just glanced at him.

"Merlin!"

The prince turned, twisting his body as he walked briskly down the corridor. He paused when he saw Morgana struggling to catch up to him.

"Morgana," He greeted warmly. "'Tis a while since I saw you last."

"Indeed," she huffed, letting go of her skirt as she walked with him. "Where are you going?"

Merlin flashed her a grin. "The library, of course."

"Then I shall join you."

Merlin winced slightly. His reason for his visit to his favorite place in the world was not entirely legal, and he hadn't wanted to involve his sister.

"Only if you're willing to get into a little bit of trouble." He said vaguely.

She glanced at him, mystified and a little annoyed. "I should have known you would do something mischievous soon, you were way too obedient that past months."

He grinned again. "What makes you think it's mischievous?"

Morgana rolled his eyes. "What other type of trouble do you get into?"

Well, you'll find out soon enough. Merlin thought as they reached the library.

The dusty old room where Merlin had spent many days as a child was filled to the brim with books and scrolls, piled over and on many occasions stacked on the floor. Merlin had tried organizing it once, but he only got so far as three bookshelves before giving up.

Geoffrey, the librarian among many other things, was an old man, almost as old as Gaius, if not older. He had a white beard and a balding head and was currently seated behind his desk which threatened to hide him from view. Books, scrolls, feathers, and artifacts cluttered the wooden table. Merlin never understood how Geoffrey actually worked in that mess. Then again, he thought the same of Arthur.

Striding in, he went straight to the shelf at the very front, where he knew exactly where the book he needed was. Grabbing it, he sighed in satisfaction, flipping through the pages to make certain, then glanced over at Geoffrey, who was staring at him.

"Homework," He supplied, before snapping the book shut and sneezing at the amount of dust that exploded from it. Ignoring Geoffrey's exasperated look, Merlin lugged the book to a table in the back of the room, where he knew the librarian wouldn't be able to see him. Morgana followed a few seconds later, carrying a small book of her own.

Merlin flipped through the pages until he settled on a name he had not heard in a while. Smiling to himself, he glanced at his sister, who was flipping through pages of her own book. Then he quickly turned to see if Geoffrey was watching. He wasn't.

Merlin gently took out the blank scroll he had hidden in his tunic and laid it over the page of the book.

Merlin whispered an incantation, slowly waving his hand over his parchment. The symbol in the book appeared on his scroll, faint at first, then grew more detailed. Allowing himself a nod, he quickly stuffed the scroll back into his tunic and shut the book as Geoffrey cleared his throat behind him. Knowing that the librarian had not seen anything, he stood up, smiling at Geoffrey.

Merlin dumped the thick book into the librarian's hands. "It was a real page-turner." He said before sharing a glance at Morgana's amused yet we'll talk about his later face.

Oh well. He had got what he had come for.

Merlin burst into Gaius' chambers holding the scroll that wasn't so blank anymore. Holding it out he let Lancelot look at it. The swordsman glanced at it before going back to what he was doing.

"What this?"

"This," Merlin said excitedly, "is your seal of nobility."

Lancelot's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't understand."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you," unscrolling the parchment Merlin continued, "Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."

"No, Merlin, no," Lancelot said immediately.

Merlin groaned inwardly. All Lancelot needed was a push. Luckily the prince was great at pushes.

"Alright. So, you don't want to be a knight, then?" Merlin sighed and turned around to head back out.

"Of course I do!" Lancelot said quickly.

"But what? The rules don't allow it?" Merlin walked closer. "Who cares about the rules? Certainly not I and I'm the prince!"

"But it's a lie," Lancelot argued. "It's against everything the knights stand for."

Merlin shook his head. "You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it."

Lancelot looked almost convinced, but the good man's heart was still telling him it was wrong.

"But the rules, sire."

Merlin shrugged. "We're not breaking the rules, just bending them, that's all. You get your foot in the door. But after that, you'll be judged on your merit alone."

Lancelot seemed to be listening. Merlin smiled. Almost…

"If you succeed, if they make you a knight," The prince continued. "It'll be because you earned it, noble or not."

Lancelot nodded, looking surprised.

"I can't change the way things are done around. Well, not until Arthur's king, but you can. If you let me help you."

Lancelot sighed and crossed his arms. "I didn't know you could talk like that, Prince Merlin."

Merlin grinned. "Persuasion was always just part of my charm."

Lancelot raised his eyebrows

"This is very kind of you, uh…" Lancelot paused, looking down as Gwen wrapped her measuring tape around his leg.

She looked up and smiled. "Gwen."

"Gwen," Lancelot repeated.

"Short for Guinevere." She elaborated.

"Ah. Then thank you, Guinevere."

She smiled at him again. "Don't thank me, thank Merlin," She said, gesturing to the prince who leaned against the table. He waved a hand dismissively as Gwen kept talking.

"Merlin would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlin? Sorry, can you raise your arms?"

Lancelot did as asked, and the maid wrapped her measuring tape around his chest.

"I think it's great that Merlni's got you this chance. We need men like you."

"You do?"

She stared at him for a few seconds before blushing and quickly saying, "Well, not me personally. But, you know, Camelot."

Merlin smirked at Gwen's flustered face. Seemed like she had a new crush.

"Camelot needs knights." The maid continued. "Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me."

Lancelot smiled at her. "Well, I'm not a knight yet, my lady."

She smiled shyly back. "And I'm not a lady."

The swordsman looked down. "Sorry, I…" He looked back up at her and she quickly cast her eyes away.

"Okay, we're done. Um, I should have there ready in no time." She held out a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Lancelot."

Lancelot took it and kissed the back of her hand. The maid looked uncertain as Merlin clapped Lancelot's back. "Come on,"

Lancelot looked back at her and then left, leaving Gwen to stand there alone.

"She seems lovely; Guinevere," Lancelot commented as the two walked down a corridor.

"Oh, yeah, she is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise."

Lancelot looked at him uncertainly. "Are you two…" he gestured with his hands. "You know…"

The prince understood him a few moments later and laughed. "Oh, no, no. Just friends."

And Merlin was happy to say they were. When Gwen had a crush on him she was shy and respectful, and after kissing him she avoided him as best she could for days.

Merlin had to go find her and sit her down, telling her that the kiss didn't matter and that he would like to be friends with her. It had taken a while, but eventually, Gwen accepted it and they were on relatively good ground.

Lancelot hummed in reply.

Lancelot stood to the side of Arthur's training, shifting in his mail coat. Gwen and Merlin were at each side, straightening his coat.

"Well," Merlin said, standing back as Arthur called his knights to end the session. "You certainly look the part."

"Doesn't he just?" Gwen added admiringly.

"I don't feel the part," Lancelot mumbled, uncomfortable.

"This is your chance," the prince whispered as Arthur came toward them. "Go for it." Merlin pushed Lancelot forward and he stumbled toward the eldest prince.

Arthur looked up from where had been putting his sword away. "Yes?"

Lancelot pushed down his nerves and said steadily, "Lancelot, fifth son of Eldridge of Northumbria."

Arthur looked him down. "Lance…alot… My brother mentioned you. Got your seal?"

Lancelot nodded and held out as he bowed. "Sire,"

Arthur went to grab it but suddenly slapped the man instead. The shock of it sent Lancelot staggering back, and Merlin winced from where he stood.

"Sluggish reactions," Arthur said as he looked down at Lancelot who had landed on his butt. "On a battlefield, you'd be dead by now."

Arthur turned, ready to head back. "Come when you're ready."

Lancelot stood up and bracing himself, said bravely, "I am ready now."

Arthur laughed. "Are you now? Well, you can start by cleaning the horse's stable."

The knights all laughed and Lancelot turned around despairingly.

Merlin grinned and gave a thumbs-up. At least Arthur wasn't ignoring Lancelot.

"I'm sorry about Lancelot, I could see you were upset, sire."

Merlin looked up from where he was mashing a few herbs in the mortar with a pestle. Learning how to make potions correctly was a huge part of physician work, Gaius had said and immediately put the prince to work. Merlin didn't mind, it was quiet, a job where he could think at the same time.

"Oh…you know, that's life." Merlin nodded convincingly. "You win some, you lose some."

"You're taking it very well," Gaius commented. After a few seconds he added, "Well, I have to say sire, very mature."

Merlin looked up, a smile on his lips. "Thank you, Gaius." He felt a twinge of guilt and shoved it down, hoping it hadn't shown in his eyes. As the younger of the princes he had always been shadowed by Arthur, but Merlin hadn't necessarily minded. It had made him sneakier, a good liar, and he had many adventures while nobody asked where he was. Guilt hardly bothered him anymore, but Gaius had seemed sincere, and Merlin didn't want to disappoint him.

Gaius doesn't have to know I'm giving Lancelot a chance. Merlin thought, just as the door opened and Lancelot came in. He had on a shirt, and it looked white through the dirt and clumps of…Merlin didn't want to know. His hair was a mess and his eyes were glazed.

"How'd it go?" The prince asked.

Lancelot gave a groan and headed to his room. Merlin smirked and went back to the mortar.

The physician's eyes were still on him. The prince glanced up and Gaius tilted his head in a questioning way.

"He found work at the stables," Merlin gave.

"I see,"

Merlin nodded and looked back down.

"And the truth before I lose my temper?"

Merlin sighed. Gaius had always seen through his lies as a kid, even now it seemed he knew the prince too well. "He's trying out for the knights."

Gaius' eyebrows furrowed. "The first code of Camelot has never been broken for anyone, what have you done Merlin?"

The prince bit his lip. It was always serious when the physician called him by his name. "Alright, I bent the rules a little, but the rules are wrong, they're unfair-"

"You bent the rules? Using magic?"

Merlin turned to face Gaius fully and winced. "It was nothing, honestly, it was more of a…a…trick than magic."

"Your magic is not a toy, Merlin, it's not for you to abuse and use as you see fit-"

"I know, I know," Merlin said exasperatingly, turning away. He had heard this so many times.

"Then why'd you do it?"

Merlin spun around. "I owe Lancelot my life," he said quietly, aware that Lancelot was in the room a few feet away. "I'm paying that debt the only way I can by giving him the opportunity he deserves." Merlin's eyes flittered between Gaius'. "If you want to punish me for it…go ahead."

Gaius didn't say anything, seemingly speechless. Merlin held his gaze for a moment and then turned and walked out, tired. He just wanted to go to bed.

The next morning Arthur walked through the village, intent on finding Lancelot to see what he could do. He couldn't lie, the eldest prince was interested in the man that Merlin had suggested. Lancelot sat on a chair under a roof, sharpening a sword. Reaching for a broom, Arthur quickly threw it at the man, who glanced up at the motion and caught it with one hand.

"Not bad," Arthur commented, and Lancelot hurriedly stood up, holding the broom awkwardly.

"Would you like me to sweep the guardhouse again, sire?" Lancelot asked respectfully, half bowing.

"Certainly needs sweeping," Arthur replied distractedly, eyes roaming over the broom he had picked up. He twisted the actual broom until it fell off, and he was left with a stick. "First, I'd like you to kill me."

Lancelot's face was the definition of confusion. "Sire?"

"Come on. Don't pretend you don't want to." Arthur smiled inwardly in glee. He was having way too much fun with this. Even if this man didn't turn out to be much of a knight, at least he could thank Merlin for the amusement.

Lancelot followed Arthur's example and twisted off the end of the broom.

"If I were you I certainly would want to." Arthur continued. It was probably a good thing Merlin wasn't here. He would never hear the end of it.

Arthur twirled the broomstick experimentally as Lancelot got into a fighting position. "Come on," Arthur beckoned with his hand.

Lancelot thrust toward him and Arthur deflected it, defending himself as Lancelot went on the offensive. Arthur moved backward, hitting Lancelot's furious strikes with one of his own. The eldest prince drove Lancelot's broomstick down and then swung at his head, the man stumbling backward to avoid it.

"Come on, Lancelot, you're not beating a carpet."

The man thrust again, and Arthur parried it away, swinging and jumping. Again, Lancelot had to jump back to avoid Arthur's almost hit. The two slowly walked around each other for a few moments, then Arthur moved. Lancelot brought his stick up, defending himself. Arthur grinned and pushed the man with his arm, sending Lancelot right into a pile of hay. Without mercy, the eldest prince swung again, right toward his face, but Lancelot, with widened eyes, rolled over and moved Arthur. Arthur, sure his face looked like a feral cat right now, spun and advanced slowly, pushing his stick onto the man's chest, and then attacking again. Lancelot defended himself, and this went on for some time before the eldest prince laid a hit on Lancelot, and he stumbled backward, gasping for air.

Arthur smirked. "Congratualations, Lancelot." He threw the broomstick at Lancelot, who caught it, still gasping for air. " You just made basic training." With that Arthur walked on, a bit breathless and his adrenaline spiked. He'd had his fun today. Apparently, nobody agreed because the next second the bells rang, and the villagers who had gathered to watch screamed, running toward their homes. The conversation with his father the other day suddenly sprang to the front of his mind, and his eyes widened. He ran.

Merlin gently set the lady he had been helping down on a bench in the middle of the courtyard. Kneeling he looked into her eyes and said calmly, "You're safe now. I promise."

The lady nodded, grief in her eyes, and Merlin stood up, walking over to Gaius who was dabbing a cloth over another lady's forehead.

"How is she?" Merlin asked.

"Alright."

A sudden rush of footsteps alerted Merlin to Lancelot's arrival, who looked around breathlessly at the crowd. "What happened to these people?"

Gaius answered. "Their village was attacked by a winged monster."

Arthur and Merlin, both now in their armor, stood behind their father as he stared out the windows into the courtyard.

"We'd hunt this thing down if we could, but we can't track a creature through the air," Arthur said softly.

"You don't have to track it," Uther responded, before turning around and meeting both his son's eyes. "First Greenwood, then Willowdale…" He started to walk off, Arthur and Merlin trailing behind him. "The creatures' heading south, toward the mouth of the valley."

"To Camelot," Merlin said, alarmed.

"You must prepare your knights, Arthur."

Arthur glanced at his brother, then back to Uther. "Have faith Father, we'll be ready."

"The beast is heading for Camelot," Arthur stated as he walked through his squad of knights. "It's fast and agile, but big enough to hit hard. Starting today your training routines will concentrate on an attack strategy. We don't have much time. Dismissed."

The knights all left with a bow and Arthur turned to see Lancelot in front of him.

"Yes, Lancelot?"

"Is there anything I can do, sire?" Lancelot asked, walking beside the prince. "It's just, I know that in the event of battle, only a knight may serve."

"That's correct Lancelot, and you are not yet a knight."

Lancelot looked crestfallen at this, so Arthur continued. "Which is why I'm bringing your test forward. You face me in the morning."

"Thanks, Will." Merlin smiled at his manservant as he set down his dinner.

"Yeah. So, any plans for this monster creature?"

Merlin looked up from his book. "Arthur is training his knights against it. They should defeat it when - if - it comes, Arthur always manages things like that."

"You won't come in with your…" Will waved his hands around.

"Er…no. Not planning to."

Both prince and manservant looked up as the doors opened and Morgana came in, eyebrows drawn together.

"Morgana!" Merlin smiled. "I'm eating dinner if you want to join me."

"I've already had." She said, sitting down next to him. "I just wanted to…talk to you." She glanced at Will and Merlin got the hint.

"Will, you're excused, you can go watch that play you've been rambling about."

The manservant rolled his eyes, looking pleased, and left quietly.

"I had this dream," Moragna said immediately.

Merlin furrowed his eyebrows. "What was it?"

"Arthur lay dead on the ground, murdered knights next to him. There was this creature - a monster, with wings - in the fog, and you were there, with a spear that was glowing,"

"A monster with wings?" Merlin asked, setting down his fork and leaning in. "Where did you get that?"

Morgana looked flustered. "I don't know, it was just in my dream. It's just…what if that comes true? I know that there was a creature attacking villages, it's why Arthur is so uptight right now, but is Arthur going to face it? Please, Merlin, tell me if he's going after it, I need to know."

"Morgana, calm down." Merlin frowned, laying a hand on hers. "Father just told Arthur to prepare his knights in case the monster comes to Camelot, he never said anything about going out to meet it."

Morgana was silent for a moment, and the youngest prince watched her, worried.

"I'll tell you anything Arthur is planning, alright?"

His sister finally looked up and nodded slowly. "Please do. I just don't want my dreams to come true."

Merlin frowned again at the implication. Had Morgana dreamt of true events before? It was something he would need to look into.

"Well, here we are - your final challenge." Arthur stood in the clearing, Lancelot opposite him. Merlin and Gwen stood to the side, watching.

"Succeed, you join the Elite. Fail, and your journey ends here."

Lancelot nervously tucked a stray hair behind his ear. He had to win this.

"Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldridge of Northumbria,"

Lancelot couldn't help but glance at Merlin, who turned to the hourglass that had just been flipped over at Arthur's nod.

"Time starts now."

The two men put on their helmets. They attacked right away and Merlin and Gwen watched anxiously. Neither of them managed to land a hit until Lancelot got the upper hand for a few seconds, whacking the eldest prince on his head. Merlin and Gwen glanced at each other, grinning.

However, the few seconds went and Lancelot swung too hard, leaving himself open. Gwen clutched at Merlin's cloak in panic, and he looked down at her. She let go immediately, whispering an apology, and the youngest prince continued watching the duel awkwardly.

Lancelot kept advancing and Arthur defending, until Arthur ended it by hitting Lancelot in the face with his elbow. The man fell to the ground with a thump.

Merlin and Gwen watched worriedly, Lancelot had fallen and hadn't gotten up.

Arthur stabbed his sword into the wet ground and, taking off his helmet, walked up to Lancelot.

"Shame." Arthur bent to rip off the seal on Lancelot's chain mail when Lancelot suddenly surged upwards and tripped Arthur, smoothly standing and picking up his sword to point it at the fallen prince.

"Do you submit, sire?"

Merlin grinned. Arthur would be mad but nobody could deny that Lancelot had gotten the better of him. The next second two guards grabbed Lancelot's arms and pulled him to his knees as Arthur got up angrily. Merlin rolled his eyes. The guards had never taken their jobs to protect the princes this seriously before, so Merlin knew it wasn't what it looked like.

"On your knees," Arthur's face screamed anger, and Lancelot had no choice but to obey.

Gwen glanced at Merlin, probably hoping that he would interfere, but the youngest prince knew Arthur was just being dramatic.

Sure enough, Arthur pointed his sword at Lancelot before letting out a crazed laugh.

"Well, Lancelot, you've got guts and creativity. You'll be knighted this afternoon."

The swordsman glanced at Merlin before grinning. The youngest prince turned to Gwen, who was also smiling. Looked like there would be one heck of a feast tonight.

"Arise, Sir Lancelot, knight of Camelot." Uther tapped each of Lancelot's shoulders with his sword before the newly knighted man rose, looking so happy that Merlin's heart twisted from he stood next to Arthur, clapping wildly. Finally, Lancelot had gotten his dream. And with only a little bit of magic.

"Who is this man?" Morgana whispered to Gwen. "He seems to have come out of nowhere."

"I know. He's been a bit of a surprise. To all of us."

Merlin heard the admiration in her voice and smirked.

"You do us great honor, Sir Lancelot," Uther continued. He put a hand on Lancelot's shoulders and started to lead him down the room. "The knighthood is the very foundation of Camelot."

"The honor is all mine, sire," Lancelot replied.

"Your father will be very proud."

Lancelot's excitement ebbed into nervous tension. "Yes, sire."

"I have not seen Lord Eldred for many years - longer than I had imagined, it seems. The last time I saw him, he only had four sons."

Lancelot shuffled a little bit. The king sounded suspicious, and he wasn't sure how to answer. "Well, here I am," The new knight said with a nervous laugh.

"Indeed you are. And I've kept you too long already." He glanced around. "Enjoy the celebrations."

"Sire," Lancelot bowed, relief flowing through him as he was immediately swarmed by knights, shaking his hand and congratulating him.

Uther turned to a maid and presented her with Lancelot's seal. "Take this seal to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the court genealogist." He glanced at Lancelot who had both Arthur and Merlin's arms on his as they led him out of the room. "I want his opinion by morning."

"Look at him, Gaius," Merlin said as he sidled over to the physician. "Does Lancelot not deserve this moment?"

They both looked at the knight who was smiling at something Arthur had said.

"I never said he didn't. But destiny and deserts are not the same things. You played god, sire. You set him on the path of his choosing. Tonight you have brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold?"

Merlin smirked, too pleased by the success he had won to pay too much attention to Gaius' words. "Yeah, I don't know what it said on your invitation, but on mine, it said 'celebration.'"

Gaius chuckled. "Point taken. Go enjoy yourself, my prince."

Merlin sat down next to Lancelot and Arthur. They glanced at him before the eldest prince said, "Here's trouble."

They all looked to see Morgana and Gwen side by side, the first dressed in a startling red dress, the latter in her servant's clothing but her hair all pinned up.

"Tell me," Arthur continued. "Do you think her beautiful?"

Knowing immediately who Arthur was referring to, Merlin smacked him on the head, coming to the conclusion that he was drunk. Honestly, would he have thought of that if he was in his right mind?

"Yes, sire, I do," Lancelot replied, and the youngest prince followed his gaze to Gwen. He smirked. "Yeah. I suppose she is." Merlin said offhandedly, stepping away and sidling up to Gwen. "You know what?"

Gwen almost shrieked, putting her hand up to her mouth and glaring at him halfheartedly.

Merlin continued. "I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen."

She scoffed. "Don't be silly, sire."

"So what if he did? Would that really be that bad?"
She groaned. "He's not really my type."

"Oh, there's a surprise." He laughed. "Sometimes, Guinevere, I wonder if you would know what your type is if he was standing right next to you." Merlin shook his head, looking at Lancelot. He had a fancy for her, and she definitely felt something for him, he was sure.

"You're probably right," Gwen replied, giving him a strange glance.

A servant passed by and offered him another drink, which he took gladly, thanking him. "Yeah. So, any plans for this monster creature?"

"So, come on, just for the sake of argument, if you had to - Arthur or Lancelot?"

Gwen snickered. "But I don't have to. And I never will."

Merlin sighed, holding back a laugh. "You are no fun, Gwen."

At that moment Arthur stood on one of the tables and lifted his goblet. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our new recruit, our new knight of Camelot - Lancelot!" Arthur grabbed the knight and hauled him up. Everyone cheered and raised their drinks, Merlin clapping wildly.

Morgana joined him. "So, you seem to know this man very well. Anything about his sudden knighting and your trip to the library has to do with this?"

Merlin groaned. "Not now, 'ganna!"

Morgana rolled her eyes at Merlin's old nickname. "Okay fine, I guess as a young prince you need your weekly feasts and celebration."

He glared at her. "Hey! You're young too! And I do not have weekly celebrations."

Morgana raised an eyebrow. "Still older than you."

Merlin folded his arms, unable to come up with a good response.

His sister smirked at him. "Well, I'm going to talk to the new knight. Have fun drinking yourself drunk."

Merlin rolled his eyes. As if she wasn't going to either.

Merlin burst into Gaius' chambers the next morning, squinting. Lancelot was sitting down, a grossed expression on his face.

"Ah, sire, I was wondering when you would be joining us."

Merlin just groaned. "I don't think I've been that drunk before. Certainly wasn't two yards, more like two miles."

Lancelot agreed with a small moan, and Gaius handed the prince a vial.

"Don't look at it. Don't smell it. Just down it in one."

Lancelot, Merlin could see, had already had one, and by the look on his face, it didn't bode well for the young prince.

Merlin did as Gaius advised and stuck his tongue out, the bitter effect leaving a residue in his mouth.

"Better?" Gaius asked with a smirk, and when Merlin nodded quickly he added, "Good."

Lancelot stood up, and Giaus turned his attention back to the knight. "Can't have you nodding off the first day on the job, Lancelot."

Merlin laughed. "Oh, there's been a few knights who have in the past. I don't think anybody would blame you."

They all chuckled. It didn't last long, however, as two guards suddenly barged in and headed straight for Lancelot, holding his arms back and pushing him out the door.

"What are you doing?" Merlin asked sharply, but the guards ignored him and said shortly, "King's orders."

"Stop!" Merlin shouted, almost grabbing Lancelot back, but the guards pulled him out of reach and through the door. Merlin shared a panicked look with Gaius before rushing after him.

Pulling beside one of the guards, a bald-headed man with sharp features, Merlin started questioning him.

"Why does my father want him? Where are you going? What did Lancelot do?"

Merlin bit his lip, worrying that the king had somehow found out about Lancelot's false nobility.

The guard marched forward. "All I know is that King Uther declared Sir Lancelot brought before the court."

The knight had said 'sir,' which could mean that this was a different matter entirely or the guard really didn't know what was going on.

Merlin shared a glance with Lancelot, his worry and concern clear on his face. The knight shook his head, leaving it to Merlin to determine what he meant by it.

By this time they had reached the throne room. Walking in after the guards who were still dragging Lancelot, Merlin met Arthur's eyes, silently asking questions. The eldest prince stood behind and to the right of Uther and Geoffrey. Merlin joined him, but before he could ask aloud, Uther started talking before Lancelot, who was kneeling on the ground and holding the king's gaze.

"Tell him what you told me." Uther directed Geoffrey.

"These credentials are fake." He said immediately. Arthur clenched his jaw and turned away slightly, which covered Merlin's gasp quite nicely.

"The seal itself is flawless, forged by the highest possible standard, but a forgery it must be. There is no record of the fifth son of Lord Elridge of Northumbria. Therefore he-"

"Lied." Uther finished.

Merlin closed his eyes, despair sinking in his gut. This was all his fault.

Lancelot too sighed and looked down.

"Do you deny it?" Uther demanded, walking closer.

Lancelot shook his head. "No, sire."

Arthur sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Merlin just stared.

"You've broken the first code of Camelot. You've brought shame upon yourself and us. You're not worthy of the knighthood bestowed upon you."

Lancelot nodded, agreeing. His eyes were shiny.

Uther continued. "And you never will be." The king turned. "Get him out of my sight."

The guards picked Lancelot up roughly by his arms and dragged him.

Merlin stood staring at the door. It slammed shut.

"Sire," Merlin started, immediately turning toward his father.

"Do you test my judgment?" Uther asked, eyes narrowed as he poured wine into his goblet.

"All he wanted to do was become a knight! He's honorable, and a very good swordsman. He saved my life!"

"Honourable?" Uther snarled. "He lied to receive something not worthy of him."

Merlin stepped forward, opening his mouth to contradict him, but Arthur held him back.

"His deception was inexcusable, but he meant no harm, sire, I'm sure of it. He only wished to serve."

Merlin stood glowering next to Arthur, who for once was the calm one, with his arms folded and standing straight.

"The first code is a sacred bond of trust. It is what binds the knights together." Uther turned to meet both his son's eyes. "How can you trust a man who has lied to you?"

Merlin barely stopped himself from flinching, but from the tiny glance Arthur sent his way, it didn't seem he was entirely successful.

Uther considered the conversation done, and he raised the chalice to his lips. Merlin spun and stormed out of the room, his angry footsteps echoing throughout the room before the door slammed shut behind him.

Merlin stepped quietly over to Lancelot's cell. The man was sitting against the wall, quiet and morose. Merlin grabbed the bars and sighed softly.

"I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot."

"You're not to blame, sire."

"Yes, I am." Merlin disagreed. "I pushed you. I made you lie."

Lancelot shook his head. "The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear and to bear alone."

Merlin breathed in heavily, feeling like a young child. "I wish there was something I could do. My father will not listen to me."

"There is." Lancelot countered. "You can stop blaming yourself."

Merlin smiled softly at Lancelot's kindness. Any other man would have been angry that Merlin had caused this, that he had been the one to suggest the idea. And Merlin knew that it was partly his fault, but he also knew that Lancelot had been the one to act on it. The prince wasn't blaming Lancelot, but he knew he couldn't completely blame himself. He would be miserable for life if he did.

Merlin said goodbye and turned away. There had to be something - legally - that he could do. Merlin narrowed his eyes. He would find something to help Lancelot.

"Sire,"

"Whatever you do, don't say 'I told you so.'"

Gaius turned to the prince, who had sat down at the table. "I have no wish to gloat, Merlin. What's done is done."

Merlin hummed, though he didn't exactly agree. He was still trying to brainstorm ideas on how to get Lancelot out. Legally.

"Here," Gaius' pensive voice broke through his musings. "Come and take a look at this." He pointed to a book the old physician was hovering over.

Merlin sighed and rose.

"I've realized my mistake."

Merlin glanced at the physician, wondering what he was talking about. The next few words, however, explained it all.

"I've been looking for the creature in the wrong place - in the records of all known living things in the kingdom."

Ah, right. The creature. The one that had almost killed him. The reason he met Lancelot in the first place.

"But then I thought, 'but what about creatures only recorded in myth?'"

Merlin furrowed his eyebrows, wondering where Gaius was going.

"And I discovered this." Gaius pointed to the book.

Merlin gasped. "That is it. That's the monster."

Whatever Gaius had been about to say next was interrupted by the pealing of the bells. Both Merlin and Gaius rushed to the window.

People in the courtyard were screaming, running wildly as they sought shelter. A loud roar shook the castle, and Merlin turned his face up to see the enormous creature he had met in the woods flying low over the courtyard.

Without a word, Merlin rushed out the door.

"On me!" Arthur shouted as a battalion of knights rushed into formation. "Defense!"

They all knelt, holding out their shields in front of them, Arthur in the very middle.

The monster whipped the air with its wings before diving for them. Arthur's heart beat fast. The monster was very lar large, had a massive, sharp beak, and could fly. Great.

The knights all ducked, and the creature landed on the opposite side of them, its claws thudding as it hit the ground. The eldest prince turned back to the knights and beckoned them forward. The small group of men crept forward as a cat might on a mouse. Deeming them close enough, Arthur yelled, "Charge!"

Gripping his spear tightly, the eldest prince attacked, the knights behind him following. Arthur willed his fear to settle and thrust his spear at the creature. To his utter shock, the spear snapped in half. The motion sent Arthur sprawling, and the creature reared up. Before it could land its dirty paws on the eldest prince, however, Merlin was by Arthur's side, holding a torch and waving it aggressively toward the monster. With an enraged roar, the monster reared up and flew away. Arthur and Merlin watched it before turning to each other silently.

"You said your knights were the best in the land," Uther stated as he walked into the courtroom with Arthur and Merlin in tow. "You proved that today."

"All I know is that it's still out there," Arthur replied grimly, his close call flashing before his eyes.

"Let's not wait for it. The kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this now."

Gaius, from where he was standing off the side, met Merlin's eyes meaningfully.

"Sire, if I may…" Gaius interrupted.

"Gaius." Uther greeted.

"I've been researching this creature, sire. I believe it to be a griffin."

"A griffin? What's in a name?" Uther wondered confusedly.

"The griffin is a creature of magic."

Uther narrowed his eyes at the old man. "I don't have time for this, physician."

"It is born of magic, sire. And it can only be killed by magic."

Arthur turned slightly to Merlin, whose eyes widened. He shook his head minutely.

"You are mistaken," Uther said adamantly. "It's a creature of flesh and blood like any other. Arthur proved that today."

The eldest allowed himself to feel a brief surge of happiness at his father's pride, before he turned and said, "I'm not so sure, Father." Glancing at Merlin he continued, "I think there may be some truth in what he says."

"What truth?" Uther growled.

"The griffin was unharmed, sire. Our weapons seemed useless against it."

"Useless? I think not. No, it tasted our steel once. The next time will be it's last." The king glared at them as if to dare them to disagree with him. "When will your knights be ready to ride again?" Uther addressed Arthur.

"An hour, maybe two."

"Good. We finish this tonight."

With that Uther left.

"I have to go get my knights ready, brother," Arthur murmured, his hand on Merlin's shoulder briefly before he too, left.

"Is it true? The griffin can only be killed by magic?" Merlin asked softly, back in Gaius' chambers.

"Yes, Merlin. I'm certain of it. If Arthur rides out against it, he will die."

"Then he must be stopped. Father must see reason."

"Where magic is concerned, your father is blind to reason."

Merlin sighed, knowing it to be true, however ironic it may be.

"And yet," Gaius continued cautiously. "Magic is our only hope."

Merlin looked up at Gaius at the implication of those words. "You're not suggesting…"

Gaius simply nodded. "It is your destiny, Merlin. The true purpose of your magic."

Merlin stared at him. "You saw it, Gaius. I can't go up against that thing."

"But if you do not, then Arthur will surely perish."

Merlin shook his head, frantic. He had never done anything dangerous before, not entirely on purpose. If he were to do this, he would face the griffin alone, with magic he wasn't even sure would obey him. "No, no. This is madness. I don't have magic that powerful. There must be another way!"

"There is no other way."

With that Merlin launched his last arrow. "Do you even care what happens to me? Oh, just go do this, Merlin. Go and kill the griffin, Merlin. I'll just sit here and warm my feet by the fire."

Gaius' face made Merlin almost instantly regret the accusation.

"Sire," Gaius said sharply.

The youngest prince swallowed.

Gaius stepped forward, close enough that he could pull the prince into a hug. "Merlin. You are the only thing I care about in all this world."

Merlin stood there, his heart slowly warming at the old man's sincere words.

"I would give my life for you without a thought. But for what? I cannot save Arthur. It is not my destiny. You know."

Merlin gave a small nod, feeling chastised and comforted at the same time. "I'm sorry."

"I don't know what else I can say."

"Then I'll say it for you," Merlin said, suddenly determined. "We have two hours to find a way to kill that thing."

Lancelot scrambled up as Arthur stepped into his cell.

"I should have known. How could I have been so stupid? You don't sound like a knight. You don't even look like a knight."

"I'm sorry." Lancelot apologized, looking down.

"I'm sorry too," Arthur replied, not missing a beat. Glancing at the guards outside he continued. "Because, Lancelot, you fight like a knight."

Lancelot cast his eyes down, unsure of what to do with the sudden compliment.

"And I need - Camelot needs -"

"The creature?"

"We could not kill it. I have never faced its like." The eldest prince admitted.

"I faced it myself, sire, some days past. I struck it full square. I wondered how it endured."

"There are those that believe that this creature, this griffin, is a creature of magic, that only magic can destroy it."

Lancelot stepped closer. "Do you believe this?"

"It doesn't matter what I believe. The use of magic is not permitted." Didn't mean he didn't know someone who could use it. "The knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone." And though Merlin might be able to kill the creature, Arthur would not let his little brother come. It was too dangerous. He'd probably be killed before he could even face the creature to let the magic spill out of him.

"Sire,"

"There is a horse waiting outside."

Lancelot's eyes lit up. "Thank you sire, thank you."

"Lancelot, take it and never return to this place."

The hope dimmed. "No. No, please. It's not my freedom I seek. I only wish to serve with honor."

"I know. Then let me ride with you, sire."

"I cannot. My father knows nothing of this. I release you myself. But I can do no more."

Lancelot stared at him.

"Now go, before I change my mind."

Lancelot, with one more glance at Arthur, walked out without another word.

"There." Gaius pointed to a spell wrapped in a gold box in his old book. "You must do this for Arthur."

"I've never cast a spell of enchantment this powerful," Merlin said, eyes flitting over the spell.

"Nothing less will kill it." Gaius grabbed a dagger. " Here. Try it."

Merlin took the dagger cautiously. Gaius put a hand on his shoulder. "You have it within you. I know you do."

Merlin incanted softly, staring at the dagger. Gaius and the prince waited for something to happen, but nothing did.

The two exchanged glances.

"Don't worry, sire," Gaius said softly. "We've plenty of time."

Gwen glanced over as her door opened.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, my lady."

Gwen stood up. "Lancelot, what are you doing here?"

"I have no time to explain. I need weapons, armor, the best you've got."

"But what's this all about?" Gwen asked, confused.

"Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him. It's my duty, knight or not."

Gwen smiled sadly. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Lancelot, I don't believe I have ever met your like before."

"Guinevere, if I should not return -"

Gwen grabbed the ex- knight's hand. "Don't go, Lancelot, please." She pleaded.

Lancelot looked torn, but eventually, he said, "But go I must."

Gwen nodded, her eyes full of tears.

Merlin held the dagger out again, incanting once more. Gaius watched as Merlin let out a frustrated sigh, spinning around and holding the dagger out. This time kneeling, Merlin tried again. Nothing happened.

"Don't worry, sire. I know you're trying."

"And I'm failing. And if Arthur dies because I'm not good enough - "

"Merlin," Gaius said firmly.

"Merlin!"

The prince and physician both turned as Gwen burst through the doors.

"Lancelot's riding out to kill the griffin."

"He's what?" Merlin hissed, rising.

Gwen just shrugged helplessly.

The prince ran.

He saw Lancelot in the courtyard, saddling his horse and dressed in armor.

"I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not," Lancelot said firmly.

"I'm the prince, just try and stop me," Merlin argued, pulling rank.

Lancelot shook his head exasperated. "Arthur would kill me if you got killed, Merlin."

"You said it yourself, Lancelot. Arthur needs all the help he can get. Now let's go."

Lancelot rode ahead, spear in his hand and helmet up. The night was dark and misty. The sudden screeching and swords clanging caught the two men's ears. They kicked their horses in the direction in silence, and it didn't long before they reached the scene. Men lay everywhere, their bright red cloaks beaconing through the night. Merlin searched frantically for Arthur, hoping he wasn't dead because he had been too late.

His brother lay against a tree, seemingly unconscious. The youngest prince checked for a pulse, sighing in relief as it beat steadily against his fingertips.

"Well?" Lancelot asked.

"He's alive."

The screeching cut through the air. They searched the air for it, but finding nothing, Lancelot leaped on his horse and held out his spear.

"Okay, Merlin. It's now or never." He muttered to himself.

As Lancelot rode past, Merlin shouted the spell, grinning with disbelief as Lancelot's spear alighted with blue light. Lancelot thrust the glowing spear straight into the griffin's chest and it tumbled right over the man, collapsing in a heap. Dead.

Merlin let out a hysterical laugh as Lancelot turned to him. "Yes!"

Arthur let out a groan and Merlin turned immediately to help him.

"Lancelot. Merlin."

"Sire," Lancelot greeted. Arthur turned to Merlin, knowing immediately who had one it. Winking at his brother, Arthur said to Lacnelot, "You did it! You killed it!"

Arthur burst into hysterical laughing, smiling dumbly at the two.

Merlin grinned at Gaius as he entered.

"You did it?" The old physician asked nervously.

"I did it."

Gaius gave a relieved laugh, moving over to the prince and giving him a fierce hug. Surprised at first, Merlin let himself melt into it.

Arthur walked into the court chambers, and Uther turned. He smiled, gripping the eldest prince's arms. "You did it, my son. You did it."

"Not I, Father. It was Lancelot."

Arthur and Merlin had talked on the short way to the chambers and agreed that it was better to tell that Lancelot did it, as he was the one who needed to be free. Besides, Uther would probably never believe it had been Merlin.

"What's he doing here?" Uther asked as Lancelot walked in.

"Father, I can explain-"

"You, wait outside." Lancelot bowed and stepped out, the door banging heavily as the guards shut it.

Just then Merlin walked around the corner. He gestured to the doors. "What are they doing?"

"Deciding my fate," Lancelot answered.

"I confess it, sire - I released him. And I'll take the consequences. But surely Lancelot's actions change things." Arthur shouted.

"His actions change nothing," Uther said icily. "He broke the code."

"He laid down his life for me! He served with honor."

Uther sighed. "I see you feel strongly about this, Arthur."

"Under the circumstances, a pardon perhaps. "

"No, not good enough, Father. You must restore Lancelot to his rightful place - as a knight of Camelot."

"Never." Uther hissed. "The law is the law. The code bends for no man."

"Then the code is wrong."

The king stared, aghast at his son.

Merlin paced beside the doors. "They'll restore your knighthood. I'll make sure. Of course, they will. You killed the griffin."

"But I didn't kill the griffin."

Lancelot walked down further, Merlin striding next to him, confused.

"You did."

Merlin's heart pounded with terror before he schooled himself and scoffed. "That's ridiculous."

Lancelot repeated the incantation. "I heard you."

Merlin whipped around to see any witnesses but there were none.

"I saw you."

Merlin stared at him, speechless.

"Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

Merlin smiled in sheer relief. He knew Lancelot was a good man. He had known it!

"But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit."

Maybe too good. "What are you going to do?"

Lancelot met his eyes. "The only thing I can do."

He burst through the doors.

"What is this?" Uther demanded. The guards held Lanelots arms, ready to drag him out.

"Let me speak."

"Wait! I'll hear him."

"Forgive me sire. I've come to bid you farewell."

Arthur stared at him. "What is this, Lancelot?"

"I lied to you both. And now there is conflict between you. I cannot bear that burden. As you should not bear mine." Lancelot nodded to himself. "I must start again, far from here. Then maybe one day, fate shall grant me another chance to prove myself a worthy knight of Camelot."

Arthur scoffed. "But, Lancelot, you've already proved that to us."

"But I must prove it to myself." Lancelot bowed to Uther. "Your Highness. Prince Arthur."

Lancelot nodded to them before steeling himself and walking out, whispering a thank you to Merlin, who stood to the side. The youngest prince watched him go.

Morgana sighed and turned to see Gwen staring out the window. "Gwen?" When that didn't get a response she tried again. "Guinevere?"

Morgana rolled her eyes, knowing what it was she was watching. Or rather, who. "Lancelot?"

Gwen turned hurriedly from the window. "Yes." She laughed.

Morgana smiled. "Come, Gwen. A busy day ahead."

"Yes, my lady."

"Perhaps you were right, Gaius," Merlin admitted. "Perhaps I should never have got involved. "

"No, sire, I was wrong. Lancelot needed you, and you needed Lancelot. Your destinies were entwined."

"Will he ever return?" Merlin wondered.

"That I cannot say."

"Till the next time then, Sir Lancelot."

"So, my dream did not come true," Morgana said.

Merlin jumped. "No, it did not. As I said."

Morgana scowled. "You didn't tell me he was going out to fight the creature as you promised."

Merlin turned to his sister. "Would you rather you had been warned and fretting for his life or that I got there in time and saved his life?"

Morgana rolled her eyes. "I care about you two." She said softly, looking into his eyes.

"I know," Merlin replied. "I do too."

Morgana smiled and scuffed the back of his head.

"Ow!"

"Sometimes you're too much of a lovable idiot."

"Hey! You messed my hair up!"

Morgana laughed at his disgruntled face. "It's always been a mess, Merlin."

"What has?"

And now Arthur was here too. Great.

"I just wanted to say, Merlin, thanks for saving my life back there."

Merlin gasped dramatically. "He's saying thank you! Hear that, Morgana? He's actually showing gratitude!"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "I always show gratitude."

Merlin and Morgana shared a look. Arthur groaned and walked on, muttering behind him, "Siblings."

Merlin smirked. Siblings indeed.

A/N: Sorry again for the lateness. I don't even have an excuse, it was just really slow going. Although one of the reasons may be because I got 'obsessed' (as my friends say) with a new character. I know it's really late, but I finally decided to watch The Avengers, and we all know who my favorite character is. The villain. Loki. Of course, it may be simply because I happened across a Loki youtube video and decided that it was worth watching lol. So some of the writing in this chapter may be influenced by that. (I wrote 'tis' and decided to keep it...I also made Arthur refer to Merlin as 'brother' because I'm getting...Loki vibes from Merlin? I don't know lol.

I know that Will isn't in here very much, but the only reason he is in here is because a) Merlin needs a manservant, and b) I needed an excuse for Merlin to go to places he can't as a prince. Sadly tho, to give a little hint about what's coming up, soon Will won't be in any more episodes. I could have used Will a lot more, but I decided not to because I want Merlin to be almost the same person he is in the tv series. I feel that in a lot of Prince Merlin stories, he becomes something he isn't, and that's why I still have Merlin seeing Gaius as a father figure, doing stupid things, and a healer. This is also why Merlin and Gwen are still going to be great friends. I know that according to Gwen's personality in the first season, it might be a little bit of a stretch to say that she just accepted Prince Merlin and is already best friends with him, so there will be moments when she's shy.

I also don't know when I decided that Merlin would be the youngest...but I did. Can you just imagine Arthur and Morgana fawning over baby Merlin?

(P.S. I feel like I just have to say, I don't believe in destiny. But in a world full of magic and dragons, well, destiny probably does exist in that world ;)

As always, thank you for reading, and enjoy your day/night!