Story Behind the Scars

Valiant

Merlin allows the Knights to rest for an hour before standing up. "Come on. We should start the next memory. Or else we'll be here for the rest of our lives." This gains a mixed response from the knights. Most stand up quickly, either rested or eager to find out more about what Merlin has done for them. Gwaine and Arthur however, neither of them ones who enjoy waking up, groan and sit up to stare at their friends who are already up and about. 

"10 more minutes." 

Merlin sighs and stares at his friends before causing their blankets to fly off of them. He has already put the fire out so the sudden coldness hits them quickly and they roll out of their beds. "I call shenanigans Merlin. You can't use your magic against us." 

Merlin scoffs loudly. "Ah right yeah. I forgot." 

He stares at them for a second longer before making it rain above them. "Merlin!" 

Merlin stares at them before joining in with the Knights laughter. "I'll dry you off when you get up. Until then you can sit there and soak." 

They both grumble loudly at the unfairness. "Why is that Merlin, the most manipulative out of all of us has magic?" 

Merlin laughs softly but holds up his promise and dries them off when they both stand up. "Come on you two." They nod slowly before joining the others at the front of the cave. When they get there, Merlin starts the next memory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the memory starts it shows Valiant walking through a dimly lit market towards one of the vendors. "I understand you have a shield for me." The vendor gestures towards the other side of his stall and walks away, Valiant follows after a few seconds. 

The vendor picks up the shield, it's a pale yellow adorned with three green snakes. "With your sword craft and this shield, I guarantee you will win." 

Valiant gives a nod in the shields direction. "Show me how it works." 

The vendor replies quickly. "Certainly." He turns to look at the shield he's holding. "Tharinna imbicentra. Orpha hormanace doll." The snakes hiss violently as they come to life. "When you're competing in the tournament, you pin your opponent under the shield. A snake strikes--" He pinches his fingers together and throws his hand out towards Valiant. "Your opponent will be paralysed." Valiant takes the shield from him, the snakes still alive and hissing. "The snakes are now under your command. They will do anything that you tell them to do." 

Valiant doesn't lift his eyes from the snakes. "Anything?" 

The vendor confirms it. "Just say the word." The two men start laughing slightly. Valiant finally removing his attention from the snakes. However his smile drops and his laugh quickly recedes. 

"Kill him."

 The vendors smile drops and he looks back down to the shield as one of the snake jumps for his throat. Valiant gives a satisfied nod before turning around and leaving the market. 

Next thing the group saw was Valiant riding a pitch black horse, in chain mail riding into Camelot. He places his helmet down before the squire. "Knight Valiant of the Western Isles. I'm here for the tournament." 

He throws his insignia onto the book the squire was writing in. "Welcome to Camelot." Valiant nods again as the squire writes down his name.

~~

"Is this really the first time you saved my life after that woman?" 

Merlin nods his head. "It is. And my God was it a pain to do. You barely listen to reason now but for the love of magic it was impossible then."