Season 1 Episode 2 – Valiant
Previously...
Gaius: You are still healing from the effects of the snake venom. You need to keep resting. In the stories you read, did Merlin convince Arthur on his own?
Me: Yes.
Gaius: Then I'm sure that you can trust him to do so now.
Me: All right.
Gaius: Ok. I'm going to get more ingredients to make more of that antidote. Just in case Valiant uses the shield to harm anyone else.
Gaius leaves the room and slowly lay back down again. What Gaius said reminded me of something. What was it? I quickly sit up again.
Me: Morgana!
I can't believe that I forgot about what happened to Morgana. I should have told Merlin and Gaius right away. But I had to go and explain my origins to them. I could have told them any time, but now I have to wait and just hope that maybe the whole snake can persuade Uther of Valiant's guilt. I know that Morgana's testimony could be invaluable, but she wasn't present in the court the first time, so she probably wouldn't be now. As I contemplate these things, I pick up my sword from the night table next to Merlin's bed. I pray to Aslan that I would heal quickly so that I can get rid of that horrible man.
Third Person POV – Arthur's Chambers
Meanwhile, in Arthur's room, Merlin walks in and slams the snake on Arthur's table and starts explaining what happened.
Arthur: *sceptically* You? You killed this snake?
Merlin: Er, no. Josiah did. But I saw the snakes come alive when I was walking past Valiant's room. They looked just like this one that bit Josiah while he was walking in the corridor. You can talk to Gaius, you can see the puncture wounds in Josiah's leg where the snake bit him. Josiah beat Valiant, he had to cheat.
Arthur: Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot.
Merlin: Josiah was walking alone at night. No one could see the snake bite him.
Arthur: I don't like the guy, but that doesn't mean he's cheating.
Merlin: Gaius made an antidote to the snake venom. Josiah's conscious, he can tell you what happened. If you fight Valiant in the final, he'll use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you. Look at it! *picks up the snake* Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot? Much less wandering the palace?
Arthur takes the snake and looks it over.
Merlin: I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you.
Arthur: I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true.
Merlin: I swear it's true.
Arthur: Then I believe you.
About ten minutes later, most of the court has assembled at Arthur's behest. Uther strides into the throne room, very annoyed.
Uther: Why have you summoned the court?
Arthur: I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament. *the court gasps*
Uther: Valiant, what do you have to say to this?
Valiant: My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?
Uther: Do you have evidence?
Arthur: I do.
Arthur motions for Merlin to come forward, and Merlin hands Uther the snake. Uther examines the dead snake suspiciously.
Josiah's POV
As I recline in Merlin's bed recovering, I suddenly remember something important. When Valiant was summoned to court, he sent one of his snakes to kill Ewan. He probably did the same to me. I decide to very carefully get up and hide by the door to strike it as soon as it comes in. I slowly attempt in vain to get out of bed, but my equilibrium is still off. I realise that there is only one thing that I can do: wait for the snake to come to me.
Third Person POV – Throne Room
Uther: Let me see this shield.
Merlin: *whispering to Arthur* Don't let him get too close.
Arthur: Be careful, my lord.
Arthur draws his sword as Uther inspects the shield. Gaius enters the room.
Arthur: As you can see, my lord, this snake matches the ones on Valiant's shield exactly.
Gaius: *whispering* Merlin.
Arthur: *whispering to Merlin* We're going to need Josiah. See if you can get him.
Merlin walks over to Gaius and asks if Josiah is allowed out of bed yet. Gaius shakes his head.
Valiant: As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield.
Arthur: He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive.
Uther: Then how am I to know that what you say is true?
Arthur: I have a witness. Lord Josiah of Narnia 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.
Uther: *suddenly worried* Where is he?
Arthur: He should be here... *goes to Gaius and Merlin* Can you get Josiah?
Gaius: He's not able to get out of bed yet.
Uther: I'm waiting!
Arthur: I'm afraid the witness is currently unable to come to the court. He is still recovering from the effects of the poison.
Uther: Well, have someone go and get him! You worried me!
Arthur: Of course, my lord.
Arthur gets some guards and makes his way to the Physician's chambers, Merlin and Gaius on his heels. Uther sits down on his throne with a serious look on his face. This was not a situation that he wanted to be in. The tournament was supposed to foster alliances not threaten to split people apart by intrigue. He groans with his head in his hands.
Josiah's POV
I wait for the snake to arrive, staring at the slightly open door in front of me. I begin wondering if Merlin was successful and how the trial is going. Suddenly, a hiss pulls me from my thoughts. The snake, green and shining as poison, slithers into the room and crawls up the end of the bed. It stares at me unblinkingly for a moment. I ready my sword. The snake strikes!
{A/N: Hello Once and Future Fans! I'm really excited for what's to come for this fanfic! I hope you like this part! Things will now be moving a little faster. Let me know what you guys think!}