"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions according to the statutes, customs, and laws laid down by your forebears?"

"I do, Sire."

Merylin stood to the side of the throne room as she watched Arthur go from Prince to Crown Prince of Camelot. Now, should Uther perish, Arthur is first in line for the throne. Arthur has told Merylin that should he perish before he was wed or had an heir of any kind, Morgana will be his successor. He has not told her yet, but he will when the time comes for him to be king.

"Now, being of age and heir apparent, from henceforth, you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot." Uther declared, placing a circlet on his son's head.

Arthur rose from his kneeling position and faced the crowd as the room roared in applause. His eyes met hers and he nodded with a small smile. She giggled before Gwen bumped her with her hip.

"So, how does it feel to be the servant to the Crown Prince of Camelot?" She asked.

"Well," Merylin smiled, "any command he gives me now is considered very important. Like, washing his socks."

"You're proud of him." Merylin chuckled. "Even though you complain about him constantly."

"I am not." Gwen gave her a look. "Okay, maybe a little."

The two laughed at their reactions but were brought out of the mood when one of the windows shattered. Coming through the broken glass was a knight in black armor riding a horse, intimidating to say the least. Merylin became worried when the knight removed his gaunlet to throw it down in front of Arthur. Arthur sheathes the sword he had drawn to pick it up, but another knight picked it up.

"I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge."

"Single combat. Noon tomorrow." The knight's voice was deep. "Till the death."

The knight rode out the way he came while leaving the worry to fill the room.

Merylin walked around the physician's room, asking question after question about what had happened in the throne room.

"Come on, Gaius," she pleaded, handing him some dried marigold petals, "you've been around Camelot longer than me. Have you ever seen this Black Knight before?"

"I don't believe so." He said, motioning to the mortar. "Ground those for me, please."

"You didn't recognize his crest?" She started to grind the petals as he looked confused. "Which house is it?" He shrugged. "I mean, he's not someone you'd forget in a hurry? I've only seen Arthur be that dramatic." Both chuckled as Gaius started to heat the new potion. "Do you think he's from around here?"

"More than likely not. He wasn't wearing the colors of anyone near Camelot."

"What's he doing here then?" She set down the powdered-petals and went to take her belongings.

"Merlin, your faith in my all-seeing knowledge is both touching and wholly misplaced. Maybe if you've finished your work, you could go to bed and leave me to finish mine." He snapped, but somewhat jokingly.

"Okay, okay," Merylin laughed, heading to the door, "I'm gone." She stopped and looked back at him. "Do you think Owain can beat him?"

"We'll find out soon enough."

Merylin spent the next day helping the other servants arrange the arena. Placing cushions on the royal seats, the drinks for them, bandages and cloth for whichever opponent falls first, the works.

"Clarissa," Merylin called from the royals' stand, "have you seen the cloth that's used as a shade? I can't seem to find it."

"You know," started said servant, "I haven't seen it since the last tournament."

"That was nearly a year ago!" The young girl sighed. "I'll get it. You continue your business." Clarissa chuckled at her actions but allowed her to run off. "Shut it!"

Merylin ran back to the castle to dig through old tapestries and tablecloths to attempt to find the cover. After spending nearly an hour and falling into a fabric burrow repeatedly, she found what she needed.

The required piece covered her line of sight. Which means that she is subject to trip and/or run into anything at any time, and that time is now. Now, anyone looking on would just see this mound of fabric and a body falling down some stairs. She doesn't know how long she tumbled, but she found herself in someone's arms, saving her from injuring her head.

"Really, Merylin?" Lancelot chuckled, righting her up. "Only you could trip and fall into someone's arms."

"Thank you, Lance." Merylin huffed, fixing her work clothes. "What are you doing in here? I thought you were to go with Leon to the next town over."

"Uther delayed us due to the challenge. He wants us on stand-by to keep Arthur from fighting."

"I get what you're saying. Uther practically stopped him from taking the challenge at his coronation." She sighed and gathered up the cloth. "Help me take this to the field."

Lancelot nodded and gathered the material. He walked her out to the field, aiding in placing the shade above the royals' seats.

"Thank you for the assistance, Sir Lancelot," Merylin said, with a bow. He was confused. "We're out in the public. Kristen will have my head if I don't treat you as such."

"Well then," he sighed, "you're welcome." He nodded and made his way out of the arena.

Merylin left as well. Arthur would be wondering where she was, and possibly yell her for being late. Even though he told her do not show until one hour before the fight.

"Merylin, a word." Arthur pulled her aside before Owain made his way to the arena.

"What's up?" She asked.

"I want you to take this." He handed her a scroll. "Something about the knight's crest felt familiar, but I didn't think about it. Go to the records and find who had it. I need to know."

"Of course, but how do I get around, Geoffrey? He hates when I'm in there."

"Yes, because you make a mess of things."

"Hey, your room is the cleanest it's been in weeks." She defended.

Merylin stood behind Arthur before everything started, filling his goblet when necessary. The crowd has grown exponentially in the few minutes the arena has been opened.

"How well do you know Sir Owain's fighting style?" She asked as Morgana sat next to Arthur. "Morning Morgana." The Lady nodded in greeting.

"Owain is one the most promising knights that came out of his group, if not the most talented." The Black Knight entered the arena followed by Owain, Morgana's favour tied to his arm. Arthur stands and Merylin steps back. "The fight shall be to the knight's rule! To the death!" He takes a seat. "Begin!"

While everyone watched the swords clash, Merylin watched the footwork of the unknown knight. He wasn't moving as much as Owain, meaning he was heavy on his feet. This should be an easy win for Owain, but the bad feeling her gut wouldn't go away.

The crowd cheered as Owain impaled his sword into the knight's gut, expecting a victory. Yet, the challenger kept fighting. How was he still fighting? With the angle the sword entered, it would have passed through his lower abdomen and through the heart. Merylin, now, had a suspicion of what this knight may be. She went to tell Arthur to prepare a funeral for Owain, but she was too late. The young knight had been run through, Morgana's favor fluttering in the wind as he fell.

A gauntlet was thrown down. He was challenging again.

"Who will take up my challenge?" His voice echoed. Another young knight took up the gauntlet as Merylin and Uther held Arthur back. "At sunrise, to the death."

"Mystery man's a wraith, isn't he?" Merylin asked as she entered Gaius chambers.

"Why are you here, it's halfway to morning?" Gaius asked, ignoring her question. "You moved back to Arthur's antechamber two days ago."

"The Black Knight. He should've died." Leaning on the table, she started to speak in starined tone. "Don't try to lie to me, Gaius. I've been reading the book, and it mentioned wraiths. They don't die until their task is complete or stronger magic kills them. Now, you're going to sit down and explain. Who in the name of Camelot is Tristan de Bois, and why is he targeting Arthur?"

Merylin knows she shouldn't be demanding him, but the man she (still) loves is in danger of getting murdered (again).

"Might as well. Have a seat." Gaius blew out most of the candles he was using, knowing that Merylin's emotion may affect the size of the flame. "Tristan de Bois was the brother of Ygraine, Uther's wife. She died giving birth to Arthur, and he blamed Uther. He challenged him, but lost. With his dying breath, he cursed Camelot to suffer his return one day."

"My guess is that it wasn't just the ramblings of a dying man?"

"It seems so."

"And nothing can kill them..." She sighed. "Things do not look good for Camelot."

Another day. Another knight dead.

Yet what no one could accept was Arthur challenging Tristan. He had just been named Crown Prince, and Morgana hadn't taken any precautionary lessons in case Arthur was going to do something as stupid as this.

Merylin didn't know what to do. Tomorrow might be Arthur's last day if things don't lean towards Arthur's favor.

"Are you an idiot?" Merylin asked as she brought him his dinner.

"Shut up." He stated as she set down the tray. "Why do you care anyway?"

"I wouldn't care so much because I know you're an amazing fighter. But after seeing two of the best recruits die after dealing fatal blows to their opponent, I'm gonna worry." Sighing, she went around and kneeled next to his chair. "Arthur," she breathed, "I just got over what happened with Sophia. My heart still loves you, and if I have to watch you die, I don't I could take it."

"You could just bring me back." He ate a bite of his chicken.

"It doesn't work like that." Taking his hand in hers, she placed it on her cheek. "You should know that."

She sat in Gaius's chamber pouring through page after page of her book to figure out a way to save Arthur. The dog from the Valiant event had become one of Arthur's hunting dogs but took a liking to Merylin. When he wasn't needed, he was allowed to be with her and was resting at her feet.

"Eat," Gaius commanded, placing a plate of food in front of her. "You'll drive yourself mad like this. You too, Darnell." The dog hopped on Merylin's knees, in hopes of getting scraps. "You have your own, young man."

"Gaius, he's still a baby. Leave him be." She cooed, feeding Darnell a piece of chicken before sighing. Darnell tilted his head. "This thing can't be killed by any mortal weapon, what do I do? What do you think, baby?" The dog nudged the book. "Yes, I know I might have to use magic, but the exact spell is escaping me."

"Have you spoken with Arthur about this?" The girl looked over at her guardian, who was pouring over more books to find something. "After the air became clear between you two, this should be a matter to discuss."

"I would've if he didn't kick me out and went to bed." Slightly bitter, she took a bite of her meal. "I try and help him, but his pride seems to be more important than his life."

"Well then, wake him up." Merylin scoffed. "Tomorrow might be his last duel ever and you're acting like children." She groaned and stopped eating. "I know that your recent lover's quarrel didn't end on the best terms, and you're still trying, but this is a matter of life and death. Specifically, Arthur's."

Darnell and Merylin looked at each other, seemingly exchanging thoughts. He left her side and went to the door, tugging the rope on the handle and signaling he wanted out.

"Destiny calls." She sighed, leaving the remainder of her meal. "Good night, Gaius."

Merylin couldn't sleep, no matter how hard she tried. She needed to figure out how to save Arthur without arousing suspicion. Staring at the ceiling, she heard Darnell breathing next to her. Jumping out of bed, she decided to head down to the Hall of Records. There had to be some accounts from when magic was allowed in the kingdom of certain cases.

Pouring over old records from twenty years ago, Merylin couldn't find anything. She was starting to get a bit antsy. It was probably past midnight, but she couldn't sleep while Arthur's life was at stake.

"How'd you get in here?" A voice said from behind her, making her jump and drop the scroll she was holding. "Sorry, dear."

"It's okay, Geoffrey, you just scared me." She chuckled.

"I can see that." The older man smiled. "What are you doing here so late at night?"

"I had a nightmare, and Gaius couldn't make note of what it meant." She sighed, faking her peril. "When I described it, he said that Arthur could be in danger."

"Tell me your dream. Perhaps I can help." Geoffrey said, having her sit on a bench next to him.

"Well," she started, setting her hands in her lap. "I was standing off to the side as I have been for the past few battles, watching Arthur fight. The crowd cheered as he dealt the opponent a blow to the gut, but it went silent as the opponent didn't fall. Instead, he took his own sword and killed Arthur. He should've been dead. Arthur stabbed him, and he didn't die." Merylin looked up at Geoffrey. "What could this mean?"

"I believe you had a dream of a wraith. They are humans raised from the dead to enact vengeance or any other unfinished they may have. They can only be destroyed by a weapon of magic, though no one has seen any in twenty years." The bookkeeper explained. "Why would have dreams like this suddenly? No one has ever come to research magic beings, even in dream form, since the Great Purge."

"I don't know Geoffrey. Why do you think I came down here?" Sighing, she stood up and patted his shoulder before heading out of the hall. "Good night."

"Good night, dear. Sleep well."

Returning to her room, Darnell came to greet her and walked her to the bed before jumping up to join her. Her mind was running a mile a minute, but her body was too exhausted from worry that she just fell asleep with her dog curled into her side.

Arthur stood in his room as he thought over the fight tomorrow afternoon, looking over at the door that connected to Merylin's room. He shouldn't be thinking so much about this as he knew Merylin would figure out something to do. Ever since he overheard her talking to Lancelot, he wanted to know more about all she could do. He never saw magic as evil, just misguided, even when they met. The woman just wanted justice for her son but went about it the wrong way.

Blowing out his candle, he dressed for bed and started to head for his own, yet he found himself opening the door to Merylin's room and laying down next to her. She turned and settled against his chest.

"Hey." She whispered, her voice groggy. "Are you okay?"

"As well as I can be." Arthur replied, kissing her head. "Any luck on saving my life?"

"Close. I just wish I had more time."

She fell back asleep in Arthur's arms as Darnell moved his head to rest on her hip, looking at the prince. He gave the dog a pat and fell asleep with his witch in his arms.

Her mind woke her up again as visions swam in her head. Unwinding herself from Arthur's grip, Merylin left the room and headed into the market. The sun was halfway into the sky as she greeted everyone who passed. Knocking on the blacksmith's door, she smiled as Gwen opened the door.

"Good morning, Merylin," she said, letting the girl inside. "What can I help you with?"

"I need a sword." The witch's words shocked the blacksmith's daughter. "It's for Arthur. His sword is beyond repair, but he won't let me bring it here to get fixed. I just need a really good one for this afternoon's battle."

Gwen looked inside and told her to wait outside. It took a minute, but she returned with a sword wrapped in cloth.

"This is the strongest sword my father has ever made. He is very proud of it, but I think he would be very honored for Arthur to fight with it."

Thanking her, she headed back to the castle and went down to meet the Dragon. Stepping into the cave, she called out for the Dragon and settled on the cliff as he settled in front of her.

"Ah, the young witch, what brings you to my company?" He spotted the sword in her hand. "For what purpose, have you brought a sword into my presence?"

"It's to do with Arthur. His life's in danger. He will die unless I can make a weapon that will kill the dead." Merylin unwrapped the sword and held it up to him. "Will you burnish it, to save Arthur?"

"The dead do not return without reason. Who has he come for?"

"The returned is Tristan Du Bois, brother of the late Ygraine Pendragon. He may be fighting Arthur, but I believe he has truly come for Uther."

"Then let him take his vengeance and the wraith will die without my aid." Merylin looked at him in disbelief. "Your destiny is for you to follow, not me. Should I brandish the sword, a weapon forged by my breath will have great power." She held up the sword again, insisting that he help, earning a sigh. "Just know that in the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and Arthur alone."

"I understand, and I promise." The Dragon came closer to her and breathed upon the sword. It glowed within the fire, reflecting in her eyes.

"Heed my words." He said as the sword was finished. "The sword was forged for Arthur and Arthur alone."

With the sword wrapped in hand, she walked back to Arthur's room but was stopped by Uther.

"You there. What are you doing with that sword?" He asked.

"I'm delivering this to Arthur, for the duel today." She explained, holding the sword tighter.

"That won't be necessary. I will be taking his place today." Uther reached for the sword. "Hand me the sword."

"With all do respect, sir," Merylin said, pulling the sword closer to herself, "if you are taking up the duel, you should fight with your own blade. Now, if you'll excuse me."

She rushed away from the King, not noticing the offended look on his face. Entering Arthur's room, the Prince was standing by the window. He was studying the quiet, dark knight that waited in the courtyard.

"Hey, you." She whispered, setting the sword on his desk and walking over to him. "What are you thinking about?"

"How to approach this," Arthur answered, smiling as she wrapped her arms around him. He felt her grip him just a bit tighter. "Everything okay?"

"Your father will try to take your place in the fight today." His head turned to look at her, her arms falling from his side. "If you really want to fight him, I suggest you head down early to avoid him locking you in here."

Taking her word, Arthur left her side and saw the sword on his desk. Lifting it, he tested the weight and was satisfied with it.

"Where did you get this?" He asked her, swinging it around a bit. "It's absolutely perfect."

"Your sword was too dull beyond repair. I had to run to the blacksmith's early this morning." She explained, feeling glad that he was pleased with it. "Thankfully, he had one ready."

"Lucky for that." Wrapping it back in the cloth, he held out his arm to Merylin. "Come on, let's go get ready before my father can drug me or lock me in here." Before leaving, she untied her neckerchief and handed it to him. "What's this for?"

"I know I'm not a noblewoman or anything, but I want you to take it as a favor." She held his hand tight as he took it. "It lets me know that you'll come back to me." The prince tried to speak. "Arthur, we've gone through too much for me to lose you now. Just take it with no objection. Please."

Arthur kissed her forehead as he handed her his ring. She looked surprised as he placed it in her palm. The ring should be going to Morgana if he perished as she would be the next in line for the throne. This showed Merylin how much he trusted her and loved her.

With a gentle smile, she kissed him one more time and picked up his helmet before walking out to the field.

Merylin stood behind Arthur's empty chair with Lancelot beside her. He was reassuring her that everything would be fine.

"I can't protect him from here and he knows that." She mumbled to the knight. "Sometimes I regret letting him know the full truth." She watched as Uther and Morgana sat down, sending a small smile to the King's Ward and earning a look from the King.

"Yeah, placing you behind the main oppressor of your abilities to prevent you from intervening," Lancelot mumbled down to her. "How rude."

The crowd grew quiet as the Black Knight stepped onto the field, pausing in the center. Merylin's eyes were drawn to Arthur as he started to walk in, smiling as the crowd applauded. She smiled, seeing her favor wrapped around his hand. As he stopped next to the knight, Arthur held the hand over his heart, a greeting to everyone but a signal to her.

Uther stands with a sigh, speaking to the two. Merylin could see his heart weighing him. He's already lost one family member, she couldn't imagine losing another after so much heartbreak. He throws down his hand to signal them to begin. Arthur put on his helmet and readied himself for the first blow.

The knight makes the first move, striking at the prince. It was blocked and Arthur rolled out of the way. It feels like an endless back and forth, making Merylin's heartbeat pound with each clash. She could feel her magic start to burn in her fingertips, wanting to protect him, but she knew that he could do it.

Arthur ended up knocking off the knight's helmet, revealing a mummified and decaying face. Various gasps of shock move through the crowd, and Uther stands up once more. The Undead Tristan De Bois knocks the sword out of Arthur's hand during this moment of shock and knocks him to the ground. He goes for the kill but is stopped by a shield. The sword is embedded, and it gives Arthur time to reach his sword and thrust it into the wraith's chest. It dissolves into dust, blowing away with the wind and leaving the Prince unharmed.

Eveything was silent as he stood up, looking around before his eyes rested on Merylin. Her hands were covering her mouth as tears of relief were close to pouring. Lancelot had his arm around her, comforting her. The cheers start almost immediately as he looked away from her. He kissed her favor and thrust his fist into the air, hearing the cheers grow louder. The Prince of Camelot lives another day.

Merylin sat in Arthur's chambers as he cleaned up behind the curtain, folding the clothes that were fresh from the laundry. He smiled as he listened to her hum, realizing that it was how she kept her mind busy.

Once he was dressed, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He just watched as she folded the last pieces of cloth, just enjoying the moment. Smiling to herself, Merylin looked at the arms around her waist and sees her favor still around his hand. She places one of her own hands on it, brushing her hand over the exposed skin.

"I was worried for you." She admitted, placing the last one on the bed. "Though I don't think I could have worried as much your father, I think he was close to heartattack."

"Please don't give me that talk," Arthur whined, placing his lips against her shoulder. "Morgana gave me almost the same speech before the match."

"Oh good. You don't have just one, but two nagging females in your life." She chuckled. "No feast tonight, right?" Arthur nodded. "Good. You wanna come down with me?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I mean, he did make your sword able to kill your opponent." He mumbled an agreement. "We'll go after sundown. Having you there will make getting by the guards a whole lot easier."

Arthur kept his arms around her as she turned around. He placed a kiss on her nose, smiling at her small laugh. He observed every freckle on her face, the crinkles her eyes made when she smiled, and the ever flowing magic in her eyes. He's still amazed that she trusted him enough to tell the truth. He could still remember the day it all came to light.

It was just after Lancelot's knighting ceremony when he found the guest of honor and Merylin speaking in the hall. Arthur didn't want to interrupt, so he just waited and listened.

"So, how does it feel? Being a knight?"

"It feels good, and what about you? Did you tell them that it was actually you?"

"Lance, they wouldn't believe I killed the beast. Camelot has not changed since we last met. Magic will not be accepted any time soon." Magic? Why would they be speaking of magic? He wondered. "Alright. You enjoy your feast. I have to go and prepare Arthur's nightly routine before I go and head to bed myself."

"You sleep well, dear." Lancelot said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before walking off.

Merylin stood in the hall for a moment, looking out the window to the courtyard. Arthur carefully moved up next to her, not even thinking about what he said next.

"So," he started, "which one of you used magic to save the kingdom?" Merylin froze, realizing what had been asked. She tried to stutter out an answer. "Don't try me, Merylin. I know what I heard." He placed his hands on her arms. "Did you save the kingdom and let Lancelot take credit for it?" She nodded, knowing all to well that this wasn't an argument she could win. Taking a breath, he continued to speak. "I'm going to tell my father that I am to retire early tonight and you are going to tell me everything."

"Wait," she said as he began to walk away, "you're not turning me in?"

"Why would I turn you in?"

"Magic's illegal, Arthur." Merylin explained, carefully taking his hand. "On my first day here, your father executed a man because of an accusation of sorcerery. He hates magic and will do anything to eradicate it. What's stopping you from following a law of Camelot?"

Arthur didn't respond, just leaving to return to the banquet hall. Merylin felt tears well up in her eyes, feeling as if she was on death's row. Until Arthur exited once more and took her by the arm, walking her to his room. He shut the door behind them and sat her on his bed, kneeling in front of her.

"I want you to tell me everything. From the moment you arrived in Camelot to now, I want to know why you don't feel safe in the place that's become your home." Arthur said, taking her hands into his. "I'm the future king of Camelot, and if my people don't feel safe, if my heart doesn't feel safe, what kind of king am I?"

Merylin let out a tear-filled chuckle and, slowly, started to tell her tale.

"Come on!" She smiled, casting a small fire spell to light the torch. "He won't bite."

Arthur followed Meryling through the tunnel, feeling a cold wind brush past. He takes her hand and stays at her side. The two exit onto the clearing, looking out at the empty cave in front of them. The beating of wings echoes through as Kilgarrah comes to rest in front of them.

"I did not expect to meet the young Pendragon so soon." He says, his voice speaking with care as Arthur waves. "Welcome."

"Thank you." The Prince responds as the witch bumps his shoulder. "Um...I wanted to thank you for the sword. Merylin says that it was the only thing that could've killed my opponent."

"That it was, but you have not discarded the gift, have you?" Arthur shook his head no. "Very good. Do not lose that sword Arthur. That sword was forged for you and you alone, forged for the Once and Future King of Albion. It is not meant to be wielded by no other. Not even the Young Witch beside you is not meant to wield it." She nodded when he looked at her.

"A sword forged in a dragon's breath is a powerful weapon," Arthur started, "it is not one I will carry lightly into battle. I promise you that it shall never be wielded by another."

"That is a promise that cannot be guaranteed, but can be attempted," Kilgarrah said. "Though I will allow that it be wielded by your other half." He gestured to Merylin. "She is the part you are missing, the other side of your coin, who your destiny is tied to." Arthur squeezed her hand, and she looked at him with a smile. "The two of you could not exist without the other."

Merylin squeezed his hand once again, knowing that by introducing Arthur to Kilgarrah would kickstart the start of a whole new chapter for her as well as many magic users.

/Hey everyone! Long time, no post!

/I just wanted to give you all an update. The story is mostly going to be over on AO3 as well as the first seven(?) chapters are being rewritten. I knew where I want the story to go and I'm just not happy with how they turned out. So, please be aware that the first few sets of chapters will be getting a makeover.