Bird of the Gauntlet
It's hard enough being a powerful sorcerer in Camelot, but being in love with the Crown Prince has its downsides. More than anything else, Merlin wants to earn Arthur's respect, yet without his magic he is nothing. But if he can learn to fight with a sword, if Arthur will teach him to be a knight, Merlin is certain that he can have it all. He can keep Arthur safe and earn his respect and his love. He won't have to lie to Arthur about his magic if he doesn't have to use it.
But life in Camelot is a long gauntlet to run, with new threats at every turn. War looms on the horizon. And in the balance between love and duty, Merlin may have to make the hardest choice of all.