Transcript:The Darkest Hour

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 man. His name: Merlin.''

--

[00:14, PLAINS OF DENARIA - DAY]

[A cloaked figure struggles to pull a horse cart along a dusty road. Four Knights approach on horseback.]

SIR LEON

Halt!

[The cloaked woman stops.]

SIR LEON

Stay where you are.

[The woman sets down the cart handles a as the knights dismount, Sir Elyan among them.]

SIR LEON

Where are you headed?

CLOAKED WOMAN

The Seas of Meredor.

SIR LEON

What's in the cart?

[The woman says nothing. Sir Leon motions for the spare knights to search the cart and the woman turns around, revealing herself to be Morgana.]

SIR LEON (startled)

Lady Morgana.

[Morgana uses magic to throw each of the knights to the ground. She looks around, pulls off her hood and pulls down a blanket in the cart. Morgause is there looking very ill]

MORGANA

Are you alright?

MORGAUSE

Yes, thank you, Sister, but we must hurry. Night is nearly upon us and we still have far to go.

[Morgause turns her face towards Morgana, revealing a hideous deformity to the right side of her face and her right eye.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd)

And we still have far to go. -- OPENING CREDITS

--

[02:02, CASTLE SQUARE - MORNING]

[Merlin runs through knights and servants and into the Castle. Servants are decorating the castle with vines and Merlin ducks under one of them as he bolts up the Griffin Stairway.]

MERLIN

Sorry.

--

[02:15, CASTLE KITCHENS - MORNING]

[Merlin bumps into more servants and nicks some food off a passing plate. The head cook accosts him with a ladle.]

AUDREY THE HEAD COOK

What are you doing in my kitchen?

MERLIN

Uh, the prince's shirt.

[The cook motions to the line above the stove where the pots are hanging.]

AUDREY

Keep your dirty fingers off my food. Do you understand?

[Merlin grabs the shirt and a hook on a string drops down in front of his face. He looks up, confused. Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival are peering down at him with eager and mischievous grins. Gwaine puts a finger to his lips and Merlin laughs. Merlin attaches the hook to one of the roasting chickens and pulls on the string. The knights pull it up to them as Merlin exits hastily.]

AUDREY

Oi!

--

[02:48, CASTLE HALLWAY - MORNING]

[Merlin weaves through bustling servants. A servant with wine pitchers bumps into him and spills red wine all over Arthur's newly washed shirt. Merlin picks up the stained shirt and stares at it.]

SIR LANCELOT

You could try a bit of salt.

MERLIN

Arthur is going to kill me.

SIR LANCELOT

Let's see.

[Sir Lancelot looks at the shirt.]

SIR LANCELOT

You've faced far worse, Merlin.

MERLIN

He needs it for tonight.

SIR LANCELOT

I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something.

[Lancelot lifts his eyebrows knowingly. Lancelot keeps walking and Merlin checks to see no one's looking.]

MERLIN

Fordwin wamm.

[Lancelot stops and turns around. Merlin shows him the clean shirt and Lancelot opens his arms as if to say "See, that was easy." They both continue on their way.

--

[03:22, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]

[Arthur's leaning against his desk and writing, as Merlin enters with his clean white shirt.]

MERLIN

You're dressed.

ARTHUR

Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot.

[Arthur turns around to walk behind his desk. He didn't manage to pull his shirt all the way through his belt in the back and his skin is showing. Merlin sniggers.]

MERLIN

Are you sure about that?

ARTHUR

I beg your pardon?

MERLIN

It's just that you--

ARTHUR

Merlin.

MERLIN

But you--

ARTHUR

I am trying to write a speech.

MERLIN

Do you want help?

ARTHUR

No.

MERLIN

You won't want this, then?

[Merlin holds up a scroll and Arthur looks up from his desk.]

MERLIN

I spent all night working on it.

[Arthur takes the scroll and looks over it with exaggerated scepticism.]

MERLIN

What do you think?

[Arthur hands it back to Merlin.]

ARTHUR

Needs a polish.

MERLIN

I'll add it to the list.

[Arthur tosses the speech he was working on.]

ARTHUR

Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech. Obviously it would be too much for you to say, "Thank you."

[Merlin stares at Arthur for a moment and walks out with his laundry without deigning reply. Arthur smiles.]

--

[04:11, SEAS OF MEREDOR - DAY]

[Morgana helps Morgause limp out of the cart in the foggy wood.]

MORGAUSE

The Isle of the Blessed.

[Morgana helps Morgause to the dock. A ferryman waits for them by a longboat. He holds out his hand. Morgause places a coin in it.]

MORGAUSE

You know where we wish to go.

[The sisters huddle in the boat, the ferryman at the helm, as it glides across the sea.]

--

[04:49, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY]

[Uther's hand shakes badly as he lowers his goblet to the table in front of his chair. Gwen enters and watches him with a pitying expression before she approaches him.]

GWEN You've not eaten, sire? Sire?

[Uther doesn't seem to hear her, lost in his own misery. Gwen takes the tray of untouched food and meets Gaius on her way out. She looks at the potion in Gaius's hand.]

GWEN (cont'd) It doesn't seem to make any difference.

GAIUS I'm not sure it ever will. But at least it gives him peace.

GWEN It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him.

GAIUS (nods) His heart is broken and his spirit is gone. You're joining us for the feast tonight?

GWEN I don't think so. I need to stay with the king.

GAIUS You're very good to him, Gwen.

GWEN I don't do it for him; I do it for Arthur.

[Gaius watches Gwen exit.]

-- [05:59, SEAS OF MEREDOR - DAY] [Morgause and Morgana continue across the sea with the ferryman.]

-- [06:12, COUNCIL CHAMBERS - DAY] Sir Leon and Sir Elyan ride into the square and report to Arthur and the Council.

SIR LEON The reports are true, sire. We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria.

ARTHUR Was she alone?

SIR ELYAN (shakes head) There was someone else.

ARTHUR Morgause.

SIR ELYAN Couldn't be sure.

[A man speaks from the shadows.]

AGRAVAINE Where was Morgana heading?

SIR LEON To the Seas of Meredor.

GAIUS Isle of the Blessed.

[Agravaine steps into the light.]

AGRAVAINE I'll send out patrols at first light.

ARTHUR Thank you, Agravaine.

SIR LEON Sire, you should know her powers have grown. Sir Bertrand and Sir Montague are both dead.

ARTHUR Keep me informed of any developments.

[The councilmen all bow and exit. Agravaine remains.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) For months, nothing. Why now?

AGRAVAINE We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, what does it matter? Mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her.

ARTHUR You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last few months without you. Thank you, Uncle.

AGRAVAINE I made a promise to your mother. I'll always be there for you.

[Arthur nods with a smile and exits.]

-- [07:34, ISLE OF THE BLESSED - NIGHT] [Wyverns shriek as they fly around the fortress as Morgana's boat continues to the isle.]

-- [07:55, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT] [Arthur and Agravaine sit on either side of the king's chair at the feast. Arthur stands and the laughter dies down.]

ARTHUR Samhain. It is the time of year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors. It is a time to remember those we have lost to celebrate their passing.

-- [08:15, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]

MORGAUSE Samhain is almost upon us. We must hurry.

MORGANA I can't do this.

MORGAUSE Sister. Remember what I told you. It is the only way. What you are about to do will affect everyone, even you. But most importantly, it will bring our enemies to their knees. You must be strong, remember that.

[Morgause presents Morgana with a dagger.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) Do not be scared.

[Morgana takes the dagger.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) I am not long for this world. There is nothing left for me here now.

[Morgause weakly climbs onto the altar stone and takes Morgana's hand.]

MORGAUSE (cont'd) Please, sister, let my parting be my final gift to you.

[Morgause lies down on the altar.]

-- [09:45, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT] [Arthur raises his glass in a toast.]

ARTHUR To the king.

[Everyone stands to toast as the bell tolls.]

-- [09:50, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]

MORGANA Eala leofu sweoster, paem gastum befaeste ic pe. Alys pa peoster pe inne onwunap. [?]

[Morgana poises the dagger to strike, her eyes glow and she plunges it into Morgause's chest. Morgause gasps.]

-- [10:07, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT] [Merlin senses the magic and everything goes into slow-mo.]

GAIUS (distorted) To the king.

AGRAVAINE (distorted) To the king.

[The knights toast their glasses as Merlin freaks out.]

-- [10:21, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT] [Morgana is blown off her feet.]

-- [10:27, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT] [Merlin sees a dead-looking woman in a black, hooded cloak with a staff standing in the middle of the banquet hall.]

CAILLEACH (whisper) Emrys. Emrys. Emrys.

[Merlin drops his empty serving pitcher and the whole hall goes quiet and stares at him. He swoons. Lancelot rushes to his side. Arthur rolls his eyes. Merlin shivers on the floor.]

[10:53, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT] Cailleach strokes Morgana's cheek and Morgana wakes. She sits up and sees the cloaked woman standing in front of the rift.

MORGANA Who are you?

CAILLEACH I am the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world. You have torn the veil between the worlds.

[Eerie screams echo from the rift.]

CAILLEACH (cont'd) The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child. And, like the dead, they are numberless.

[Morgana looks around in fear.]

CAILLEACH (cont'd) You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings, but you must beware. Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world, and you will not walk through it alone. The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow. He is your destiny, and he is your doom. (whisper) Emrys.

-- [12:17, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT] [Lancelot lays Merlin on the bed.]

SIR LANCELOT What happened?

GAIUS I don't know. I've never felt anyone so cold before.

SIR LANCELOT Will he be alright?

GAIUS I'll need Hawthorne to improve the blood flow. And blankets. Lots of blankets.

[Lancelot goes to fetch them.Merlin carries on shivering in the bed.]

-- [12:36, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gaius is grinding something as Merlin steps out of his chamber wearing a blanket. They sit together.]

MERLIN When she spoke, her voice...it was as though it came from the depths of the earth, and her eyes...they were so sad. So much pain in them. Who is she?

GAIUS The Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world.

MERLIN Why was she there?

GAIUS It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's Eve, the very moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence.

MERLIN Why was I the only one to see her.

GAIUS You have great power, Merlin. For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon.

MERLIN But you don't understand. It wasn't a vision. She knew who I was. She called me Emrys.

[Gaius ponders.]

MERLIN (cont'd) What is it? What does it mean?

GAIUS I'm not sure. But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all.

-- [14:01, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - MORNING] [Merlin brings in a breakfast tray and sets it noisily on the table while Arthur's still in bed.]

ARTHUR Merlin.

[Merlin opens the curtains.]

ARTHUR Merlin!

MERLIN What?

[Arthur puts a pillow over his face. Someone knocks at the door.]

ARTHUR (muffled) Merlin!

MERLIN That's not me.

[Arthur takes off the pillow and Sir Leon enters.]

SIR LEON Excuse me, sire. You're needed in the council chambers as a matter of urgency.

-- [14:22, COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MORNING] [The council is gathered around a weeping woman.]

ARTHUR What's happened to her?

AGRAVAINE Her village was attacked.

ARTHUR By who?

AGRAVAINE Not entirely clear, sir.

[Arthur approaches the weeping woman]

ARTHUR What's your name?

DREA Drea.

[Arthur steps closer and the girl tenses. Arthur puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and speaks tenderly.]

ARTHUR Drea.

[She uncertainly makes eye contact.]

ARTHUR I'm Arthur. Don't be frightened. Tell me what happened.

DREA My mother, my father, my litter sister, they're...

[She starts weeping again.]

ARTHUR It's all right. It's all right.

[Drea nods.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Someone attacked them.

[Drea nods.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Who?

DREA There was no one. Just...shapes.

ARTHUR You didn't see their faces?

DREA They had no faces.

[Arthur looks uncertainly at a few councilmen. Merlin turns at the sound of something behind him.]

DREA I-- I keep telling you. They were there, but...they weren't there. They moved so quickly. It was as if they weren't real, but...they must've been. I could hear the people screaming. And then...silence. They were all...dead.

[Drea breaks down and Arthur comforts her.]

ARTHUR Hey. Thank you.

[Arthur turns her to cry on Gaius's shoulder.]

ARTHUR Where is this village?

AGRAVAINE Howden. It's to the east of the White Mountains, no more than half a day's hard ride.

ARTHUR (to Sir Leon) Ready the men.

-- [16:12, WOODS - DAY] [The Round Table knights ride out of Camelot. Merlin is startled by the sound of a woodpecker.]

ARTHUR Merlin, you need your comfort blanket?

MERLIN What do you mean?

ARTHUR You're making me edgy.

[Lancelot's mount whinnies and Merlin jumps.]

ARTHUR That's a horse.

MERLIN Maybe it sensed something.

ARTHUR Yes, that you're a clot pole.

MERLIN That's my word.

ARTHUR Yeah. And it suits you perfectly.

[The knights survey the slaughtered village.]

ARTHUR It's too quiet.

[They enter the village on foot. All is silent. A door creaks loudly and they freeze until a goat bleats and wanders out. They split up in pairs to search. Arthur turns at a loud crunch. Gwaine just bit into an apple.]

SIR GWAINE Sorry.

[Lancelot shakes his head.]

SIR ELYAN Here!

[Gwaine drops the apple and they all run to Elyan. Inside one of the houses, they stare at frosted corpses. They all turn as something whips past behind them.]

ARTHUR You saw it?

SIR GWAINE We are literally chasing shadows.

ARTHUR Come on.

[They exit the house and search the village at night, bearing torches. Merlin splits off from Lancelot when he hears a door shut in a barn. He walks around cautiously and a chicken jumps out at him. He sighs in relief. Something shrieks quietly behind him and he sees a wisp of it as it exits the barn. Merlin chases the shrieking wisp and loses it.]

MERLIN Leoht.

[Merlin shines a light from his hand. The light fades.]

MERLIN Leoht.

[The light shines briefly and disappears.]

MERLIN Leoht.

[Nothing happens. Screams echo around him. A wisp shoots straight for him.]

MERLIN Fleoh nu on moras! Fleoh nu on moras!

[Merlin's eyes glow, but nothing happens.]

SIR LANCELOT Merlin!

[Lancelot uses his torch to repel the wisp.]

SIR LANCELOT What happened?

MERLIN My magic...I couldn't use it.

[The others come running.]

SIR LANCELOT There's something out there!

ARTHUR You saw it?

SIR LANCELOT When it saw the light, it fled.

SIR GWAINE It scared the horses.

MERLIN It's not something you can chase or something you can kill.

[The shrieks echo.]

ARTHUR We need to get out of here.

-- [21:33, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT] [People are screaming and running into the Castle. Gwen rushes down a hallway with blankets and a torch.]

AGRAVAINE Gwen! Warn Gaius there are more victims by the western gate.

[Agravaine continues down another hallway and Gwen rushes on until a window behind her smashes in right behind a knight. The skull wisp rushes in and the knight screams. Gwen takes cover behind a column and brandishes her torch at the skull wisp. The skull wisp leaves and she crouches to check on the knight. He's frozen solid.]

-- [22:10, MORGUE - NIGHT] [Guards exit with a stretcher and Gaius pulls a cloth over the face of one of many victims.]

MERLIN Gaius.

GAIUS Merlin.

[Gaius can tell that Merlin is freaked out.]

GAIUS (cont'd) You saw them.

[Merlin nods.]

GAIUS (cont'd) Here, help me. Give me some more sheets.

[Merlin's still acting strangely.]

GAIUS (cont'd) Merlin?

MERLIN My magic is useless against them. I've tried. I have never felt so powerless. Something deep inside. And when it came for me, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breathe. I'm scared.

GAIUS Merlin, it's alright. It's not your fault.

-- [23:13, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]

AGRAVAINE We've suffered fifty dead, maybe more. Mainly in the Lower Town.

ARTHUR And there's no way of fighting them?

AGRAVAINE No, our only weapons are torches. And the light doesn't kill them, it only repels them.

ARTHUR What are they?

GAIUS They're Dorocha, sire. The spirits of the dead. On Samhain's Eve in the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them.

AGRAVAINE But who'd do such a thing now?

GAIUS Morgana.

ARTHUR You see her hand in this?

GAIUS We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed.

ARTHUR How do we defeat these creatures?

GAIUS I don't know, sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch.

-- [23:57, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Merlin lights candles. He hears a Dorocha shriek and drops his basket of candles; one rolls near the curtains. Arthur looks up.]

MERLIN I thought I saw something.

ARTHUR What was it, a spider?

[Merlin sees the curtain move and stares at the candle on the floor. Arthur watches Merlin's hesitation.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Just pick it up.

[Merlin picks up the basket and they both stare at the curtain.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) Do you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?

MERLIN It's not a joke.

ARTHUR Yeah.

[Arthur approaches the curtain, uses his sword to whip it open. Nothing's there. Merlin sighs in relief.]

ARTHUR You see, Merlin, I could never be like you. I could never let myself look so spineless.

MERLIN Oh, see, I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless.

ARTHUR What?

MERLIN Well, alright. Thoughtless.

ARTHUR Never.

MERLIN Definitely humourless.

ARTHUR Because you're not funny.

[Arthur hands Merlin the candle. They both turn when they hear the Dorocha.]

MERLIN You're not scared?

ARTHUR Oh, I am, Merlin. Maybe more than you.

-- [25:45, CAMELOT - NIGHT] [The guards light fires in grates all over the city. A Dorocha sweeps past some candles in the Physician's Chambers and blows out some of them. Gaius snaps up from his work. Knights patrol the streets with torches. Sir Percival lags behind when he sees/hears something. He walks over to some barrels and finds three small children huddling behind them.]

SIR PERCIVAL Hey, hey, hey. It's all right. It's all right, you're safe now.

[Percival hears the Dorocha and checks to see the knights walking in the distance. He carefully calculates: 1 torch + 2 arms + 3 kids = oh noes! (comment courtesy of  ravenya03  ) Percival leaves the torch and runs through the street with the children in his arms. A Dorocha streaks right for them and Elyan jumps in with a torch just in time. Elyan takes one of the kids and they bring them to their parents in a house.]

SIR PERCIVAL Thanks.

SIR ELYAN Couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?

[They grin at each other.]

-- [MAIN SQUARE - MORNING] [Villagers crowd into Camelot with the belongings they can carry.]

[27:28, COUNCIL CHAMBER - MORNING] [Arthur discusses the refugee villagers with Gaius, Merlin, and Agravaine.]

GAIUS They're coming from across the kingdom. They're looking to Camelot for protection.

ARTHUR And we will give it to them.

AGRAVAINE We cannot house them all.

ARTHUR We have to try.

AGRAVAINE How? We cannot live like this forever, Arthur. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures.

ARTHUR Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them.

GAIUS I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire. If I am right, and the veil between the worlds is torn, then there's only one path open to us. To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it.

ARTHUR And how do I do that?

GAIUS I'm not sure. But for the tear to be created would've required a blood sacrifice. To seal will require another.

ARTHUR We ride before nightfall.

[All three of his councillors are surprised.]

GAIUS And who will be the sacrifice?

ARTHUR If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do.

-- [Agravaine rides through the woods.]

-- [28:54, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY] [Agravaine enters without knocking. She puts a dagger to his back.]

AGRAVAINE My lady?

MORGANA My lord.

[Agravaine sighs.]

MORGANA (cont'd) I trust you bring me good news.

[She lowers the dagger and walks further into her home.]

MORGANA (cont'd) Tell me.

AGRAVAINE The kingdom is on its knees.

MORGANA How terrible.

AGRAVAINE (chuckles) Indeed.

MORGANA What of the poor people?

AGRAVAINE More fall every night.

MORGANA Such a shame.

AGRAVAINE You should know that Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures.

MORGANA (scoffs) Impossible.

AGRAVAINE He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak. If the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil.

[Morgana thinks it over and turns away.]

AGRAVAINE (cont'd) Something's troubling you. Morgana.

MORGANA Something the Cailleach said. She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom.

AGRAVAINE Your doom? What did she mean?

MORGANA I don't know.

AGRAVAINE Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week, leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir.

[Morgana smirks.]

-- [30:25, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Arthur sits with his absentminded father.]

ARTHUR There are many things I have to thank you for. You've taught me so much. Most of all, you have taught me what it is to be a prince. I hope that this time you'll be proud of me.

[Arthur cries as Gwen walks in the doorway. Arthur stands, cups his father's chin and kisses his forehead. Arthur turns to leave and Uther grabs his arm.]

UTHER Don't leave me.

ARTHUR I have to, Father.

UTHER Please.

[Arthur squeezes his father's hand, then wipes his tears and leaves. He sees Gwen and goes to her.]

ARTHUR Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone.

GWEN What is it?

[Arthur doesn't respond.]

GWEN (cont'd) You don't have to go.

ARTHUR I do.

GWEN Please, Arthur, take care. You are precious, not just the kingdom.

ARTHUR Smile.

GWEN I can't.

[Arthur lifts her chin.]

ARTHUR Do you remember...the first time I kissed you?

[Gwen smiles. Arthur smiles at her reaction.]

ARTHUR (cont'd) There. That's the memory I will take with me.

[They embrace. Gwen holds him tight, still worrying.]

-- [32:19, GATES - DAY] [The Round Table knights walk their horses out of the city in slow-mo.]

-- [32:28, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Arthur hands Agravaine a ring bearing the Pendragon seal.]

ARTHUR You have to take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility to the kingdom rests with you.

AGRAVAINE What about your father?

ARTHUR Should he die, you're to assume the throne.

AGRAVAINE Arthur--

ARTHUR You're the only person I trust, Uncle.

AGRAVAINE I beg of you, for the sake of the kingdom, there must be another way.

[Agravaine presses the ring back into Arthur's hand.]

ARTHUR My mind's made up. I'm just grateful you're here.

[Arthur leaves Agravaine with the ring.]

-- [33:00, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY] [Gaius enters while Merlin is packing.]

GAIUS Merlin, what are you doing?

MERLIN It is my destiny to protect Arthur.

GAIUS How? Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha.

MERLIN Then I must sacrifice myself in his place.

GAIUS No.

MERLIN My life has always been marked out by destiny. If this is meant to be...I'm not afraid. I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day...Albion will live.

[Speechless, Gaius hugs Merlin.]

-- [33:48, TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY] [The Round Table knights mount their horses. Lancelot watches with a smile as Gwen approaches him.]

SIR LANCELOT Gwen.

GWEN Will you grant me a favour?

SIR LANCELOT Anything.

[Gwen looks over at Arthur exiting the city gate with Merlin.]

GWEN Look after him. Bring him home.

[Lancelot looks sad and disappointed.]

SIR LANCELOT I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.

GWEN Thank you.

[Gwen walks back to the castle.]

-- [34:33, WOODS - DAY] [The knights ride out. After dismounting, they prepare to make camp.]

ARTHUR Elyan, look after the horses, they need watering. I need someone to volunteer to get wood.

MERLIN I'll do that.

[Lancelot watches Merlin go and follows.]

SIR LANCELOT You shouldn't be here. You have no powers.

MERLIN Doesn't matter.

SIR LANCELOT You're not a warrior, Merlin. I don't want to see you hurt. If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.

MERLIN It's your duty to protect Camelot no matter what the cost.

[Lancelot nods.]

MERLIN Well, it's my duty to protect Arthur. Surely you can understand that.

SIR LANCELOT I can understand that very well.

-- [35:42, MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT] [Still wearing her healing bracelet, Morgana has a prophetic dream. Red and black banners lie strewn on a battlefield with knight's corpses. A raven sitting on a helmet takes flight. Excalibur is stuck in the ground (or a knight's chest) Old Merlin walks on the field with a white cane, looking down at the camera.]

MORGANA Help me, Emrys. Please.

[Morgana's wrinkled hand reaches up to Old Merlin from her position on the ground, below the camera. She's wearing vambraces.]

MERLIN Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?

MORGANA Please...

[Morgana wakes in her bed. At first she seems afraid, then angry.]

MORGANA Emrys.

-- [36:33, COUNTRY ROAD - DAY] [The knights ride by a field full of peasant corpses travelling to Camelot.]

ARTHUR We need to reach Daobeth by nightfall.

[The knights pick up the pace.]

-- [36:46, CRUMBLING FORTRESS - DUSK]

ARTHUR Pair off. Find any wood you can. Get the fires burning.

[The knights collect firewood while carrying torches. Gwaine hears a man's scream and drops his firewood. The nights gather together as screams start to surround them. A Dorocha launches at them and Arthur wards it off with a torch.]

ARTHUR Let's go!

SIR PERCIVAL We haven't got enough!

ARTHUR Go!

[The knights are back at the fire pit with Merlin and Lancelot. Merlin pretends to use the flint, then...]

MERLIN (whisper) Bel onbryne.

[The fire lights instantly. Lancelot looks at him. Merlin makes a cute shrug face. Lancelot grins in amusement. The knights stand around the fire with torches. Percival looks at the fire, then at Arthur.]

SIR PERCIVAL It won't get us through the night.

ARTHUR 'will keep the area safe for a while.

[Later, Gwaine throws a log on the fire.]

SIR GWAINE The last one. Maybe we should draw lots, see who gets some more.

ARTHUR I'll go.

SIR LANCELOT You'll need help.

MERLIN I'll go with him.

ARTHUR You sure you're the right person?

MERLIN Well, since when have you known how to collect firewood?

[The knights chuckle. Lancelot watches as they walk off. Merlin collects firewood while Arthur stands guard with a torch. A Dorocha charges them from behind.]

ARTHUR Merlin!

[Arthur drops the torch to tackle Merlin out of the way. They fall off the wall.]

ARTHUR Let's go!

[They rush through some passages and close a door behind them. The Dorocha seems to lose them. The knights back at the fire pit shuffle around anxiously.]

SIR LANCELOT They should've been back by now.

SIR ELYAN Someone needs to go and look for them.

SIR PERCIVAL We've only got one torch between us.

[Lancelot grabs the torch and starts walking off.]

SIR LANCELOT Who's coming?

[Elyan follows, then the other knights. Gwaine grabs his sword belt and puts it on as he follows. Arthur and Merlin hide behind a corner in one of the fortress rooms. Merlin ties a cloth around Arthur's injured arm. Arthur looks uncomfortable and Merlin gives him a confused look.]

ARTHUR It's cold.

MERLIN Right.

ARTHUR You're not feeling it?

MERLIN I c...

[Merlin shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.]

ARTHUR You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for.

MERLIN Really? Was that a compliment?

ARTHUR Don't be stupid.

[Merlin chuckles and then Arthur does, too. Back in the passages, Lancelot leads the knights through the fortress, warding off Dorochas with the torch. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur listen to the screaming spirits.]

ARTHUR All the things I've faced...I never worried about dying.

MERLIN I don't think you should now.

ARTHUR Sometimes you puzzle me.

MERLIN (Dragoon voice) You never fathomed me out?

ARTHUR No.

MERLIN I always thought if things had been different, we'd've been good friends.

ARTHUR Yeah.

MERLIN That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous, dollop head.

[Arthur chuckles.]

MERLIN (cont'd) We will defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur, together.

ARTHUR Well, I appreciate that. You know, you're a brave man, Merlin. Between battles.

[Merlin chuckles.]

MERLIN You don't know how many times I've saved your life.

ARTHUR Ha. If I ever become king, I'm gonna have you made court jester.

[They chuckle. Then they hear the Dorocha. In the passages, Lancelot and the knights continue the search. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur wait.]

ARTHUR They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

MERLIN Feels pretty dark right now.

ARTHUR Well, it can't be long then.

[The Dorocha finds them and sweeps through the door. Arthur starts to rush out from around the corner, but Merlin pulls him back and stands up himself, running straight for the Dorocha.]

ARTHUR Merlin, no!

[Merlin jumps at the Dorocha. It catches him in the chest, stops him mid-air and throws him back against the stone wall. Lancelot enters and wards off the Dorocha with the torch, then hands it to Percival and turns to Arthur.]

SIR LANCELOT What happened?

[Arthur and Lancelot go to Merlin. They turn him over. He's frosted over like the corpses they found.]

== 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 man. His name: Merlin.

OPENING CREDITS

[01:21, CRUMBLING FORTRESS - DAY] [Merlin lies limply against the fire pit. Lancelot tends to him as the knights look on in concern.]

ARTHUR We have to get him back to Gaius.

SIR LEON And abandon the quest?

ARTHUR He saved my life, I won't let him die.

SIR LEON Sire, if we don't get to the Isle of the Blessed, hundreds more will perish.

[Arthur looks back at Merlin.]

SIR LANCELOT Let me take him.

ARTHUR Carrying a wounded man alone, it will take you two or three days to reach Camelot.

SIR LANCELOT Not if I go through the Valley of the Fallen Kings. You cannot give up on the quest.

SIR LEON Sire, he's right.

[Arthur nods. Sir Percival carries the paralysed Merlin to his horse. Arthur ties Merlin to the horse.]

ARTHUR This is my fault and I'm sorry.

MERLIN Take me with you, please.

ARTHUR You would die, Merlin.

MERLIN But you don't understand. Please, Arthur.

ARTHUR Do you ever do as you're told?

MERLIN I have to come with you.

ARTHUR Merlin--

SIR LANCELOT We need to leave.

[Arthur squeezes Merlin's shoulder and sends him off with Lancelot.]

ARTHUR Go.

[Arthur looks after them worriedly as they leave. They ride through the woods and enter the Valley of the Fallen Kings.]

-- [03:23, FOREST - EVENING] [Arthur and the knights ride toward the Isle of the Blessed. They walk to make camp.]

SIR GWAINE Can you hear that?

SIR LEON Bees.

SIR GWAINE Food.

[Gwaine approaches the honey tree and takes off a glove.]

SIR LEON Trying to get us killed?

SIR GWAINE We're riding to our death anyway.

[Gwaine puts his hand in the tree and Leon approaches a gloomy Arthur.]

SIR LEON It's good to give the horses a rest. You're quiet.

ARTHUR That's what happens after three days of listening to Gwaine.

[Leon smiles/chuckles.]

SIR LEON You did the right thing, you know. Merlin couldn't have continued with us.

ARTHUR I should've saved him.

[Gwaine makes some grunting noises as he rushes away from the honey tree, swatting at the bees now attacking him. He runs off into the woods to escape the bees. Arthur rolls his eyes and Leon chuckles.]

SIR LEON If anyone can get Merlin back to Camelot, Lancelot can.

-- [04:19, VALLEY OF THE FALLEN KINGS - NIGHT] [Lancelot carries Merlin to a stream in the woods; he lays him next to it and covers Merlin with his Camelot cloak. Lancelot takes off his gloves to gather water from the stream and notices something about the water. He's stares in shock as Merlin puts his hand to the water and something shimmers through Merlin's skin.]

VILIA Lancelot. Lancelot.

[Drops of water rise up from the stream.]

VILIA Lancelot.

[A woman's face appears in the drop of water.]

VILIA We bear you no harm. We wish only to help.

SIR LANCELOT What are you?

VILIA We are Vilia, spirits of the brooks and streams. The tear in the veil has upset the balance of the world. Good spirits as well as bad roam freely. But this perilous state cannot continue for long.

SIR LANCELOT Prince Arthur is riding to the Isle of the Blessed. He intends to heal the veil.

VILIA He will need help. From both of you.

SIR LANCELOT My friend is sick. I need to get him to Camelot.

VILIA Merlin is stronger than you give him credit for. The young warlock has great power and a future that has been written since the dawn of time. Do not worry. Even now, my sisters begin to heal him.

[Lancelot looks at Merlin. Merlin's is glowing all over. Lancelot smiles.]

VILIA You are tired. You must rest.

SIR LANCELOT I need to find shelter.

VILIA You are safe here.

SIR LANCELOT The Dorocha.

VILIA We will stay with you and protect you through the night.

[Lancelot smiles in awe as the water drops around him become tiny lights.]

-- [06:34, TUNNELS OF ANDOR - NIGHT] [Arthur and the knights reach the tunnels and dismount.]

ARTHUR By dawn we'll be on the other side of the mountains.

SIR GWAINE You can't be serious. These tunnels are crawling with Wilddeoren.

ARTHUR These tunnels will take days off our journey.

SIR GWAINE If we make it out alive.

ARTHUR We'll cover ourselves in Gaia berries.

SIR GWAINE Ha. Sounds great.

ARTHUR It's your choice, Gwaine. Wilddeoren or Dorocha.

SIR ELYAN I know which I'd rather go for.

SIR LEON Me too.

[Just as they're about to enter the tunnels, Gwaine hears a Dorocha. It waits for him to turn his back and then launches at him. Percival tackles Gwaine out of the way.]

SIR GWAINE Never knew you cared.

[Percival makes an "Ugh, please" face. Arthur comes back out of the tunnels with a torch. The Dorocha comes back.]

ARTHUR Quick!

[They retreat into the tunnels. Because apparently Dorocha prefer the outdoors.]

-- [07:43, TUNNELS OF ANDOR - NIGHT]

SIR PERCIVAL Remind me again why we're wearing this disgusting paste.

[Arthur's response sounds bored, like he's repeating something he learned at school.]

ARTHUR Wilddeoren are completely blind, they rely totally on their sense of smell. Gaia berries will mask our scent.

SIR GWAINE What are the chances of us getting through here without seeing a Wilddeoren?

ARTHUR None.

[Gwaine stumbles across a skull. He rushes from the back of the line to follow just behind Arthur. They hear a piggy squeal.]

ARTHUR Shh!

[Arthur and Leon toss their torches and stamp them out. They all hide behind a length of rock, then peak their heads over the ledge. Two Wilddeoren approach. They duck down when one gets close.]

ARTHUR Keep still. Don't even breathe.

[The Wilddeoren wanders off. Apparently Wilddeoren are totally deaf, too. Gwaine smiles in relief. His smile fades when the others watch him wide-eyed. A Wilddeoren sniffs him, pins him hard against the rock. Gwaine gets annoyed and kills it.]

ARTHUR You fool.

SIR GWAINE It's dead.

ARTHUR That one is, yes. They hunt in packs.

[They hear other piggy squeals.]

SIR ELYAN Run.

[They bolt through the tunnels, chased by Wilddeoren.]

-- [09:57, CAMELOT, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT] [Peasants desperately try to push through the city gate as guards close it on them. Gwen watches from a castle window.]

GAIUS (to a guard) We need more stretchers. And sheets, as many sheets as we can find.

GWEN Gaius. The guards were under orders to shut the city gates at dusk.

GAIUS Who's orders?

GWEN Lord Agravaine's.

-- [10:15, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT] [Gaius opens the chamber doors and Gwen follows him in. Agravaine sits with the councilmen.]

AGRAVAINE Gaius. Have you come to join us?

GAIUS Why have you closed the city gates?

AGRAVAINE We have limited resources, Gaius. As much as I would like to, we simply cannot feed and water the entire kingdom.

GAIUS Surely the people have a right to be protected.

AGRAVAINE I would be putting Camelot in danger. Starvation, disease. You of all people must understand, Gaius. The gates will remain shut until we are free of the evil that plagues us.

[Seeing no alternative, Gaius turns to leave.]

AGRAVAINE Now, gentlemen, where were we? [?] reason to--

GWEN My lords.

[The councilmen stare at her.]

GWEN May I be granted permission to address the court?

AGRAVAINE Guinevere.

[Agravaine makes an inviting gesture and she steps up to the table.]

GWEN Prince Arthur taught me long ago that every citizen of Camelot is important. He would never stand by and let them suffer. He would help them if he could, and we must do the same.

AGRAVAINE I feel the pain as much as you, but we don't have a choice. If we keep letting people in, our food will run out within days.

GWEN You are wrong.

[The councilmen stare at Gwen.]

AGRAVAINE Perhaps you would enlighten me.

GWEN Those outside the gates are landowners, farmers. For days the refugees have been bartering their wares with the townsfolk in return for the safety of their hearths. They bring with them far more than they take.

AGRAVAINE But how long before these wares run out?

GWEN Three days ago, Prince Arthur embarked on a quest to rid us of these creatures. At worst, we have another three before he reaches his goal. Or do you think he will fail?

AGRAVAINE Of course not.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH Sire, she's right.

AGRAVAINE Very well. Reopen the gates.

[Gwen curtsies and backs out. Agravaine smiles, then broods.]

-- [12:33, VALLEY OF THE FALLEN KINGS - MORNING] [Lancelot wakes to find Merlin gone.]

SIR LANCELOT Merlin. Merlin?!

MERLIN Shh!

[Merlin's standing on a couple of rocks in the stream with a stick and a couple of fish on a string. Lancelot watches Merlin spearing the water with the stick. Merlin stops and holds up the fish.]

MERLIN Breakfast.

SIR LANCELOT Merlin, what...? Why are you...?

MERLIN What?

SIR LANCELOT You're meant to be...dying.

MERLIN Sorry. Here.

[Merlin hands him the spearing stick.]

SIR LANCELOT What's that for?

MERLIN You look like you're going to fall over.

[Lancelot swings the stick at Merlin. Merlin ducks.]

MERLIN Yeah, not as quick as Arthur.

SIR LANCELOT Oh yeah?

MERLIN Come on. We need to catch up with the others.

[Merlin takes the stick and starts walking toward the horses.]

SIR LANCELOT No. You're going back to Camelot.

MERLIN You might be.

SIR LANCELOT Merlin.

MERLIN Say hello to Gaius for me!

SIR LANCELOT Merlin!

[Merlin stops and turns around. Lancelot picks up his cloak and sword.]

MERLIN Arthur can't finish this without us.

SIR LANCELOT Arthur's right about you. You don't ever do as you're told.

MERLIN Nope.

-- [13:31, STREAM IN THE WOODS - MORNING] [Arthur and the knights wash off the Gaia berries in the stream.]

SIR LEON They need to rest, sire. Even Gwaine's gone quiet.

ARTHUR Sounds like a good reason to keep going.

-- [13:48, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY] [Agravaine rides through the woods. Morgana broods in a chair by the fire.]

AGRAVAINE My lady?

[Agravaine enters.]

MORGANA What news of the mighty Camelot?

AGRAVAINE As we planned. The city's falling to rack and ruin.

MORGANA And Arthur?

AGRAVAINE Last we heard, he'd made it past Aelbeth.

MORGANA Will we never be rid of him?

AGRAVAINE Patience, my lady. Even if he makes it to the Isle, the outcome will still be the same.

MORGANA Then what brings you here so early?

[Morgana watches Agravaine.]

MORGANA Something's wrong.

AGRAVAINE A minor irritant. Guinevere. She takes it upon herself to speak out against me.

MORGANA She's dangerous.

AGRAVAINE Well, she's a servant. A spirited one, perhaps, but a servant nonetheless.

MORGANA No, you're wrong.

[Morgana stands up, provoked.]

MORGANA I have dreamt the future and, in it, that servant sits upon my throne. I would rather drown in my own blood than see that day.

AGRAVAINE Then we must make sure it never comes.

MORGANA I couldn't agree more. We must make sure she never sees another dawn.

-- [15:07, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Gwen tends to Uther.]

UTHER Where's Arthur?

GWEN I am unsure.

UTHER Where is he?

GWEN The prince is on a hunting trip, sire.

UTHER When will he be back?

GWEN In a few days. Is there something you need?

[Uther shakes his head in his dreamy state. Gwen leaves him to find Agravaine leaning on Uther's table.]

AGRAVAINE Your devotion to the king is most impressive. There is something I would like to discuss. I wish to apologize. Yesterday I feel I let the prince down. I am grateful that you spoke out.

GWEN I did not mean to be discourteous, my lord.

AGRAVAINE Well, you weren't. Not in the least.

[Agravaine smiles.]

AGRAVAINE Gwen, if you would permit, I would be grateful to seek your advice.

[Gwen's jaw drops.]

AGRAVAINE You understand the people.

GWEN I am not sure I--

AGRAVAINE If nothing else, I know that you will be honest with me.

[Gwen smiles at the truth of that statement.]

AGRAVAINE It's not appropriate to talk now. Perhaps...this evening. You could come to my chambers.

[Gwen starts to protest.]

AGRAVAINE Please, Guinevere, these are dark times. I'm gonna need help if I'm to guide us through them.

GWEN Very well.

[Agravaine smiles.]

AGRAVAINE Thank you.

[Gwen smiles back as Gaius enters. Agravaine exits.]

GAIUS Is everything all right?

GWEN Yes. He wishes to speak with me later. I think he means to seek my council.

[Gaius nods. Gwen smiles as she exits. Gaius watches her leave with pensive concern.]

-- [16:56, HUNTER'S LODGE - EVENING] [Merlin and Lancelot ride up to a lodge in the woods. They enter to find animals hanging from the ceiling.]

SIR LANCELOT Hello?

[They find the hunter sitting dead at his own table. They lie him down and cover him with a blanket.]

MERLIN We can't stay here.

SIR LANCELOT There's nowhere else, Merlin. We'll make a fire. It will keep us safe and dry. And there's more than enough fuel to get us through the night.

MERLIN Yep. Bel onbryne.

[Merlin starts a fire in the grate.]

MERLIN I'm not entirely useless, you know.

-- [CAMELOT- EVENING] [Morgana magically opens a gate outside Camelot and carries a torch as she climbs the stairs into the city.]

GUARD 1 (distant) Get the other side.

GUARD 2 (distant) Yes, sir.

[Morgana continues down a dark corridor.]

GUARD 3 Halt.

[Morgana throws the guard to his death without speaking or turning around.]

-- [18:52, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gwen sits at the table as Agravaine pours her a glass of wine.]

AGRAVAINE But do the people feel safe?

[Gwen remains silent.]

AGRAVAINE You can speak honestly.

GWEN No, they do not.

AGRAVAINE Go on.

GWEN They're frightened. Night after night, they've seen their friends, their parents, their children all snatched cruelly from them and they don't know who will be next.

AGRAVAINE What can I do to reassure them?

GWEN Show courage. Shutting the gates last night told them you were as terrified as they were. It's like a horse and its rider. If the people sense your fear, they will not trust you.

AGRAVAINE I am grateful for your advice.

[Agravaine stands behind her and places his hands on her chair back.]

AGRAVAINE You have a wise head on your shoulders, Guinevere.

[Agravaine leans forward and rests his arms on the back of her chair and Gwen starts getting creeped out. Agravaine reaches his fingers slightly forward as if to touch her (strangle her?), then thinks better of it and takes his arms off the chair back.]

AGRAVAINE I've kept you long enough.

[Gwen stands eagerly.]

GWEN And I must see to the king.

AGRAVAINE Don't concern yourself with that. I will ensure he's well looked after.

[Agravaine precedes her to the door and opens it for her.]

AGRAVAINE It has been a long day. I'll have my guards walk you safely home.

[The guards appear outside the door.]

GWEN Thank you.

[Gwen curtsies and he steps aside to let her exit. He closes the door with a brooding look.]

-- [20:22, STREETS OF CAMELOT - NIGHT] [The guards carry torches as they escort Gwen home. Morgana watches them from above.]

MORGANA Hleap on baec.

[Morgana raises her arm and throws Gwen and the guards backwards. Morgana smirks at her unconscious victims.]

-- [20:47, WOODS - NIGHT] [Arthur and the knights sit and stand guard around a campfire. Elyan approached Arthur on watch.]

SIR ELYAN Seen anything?

[Arthur shakes his head.]

SIR ELYAN Do you know what we're going to face on the Isle of the Blessed?

[Arthur nods.]

SIR ELYAN Do you want to tell me?

ARTHUR The burden's mine and mine to bear alone.

SIR ELYAN Look around, Arthur.

[Elyan motions for Arthur to look at the nights around the campfire.]

SIR ELYAN We would fight a thousand armies with our bare hands for you. We're never alone. We stand together. Come on, I'll take over.

[He reaches his hand out to take Arthur's torch.]

SIR ELYAN You need some rest.

[Arthur hands him the torch and puts a hand on Elyan's shoulder.]

ARTHUR Thank you.

[Arthur pats Elyan on the back as he walks toward the campfire. Then they all hear Dorocha and gather close the fire.]

-- [22:01, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gaius enters to find Uther asleep on top of the bed sheets and no candles lit.]

GAIUS Gwen?

-- [22:14, STREETS OF CAMELOT - NIGHT] [Gaius walks down the street carrying a torch.]

GAIUS Gwen?

[Gaius hears a Dorocha as he approaches Gwen's house and finds a frozen-faced guard. Then he sees Gwen lying near the guard. Gaius checks Gwen's face; she's still warm. A Dorocha charges Gaius from behind, but he fends it off with the torch.]

-- [23:19, HUNTER'S LODGE - NIGHT]

MERLIN You don't have to continue on this journey with me, you know.

SIR LANCELOT (chuckles) Try and stop me.

[Lancelot leans forward and pours Merlin another drink.]

MERLIN Why? Because you're a knight, you feel honour bound?

SIR LANCELOT You wouldn't understand. It doesn't make any sense to me either.

MERLIN Gwen?

SIR LANCELOT I made her a vow I would keep Arthur safe.

MERLIN You don't have to worry. I'll keep him safe.

SIR LANCELOT I made a vow, Merlin.

MERLIN Do you still think about her?

SIR LANCELOT No. Arthur's...a better man than me.

MERLIN I'm sorry.

SIR LANCELOT Why? He loves her and...she's happy.

-- [24:30, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gaius tends to Gwen's head wound as she lies on a sickbed.]

GWEN I remember the guards walking me to my door. And then...nothing.

GAIUS Just a surface wound. You were very lucky.

GWEN Everyone talks about the coldness, but I don't feel cold at all.

GAIUS You weren't attacked by the Dorocha, Gwen.

GWEN Then what? Gaius?

GAIUS I fear someone wanted to do you harm.

GWEN Why?

GAIUS I don't know.

GWEN Well, surely if they did, they'd have done a better job.

GAIUS Maybe. But cold-blooded murder is suspicious. Better to leave you to the Dorocha.

-- [25:17, HUNTER'S LODGE - NIGHT] [The candles and fire are all blown out as Merlin and Lancelot sleep. Merlin senses a Dorocha slip by and wakes up. The Dorocha charges.]

MERLIN Lancelot!

[Merlin throws the last of his alcohol into the dying grate fire and it bursts into flames in front of the Dorocha allowing Merlin and Lancelot to run outside into the pitch dark.]

MERLIN (dragon tongue) O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd ‘hup’ anankes!

[The Dorocha chases them through the dark woods until a fireball shoots out of the sky and gets rid of them. Lancelot draws his sword, stunned by the appearance of the dragon. Kilgharrah flames another Dorocha and lands in front of them in a clearing. Lancelot steps forward to strike the dragon, but Merlin holds out a hand to stop him.]

MERLIN It's alright. It's alright.

[Merlin looks up at Kilgharrah and gives him a little bow.]

MERLIN Thank you.

KILGHARRAH (angry) Who is your friend?

SIR LANCELOT I'm Lancelot.

KILGHARRAH Of course. Sir Lancelot, the bravest and most noble of them all.

SIR LANCELOT I'm not sure that's true.

KILGHARRAH We shall see. For now, there are more pressing things at hand. The Dorocha cannot be allowed to remain in this world. The sundered veil must be restored.

SIR LANCELOT We're on our way to the Isle of the Blessed to help Arthur heal it.

KILGHARRAH Indeed. But at what price?

MERLIN I know that the spirit world demands a sacrifice.

KILGHARRAH It demands nothing. It is the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world who asks such a price.

MERLIN And there is no other way?

KILGHARRAH There is not.

MERLIN Arthur intends to sacrifice himself to heal the veil. It is my destiny to protect him; you taught me that.

KILGHARRAH Merlin, you must not do this.

MERLIN Then I have no choice. I must take his place.

KILGHARRAH From the moment I met you, I saw something that was invisible. Now it is there for all to see.

MERLIN A lot of what you see, old friend, is what you taught me.

KILGHARRAH It will be an empty world without you, young warlock.

[Kilgharrah gives Merlin an affectionate look and then flies off.]

-- [28:35, WOODS - MORNING]

SIR LANCELOT When we get to the Isle of the Blessed, do you really intend to sacrifice yourself?

MERLIN What do you want me to say?

SIR LANCELOT I look at you and I wonder about myself. Would I knowingly give up my life for something?

MERLIN You have to have a reason. Something you care about. Something that's more important than anything.

[Merlin nudges his horse into a gallop. Lancelot thinks for a moment before following. They stop at the top of a hill and find smoke rising from another abandoned fortress ahead.]

SIR LANCELOT Looks like someone beat us to it.

MERLIN Bandits?

[Lancelot tilts his head as a "Maybe."]

MERLIN Think we'll make it before nightfall?

SIR LANCELOT There's only one way to find out. Ya!

[They gallop towards the fortress.]

-- [29:43, FORTRESS - NIGHT] [Arthur and the knights sit around a campfire. Gwaine takes off his boots and proceeds to take off his socks. Elyan and Leon gag at the smell.]

SIR EYLAN Has something died?

SIR GWAINE Why am I always the butt?

SIR LEON Can't think.

[Leon and Elyan get up and join Percival and Arthur on the other side of the campfire.]

SIR GWAINE Pick on Percival.

SIR PERCIVAL Why me?

SIR ELYAN He washes.

SIR LEON And he doesn't set fire to his socks.

SIR GWAINE Ugh! No!

[Gwaine snatches his socks from the fire and tries to put them out. The other knights grin.]

ARTHUR Quiet.

[They hear a gate open in the distance and draw their swords, including barefoot Gwaine. They hold their defensive stance until Lancelot steps into the light.]

ARTHUR Lancelot? How's Merlin?

SIR LANCELOT Bad news. He's still alive.

[Lancelot grins and steps aside as Merlin enters. Arthur chuckles in relief.]

SIR ELYAN Merlin!

[Hugs all around. Arthur shakes hands with Lancelot and gives Merlin a shoulder squeeze.]

ARTHUR Good to see you, Merlin.

MERLIN Yeah. It's good to see you too.

[31:03, Merlin and Arthur eat as they lounge by the fire while the others sleep.]

MERLIN It's going to be fine. Everything will be alright.

ARTHUR I'm just tired.

MERLIN You don't have to sacrifice yourself.

ARTHUR To save my people.

MERLIN I will take your place.

ARTHUR (shakes head) Merlin.

MERLIN What is the life of a servant compared to that of a prince?

ARTHUR Well, a good servant's hard to come by.

MERLIN I'm not that good.

ARTHUR True.

[Merlin walked right into that one.]

ARTHUR One thing. Look after Guinevere, I want her to be happy in her life. She deserves that.

MERLIN Don't worry. I'll make sure.

[By sacrificing myself, you twit.]

-- [32:12, SEAS OF MEREDOR - MORNING]

ARTHUR The Isle of the Blessed.

[They take the ferryman's boat to the isle and hear some screeching along the way.]

-- [32:47, ISLE OF THE BLESSED - DAY] [They step onto the isle and the screeching gets louder.]

SIR LEON What is that?

[They all draw their swords.]

SIR GWAINE I really hope I'm wrong.

[A wyvern flies down at them.]

ARTHUR Wyvern!

[More wyverns attack. Percival falls to the ground as he gets slashed.]

SIR PERCIVAL You're right!

[Merlin crouches down to hide his face and whispers.]

MERLIN (dragon tongue) (whisper) s’enthend’ apakhorein nun epello!

[Merlin stands up, his eyes glow, and the wyverns fly off.]

SIR GWAINE See? That's how you deal with them.

ARTHUR We need to keep moving.

[They enter another passage and more wyverns fly overhead.]

SIR LEON Sire, you must go on! We'll fend them off!

[Leon, Percival, and Elyan remain outside to handle the wyverns.]

SIR GWAINE Good luck.

-- [33:55, ISLE OF THE BLESSED ALTAR - DAY] [Arthur leads Merlin, Gwaine, and Lancelot toward the altar stone. Gwaine is the only one who doesn't understand what the others are all planning to do.]

CAILLEACH It is not often we have visitors.

ARTHUR Put an end to this. I demand you heal the tear between the two worlds.

CAILLEACH It was not I who created this horror. Why should it be I that stops it?

MERLIN Because innocent people are dying.

CAILLEACH Indeed.

[Cailleach laughs maniacally. Gwaine screams and charges at her with his sword raised. She throws him back with magic, knocking him out.]

CAILLEACH Is this the best you can do?

ARTHUR I know what you want.

CAILLEACH Do you? And are you willing to let me have it?

ARTHUR I'm prepared to pay whatever price is necessary.

[Cailleach motions for Arthur to come to her. Arthur walks determinedly toward her.]

MERLIN (whisper) Forb fleoghe.

[Merlin's spell stops Arthur and throws him backwards, knocking him unconscious. Cailleach looks at Merlin and they both approach the altar stone.]

CAILLEACH So, Emrys, you choose to challenge me after all. Will you give yourself to the spirits to save your prince?

MERLIN It is my destiny.

CAILLEACH Perhaps. But your time among men is not yet over, Emrys, even if you want it to be.

[Merlin is confused. The Cailleach looks at the tear in the veil with a sad expression and Merlin follows her gaze. Lancelot is standing at the brink. He looks back at Merlin with a smile and then looks at the Veil and bravely smiles, he then walks into the shrieking veil and dissipates.]

MERLIN No! No! No! No!

[The veil closes.]

MERLIN N-no.

[Merlin stands alone horror stricken with the unconscious Gwaine and Arthur.]

-- [37:11, COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MAIN COURTYARD - DAY] [Arthur enters a full court. Arthur places a Camelot cape and sword on a pyre in the courtyard.]

ARTHUR (voice over) I want to pay tribute to Sir Lancelot. We owe him a great debt. It is not just his deed that we'll never forget. It's his courage. His compassion.

[Merlin brings Arthur a torch for the pyre.]

ARTHUR (voice over) His unselfish heart.

[The Knights of the round table look on devastated, Arthur tosses the torch on the pyre. Arthur continues to address the court in the council chambers.]

ARTHUR He was the most noble knight I'll ever know. He gave his life for all of us.

[Gwen cries as she watches the pyre burning. The sword begins to steam in the flames, Merlin and the Knights looks on heartbroken. Arthur takes Gwen's hand.]

GWEN He didn't sacrifice himself for Camelot. I asked him to look after you and he promised me with his life. He was true to his word.

[Arthur thinks over what she just said, then places a comforting hand on her shoulder and leaves her by the pyre. Gwen continues to weep by the pyre, alone in the courtyard.]

-- [39:32, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY] [Morgana screams and smashes some of her possessions.]

AGRAVAINE Arthur was lucky.

MORGANA And Guinevere?

AGRAVAINE It was only by chance that Gaius found her.

MORGANA No, you're wrong. We were not thwarted by luck, it was Emrys!

AGRAVAINE Emrys?

MORGANA The Cailleach warned me about him. She said he was my destiny and my doom. It was he that thwarted us, I'm sure of it.

AGRAVAINE So what's to be done?

MORGANA As long as he exists, I will never gain what is rightfully mine.

[Morgana turns to Agravaine.]

MORGANA You must help me find this Emrys. And destroy him.

[Morgana steps away and Agravaine takes in a breath.]

-- [40:21, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Merlin hears the physician's chamber door open as he sits in his room.]

AGRAVAINE Gaius.

GAIUS How can I be of assistance?

AGRAVAINE You're a man of great knowledge and wisdom.

GAIUS (scoffs) Knowledge, perhaps.

AGRAVAINE Have you ever come across a sorcerer called Emrys?

[Gaius pauses and Merlin listens at the door.]

GAIUS No. Doesn't sound familiar.

AGRAVAINE Hm. Well, if you do hear mention of the name.

[Agravaine turns to leave.]

GAIUS I'll be sure to tell you.

AGRAVAINE It will not go unrewarded.

[Agravaine chuckles on his way out. Merlin comes out of his bed chamber.]

GAIUS There's only one person who could've heard that name. Morgana. We know her powers are growing. She, too, must have seen the Cailleach.

MERLIN (shakes head) But Agravaine...

GAIUS I suspect he's not as virtuous as he seems. And, don't forget, he has every reason to despise Uther. We must beware, Merlin. Morgana can never know the truth. She must never know who you really are.

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