Transcript:A Herald of the New Age

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.

-- [00:12, EXT. FOREST - DAY] [The knights rest in the forest, Elyan drinks from his flask.]

SIR ELYAN All right, who drank all my water?

[Gwaine belches.]

KING ARTHUR I believe you have your answer.

SIR GWAINE You said I could have some.

SIR ELYAN I said you could have some. I didn't say you could drink every last drop.

[Elyan throws the flask at Gwaine.]

SIR GWAINE I was thirsty.

SIR LEON Here. Have some of mine.

[Leon throws his arm forward, but loops it back and tosses it to Percival behind him. They laugh.]

SIR ELYAN Ha-ha. That's very funny.

SIR PERCIVAL Here. Unlike these ignorant fools, I share with my friends.

[Percival steps forward with his flask, then tosses it to Merlin. Arthur smiles as the others laugh. His smile fades when he sees a clothes line in the trees.]

KING ARTHUR Shh!

MERLIN What is it?

KING ARTHUR I saw something in the trees. There.

[They approach the druid shrine, strung with strips of cloth.]

SIR PERCIVAL What is this place?

[Arthur seems slightly disturbed as looks at a red flag picking up in the breeze.]

MERLIN (nervously) This is a shrine. In the time of the Old Religion, they built shrines like this to appease restless spirits. We shouldn't be here.

[They listen to the silence, the cloth waving eerily in the wind. Gwaine grabs Merlin's shoulder to scare him. The other knights smile.]

MERLIN It isn't funny. Gaius told me about places like this and they're cursed.

[Another breeze stirs up out of nowhere. A raven bursts out over head and they jump. Leon smiles.]

SIR LEON There's your spirit, Merlin.

[Arthur seems more disturbed.]

KING ARTHUR There's nothing here for us. Move out.

[Elyan lingers as they leave. He hears drops of water and investigates to find a well. He smiles and drinks. He looks down into the well and sees a boy. He looks behind him, but there's no one there. Voices whisper in the wind. Creeped out, Elyan picks up his sword and leaves.]

[OPENING TITLES]

-- [03:46, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARMOURY - DAY] [Arthur stares into space has he absentmindedly unbuckles his bracers.]

MERLIN You all right?

KING ARTHUR What do you mean?

MERLIN You're very quiet. You didn't say a word on the way home.

KING ARTHUR It's called "thinking", Merlin. You should try it sometime.

SIR GWAINE Merlin?

[Gwaine tosses Merlin a bag.]

MERLN What's that?

SIR GWAINE Salt. Pour it in a circle at the foot of your bed, helps to protect you from evil spirits.

MERLIN Really? Does that work?

SIR GWAINE Absolutely. And if it doesn't, Gaius can always put it on his supper.

MERLIN Very funny.

-- [04:19, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]

GAIUS I am surprised that such a shrine exists so close to Camelot.

MERLIN And it was cursed. I could feel it.

GAIUS You were right to be wary. The druids built shrines to bring rest to tormented souls; souls that were so badly wronged they could find no peace in the other world.

MERLIN Why do they hang all the ribbons and flags?

GAIUS The ancient rituals heal the ground so the souls of the victims can find rest, but the magic that binds the earth is delicate and is easily undone. So the ribbons and flags act as a warning.

MERLIN Should've known that earlier.

GAIUS Did anyone touch anything?

MERLIN Uh, no, I don't think so. Why? What is it?

GAIUS Anyone who disturbs a resting place risks releasing the spirit. Merlin, you must promise me you'll never return to that place.

MERLIN Oh, don't worry. I've no intention of going back there. And for once I'm not lying to you.

-- [05:31, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Arthur stares into space, holding a spoon on his plate absentmindedly.]

-- [05:40, INT. KING'S PALACE, ELYAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Elyan gets into bed and blows out the candle. He closes his eyes and hears drops of water. He opens his eyes.]

SIR ELYAN Hello?

[He hears more drops and sits up in bed.]

SIR ELYAN Who's there?

[He gets out of bed and investigates.]

SIR ELYAN Show yourself!

[No one's there. He goes back and sits on the bed. He shakes his head and lays back down. The well boy is on the other side of his bed. Elyan scrambles out of bed, taking his sheets with him as he whimpers in fear.]

SIR ELYAN No!

-- [07:06, INT. KING'S PALACE, ELYAN'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT] [Gwaine hears Elyan's yelp as he walks down the corridor.]

SIR ELYAN No!

-- [07:11, INT. KING'S PALACE, ELYAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gwaine enters to find Elyan in a curled up on the floor, shaking in fear. Gwaine approaches and Elyan calms himself.]

SIR GWAINE What are you doing?

[Gwaine moves and Elyan sees the well boy behind him. The boy puts a finger to his lips.]

SIR ELYAN Nothing.

[Gwaine looks at Elyan with confused concern.]

SIR ELYAN I--I was getting a drink of water...tripped over the table.

SIR GWAINE Uh-huh.

[Gwaine chuckles and gives Elyan a hand up.]

SIR GWAINE I missed you at the tavern earlier. Percival broke Sir Brennis's wrist in an arm wrestle.

SIR ELYAN Sounds like fun.

SIR GWAINE Not for Sir Brennis. Get some rest. Arthur's planned a training session in the morning. You know how the King likes his training.

[Elyan nods with a smile.]

SIR GWAINE Good night.

[Gwaine leaves. Elyan searches frantically through his cupboards. He ducks under his bed and pours a circle of salt at the foot of it.]

-- [08:27, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Merlin enters to find Arthur asleep at his desk with his head in his plate of stew. Merlin slams his hand on the desk and Arthur bolts upright.]

MERLIN Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.

KING ARTHUR You didn't scare me, I was asleep.

[Merlin tries to hold in his laughter at the stew all over Arthur's face.]

KING ARTHUR Why have you got that stupid smile on your face?

MERLIN It's nothing. Why were you sleeping with your head on the table?

KING ARTHUR I fell asleep while I was reading.

[Merlin glances at the table, no parchment in sight.]

MERLIN What were you reading?

[Arthur glances at the paperless table.]

KING ARTHUR I am the king of Camelot, I do not have to answer to the likes of you.

MERLIN Oh, you're in a good mood. You obviously got out of the wrong side of the table.

[Merlin laughs at his own joke. Arthur is not amused.]

MERLIN (laughing) The wrong side of the bed, but you slept on the table.

KING ARTHUR (sarcastic) That's extremely clever and funny, Merlin. There really are no limits to your wit. Now, will you please just get me some breakfast?

MERLIN Right.

[Arthur looks down at the plate of stew and moves it off of the platter. He sees his reflection in the platter and lifts it for a better look.]

KING ARTHUR Merlin!

-- [09:32, EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY]

KING ARTHUR Pair off! Concentrate on counter-cutting. Gwaine, you're with me.

SIR GWAINE What's that in your hair?

MERLIN It's stew.

SIR LEON Why have you got stew in your hair?

MERLIN (as if it should be obvious) Well, because he was reading.

[The knights give Arthur a confused look.]

KING ARTHUR Change of plan. I think we'll try something different.

[Merlin stands in the training grounds wearing Arthur's helmet and a Pendragon shield. He grimaces and holds the shield in front of his face as Arthur approaches and beats Merlin's shield with a sword. He finally hits hard enough to knock Merlin to the ground. Merlin stands up, holding his arm. He prepares as Elyan steps up next and invites Elyan to strike.]

MERLIN Elyan.

[Elyan starts softly, not really wanting to attack his friend. He starts to get into it. A flash of anger crosses his face and his next strike knocks Merlin to the ground. Elyan continues beating Merlin's shield.]

KING ARTHUR Elyan.

[Elyan doesn't stop and Arthur and the knights become concerned. Elyan raises to strike again and Arthur grabs his arm, stopping him.]

KING ARTHUR Elyan. I think he's had enough.

[Elyan relaxes. Merlin takes off his helmet.]

KING ARTHUR (sarcastically) You all right down there, Merlin?

[Merlin mumbles something.]

KING ARTHUR Good.

-- [11:04, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARMOURY - DAY]

SIR PERCIVAL Well, Merlin will feel that in his arms tomorrow.

SIR GWAINE All this training, when will we see some real action?

[Leon and Percival chat. Elyan sees the sopping wet well boy in the corner between them.]

SIR LEON ..you know?

SIR PERCIVAL Yeah.

SIR LEON It's crazy.

[The well boy steps forward.]

SIR ELYAN No. Oh, no.

SIR LEON You all right?

[The well boy steps around Leon towards Elyan and Elyan backs away.]

SIR ELYAN Leave me alone!

[Elyan backs up into Gwaine. Gwaine shoves him off.]

SIR GWAINE Watch yourself.

[Elyan shoves back and they struggle, Elyan still staring at the well boy, until Gwaine punches Elyan out cold.]

SIR LEON Elyan.

[Leon goes to Elyan. Percival looks down at Elyan on the floor, and then back at Gwaine like WTF? Gwaine shrugs.]

SIR LEON Elyan. Elyan!

[Leon shakes Elyan, but he doesn't wake up.]

-- [12:00, INT. KING'S PALACE, ELYAN'S CHAMBER - DAY] [Gwaine and Leon look on as Gaius examines Elyan, lying on his bed with eyes wide and staring.]

SIR LEON Why doesn't he speak?

GAIUS I don't know. It's strange.

SIR GWAINE It's like he's lost his mind.

GAIUS When I want your medical opinion, Gwaine, I'll ask for it.

[Leon looks at Gwaine and shakes his head.]

GAIUS Perhaps you'd leave me alone to treat my patient.

[They start to head out.]

SIR GWAINE It would be better if Arthur didn't know of this.

GAIUS Why do you want to keep it from Arthur?

SIR GWAINE Elyan hasn't been himself recently. He hasn't said anything, but he's clearly upset about his sister's banishment.

GAIUS Yes, it must've been hard for him to see that happen to Gwen.

SIR LEON We wouldn't want Arthur to think that Elyan's loyalties are divided.

GAIUS Well, I'm sure the King doesn't have to know about every accident that happens in Camelot.

SIR GWAINE Thank you, Gaius.

SIR LEON Thank you.

[Leon and Gwaine exit.]

GAIUS Elyan, can you hear me? Blink if you can hear me.

[Elyan doesn't blink. Gaius picks up his medicine bag, the top drops to the floor and Gaius spots something as he bends to pick it up. It's the circle of salt. Gaius touches it, smells it, and tastes it. Elyan continues his blank stare.]

-- [13:37, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Arthur sits and stares out the window.]

MERLIN Would you like me to make up the bed, sire, or will you be sleeping on the table again?

[Arthur doesn't seem to hear.]

MERLIN Is this about Gwen?

[Arthur looks down sadly.]

MERLIN We all miss her. You more than anyone.

KING ARTHUR You can go now.

MERLIN Arthur--

KING ARTHUR Get out.

[Merlin leaves and Arthur is left to his gloomy thoughts.]

-- [14:18, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Merlin enters angry.]

MERLIN I'm done!...trying to be nice to Arthur. I cook, I clean, I'm always there for him. Not to mention that small matter of saving his life more times than I care to remember. Do I get any thanks? No. All he ever does is shout at me.

[Gaius doesn't respond, focused on his reading.]

MERLIN So now you're ignoring me. Great. I might as well not even exist. [?] Don't worry about m, not even here.

[Gaius closes his book.]

GAIUS I fear we may have more important things to worry about than Arthur shouting at you.

MERLIN What is it?

GAIUS Did Elyan disturb anything yesterday at the shrine?

MERLIN I'm not sure.

GAIUS I need you to be sure, Merlin.

MERLIN I don't know. He may have done. I tried to warn them. You know what they're like. They don't listen.

GAIUS I'm sorry, Merlin. It's just that I'm deeply concerned for Elyan. He hasn't spoken a word since he regained consciousness and I can find no physical symptoms to explain it. The only thing I could find was a pile of salt at the foot of his bed.

MERLIN Oh, no.

GAIUS What is it, Merlin?

MERLIN He's trying to ward off an evil spirit.

GAIUS With a pile of salt? That's utter nonsense.

MERLIN Elyan believes it to be true.

GAIUS (sigh) Then I fear that Elyan may have disturbed the spirit at the shrine.

MERLIN What? What will that do to him?

GAIUS I dread to think what horror it might unleash. you must tell Arthur what happened at the shrine. You must tell him that Elyan is possessed.

MERLIN Well, I'm not sure he'll believe me, not in the mood he's in.

GAIUS You must make him believe you.

-- [15:54, INT. KING'S PALACE, ELYAN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT] [Elyan wakes from the sound of dripping water. Elyan bolts up in bed when he sees the sopping wet druid boy.]

SIR ELYAN Leave me alone!

DRUID BOY Please don't be angry with me.

[Elyan processes the boy's words.]

SIR ELYAN I'm sorry.

[Elyan gets out of bed and approaches the boy. He tries to touch him and the boy backs away.]

SIR ELYAN It's all right. Don't be scared.

[Elyan touches the boy.]

SIR ELYAN You're so cold.

[Elyan hugs the child and the boy hugs him back.]

SIR ELYAN It's all right.

[They let go and Elyan kneels down.]

SIR ELYAN What do you want from me?

DRUID BOY I want you to bring me peace. You must right the wrong that was done to me.

SIR ELYAN (nods) How? What should I do?

DRUID BOY It's easy. You must kill the king.

[Elyan tenses at the request, then nods.]

-- [17:38, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT] [Elyan waits for guards to pass by.]

-- [17:48, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Arthur reads something at his desk. Elyan steps in silently, a sword at his hip. Arthur looks up, startled, then rolls his head in relief.]

KING ARTHUR Elyan, you startled me. Is everything all right?

[Elyan steps forward and draws his sword.]

KING ARTHUR Elyan? What the hell do you think you're doing!?

[Arthur falls back in his chair to avoid Elyan's sword as it slams down on the table. Arthur rolls out of the way as Elyan stabs the floor. Arthur uses a stool to block Elyan's strikes until it's slashed apart and Arthur is left with only the stool legs.]

KING ARTHUR Guards!

[Arthur tosses the stool legs at Elyan and grabs a larger, sturdier stool. Elyan continues to attack, but is distracted when the guards enter. Arthur throws the stool at Elyan, then bolts forward to grab him, but Elyan is already running out. The guards chase after him.]

-- [18:30, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT] [Agravaine addresses the knights.]

AGRAVAINE I know Elyan is a friend to some of you, but that friendship ended when he tried to kill the king. Do not let him escape. Now, go find him!

[The knights disperse.]

-- [18:41, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Merlin enters.]

MERLIN What happened?

KING ARTHUR Elyan. He attacked me.

MERLIN I think he's possessed.

KING ARTHUR What do you mean "possessed"?

MERLIN He may have disturbed a spirit at the shrine. I think that spirit's possessing him.

[Arthur seriously considers this.]

MERLIN Why else would he attack you?

KING ARTHUR Well, when we catch him, I intend to ask him that very question.

-- [19:02, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT]

SIR GWAINE I never thought I'd see the day we'd be hunting one of our own.

SIR LEON I just can't understand why he would attack Arthur.

SIR PERCIVAL Well, what would you do if your sister had been banished from Camelot?

SIR GWAINE Well, my sister's an evil old toad, so I'd be eternally grateful.

[Elyan dashes out from his hiding place at the end of the corridor.]

SIR LEON There he is!

[They run after Elyan. Elyan picks up a bench and throws it at them and topples a candelabra, but they jump over it and catch him at a locked door. They face each other, swords at the ready, Elyan only has a dagger.]

SIR LEON Elyan, we don't want to hurt you.

SIR GWAINE Put the knife down.

SIR PERCIVAL Why don't we all just put our weapons down and sort this out like friends?

[Percival sheathes his sword. Gwaine and Leon do likewise.]

SIR ELYAN I had to do it.

SIR PERCIVAL Of course you did.

[Percival steps closer.]

SIR PERCIVAL We understand. We're your friends.

[Elyan lowers the knife. They both sigh. Percival punches him out and looks at the other two.]

-- [20:18, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUNGEON - NIGHT] [Elyan is shoved into a cell by some guards. The guards leave and Elyan is freaked out by the dripping druid boy.]

DRUID BOY You failed me.

SIR ELYAN (terrified) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

-- [20:47, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]

AGRAVAINE Elyan must be tried and punished in accordance with our laws.

KING ARTHUR But that would mean putting him to death.

AGRAVAINE Well, so be it. You can't afford to show favouritism.

KING ARTHUR What if Elyan wasn't acting of his own volition?

AGRAVAINE What do you mean?

KING ARTHUR Merlin believes that Elyan has been possessed by some kind of spirit.

AGRAVAINE Oh. I have no doubt he's just trying to protect his friend.

MERLIN Why else would Elyan attack Arthur?

AGRAVAINE His motive is obvious. He seeks revenge. You banished his sister from Camelot.

MERLIN I know Elyan, and no matter what he feels about his sister, he would never attack Arthur.

AGRAVAINE Arthur, you must see. All this talk of possession and spirits, it's just a ruse to save Elyan's neck.

KING ARTHUR But what if it is true? I'd be executing an innocent man. More than that, I'd be executing a friend.

AGRAVAINE You cannot be seen to allow someone to try and kill you and then escape punishment. You will appear weak. That puts the whole of Camelot in Peril.

MERLIN Arthur...

KING ARTHUR Leave me.

[Merlin is disappointed and irritated that Arthur is taking Agravaine's side again.]

KING ARTHUR Both of you.

[Slightly bewildered, Agravaine follows Merlin out.]

-- [21:58, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBER S - DAY]

MERLIN Agravaine is just pushing for Elyan's execution.

GAIUS Arthur may have no choice but to sentence Elyan to death.

MERLIN We can't allow that to happen.

GAIUS What do you propose we do, Merlin?

MERLIN Must be a way of ridding Elyan of the spirit that possesses him.

GAIUS It would require very powerful magic

MERLIN Then I must master it to save Elyan's life.

GAIUS And you intend to expel the spirit in the cells under the noses of the guards?

MERLIN Of course not. First we need to break Elyan out of the cells. Did I miss that little part?

GAIUS Ah-ha-ha-ha.

-- [22:25, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBER S - NIGHT] [Merlin emerges from his room. Gaius brings him a flask.]

GAIUS Elyan will have to be unconscious when you expel the spirit. I put a powerful sedative in this water.

[Merlin takes it.]

GAIUS And Merlin, remember, Elyan is not himself. You cannot trust him.

MERLIN I know.

-- [22:48, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - NIGHT] [Merlin looks down at the guards from the stairs. He sees a barrel nearby.]

MERLIN Strangaþ bydenfæt.

[His spell knocks the barrel over the guards approach it. His eyes glow and the barrel rolls down the corridor and the guards follow it.]

MERLIN Wyrþ gatu fæst!

[His eyes glow and the gates behind them. Merlin unlocks Elyan's cell with some keys.]

SIR ELYAN (surprised) Merlin.

MERLIN I don't have time to explain. You have to trust me.

[Elyan gets up and they head down the tunnels. Merlin unlocks another gate. The warning bells ring and they start to run. They emerge outside the city.]

MERLIN We need to make it to the cover of the woods.

-- [24:07, INT. FOREST - NIGHT] [Merlin and Elyan run through the woods. They stop, panting.]

SIR ELYAN You know, Merlin, you're much braver than you look.

MERLIN You calling me a coward?

[They laugh.]

SIR ELYAN I'm saying there's not many people with the courage to break someone out of the cells.

MERLIN I had to do it. They were going to execute you. I know that you would never hurt Arthur. Not of your own volition.

[Elyan looks sharply at Merlin.]

MERLIN After all that running, you must be thirsty.

[Merlin hands him the flask. Elyan takes it with a smile, but he sees the druid boy shake his head behind Merlin.]

SIR ELYAN Where are my manners? You must be thirsty, too.

MERLIN No, after you.

SIR ELYAN No, no, after you. I insist.

MERLIN No, I had some water earlier. If I have too much, I have to pee all the time. Ask Arthur, I'm always peeing. What are you looking at?

[Merlin looks at Elyan's line of sight. He sees nothing, but appears disturbed.]

SIR ELYAN I'm sorry, Merlin.

MERLIN For what?

[Elyan knocks him out. Elyan looks at the soaked druid boy.]

SIR ELYAN I won't fail you again.

-- [25:30, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBER S - DAY] [Gaius treats Merlin's head wound.]

MERLIN Just before he jumped me, there was a presence there. I could sense it.

GAIUS It was Elyan who was supposed to be knocked out, not you, Merlin.

MERLIN I must find Arthur. Elyan could make another attempt on his life.

GAIUS After Elyan's escape, Arthur was put under heavy guard. There's little more you can do to protect him. This shrine...do you think you could find it again?

MERLIN I'm not sure I want to. You said I was never to go there again.

GAIUS We have to find out all we can about this spirit. Unless we know what we're dealing with, we won't be able to help Elyan or Arthur.

[Merlin's not happy about going back.]

-- [26:14, EXT. FOREST - DAY] [Merlin leads Gaius to the shrine. Merlin stops.]

GAIUS Merlin?

MERLIN It's just through these trees.

[They enter the shrine.]

MERLIN What are we looking for?

GAIUS I'm not entirely sure. But remember, don't disturb anything.

MERLIN Trust me, I won't.

[They split up to look around. Merlin hears a crunch of wood and turns sharply.]

GAIUS (whisper) Sorry!

[Merlin hears whispers and crying and finds the well that Elyan drank from. He looks into it and hears wailing voices. He begins to cry.]

MERLIN Gaius!

[He steps back and holds his head, drying his eyes.]

GAIUS What is it, Merlin?

MERLIN Something terrible happened here.

[Gaius studies the well.]

GAIUS These runes are in the druid tongue. I also found this.

[Gaius holds up an arrow.]

GAIUS There are crossbow bolts scattered all around.

MERLIN This was Uther's doing, wasn't it?

GAIUS It is revenge for Uther's crime that the spirit seeks.

-- [28:38, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY] [Merlin enters while Arthur is reading over some documents. Arthur looks up stonily, well aware of what Merlin's been doing.]

KING ARTHUR Merlin, good of you to join me. Perhaps I should fill you in on all that's been happening while you've been...that's a good question. What the hell have you been doing?

MERLIN I was--

KING ARTHUR Choose your next words carefully. They may be your last.

MERLIN I was searching...in the woods for some herbs for Gaius, very rare herbs, hard to find, actually, and I got lost.

KING ARTHUR You mean to tell me that you've been wandering around in the woods all night?

MERLIN Yes.

KING ARTHUR What happened to your head?

MERLIN I-- I tripped over a root...and I hit my head on a tree and I knocked myself out.

[Merlin tries to chuckled at his own supposed clumsiness. Arthur's not fooled.]

KING ARTHUR Mm. Well, after wandering around in the woods all night, knocking yourself out, you must be hungry.

MERLIN I'm starving.

KING ARTHUR Pull up a chair. Tuck in.

MERLIN Oh, thank you so very much, I am actu---you're joking.

[Arthur gives Merlin a blank stare as confirmation. Merlin takes away Arthur's plate of food and exits. Arthur continues with his reading.]

-- [29:44, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY] [Merlin stops behind a column to finish off Arthur's chicken when he sees a hand sticking out of an open door. It's an unconscious guard.]

MERLIN Oh, no.

[Merlin drops the plate.]

-- [30:11, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY] [One of the guards behind Arthur drops without a sound. Arthur gets up and the other guard drops. Arthur turns to see Elyan stepping around a column with a cross bow aimed at him. Arthur dodges it and it hits his throne. Meanwhile, Merlin runs back to the council chamber. Arthur takes one of the guards' swords and Elyan draws one.]

KING ARTHUR Why are you doing this?

[Elyan is not just sopping wet, but gushing with new water. Arthur draws back, confused and unsettled.]

DRUID BOY (SIR ELYAN) I must avenge my death.

[Druidboy!Elyan attacks and Arthur parries.]

KING ARTHUR What've you done to Elyan?

[They continue to fight and Merlin arrives at the council chamber door, but it's locked.]

MERLIN (muffled) Arthur!

KING ARTHUR Don't make me kill you, I don't want to kill you.

[They continue fighting. Merlin's eyes glow and he busts open the council chamber door and enters, distracting Druidboy!Elyan. Arthur throws Elyan to the floor, making him drop his sword, and steps forward, sword poised for the kill.]

MERLIN Stop! That's not the Elyan we know!

[The doors close on their own. Arthur regards the now-defenceless Druidboy!Elyan on the floor with a hard look and backs away. Druidboy!Elyan gets up and runs off.]

MERLIN You let him go?

[Arthur breathes harshly, a dark look on his face.]

-- [31:50, INT. KING'S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY] [Gaius and Merlin wait as Agravaine reports to Arthur.]

AGRAVAINE The palace is secure. No one is able to get in or out, and we're searching the lower town even as I speak. Fear not, my lord, Elyan will be hunted down and slain. I'll see to it personally.

KING ARTHUR Thank you, Uncle.

[Agravaine nods and exits. Arthur turns secretively to Gaius and Merlin.]

MERLIN You know that isn't Elyan or you wouldn't have let him go.

[Arthur nods.]

KING ARTHUR When Elyan spoke to me, it wasn't with his voice. It was the voice of a boy, a child.

GAIUS That is the voice of the spirit that now possesses him.

KING ARTHUR What do you know about the shrine, Gaius?

GAIUS I believe the site was once a druid camp. There is evidence that the camp was attacked. Your father was relentless in his persecution of the druids. Many died. I believe it is one of those tormented souls that now possesses Elyan.

KING ARTHUR And that's why he seeks his revenge.

GAIUS The spirit craves peace. He wishes to find his proper place in the other world, but the unjust nature of his death has denied him that.

KING ARTHUR Is there anything that can be done to change this?

GAIUS In druid lore, only the atonement of the perpetrator can bring the spirit peace.

MERLIN But Uther's dead. He can't atone for what he did.

GAIUS Indeed.

KING ARTHUR What about Elyan?

GAIUS Elyan is no longer the man you knew. The spirit has a hold on him that may be too powerful to break. All we can hope is that he'll be found before he has a chance to enact his revenge.

KING ARTHUR And if we do find him?

GAIUS Then I fear you have no choice...but to kill him.

-- [33:46, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Arthur broods while Merlin clears the table.]

MERLIN It's not your fault. You can't be held responsible for everything your father did.

KING ARTHUR That'll be all, Merlin. Thank you.

MERLIN You sure you don't want me to stay?

KING ARTHUR I think I'm going to get an early night.

MERLIN Yeah. Yeah, I'm pretty tired, too, what with having spent the night in the woods.

KING ARTHUR No one said anything about you getting am early night, Merlin. In fact, you can make up for your little escapade by polishing my armour.

[Merlin gives Arthur a look that says "seriously?"]

-- [34:26, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARMOURY - NIGHT] [Merlin polishes Arthur's armour.]

-- [34:35, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT] [Merlin walks to his chambers and hears/sees Arthur walk down the corridor behind him wrapped in a cloak. Merlin follows]

[34:49, INT. KING'S PALACE, TUNNELS - NIGHT] [Arthur bears a torch as he walks through the castle tunnels. Merlin follows.]

-- [35:03, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT] [Arthur heads through the woods, Merlin close behind. Merlin loses sight of him. Merlin searches, turns at something behind him but no one's there. Arthur steps up behind Merlin, hood pulled down.]

KING ARTHUR Merlin.

[Merlin spins around.]

MERLIN Fancy meeting you here.

KING ARTHUR What the hell are you doing creeping around in the woods?

MERLIN I'm following you. What the hell are you doing creeping around in the woods?

[Arthur takes off his cloak.]

KING ARTHUR It's something I should've done a long time ago.

MERLIN Elyan could be out here. Do you know how dangerous that is?

KING ARTHUR I have to face him. Feel free to go back to Camelot anytime you like.

[Arthur continues on. Merlin follows. Arthur stops and looks back at him.]

KING ARTHUR You're not going back then?

MERLIN Thought I might tag along. Don't want you getting lost and scared.

[Arthur smiles a tiny bit and keeps walking.]

-- [36:05, EXT. FOREST, DRUID SHRINE - NIGHT] [They approach and stop just outside the flags.]

MERLIN You sure you want to do this? Maybe we should wait until it's light.

[Arthur continues on.]

MERLIN Or we could just do it now. Whatever it is that we’re doing, in the dark, when it’s incredibly scary and dangerous.

[They reach the centre of the shrine. Arthur draws his sword and lays it on a rock.]

MERLIN That a good idea? We might be needing it.

KING ARTHUR I'm not sure a sword would be much use against a spirit.

MERLIN What about against Elyan?

[Arthur ignores him and waits.]

KING ARTHUR I'm here! That's what you want, isn't it?

MERLIN What are you doing?

[Arthur looks at Merlin.]

KING ARTHUR Everything Gaius said about this place is right except for one thing. It wasn't my father that led the raid on the druid camp. I did.

[Sopping wet Druidboy!Elyan appears. Arthur faces him.]

DRUID BOY (SIR ELYAN) By blood is on your hands. I cannot rest because of what you did.

KING ARTHUR I know.

[Arthur holds his hands out and kneels.]

KING ARTHUR (begins to cry) I am responsible for what happened to you. And for all the violence that happened here. When I led the attack on your camp, I was young and inexperienced. I was desperate to prove myself to my men, to my...father.

[Druidboy!Elyan walks closer.]

KING ARTHUR (still crying) I told the men to spare the women and children, but I know that some of them ignored the order. And there was so much happening. I wanted to stop it...I froze. I didn't know what to do.

[Druidboy!Elyan steps closer.]

KING ARTHUR (completely breaking down) I can still hear the screams. I cannot right this wrong. Nothing I can ever do will change the horrors that happened that day. But I can promise that, now that I am king, I will do everything that I can to prevent anything like this ever happening again. From this day forth, the Druid people will be treated with the respect they deserve. I give you my word.

[Druidboy!Elyan draws his sword.]

KING ARTHUR I am truly sorry for what happened to you.

[Arthur prepares himself for the blow, breathing hard. Druidboy!Elyan drops his sword. Arthur is surprised. Druidboy!Elyan takes Arthur by the shoulders to bring him to his feet, he looks into Arthur's face and hugs him. Arthur is astonished.]

KING ARTHUR I forgive you.

[Druidboy!Elyan steps away and the spirit leaves like white smoke through Elyan's mouth. Arthur watches it in awe. Elyan rouses, but stumbles forward, and Arthur catches him.]

SIR ELYAN Arthur?

[Elyan faints as tears run down Arthur's cheeks.]

-- [40:53, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Merlin enters with Arthur's laundry. Arthur looks up from his reading.]

KING ARTHUR How's Elyan? Is he going to be all right?

MERLIN Gaius says he's going to make a full recovery.

[Arthur considers for a moment as Merlin puts the clothes in the closet.]

MERLIN You know, that was incredibly moving what you said at the shrine.

KING ARTHUR As long as Elyan's going to be all right, it served its purpose.

MERLIN It wasn't just about Elyan, though, was it? You meant it. I know you did.

KING ARTHUR Does this have a point, Merlin.

MERLIN I don't think I've ever seen you cry before. Not like that. You had tears running down your cheeks. It's nice to see this new sensitive, emotional side to you. It suits you.

KING ARTHUR Shut up, Merlin.

MERLIN
 * gasp* I really thought you'd changed.

[Arthur closes the book he's been pretending to read.]

KING ARTHUR Then you're as stupid as you are ugly.

[Arthur walks off.]

MERLIN So, there's no chance that we could have a hug?

[Merlin opens his arms and Arthur stops on his way to the door. Arthur glares as he turns around and Merlin starts an attempted runaway as they go off screen.]

MERLIN Argh!

Source