Chapter 9

Arthur explained, "I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament."

Uther questioned" Valiant, what do you have to say to this?"

Valiant in anger replied"My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?"

Uther asked"Do you have evidence?'

Arthur nodded and replied," I do."Arthur motioned for Merlin to come forward as Merlin hands Uther the snakehead.As Uther studied the snake he asked, "Let me see this shield."Merlin whispered to Arthur"Don't let him get too close."

Arthur said, "Be careful, My Lord."Arthur draws his sword. Uther inspects the shield.

Arthur questioned Merlin "We need Ewan. Find out what's happening."Merlin nods as Valiant was showing his shield said: "As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield."Arthur retorted"He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive."

Uther asked, "Then how am I to know that what you say is true?"

Arthur explained"I have a witness.Sir Ewan was bitten by one of the snakes from the shield. Its venom made him grievously ill, however, he has received an antidote. He will confirm that Knight Valiant is using magic."Gaius enters the room.

Uther asked"Where is this witness?"

Arthur turned to Gaius and Merlin and said"He should be here..."

Arthur turns to Gaius and Merlin as he asked"Where's Ewan? Merlin sighed and said, "He's is a coma."Uther in irritation asked, "I'm waiting!"Arthur sighed and said, "I'm afraid the witness has gone into a shock."

Hadrian shook my head and thought "These idiots ran straight here without thinking about their key witness. Not even giving him any protection after all he was left with an old man."

Uther in a disappointed tone asked"So you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?"Arthur replied"No. But my servant fought one of the snakes from..."

Uther in anger asked"Your servant? Did you make these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?"Arthur answered," I believe he's telling the truth!"

Valiant said, "My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?"I spoke up this time"My lord before Ewan went into Coma he was almost attacked by this."I showed Uther the Snake as he looked a Valiant with a little suspicion. But they didn't have any witnesses or proof.

Merlin cut in"I've seen those snakes come alive!"Uther didn't like the fact a servant spoke up as he said"How dare you interrupt?! Guards!"It didn't take long as guards began taking Merlin away.

Valiant said"My Lord."

Uther immediately shouted, "Wait!"

Valiant spoke"I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account."

Uther gave a nod as Valiant said, "My Lord, if your son and Sir Hadrian made these accusations because both are afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept their withdrawal."

Uther looked Valiant as if he was crazy since he had seen Hadrian fight he knew Valiant was nothing in front of Hadrian but he never the less questioned Arthur"Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?"

Arthur answered"No!"

Uther looked at Hadrian and asked, "What about you?"Hadrian replied"No My Lord."

Hadrian just looked at Valiant and thought"Initially I wanted to let you go but tomorrow you will be humiliated."

Uther said, "Since these allegations can't be proven until Sir Ewan wakes up.I will post guards near him as there has been an attack on him."Valiant tensed hearing that but I used [Telepathy] to find out that after this tournament he is going to flee Camelot.

The next day I was putting on my armour as Morgana entered the room and said"Let me."She fixes the strap for the gorget and tightens the vambrace. Morgana smiled at me and said, "I used to help my father with his armor."She hands me my helmet as I smiled and said"Thanks."

I got ready to leave as Morgana spoke"Hadrian I know yu don't need it but be careful."I gave a nod and replied, "See you at the feast."

In the tournament grounds, Hadrian and Valiant's fight started with Hadrian easily parrying and dodging. Everyone could see Hadrian was playing with Valiant as easily knocks Valiant's helmet off. Hadrian with perfect strakes started to give Valiant light wounds. Valiant tried to pin Arthur against a wall, but Hadrian easily shoves him shoves him off as Hadrian mentally casts "Bebay odothay. Bebay odothay arisan quickum."

The snakes come out of the shield. The crowd stands up in surprise as was Valiant who said"What are you doing? I didn't summon you!"

Uther muttered, "He is using magic."I thought"Well duh that's what we told you."

I smiled and said, "Now everyone knows the truth."Valiant chuckled he knew his game was up as Valiant sends the snakes to the ground and ordered"Kill him!"

I quickly two swings with the sword killing the two snakes then disarmed Valiant who was stunned by the events and I ran the sword through him and whispered to him"If you just had to provoked me."Valiant's corpse dropped on the ground and the crowd cheered.

I saw Arthur slaps Merlin's shoulder on my way out of the tournament grounds as I asked"So Merlin's theory came true after all.So anything you want to say, Arthur."

Arthur in shock replied"I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you.."Merlin smiled and said"No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and call it even."Arthur looked at him in disbelief and said"Uh, I can't be seen to be buying drinks for my servant."

Merlin smirked and asked"Your servant? You sacked me."Arthur smiled and said, "Now I'm rehiring you."I shook my head hearing their banter.

Arthur then looked at me and said"Now tomorrow our match."I nodded