Valiant (Merlin)

Chapter 4

Merlin stood on the side lines, watching as Arthur headed out to meet Valiant. The crowd cheered, but Morgana, Gaius, Gwen, Merlin, and Arthur were all straight faced, fearful of the event that was about to unfurl. Arthur looked around and locked eyes with Merlin, who gave him a small smile. Arthur nodded back gratefully. Gaius came up behind Merlin, asking, "did you find anything?" 

"Maybe. I just hope it works."

"Just try not to reveal your magic, Merlin," he whispered. "You don't want to put your life at risk as well as Arthur's." 

Merlin replied solemnly, "I know. But Arthur's destiny is my responsibility."
Arthur faced Valiant, who stood too confidently, though the crowd hadn't noticed. They just saw it as entertainment, but to Arthur, it was a matter of life and death. He slipped his helmet on, Valiant doing the same, and prepared his sword. Swords poised, angled at each other. Uther raised his hand. The tournament began.

The crowd fell silent as the sound of the swords crashing against each other echoed through the air. Merlin watched from the side lines nervously, but it seemed that Arthur had control of the fight. Arthur was unleashing all his strength and anger on Valiant, who struggled to push past it. Suddenly, Valiant was knocked to the ground, sword flying through the air. Arthur stood poised; sword angled at the heart. 

Then, Valiant swung out his leg, knocking Arthur down. A lousy move. Arthur fell with a yell, clutching his ankle. Merlin gasped. Arthur couldn't fight back as his ankle was sprained, possibly broken. As Valiant started to stand up, Gaius gave Merlin a little nod, and Merlin knew what he had to do. He had to use magic.