CHAPTER SIX
VALIANT ( iii. )

 "Merlin, you are out of your mind!"

"Quiet!"

"You're going to get us both thrown into the dungeons!"

Merlin turns swiftly to look at Calliope with annoyance, "Just trust me, Cal. I know what I'm doing." The blonde shuts her mouth into a hard line as she reluctantly nods. "Good, now keep watch out here. I'll only be a minute."

Merlin enters Knight Valiant's chambers without another word and Calliope lets out a huff as she keeps her eyes peeled for anyone entering the corridor. She leans back against the wall, the man from the courtyard sneaking into her mind again. 

Maybe she really was imagining him, but the slim chance that he's really in Camelot causes worry to escalate through her mind. He's the one person Calliope isn't able to kill; ironic since he trained her to kill others. Everything she knows is from him, but she learned too late that he's corrupt with evil too powerful to overcome.

And now, he might have found her.

Calliope pushes herself off the wall when she hears echoes of footsteps. She pounds her fist against the door, "Merlin, hurry up! Someone's coming!"

The door is pulled open moments later as Merlin flashes Calliope a grin before holding up a snakehead, "Told I knew what I was doing."

Disbelief emits from her blue eyes as she examines the snakehead, but she doesn't have time to speak. The footsteps grow louder as Calliope pulls Merlin out of the corridor with her. They run quickly towards Gaius's chambers.

Once he has the snakehead, Gaius can make an antidote, and Knight Ewan can tell King Uther everything that happened to him; he can expose Valiant. Calliope has to admit that this plan is brilliant. Merlin's smarter than he lets on.

The two of them rush into Gaius's chambers, startling him. Merlin doesn't say anything as he hands Gaius the snakehead, and after a few moments of examining it, Gaius hastily begins extracting the venom from its fangs.

"I'll get started preparing the antidote," Gaius assures.

Merlin starts for the door again, "I'm going to tell Arthur."

"You'll need this," Gaius hands him the snakehead. "And, Merlin, what you did was very brave."

"Yeah, I'm impressed, wizard boy."

Merlin exits the room, and Gaius stands amongst all his potions as he picks out the ones he needs for the antidote carefully. Calliope sits down at the table in silence while Gaius works, but it isn't long before Gaius brings up their unfinished conversation Merlin barged in on the other day; a conversation Calliope has been dreading.

"Calliope, you do know you can tell me anything, don't you? Even things you don't want to."

She keeps her eyes on the table, "I know, Gaius. I'm afraid that telling you will endanger you."

Gaius sets down his potions to look at her, "I've known you your entire life. I found you in the woods as a newborn and hand-picked the family you grew up with. Anything you face, I face too."

Calliope nods, "And that's the reason I trust you more than anyone in the world, so trust me when I say that I'm not ready to tell this story yet," understanding blooms in Gaius's eyes. "I will tell you, but I just need some time." 

Gaius doesn't say another word about the topic. He returns to his work, and Calliope is thankful. Even if she told Gaius the truth, she wouldn't even know where to start. She only hopes that the day will come when she's comfortable talking about the horrors she endured during her training; during the endless nights when the skies were black without even a star in sight. She mastered every weapon anyone could dream of, turning into the deadliest killer in all the land, and for a long time, she lost herself in that identity. The only thought fueling her mind was that last night in her village when everything was taken from her. The image of her father's death stayed imprinted in her thoughts with every bloody swing of her sword until there was no one left to swing her sword at. She killed in a revenge-filled haze that was never going to end until she found her mother.

But then, she escaped. 

She escaped the man encouraging her to keep killing; she escaped his dark influence over her mind. Now, she's finally drifting back towards the light, and he can sense it. That's why he's here.

He wants to emerge Calliope in darkness once again.

♛ ♛ ♛

"Why have you summoned the court?"

King Uther strides into the Throne Room with power in his disposition. He takes his stance in front of his wooden throne built by years of bloodshed and tyranny over those the King hates.

Arthur steps forward. The plan is in motion: Merlin told the Prince everything, and Knight Ewan is in recovery. He will be able to back up the claims against Knight Valiant.

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

Calliope's eyes wander to Valiant. She notices the slight tense of his muscles as he looks around with the murmurs. Good, let him sweat over this.

The King turns to the knight, "Valiant, what do you have to say to this?"

"My Lord, this is ridiculous. I have never used magic," He's a fluent liar; Calliope will admit to that. His courageous knight act fools most people, but Calliope has done her fair share of lying and manipulating, and he doesn't impress her. "Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?"

The King's eyes are glued to his son, "Do you have evidence?"

"I do," Arthur glances over his shoulder at Merlin, and Merlin steps forward to hand Uther the snakehead.

Calliope keeps her eyes on Valiant's expression as this evidence is revealed. She sees his jaw clench as the King closely examines it. After a few more moments of contemplation, the King turns around.

"Let me see the shield."

Valiant displays his shield to the King, "Be careful, My Lord," Arthur pulls out his sword as Uther comes closer to the shield.

Calliope hears someone come into the Throne Room. She spots Gaius walking up to her with a face that implies he has no good news to share. Calliope raises her eyebrows for an explanation as she looks around and does not see Ewan with Gaius.

"What's happened?" Calliope asks in a hushed tone.

"I'm afraid Sir Ewan has died."

Calliope dreads seeing the King's reaction to this information; their only witness is dead, and their claims against Valiant cannot be supported by someone Uther will listen to.

"As you can see, My Lord, it's just an ordinary shield," Valiant says as Uther continues to look at his shield.

"He's not going to let everyone see the snakes come alive."

Uther turns to his son, "Then how am I to know that was you say is true?"

"I have a witness. Knight Ewan was bitten by one of the snakes from the shield. The venom made him grievously ill. However, he has received an antidote. He will confirm that Knight Valiant is using magic."

King Uther scans the room, "Where is this witness?"

Calliope gives Arthur a regretful look as Gaius explains everything to Merlin, "He should be here," Arthur walks away from his father to stand by Calliope. He looks to Gaius and Merlin. "Where's Ewan?"

Merlin lets out a breath, "He's dead."

 "I'm waiting!"

Uther's voice booms in the room as Arthur realizes the position this puts him in before the entire royal court. Calliope wishes she could do something to help.

Arthur slowly and dreadfully turns back to the King, "I'm afraid the witness is dead."

Anger flashes through the King's eyes, "So you have no proof to support these allegations? Have you seen Valiant using magic?"

"No," Arthur answers, his eyes silently pleading for his father to believe him by his word alone as he turns to Merlin, "but my servant fought the snakes-"

"You're servant?" The tone of King Uther's voice lowers. "You made these outrageous allegations against a knight on the word of your servant?"

Arthur's tone matches his father's, "I believe he's telling the truth."

Valiant steps forward with condescendence in his voice, "My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?"

Without thinking, Merlin steps up, "I've seen those snakes come alive-"

"How dare you interrupt?!" The King yells at Merlin. "Guards!"

Calliope rolls her eyes as two guards come forward to grab Merlin, but before he can be taken out of the room, Valiant speaks up.

"My Lord."

"Wait," Uther commands the guards.

"I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account," Valiant says, making Calliope's eyes narrow at how well he has the entire court fooled.

"You see?" Uther locks eyes with Arthur. "This is how a true knight behaves; with gallantry and honor."

Arthur looks to the ground as Valiant scans over him, "My Lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then, I will graciously accept his withdrawal."

The King takes a step towards his son, "Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?"

"No!" Arthur insists.

"Then what am I to make of these allegations?"

Calliope feels for Arthur. He's in front of his father; the King and the royal court looking like a fool because he has no support for his claims.

"Obviously, there has been a misunderstanding," Arthur says as he tries to hide his embarrassment. "I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant," he turns his eyes to the knight. "Please accept my apology."

"Accepted," Valiant replies.

Then, without another word, Arthur briskly walks out of the room, but Calliope keeps her eyes on Valiant until he notices her. She narrows her gaze, and he only answers with a sly smile only a guilty man could muster.

♛ ♛ ♛

Calliope isn't sure why she's standing outside the Prince's chambers. She only knows her feet led her here without asking if it's where she wanted to go. She heard that he fired Merlin because of what happened earlier in the Throne Room, and Calliope feels like she needs to fix this for some reason; not that she's ever been any good at comforting people or saying the right thing. She considers turning around; yes, she's going to turn around and pretend this never happened.

But then, before she can move an inch, the door is pulled open revealing Prince Arthur. His eyes are laced with surprise as he scans over Calliope with question.

"Calliope," he says, still shocked that she's standing outside his room, "What are you doing here?"

She still doesn't know herself, "Well, I heard you sacked Merlin."

"Save your breath. I'm not rehiring him," his blue eyes lock with her own. "Is that all?"

She opens her mouth to say yes, but she's surprised when the opposite comes out, "No, there's something else," Arthur motions for her to come into his room, and she immediately steps inside.

"Do you enjoy barging in on me?" He asks, quirking an eyebrow. 

"Trust me, I wouldn't be here unless it was important," she answers, her eyes scanning his room with her back to him as he closes the door. "Most of time, when I look at you, I just want to punch you in the throat."

"Charming."

The first time she was in his room, she was in too much of a frantic rush to notice much, but this time, she takes a good look, surprised by how neat everything is. That must be Merlin's doing because from what Calliope hears, Arthur has no ounce of organization.

Every piece of furniture in his room is personally crafted with signature designs on the wood. His bed has sheets of a deep red color that look silky and elegant surrounded by hand-crafted curtains that hang from above the bed. Soft flames crack in the fireplace, warming the room.

"So, what's on your mind?" Arthur asks as he pours himself a glass of wine. He offers Calliope one, but she shakes her head.

"I saw the snakes, too," she admits. "Valiant is a coward, and he won't be able to beat you unless he uses them."

Arthur tilts his head, "Are you... concerned for me?"

"No," she, turns to look at the Prince. "I'm just giving you a heads up."

 Arthur walks closer to her, "I didn't know you cared so much."

"I'm trying to help you," she snaps back, her tone icy. "And I may not know you all that well, but anyone would be able to realize how ridiculous your obsession with 'proving yourself' actually is. Why can't you shove away your pride and realize this is a bad decision?"

"Because everyone already thinks I'm a coward. I can't withdraw from the fight, no matter what."

"You'd die to prove a point? Are you that fucking stupid?"

"It appears so."

"God, why are men so thick in the head?" Calliope murmurs under her breath, but Artur catches her words and raises his eyebrows. Her ocean-colored eyes dance with his determined gaze, finding his bravery stubborn and absolutely idiotic, but also admirable in a strange way she can't fully explain to herself. She knows what she would do in this situation; slip into Valiant's room, slit his throat, and dispose of the body, but she doesn't think the Prince would be fond of that plan. "You know you won't win this fight because the other man is a cheater, but you're going to fight anyway?"

"It's my duty, Calliope," he answers. "And that's something I can't escape."

In that moment, something clicks between them: an understanding of not being able to escape the purpose of their lives, and being bound to them forever by an unspoken bond, one forged through royal blood, and the other created through a vow of vengeance.

"Well, of course, I think you're being unbelievably thoughtless, and a complete idiot," Calliope says, "but maybe... brave too."

It takes the prince a minute to fully process that she actually said something nice to him, "Is that a compliment?"

 Calliope lets out an annoyed breath as Arthur smirks, an expression she is tempted to slap off. Of course, he has to ruin Calliope's decision to actually try to be nice to him.

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Whatever you say," the smirk stays glued to his lips, "but I know, that deep down, I'm starting to grow on you."

"That's totally mad."

"I don't think so," Arthur replies with a glint in his eyes. "Maybe one day, you'll finally admit it."

Calliope gives him a small glare as she turns, "Don't hold your breath." 

The sound of Arthur's amused laughter follows her as she strides out of his room. Calliope shuts his door loudly, spinning around in frustration. She wonders how she manages to stand in the same room as Arthur without punching him in the face.

Calliope continues to mentally insult Arthur with each step she takes until she walks out the front doors of the palace and is faced with an empty corridor as the sun hangs low in the sky above Camelot. The fresh air is still and absent of a breeze to soften the thick humidity.

Calliope turns her head to the bottom of the stairs, her eyes landing on Merlin as he sits with his shoulders hanging in a defeated way.

She joins him, lowering down beside him. He slightly turns his eyes to her, but he keeps his head facing the courtyard.

"Arthur's going to die, and I can't do anything to stop it."

Calliope keeps her blue gaze on him, "I didn't think you'd give up so easily, wizard boy."

"Now is not the time for your jokes, Cal. I'm serious," he lets out a long sigh. "I failed."

Calliope opens her mouth as she tries to muster up some comforting words, but before she can even try, she spots Gwen walking up to them.

"Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?" Merlin slowly nods, and Gwen takes a moment to process the truth. "What are you going to do?"

"Why does everyone think it's down to me to do something about it?" Merlin asks in a crushed tone.

"Because it is," Gwen answers, shifting her eyes to Calliope. "Isn't it?"

"She's right, Merlin. You can't give up."

"You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong."

Merlin turns to Calliope and Gwen, "And how do I do that?"

Calliope and Gwen have no answer for that, "I don't know."

Merlin turns away from them, still pouting about everything, but then his expression suddenly changes; his eyes struck with an idea.

"That's it."

Merlin stands quickly, "Where are you going?" Gwen asks.

Calliope and Gwen stroll over to where Merlin stands as he leans down and hugs his arms around a statue of a dog. He tries to lift it, but his attempts are useless. He lets out a tired breath as he turns to Gwen.

"Do you have a wheelbarrow?'

♛ ♛ ♛

Merlin's plan is absurd.

Well, Calliope admits that it's his last chance to prove he's been right about Valiant all along, but its definitely a long shot. He's trying to master a spell that will make the snakes come alive from the shield, and he's practicing on the dog statue. His spell-casting kept Calliope awake all night, and it was all for nothing because when she barges in on Merlin to complain about his loudness, the dog statue has not changed at all.

She murmurs a few insults as she rubs her tired eyes and gets ready for the Tournament. She pulls on her usual brown pants and riding boots along with a blue tunic that brings out the deep color of her eyes.

Calliope has a bad feeling about the fight as the crowd begins to gather. If Merlin doesn't figure out the spell, Arthur has a good chance of dying today. Calliope stands outside the arena, twiddling her thumbs with her eyes scanning around for Merlin, but he's still nowhere to be seen.

The trumpet sounds, announcing the King's arrival, and then Valiant strides into the arena, cheers enveloping the air around him. Calliope's blood boils. If only these people knew the truth about him.

Calliope quickly turns when she hears the faint rustling of chainmail behind her. Arthur approaches the arena with a focused stare as he carries his sword and shield with him.

Calliope only manages two words as he passes by her.

"Good luck," He gives her a thankful nod as he goes into the arena.

Arthur stops in front of Valiant. The two of them stare at one another with tension as the cheering of the crowd escalates. Slowly, Arthur puts his helmet on his head, and Valiant follows moments later.

Calliope inhales a sharp breath as Valiant strikes first, throwing a merciless swing towards Arthur's chest. Arthur blocks it with his shield and swings back with equal force. Their blades collide with a loud metallic ring, neither one able to get the upper hand at first.

They are back and forth with one another for the first few minutes of the fight. Calliope almost forgets to breathe as Valiant manages to hit Arthur with his shield, causing Arthur to slightly lose his balance and stumble back.

Calliope feels someone come up to her side, and she turns her eyes away from the fight for just a moment to see Merlin breathing heavily.

"Merlin, where the hell have you been?"

"I mastered the spell," Merlin says with his eyes on Arthur.

Arthur goes on complete defense as Valiant throws swing after swing relentlessly, and then, Arthur breaks away from his attacks, and the edge of his sword collides with Valiant's helmet, knocking it off his head. The helmet hits the dirt with a light thud, earning a roar of cheers from the crowd.

Then, Arthur takes off his own helmet and throws it away, but soon, Valiant is swinging at him again, pushing his shield forward, and crying out as he tries to best Arthur. Calliope gasps as Valiant's shield collides with Arthur's chin, and the Prince falls to the ground.

Valiant places his foot on Arthur's shield, but Arthur manages to twist his body just in time for Valiant's blade to hit the ground instead of Arthur's chest.

Arthur gets up with no time to grab his shield again. Valiant has the upper hand as he disarms Arthur and pushes him towards the wall with the perfect position to use his snakes.

But, Arthur is strong, and he uses all his force to get Valiant's weight off of him. Valiant stumbles back, and Calliope looks over to Merlin as he raises his hand and speaks the incantation.

"Berbay odothay arisan quicken."

Two green snakes emerge from Valiant's shield, and loud gasps ricochet through the entire crowd. Confusion etches onto Valiant's face as he glances at the snakes.

"What are you doing? I didn't summon you!"

"Now they see you for what you really are," Arthur calls out as his father looks at the shield with anger and disbelief.

  Valiant looks down and the snakes climb out of the shield towards Arthur, "Kill him!"

The snakes try to strike at him as Arthur moves back, "Arthur!" Morgana exclaims as she looks to the knight to her left and pulls his sword out of its sheath. She throws the sword to him, and as soon as the sword is in Arthur's hands, he uses it to cut off the snakes' heads.

Then, he faces Valiant one last time, and with a few strong swings of his blade, he disarms him and then shoves his sword into Valiant's chest.

Calliope lets out a relieved breath as Valiant falls to the ground and everyone in the crowd erupts into cheers for their Prince.

♛ ♛ ♛

The feast is full of lighthearted laughter and the sweet aroma of freshly cooked food. Calliope stands beside Merlin as Arthur enters the Hall with Morgana at his side. Everyone brings their hands together for him as he walks towards his father, but Calliope knows the truth of his victory. Without Merlin, Valiant probably would have used the snakes, and Arthur would be dead right now.

Calliope shifts her gaze to Merlin, "Once again, Merlin, you've saved the day."

He looks at her with a small grin, "And will Arthur ever thank me for it? Probably not."

"I'm sure if he knew, he'd be grateful," Calliope glances at Arthur. "Well, actually, he is pretty arrogant, so I doubt you'll ever hear the words thank you."

Merlin responds, but the words jumble together into a blur as Calliope's eyes fall to the door of the Hall. Her breath hitches and time slows as she sees the same hooded man from the courtyard staring at her. Calliope's heart pounds as he slowly turns and walks into the hallway.

"...right, Cal?"

She snaps her head to Merlin, "What?"

Merlin raises his eyebrows, "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Calliope's eyes drift back to the door, "Yeah...yeah I'm fine. I just need some fresh air."

She swiftly walks towards the exit of the Main Hall, and when she gets into the corridor, she turns her head but sees no sign of the man. Calliope picks up her pace as she continues walking, turning corners without thinking as adrenaline rushes through her veins.

Calliope finds herself standing in the courtyard again, and the hooded man is by the gate. He starts walking away from the castle, and Calliope breaks into a jog as she follows him.

"Hey!" She calls out. "Stop!"

She finally catches up to him right outside the gates. He stops with his back still turned towards her.

"I know who you are. There's no use in hiding your face from me."

Calliope can feel her heart beating out of her chest as the man slowly turns and pulls his hood away, revealing his face.

"That's a rude way to greet an old friend."

He looks the same as she remembers; a bald head lined with tribal tattoos on each side, eyes as blue as the sea, but deadly as the crashing waves that can pull you under to drown.

"Why are you here, Sepharin?"

The man, Sepharin, takes a few steps closer to her, "You know exactly why I'm here, Calliope," he stops right in front of here. "Did you really think that you could just run away? That coming here would change anything?"

"When I left you to find my mother last year, I meant what I said. I'm done killing for them."

"And how is that quest going for you exactly?" the blonde clenches her jaw in a heavy silence. "Like it or not, you can't hide from who you really are" he raises his tone. "Remember, you bound yourself in blood to this life. You can't just quit. It's not that simple. Besides, what would those fifteen men you cut through a few weeks ago say about this new sense of morality you've suddenly decided to develop?"

"That had nothing to do with you, and this isn't about morals," she answers, her tone icy and sharp. "It's about freedom."

He scoffs, "Freedom? I always knew you were defiant, but I never thought you were naive as well."

Calliope shakes her head, "There has to be a way to break the bond because I will not come back with you. Ever."

Sepharin lets out a breath, looking over her with disbelief, "You're unbelievable. Anyone given the chance to get the power and knowledge they need to kill all their enemies would never give that up."

 "You manipulated me! I was a scared child, and you took advantage of my grief, so they could tell me who to kill in exchange for what I wanted." Calliope looks down. "I bound myself in blood to a power I didn't understand. I thought I was getting everything I needed; that revenge would ease my pain, but it only made everything worse," she locks eyes with Sepharin. "I won't do it anymore."

Sepharin sighs, "I thought you might say that, so I managed to make a deal for you, and if you hold up your end of the bargain, you'll be free to leave the guild of your own accord."

Calliope feels relief in her gut, but she knows her end will hold a heavy price, "I'll do anything for my freedom." 

"Anything?" he grins, "Even one final kill? A kill worth a hundred lifetimes of freedom."

Dread eats away at her as she awaits the name of the unfortunate soul who will meet her blade, "Who is it I need to kill?"

Sepharin gives her a sly smile.

"You need to kill...the Prince of Camelot."

PLOT TWIST.... yeah so anyway, this is getting intense and it's only chapter six. there's still a lot of mystery around calliope and how she became the red dragon / sepharin and how she was involved with him.
anyway, so calliope has to kill arthur to get her freedom from these ominous mysterious people that have some kind of powers... i would love to see everyone's theories in the comments lol
remember to vote and comment :)