Transcript:The Curse of Cornelius Sigan



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.

--

[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]

ARTHUR

Merlin. Merlin!

MERLIN

Yes, Sire?

ARTHUR

Are you deaf?

MERLIN

I wish.

ARTHUR

I want you to go down there and tell them to stop.

MERLIN

But they're working under the King's orders.

ARTHUR

Yes, and you're working under mine.

--

[INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB – NIGHT]

MERLIN

Hello?

OPENING CREDITS

--

[INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB – NIGHT]

MERLIN

How do you think he died? Gaius?

GAIUS

Hmm?

MERLIN

Do you know whose tomb it is?

GAIUS

Not sure.

MERLIN

Do you think it might be cursed?

(Gaius steps on a trap. A stone bird shoots a dart at Gaius. Merlin magics a plate between the dart and Gaius)

GAIUS

You just saved my life. Thank you.

(Merlin hears Uther and drops the plate. It rolls towards Uther's feet.)

UTHER

...guarded at all times, (to Merlin) idiot.

ARTHUR

Were you born clumsy or do you work at it?

MERLIN

It's just one of my many gifts.

UTHER

Well this is quite a find. You see, Gaius, I was right. There is treasure to be found under Camelot. Which of my predecessors do I have to thank for all this? Gaius?

GAIUS

Uh, I'd have to look into it, Sire.

UTHER

How did he die?

GAIUS

He seems to have unwittingly triggered a trap here.

ARTHUR

To deter grave robbers

UTHER

Well there's plenty in here people would want to steal. Have them secure the tomb. Guarding it is your responsibility, Arthur.

ARTHUR

Yes, Father.

--   [INT. LOWER TOWN, TAVERN – NIGHT]

CEDRIC

So this jewel, what size would you say it was?

TOM

About that size.

(Tom shows him his closed fist as an indication of size)

CEDRIC

My word, really? About that size, you say? Well, I never. Here you are. Drink up. And, uh, this tomb. I bet they got that locked up nice and safe, haven't they?

TOM

Tighter than the King's coffers.

CEDRIC

Yeah. Must be a way in, though.

TOM

Only with the keys.

CEDRIC

Right, right, right. And who's got the keys?

TOM

You must think I'm stupid. I'm not telling you that.

CEDRIC

Course not. No, a bright lad like you knows what that sort of information's worth. No, we don't want everyone to see. Believe me, this place is full of thieves and finger-smiths. Put it inside your tunic. And, uh, careful of that fellow over there.

TOM

Which one?

CEDRIC

Far end of the bar. See him? He keeps on watching you.

TOM

Yeah, yeah, yeah. With, with the beard.

CEDRIC

No, no. That one.

TOM

Ah, I got my eye on him. Thank you.

CEDRIC

So who's got the keys?

TOM

Only the Prince. But don't get your hopes up. He keeps them in his private chambers, and there's only one person allowed in there: his servant.

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]

ARTHUR Hurry up, Merlin.

MERLIN

Sorry.

ARTHUR

Merlin!

MERLIN

I don't understand.

ARTHUR

Well, there's a surprise.

MERLIN

I did that girth up myself.

ARTHUR

Well, I think that might have been the problem!

MERLIN

It wasn't my fault.

CEDRIC

Would you like me to fit the girth properly for you, Sire.

ARTHUR

Thank you.

CEDRIC

It's an honour to be of service to the Prince.

ARTHUR

An honour. Do you hear that Merlin?

CEDRIC

Allow me the honour of brushing your clothes down.

ARTHUR (whispers)

The honour.

CEDRIC

Anything else I can do for you, sir.

ARTHUR

Well, you can give Merlin here a kick up the backside.

CEDRIC (chuckles)

I wouldn't wish to deprive you of the pleasure, sir.

ARTHUR

Ha! What's your name?

CEDRIC

Cedric. I've come to Camelot in search of work.

ARTHUR

Good. You can be a beater on the hunt. We're short of a man or two.

CEDRIC

You're too kind, Sire.

MERLIN

Here. You'll need a beater. Oh, sorry.

--

[EXT. FOREST – DAY]

MERLIN

Flíe 'fǽgð.

ARTHUR

Who threw that?

CEDRIC

ahem

ARTHUR

Was it you? You just saved my life.

CEDRIC

Honestly, Sire, it was nothing.

ARTHUR

I shall be forever indebted to you. You must be rewarded.

CEDRIC

No, I couldn't possibly.

ARTHUR

Come on. What do you wish for?

CEDRIC

I desire only one thing, Sire.

ARTHUR

Anything.

CEDRIC

A position in the royal household.

ARTHUR

Good. Consider it done. Ha-ha!

CEDRIC

You can have that back.

MERLIN

Oof!

CEDRIC

Oh, sorry.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS

What's wrong?

MERLIN

I saved Arthur's life, someone else got the credit. Just the usual. What are you doing?

GAIUS

I found this inscription on the sceptre.

MERLIN

What language is that?

GAIUS I don't know. Sigan would have known many languages.

MERLIN

Sigan?

GAIUS

It's his tomb.

MERLIN

Who's he?

GAIUS

Merlin, he was the most powerful sorcerer to have lived.

MERLIN

Really?

GAIUS

You didn't grow up in Camelot, but for those of us that did, Cornelius Sigan was a figure of nightmare.

MERLIN

Why?

GAIUS

Sigan's powers. He could change day into night, turn the tides, and legend has it, his spells helped build Camelot itself.

MERLIN

What happened?

GAIUS

In the end, he grew too powerful and the king at that time ordered his execution.

MERLIN

If he's dead, why are you so worried?

GAIUS

Sigan couldn't bear the thought that his wealth and power would die with him, so he became obsessed with finding a way to defeat death itself.

MERLIN

You think he might have succeeded?

GAIUS

Let's hope not, for all our sakes.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]

UTHER

Gaius. What is it you want?

GAIUS

To seal up the burial chamber and all its contents.

UTHER

Don't be ridiculous.

GAIUS

The insignia on this ring belongs to Cornelius Sigan. I believe it to be his tomb. In the Old Religion, the name Sigan means raven.

UTHER

No wonder the riches are so great.

GAIUS

Then you are aware of the legends, Sire?

UTHER

Yes. I have always enjoyed the tale of the arrogant sorcerer who came to an untimely end.

GAIUS

According to the story, Sigan cursed Camelot. He said he would return and raze the city to the ground.

UTHER

Gaius, you have long been my ally in the war against sorcery. You, more than anyone, should not give in to these irrational fears.

GAIUS

Thank you, Sire.

UTHER

And Gaius. Do not spread panic amongst my people. This is foolish superstition, nothing more.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]

MORGANA

Ah! Gwen? Gwen!

GWEN

My Lady? My Lady, what's the matter? It's alright, it's alright. I'm here. I'm here. There's nothing to be frightened of. Shh, shh, shh.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – DAY]

ARTHUR

Is that lunch?

MERLIN

No, it's breakfas...

ARTHUR

This is lovely, Cedric.

MERLIN

Is there anything else that you need doing, Sire?

ARTHUR

No, I think Cedric's got it all covered

CEDRIC

Oh, I regret, Sire, there is one thing I failed to do. Uh, muck out your horses.

ARTHUR

Off you go.

CEDRIC

I'll get the door for you.

--

[INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS – DAY]

GAIUS

What was this dream about?

MORGANA

A bird.

GAIUS

What kind of bird?

MORGANA

A raven.

GAIUS

A raven?

MORGANA

It was terrifying, Gaius. What do you think it means?

GAIUS

Probably nothing.

MORGANA

It's happening again, isn't it?

GAIUS

Morgana, one raven doesn't mean that your nightmares are returning. Are you taking the sleeping draughts I prepared for you? I'll get Gwen to give you something stronger.

MORGANA

Like a blow to the head? I'm sure she wants to.

--   [INT. ROYAL STABLES – DAY]

CEDRIC

Go on. Go and have some fun. Go on. Go and have some fun.

GUARD

Sire!

MERLIN

Sire!

ARTHUR

What are you doing?

MERLIN

Nothing.

ARTHUR

I can see that.

MERLIN

I wasn't sleeping. I was, I was just bending down.

ARTHUR

Looking for something.

MERLIN

Yes.

ARTHUR

Perhaps we're looking for the same thing.

MERLIN

What?

ARTHUR

Oh, I don't know, the horses!

MERLIN

The hor-ses. Oh!

ARTHUR

One mistake I can understand. Everyone has a bad day now and then, but this is one thing after another!

MERLIN

I--I don't know what happened!

CEDRIC

Sire. Please, Sire, don't be too hard on him. He's a good servant, he just...he's tired.

MERLIN

I am not

CEDRIC

Maybe...maybe if he had the evening off...

MERLIN

I don't want the evening off.

CEDRIC

A good night's rest...

MERLIN

I did not fall asleep!

CEDRIC

I'm more than willing to take over his duties tonight.

ARTHUR

Perhaps you're right.

MERLIN

No.

ARTHUR

Shut up, Merlin.

MERLIN

Can't you see what he's trying to do? He's trying to get rid of me, and if you weren't such a clotpole. you'd see that!

ARTHUR

A what?

CEDRIC

Clotpole. He, he said clotpole.

ARTHUR

Cedric's right. He can look after me tonight. You can go home and think about whether you want to be my servant or not.

MERLIN

But...

ARTHUR

Go.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS

What's that on your face?

MERLIN

Nothing.

GAIUS

What's wrong?

MERLIN

Nothing.

GAIUS

Here.

MERLIN

I'm not an idiot.

GAIUS

What happened?

MERLIN

I just want Arthur to trust me. And to see me for who I really am.

GAIUS

One day he will.

MERLIN

When? Everything I do is for him and he just thinks I'm an idiot.

GAIUS

Not everyone thinks you're an idiot. Although, looking at you now...Now is not the time to be questioning these things, Merlin. I believe that you and Arthur are destined for greatness, and that your calling is to serve and protect him.

MERLIN

It's hard.

GAIUS

I know it's hard. But Camelot is in grave peril. I've translated the inscription. "He who breaks my heart completes my work."

MERLIN

What does it mean?

GAIUS

Do you remember the stone in the tomb, how it glowed?

MERLIN

Yeah. I've never seen a jewel like it.

GAIUS

That's because it's not a jewel, it's the soul of Cornelius Sigan.

MERLIN

You think he's alive?

GAIUS

His soul is. But in order to truly live, a soul needs a body.

MERLIN

So, if the stone is removed from its setting, then the heart is broken and the soul released?

GAIUS

That's what I fear.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]

CEDRIC

I'll be right outside in the anteroom should you need anything.

ARTHUR

That'll be all, Cedric.

CEDRIC

Sleep well, Sire.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB – NIGHT]

CEDRIC

Oh, yes. Oh, yes! Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Ha. Hello ladies.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, CORNELIUS SIGAN’S TOMB – DAY]

ARTHUR

Sound the warning bell.

GAIUS

Merlin. Whoever did this got more than they bargained for.

MERLIN

I don't understand how they got in. The gate's not even damaged.

GAIUS

They must've used a key.

MERLIN

Arthur's got the only key.

GAIUS

Where does he keep it?

MERLIN

On his belt with the others.

GAIUS

Does he ever take it off?

MERLIN

Only when he's asleep. He keeps it next to his bed.

GAIUS

Who had access to his chambers last night?

MERLIN

Just me. And...Cedric.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – DAY]

MERLIN

Cedric is possessed by an evil spirit.

ARTHUR

What?

MERLIN

He tried to steal the jewel, but it wasn't a jewel, it was a soul of an ancient sorcerer, Sigan.

ARTHUR

Merlin, have you been on the cider?

MERLIN

Please, listen to me. Camelot is in mortal danger. Sigan is using Cedric's body to take his revenge.

ARTHUR

This nonsense isn't helping you keep your job.

MERLIN

You are not listening to me!

ARTHUR

You're going to shout anyway? Cedric! Will you escort Merlin from the palace?

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

Ah!

ARTHUR

Merlin.

MERLIN

Ah!

ARTHUR

You've gone too far this time, Merlin! You can spend a few days cooling off in the cells! Guards!

MERLIN

He's going to destroy Camelot!

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS/DRAWBRIDGE – NIGHT]

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

I am returned. ''Ic cume eft to Camelot. swá þæt ic mæg min fæhþ awrecan! Nu 'ic lybbe ece and ic mæg rædan min burh!''

GWEN

Ahhh!

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]

UTHER

I don't know what this creature is, where it's come from.

ARTHUR

There's more than one, Father. We've had several reports. There's panic in the lower town. People are fleeing the city.

UTHER

Then you must hunt these creatures down and kill them.

ARTHUR

Yes, Sire.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]

UTHER

Have you seen what's happening?

GAIUS

It is as I warned you, Sire.

UTHER

This cannot be Sigan.

GAIUS

It is his revenge, he has come back from the dead.

UTHER

Then he will die again.

GAIUS

You do not understand, sir. You cannot kill a man who has conquered mortality.

UTHER

Don't tell me what cannot be done. Camelot will not fall to a sorcerer while I'm King.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – NIGHT]

MERLIN

Hello?!

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]

ARTHUR

Regroup! Low fight!

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – NIGHT]

MERLIN

Tóspringe!

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD – NIGHT]

GAIUS

We need more bandages, Gwen. You shouldn't be doing this.

MORGANA

It's exactly what I should be doing.

GAIUS

You need rest, Morgana.

MORGANA

And I'm likely to get it with all this going on.

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]

ARTHUR

Guinevere?

GWEN

Sire.

ARTHUR

That thing could've killed you.

GWEN

And it still might! Sorry, Sire.

ARTHUR

No. My pleasure.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD – NIGHT]

GWEN

I'll get you something to stop the bleeding.

ARTHUR

Guinevere. I wanted to say...just, uh...you always surprise me.

GWEN

Is that it, Sire?

ARTHUR

That's it. Oh, and uh...thank you.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD – NIGHT]

UTHER

Arthur.

ARTHUR

It's nothing.

UTHER

Have we driven the creatures out?

ARTHUR

They have control of the lower town. The market has been all but destroyed.

UTHER

How many dead?

ARTHUR

Too many to number.

UTHER

I'm sealing the citadel.

ARTHUR

You can't.

UTHER

I have no choice. I have to protect those who have a chance. If I don't, we will all fall. Where are you going?

ARTHUR

There are people trapped on the drawbridge.

UTHER

I forbid you.

ARTHUR

I'm not leaving them to die.

UTHER

It's suicide!

ARTHUR

It's my duty to Camelot! And to myself!

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD – NIGHT]

MERLIN

Gaius.

GAIUS

What are you doing here?

MERLIN

I have to help Arthur.

GAIUS

Merlin, Sigan's power is far beyond yours.

MERLIN

I don't have a choice.

GAIUS

But Sigan is immortal and you are not. If you face him, he will destroy you.

MERLIN

But there must be a way.

GAIUS

There is only one alive who is old enough to give us the answers we need.

MERLIN

What do you mean?

GAIUS

The Great Dragon.

MERLIN

You knew that...that I used to visit him.

GAIUS

Yes, Merlin, of course I knew. You're a creature of magic, just as he is. I hoped that he could help you.

MERLIN

He helps no one but himself.

GAIUS

For Arthur's sake you must go to him now.

MERLIN

I can't.

GAIUS

We have no choice.

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, DRAWBRIDGE – NIGHT]

ARTHUR

Check for survivors. On me! Charge!

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, DRAGON’S CAVE – NIGHT]

MERLIN

Hello?! Hello?! Please, I need your help!

KILGHARRAH

You told me I would not see you again.

MERLIN

I'm not here for myself, I'm here for Arthur.

KILGHARRAH

Arthur's path lies with yours. You have made it clear that you do not walk in step with me.

MERLIN

You cannot want Cornelius Sigan to win. You're not evil.

KILGHARRAH

At least Sigan knows where his loyalties lie. You have shown that you do not.

MERLIN

So you will let Camelot fall?

KILGHARRAH

I did not say that.

MERLIN

Then you will help me?

KILGHARRAH

To defeat Sigan, you will need a spell more powerful than anything you know.

MERLIN

Please, I have to try.

KILGHARRAH

Very well. But you must give me something in return.

MERLIN

What?

KILGHARRAH

A promise.

MERLIN

A promise?

KILGHARRAH

That one day you will free me.

MERLIN

If I release you, what will you do?

KILGHARRAH

That is not your concern.

MERLIN

I don't trust you!

KILGHARRAH

Nevertheless, you must promise, or Camelot will fall.

MERLIN

I promise. Now, please, give me the spell.

KILGHARRAH

Close your eyes and open your mind. Few men have ever been gifted such knowledge. Use it wisely.

MERLIN

I will.

KILGHARRAH

You made a promise, young warlock, and one day I shall keep you to it.

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, DRAWDRIDGE/MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]

SIR GERAINT

Arthur! Arthur! Retreat! Regroup in the square! Arthur? Arthur? Arthur?!

ARTHUR

Save yourselves! That's an order!

SIR GERAINT

Retreat! Retreat!

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, TEMPORARY WARD – NIGHT]

SIR GERAINT

Seal the doors!

UTHER

Where's Arthur? Where is he? You can't leave him out there, he'll be torn apart!

SIR GERAINT

You can't go out there, Sire! If you open that door, you will die! We will all die!

UTHER

No!

--   [EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]

MERLIN

Astrice!

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

Who would've believed it? You, a sorcerer, and a powerful one.

MERLIN

I won't let you hurt him

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

And you're going to stop me?

MERLIN

I'll stop you.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

He does not deserve your loyalty. He treats you like a slave.

MERLIN

That's not true.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

He cast you aside without a moment's thought.

MERLIN

That doesn't matter.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

But it must hurt so much to be so put upon, so overlooked, when all the while you have such power.

MERLIN

That's the way it has to be.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

Does it? You're young, Merlin. Look inside yourself. You have yet to discover your true power. I can help you. Think, Merlin. To have the world appreciate your greatness. To have Arthur know you for what you are.

MERLIN

That can never be.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

It can, if you join me. Together we can rule over this land. Arthur will tremble at your voice, he will kneel at your feet.

MERLIN

I don't want that.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

You'd rather be a servant?

MERLIN

Better to serve a good man that to rule with an evil one.

SIGAN (CEDRIC)

So be it. If you will not join me, I will become you and your power will be harnessed to my will.

MERLIN

Ic þín sáwol hér beléac, abide þæt ic þé álíese!

(Merlin falls to the ground. His head begins to jerk and his eyes open and turn black.)

GAIUS

Merlin?

(Gaius sees Merlin walk out of the mist. When Merlin gets in front of Gaius he smiles and holds up the jewel with Sigan's soul trapped inside.)

GAIUS

Well done, my boy.

--   [INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]

UTHER

We must learn our lessons from these terrible events, Gaius.

GAIUS

Indeed, Sire.

UTHER

They prove beyond doubt that I was right. Magic is evil. It is our greatest threat. I have grown complacent, Gaius.

GAIUS

I wouldn't say that, Sire.

UTHER

We must renew our efforts. We must ensure that all sorcerers and their followers are eradicated from this kingdom.

GAIUS

Of course, Sire.

--

[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS

You know, you won't get any thanks, Merlin.

MERLIN

I'm not a complete idiot.

GAIUS

There you go. It's not much, but you deserve something.

ARTHUR

I've come to see Merlin. I've not forgotten about your lazy, insolent ways, or the fact that you called me a clotpole, but I do have to admit that there was some truth in your accusations against Cedric.

MERLIN

Does this mean you're admitting that in this occasion I was actually right?

ARTHUR

Not exactly, no. It means that I have a knighthood to bestow first thing tomorrow and no one to clean my armour.

MERLIN

All that?

ARTHUR

Yep.

GAIUS

Clotpole...?