His feet ran over and he tackled the knight. He couldn't believe one of his own was attacking Merlin that hard. Sure he had made Merlin the unlucky one to take the brute of the attacks, but the knights knew not to go so hard on him. But he felt horrible as the shield cracked and Merlin huddled on the ground.

He wrestled the knight and threw his sword away. When he thought it safe, he let him up. They looked at each other and the other knight pushed past him and threw his shied at Merlin's feet. The other knights at the other end of the green moved out of his way as he came through.

Arthur looked at Merlin who was sitting. He looked to the shield and then to Elyane. He flex his hands and sighed. Arthur asked him if he was okay. His friend looked at him and said he was fine. He helped him stand, and they walked over to the knights.

Merlin had shown fear on his face as if he thought Arthur knew that would happen. And Arthur promised himself never to let Merlin be the practice dummy again. He couldn't bare to see him hurt.

At least Merlin was able to look fear in the eye. It was more then he could say for himself.