Merlin's magic (Oneshots) 1

the servant's tournament

"How can one man be so stupid!"
If this sentence didn't refer to Arthur Pendragon, then it would most likely describe his father.
And in this context -
Well let's just say there was only one person who would talk this ill about the king and get away with it without being put in the stocks.

Arthur Pendragon was mad. Horribly mad. He was pacing and cursing his father.
Because really?

"It has come to my attention that the biggest threats manage to invade our castle and disguise themselves. They knock out our servants and choose their faces as masks.
They outsmart us. Which is why we must be on our guards.
I want to be certain that our servants can defend themselves. And the royals they serve.
Especially my son. Which is why I have decided that in one month there will be held a tournament. Anyone who wishes to serve prince Arthur shall participate.
The winner will be rewarded with the position of his personal manservant."

And how stupid was that? The weaker a servant was the better! Arthur thought. Because the servants are the ones that bring them food, that take care of their weapons and so on.
A strong servant was a bigger threat to Arthur than someone like- well - Merlin.

Merlin had been in his service for years now. He may not be the best servant, or the strongest ally or the best choice to take him on hunts. But damn the guy was loyal and protective of him and Arthur trusted no man as much as he trusted him.
But no! His father decided a trustworthy servant wasn't enough. No! He needed one who could actually protect Arthur! One who could also hurt him, mind you.

Like Arthur needed any protection. He slept with his sword at his side for gods sake.
And Merlin guarded him like a watch dog. Merlin's clumsiness was somehow connected to fate even, because whenever something was happening, Merlin stumbled upon it. Always telling Arthur what was going in the castle.
Arthur may not have trusted him at first, but with time, Merlin's predictions almost always came to pass. And Arthur came to trust him.
Obviously, king Uther wouldn't see to reason, when Arthur tried to explain this to him.
Because apparently, servants were not capable of loyalty. That was a trait reserved for knights and royals only.

He waved it off as superstition and Arthur being too soft and that it was stupid that Arthur would be so fond of a mere servant and he should be lucky he would soon get someone more - suitable.
But honestly?
Arthur didn't get how someone with sword skills would be more efficient in serving than someone who had actually learned the act of serving.
(Alright, it was a long progress teaching Merlin everything he needed to know - but damn, should all that effort go to waste now?)

Arthur groaned, as he kept pacing in front of the fire.

One month. Merlin had one month to prepare himself for battle. It was ridiculous really.
Fighting was something you learned in years of training and Merlin had always rejected Arthur's offers to teach him basic self defense. In one month he could never catch up to become passable at fighting.
That is - if Merlin would bother enough to even participate. After all it was voluntary. Merlin despised fighting. Plus - maybe he would be happy about - well - not serving Arthur? After all - Merlin never seemed overly excited about his chores.
And was never given a choice to begin with... He was just put into this position. What if he would be thankful to leave the job to someone else?

Arthur shook his head. Eyes widening at the realization. He had to convince Merlin to participate! He was his friend. Or the closest to a friend he ever had.
He needed him to participate. And he needed him to win this tournament! Merlin. Of all people. Arthur groaned once more. Just his luck.

Oh yeah, now that he was mentioning it - where was Merlin anyway?
Shouldn't he be back with the fire wood by now? Or was he relaxing before he could give up his job and live the rest of his life as Gaius apprentice?