Transcript:Lancelot and Guinevere

KILGHARRAH

''In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin''

[Arthur assists Morgana as she mounts her horse in the Square]

ARTHUR

I hope your trip isn't too upsetting.

MORGANA Thank you, Arthur.

ARTHUR Make sure you return to Camelot before dusk.

SIR ROBERT

Yes, Sire.

[Arthur and Gwen gaze at each other briefly as the party leaves. Merlin comes down the palace steps]

MERLIN

Where are they going?

ARTHUR Morgana's on a pilgrimage to her father's grave.

-- [Morgana and Gwen riding through the woods with an escort]

MORGANA

You look troubled, Gwen.

GUINEVERE I'm fine.

MORGANA

You're very secretive these days. I'm beginning to think there's a man involved.

GUINEVERE


 * snort* When do I get to meet any decent men?

[The party is attacked by bandits]

SIR ROBERT

My ladies, you must follow me!

[Sir Robert is shot in the back. Gwen and Morgana are pulled off their horses. A knight kills the men holding them]

MORGANA

Gwen! Head for the path! Go!

[They run up the hill, but Kendrick is waiting for them]

MORGANA

I warn you. I am Uther Pendragon's ward. He'll have your heads if any harm comes to me.

KENDRICK

I have no intention of harming you. At least not yet. You're much more valuable to me alive, Lady Morgana.

OPENING CREDITS

-- [Morgana and Gwen watch bandits from a tent]

MORGANA

He's coming. You know what you must do?

[Gwen nods]

KENDRICK

I trust you are comfortable?

MORGANA

I demand to know where you're taking us.

KENDRICK

You'll find out soon enough. We've a long journey ahead of us. Get some rest.

[he turns to leave, but Morgana walks out of the tent after him]

MORGANA

I wish to bathe.

KENDRICK

You wish to bathe?

MORGANA

I am the King's ward and accustomed to certain standards. I am sure you are quite contented to stink like a pig, but I am not.

KENDRICK

The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe! Who wants to help me guard her?

[coarse laughter]

--

[INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]

ARTHUR

Morgana's party hasn't returned to Camelot. There's no sign of her anywhere.

UTHER

Send riders to the outlying villages. I want every guard, every sentry looking for her.

ARTHUR

Dispatch them immediately.

--

[Morgana beginning to undress by a stream, two men guarding her and Gwen]

KENDRICK

You may find the water a little icy.

MORGANA

I'm sure I'll manage. If you were any kind of gentleman, you'd give me some privacy.

KENDRICK

Well, unfortunately for you I am no kind of gentleman. Now get on with it.

[Morgana removes her outer garment and the second bandit lets go of Gwen]

MORGANA

You can at least turn your backs.

KENDRICK

So you can make a run for it. Do you think I'm that stupid?

MORGANA

I think you're very stupid.

[Gwen pulls Kendrick's sword, Morgana hits him, Gwen tosses her the sword and she slashes both men]

MORGANA

Run! No, no, this way!

[Gwen stumbles and hurts her ankle, Morgana stops and goes back to her]

GUINEVERE

Run!

MORGANA

Put your arm around my shoulder, come on!

GUINEVERE

No, no, no. We'll never outrun them, you must go on without me!

MORGANA

I'm not leaving you behind!

GUINEVERE

Morgana, go! Please! You must get help!

MORGANA

Take this.

[Morgana hands Gwen the sword]

GUINEVERE

Go!

[Morgana runs. Gwen hides behind a tree, then jumps out and takes down the man pursuing them. Morgana stops when she hears the man's scream, then continues running]

-- [Arthur, Merlin & Co. arrive at the scene of the first attack]

ARTHUR

Check to see if anyone's alive! It's Mercian craftsmanship.

MERLIN

Arthur. It's a ransom note! They've taken Morgana hostage.

ARTHUR

Tracks lead off this way.

[Arthur, Merlin & Co. sneak through the woods. Arthur hears running footsteps, exchanges his sword for a crossbow, and jumps out of hiding to find a startled Morgana]

ARTHUR

Where's Guinevere?

[Morgana just looks at Arthur and shakes her head]

-- [Gwen's surrounded by bandits]

KENDRICK

How could you let her escape?! Eh?! You bring me the servant! She's worthless to us!

[Kendrick grabs Gwen's face to look her over. He takes Morgana's dress and cloak and shoves them at her]

KENDRICK

Put 'em on.

GUINEVERE

What are you going to do with me?

KENDRICK

Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana. For all he knows, you could be Uther Pendragon's ward.

GUINEVERE

I will not impersonate my mistress.

KENDRICK

Then you will die where you stand. [he puts a sword to her throat]

-- [Council Chamber of Doom. Morgana enters with Arthur]

UTHER

It's such a relief to see you safe. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone harming you.

MORGANA

The bandits still have Gwen.

ARTHUR

I believe they were Mercian. We've received reports that Hengist has crossed the border.

UTHER

Hengist?

MORGANA

You must send a rescue party.

UTHER

If Hengist is holding her, it would take a small army to rescue your maid.

MORGANA

We can't abandon her!

UTHER

How many men would you have me sacrifice to save a servant?

MORGANA

As many as it takes! Gwen gave herself up so that I might escape. I owe her my life.

UTHER

She did so willingly, and she will be honoured for it.

MORGANA

I don't want her honoured, I want her rescued! She is more than just my maid. She's my friend.

UTHER

A servant is of no value to these bandits. I fear she's dead already.

MORGANA

No! We cannot give up hope! Arthur? I'm begging you. You have to do something.

ARTHUR

My father's right. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do.

MORGANA

How can you say that?! How can you live with yourselves?! All of you!

-- [Gwen being escorted into Hengist's fortress]

HENGIST

Kendrick, I was beginning to think you'd failed me.

KENDRICK

May I present the Lady Morgana.

HENGIST

You're as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana.

GUINEVERE

I demand that you release me immediately!

HENGIST

Just as soon as Uther Pendragon pays your ransom. In the meantime, you'll be my guest.

GUINEVERE

Do not flatter yourself. I am not your guest! I am your prisoner!

HENGIST

As you wish. Take her to the dungeon.

-- [Morgana bursts into Arthur's Chambers]

MORGANA

How can you be so heartless?! Gwen is the most kind, loyal person that you would ever meet, and she has been more than a friend to all of us! and you would leave her at the mercy of those animals!

ARTHUR

Morgana...

MORGANA

Have you no shame? Do you think of no one but yourself?

ARTHUR

Morgana...

MORGANA

I knew you were many things, Arthur Pendragon, but I didn't know you were a gutless coward!

ARTHUR

[Raising his Voice] Morgana! [now speaking in normal tone] Perhaps if you would stop shouting at me for one second, you would notice that I am packing.

MORGANA

You're going after Gwen.

ARTHUR

Of course I'm going after her. What do you take me for? I couldn't disagree with Father in public.

MORGANA

Arthur? Bring her home.

-- [Merlin comes out of his chamber]

GAIUS

I suppose you and Arthur are going after Gwen.

MERLIN

Gaius, don't even think about telling me not to go. There's nothing you can say that will stop me.

GAIUS

I wasn't going to try and stop you, Merlin. All I ask is you make sure you come back safely, too.

-- [at night Merlin and Arthur hide behind a cart in the Square and peek around it at Camelot's guards]

ARTHUR

I'll fetch the horses, you distract the guards.

MERLIN

Wha... how do I do that?

ARTHUR

I don't know. Do I have to think of everything? [leaves]

MERLIN

* spell*

[the spell rolls some barrels near guards. they approach it warily]

MERLIN

* spell*

GUARDS

Whoa!

[the spell stands the barrel upright]

MERLIN *spell*

[Merlin accidentally sends too many rolling too fast. Arthur returns]

ARTHUR

What did you do? I said distract them, not knock them out!

MERLIN

There's just no pleasing you sometimes.

-- [boisterous feasting in Hengist's fortress]

HENGIST

Silence! Our royal guest, Lady Morgana has grown bored! She needs entertaining.

[bandit laughter, Hengist nods to someone. a gate opens to a cage and a gladiator struts out]

HENGIST

Bring on the challenger.

[Lancelot jogs into the cage. Gwen and Lancelot exchange surprised looks]

HENGIST

Only one of you will emerge from the cage alive. Do you accept the challenge?

[Lancelot bows to Hengist. A cage match ensues, Lancelot wins and spares the man's life, exits cage and goes to Hengist, who tosses him a sack of coins]

HENGIST What is your name?

LANCELOT My name is Lancelot.

HENGIST You have proved yourself to be a skillful warrior. I believe you may even have impressed our royal guest, Lady Morgana.

[surprised, Lancelot bows to her]

LANCELOT My Lady.

HENGIST
 * laughs* Next time you fight, do not expect any mercy. Release the Wilddeoren.

[cage door opens and a Wilddeoren emerges to eat the screaming gladiator]

-- [Merlin nodding off as he and Arthur ride through the woods, Merlin falls off his horse]

ARTHUR

What are you doing, Merlin?

MERLIN

I must've fallen asleep. Ugh, I'm exhausted. *sigh* I can barely keep my eyes open.

[Arthur opens his canteen and throws water on Merlin's face]

MERLIN

Thank you. I feel so much better.

ARTHUR

Guinevere's life is at stake. We cannot afford to waste a second.

MERLIN

Ugh.

-- [Gwen curled up in her prison cell. Lancelot comes to her window]

LANCELOT

Gwen.

GUINEVERE

Lancelot.

LANCELOT

I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was you.

GUINEVERE I thought my mind was deceiving me.

LANCELOT Why does Hengist think you are Lady Morgana?

GUINEVERE He believes he's holding Morgana to ransom. When no ransom is paid he will realise the truth and then he will throw me to those beasts.

LANCELOT I will not allow that to happen.

GUINEVERE What are you doing here? Are you one of Hengist's men?

LANCELOT No.

GUINEVERE What became of you after you left Camelot?

LANCELOT There are few opportunities for men like me. So I've been earning a living the only way that I know: with a sword in my hand. It seems it is my destiny to entertain men like Hengist.

GUINEVERE

I don't believe that of you. You were so full of hope.

LANCELOT

I was wrong. The world is not like that.

GUINVERE

I still see the hope in you. I do not accept it is gone.

LANCELOT

I have thought of you often. Have you thought of me at all?

GUINEVERE I thought I would never see you again.

[door being unlocked]

GUINEVERE Someone's coming.

LANCELOT No matter what it takes, I will find a way to get you out of here. I will.

-- [Merlin's sleeping under a tree. Arthur pours water over his face]

ARTHUR Merlin.

MERLIN What's happening? How long was I asleep for?

ARTHUR Long enough.

MERLIN Did you get some rest?

ARTHUR

Couldn't sleep.

MERLIN

I've never seen you like this. About anyone.

ARTHUR

What are you talking about?

MERLIN

Gwen. You really care about her, don't you?

ARTHUR

What I care about is not wasting any more time talking. Let's get moving.

-- [Gwen's sitting very stiffly on her prison bed. Cell door is unlocked and Hengist enters. She stands up sharply]

HENGIST

I've not yet received word from Uther that he intends to pay your ransom. I was informed that the King was extremely fond of his ward. Are you not surprised he is content to leave you here to die?

GUINEVERE

How can I know the King's mind when I am locked in your stinking cell?

HENGIST

If I do not hear from Uther by dawn tomorrow, this stinking cell will be the last place you ever see. *cackle*

[Hengist exits and slams the cell door shut. Gwen slumps onto the prison bed]

-- [Arthur and Merlin looking at a map]

ARTHUR

The ransom was supposed to be delivered to the Vale of Denaria. If they're holding Gwen anywhere, it has to be there. Which means, it'd save a day's riding if we cut through the tunnels of Andor.

MERLIN

Oh, no. I know that face. I'm not going to like this, am I? What's in the tunnels?

ARTHUR They're... infested with Wilddeoren.

MERLIN What are Wilddeoren?

ARTHUR Well, they're like giant...baby rats.

MERLIN Baby rats? They don't sound so bad.

ARTHUR They feast on human flesh.

MERLIN Maybe we should go over the mountains.

[Arthur walks over to inspect some bushes]

MERLIN Er...what are you doing?

ARTHUR Wilddeoren are completely blind, they hunt by sense of smell. Gaia berries will put them off the scent. So, if we smear ourselves with them, perhaps we can pass through the tunnels undetected.

[Arthur smears his face with the berries. Merlin starts to smear some berries on his face too]

MERLIN Oh! Oh, these stink! Oh, they're really bad.

ARTHUR Perhaps you'd prefer to be eaten alive.

MERLIN Pass me some more, will you?

-- [Merlin and Arthur walk through the tunnels]

MERLIN Ah! I just stood on something.

ARTHUR That was my foot.

MERLIN Oh, sorry. How much further is it?

ARTHUR Shh! Wilddeoren coming this way.

[they hide]

ARTHUR Whatever happens, keep completely still.

-- [Lancelot sneaks up to Gwen's cell]

LANCELOT Gwen.

GUINEVERE Lancelot.

LANCELOT I was terrified I might find your cell empty.

GUINEVERE There's been no word from Uther. I fear Hengist is growing suspicious.

LANCELOT You must keep up the pretence. I will not allow you to die here.

GUINEVERE What about you?

LANCELOT I have little to live for.

GUINEVERE Do not say that.

LANCELOT It's the truth. For all my words, for all that I believed, I have come to nothing.

GUINEVERE You are everything that is right with this world.

LANCELOT I did not know you felt that way.

GUINEVERE I didn't even know I could feel this way about someone.

LANCELOT Then you have given me a reason to live. Be ready. I will come for you before nightfall.

--

[Arthur and Merlin washing off the Gaia berries by a stream]

ARTHUR Gaia berries worked. Huh.

MERLIN You didn't know if they worked?

ARTHUR Not for sure.

MERLIN Now you tell me?! Oh! Oh, what's that Wilddeoren eating? It's all right. It's just Merlin. You trying to get us both killed?

ARTHUR I'm sorry. I shouldn't've risked your life like that.

MERLIN Well, they do say love makes you do strange things.

ARTHUR What are you talking about?

MERLIN Why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen?

ARTHUR


 * scoff*

MERLIN

It's so obvious. A blind man could see it. Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it.

ARTHUR

I can't! How can I admit that I think about her all the time. Or that...I care about her more than anyone. How can I admit that...I don't know what I'll do if any harm comes to her?

MERLIN

Why can't you?

ARTHUR

Because nothing can ever happen between us! To admit my feelings knowing that...hurts too much.

MERLIN

Who's to say nothing can happen?

ARTHUR

My father won't let me rescue a servant. Do you honestly believe he'd let me marry one?

MERLIN

You want to marry Gwen?

ARTHUR

No! No...I...I don't know...It's all talk, and that's all it can ever be.

MERLIN

When you're King, you can change that.

ARTHUR

I can't expect Guinevere to wait for me.

MERLIN

If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you.

ARTHUR

We don't even know if she's still alive.

MERLIN

No, she is. We will find her.

ARTHUR

Come on. We've got a long trek ahead. Oh, and Merlin...if you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your life a living hell.

MERLIN You mean, more than you already do?

ARTHUR

Yeah.

MERLIN

We could talk about your feelings while you walk.

ARTHUR

Shut up, Merlin.

-- [bandits shove Gwen into the cage where Hengist is waiting]

HENGIST

Morgana. Morgana! I keep asking myself, "Why does Uther not pay the ransom? He's a rich man, why would he leave his beloved ward to suffer a slow and terrible death?"

GUINEVERE

I don't know. Please. Please...

[she backs up into the corner of the cage and he grabs one of her hands]

HENGIST

It must be very upsetting to know that Uther has abandoned you. It seems like no one in the world cares for you.

GUINEVERE

I don't know why he doesn't pay. Please, I don't know.

HENGIST

Take her to her cell. Bring Kendrick to me. Perhaps he can tell me why the Lady Morgana has the hands of a serving girl.

-- [Gwen thrown into her cell. she curls up under Morgana's cloak and cries. Lancelot drugs the guards]

-- [Kendrick is thrown into the cage]

KENDRICK

No! No, wait! Wait, Hengist! Hengist, wait. We did, we did capture the Lady Morgana, but, but...she escaped.

HENGIST

So who, exactly, do I have in my dungeon?

KENDRICK

Lady Morgana's maid.

HENGIST

Thank you for being so honest. Release the Wilddeoren.

KENDRICK

No! No, please! I'm begging you! Hengist! Hengist, please! Please, Hengist! HENGIST!

--

[Lancelot opens the door to Gwen's cell and takes her hand]

LANCELOT

We haven't a moment to lose.

[They run down a dark tunnel. Hengist goes to Gwen's cell, which is open]

HENGIST

Ah! Find them! Bring her to me alive!

[Gwen and Lancelot stop in the tunnels]

LANCELOT

Follow this tunnel. It will take you out beyond the castle walls. I will buy you as much time as I can.

GUINEVERE

I am not leaving you.

LANCELOT

You must.

GUINEVERE

No. I will not leave you here to die.

LANCELOT

I would die for you 100 times over. Live for me, or everything that I am has been for nothing.

GUINEVERE

As long as I live, my feelings for you will never fade.

LANCELOT

Run. Don't stop running until you are well away from here. [she hesitates] Run. Run.

[Lancelot fights off bandits. Gwen runs, pauses when she hears a yell, then keeps running]

--

[Arthur and Merlin viewing the fortress from their hiding spot in the woods]

ARTHUR

We'll have to scale the walls.

MERLIN

Maybe there's another way in.

ARTHUR

Why don't you go an knock on the front gate? I'm sure if you ask nicely, they'll hand Guinevere over to you.

--

[Lancelot tied up in the cage, bandits laughing and jeering at him]

HENGIST

Before you die, I can promise you the most unimaginable pain.

LANCELOT

You can do what you will with me. I do not care. You can do no harm to Guinevere.

HENGIST

Oh, was that her name, huh? The serving girl? And you really believe she's worth dying for?

LANCELOT

She is worth more to me that you will ever understand.

[Hengist nods, the gate is opened, Gwen is dragged into the cage]

HENGIST

You thought she got away. No. You failed her. And that must hurt you "more than I will ever understand."

-- [Merlin and Arthur scaling the wall]

ARTHUR

You really are completely useless, aren't you, Merlin?

MERLIN

It's...harder than it looks. Oh, now you're just showing off.

-- [Arthur and Merlin peek around a corner inside the fortress to see some bandits]

ARTHUR

You distract them. I'll knock them out.

MERLIN

How do I distract them?

[Arthur puts his arm around Merlin and then shoves him into the room]

BANDIT

What are you doing there?

MERLIN

Nothing. Actually, it's a funny story. I was out walking and I took a wrong turn and here I am. Do you know the way to the Vale of Denaria?

BANDIT

Who are you?

MERLIN

Me? Er, I'm no one...It's him you need to worry about.

[Arthur knocks them out. they dress in the bandits' clothes and drag the bandits into a corner]

MERLIN

That actually worked pretty well.

-- [bandits laughing at Gwen and Lancelot who are tied to each other in the cage]

HENGIST

What do you say?! Shall I spare them?

BANDITS

Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill...!

GUINEVERE I am sorry. This is my fault.

LANCELOT You have nothing to be sorry for. You reminded me of who I am. I will die with faith in my heart. That is worth more than anything.

HENGIST

Release the Wilddeoren!

[Arthur and Merlin enter the room. Arthur jumps into the cage and pulls off his mask]

GUINEVERE

Arthur!

[Arthur frees them, tosses Lancelot a sword, pulls Gwen behind them while they fend off the Wilddeoren]

ARTHUR

What are you doing here, Lancelot?

LANCELOT

I came to save Gwen. What about you?

ARTHUR

Likewise. Get behind us.

[Hengist aims a crossbow at the three in the cage]

MERLIN

Ic bebíede fealle.

[chandelier crashes, Hengist dodges it]

ARTHUR

The tunnel, that's our only chance. Merlin! Don't sit there cowering, let's go!

HENGIST

After them!

[Merlin jumps over the cage wall and Hengist enter through the door]

LANCELOT

Take Guinevere! I'll hold them off.

GUINEVERE

No!

ARTHUR

Guinevere, we have to go!

[Arthur grabs Gwen and takes her down the tunnel]

MERLIN


 * spell*

[rope breaks and gate falls, trapping Hengist in with the Wilddeoren]

HENGIST

Open the gate! Ah!

LANCELOT

I see you're still up to your old tricks, Merlin.

MERLIN

It's probably best you don't tell anyone about that.

[the four stop running when they reach locked bars at the end of the tunnel. Arthur tries to break chain]

LANCELOT

Good to see you both. Where are your knights?

ARTHUR

It's just us. Got to keep moving.

LANCELOT

Thank you, Arthur. We owe you our lives.

-- [the four sit at a campfire in the woods, Arthur pouting at Gwen]

LANCELOT

I'm surprised you would undertake such a rescue mission...with just the two of you.

ARTHUR

My father would not risk the lives of his knights for a servant.

LANCELOT

And yet you disobeyed him and came here anyway.

ARTHUR

Truth is, I only came because Morgana begged me.

GUINEVERE

I think I will get some rest.

ARTHUR

We should all get some rest.

LANCELOT

I'll stand guard for a while.

MERLIN

I'll just...sit here, then.

-- [when Gwen and Arthur fall asleep, Merlin sits down next to Lancelot]

LANCELOT

Is it true that Arthur came to rescue Gwen because "Morgana begged him"? He has feelings for her, doesn't he?

MERLIN

What about you? Do you have feelings for Gwen?

LANCELOT

My feelings do not matter. I will not come between them. Tell Gwen...tell Gwen that she has changed me forever, but some things cannot be.

[Arthur is off somewhere in the woods. Merlin puts fire out and Gwen wakes]

GUINEVERE

Where's Lancelot? Where is he?

MERLIN

He's gone.

GUINEVERE

No.

MERLIN

He said that some things can't be. He wanted you to know that you've changed him forever.

[Arthur approaches]

ARTHUR

We have a long walk ahead of us.

[Merlin walks home while Gwen and Arthur ride the horses]

-- [Morgana stands on the Griffin Landing staring worriedly out the window. Arthur walks up the stairs]

ARTHUR

Morgana. There's someone here to see you.

[Arthur steps aside and Gwen runs into Morgana's arms]

MORGANA

Gwen! I thought I'd never see you again.

--

[Merlin and Arthur walk down the castle steps into the Square. Arthur nods to a cute older couple walking arm in arm]

MERLIN

Look on the bright side, you've still got me.

ARTHUR

Is that supposed to cheer me up?

MERLIN

Thought it might.

ARTHUR

You really are a complete idiot, aren't you, Merlin