Valiant (Merlin)

Chapter 3

Merlin had spent over an hour flicking through the pages of the spell books, looking for anything he could do to stop Valiant from killing Arthur. It seemed there was nothing. Maybe Gaius was right, maybe this was something he couldn't control. He should have gone to the Dragon for advice, but he knew he would just give him a confusing riddle and Merlin didn't have time for that.

 Suddenly, Merlin's mind flashed back to Valiant summoning the snakes, and an idea formed. Merlin flicked through the pages of the book in his hands, until he got to the page with the spell he needed. He read through it, over and over, memorising it in his mind. He wished he could practice, make sure he knew the spell properly, but he didn't have time. He had to get over the tournament fast. Hopefully, the spell would work if he needed it to.

Meanwhile, Arthur was preparing. A new servant, one of the kitchen staff, was doing up the armour in silence. Strangely, he was missing Merlin's constant babbling and fumbling. He did regret sacking Merlin. He didn't blame Merlin, but he was so angry and humiliated out there in front of the royal court. Arthur believed what Merlin said, but no one else did, so he had to go and fight out there. His heart was racing, as he knew he was probably going to die out there, but he tried to keep a steady mind. A steady mind means a steady sword, he reminded himself. It's what Uther had taught him all those years ago.

Suddenly, he heard a knock at the door. "Come in," he called. A guard walked in, bowing. "The tournament is about to begin, sire," he said. "I have been told to escort you to the arena." Arthur simply nodded, for his throat was dry and speechless with nerves. He picked up his sword, slid it smoothly into the sheath, and headed out to meet his doom.