The Arrival of Honour:

Two days after Merlin was cured, Morgana entered the physician's chambers under the pretence of fetching her sleeping draught. In reality the lady actually wanted to speak with Merlin about the strange light that had appeared when they were in the caves. Arthur was refusing to acknowledge that this had occurred. Merlin had no idea what light she was talking about but Gaius seemed to be rather shocked when she had finished explaining what had happened that day.

"Why do you look so astounded, Gaius?" Lady Morgana asked, noticing the old man's amazement.

"I thought it was the fever" murmured the physician. Merlin and Lady Morgana gave each other an 'I have no idea what he's talking about' look. Gaius noticed the shared expression.

"I had to send Gwen out of the room as Merlin was muttering in the language of the old religion. It wasn't any spell that I've ever heard though. I thought Merlin was just muttering nonsense. Then this small ball of blue light, streaked with gold, appeared in Merlin's hand. It would seem Merlin was protecting the prince even whilst dying many miles away" the physician explained to his ward and his favourite patient. Now it was Morgana's turn to look shocked. Emrys wasn't exactly surprised – he was magic incarnate after all.

Merlin was confined to his bed for two weeks after his poisoning and found the experience rather boring. Emrys knew that he was perfectly well and he told Gaius so many many times but Gaius just would not listen to the warlock. When he was finally allowed out of bed, Merlin was sent by the physician to pick herbs that Gaius was running out of.

Whilst he was picking herbs Merlin suddenly heard a screeching sound. Turning the warlock noticed a griffin heading towards him. He was about to throw up a shield when he realised he wasn't alone. Not knowing who was with him, Emrys couldn't risk using magic in case it was then reported to Uther. Of course, it wasn't like Uther could actually kill the immortal warlock but Merlin didn't quite think the time was right for his secret to be revealed to Arthur.

The griffin was headed towards the warlock and Emrys was pretty sure the griffin had decided he was for lunch. Turning Merlin began to run back towards Camelot, the mystery person not far behind. Suddenly the man grabbed Merlin's hand.

"Run, run!" he urged, pulling Merlin faster. Suddenly he pulled them both down behind a fallen tree. The griffin, losing sight of its prey, flew off to look for easier pickings.

"It's gone," stated Merlin, "thank you for your assistance. You probably saved my life. I'm Merlin by the way."

"Lancelot" the stranger replied. The two men shook hands and, after establishing that Lancelot was travelling to Camelot, Merlin led the way back to the citadel.

Whilst Merlin was out collecting herbs, prince and king were following up on reports of a monstrous beast attacking outlying villages. Neither Pendragon could fathom what could have attacked the village in such a manner; the prince had found no tracks leading in or out and was forced to conclude that the villagers' tales of a winged beast must be true. The king ordered sentries posted in every outlying village; he was concerned the beast would head for the citadel.

Back in Camelot, Lancelot was telling Merlin that it had always been his ambition to be a knight of Camelot. Emrys knew that one day the young man's ambition's would be fulfilled, since this was Honour from the prophecies. However something was telling the warlock that the time for Honour to join the knight's ranks had not yet arrived.

"Are you of noble birth young man?" enquired Gaius, who had overheard the conversation taking place in his chambers Lancelot replied in the negative.

"Then I am afraid you are going to be rather disappointed," Gaius informed Lancelot. "The First Code of Camelot says that only men of noble birth may become knights." Merlin had an idea.

"What about becoming a guard? Camelot could always use more good fighters. You are good at fighting, right?"

"I have been training in the art of sword fighting from any who would teach me on my travels but I cannot tell you what level of skill I may have."

"I shall talk to Arthur."

"You know Prince Arthur?"

"Oh yes," Merlin grinned and ran off to find the prince.

Arthur was down on the training fields, where he was giving Grummond, second son of Wessex his final test to become a knight. Grummond failed miserably. Arthur walked over to where Merlin stood watching the fight and started complaining to his manservant about the lack of quality noble fighters. When he was done, Merlin told him about Lancelot. Arthur wanted to meet the man and determine his fighting ability for himself.

Arthur waited at the training grounds whilst Merlin went to fetch Lancelot from Gaius' chambers. When the two young men returned Lancelot was given a sword and the fight commenced. Lancelot held his own against the prince of Camelot commendably.

"You fight well. It seems a waste that you cannot join the ranks of our knights. However, Lancelot, I am pleased to invite you to join the ranks of our guardsmen here in Camelot."

"Thank you Sire. I gladly accept."

That night, Merlin took Lancelot to the tavern to toast his new position as guardsman. When the two men got up the next morning, Gaius was waiting for them in his chambers. Handing each a small vial he instructed them to drink the contents quickly. Despite the horrid taste and smell, the two young men were rather grateful for the disappearance of their hangover.

Merlin noticed a pile of books on Gaius' workbench.

"What are you looking for Gaius?" inquired the young warlock.

"There is a beast that's been attacking outlying villages. According to eyewitness accounts the beast has the beak and wings of an eagle and the back legs of a lion. And it seems to be heading towards Camelot."

Merlin and Lancelot exchanged a look. Gesturing for Lancelot to go ahead, Merlin lingered to speak with his uncle.

"The beast is a griffin. Lancelot and I have seen it near to the city." One of Gaius' eyebrows rose.

"Are you sure Merlin?"

"As sure as my name is Emrys," replied the young warlock. The physician caught the emphasis on Emrys and realised exactly what his nephew was trying to remind him of.

"Right then. Better find a griffin in one of these books so I can tell the king." At Gaius' words Merlin looked around the room, his eyes landing on a book of beasts of legends. After telling his uncle to look in that book, Merlin hurried off to fetch the prince's breakfast.

Merlin was just putting Arthur's breakfast tray quietly on his table when the warning bell started to ring. Arthur started and jumped out of bed grabbing his sword.

"Quickly, my armour," the prince yelled at Merlin. Merlin hurried to pick up the pieces of armour and quickly dressed the prince in them. When he was done the prince hurried off to find his father and discover what was happening.

As Emrys predicted he made it to the courtyard and was attacked by the Griffin. A guard tossed the prince a spear and Arthur used it to keep the Griffin away from him. The Griffin, seemingly displeased that Arthur was fighting back, flew away to look for easier prey.

The king believed Arthur had triumphed over the Griffin and sent the prince and several knights out to deal with it. Merlin was unimpressed when he heard this and set off after them. After all a Griffin could only be defeated with magic. Lancelot insisted on going with Merlin. He didn't know about the magic to be fair to him.

When they reached the scene, all the knights were unconscious, including Arthur, who the Griffin seemed to have chosen as its next meal. Lancelot, rode towards the Griffin, spear extended as far as possible in front of him.

"Bregdan anweald gafeluec!" cried Emrys as his friend raced towards the deadly beast. Bright blue flames covered the spear just before Lancelot drove it into the Griffin. The Griffin exploded. Lancelot looked at Merlin.

"You just did magic!" the guard accused his new friend.

"Going to arrest me?" asked Merlin casually.

"No. I don't agree with Uther about magic," Lancelot stated.

"That's good. We'd better wake up these knights and Prince Arthur so we can go home."

"Sounds good to me," agreed Lancelot.