Valiant (Merlin)

Chapter 1

Merlin whispered to Arthur, "Sir Ewan is dead." 

"What?" Arthur sneered quietly. 

Uther boomed, "I'm waiting." Merlin watched from the side lines with Gaius. He had been so close to catching out Knight Valiant from his use of magic in the tournament. Ewan's death had made things so much more difficult and made Arthur's survival even more unlikely. 

"Sir Ewan is dead, my lord." 

"So, you have no proof of Valiant using magic." 

Arthur was flustered. He hated his father accusing him of doing such a thing. Uther probably thought he was scared to fight, wanting to withdraw from the tournament, but Arthur would never do something so cowardly, especially in front of his father. "Merlin told me, and I trust Merlin to tell me the truth." 

"Guards, take the serving boy away. He is clearly telling lies. He has no right to spread lies about a knight in this way." Guards stomped up to Merlin, who was petrified though tried to keep a straight face and started to drag him towards the doors. Suddenly, Valiant spoke up. "Wait." The guards promptly let go of Merlin, who rubbed his arms which were sore from the guards' tight grip. "The boy simply made a mistake. Do not punish him. I will have a word with him in private in my chambers." Gaius looked over at Merlin worriedly, but Merlin tried not to look fearful.

Arthur, however, was deeply embarrassed. How dare Merlin make him look such a fool in front of his father, in front of his knights, the court? Arthur thought that Uther was so disappointed in him, wanting to drop out of the tournament. Uther did not speak to Arthur, didn't even look at him, simply said, "Court is dismissed." Arthur stormed out of the throne room, Merlin trudging along behind him.

Outside in the hallway as Merlin nervously waited for the appearance of Valiant, Arthur approached him. "How dare you, Merlin? You have made me look like a coward in front of everyone!" 

"Bu-" Merlin sputtered.

"No buts. You can leave. I will look for another servant, one I can trust, one who won't embarrass me. I thought I could trust you, but it seems not." 

Merlin was lost for words. He was heartbroken, how he was dismissed so easily, especially when he knew he was right. He turned away, before muttering, "Be careful."