Transcript:The Gates of Avalon



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'S CHAMBERS]

[Arthur drifts under water wearing his armour. A woman (Sophie) stands over him. Morgana wakes with a gasp. She is terrified.]

MORGANA (whisper)

Arthur! Arthur!

--

OPENING CREDITS

--

[EXT. FOREST - DAY]

[Arthur slinks through the woods with a crossbow. Merlin bursts out of the trees and bumps into Arthur as he's about to shoot.]

MERLIN What is it?

ARTHUR (angry) You really are a total buffoon, aren't you, Merlin?

MERLIN I was just asking.

ARTHUR Who? Me or the deer?! We're supposed to be hunting. It requires speed, stealth and an agile mind.

MERLIN So you're able to get by on two out of three, then?

[A woman screams.]

MERLIN What was that?

ARTHUR Quiet.

AULFRIC (distant): Please! Don't!

SOFIA (distant): Help!

[Arthur grabs his sword from Merlin.]

[A man lays on the ground as a bandit draws his sword to kill him. A young woman struggles with three other purse snatchers.]

AULFRIC No, no, I beg you! Mercy!

TERENCE Give us some money!

SOPHIA

Help me! Help me!

[Arthur shoots one of the robbers. The others attacks Arthur. The man gets up and holds the young woman while Arthur fights off the bandits.]

MERLIN
 * spell*

[A large tree branch falls on top of one of the bandits trying to attack Arthur from behind. Arthur kills the one in front of him and the last bandit Terence runs off. Arthur looks up at the tree.]

ARTHUR

Stroke of luck.

MERLIN

And let that be a lesson to you!

[Arthur gives him a look.]

MERLIN What? I was covering your back.

ARTHUR (to the man and the young woman): You alright? Didn't hurt you?

[The young woman turns to Arthur and removes her hood.]

SOPHIA No... Thanks to you. I'm Sophia. This is my father.

ARTHUR Arthur Pendragon... at your service.

[Arthur kisses Sophia's hand. He looks dazzled by her beauty.]

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

[Sophia and her father stand before the court]

AULFRIC

My name is Aulfric, heir to Tír-Mòr. This is my daughter, Sophia.

UTHER You're a long way from home. What brings you to Camelot?

AULFRIC Our home was sacked by raiders, We barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry.

[Arthur leaning on a pillar cannot take his eyes from Sophia.]

UTHER These are dangerous times. What will you do?

AULFRIC We travel west to Caerleon where we have family and, I hope, a new life.

UTHER You must stay here awhile, (Arthur looks relieved) break your journey. A noble family like yours is always welcome in Camelot.

[Arthur stares at Sophia when she exits with her father. She stares back at him. Merlin smiles.]

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

ARTHUR

Make sure you put her in a decent room.

MERLIN

The one next door's empty.

ARTHUR

The one next door's fine. Excellent, in fact… (Merlin smiles) Shut up, Merlin.

MERLIN

What? I didn't say anything.

ARTHUR

You didn't have to. I want to make it clear that my intentions towards Sophia are completely honourable. Put her in the room on the other side of the castle. It's warmer, more comfortable.

MERLIN

Of course. She…er...is very beautiful.

ARTHUR

Yes, she is.

MERLIN

And if your intentions are honourable...

ARTHUR

Oh, they are. Most definitely.

MERLIN

Then what's the problem with her staying next door?

ARTHUR

There isn't one. You've convinced me. Put her in the room next to mine.

KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR

[Merlin hands Sophia a blanket.]

MERLIN

If you need anything, just let me know.

SOPHIA

Thank you.

[Sophia enters her guest room. Morgana sees her. They both exchange a look. Morgana approaches Merlin anxiously.]

MORGANA

Who is that?

MERLIN

Er…Sophia Tír-Mòr. We rescued her in the woods. Well, Arthur did most of the rescuing.

MORGANA

She can't stay here.

MERLIN

The King said that she and her father are welcome in Camelot. Is everything ok?

MORGANA

Yes. Thank you.

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Morgana enters just as Gaius takes a flask off of the burner.]

MORGANA

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.

GAIUS

Nonsense, my child. My favourite patient is always welcome. Gaius kisses her cheek.

GAIUS

I'm sorry about the mess. Most of it's Merlin's. If I'd known you were coming, I'd have tidied up in here.

MORGANA

Er…it's not that. It's just...your bench is on fire.

GAIUS

My bench is on fire? What are you...(turns to look) My bench is on fire!

MORGANA

(hands him a bucket): Here.

GAIUS

(uses tongs to drop the flask in the water): You're always getting me into trouble. What brings you to this dark corner?

MORGANA

I had another dream.

GAIUS

I see.

MORGANA

I saw Arthur lying under water, drowning, and there was a woman standing over him, watching him die. And she's here in Camelot.

GAIUS

The mind plays tricks. It borrows from everyday life and plays out its own fantasy.

MORGANA

But I had this dream before she came to Camelot.

GAIUS

You must be mistaken.

MORGANA

No, I know what I saw. It was so real...so vivid. I saw him die, Gaius. She's going to kill him.

GAIUS

These are just dreams, Morgana, nothing more. Are you taking the sleeping draught I made up for you?

MORGANA

Oh, it doesn't help.

GAIUS

Here. Try this. It will induce a deeper sleep (hands her a bottle) You've nothing to fear.

MORGANA

Thank you, Gaius.

GAIUS

Morgana. Don't bother Uther about this. No need to worry him.

FOREST, TERENCE’S CAMPFIRE - NIGHT

[Aulfric approaches to the Terence that got away. Terence stands up and draws his sword.]

AULFRIC

You can dispense with the unpleasantries…your payment.

[Aulfric holds up a leather pouch.]

TERENCE

I want more. My friends are dead because of you.

AULFRIC

Yes. I'm sorry. Such a dreadful waste of life. But if it's any consolation, you'll see them again soon…má réðe cine týne!

[Aulfric’s eyes redden and he kills Terence with his staff.]

KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Morgana stirs restlessly in her sleep. She sees the same vision of Arthur drowning with Sophia standing over him. Morgana wakes She is terrified.]

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY

ARTHUR

I'm taking Sophia out for a ride today. You know, show her around.

MERLIN

Where do I come into this?

ARTHUR

Well, I'm supposed to be on patrol with the guard of my father this morning, so I need you to cover for me.

MERLIN

What, and lie to the King? No. No way. No, he'll see right through me. He'll have me in the stocks quicker than you can say rotten tomatoes.

ARTHUR

Merlin.

[Merlin sighs]

ARTHUR

I need you to do this for me.

MERLIN

I am a terrible liar. I start sweating, my…my vision blurs, my…my brain stops working.

ARTHUR

Well, no change there, then. Look, I promised Sophia I'd take her out and if I don't turn up it'll blow my chances.

MERLIN

You like her, then?

ARTHUR

Yeah. What's not to like? I want to spend some more time with her, but I need to get my father off my back. I can't order you to lie to the King, but ...you'd be a friend for life if you did.

MERLIN

Go on, then, you don't want to keep her waiting.

ARTHUR

Thanks, Merlin. I won't forget it.

KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY

[Morgana watches Arthur ride out of Camelot with Sophia.]

GUINEVERE

You're sure it's her?

MORGANA

I could never forget that face.

GUINEVERE

You should speak to the King.

MORGANA

And tell him what? That I can see the future?

GUINEVERE

If you think Arthur's life is in danger.

MORGANA

You know how he'd react.

GUINEVERE

You're his ward, he wouldn't harm you.

MORGANA

He hates magic more than he cares for me.

GUINEVERE

That's not true.

MORGANA

Would you care to put it to the test?

GUINEVERE

But what else can you do?

MORGANA

I'm going to have to try and stop her myself.

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

UTHER

Where's my son?

MERLIN

I'm not sure where he is. I…erm…I think there's been a mistake. But it's not his fault. Arthur's, I mean.

UTHER

Stop gibbering and tell me where he is.

MERLIN

It's probably... No, it's definitely my fault.

UTHER

Where is Arthur?!

MERLIN

He's not here.

UTHER

I can see that.

MERLIN

Arthur wasn't sure of his orders, so he asked me to check with the guards to see if he was riding out this morning and...well...I may have forgotten.

UTHER

You forgot?

MERLIN

I'm sorry, My Lord. I am sure he would have been here had I told him.

UTHER

If this was a time of war, I would have you flogged.

MERLIN

And since it's not, we'll let it go just this once?

LOWER TOWN - DAY

[Merlin is pelted with rotten tomatoes in the stocks.]

MERLIN

I forgot how much fun this was.

FOREST - DAY

[Arthur walks through the woods with Sophia.]

ARTHUR

The river's not far. It's just down here.

SOPHIA

Arthur...wait.

ARTHUR

What is it?

[Sophia takes Arthur's hands and looks into his eyes.]

SOPHIA

(spell): Túce hwón frec'úre, Arthur.

GUARD

(distant): You there! Halt!

[Sophia backs away and Arthur tackles her as an arrow flies at them. Arthur runs toward the guards.]

GUARD

(distant): Sorry!

ARTHUR

(distant): Sorry?! You nearly shot a crossbow in my face! What do you mean you're sorry?!

[Sophia looks fearfully at the arrow in the tree behind her. Arthur jogs back.]

ARTHUR

You okay?

SOPHIA

Yes. Thanks to you.

ARTHUR

They were searching for the bandits that attacked you yesterday. Here.

[Arthur picks up Sophia’s staff to give it to her.]

SOPHIA

(angry): Don't…touch that!

ARTHUR

(puzzled): I'm sorry…Maybe we should go back.

SOPHIA

It's fine. I…I'm sorry, I was upset. Now, don't let this spoil our day together. We were having such a nice time. Let's go down to the river.

ARTHUR

I'm taking you back to Camelot (Sophia looks worried). Your father would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you.

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Merlin enters covered in rotten tomatoes.]

GAIUS

Have you been playing with your food again?

MERLIN

The King put me in the stocks.

GAIUS

What'd you do this time?

MERLIN

Nothing. Honestly, it wasn't my fault (pours water in a basin) Arthur wanted to get out of going on patrol with Uther and the guard, so I covered for him and took the blame.

GAIUS

And Arthur was prepared to let you do this?

MERLIN

It was his idea.

[Merlin washes his face.]

GAIUS

And what made him neglect his duties? It must've been something terribly important.

MERLIN

(smiling): Sophia.

GAIUS

(looks concerned): The girl from the forest?

MERLIN

He wanted to take her out for the day (takes food out of his hair) He is besotted.

GAIUS

But they've only just met.

MERLIN

I know. I guess it must have been love at first sight.

GAIUS

Yes…I suppose it must be.

KING’S PALACE – CORRIDOR

[Gaius is walking toward Aulfric’s bedchambers. He checks if anyone is around and enters.]

AULFRIC'S GUEST CHAMBERS

[Gaius snoops around and inspects Aulfric's staff and the writings on it. He doesn’t hear Aulfric enter.

AULFRIC

Can I help?

GAIUS

(startles): Forgive me. The door was open. I thought someone may have broken in.

AULFRIC

(angry): Looks like they have! (his eyes have reddened)

GAIUS

I apologise for imposing on you. It won't happen again (starts to leave. He has seen the red eyes and looks suspiciously at Aulfric)

AULFRIC

(threatening voice): Make sure it doesn't.

KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE

[Arthur and Sophia ride in and dismount. Sophia looks worried.]

ARTHUR

You're sure you'll be alright?

SOPHIA

Yes. Thank you for today (kisses Arthur's cheek) Good night, Arthur.

[Arthur watches her until she is inside the castle.]

KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE

[Sophia enters the palace and bumps into Morgana.]

SOPHIA

Sorry! (smiles) Lady Morgana, isn't it? I'm Sophia.

MORGANA

(drily): What are you doing here?

SOPHIA

My father and I are guests of the King.

MORGANA

You're lying. I know what you're going to do to him, and I won't let it happen.

SOPHIA

Does Arthur know you feel this way about him? Of course he does. I suspect he's already turned you down.

MORGANA

Don't think you can make a fool out of me.

SOPHIA

I won't have to. You're managing to do that well enough already.

MORGANA

Stay away from him.

SOPHIA

Or what? (pause) Jealousy is such an unattractive trait in a women.

MORGANA

If anything happens to Arthur, I'll find you. However long it takes.

KING’S PALACE, AULFRIC'S GUEST CHAMBERS

[Sophia enters.]

AULFRIC

You've not been gone as long as I expected.

SOPHIA

We were interrupted.

AULFRIC

What happened?

SOPHIA

I was nearly killed. For a moment, I felt what it would be like to die a mortal death. He saved me. Someone so weak, so feeble, saved me! I can't bear to be like this a moment longer.

AULFRIC

You won't have to. Once his heart is yours, the gates of Avalon will open once again for us and we can regain our true form.

SOPHIA

I need a little more time.

AULFRIC

You must hurry. The physician can see us for what we truly are.

SOPHIA

And he is not alone. The Lady Morgana. She fears her powers, but that will not keep her quiet for long.

AULFRIC

Tomorrow, you have to finish the enchantment otherwise our chance to rid us of these mortal shells will be lost forever.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

MORGANA

You seem very fond of her.

ARTHUR

You make that sound like a bad thing.

MORGANA

Not necessarily. I've just never seen you fall under a woman's spell so quickly.

ARTHUR

If you're jealous, Morgana, it's ok to admit it.

MORGANA

Don't flatter yourself.

ARTHUR

Come on. It wouldn't be the first time now, would it?

MORGANA

Arthur, I'm trying to protect you! She isn't what she seems.

ARTHUR

Why? What makes you say that?

MORGANA

I just have a feeling. It's difficult to describe. I had a dream. A nightmare.

ARTHUR

(laughing): You really are very sweet, Morgana.

MORGANA

Why are you laughing?

ARTHUR

You! Your feelings, bad dreams. You don't have to make this stuff up. You can tell me the truth. It's obvious you like me.

MORGANA

Less and less by the second.

ARTHUR

All right. Whatever you say.

MORGANA

You're intolerable. Just hope I'm wrong about her.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY

[Merlin is getting Arthur’s armour ready. Arthur comes in.]

MERLIN

You're dressed!

ARTHUR

Nothing gets past you, does it, Merlin?

MERLIN

What…You're supposed to be wearing these! Your father's bestowing a knighthood on one of your men this morning!

ARTHUR

I'm giving it a miss.

MERLIN

Won't the King mind?

ARTHUR

Not if you…er…cover for me, again. By the way, thanks for yesterday, I heard you ended up in the stocks. Bad luck.

MERLIN

They were throwing potatoes at me. It's only supposed to be rotten fruit.

ARTHUR

I'm not sure there's any hard-and-fast rules, but if it's any consolation, I think it was worth it.

MERLIN

(gets closer): What? It went well?

ARTHUR

Great. Fantastic (Arthur looks lost in his mind) She's incredible.

MERLIN

Don't worry. I'll find a way to get you out of it.

ARTHUR

Just make sure you don't end up in the stocks this time.

MERLIN

I won't. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this whole deception lark.

LOWER TOWN - DAY

[Merlin is pelted with rotten food in the stocks.]

FOREST - DAY

[Arthur and Sophia frolic through the woods.]

ARTHUR

Wai…wait! Careful.

SOPHIA

Don't worry. I will be (she comes close to Arthur and looks in is eyes) túce hwón frec 'úre, artur.

ARTHUR

What are you doing?

[Sophia takes Arthur's hand and comes closer.]

SOPHIA

Þec nom feoh gyse. Cume morðor rice ær. Túce hwón frec úre, Arthur.

[Sophia and Arthur's eyes glow red.]

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Merlin enters covered in rotten food. Gaius sits at his desk.]

GAIUS

Not again Merlin, surely?

MERLIN

You would think that the appeal of pelting the same person with fruit would wear off after a while, but, oh, no!

GAIUS

I heard that Arthur wasn't at the knighting ceremony.

MERLIN

Yeah (pours water in a basin) he wanted to make the most of his time left with Sophia.

GAIUS

So you helped him?

MERLIN

(start to wash): I'm his servant, I had to.

GAIUS

You shouldn't have done that, Merlin (he looks up at Gaius) I fear that Sophia may not be all that she seems.

MERLIN

Why?

GAIUS

(gets up): What do you know about seers?

MERLIN

Not much. They're…supposed to be able to see the future, like prophets?

GAIUS

It's said to be an innate ability. Those who have it are born that way. Some aren't even aware that what they see is the future. It comes to them in their dreams (sits on a bench the other side of his desk)

MERLIN

What's this got to do with Sophia?

GAIUS

The night before she and Aulfric came to Camelot, Morgana had a dream. Sophia was in it.

MERLIN

(surprised): Before she arrived in Camelot?

GAIUS

I've been watching Morgana since she was very young. And though I tried to persuade myself otherwise, I realised that (Merlin has come closer and sat on the bench near Gaius) some of the things she said she'd dreamt came to pass. I kept it secret from Uther, of course. The gift of prophecy is too close to the work of magic.

MERLIN

You think Morgana is a seer?

GAIUS

I don't think it. I fear it. Morgana said she dreamt that Sophia killed Arthur.

MERLIN

Couldn't that have just been a dream? Maybe the- the woman Morgana saw just looked like Sophia.

GAIUS

That's what I hoped. But Aulfric caught me in Sophia's room and, in a flash of anger, his eyes changed colour.

MERLIN

Who are they?

GAIUS

It's not who they are that worries me. It's what they want with Arthur.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

[Sophia continues enchanting Arthur.]

SOPHIA

Our love is strong. You feel the same way, too. If we were ever to be parted...?

ARTHUR

I'd never let that happen.

SOPHIA

You may not have the choice. There are some here who don't want us to be together.

ARTHUR

I'll never let them come between us.

SOPHIA

Because we are in love.

ARTHUR

Because we're in love.

SOPHIA

You must seek permission for us to marry... so that we can be together.

ARTHUR

Till death do us part.

SOPHIA

Túce hwón frec'úre, artur.

[Sophia's eyes glow red and she kisses Arthur.]

SOPHIA

Till death do us part.

[Arthur's eyes glow red and Sophia exits.]

KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR

[Aulfric meets Sophia outside Arthur's door.]

SOPHIA

He's ready. Tomorrow he'll do what we need him to.

AULFRIC

Good, you have done well. I must go to the elders.

[Merlin sees Aulfric as he turns the corner to Arthur's Chambers and follows him.]

WOODS, LAKE OF AVALON

[Merlin follows Aulfric into the woods. Aulfric reaches the Lake. Merlin watches him from behind a tree. The wind has started to blow. Aulfric addresses the Lake.]

AULFRIC

I seek an audience with the Sidhe elders! Do:tiag-sa ar idbairt do denam!

[A blue haze and fairies appear over the lake. The fairies fly faster than a human eye can see. Merlin adjusts his sight and through his eyes we watch everything in slow-motion. Merlin is amazed by what he sees and he smiles.]

AULFRIC

I come before you to plead for the chance to win passage back to Avalon and a life of immortality! (One of the fairies, the Sidhe Elder, comes close to Aulfric. Merlin watches)

SIDHE ELDER

Your punishment for killing another Sidhe is a mortal body and a mortal life. You will never be able to return to Avalon.

AULFRIC

The crime was mine, not my daughter's.

SIDHE ELDER

The gates of Avalon remain closed to your daughter. Unless the soul of a mortal prince be offered up to them.

AULFRIC

Thank you. An immortal life for my daughter is all that I desire, so I promise you the soul of the greatest prince of all. Arthur Pendragon! Merlin realizes that Arthur’s life is in great danger. The fairies disappear into the Lake and Aulfric laughs.

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

GAIUS

Avalon. What you saw at the lake, it's Avalon. It must be…

MERLIN

What's...

GAIUS

The land of eternal youth. Mortals are only supposed to glimpse it the moment before death.

MERLIN

Well, I've seen it and I'm still here.

GAIUS

Extraordinary. What did it look like?

MERLIN

Does it matter? They're going to sacrifice Arthur and we don't even know who "they" are yet.

GAIUS

We do now (Gaius sits by his desk. Merlin follows him) I found writing like this on the top of Aulfric's staff. It's Ogham, an ancient script. "Abas ocus bithe. Duthectad bithlane." "To hold life and death in your hands." From the writing on his staff and what you saw at the lake, I'm afraid I'm now certain. We're dealing with the Sidhe.

MERLIN

That does not sound like a good thing.

GAIUS

They're masters of enchantment.

MERLIN

You think Arthur's been enchanted?

GAIUS

(nods): Almost certainly. I'm afraid Morgana's dream is coming true.

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER

[Arthur stands before Uther who is reading documents. Morgana sits next to Uther. Ulfric and Sophia are one step behind Arthur.]

ARTHUR

I request this audience, Father, to discuss a matter of great importance(Merlin enters the council chamber) It cannot have escaped your attention that I and Lady Sophia Tír-Mòr have grown very close.

UTHER

(teasing): Not too close, I hope.

ARTHUR

We're in love (Uther and Morgana exchange a look) Which is why I come before you today to ask your permission to marry.

[Merlin and Morgana look concerned.]

UTHER

(first startled then laughs): I assume you're joking.

ARTHUR

No. I'm going to marry her.

UTHER

But you only met two days ago.

ARTHUR

We're in love.

UTHER

In love? We had no idea that you were such a romantic (turning to Morgana)had we, Morgana?

MORGANA

No. (pause) He's full of surprises.

ARTHUR

I'm going to marry her. I don't care what either of you think about it.

UTHER

I thought you'd come to ask my permission?

ARTHUR

Out of courtesy, nothing more.

[Arthur turns back, takes Sophia's hand and they walk toward the door.]

UTHER

Guards, door.

[The guards prevent Arthur and Sophia from leaving.]

UTHER

(stands up): You've forgotten whose court you're standing in.

ARTHUR

You won't stop me. If I want to marry her, I will.

UTHER

(to the guards): Arrest Sophia and Aulfric Tír-Mòr…

[The guards step forward.]

ARTHUR

What are you doing?

UTHER

…and inform the executioner his services will be required tomorrow morning.

ARTHUR

You can't do this.

UTHER

(raises his voice): Yes! I can! And unless you show me some respect (leans to Arthur) I will!

[Arthur reluctantly bows his head.]

UTHER

Release them. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Sophia is no doubt your first love, but she certainly won't be the only one. Enjoy yourself while you can.

KING’S PALACE, COURTYARD CORRIDOR

[Morgana follows Uther.]

UTHER

You're not planning on springing any surprises on me, are you?

MORGANA

Don't you think you should be taking this a bit more seriously?

UTHER

He's young, foolish and in love. Give it a week and he'll be chasing after the next girl that catches his eye.

MORGANA

Sophia will never let that happen.

UTHER

Do you bear a grudge against our guest?

MORGANA

There's something about her I don't trust. You've seen the way Arthur changed since she's arrived.

UTHER

He's a fool in love.

MORGANA

She's dangerous.

UTHER

Dangerous? To who?

MORGANA

Arthur.

UTHER

Why do you say that?

MORGANA

I just have a sense, a feeling.

UTHER

And what has she done to make you have this feeling?

MORGANA

Nothing, yet. It's what she's going to do…I don't know how to tell you this.

UTHER

Try. Whatever it is, you can tell me.

[They stop and face each other. Uther waits for Morgana to speak.]

MORGANA

I've just seen girls like this before. They string men along and then drop them. I don't want to see him get hurt.

UTHER

I know you want to protect him, but some lessons we have to learn for ourselves. He'll hurt for a week and then Sophia will be forgotten.

MORGANA

I hope so.

UTHER

Are you sure there's nothing else behind this?

MORGANA

Yes, it's nothing. Uther leaves. Morgana looks desperate.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT

[Arthur's packs for travel. He wears his chainmails. Merlin enters.]

ARTHUR

Get out.

MERLIN

I thought the King was a bit harsh.

ARTHUR

I don't need sympathy, Merlin, especially not from you.

MERLIN

But I did think he had a point.

ARTHUR

(angrily): I ordered you to get out. Now leave me!

MERLIN

I know what you think you're doing, and I know you think you're in love with Sophia...

ARTHUR

Who are you to tell me what I'm thinking?

MERLIN

I'm your friend.

ARTHUR

No, Merlin, you're my servant.

MERLIN

You don't know what you're doing. She's cast a spell on you. You're enchanted.

SOPHIA

(enters the room with Aulfric) : I told you people would try to keep us apart.

ARTHUR

I know. I won't let that happen.

MERLIN

Look, don't listen to her, she's controlling you.

SOPHIA

We can elope together. Get away from this place, these people.

MERLIN

I saw you. I followed him. They're planning to sacrifice you.

AULFRIC

You let your servant talk to your guests this way?

MERLIN

I know what you're going to do, because I followed you to the lake and I heard everything. You have to believe me.

[Arthur seems lost and looks like he does not know who to believe.]

SOPHIA

Don't listen to him, Arthur. Let's go. Let's leave tonight.

MERLIN

She's going to kill you. Sophia plans to sacrifice you to buy a life of immortality. If you go with her, you'll die.

ARTHUR

It…it doesn't make sense. We're…we're in love.

MERLIN

They're magical beings! Look at the writing on the staff.

[Merlin lunges forward to grab Aulfric's staff; Aulfric's eyes flash red.]

MERLIN

Look at his eyes. Look at him. Do you believe me now? Arthur, do you see?

[Arthur turns round. His eyes are also red.]

ARTHUR

I see everything. Merlin lunges toward Aulfric, but Aulfric uses his staff.

AULFRIC

Na mben sis!

[Aulfric's spell throws Merlin against the wall and knocks him unconscious.]

KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Morgana looks out her window and sees Arthur leaving the Square with Sophia and Aulfric. She runs out of her chambers.]

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Morgana runs in.]

MORGANA

He's gone! Arthur's gone with her! She's taken him!

GAIUS

Slow down.

MORGANA

I know you don't believe me, but I'm so sure it's going to happen. My dream's going to come true.

GAIUS

I do believe you.

MORGANA

I've got to tell Uther. Gaius: You can't. Morgana: I've got to do something, if I don't then Arthur will die.

GAIUS

You can't tell Uther about your dream. If Uther thinks you've got the seers' power, he'll charge you with witchcraft.

MORGANA

I don't have a choice. I couldn't live with myself knowing I'd let him die.

GAIUS

Wait. We've known each other a long time, you trust me don't you?

MORGANA

Yes, you know I do.

GAIUS

Then trust me now. Stay here and don't say a word to anyone about this. Morgana: But Arthur...

GAIUS

I'll take care of it.

MORGANA

Where are you going?

GAIUS

To find someone who can help. He leaves and motions her to stay inside.

WOODS - NIGHT

[Arthur walks through the woods with Sophia and Aulfric.]

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Gaius enters as Merlin is just coming around.]

GAIUS

Merlin! What happened to you? Gaius kneels down and helps Merlin

MERLIN

Aulfric. Where's Arthur? I have got to go after him. What's that buzzing noise?

GAIUS

Careful, Merlin, you can barely stand up.

MERLIN

I have to go.

GAIUS

You can't, not in this state. You owe it to your powers that you survived this at all.

MERLIN

I'll be fine, he needs me.

GAIUS

Has that buzzing stopped?

MERLIN

Yeah.

GAIUS

Liar.

MERLIN

I have to go, Gaius. He'll die if I don't.

GAIUS

The Sidhe are a vicious people. You must be careful.

MERLIN

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Walks toward the window

GAIUS

Merlin? (points at the door) This way.

MERLIN

Just testing. Merlin runs through the forest.

LAKE OF AVALON

[An oblivious Arthur is standing with Sophia and Aulfric. Sophia puts he staff on the grass.]

AULFRIC

Go. They are waiting for you.

SOPHIA

I don't understand. You're coming too.

AULFRIC

Only one of us can pass through. This was never meant for me.

SOPHIA

But…I only wanted this so we could both return to Avalon.

AULFRIC

Your destiny is on a different path to mine. It is my fate to live a mortal life.

SOPHIA

( crying): I don't want to leave you.

AULFRIC

You must. Once the ceremony begins you have to go through with it. The elders expect a soul. If they don't get his they will take yours.

SOPHIA

Goodbye (she hugs her father) I will never forget you.

[She takes Arthur's hand and leads him into the lake. Merlin continues running. Sophia and Arthur are now in the lake. They stop,water at waist-height. They hold hands. Aulfric starts the ceremony.]

AULFRIC

Ia bend dǽdon níwe. Cúðon gare íewe deahl sǽ áre. Sé áre. Ig bæþ deahl sǽ néah. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him.

[Merlin trips in the woods, then keeps running.]

AULFRIC

An 'wén. Flíete á. Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him. An 'wén. Flíete á.

[Sophia kisses Arthur.]

AULFRIC

Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him. An 'wén. Flíete á. Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him, Arthur Pendragon. Arthur falls backwards into the water. Merlin keeps running. Aulfric keeps incanting.

AULFRIC

Ia bend dǽdon níwe. Cúðon gare íewe deahl sǽ néah. Sé áre. Ig bæþ deahl sǽ néah. An 'wén. Flíete á. Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him.

[Merlin arrives and sees Aulfric's Sophia's staff on the ground.]

MERLIN

Onbregdan.

[The staff flies into Merlin's hand. Merlin points it at Aulfric.]

MERLIN

Swilte, gold beorþ. A bolt of light hits Aulfric and he explodes.

SOPHIA

Father! No! No! Sophia tries to run to the shore. Merlin points the staff at her.

MERLIN

Óga ceoles. A bolt of light hits Sophia and she explodes. Merlin takes his jacket off as he runs into the water.

MERLIN

Arthur! Arthur! Arthur! Merlin finds Arthur under the water and brings him to the surface.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

[Merlin and Gaius sit at Arthur's bedside waiting for him to wake. Arthur groans.]

MERLIN

Arthur? Arthur?

ARTHUR

What happened? Where am I?

MERLIN

Can you remember anything?

ARTHUR

Oh! Oh my head! There was a girl. Sophia, she...I asked my father something about her, I asked him... (bolts up in bed) What was I thinking?

MERLIN

Well, we did wonder. Especially when you eloped with her last night.

ARTHUR

I did what? Gaius: Merlin had to bring you back to Camelot.

ARTHUR

I don't recall any of this.

GAIUS

Must've been some blow.

ARTHUR

What blow?

MERLIN

Well…er…when I caught up with you, I couldn't persuade you to return, you were beyond reason. So I had to make you.

ARTHUR

You managed to knock me out?

MERLIN

Yep. With a lump of wood.

GAIUS

He only did it to bring you back safely.

ARTHUR

(points menacingly at Merlin) No one…can know about this (points at Gaius) Any of it. Is that understood?

[Merlin and Gaius look at each other and then nod. Arthur falls back on his pillows.]

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

[Arthur stands before the court.]

UTHER

When you failed to show up for patrol this morning, I feared you'd eloped with Sophia in a fit of passion. Arthur turns to Merlin.

MERLIN

I…I wish he had. Because then I wouldn't be stood in front of you feeling like an idiot... again.

UTHER

This is becoming a near daily occurrence for you.

MERLIN

But there was a mistake. And I would not say it was anyone's fault (Arthur looks at him) Not…not really. Erm,..you…you could say it was mine.>

UTHER

Could somebody tell me what happened?

MERLIN

Well...

UTHER

Someone with a brain.

ARTHUR

After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off her so I went for a hunt.

MORGANA

And killing things mends a broken heart?

ARTHUR

No, but it's good fun. Merlin was meant to inform you that I wouldn't be back till later today.

UTHER

( to Merlin): Have you some kind of mental affliction?

MERLIN

Probably.

GAIUS

I'm looking into it, Sire.

UTHER

Well, I hope for our sake you find a cure. Or we'll find ourselves with a food shortage on our hands. Merlin (chuckles): Food shortage…

LOWER TOWN – DAY

[Merlin is pelted by rotten food in the stocks.]

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Morgana knocks and enters.]

GAIUS

Morgana.

MORGANA

I've had some troubled nights.

GAIUS

I prepared another draught for you. Have the dreams stopped?

MORGANA

(shakes head): Arthur told me what actually happened (addresses Merlin) You must've hit him round the head really hard.

MERLIN

Yeah. I feel really bad about that.

GAIUS

Here you are. Remember, every night just before you go to sleep.

MORGANA

Thank you, Gaius.

[Morgana leaves]

GAIUS

She must never find out the truth.

MERLIN

Why not? She had a premonition that helped save Arthur's life.

GAIUS

And it could've cost her her own. If Uther ever found out, things would never be the same again. It must remain a secret.

MERLIN

Is she like me? Can she use magic?

GAIUS

No one's like you, Merlin.

MERLIN

But she has the gift?

GAIUS

For her sake, I hope not.

MORGANA’S CHAMBERS

Morgana wakes from another nightmare