Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 16, Part 2

Ariella's P. O. V:

The final match of today was Arthur vs Sir Leon. When Sir Leon flips his helmet visor down, a servant swings the flag down and runs out of the way. Then, Arthur and Sir Leon kick their horses into a fast gallop toward each other, lances at the ready. Upon reaching each other in the middle, Arthur hits Sir Leon's right arm with his lance, knocking him back.

I jump up and cheer, clapping loudly.

I wince when Sir Leon falls partially off his horse, his foot caught in the stirrup, and his head bounces along the ground as his horse canters around, snorting. A servant comes to his rescue.

I hear Gaius say to Gwen, "You're not impressed by this Sir William of Deira?"

Gwen scoffs, "I believe he's an arrogant pig."

I snort with laughter, causing, her, Gaius and Uther to glance at me with a raised eyebrow.

The crowd cheers when Sir William rides out on Torrento, and I cheer along with them.

Afterwards, I join Merlin at the water trough, giving him a smile as I stand opposite him, stroking Torrento's firm neck. "How's it going?" I ask.

"Not that bad, I think," Merlin replies. "What do you think of him?"

"I think he's very handsome," I reply, returning my attention to Torrento as I stroke his neck.

"Oh, well, I'm sure Sir William will be very pleased to hear that," Merlin says.

I realised he thinks I mean Princeling, and I snort a laugh. "No. Not them. I mean the horse!"

Merlin stares at me for a moment, before he laughs with me.

We look up when a bald, dark skinned man wearing a red cloak approaches us and strokes Torrento's forehead. He states, "He's a fine horse." Merlin gives the gelding a few pets before straightening. "I see your master has advanced to the final. He's extremely skilled with a lance."