Transcript:The Eye of the Phoenix

The transcript for The Eye of the Phoenix, found here.

[00:13, Arthur washes his face, puts on a white ceremonial garb, and kneels in the Throne Room. Gwen comes up behind Merlin and the two of them watch Arthur from the Throne Room entrance. They whisper to each other] Gwen: What's he actually doing? Merlin: Thinking. Gwen: About? Merlin: You. [Gwen hits him] Merlin: Shh. [Merlin closes the door] Merlin: He has to decide upon a quest. Gwen: Crouching on his knees all night's going to help? Merlin: Yes. He has to transcend his body so that the quest is revealed to him in a vision. Gwen: And you're going to stay here and watch him? Merlin: Gwen, this is one of the most important days in a prince's life. Gwen: Oh. -- [01:53, Throne Room antechamber. Merlin snoring on the floor. He wakes when Uther and the council descend the steps and enter the throne room. Uther touches Arthur's shoulder. Uther: It is time. What is the quest you have chosen? Arthur: I can see but one path, sir. I am to enter the realm of the Fisher King and find the golden trident spoken of in the legends of The Fallen Kings. Uther: You do understand that if you are to prove yourself worthy of the throne, you must complete this task alone and unaided. Arthur: I do. -- [03:20, Physician's Chambers. Merlin stuffs his face with bread] Gaius: You'll get hiccups. Merlin: Who was the Fisher King? Gaius: He was a sorcerer who lived many hundreds of years ago. Merlin: And? Gaius: Legend has it he was wounded in battle. The wound festered and the infection spread, not just through his body, but through his lands as well. His mighty kingdom was reduced to a wasteland, and it has remained that way to this very day. Merlin: I don't understand. Why is Uther so worried? Gaius: Some believe the FIsher King's still alive, kept from death by his magic. Merlin: Do you? Gaius: Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the people of the north call the area The Perilous Lands. Few who have ever ventured there have lived to tell the tale. -- [04:17, Arthur's chambers. Merlin makes Arthur's bed while Arthur studies maps at his desk. Merlin hiccoughs. Arthur looks up] Merlin: I ate too quickly. *hic* Arthur: Merlin... Merlin: I can't help it. Arthur: I need to concentrate. [Merlin nods] Merlin: *hic* Arthur: I am trying to prepare for one of the most important moments in my life. Merlin: All these maps,...*muffled hic* none of them are the same. Arthur: Well done, Merlin. Do you know why? Merlin: No. Arthur: Because hardly anyone's ever been there. Merlin: Couldn't you have chosen something a bit easier? Arthur: I'm meant to be proving my worth to the people. A quick trip to the lower town to collect a bundle of herbs probably won't cut it. Merlin: But the Perilous Lands are...perilous. Maybe I should come with you. Arthur: What for? Merlin: To...help out. Arthur: You really don't get it, do you? The task must be completed alone and unaided. That's the way it's been for hundreds of years. It's not about to change for you. Now, if you don't mind, I have some important preparation to do. Merlin: *hic* -- [05:59, Lower Town. Gwen and Morgana shop in the market. An old woman grabs Morgana's arm] Morgause: Please, please, just spare me a few minutes of your time, Sister. [Morgana realises it's Morgause, nods and goes with her] Gwen: My Lady?! Morgana: It's alright, Gwen. I won't be a moment. Morgause: We must be quick, Sister. This enchantment will not hold for long. Tell me, what has Arthur chosen as his quest? Morgana: He sets out tomorrow for the Perilous Lands. Morgause: How perfect. [Morgause pulls out the Eye of the Phoenix bracelet] Morgause: Present this to the Prince as a token of your good wishes. When the time is right, you must make a likeness of the Prince and bind it to the gift using the skills that I taught you. When he does not return, you, Sister, will take your rightful place as sole heir to the throne of Camelot. [Morgause passes behind Gwen as she walks back down the street. Gwen sees Morgause's reflection in a mirror. Gwen gasps and spins around but only sees the old woman. Morgana returns to the stall] Gwen: My Lady! Are you alright? Morgana: Why wouldn't I be? Gwen: I..I thought... Morgana: That poor woman didn't have a penny to feed her family. I felt duty bound to help her, Gwen. -- [08:01, Gwen waits for Arthur outside his chambers] Gwen: I know you have to go, but... Arthur: I'll be careful. Gwen: *sigh* For me. [Arthur kisses Gwen and leaves] -- [08:26, the Square. Arthur bows to Uther and Morgana. They watch as he mounts his horse] Morgana: You look troubled, Sire. Uther: He is sole heir to the throne, Morgana. Morgana: Don't worry. I'm certain a Pendragon will rule over Camelot for a long time to come. [Arthur and Merlin nod to each other. Merlin's gaze is magically drawn to the bracelet] Arthur: Beautiful, isn't it? It was a gift from Morgana. -- [09:31, Physician's Chambers. Merlin and Gaius search through books] Gaius: You sure it wasn't a jewel? Merlin: No, brighter than that. Gaius: And you think it was enchanted? Merlin: There was magic there, I could feel it. Gaius: You sure? Merlin: *nods* And if it came from Morgana, it can only mean one thing: Arthur's in danger. -- [09:53, Forest of Engred. Arthur stops in the woods and pulls out a map] -- [10:11, Physician's Chambers] Gaius: I'm not sure I know where else to look, Merlin. Merlin: There has to be something. Gaius: We've examined every stone imaginable. Unless...Merlin. Merlin: Gaius, that's it! Gaius: Then it's not a stone, Merlin. It's an Eye of the Phoenix. Merlin: Phoenix? Gaius: Some call it the Firebird. It's eye burns with a fire that consumes the life force of anybody it comes in contact with. Merlin: Arthur. Gaius: The Eye will draw energy from him. If it's worn for too long, Arthur will die. Merlin: I have to go after him. Gaius: This is not a task to be undertaken lightly, Merlin. You'll need help. [Merlin rides out of Camelot] -- [11:05, Morgana's Chambers. Morgana makes an effigy and sets it on fire. Arthur lies down to sleep in woods. Using magic, Morgana relights the burnt effigy in a box. The Phoenix Eye glows. Gwen approaches Morgana's door and pauses before opening it without knocking. Morgana snaps the box closed and stands up as Gwen enters] Morgana: What is it now? Gwen: I just wanted to see if there's anything you needed. Morgana: No. Get out. Gwen: Is something burning? Morgana: I said get out! [suspicious!Gwen leaves] -- [12:21, Forest of Engred. Arthur is woken by a pair of bandits the next morning. He is weakened by the Phoenix Eye, but wins the fight] -- [13:10, Mercian tavern. Gwaine is shoved across the bar] Merlin: Hello Gwaine. Gwaine: Ah! Merlin! How are you? Althild: Give me my money. [Merlin and Gwaine run through the town, chased by Althild and friends. Gwaine bumps into someone] Gwaine: Sorry. [Merlin and Gwaine duck behind a table. Merlin peeks out and sees Althild] Merlin: Gwaine. Run. Gwaine: Remind me again what you're doing here. Merlin: Arthur's in trouble, I need your help. Gwaine: What kind of trouble? Althild: There! Merlin: He's gone to the Perilous Lands. Gwaine: What, you serious? Merlin: Yeah. Gwaine: Just now, sounds pretty attractive. Alright. [Merlin and Gwaine climb onto the castle wall and look down] Gwaine: Alright, go for the horses. Merlin: You have got to be joking. [Gwaine shrugs and throws Merlin over edge of the castle wall onto a stack of hay, then jumps himself] Gwaine: Come on. [Gwaine laughs as they ride away] -- [15:11, Arthur arrives at the border of the Perilous Lands] Grettir: Who is it that wishes to cross my bridge? Arthur: A knight on a quest to find the trident of the Fisher King. Grettir: Then you must be Courage. Arthur: No, I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot. [Grettir steps forward to shake Arthur's hand] Grettir: I'm Grettir. I have to say, you're not as short as I thought you'd be. Before I let you pass, I'll give you a little advice, as Courage there are two more things you'll need to complete your quest: Strength and Magic. Arthur: I don't condone the use of magic. Grettir: You'd be wise not to dismiss it so freely. The rules in the land that you are heading to are quite different to those in the world that you know. Arthur: Thank you for your help. [Grettir steps aside. Arthur steps forward to pass him, but Grettir grabs his arm] Grettir: That's a very beautiful bracelet. Arthur: It was a gift from someone very dear to me. She hoped it would bring me good fortune. Grettir: Did she now? [Grettir lets go] Grettir: How very thoughtful of her. *cackle* [Arthur turns back around and Grettir is gone. Arthur draws his sword and walks on] -- [17:27, Forest of Ander] Merlin: Why were those men so angry? Gwaine: It's always the way in gambling. you make a man a fool, he calls you a thief. [Merlin shakes his head] Gwaine: How'd you find me? Merlin: Wasn't easy. I've been in almost every tavern in Angard. Gwaine: So have I. [Gwaine and Merlin laugh] -- [17:43, Perilous Lands. Arthur walks alone. The Phoenix Eye glows] -- [18:00, Morgana's Chambers. Gwen fixes Morgana's hair] Morgana: You're so good to me, Gwen. Thank you. Gwen: It's nothing. Morgana: You're upset with me. I know, I shouted at you last night. I'm sorry. What can I do to make it up? Gwen: It's forgotten. Morgana: Why don't I give you some time off. [Gwen is suspicious] Morgana: Don't look at me like that. I'm sure I can look after myself for one night. Gwen: That's very kind of you, My Lady. Morgana: I'm glad we're friends again. Gwen: Before I go, I'll make sure everything's ready for your return. Morgana: That's sweet. But don't stay too late. Gwen: *sigh* -- [18:52, border of the Perilous Lands] Gwaine: This is it. On the other side of the forest lie the Perilous Lands. Merlin: Doesn't look too friendly. Gwaine: That's because it's not. Believe me, it's wretched. Merlin: How do you know, you've never been there. Gwaine: I've travelled to many places, Merlin. Merlin: Not the Perilous Lands, I know that. Gwaine: Why? Merlin: There aren't any taverns. Gwaine: *laughs* I told you it was wretched. -- [19:18, Morgana's chambers. Morgana opens the door and looks inside] Morgana: Gwen? [Morgana pulls a box out of the cupboard, and sets it on the table as Gwen watches behind the screen. Morgana uses magic to light a fire in the box] -- [20:10, Perilous Lands. Arthur submerges in mud] -- [20:56, the bridge. Gwaine motions for Merlin to stay put while he scouts the bridge. Merlin nods and then heads straight for the bridge when Gwaine leaves] Grettir: So, Magic has arrived. Merlin: What? Grettir: There is nothing to be afraid of. Your presence is essential if Arthur is to succeed on his quest. Merlin: How do you know about Arthur? Who are you? Grettir: The Keeper of the Bridge. I only wish to see the Fisher King's lands restored and prosperity reign again. Until your mission is complete, this cannot happen. Merlin:It's not my mission, it's Arthur's Grettir: That's what you choose to believe. It's no accident that Arthur chose this path or you chose to follow him. [Gwaine walks up to Merlin] Grettir: Ah, Finally! Strength has arrived, the trio is complete. [Gwaine draws his sword] Gwaine: Who's he? [Grettir turns Gwaine's sword into a large flower] Grettir: I mean no harm to either of you. And I'd thank you to mean no harm in return. Gwaine: Where's my sword? Grettir: It will return to you once you reach the other side. [Gwaine grimaces and crosses the bridge] Grettir: The Fisher King has waited many years for this day. Do not deny him what he wishes. [Merlin nods and walks to the bridge] Grettir: Remember, nothing is as it seems. -- [22:29, Perilous Lands. Arthur struggles out of the mud] -- [23:14, Perilous Lands campfire. Gwaine and Merlin head a distant squeal/roar] Merlin: What was that? Gwaine: Pheasant. Merlin: Pheasant? Gwaine: Very big one. [Gwaine picks up his sword] Merlin: You can turn back if you want. Gwaine: Heh, I'm not scared of pheasants. Merlin: I don't know. Why do you want to do this? Gwaine: Same reason as you: help a friend. Merlin: Arthur's lucky to have us. Gwaine: Not Arthur. Merlin: I'd do the same for you. Gwaine: Well, I'd hope so. You're the only friend I've got. Merlin: I'm not surprised. Gwaine: *laughs* [Several roar/squeals] Merlin: They sound like three pheasants. Gwaine: At least. -- [24:27, Physician's Chambers. Someone knocks frantically on the door. Gaius opens the door and Gwen steps in] Gwen: I'm sorry to wake you. Gaius: Don't be silly. Gwen: I'm not sure who else I can talk to. Gaius: What is it, child? Gwen: It's Morgana. Gaius: What's happened? Gwen: She, she had a box, and...her eyes, it was like they were on fire. What do I do, Gaius? She's using magic. Gaius: Everything may not be as it seems, Gwen. Gwen: No, no. I know what I saw. I've known Morgana for so long, I didn't want to believe it, but she...she isn't the person I knew. She's changed, Gaius. I don't think she means well to any of us anymore. Gaius: I wish I could say otherwise, but I fear you're right. -- [25:14, Perilous Lands. Arthur continues walking wearily, finds The Dark Tower, and sees wyverns in the sky. Merlin and Gwaine reach The Dark Tower] Merlin: There it is. Gwaine: What's that in the sky? They're not birds. Merlin: I've never seen creatures like that. Gwaine: It's like they're hunting something. [Merlin sees a tiny flash of light] Merlin: What was that? Gwaine: Sword. Merlin: It's Arthur. [Arthur tries to fend off the wyverns while he runs for the Dark Tower. Arthur enters and lowers the portcullis. Merlin and Gwaine approach the Dark Tower, but pause when they see the wyverns] Gwaine: I should've known. Merlin: What are they? Gwaine: Wyverns. Distant cousins of the dragon. They're creatures of magic, so be careful. [Wyverns continue chasing Arthur while Merlin and Gwaine crawl under the portcullis] Gwaine: Okay. Merlin: Quick, quick, quick! [Merlin drops the portcullis when Gwaine gets through] Merlin: Lets split up. [28:39, The Dark Tower. Arthur moves further into the Dark Tower and barricades himself in. Merlin and Gwaine search for him] Gwaine: Arthur?! Arthur?! [Arthur faints. The Phoenix Eye glows. Wyverns get through the door. Merlin finds Arthur and jumps in front of the wyverns] Merlin: *dragonspeak* [Wyverns bow and exit submissively. Merlin removes the Phoenix Eye from Arthur's wrist. Arthur wakes] Arthur: What the hell are you doing here? Merlin: Why can you never just say thanks? Arthur: Thanks?! What? For completely ruining the quest?! Merlin: Well, it's a good job I was here, otherwise you'd be wyvern fodder by now. Arthur: How many times do I have to get it into your thick skull? I am suppose to be doing this alone! [A third wyvern screeches behind Merlin, ready to attack. Gwaine stabs it in the back] Arthur: Great. This just gets better and better. Are Gwen and Morgana here too? Are we going to have a surprise party? Gwaine: There're more wyverns on their way. We need to get out of here. Arthur: I'm not leaving without the trident. It was the whole point of this quest. Merlin: Do you want us to help you? Or do you want to do this alone? Arthur: Merlin! [Merlin smiles and follows. Gwaine rolls his eyes and follows] Merlin: Do you know where the trident is? Arthur: If I did, there wouldn't be a problem, would there? Merlin: Any clues you can give us? Arthur: This is a quest, Merlin, not a treasure hunt. Merlin: Well, it is sort of a... Arthur: Merlin! [Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin continue searching the tower] -- [31:48, Dark Tower throne room. Merlin stops on a spiral staircase to look through a doorway] Merlin: Look at this. Looks like a throne room. [Gwaine and Arthur come back down the stairs] Arthur: If the trident's going to be anywhere... [Merlin takes a step inside the room, the stone beneath him depresses and Gwaine pushes Merlin into the room to prevent him being squashed by the trap door] Gwaine: Merlin, watch out! [A stone door falls into place] Gwaine: Merlin?! [Gwaine and Arthur press their ears against the door] Arthur: Merlin?! You alright?! Merlin: Gwaine?! Arthur?! [Merlin presses his ear against the door] Gwaine: There's got to be a way to open this. [Gwaine searches the edges of the door. Merlin turns around and walks toward the throne] Fisher King: So, Emrys, you are here at last. [Merlin steps around to the front of the throne where the Fisher King sits, covered in cobwebs. Merlin bows his head] Merlin: So you are still alive. Fisher King: For now. -- [33:28, Dark Tower spiral staircase] Arthur: Now I'm sure if we just reach in here... [pulls out a brick. bugs come pouring out] Arthur: ...we'll be able to find something to release the door. Gwaine: Go on, then. [slaps Arthur's back] Gwaine: Don't be such a princess. It is your quest, after all. [Arthur scowls at Gwaine and pulls his glove tight before reaching into the hole] -- [33:59, Dark Tower throne room. Crumbling stone noises on the other side of the door] Merlin: That would be... Fisher King: Your friends Courage and Strength, I know. Without their help, you would not be here. Merlin: What is it you want? Fisher King: *sigh* I want an end to my suffering. Merlin: You want to die. Fisher King: I have been waiting all these years for the arrival of a new time: the time of the Once and Future King. Merlin: I've heard these words before. Fisher King: And you will hear them again. For that time is dawning, and my time finally can come to an end. This is why you were brought here. For this is not Arthur's quest, it is yours. Arthur thinks the prize is the trident. [the Fisher King lets the trident fall to the floor] Fisher King: But the real prize is something far greater. [Merlin sees the glass vial in the King's hand] Fisher King: Water from the Lake of Avalon. I've kept it safe these years, waiting for the right person to claim it. And that is you. You are the one chosen. Merlin: What are you talking about? Fisher King: Albion's time of need is near. And in that dark hour you must be strong, for you alone can save her. Your powers are great, but you will need help. And that is what I'm giving you. [Merlin takes the water vial] Fisher King: When all seems lost, this will show you the way. Merlin: Thank you. Fisher King: I have given you a gift. Now you must give me one in return. Merlin: But I have nothing to give. [The Fisher King stands] Fisher King: *moans* I think you do. [Merlin mulls it over, then pulls out the Phoenix Eye bracelet] Merlin: If I give you this, you will die. [The Fisher King holds out his arm and nods. Merlin nods, drops to one knee and places the bracelet on the Fisher King's wrist. The Phoenix Eye glows and the Fisher King is whisked away] Fisher King: Thank you. [The stone door opens partially and Arthur rolls under it. Merlin gets up] Arthur: Merlin. Merlin: *sigh* [Arthur walks forward and slaps him on the arm while looking around. Gwaine sighs gives Merlin a manly hug] Arthur: Ha! Look what I found! [Arthur holds up the Fisher King's trident] Arthur: Let's get out of this place. [Merlin and Gwaine exchange a look. Gwaine scoffs. Merlin looks back at the throne before leaving] -- [39:08, Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin ride to the edge of a field] Gwaine: This is the border. By Uther's decree, I can go no further. Arthur: I'm sorry, Gwaine. Nothing I can do to change that. Merlin: Maybe one day. Gwaine: Yeah. When Camelot gets itself a half-decent king. Arthur: Careful... [Merlin snickers] Arthur: He is my father. Gwaine: Well, you can't have everything, heh? Merlin: Where will you go this time. [Gwaine licks his finger and sticks it in the air] Gwaine: I think I'll ride south. Merlin: You can't keep living like that. Gwaine: Yeah, but it's fun trying. [Arthur nudges his horse forward] Merlin: Thanks, Gwaine. Gwaine: Hmm. *nods* Arthur: I'll remember this, Gawain. Gwaine: *nods* [Arthur waves and Gwaine turns to ride off] -- [4:07, Arthur and Merlin approach Camelot] Merlin: I've got to say, that was a good quest. Did you meet that man on the bridge? And then the wyverns; they were really scary. And, oh! the door to the throne room! That was so close! Arthur: You do talk some nonsense sometimes, Merlin. I mean, what on earth would you even know about it? It's not like you were there. Merlin: Of course I was. Arthur: You were not there. You have not seen me for days. You've been on a little trip to pick herbs or whatever it is you do in your spare time. Merlin: Ah, of course. If your father was to find out you weren't alone... Arthur: Yes, Merlin. So...just keep your mouth shut. Merlin: Absolutely, Sire. I'd do anything you say...for a price. Arthur: What kind of price? Merlin: A day off. Arthur: Hmm. I think you've had too many of those herbs that you've been picking. [Arthur sets off at a gallop] -- [41:01, Morgana's chambers. Gwen lights candles. Morgana approaches the window and sees Arthur riding into the Square. Her jaw drops and her hand goes lax on the cup she's holding, the water pours out until she drops it entirely. Gwen looks down at the cup and goes to Morgana at the window] Gwen: My Lady? [Gwen sees Arthur dismount in the Square] Gwen (whisper): Arthur! Oh, thank God! Morgana: Isn't it wonderful? I'm so happy. [Gwen looks suspiciously at Morgana and picks up the cup] Gwen: I'll clear that up. -- [41:46, Council Chamber of Doom. Arthur presents the trident at court] Uther: Arthur, I don't know what pleases me more, to be in possession of such a precious artefact, or to know that you have finally proved yourself to be the man I always hoped you would be. Arthur: Thank you, Father. Uther: I have no doubt that you will one day make a fine king. [The court applauds] -- [42:11, Physician's Chambers. Gaius holds up the water vial] Gaius: It's from the Lake of Avalon? Merlin: That's what he told me. Gaius: Interesting. Merlin: You think? Gaius: Well, it must have some significance. Merlin: Maybe...Do you believe his warnings? Gaius: Well, we already know of one enemy within our walls. Merlin: Morgana. Gaius: Her abilities are growing. Whether the Fisher King is right or wrong, we'd be foolish to ignore his words.