Transcript:The Coming of Arthur

Part One
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.

--

[00:13, EXT. WOODS IN ESSETIR - NIGHT]

[Knights of Camelot lie dead, including Sir Leon]

--

[00:34, INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]

UTHER

It was Cenred who did this, you're certain of it?

ARTHUR

Yes, My Lord. His messenger has only this minute departed Camelot. Cenred said that the patrol trespassed on his land and an example had to be made.

UTHER

How many dead?

ARTHUR

All of them, Sire. Every last man.

UTHER

The knights?

ARTHUR

All lost. Edric, Oldof, Osric, and Sir Leon.

--

[01:17, EXT. WOODS IN ESSETIR -NIGHT]

DRUID

Here!

[The druids pick up Sir Leon]

ISELDIR

Quick! Help me. We do not have much time. Ready?

--

[01:48, INT. DRUID CAVE - NIGHT]&nbsp [The druids lay Sir Leon down on a blanket]

ISELDIR

His spirit leaves him. We must hurry.

DRUIDS (chanting)

''Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared... ''

[Sir Leon's face starts to heal and he opens his eyes.]

ISELDIR

Welcome back.

--

[03:08, INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT]

ARTHUR

We thought you were dead for sure.

LEON

I was dead, or as good as, until the druids found me.

UTHER

Druids?

LEON

Yes, My Lord. I owe them my life.

UTHER

How did they heal you? You were as good as dead, you said.

LEON

I don't know.

UTHER

Did they use magic?

LEON

Well, I...

UTHER

Yes or no, it's a simple enough question.

LEON

I only know that I drank from some kind of cup, Sire.

UTHER

Cup?

LEON

It was extraordinary, My Lord. I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me.

UTHER

Well, your trials have left you weary, I'm sure. We must let him rest.

--

[04:10, INT. SIR LEON'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]&nbsp [Gaius examines Sir Leon]

LEON: Is that it?

GAIUS: That's it. He's exhausted, Sire, and severely dehydrated, but given time he'll make a full recovery.

ARTHUR: Thank you, Gaius.

-- [04:30, EXT. PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

UTHER: Well?

GAIUS: It's remarkable, Sire. He bears no sign of any kind of wound. He's in perfect health.

UTHER: And the cup he spoke of?

Gaius: From his description, I would say it was the Cup of Life.

[Merlin looks at Gaius with surprise]

UTHER You are aware of its power, Gaius.

GAIUS I am, indeed, Sire. But the druids are a peaceful people. They would only ever use the Cup for good. Sir Leon is surely proof of that.

UTHER Be that as it may, according to Sir Leon's description, the druids' cave lies within Cenred's kingdom. It is imperative that we get to the Cup before he does.

GAIUS My Lord, druids are secretive by nature. They will have the Cup well hidden. Might it not be wise to leave it where it is?

UTHER I'm not prepared to take that risk.

-- [05:27, EXT. GAIUS'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

MERLIN I thought the Cup was destroyed with Nimueh when I defeated her on the Isle of the Blessed.

GAIUS The Cup cannot be destroyed. It's magic is eternal, unbound by time or place.

MERLIN But why does Uther fear it so much?

GAIUS Because the Cup can be used for evil as well as good.

MERLIN I don't understand.

GAIUS Many centuries ago, it fell into the possession of a great warlord. One night, he gathered his army before him. He took a drop of blood from each and every man and collected it in the Cup. Such was the vessel's power that the soldiers were made immortal where they stood.

MERLIN So they could not be killed.

GAIUS The carnage they wrought was beyond all imagining. The King's no fool. He knows that the forces of the Old Religion are rising against him once more. Heaven forbid that the Cup should fall into the hands of Morgause.

MERLIN Morgana.

GAIUS With Such a weapon at their disposal, Camelot would be all but lost.

--

[06:28, EXT. SECLUDED CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

ARTHUR You called for me, Father?

UTHER Cenred is our sworn enemy. We cannot risk him getting his hands on the Cup of Life.

ARTHUR I know, Father.

UTHER You must retrieve it. Your mission must remain secret; you can speak to no one of this.

[Morgana listens in nearby]

ARTHUR I will take only my most trusted men.

UTHER We've seen what happened to the last patrol that entered Cenred's land. You must go alone. I'm sorry to place such a burden upon you, but there is no one else I can trust.

ARTHUR I understand, Father.

--

[07:09, INT. ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

ARTHUR: You will be ready by sunrise, won't you Merlin?

MERLIN: If I don't know where we're going, how do I know what to pack? Will it be hot? Will it be cold? Will it be wet? Will it be dry?

ARTHUR: Don't be such a girl, Merlin. We're not going on holiday.

MERLIN Holiday? What's a holiday?

[Merlin begins to pack a red Camelot cape]

ARTHUR: Not that. Nothing bearing the crest of Camelot. We're going under cover.

MERLIN This is ridiculous. Are you going to tell me where we're going or not?

ARTHUR: Well, I can tell you it will be dangerous

MERLIN Great.

ARTHUR: And I can tell you we will be travelling through bandit infested lands.

MERLIN Terrific. Then where?

Arthur: I can't tell you that.

MERLIN You don't know where we're going.

ARTHUR: No, Merlin. I know where we're going. It's just, I can't tell you, that's all.

MERLIN Right, 'cause if you do, you'll have to kill me, I suppose.

ARTHUR Immediately and without hesitation.

MERLIN Great. It'll be a surprise. I love surprises. Who doesn't love a good surprise?

--

[08:04, INT. CASTLE BASEMENT - NIGHT]

MORGAUSE What is it you wanted to tell me, Sister?

MORGANA Arthur rides at dawn. He's been sent to recover some kind of cup. The Cup of Life, they called it?

MORGAUSE The Cup of Life? Are you sure?

MORGANA I heard every word.

MORGAUSE How long I have searched for it.

MORGANA Is it as powerful as they believe?

MORGAUSE Oh, yes. Trust me, Sister, with the Cup in our possession, Camelot would soon be at our mercy. Where is the Cup now?

MORGANA It's in the hands of the druids. All I know is that their camp lies within Cenred's kingdom.

MORGAUSE Then perhaps Cenred will be of use to us again. He has spies everywhere. If he can have Arthur followed...

MORGANA Then Arthur will lead us all the way to the Cup itself.

--

[09:11, INT. MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY]&nbsp [Morgana watches Merlin and Arthur ride out of the Square]

--

[09:19, EXT. WOODS - DAY] [Merlin and Arthur ride through the woods. Spies watch them and ride to Cenred's castle]

--

[09:40, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM -DAY]

MORGAUSE Which way was the Prince heading?

RIDER For the Forest of Essetir, My Lady.

CENRED Send word to the scouts in the area; they must be prepared.

RIDER Yes, Sire.

MORGAUSE Can your scouts be relied upon?

CENRED Of course. I handpicked them myself.

MORGAUSE Why does that not reassure me?

CENRED Do not concern yourself, My Lady. The Cup of Life will soon be in our hands, and when it is, Camelot will be ours.

MORGAUSE You forget yourself, Cenred. It is Morgana that will take the throne, not you or I.

CENRED I make no claim upon the throne, only the spoils of victory.

MORGAUSE You will get what you deserve, Cenred. I can assure you of that.

--

[10:29, EXT. WOODS - DAY]

MERLIN We're going to Cenred's kingdom, aren't we?

ARTHUR What makes you say that?

MERLIN Er, we're in the Forest of Essetir and we're not stopping.

ARTHUR You can think what you like, Merlin.

MERLIN Oh, come on. You might as well tell me.

ARTHUR Then I'd have to kill you, I told you that.

MERLIN Go ahead. I mean, I'm probably going to die anyway. Look at what happened to the patrol that came here! Dead, the lot of them!

ARTHUR: Sir Leon survived.

MERLIN: Right, so that gives me, what? A one in forty chance of making it?

ARTHUR: Rather less, actually. There are only two of us.

MERLIN: So I'm not probably going to die, I'm definitely going to die.

ARTHUR: Always the pessimist, Merlin. Who knows, maybe, just this once, we'll have no trouble.

[Arthur gets shot in the neck with a tranquiliser dart]

MERLIN: Maybe you're right. If past experience is anything to go by.

[Merlin gets shot in the neck with a tranquiliser dart]

--

[11:13, INT. OLD BELL TOWER - DAY]&nbsp [Arthur and a crowd of men look down on Merlin. Arthur slaps Merlin's face to wake him up]

MERLIN: What was that you were saying about me being a pessimist?

ARTHUR:Must've slipped my mind.

[Arthur helps Merlin stand up. Gwaine comes up behind Arthur and puts a hand on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur grabs Gwaine's arm without looking]

ARTHUR:Touch me again, you die.

MERLIN: Gwaine?!

GWAINE: No manners you royals. Merlin, old friend, you look terrible.

MERLIN: Likewise.

ARTHUR: What are you doing here?

GWAINE: Well, you know, wrong place, wrong time, wrong drink.

ARTHUR: Nothing's changed there, then.

GWAINE: That's just not fair.

ARTHUR: Where exactly are we?

GWAINE: The bell of an old castle. Belongs to a fellow names Jarl.

ARTHUR: Never heard of him.

GWAINE: Lovely bloke. Slave trader.

MERLIN: We're going to be sold as slaves?

JARL

Right, you filthy vermin. Which one of you's ready to face my champion in the arena? No volunteers? Well, I shall have to choose one of you toe rags myself, then. Let me see. How about you?

[Merlin looks around.]

MERLIN

Me?

JARL

Death or glory, boy. You should be honoured.

ARTHUR

Who is this so-called champion? Can he crush nothing but weaklings like this?

JARL

You think you could offer a better contest?

ARTHUR

I guarantee it.

MERLIN

Arthur, no.

JARL

Very well. But if you lose, I'll feed your little friend to the crows piece by stinking piece. Are you ready, my champion?

GWAINE

I am.

--

[12:59, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM - DAY]

MORGAUSE: How could you let this happen? You let Arthur slip through your fingers.

CENRED: He was taken before my men could get to him. MORGAUSE: Taken? By whom exactly?

CENRED: The slave trader, Jarl. He's been working our western border for months.

MORGAUSE: And you let him?

CENRED: We have an understanding. He doesn't bother me, and I don't bother him.

MORGAUSE: And where is this Jarl now?

CENRED

Don't worry, Morgause. I'll find him soon enough.

MORGAUSE

See that you do.

CENRED

Are you threatening me?

MORGAUSE

Trust me, Cenred, when I am threatening you, you'll know about it.

--

[13:39, INT. JARL'S FORTRESS - DAY]

[Cheering men push Gwaine and Arthur into the centre of the crowd]

JARL

Gentlemen, the rules are simple. One man lives and one man dies. If you cannot or will not finish off your opponent, I'll kill you both.

[Jarl tosses two swords at their feet]

JARL

Let battle commence!

[Gwaine and Arthur fight]

ARTHUR Take it easy, will you?

GWAINE It's got to look real, hasn't it?

ARTHUR Fine. If it's real you want... [Arthur and Gwaine continue fighting. They pause, drop their swords and wrestle to the ground] Arthur: So far, so good.

GWAINE What happens next?

ARTHUR Er...there was no next.

JARL Finish him!

MERLIN Forbaern aeltaewlice.

[Fire spreads along the ropes above and the crowd scatters. Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin escape]

--

[15:39, EXT. WOODS - DAY]

[Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin stop in the woods to rest.]

GWAINE

Well, that's somewhere I'll not be in a hurry to see again.

ARTHUR

Best stay out of trouble, then.

GWAINE

I could say the same to you.

MERLIN

You could do, but I wouldn't have any idea what you're talking about.

GWAINE

Oh, come on. You must have done something to end up in a hole like that.

ARTHUR

Actually, we're on a quest.

MERLIN

We're looking for the Cup of Life.

[Arthur smacks the back of Merlin's head]

MERLIN

Ow. What?!

ARTHUR

What part of the word "secret" did you not understand?

MERLIN

It...Gwaine.

GWAINE

Gentlemen. Gentlemen. It seems whatever it is that you're after, you could use a little help.

--

[16:27, INT. THE BELL TOWER FORTRESS - DAY]

JARL

No one makes a fool of Jarl. No one. I want to know who they are and where they're hiding!

BANDIT

My Lord.

[The bandit brings Arthur's bag]

JARL

What's that?

BANDIT

It was confiscated from the prisoners, My Lord. It may hold some clues.

JARL

I don't want clues. I want blood! [Jarl empties the bag and finds nothing. He throws the bag to the floor and it jingles. Jarl cuts open the inside and finds coins and a sealed note] Jarl: Well, well, well. It seems we were entertaining royalty. *Muahahaha*

-- [17:27, EXT. WOODS - DAY] GWAINE: So according to Merlin here, if you tell me where this Cup is, you have to kill me. Arthur: That's correct.

GWAINE: You may as well tell me, then. I mean, let's be honest, you couldn't kill me even if you wanted to.

ARTHUR: Yeah? Try me.

GWAINE: I already did. Back in the arena. I had you banged to rights, did I not? ARTHUR: That was just a game.

GWAINE: Oh, a game, right. I won that game, did I not? ARTHUR: No, you didn't. One more minute...

GWAINE: Oh, you flatt...

MERLIN: One more minute and you both would've been dead. Neither of you won. You're plan was a half-baked disaster, and if it was not for that fire we would all be pushing up daisies.

--

[18:05, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM - DAY]

CENRED

You're certain it was Arthur?

JARL

Oh, yes. It was the Prince, alright. Matched your description exactly. Had his servant with him. Him and another man.

MORGAUSE

And you have proof of this? CENRED: Where were they headed?

JARL: West to the Forest of Gedney. They've no horses. Their tracks told us as much. You'll soon run 'em down. Cenred: Excellent. JARL: Always glad to be of help to, er, people of qualities such as yourselves. Perhaps some small compensation for my, er, time and trouble? MORGAUSE: Oh, my dear man, how remiss of me. You will have your reward this instant. [Morgause kills Jarl by throwing him into a wall with magic]

-- [19:00, EXT. OUTSIDE THE DRUID CAVE - DAY]

MERLIN Well, don't tell me. We're actually here.

GWAINE Easy, Merlin. Wouldn't want to rile the Prince.

[Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin enter the cave.]

ARTHUR It has to be here somewhere. [Arthur sheaths his sword. He sees a cloth move and pulls a small druid boy out of hiding]

ARTHUR Where is it? Hmm? Where's the Cup? Tell me.

MERLIN Let him go, Arthur. He's just a boy.

ARTHUR Where is it? [Druids surround them]

MERLIN Arthur. [Gwaine draws his sword]

ARTHUR Stay out of this, Merlin.

MERLIN No, Arthur, really. [Arthur looks up and pulls his sword on the boy]

ARTHUR One step closer...

ISELDIR

There is no need for violence, Arthur Pendragon. The boy has done you no harm. Release him.

ARTHUR

Not without what I came for.

ISELDIR

You seek the Cup of Life, do you not?

ARTHUR

I do.

[Iseldir pulls out the Cup]

ISELDIR

It is yours. Please, now, the boy.

[Arthur lets the boy go and grabs the Cup, but Iseldir doesn't let go.]

ISELDIR

You mettle with a power you do not understand, Arthur Pendragon. By taking the Cup of Life you risk more than you know.

ARTHUR

I'll take my chances, thanks. Let's go.

[Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin turn to leave.]

ISELDIR(telepathy)

Emrys.

[Merlin turns and looks at Iseldir]

ISELDIR(telepathy)

The Cup is in your care now. Guard it well. The future of this land depends on it.

--

[21:45, EXT. WOODS - DAY]

GWAINE

Hard work this quest business.

ARTHUR Trust me, it's a great deed we did here today.

MERLIN Are you sure the Cup wasn't safer with the druids?

ARTHUR They can't be trusted, Merlin. No one can. The only safe place for the Cup is the vaults of Camelot. MERLIN Yeah, but we have to get it there first.

[Cenred watches them with his soldiers] Cenred: Get the Cup. Then kill them.

ARTHUR We're approaching the border of Cenred's lands. Beyond the forest lies Camelot.

GWAINE And food and water and a nice hot bath.

ARTHUR Quiet. Listen.

MERLIN I don't hear anything.

ARTHUR Exactly.

GWAINE: Never satisfied, you city types. It's too noisy, it's too quiet... [Cenred's men jump out of hiding]

ARTHUR Run! [A soldier chasing Arthur shoots him in the leg with a crossbow. Arthur falls unconscious. The soldier takes the Cup from Arthur's bag. Merlin uses magic to knock the soldier back, but the Cup goes flying too and drops into the hands of Cenred's men below]

GWAINE Merlin?!

-- [23:28, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT]

[Gwaine and Merlin inspect Arthur's wound]

GWAINE Right. That doesn't look too great.

MERLIN Arrow must've been poisoned. He's got a fever, we need to keep him warm.

GWAINE I don't get it. Why all this bother over a cup? [Merlin puts his jacket over Arthur]

MERLINBecause in the wrong hands it can become a terrible weapon.

GWAINE Not so great Cenred's got it, then.

MERLIN It's worse than you can possibly imagine.

-- [23:56, Cenred's castle. Morgause and Cenred bring the Cup before his army] Cenred: Loyal friends, our time is at hand. From today no sword will fell you, no spear will stop you short. Your blood will not be spilled in vain, but in victory. You march with the mightiest weapon of them all: immortality.

MORGAUSE *spell* [Morgause cuts a soldier's hand and pours the blood into the Cup]

-- [25:20, Council Chamber of Doom] Uther: Arthur should be back by now.

LEON I'm sure there's a simple explanation, Sire.

UTHER You know as well as I do he's been gone too long. Take a patrol, as many men as you need. Whatever it takes, find him.

LEON Yes, Sire. [Leon leaves]

MORGANA You show great strength, My Lord.

UTHER What do you mean?

MORGANA Day after day you must send your only son into danger.

UTHER Not a responsibility any father would wish to bear.

MORGANA You must try not to worry. He's the First Knight of Camelot and your greatest warrior. He's made it home safe in the past. Why should this time be any different?

UTHER You're right. Of course you are.

-- [26:16, campsite] Merlin: We need more firewood.

GWAINE You're right about that.

MERLIN Do you want to go and get some?

GWAINE Not really. Thanks for asking.

MERLIN There's wolves out there, bears, boars...

GWAINE Exactly.

MERLIN I'm not a warrior, I can't defend myself like you.

GWAINE Never too late to learn. Merlin, don't you know when someone's joking with you? [Merlin lets out a puff of laughter] Gwaine: If I die collecting firewood, keep it to yourself. I got my reputation to consider. [Gwaine walks off. Merlin kneels over Arthur, who is shivering with a fever]

'' MERLIN Geh'ælan. Geh'ælan.'' Come on. Arthur, come on.

-- [27:41, Cenred's castle. Cenred and Morgause watch the immortal army depart]

CENRED Magnificent, aren't they? My army of immortals.

MORGAUSE Your army?

CENRED Well, they are my men.

MORGAUSE Correction: they were your men. It is I that made them immortal. They are bound to me now.

CENRED Do not think for one moment that you can cross me, My Lady.

MORGAUSE

Cross you? Never. *spell*

[A soldier in the room lifts his sword]

CENRED

What are you doing?

MORGAUSE

Have I not always been honest with you, Cenred?

[Cenred draws his sword]

CENRED

Stop. Stop, you answer to me not to her.

[Cenred runs the soldier through with a sword, but the man does not fall]

CENRED

Morgause. Morgause, make him stop. Make him stop!

[The soldier disarms Cenred and knocks him to the floor]

MORGAUSE

Did I not say that, when I threatened you, you'd know about it?

[The soldier raises his sword]

MORGAUSE

Well, now you know.

CENRED Morgause, please...! [The soldier runs Cenred through]

-- [28:54, Knights of Camelot see Morgause's army marching through a valley] Leon: My God. Alright, come on. [The knights run back on foot, but mounted soldiers come after them. Leon unhorses a soldier, but the soldier doesn't die when Leon runs him through with a sword. Leon flees]

-- [29:57, campsite. Arthur coughs awake] Arthur: Where's the Cup? [Merlin wakes. Gwaine wakes, batting his eyelashes] Arthur: Where's the Cup?

MERLIN Cenred's men, they took it.

ARTHUR Then what are we still doing here?!

MERLIN You were unconscious.

ARTHUR

Always an excuse, Merlin. [Arthur tries to get up, but yells in pain. Merlin and Gwaine get up to help him]

ARTHURWe have to get back to Camelot before it's too late

-- [30:37, Council Chamber]

UTHER We must convene the Council of War.

LEON They cannot be stopped. The soldiers, Sire, they will not fall.

UTHER

What are you saying?

LEON

They will not die.

UTHER

Gather the knights. Prepare whatever defences you can.

LEON

But Sire...

UTHER

Do it!

[Morgana smirks. Leon bows and exits with court members. Uther turns to Gaius]

UTHER

Cenred. It must be. How? The location of the Cup was secret.

GAIUS

There's only one explanation, Sire. We have a traitor in our midst.

--

[31:17, Camelot's army prepares for war]

--

[31:43, Morgana's Chambers. Gwen shakes her head as she watches the gathering immortal army. Morgana enters]

MORGANA Gwen?

GUINEVERE

Is it true they attack at dawn?

MORGANA

I'm afraid so.

GUINEVERE

And no word from Arthur?

MORGANA

Nothing.

GUINEVERE

Then all is lost. We'll be massacred, every last one of us.

MORGANA

Not everyone has to die.

GUINEVERE

What do you mean not everyone?

MORGANA

Those that defy them, those that choose to fight, they will surely die. But those who do not resist, those that choose to welcome change, they will have a future here. Everyone has a choice, Gwen.

GUINEVERE You know I have always been loyal to you, Morgana. And I always will be. [Morgana smiles and takes her hands]

MORGANA Then have no fear. No harm will come to you, I promise you that. [Gwen smiles and nods. Morgana hugs her. Gwen looks uneasy, Morgana smirks out at the army]

--

[33:11, Gwaine and Merlin walk over a hill, Arthur limps. They stop when they see a burning village]

GWAINE

What the hell happened?

ARTHUR

I don't know. We need to hurry. We're still a day's march from Camelot.

--

[33:30, Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin find fallen knights of Camelot]

ARTHUR

Camelot patrol.

MERLIN

There's not a single enemy body.

ARTHUR

He's right. This wasn't a fight, this was a slaughter.

GWAINE

Who could've done such a thing?

ARTHUR

An army of men that cannot die. Come on.

-- [34:02, Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin climb over another hill to find smoke rising from Camelot. The walk to the castle is strewn with bodies of Camelot's army] Arthur: They never stood a chance.

-- [34:39, Lower Town. Bodies are strewn through the street. Arthur struggles to open Gwen's front door] Gwaine: Here, let me. [Gwaine kicks the door in. Elyan jumps up with a battle cry, Arthur and Gwaine take defensive stances]

MERLIN Elyan!

ELYAN I'm sorry.

ARTHUR Where is everyone?

ELYAN I- I thought that...

ARTHUR

Elyan, please, what happened?

ELYAN

They came out of nowhere, a mighty army. Weapons were useless against them. Th-they were men, Sire, but not men. Nothing could kill them. Nothing.

ARTHUR

Wh, Where's your sister? Where's Guinevere?

ELYAN

She was in the citadel when they attacked.

ARTHUR

Then there's still hope.

ELYAN

Sire, the citadel's been taken.

[Arthur, Gwaine, Merlin, and Elyan exit Gwen's house, Arthur limping badly]

ARTHUR

Let's go.

ELYAN

How much longer can he keep going like this?

MERLIN

I don't know.

--

[36:16, INT. THE CITADEL]

[Arthur pauses in a corridor, struggling to stand.]

GWAINE

Where now?

ARTHUR

Now, er... Now we, er...

MERLIN

Arthur, you can't go on.

ARTHUR

We must. We must find the others...

MERLIN

You can't go on without treatment.

ARTHUR

...Guinevere and my father.

MERLIN

Elyan.

ELYAN

Yeah?

MERLIN

Do you know your way to the dungeons?

ELYAN

Yeah, I think so.

MERLIN

Go with Gwaine. See if you can find them.

ARTHUR I'm going with them. MERLIN No, you're not.

ARTHUR That's an order.

MERLIN No, to hell with your orders. You're coming with me. [Merlin puts Arthur's arm around his shoulder and drags him down the corridor]

-- [37:14, Physician's Chambers]

ARTHUR You're disobeying orders, Merlin. I'll have you in the stocks for this.

MERLIN Fine. Now, stay put and try not to move that leg. [Merlin looks for a potion, but hears a rattling in the cupboard. He picks up Arthur's sword and goes to check it out. Merlin yanks the door open]

MERLIN

Gaius!

GAIUS

Merlin!

[Merlin and Gaius hug]

MERLIN

Are you alright?

GAIUS

All the better for seeing you.

[Arthur groans]

GAIUS

Arthur.

MERLIN

I tried to heal him using magic, but it didn't work.

[Gaius nods and goes to Arthur]

GAIUS

This may hurt a bit, Sire.

[Gaius inspects the wound]

ARTHUR

Ah.

GAIUS The wound's infected. I'll have to redress the leg to reduce the inflammation.

ARTHUR No, no, no, no. We haven't got time. Just give me something to keep going.

GAIUS Yes, Sire.

MERLIN It's the army of immortals, isn't it?

GAIUS We'll be lucky to get away with our lives, any of us.

-- [38:29, Dungeons. Gwaine and Elyan peek around the corner to see Uther being dragged out of a cell by immortal soldiers]

UTHER Where are you taking me? I am the King! I demand to know!

-- [Merlin's Chamber. Merlin pulls his magic book and the Avalon water vial from the floorboard under his bed and packs it in a bag.

-- [38:52, Physician's Chambers. Gaius hands Arthur a potion] Gaius: The effect will be instant, Sire, but I cannot guarantee how long it'll last.

ARTHUR Thank you, Gaius. [Gwaine and Elyan enter]

ELYAN The King, Sire, he's alive. Arthur: Where is he?

GWAINE They're taking him to the throne room as we speak.

ARTHUR This may be my last chance.

MERLIN

Arthur, there's too many of them. You'll never make it.

ARTHUR

I won't leave my father to die here alone. Gwaine, Elyan, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the castle. I hope we meet again.

[Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius leave]

ARTHUR

Merlin, you should go with them.

MERLIN

Nah, I've seen the woods already.

[Arthur grabs Merlin's shoulder with a smile and the two of them sneak through the corridors. Arthur stumbles on their way out of hiding]

MERLIN

Are you alright?

ARTHUR

Keep moving.

--

[39:47, Merlin and Arthur crawl to the edge of the balcony above the Throne Room. Immortal soldiers force Uther to his knees in front of Morgause]

MORGAUSE

Well, Uther, how the mighty have fallen. [Arthur makes a furious move, but Merlin grabs him]

MERLIN (whisper)

The guards are immortal, they'll cut you to ribbons! What use are you dead?

MORGAUSE

I don't think you'll be needing this anymore. [Moraguse removes Uther's crown]

UTHER

This is unlawful. You cannot do this. You have no right to the throne!

MORGANA

No, she does not. But I do. I am your daughter, after all. Don't look so surprised. I've known for some time. [Shock dawns on Arthur's face. Morgana sits on the throne. Morgause nods to a soldier, and the soldier shoves Geoffrey of Monmouth forward, the queen's crown in his hands] GEOFFREY: By the power vested in me, I crown thee Morgana Pendragon, Queen of Camelot. [Immortal soldiers push Uther into a bow. Morgana and Morgause smirk. Arthur watches in horror]

Part Two
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.

-- MORGANA Tell me, Sir Leon, how have you enjoyed the first week of my reign? Speak up. Are you and your fellow knights ready to honour and serve me?

LEON I would rather die.

MORGAUSE That can be arranged.

LEON My loyalty is to the King and Prince Arthur. There is nothing you can do to change that.

MORGANA We shall see. --

ELYAN

I'll get some more.

MERLIN

It's too dangerous.

GAIUS

What happened?

MERLIN

Nothing. [whisper to Gaius] We need to do something. Morgana's men are everywhere.

-- MORGANA

I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me

LEON

Long live the King!

KNIGHTS

Long live the King!

MORGANA

Perhaps this will help you change your mind.

LEON No! --

MORGANA Father.

UTHER Why are you doing this?

MORGANA Oh, come, come. Surely you of all people must understand. Sometimes such measures are necessary.

UTHER Those people are innocent.

MORGANA As were so many that you put to death.

UTHER If you must kill someone, kill me.

MORGANA You'll get your wish. But not yet. First I want you to suffer as I suffered. To know what it's like to be alone and afraid. To be disgusted with who and what you are.

UTHER Do you really hate me so much?

MORGANA You cannot begin to know how much I hate you.

MERLIN It's rat. Oh, believe me, you've eaten far worse. I mean, I've definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down no problem.

ARTHUR Merlin, for once, leave me in peace, please.

MERLIN I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana. I don't know why. I'm sure he had his reasons, but now is not the time for that. He's still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you.

ARTHUR I've known her all my life. How could she do this to us?

MERLIN I can't answer that, but you have a duty to your father, to your people. You can't give up on them now.

ARTHUR You cannot defeat an immortal army.

MERLIN We don't know until we try.

MORGANAI'm beginning to see the challenges that I face. Being queen is not so simple, Gwen.

GUINEVERE You're doing well, your Majesty.

MORGANA You think? The knights do not share your view.

GUINEVERE They don't know you.

MORGANA: I need their allegiance. Without that, the people will not yield to me.

GUINEVERE My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together. I could talk to him, try to make him see sense?

MORGANA You would do that for me?

GUINEVERE Uther killed my father.

MORGANA Yes, I...forgot you too had suffered.

GUINEVERE Let me meet with Sir Leon.

MORGANA I will arrange it.

GUINEVERE Thank you, your Majesty. --

MERLIN We need to act before Morgana gets any stronger.

GAIUS Have you sent word to Lancelot yet?

MERLIN I sent a letter to Haldor days ago. He's probably moved on.

GAIUS Give it time.

MERLIN We don't have time. We need to act now.

GAIUS I know, Merlin, but how?

MERLIN There was an immortal army before. How was it defeated?

GAIUS The Cup of Life had to be emptied of the blood it contained. Once that had happened, the enchantment no longer held.

MERLIN Then that's what I have to do.

GAIUS They're immortal, Merlin. You don't know the power to defeat a soldier, never mind an army.

-- LEON Guinevere.

GUINEVERE It's all I could get.

LEON I don't understand. What are you doing here?

GUINEVERE Morgana sent me...to talk to you, to make you see sense. Listen to me.

LEON I'd rather starve. Guard!

GUINEVERE I'm going to help you escape. [to guard] It's alright. Get me some water. The queen has instructed me to get the prisoner food and water.

LEON You know what will happen to you if you're caught.

GUINEVERE We have to find Arthur.

LEON I've a good idea where he'll be hiding.

GUINEVERE Then I need to get you out of here.

LEON How? It's impossible, surely?

GUINEVERE I'm a trusted member of the court. Morgause has the keys to the cells in her chambers.

LEON

No, Gwen

MORGANA

It is as we suspected. She's betrayed me. I will have her executed at dawn.

MORGAUSE

No. Wait. This is good. Let her run to her beloved prince. She will lead us straight to him.

GUINEVERE

No one will suspect me.

-- GAIUS

Merlin, what are you doing?

MERLIN

Looking for something.

GAIUS

What?

MERLIN

This. When I met the Fisher King, he gave me this. He told me, in Camelot's darkest hour, when all seems lost, it would show me the way.

GAIUS: Yes. But how?

MERLIN: That's what I've got to find out. --

MORGANA: Did you speak to Sir Leon?

GWEN: Yes.

MORGANA: And will he do as you asked?

GWEN: It might take some time, but I think he will come 'round.

MORGANA: Gwen, this deserves a celebration.

GWEN: Your Majesty.

MORGANA To friendship and loyalty.

GUINEVERE To friendship and loyalty. --

MERLIN *spell1* *spell2*

GUINEVERE My Lady? Morgause?

MERLIN *spell*

-- [Gwen, the blacksmith's daughter;)]

GWAINE Sorry. Nature calls.

MERLIN Oh, no! Freya?

FREYA I've missed you.

MERLIN You're...

FREYA Merlin, we don't have long.

MERLIN Is it really you?

FREYA I swore that one day I would repay you. Now is the moment.

MERLIN I don't understand.

FREYA There is but one weapon that slay something which is already dead.

MERLIN A blade forged in the dragon's breath.

FREYA That weapon lies at the bottom of the Lake of Avalon. Where you hid it.

MERLIN But Morgana's army are not dead, they're very much alive.

FREYA Anyone who toys with the cup pays a terrible price. The moment they entered their pact with Morgause, they became the living dead. You must come to the lake.

MERLIN And you will give me the sword?

FREYA In your hands it has the power to save Albion.

MERLIN Thank you.

FREYA No. It's giving me the chance to see you again.

GWAINE That's better. You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.

MERLIN I'm fine. Really. [whispers] Freya? MERLIN I have to cross 20 leagues of hostile territory. I need you to take me.

KILGHARRAH I am not a horse, Merlin!

MERLIN If you do not, then Morgana will have won. Unless that's what you want.

KILGHARRAH My allegiance has never been with the witch.

MERLIN I know. But is it with me?

KILGHARRAH Yes, young warlock. It is with you. Merlin: Thank you.

KILGHARRAH I warned you before that, in the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once its task is done, you will place it where none can wield it.

MERLIN I promise. *spell*

-- [Gwen slips Leon the key]

GWEN We haven't got time to waste. [hands him a dress]

LEON You...You can't be serious.

GWEN Just hurry! Every guard in Camelot will be looking for you. They won't be looking for two women courtiers. LEON Augh.

MORGANA Sounds like the wait is over.

MORGAUSE *spell* The potion does its work.

MORGANA Off you go. Hurry along to your beloved prince.

GWEN What's taking you so long?

LEON I'm a women.

GWEN Here, let me help you.

LEON From here, we need to take the path heading north. There's a cave in the Darkling Woods, five minutes due east of the fallen oak. It has a concealed entrance and fresh water. My guess is that's where Arthur's hiding out.

MORGAUSE *spell* This way.

ARTHUR Having a little lie down, Merlin?

MERLIN No.

ARTHUR Good. Because the time for sleeping's over.

MERLIN You seem better.

ARTHUR You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin. Well, most thing, in fact. But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful.

MERLIN Really?

ARTHUR Yesterday, amongst all your gibberish, you said something that, if I didn't know you, I'd be completely fooled into thinking you were...

MERLIN What?

ARTHUR Wise.

MERLIN Nah.

ARTHUR Guinevere! Sir Leon.

ELYAN We've been found! They're almost upon us!

ARTHUR [to Merlin] Get Gaius. [to others] We need to get out of here. Run!

MERLIN They've found us. We need to go.

GAIUS I'll slow you down. It's Arthur you need to protect, not me.

MERLIN I won't leave you!

GAIUS Camelot needs you.

MERLIN Camelot needs us both. Go! I'll be right behind you!

-- PERCIVAL Look out!

ARTHUR Who's that?

GWAINE Don't know, but I'm liking him already.

GUINEVERE Lancelot!

LANCELOT We need to hurry.

ARTHUR I take it that rock fall wasn't an accident.

LANCELOT This is Percival. It was his strength that brought them down.

PERCIVAL Your Highness.

ARTHUR Arthur.

PERCIVAL Arthur it is.

ARTHUR What were you doing here?

MERLIN Er...it was me. I sent for him.

ARTHUR Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you.

MORGAUSE He was lucky to escape. I'm sorry, Sister.

MORGANA What can he do? Arthur has but a handful of men. We have an immortal army at our disposal. Morgause: Yes, but whist Arthur lives, the people will not yield.

MORGANA Then we will make them. Tonight we will have a gallows built, and tomorrow, one by one, we will put an end to the knights of Camelot.

GAIUS Are you sure we'll be safe in here?

ARTHUR This castle belonged to the ancient kings. It'll do for a while.

ELYAN Can't be worse than that cave.

ARTHUR Search the place, see what you can find.

GWAINE They must've been left by bandits.

ARTHURHere! Come and join me. This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here. My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?

LANCELOT You taught me the values of being a knight, the code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world that you will build.

ELYAN Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you.

LEON I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for.

GWAINE I think we've no chance. But I wouldn't miss it for the world.

PERCIVAL Your enemies are my enemies.

GAIUS If you need an old man.

GUINEVERE You know the answer.

ARTHUR Merlin?

MERLIN No, don't really fancy it.

ARTHUR You don't have a choice, Merlin.

MERLIN OK.

ARTHUR I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of.

ARTHUR Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Gawain, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of camelot. Tomorrow, when you fight, you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known.

MERLIN

You're a knight. At last.

LANCELOT

But for how long?

MERLIN

Who knows?

LANCELOT

What'you planning? And don't even think about lying; I know you too well.

MERLIN

It's too difficult to explain.

LANCELOT

You can tell me.

MERLIN

Morgana has the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty it of the blood within, then the army will be destroyed, and Morgana will be powerless.

LANCELOT

Aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army.

MERLIN

Aren't you forgetting something? I have magic.

LANCELOT

It doesn't make you immortal.

MERLIN

No.

LANCELOT

You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it.

MERLIN

He can't. Not yet. That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing.

LANCELOT

Leave that to me.

ARTHUR

There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons. It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm.

LANCELOT

We need to take out the warning bell. That way the warriors have no mean of communication.

ARTHUR

Good idea.

LANCELOT

I'll need someone with me who knows the castle.

MERLIN

I'll go.

ARTHUR

Alright.

ARTHUR

Stay here with Gaius. I want you to gather firewood and make bandages. There'll be casualties.

GUINEVERE

Alright.

ARTHUR

Guinevere.

GUINEVERE

They'll see.

ARTHUR

I don't care. I want you to know...if I never see you again...

GUINEVERE

You will. You will see me. I watched you last night. You gave us hope, something to believe in. I saw the king you will become. I'm so proud of you Arthur.

GAIUS

You need to be careful.

MERLIN

I've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the cells.

GAIUS

I overheard you, Merlin. If Morgause catches you, she'll kill you.

MERLIN

I have no choice.

GAIUS

I remember the bumbling idiot that came charging into my chamber all those years ago. Who would believe.

[Arthur & Co. approaching castle]

GUINEVERE

Gaius? Gaius?!

ARTHUR [to Lancelot]

Good luck.

MERLIN


 * gasp* I can sense the Cup's power. This way. [kills guard]

LANCELOT

What is that?

MERLIN

It was forged in a dragon's breath.

GWAINE


 * whistles* [to Percival] Now! [to guards] Stay there and don't move, eh?

[Merlin and Lancelot peek around a corner]

LANCELOT

What do we do now? [Merlin shakes head]

[Arthur & Co. fight guards, Arthur throws keys to the imprisoned knights]

[Lancelot and Merlin attack guards, get inside council room, lock door, and face more guards]

[Arthur opens Uther's cell]

ARTHUR

Father, we have to hurry.

UTHER

I'm sorry.

ARTHUR

Please, Father, now isn't the time.

--

[Lancelot and Merlin fight]

[Arthur & Co. fight]

[Lancelot & Merlin fight, Lancelot injured]

[Arthur & Co. fight, warning bell sounds]

ARTHUR

What the hell are those two doing?!

[Lancelot & Merlin fight, Merlin kills last guard, goes for the Cup, Morgause throws him]

[Arthur & Co. fight, reinforcements arrive. Arthur stops fighting] Arthur: If we're gonna go down! We'll go down fighting! For the love of Camelot! Knights of the Round Table: RAAAAAHHHHHHH!

-- MORGAUSE [to Merlin]

I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again.

GAIUS

No, you won't. *spell* [Morgause thrown. Gets up to cast spell]

MORGAUSE

Ahhhh! [thrown by Merlin, knocked out]

GAIUS

Merlin! The Cup! [Merlin picks up Excalibur and knocks Cup off pedestal, blood spills]

[Arthur & Co. guards explode]

[Morgana enters council room.]

MORGANA

No! No! [runs to and embraces Morgause] Sister.

MERLIN

It's over, Morgana.

MORGANA

No, you're wrong. This has just begun! No. *screams*

[Windows explode, council romo crumbles, Merlin, Gaius, and Lancelot flee the scene.]

ARTHUR

You're safe now, Father.

ELYAN

Where's Gwaine? Gwaine? You still alive?

GWAINE

What do you think? And that's Sir Gwaine to you.

ARTHUR

Have you seen the state of these boots?

MERLIN

Yeah.

ARTHUR

Well, go and get something to clean them.

MERLIN

Why? They're your boots.

ARTHUR

Have you lost your mind?

MERLIN

I thought you believed in equality.

ARTHUR

I'm sorry?

MERLIN

At the Round Table, you said...

ARTHUR

Shut up, Merlin. [gives Merlin a friendly shove]

MERLIN

How's your father?

ARTHUR

I don't know. All this. Morgana. It's hit him hard.

MERLIN

Perhaps we're heading for a new time. You may need to take charge, become...become King.

ARTHUR

Who knows what the future will bring. --

(Arthur spots Gwen and walks down the castle steps.He then helps her off of her horse and they kiss, then hug)

GAIUS

And they searched through the remains of the rubble, and still no Morgana?

MERLIN

Or Morgause.

GAIUS

They won't have gone far. Merlin, no one else is going to say this to you, but I will. Well done.

MERLIN

I told you Camelot needed both of us.

GAIUS

We're going to have to tidy this place up.

MERLIN

Hmm. But not now.

GAIUS

Where are you going?

MERLIN

Er...

GAIUS

What are you up to?

MERLIN

There's something I have to do.

KILGHARRAH

In the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once it's task is done, you will place is where none can wield it.

[Merlin raises Excalibur, his eyes glow red as he says a spell, and thus, the sword enters the white plain stone]

Merlin Will Return