TEXT: "In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin." Western isles, shop Knight Valiant enters a shady shop. Valiant: I understand you have a shield for me. The merchant, Devlin, motions for him to come behind the counter. Devlin: With your sword craft and this shield, I guarantee you will win. Valiant: Show me how it works. Devlin: Certainly. Tharanai im bis entra ofra honra stolle. Snakes slither out of the shield. Devlin: When you're competing in the tournament, you pin your opponent under the shield, a snake strikes. Your opponent will be paralysed. Devlin hands him the shield. Devlin: The snakes are now under your command. They will do anything that you tell them to do. Valiant: Anything? Devlin: Just say the word. They both laugh darkly. Valiant: Kill him. A snake strikes Devlin. Valiant rides for Camelot and places his helmet and seal on the registration table. Valiant: Knight Valiant of the Western Isles. I'm here for the tournament. Steward: Welcome to Camelot. Outside castle ramparts Arthur trains in his standard armour with no helmet. Merlin wears armour with a helmet and shield. Arthur: Ready? Merlin: Would it make any difference if I said no? Arthur: Not really. Merlin draws his sword. Arthur attacks. Arthur: Body. Shield. Body. Shield. Merlin: Shield. Arthur: Head. Merlin: Head? Ow. Arthur: Come on, Merlin. You're not even trying. Arthur tags Merlin in the back. Merlin: I know. Ah. Arthur: Once more. Merlin: Oh, no. Arthur: To the left. To the right. And left. Head. Merlin: Ow! Arthur: Come on, Merlin! I've got a tournament to win. Merlin: Can we stop now, please? Ow! Shield. Body. Arthur: Shield. Merlin: Shield. Ah. Arthur hits him in
SUMMARY:
Uther holds an annual tournament for the knights, in which Arthur is the defending champion. Sir Valiant has a magic secret weapon: a shield from which the poisonous serpents can come to life and attack. Merlin finds out and tells Arthur. Arthur accuses Valiant of cheating, but the only 'worthy' witness has died and a servant's word is useless against a knight. Arthur is furious to be humiliated and fires Merlin. He prepares for his own match with Valiant, expecting to die. After enigmatic encouragement from the Great Dragon, Merlin decides against giving up and resorts to a magic book Gaius gave him.