You can't," said Gaius, staring at Merlin.

"Because I've never risked my life for Arthur before?" He tried to say it like it was a joke, but it wasn't very funny.

"It's too dangerous! We can find another way." Gaius's eyebrows were drawn together in a look of concern.

Merlin shook his head slightly, "I must Gaius; I'm the only one who has the power to defeat Morgana. I'll use the aging potion again, fight as Emrys."

Whenever magic is involved in a duel the rules change, you must fight for six minutes without your magic! I may have faith in you and your powers, but you cannot deny that Morgana is more skilled then you in the art of fighting with weapons. You were able to defeat her down in the tombs, but you used magic as well as swordsmanship to do it!"

"Not if I use Excalibur, with it I can stand on even ground with her," Merlin reasoned calmly.

"You don't have Excalibur!" exclaimed Gaius despairingly.

"Yes I do, when he is not using it Arthur keeps it in a locked chest under his bed. As his manservant it was simple enough to get it before we left. I thought it would be best to have it, just in case."

"You are certainly placing a lot of faith in one blade". Gaius snapped, uncharacteristically sharp.

Merlin sighed, "You know better than I do the powers which a sword forged in a dragon's breath possesses."

It was true, but Gaius refused to give in, "How do you know Gwen will even allow Emrys to fight as Camelot's champion?"

"Gwen isn't prideful or foolish. If I handle the situation right, she will see it's the only way." answered Merlin confidently.

There was nothing that he could say to stop him, and finally Gaius seemed to accept that. He sighed, defeated, "Sometimes when I see you I still see the young boy who came bumbling into my room. The boy who needed me."

Smiling at him Merlin shook his head slightly as though he didn't know how Gaius could think such a thing, "I do need you, I don't know how I could get by without you." he said sincerely, meaning every word.

Gaius looked at him searchingly, "Perhaps. I like to think so."

Merlin set one hand on his shoulder pleadingly, understanding how conflicted the old man must be feeling. Gaius knew just as well as he did that if Merlin fought then he might die, but it was the only way to save Camelot. To Gaius, they were equal in importance. "Gaius, I can't do this without you. Please, trust me." said Merlin softly.

Eventually Gaius nodded, "Very well."

Standing alone before Guinevere, Gaius pondered the best way to propose Merlin's plan without it sounding too much like treason, which it was. "My lady, we both know that no normal warrior can defeat Morgana. We simply have no way to match her power."

Guinevere closed her eyes despairingly, "What other option do we have? We cannot withdraw our challenge."

Speaking slowly Gaius picked his words carefully, "I know of an extremely powerful warlock, who I believe would be willing to help. Morgana fears him, as he is predicted to be her doom."

Gwen looked at him, and it was clear this was the last thing she had expected to hear, "What are you saying?"

"Only magic can fight magic at this level. We both know how powerful Morgana has become." Gaius replied, establishing the facts she initially might not want to believe.

At first Gwen's expression was conflicted, but then it changed to resolved- this was no time to be indecisive, "Who is this warlock?"

"His name is Emrys. He has fought to protect Camelot before, I am sure he will willingly do so again." said Gaius confidently.

"And how would we get word to this Emrys."

"I'm sure he already knows of our predicament, he is very wise." Gaius thought quickly, not having thought through how to explain that Emrys would know to come to a meeting, "It's been said that if you raise a blue flag with a black dragon on it in a time of great need, he will appear within the half hour."

Gwen looked doubtful, "Very well, but if he does not appear within a half hour then we will have to think of another plan. I am not saying yes to your idea Gaius, but I am willing to meet the Warlock and consider it."

"Thank you your highness." said Gaius, relieved she hadn't pressed him about how he knew so much about this Warlock. He had done all he could, the rest was up to Merlin.

Merlin looked at the blue flag with the black dragon and smirked to himself; trust Gaius to come up with such a ridiculous idea at moment's notice. Taking a deep breath he pushed his way into the council tent.

"Dragoon!" exclaimed both Percival and Gwaine, drawing their swords simultaneously at the sight of him.

"Yes, It is I!" He proclaimed dramatically as he raised his staff into the air, turning to grin at them and ignoring Gaius's exasperated look ". Although I have many names, and you will now address me as Emrys!" with this declaration he lowered his staff and turned to approach Gwen, who stilled the Knights with a look and small shake of her head. "My Lady" he said with a respectful bow, feeling the eyes of Gwaine and Percival still boring into his back. Hostility and distrust radiated off of them in waves, making it very clear that they hadn't forgotten the events of their last encounter.

Gwen frowned slightly, glancing at Gaius, "I know you. You're the sorcerer who was caught placing the charm under my pillow." There was no accusation or anger in her voice, more like puzzlement. A perfectly logical reaction.

"Ah yes-" He raised one finger, "but if hadn't been caught, you would be dead right now. It was Morgana who framed you with the first, but I who saved you with a second."

Gwen considered this statement doubtfully, "You don't expect me to believe that was your intention- to save my life."

He did his best to smile cryptically "I had my own reasons for wanting you alive."

"I don't suppose you would tell me those reasons." said Gwen, and it was more a statement rather than a question.

"No, I don't suppose I will." He said bluntly, then added hurriedly "My Lady."

"Show the Queen more respect you doddery old man!" barked Gwaine, taking a threatening step forward and raising his sword.

Merlin turned, but before he could snap a retort Gaius cleared his throat pointedly and he fell silent. Gaius was right of course, now was a very delicate moment and antagonizing the Knights wouldn't help his cause. So instead Merlin decided to ignore Gwaine completely, pointedly turning away from him. "We both know that no normal warrior has the skill to defeat Morgana, her magic is too powerful." He paused "If you would allow, I offer myself to you to fight as your champion."

Pausing, Gwen studied the old sorcerer, "Why should I? I may not share Uther or Arthur's feelings on magic, but I still have no reason to trust you."

He was ready for this question, "I am the only one who can defeat Morgana."

Gwen clasped her hands in front of her, not questioning this statement "What is it you would wish in return?"

He was ready for this as well and the answer came easily, "Nothing more than to show everyone that not all magic is the same." He looked at her sadly "I know all of you have suffered because of magic, and for that I am truly sorry. But magic, it comes in many forms. It does not have to be violent and harmful- It can be gentle and used to heal and protect others. But just like people without magic, there are going to be those who use their power for good and those who let it corrupt them". His hand tightened around his staff, voice suddenly passionate "But because of the laws, people who would use magic for good are too afraid to do so!" Merlin suddenly felt bone tired, shoulders drooping slightly, "All we want… is to be free."

Silence followed his words and he felt slightly embarrassed. It reminded him forcefully of what he had said to Arthur when he had sought Dragoon's assistance in healing his father. He was glad now that neither the Knights nor Gwen knew about that particular encounter. "I know that you cannot change the law without Arthur, but after I defeat Morgana, remember it was magic that saved Camelot. And consider what I have said." Merlin finished and bowed his head slightly, waiting for her answer.

It was a long minute before anybody said anything. Finally Gwen nodded, "Very well. I know the truth of your words. I promise you that if you are victorious, I will speak with Arthur. You seem very confident, why is that?"

"I cannot afford to lose. Whether I die as well is of no consequence." Merlin saw Gaius tense out of the corner of his eye and felt a pang of guilt.

"You would be willing to die in this fight?" asked Gwen, obviously puzzled.

Merlin nodded solemnly, "I believe in the future Arthur Pendragon will bring, it is his fate to become the greatest King Camelot has ever known. And if I die while eliminating the greatest threat to his destiny, then so be it."

He could feel the surprise of everybody in the room. It was quite an unexpected statement, and it was obvious that it was genuine. The thought that a sorcerer would be willing to die to protect those who would have him executed was stunning.

A faint smile ghosted her lips, "You sound a little like Merlin, with your talk of destiny and fate."

Merlin straightened up, "Ah yes, Merlin. Good looking boy. I found him quite endearing the few times I met him, though he's never given enough credit for everything he does for all of you. Where is he?"

Gwen looked at the Knights questioningly, but they only shrugged.

Gaius spoke up, clasping his hands in front of him "He is out collecting herbs for me."

"Still?" said Percival doubtfully

"They are quite rare," assured Gaius, "I suspect they won't be easy to find." Merlin almost smiled- you would never know Gaius could be such a good liar. It was almost frightening sometimes.

A thought occurred to Percival and he narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "And anyway, how do you know Merlin and when would you have met?"

Realizing his mistake Merlin hurried to correct himself. Raising his eyebrows he did his best to sound casual, "Did I say met?" He shook his head, "Oh no, I only caught a glimpse of him once in Camelot. What I really meant is that I've seen him many times in my-" Merlin paused for just a moment, thinking wildly, "-magic crystal."

"Your magic crystal." Repeated Gwaine slowly, a little suspiciously.

"Yes, my magic crystal." said Merlin, smiling mysteriously, "In fact I find all of you quite entertaining, what funny little lives you all have."

"Why would you be watching us?" said Percival.

Merlin looked at Percival as though it should be obvious, and that he was an idiot for not knowing, "I'm an old man living on his own in the middle of a forest, I do get bored."

"Well if you are not a spy, even if you do find us entertaining, there are plenty of other people you could watch!" accused Gwaine, but rather half heartedly. It was much harder to doubt the old Sorcerer now, but Gwaine had always been stubborn and held a grudge for their last humiliating encounter in the forest.

Merlin banged his staff on the ground, looking outraged "I do not need to answer to the likes of you!"

Gaius and Gwen shared an exasperated look that was slightly tinged with amusement, feeling very much like the only adults in the room.

"You will not be gagged, but the same rules as last time: you will not speak, you will not make a sound. If you do, we will cut out your tongue. Do you understand?"

Arthur stared at Queen Jezebel with open hostility, making it clear how he felt about the entire humiliating situation. He looked side to side at Leon and Elyan, and it was clear they were feeling much the same way.

"Personally I hope it's Gwaine." said Morgana playfully, "I've always loved to watch him dance."

Arthur looked at her, searching for some hint of who she used to be. He found nothing of the loving girl he once cared so much for, and it broke his heart.

Leaning against the ornate chair serving as Jezebel's throne Morgana looked at the entrance, obviously anticipating their arrival.

At last a guard held open the tent flap and Percival walked in, followed by Gwen and then Gwaine. This was all well and good, but Arthur didn't understand it when the old Sorcerer Dragoon the Great followed them.

He heard a sharp gasp and turned his head to see Morgana had taken a step back, staring at the old man in alarm "Emrys!" She hissed and he could hear the hate and unmistakable hint of fear in her voice. So, they had history.

"Morgana. I wish I could say it's a pleasure to see you again, but frankly, it's not." replied Dragoon cooly.

Gwen stood tall in front of them, avoiding looking at Arthur, "This is Camelot's champion, Emrys."

It was this that broke Arthur from his state of shock and confusion, and forgetting the fact he had been commanded to stay silent. "What is this!" he burst before he could stop himself, staring from Gwen to Dragoon the Great, who was now apparently now known as Emrys. What he wouldn't give to be able to speak to Gwen in private at this very moment. What in the world was she thinking! No that was it, she wasn't thinking.

Biting her lip for a moment Gwen finally looked at Arthur "Arthur, there is no other way. If we are to have a chance of winning we must fight magic with magic."

"Enough!" snapped Jezebel turning to Arthur for the first time since the others have arrived "You were instructed to remain silent!"

A guard kicked Arthur hard in the chest and it was all he could do not to cry out. He gritted his teeth in pain and fury, feeling so helpless. He was in control of absolutely nothing in this situation, and he hated it. He was confused when Emrys's weight shifted for just a moment, as though he was about to rush to Arthur's aid but stopped himself. Arthur's eyes drifted to Emrys's hand, clutching his staff so tightly that his knuckles were white. The longer he was around this old man the less he understood him, and that also infuriated him.

"You think bringing Emrys will assure your victory?" hissed Morgana, bringing Arthur's attention back to the conversation.

Emrys and Morgana regarded each other and everybody in the tent could feel the crackling tension and hostility between them. It was obvious that they knew each other; and that no love was lost between them.

Morgana took a step towards Emrys, speaking directly to him "I do not care what any prophecy may say Emrys, I will not lose to you. You have thwarted my attempts to take over Camelot for too long. Tomorrow we will settle this, once and for all."

"You cannot win Morgana."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because while you merely fight out of anger and spite; I fight to defend what I believe in."

Arthur frowned slightly, what was he playing at?

Walking up to Emrys Morgana leaned in till there was less than a foot between them, "You have no idea how much I am looking forwards to seeing your broken corpse laying at my feet. My only regret will be that you cannot watch me kill Arthur; slowly and painfully, his greatest protector gone. His blood as well as that of his loyal Knights will stain the ground at your feet, and there will be nothing you can do to stop it."

Gwen covered her mouth with one hand, closing her eyes. Arthur knew exactly how she felt: hearing those words coming from Morgana's mouth, spoken with such sincerity made him feel as though he wanted to be sick. What had happened to her, how could she feel so bitter? And what in the world did she mean when she said "his greatest protector no longer around to save him"?

Emrys remained unfazed by her tirade. Rather than sounding angry or contemptuous of her, he sounded sad: a stark contrast to Morgana's hate. "I'm sorry things have come to this. I blame myself for what you have become, but that does not mean I will hold back; you must be stopped."

Although it wasn't necessarily a violent statement Arthur noticed that for just a moment the fear returned to Morgana's face before vanishing again, "Emrys, the defender of Camelot: a traitor to his own kind." sneered Morgana.

"The one who has betrayed us is you, Morgana Pendragon."

"Enough." said Queen Jezebel sharply, though she looked rather amused by their exchange, "Save your arguments and threats for tomorrow while you fight to the death."

So ppl, what do you think of my Dragoon? Did I get him right?