Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Seven (II)

Courage; taking that leap of faith into the unknown. All those who are successful or thought highly of had one thing in common they had courage. We all have it sometimes it's hard to see other times its all you can see. Artura needed courage, she always needed courage when she was to speak or worse go against her father. Her situation was with but also against her father's ideas.

Trust; can only go so far before it snaps in half; not something to be played around with; may never return to what it once was. Artura was trusting Merlin, she hasn't known him for all that long. She wondered where in there few encounters he had gained her trust. In this situation she was placing her trust on him hard.

She felt as if she was asked to walk across pillars, with lava under her, blindfolded, and her only guide was Merlin. She was nervous about it going bad. She was going to have the courage to press on through it all. And most importantly she was putting her trust in Merlin's hand to guide her in and out of it all.

Artura stood before the council. She stared forward right on over her father's head. She had once made the mistake of looking him in the eyes while sharing an idea, Uther took it as a challenge to his leadership. Artura left the fight bloody and scarred. Uther left satisfied. She never did and never would do it again.

Uther sat in his throne unhappy. He wanted the tournament to continue but his son had news to share that couldn't wait until later. "Why have you summoned the court?"

Artura glanced back at Merlin ready for him to tell her where to step first. He nodded and she closed her eyes taking a calming breath. She spoke the way her father had drilled her to. She spoke with power that filled the room, her voice did not quaver that would show weakness. That would show uncertainty. "I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament."

Uther nodded taking it well. He turned to the accused eyebrow raised. "Valiant, what do you have to say to this?"

Shocked; not a good position. "My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?" Valiant argued offended.

Another one of his nods his head turning back to Artura. "Do you have evidence?"

Artura licked her lips refusing to look at Merlin again for guidance. She knew where he wanted her to step next. "I do."

Finally she turns away from her father's penetrating stare. Motioning for Merlin to step forward. He comes up head bowed handing the snake head over. His hands were shaking like an old grandfather.
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"I'm afraid this potion tastes like toad water, but it'll get you back on your feet. Ewan?" Gaius said waking back into the room. Ewan had woken up and just need a bit more medicine to get him on his feet. However, Ewan didn't response he laid unmoving. Gaius walked briskly over to him. He had bits covering him. Gaius placed a hand on the side of his throat checking for a pulse.
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Artura felt as if the walk was going well Merlin was a good guide and Uther was on his way to believing. "Let me see this shield." Uther motioned for the shield.

A servant walks forward with it Merlin took a step closer to Artura. "Don't let him get too close." Merlin whispered.

Artura nodded knowing Merlin was probably right to be cautious. "Be careful, My Lord." she warned drawing her sword in case they came out like Merlin said.

Uther takes the shield ignoring Artura's odd behavior. They both look at the shield searching for the magic behind it all. A door opens starring her view from the shield she sees Gaius walk in worried

"Merlin." Gaius whispered waving hum over.

It was time for their main source of evidence a knight who had seen the magic. Someone Uther would believe. "We need Ewan. Find out what's happening." Artura ordered. Merlin nodded walking briskly over to Gaius.