Transcript:The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

"FORMATTING NOTE: A slash (/) indicates that the person speaking is being spoken over by the line written immediately after."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.

'''EXT. THE WOODS -- DAY'''

> MERLIN sneezes.

MERLIN: You're still angry with me, aren't you?

> We see MERLIN and ARTHUR, riding on horseback through the woods.

ARTHUR: We spend the entire day hunting, catch nothing, because every time we got anywhere near anything, you sneezed and frightened it away.

MERLIN: Not the last time.

ARTHUR: No, that time you fell into a stream. No one could accuse you of being predictable, Merlin.

MERLIN: I think I'm getting a cold.

ARTHUR: Let's hope it's a bad one.

''> In the distance, a WOMAN screams. ARTHUR and MERLIN take notice.''

ARTHUR: What was that?

MERLIN: I think it was a bird.

> The WOMAN screams again.

MERLIN: That? That was definitely a woman screaming.

> ARTHUR dismounts, pulls out his sword, and runs towards the sound.

MERLIN: Why couldn't it have just been a bird? Never just a bird.

''> MERLIN dismounts and follows Arthur. The screaming continues. ARTHUR and MERLIN duck behind a tree as they approach the edge of a village, where they see a procession of VILLAGERS marching towards a yet unlit pyre. MERLIN, alarmed, runs down the bank, towards the village, the procession, and the screaming.''

ARTHUR: What are you doing?

MERLIN: Well, I assume you want to risk our lives and see what's going on.

ARTHUR: I never thought I'd say this, Merlin, but you're learning.

> They run towards the village.

'''EXT. THE VILLAGE -- DAY'''

''> VALDIS, a bony old woman with straggly grey hair, is tied to a stake in the middle of a pyre. The village leader, a man named ALRICK, paces before her, waving a lit torch while VILLAGERS stand around banging drums. ALRICK raises the torch, but before he can set the pyre alight—''

ARTHUR: Let the woman go.

> ARTHUR, followed by MERLIN, walks into the crowd of VILLAGERS and interrupts what is going on.

ALRICK: This woman has been sentenced to death. It does not concern you.

ARTHUR: I am Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, and your village is in my lands.

ALRICK: Her sorcery has brought sickness and suffering to this village.

ARTHUR: Did she receive a fair trial?

ALRICK: Your father would have shown her no mercy.

ARTHUR: I am not my father. Now cut her down.

ALRICK: I will not endanger the lives of all who live here.

''> ALRICK moves to light the fire. ARTHUR draws his sword and holds it to the Alrick's throat.''

ARTHUR: I said, cut her down.

'''EXT. THE WOODS -- NIGHT'''

''> After dark, Merlin and Arthur have made a camp. MERLIN watches over VALDIS, who is unconscious. MERLIN feels her forehead. A branch snaps, and MERLIN turns to see ARTHUR returning with firewood. ARTHUR sets the wood down beside their fire.''

ARTHUR: Is there anything more you can do for her?

MERLIN: She won't make it through the night.

ARTHUR: Make her as comfortable as possible.

''> MERLIN nods, and dabs at her forehead with a cloth. Suddenly, VALDIS grabs Arthur's arm.''

VALDIS: Thank you.

ARTHUR: You should try and get some rest.

VALDIS: My time has come. When you have lived as long as I, you no longer fear the journey to the next world. A gift for you. You showed kindness and compassion. Those are the qualities of a true king.

> VALDIS gives Arthur a small object bundled in cloth.

VALDIS: (Cont.) Open it.

> MERLIN watches carefully as ARTHUR unwraps the cloth and finds a small horn made of bone, with metal detailing.

ARTHUR: It's beautiful.

VALDIS: It has the power to summon the spirits of the dead.

''> ARTHUR reacts. VALDIS' breathing becomes difficult. She dies. ARTHUR pensively examines the horn.''

 [OPENING TITLES] 

'''INT. GAIUS' CHAMBERS -- DAY'''

> ARTHUR and MERLIN watch GAIUS examine the horn.

GAIUS: The Horn of Cathbhadh. When Uther attacked the Isle of the Blessed, the horn of Cathbhadh was smuggled to safety before the temple fell. It hasn't been heard of since.

ARTHUR: The old woman said it could be used to open a door to the spirit world.

GAIUS: I have seen it with my own eyes. Long before the time of the Great Purge, I took part in such ceremonies. Each year at Beltane, the High Priestesses would gather at the Great Stones of Nemeton and summon the spirits of their ancestors. It holds powerful magic.

> GAIUS returns the Horn to Arthur.

GAIUS: (Cont.) You must keep it safe.

> GAIUS looks knowingly at MERLIN.

'''INT. THE DINING HALL -- EVENING'''

> ''The KNIGHTS, ARTHUR, GWEN, and various COURTIERS are feasting. We hear music, talking, and laughing. ARTHUR sits next to GWEN, at the top of the table, looking pensive and stoic, in contrast to the jovial atmosphere of the feast. MORDRED watches him, curious. ELYAN, sitting next to him, notices and leans over—''

ELYAN: He's always like this at the anniversary of his coronation.

MORDRED: I thought it was cause for celebration.

ELYAN: It is, but it's also the anniversary of Uther's death.

''> ARTHUR says something to GWEN and leaves the feast. MERLIN watches him go.''

'''INT. UTHER'S TOMB -- EVENING'''

''> ARTHUR enters the tomb, alone, and observes the stone statue of his dead father. He is aggrieved. He says nothing. Rest in peace, Uther, you really were the worst father ever. ''

'''INT. ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS -- THE NEXT DAY'''

''> ARTHUR sits at the table, fiddling with the Horn of Cathbhadh. There is a knock at the door. ARTHUR contemplates being seen with the Horn, and quickly grabs a large bowl of apples, overturning it and tossing apples all over the floor. He flips the bowl over and hides the Horn under it. MERLIN enters, to an array of floor-apples rolling around. MERLIN looks dubiously at the apples.''

MERLIN: What are you doing?

ARTHUR: Nothing. Thinking.

> MERLIN starts picking up the apples.

MERLIN: You thinking? Well, now I'm really getting worried.

ARTHUR: Shut up.

> MERLIN begins to pick up the upside down bowl, but ARTHUR smacks it back down to the table.

ARTHUR: Leave it.

MERLIN: Why?

ARTHUR: Because I'm telling you to and I'm the King of Camelot. Not that that seems to mean anything to you.

''> MERLIN pretends to give up on the bowl, making like he's about to pick up a pitcher, then tries to grab the bowl again. ARTHUR stops him. They look at each other, challenging. Beat.''

ARTHUR: Ready the horses and gather some supplies.

MERLIN: Uh, where are we going?

ARTHUR: You don't need to know.

> ARTHUR points a spoon in Merlin's face.

ARTHUR: Do not breath a word of this to anyone. Not even Guinevere.

MERLIN: You're threatening me with a spoon?

> CUT TO—

'''INT. A HALLWAY -- DAY'''

> A loud SMACK is heard, echoing from Arthur's chambers.

MERLIN: Ow!

'''EXT. PLAINS -- DAY'''

> Later, MERLIN and ARTHUR are riding across some plains.

MERLIN: I'm getting a very bad feeling about this place.

ARTHUR: That is because you are a coward.

MERLIN: No. It's because I value my life and I don't want to die horribly.

ARTHUR: Fair point.

MERLIN: So are we going to turn back?

ARTHUR: No.

''> Later, MERLIN and ARTHUR have dismounted. They approach something we do not yet see.''

MERLIN: What are they?

ARTHUR: The great stones of Nemeton.

''> Before them is what is clearly Stonehenge a massive arrangement of stones: The Great Stones of Nemeton. ARTHUR regards the Stones, and then takes the Horn of Cathbhadh from his saddle bags and approaches the Stones.''

MERLIN: You're going to use it?

ARTHUR: This will be the only chance I'll have to see my father again. I can't let it pass.

MERLIN: This is powerful magic.

''> ARTHUR and MERLIN look at each other. Beat.''

ARTHUR: My father was taken from me before his time. Now, there isn't a day that passes when I don't think of the things I'd wished I'd said to him. If you were given the same chance, to see your father, talk to him, wouldn't you do the same?

''> MERLIN nods. ARTHUR and MERLIN walk together towards the Stones.''

'''EXT. THE STONES OF NEMETON -- DAY'''

''> MERLIN stops at the edge of the circle. ARTHUR continues inside. MERLIN watches him, worried. ARTHUR goes to the center of the Stones and blows the horn. There's a bright light, Arthur steps into it. MERLIN watches him go.''

'''EXT. (???) THE SPIRIT WORLD -- ???'''

''> ARTHUR journeys into a bright, featureless landscape. In the distance, wind is blowing. UTHER appears, first in approaching silhouette, then properly visible. ARTHUR sees him.''

ARTHUR: Father.

UTHER: Arthur.

ARTHUR: I thought I'd never see you again. There isn't a day that passes when I don't think of you.

UTHER: And I, you.

ARTHUR: There are times when I feel so alone, I wish more than anything that you were by my side.

UTHER: If I were at your side, I fear you would not like all that I have to say.

ARTHUR: What do you mean?

UTHER: Many of the decisions you've made since you've become King go against all that I taught you.

ARTHUR: I have done what I believed to be right.

UTHER: You ignored our tradition, our ancient laws. You have allowed common men to become knights.

ARTHUR: And they are some of the finest knights Camelot's ever known. They would gladly give their lives for the kingdom.

UTHER: They question your decisions. They make you look weak.

ARTHUR: Listening to others is a sign of strength, not weakness.

UTHER: How do you expect anyone to fear a king who does not know his own mind?

ARTHUR: I don't want my people to respect me because they fear me.

UTHER: Then they won't respect you at all. Your marriage should have served to form an alliance with another kingdom and you choose to marry a serving girl.

ARTHUR: I married for love. I love Guinevere. More than... I can express.

UTHER: There are certain things that are more important than love. It is your duty to strengthen and protect the kingdom. You have failed.

ARTHUR: I have always strived to make you proud.

UTHER: How can I be proud of a son who ignores everything I taught him? Who is destroying my legacy?

ARTHUR: I've brought peace to the kingdom...

UTHER: At what price? Peace cannot last. If you are not strong, the kingdom will fall. You must go now.

ARTHUR: I need more time. There's still so much I wish to say.

UTHER: If you stay, you will be forever trapped in the world of the dead. You must go now. Go.

ARTHUR: This can't be the last time I'll ever see you.

UTHER: Think about everything that I have said to you. It isn't too late. Now go.

''> ARTHUR, distraught, turns to leave. He walks towards the exit.''

UTHER: I will always love you, Arthur.

''> ARTHUR turns to look back at UTHER, who is standing there, swallowed by bright light. ARTHUR leaves the Spirit World.''

'''EXT. THE STONES OF NEMETON -- DAY'''

> ARTHUR returns from the Spirit World, to an awaiting MERLIN.

MERLIN: Arthur?

> ARTHUR walks towards to him, despondent, and says nothing.

'''EXT. THE WOODS -- NIGHT'''

''> ARTHUR and MERLIN sit around a fire. ARTHUR, troubled, stares silently into the flames.''

MERLIN: Do you want to talk about it? What happened at the Stones?

ARTHUR: It seems my father doesn't approve of the way I've chosen to rule his kingdom.

MERLIN: You mean your kingdom.

ARTHUR: The things he said about the knights, about marrying Guinevere. What if he's right? What if I have weakened Camelot?

MERLIN: No. Do you really believe that? You've always done what you believe to be right. People respect you.

ARTHUR: Thank you, Merlin.

MERLIN: Some people still think you're a foolish, arrogant ass.

ARTHUR: Who?

> MERLIN shrugs.

ARTHUR: Very funny. We should get some sleep.

> They lie down to sleep.

'''INT. THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS -- DAY'''

''> Later, a meeting of the Round Table. Various KNIGHTS sit around looking bored. LEON gives a report.''

LEON: We covered the area from Paulet down to Meldreth. This includes thirty troops at Bawtry, fifteen at Tallen, ten at Chime, nine at Broom—

''> The doors to the hall suddenly burst open at once. The whole table startles, and all the KNIGHTS turn to look, but no one is there. ARTHUR nods for LEON to continue his report.''

LEON: ...eleven at Bowell—

''> A chandelier chain SNAPS and plummets, crashing into the center of the Round Table. MERLIN flinches. Everyone around the table startles. ARTHUR looks at the chandelier, bewildered.''

'''INT. A HALLWAY IN THE CASTLE -- DAY'''

> Later, ARTHUR and MERLIN are walking the halls.

ARTHUR: I want the table repaired before the next council meeting. Are you listening to me, Merlin?

MERLIN: What? Sorry, I was just thinking about what happened.

ARTHUR: Did you get a terrible fright?

MERLIN: Yes. My heart nearly jumped out through my mouth.

ARTHUR: Oh, well, maybe you should have the rest of the day off put your feet up.

MERLIN: Really?

> ARTHUR looks at Merlin, unimpressed.

MERLIN: You were joking.

ARTHUR: There really is no limit to your intelligence, is there, Merlin?

''> ARTHUR walks off. A sudden ominous wind comes through the corridor, disturbing the candles. MERLIN looks around, unsettled.''

ARTHUR: Merlin.

> MERLIN looks around once more, still unsettled, then follows Arthur.

'''EXT. CAMELOT -- NIGHT'''

''> It is thunderstorm-ing. The rain comes in a downpour.''

'''INT. THE ROYAL ARMOURY -- NIGHT'''

''> GWAINE and ELYAN are leaving the armoury. PERCIVAL is still changing.''

GWAINE: Why does it always take you twice as long to change out of your armour?

PERCIVAL: Because I'm twice the size of you, little man.

GWAINE: Then why is it that your brain is so small?

''> GWAINE and ELYAN leave, leaving PERCIVAL alone. There's another gust of ominous wind. PERCIVAL watches some lances clank together by themselves. A shield drops to the ground.''

PERCIVAL: Hello? Someone there? Show yourself.

> An ax flies at him out of nowhere, hitting PERCIVAL in the shoulder.

PERCIVAL: Ahh!

'''INT. GAIUS' CHAMBERS -- NIGHT'''

> GAIUS is bandaging PERCIVAL'S shoulder.

PERCIVAL: The axe must've fallen off the rack.

GAIUS: I'm surprised that a falling axe would cause such a deep wound.

> MERLIN looks on, wary.

PERCIVAL: Not as surprised as I was.

GAIUS: Quite. You're lucky you weren't more severely injured.

PERCIVAL: It's strange...

MERLIN: What's that?

PERCIVAL: Just before it happened. I sensed something, like there was someone there watching me. I'm sure it was just my mind playing tricks on me.

GAIUS: Apply a second poultice in the morning, and no training.

PERCIVAL: Thank you, Gaius.

''> MERLIN helps PERCIVAL into his sleeveless gambeson. PERCIVAL leaves. Shortly after, MERLIN is tidying up in the physician's chambers. GAIUS is winding up a roll of bandages.''

GAIUS: Is there something wrong, Merlin? (Beat) Merlin, I get the distinct impression there's something you are not telling me.

MERLIN: No. Why would you say that?

GAIUS: Because there usually is.

MERLIN: We went to the Stones of Nemeton.

GAIUS: Merlin, I warned you of the dangers!

MERLIN: I tried to stop him! He was insistent.

GAIUS: What is it, Merlin?

MERLIN: After the candelabra fell, I was in the corridor outside the Council Chambers. I could sense something. It was like Percival said—a presence of some kind.

GAIUS: In the days of the Old Religion, the priestesses trained for years before entering into the spirit world. It was fraught with danger. There was one thing they were schooled never do. As the Veil closed, they were never look back at the spirit.

MERLIN: What happened if they did?

GAIUS: They'd release the spirit into this world.

MERLIN: Arthur must have looked back.

'''INT. ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS -- NIGHT'''

> MERLIN has interrupted Arthur's dinner.

ARTHUR: What?

MERLIN: At the Stones of Nemeton, I think that you may have released your father's spirit.

ARTHUR: And what makes you think that?

MERLIN: Did you look back? As the Veil closed, did you look back at your father?

ARTHUR: I may have glanced around for a second.

MERLIN: In that "second," you unleashed Uther's spirit. All these strange things that have been happening—the candelabra falling onto the round table.

ARTHUR: Yes, because the chain broke.

MERLIN: The axe falling on Percival.

ARTHUR: It was an accident.

MERLIN: Was it?

ARTHUR: Do you really expect me to believe that my father's spirit is responsible for these things?

MERLIN: The round table represents everything that's changed since you became King. You told me how Uther disapproved. He's angry with you and that makes him dangerous.

ARTHUR: I know my father. He wouldn't do these things.

MERLIN: I think he would do anything to protect his legacy. Who knows what he is capable of?

ARTHUR: Enough! That's enough. Leave me. Go.

> MERLIN leaves.

'''INT. A HALLWAY IN THE CASTLE -- NIGHT'''

''> GWEN is walking down the hallway. An ominous wind follows her. She stops, and turns, but no one is there. She continues. Something rattles, and bangs. GWEN stops again, and turns around.''

GWEN: Is someone there?

''> There is no reply. GWEN continues her walk. Suddenly the window shutters begin banging violently. Then, so does the door at the end of the hallway. Frightened, GWEN begins to run down the hallway as the torches all go out. GWEN stops. Eerily, so does the banging. An invisible force seizes GWEN and drags her down the hallway on the floor as she screams. She manages to get free, but various objects in the hall begin launching at her: a shield, some barrels, etc. A spear flies at her. GWEN evades it, and locks herself in the pantry at the end of the hall.''

'''INT. THE PANTRY -- NIGHT'''

''> GWEN is knocked unconscious by a jug that flies at her head. A fire starts in the pantry.''

'''INT. A HALLWAY IN THE CASTLE -- NIGHT'''

''> MERLIN is walking down the hall when he sees smoke coming from under the pantry door. He runs towards it. The door is locked.''

MERLIN: (Incantating) Aspringe!

'''INT. THE PANTRY -- NIGHT'''

''> The air is full of smoke. GWEN is on the floor.''

MERLIN: Gwen! Gwen!

> MERLIN lifts GWEN and carries her out of the burning pantry.

'''INT. MERLIN'S ROOM -- NIGHT'''

''> GAIUS is treating an unconscious GWEN, who is in Merlin's bed. MERLIN and ARTHUR look on.''

MERLIN: You know this was Uther.

ARTHUR: We don't know what happened.

MERLIN: So Gwen mysteriously ended up locked in the kitchens, which just mysteriously caught fire? You said yourself, Uther disapproved of you marrying Gwen.

ARTHUR: He wouldn't do this.

MERLIN: I know how hard this is for you.

ARTHUR: Gaius, how is she?

GAIUS: The smoke has entered her lungs, but with time she will heal. I've given her a sleeping draught. She was lucky to escape with her life.

ARTHUR: I've always known my father could be cruel, but why would he do this to Guinevere? He knows how much I love her. (Beat) Gaius? What do you know about ghosts?

'''INT. GAIUS' CHAMBERS -- NIGHT'''

> GAIUS brews a special potion.

GAIUS: (V.O.) We must force Uther's spirit to return to the other world before he does any more harm. You must use the Horn of Cathbhadh to reopen the veil between the worlds. But, we must remember one thing: only the person who summoned the spirit can force it from this world.

'''INT. ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS -- NIGHT'''

> MERLIN drops a tray with a loud clatter.

MERLIN: Sorry.

ARTHUR: You're fortunate I'm not easily frightened.

MERLIN: Really? Because it looked like you jumped out of your skin.

ARTHUR: Yeah, it's because you're a clumsy oaf. Now pick that lot up. (Beat) Where is Gaius!? How long does it take to make a potion?

MERLIN: These things take time if they're to be done properly.

> MERLIN hears something and looks away.

ARTHUR: What is it?

MERLIN: (Whispers) I heard something behind the door.

ARTHUR: You're imagining things, Merlin.

''> The door rattles, undeniably. ARTHUR looks concerned. ARTHUR and MERLIN creep toward the door.''

MERLIN: (Whispers) What do we do?

''> ARTHUR takes the lead and examines the door. He gestures for MERLIN to put down the tray and join him. MERLIN does. ARTHUR gestures for MERLIN to push open the door so ARTHUR can somehow attack the ghost (tbh what was the plan here, Arthur? Were you going to punch the ghost with your bare hands?). MERLIN does, but all they find is a rat.''

ARTHUR: There's your ghost, Merlin.

''> GAIUS appears. MERLIN and ARTHUR startle.''

> ''A moment later, they sit at Arthur's table. GAIUS places two vials of potion before them.''

GAIUS: The potion will allow you to see Uther in his spirit form. Once you are in his presence, you must blow the horn. It's the only way you can force him to go back to the Spirit World.

''> ARTHUR examines the potion. MERLIN pops the cork and sniffs it, then recoils.''

ARTHUR: Is it safe?

GAIUS: I can't say I'm entirely sure.

> MERLIN and ARTHUR make a 'cheers' gesture, but ARTHUR doesn't drink.

MERLIN: What are you waiting for?

ARTHUR: To see if it's safe.

MERLIN: So if I don't die, you'll take yours.

ARTHUR: Precisely. Get on with it.

''> After great hesitation, MERLIN takes his potion like a shot. It's apparently fine.''

ARTHUR: Well, at least we know it doesn't kill you instantly. (He drinks) Eurgh! That—oh. That is the foulest thing I've ever tasted.

MERLIN: Sorry, did I forget to tell you about that part?

> MERLIN coughs and gags.

'''INT. THE CASTLE HALLS -- NIGHT'''

''> ARTHUR carries a torch through the dark hallways. MERLIN accompanies him.''

MERLIN: There!

ARTHUR: Where?

MERLIN: Oh, it's just our shadows.

> ARTHUR smacks MERLIN.

''> ARTHUR bursts through a door, brandishing the torch. Footsteps approach. Oh, it's just Sir LEON! LEON looks startled.''

LEON: Arthur. Merlin.

ARTHUR & MERLIN: Leon.

LEON: Is everything alright, my lord?

ARTHUR: It's perfectly fine. We're... Merlin, tell Leon what we're doing.

MERLIN: We're... I'm teaching him some poetry.

LEON: Poetry?

ARTHUR: I love poetry.

MERLIN: I was as surprised as you are. He can't get enough of it!

LEON: I'll leave you to your poetry, then, my lord.

> LEON leaves.

ARTHUR: Poetry? That's the best you could come up with?

MERLIN: Oh, what did you want me to say?

ARTHUR: I don't know—something that didn't make me sound like a love-struck girl.

> Suddenly, UTHER appears, and then slinks ominously away: out of sight.

MERLIN: What was that?

ARTHUR: It was my father.

> MERLIN and ARTHUR are walking through the halls.

ARTHUR: Never thought the day would come when I'd be hunting my own father. When I became King, more than anything, I wanted to make him proud. (Off MERLIN—) What is it?

MERLIN: You've always done what you believe to be right, even if you knew your father would disapprove of it. Do you not see how different you are to him? Camelot's a better place since you became King.

ARTHUR: Father clearly doesn't think so.

MERLIN: The people believe in you, Arthur. That counts for nothing if you don't believe in yourself.

''> They hear an ominous wind noise and have to cut the conversation short. Somewhere, a glass shatters.''

ARTHUR: Check the storeroom.

> ARTHUR goes one way, MERLIN goes the other.

'''INT. THE STOREROOM -- NIGHT'''

''> MERLIN enters the storeroom and looks around. A pigeon flies at him, startling him. Suddenly, the barrels begin to tremor. MERLIN watches them, warily. A shelf falls and tries to crush him.''

MERLIN: Arthur!

'''INT. A HALLWAY -- NIGHT'''

''> ARTHUR is walking around while ominous wind gusts around him. Suddenly, his torch goes out. Footsteps approach.''

ARTHUR: (Whispers) Merlin? Merlin, is that you? (Beat) Father?

''> UTHER appears. ARTHUR tosses aside his useless torch and takes the bone-carved Horn out of his soft leather belt. It makes an inexplicable metallic noise. ARTHUR creeps around the hallways, and enters—''

'''INT. THE THRONE ROOM -- NIGHT'''

''> ARTHUR enters the Throne Room. The doors slam shut behind him and lock. More ominous wind.''

ARTHUR: I know it's you, Father.

> ARTHUR turns, slowly, and sees UTHER sitting on the throne.

ARTHUR: Why are you doing this?

UTHER: I did not spend my entire life building this kingdom to see my own son destroy it.

ARTHUR: You tried to kill Guinevere.

UTHER: For your own good. How can a serving girl understand what it means to be Queen?

ARTHUR: Guinevere is wise and strong, and I trust her more than anyone.

UTHER: And that's your weakness. You put too much trust in other people. You, and you alone must rule Camelot.

ARTHUR: I would rather not rule at all than rule alone.

UTHER: Your whole life I tried to prepare you for the day you would become King. Did you learn nothing?

ARTHUR: I watched you rule. I learned that if you trust no one, you'll always live in fear. Your hatred came from fear, not strength.

UTHER: How dare you.

ARTHUR: I loved and respected you, but I have to rule the kingdom in my own way. I have to do what I believe to be right.

UTHER: I will not allow you to destroy all that I have built!

ARTHUR: Then you'll have to kill me. I'm not you, Father. I can't rule the way you did.

UTHER: Camelot must come before all else. Even you.

''> A shield flies from the wall and knocks into ARTHUR, rendering him unconscious. He falls to the floor. UTHER approaches his prone body. MERLIN appears.''

MERLIN: Get away from him, Uther. You've caused enough harm. You don't belong here. You must return to the other world.

UTHER: This is my kingdom. You think you can drive me from it? You are nothing but a serving boy.

MERLIN: I am much more than that.

''> UTHER tosses a bench at MERLIN, who deflects it using magic. The bench crashes against a wall, then to the floor. MERLIN stares at UTHER, a challenge.''

UTHER: You have magic.

MERLIN: I was born with it!

UTHER: I made you Arthur's servant. You are a sorcerer.

MERLIN: Even while you were king, there was magic at the heart of Camelot.

UTHER: I will not allow you and your kind to poison / my kingdom!

MERLIN: You're wrong. You're wrong, about so much. Arthur is a better and more worthy king than you ever were.

''> UTHER roars. MERLIN uses magic to push UTHER away, into the hallway.''

'''INT. CASTLE HALLWAYS -- NIGHT'''

> MERLIN searches the halls for UTHER.

'''INT. THE ROYAL ARMOURY -- NIGHT'''

''> MERLIN enters the armoury. The room is dark.''

MERLIN: (Incanting) Bael onbryne.

''> The torches come to life. MERLIN enters, cautious, searching. Somewhere, metal begins clinking. MERLIN locates a swinging mace, and reaches out to stop it swinging. Suddenly, a pair of spears fly at him from the end of the room. MERLIN is pinned to the wall by his jacket. UTHER stalks towards him with a sword in hand.''

UTHER: It will give me great pleasure killing you.

> UTHER points his sword at MERLIN, but ARTHUR runs in.

ARTHUR: Father!

> UTHER turns and sees ARTHUR has the Horn.

UTHER: Arthur... no. Please—whatever I have done, I've done for Camelot.

ARTHUR: You've had your turn. Now it's mine.

> ARTHUR raises the Horn to his lips, and—

UTHER: Merlin has—

''> ARTHUR blows the horn. UTHER discorporates. MERLIN looks relieved. ARTHUR looks upset.''

'''EXT. CAMELOT -- DAY'''

''> It is a new day. The sun shines.''

ARTHUR: (V.O.) I've always looked up to my father.

'''INT. THE ROYAL ARMOURY -- DAY'''

> MERLIN is helping ARTHUR into his plate armour.

ARTHUR: (Cont.) I admired and respected him more than anyone. I have to accept that I can't please him, and be true to myself.

MERLIN: Uther did what he thought he had to do to protect the kingdom.

ARTHUR: It doesn't mean he was right. (Pause) I want to build a kingdom that's fair and just. One where everyone is respected, regardless of rank.

MERLIN: Does that include me?

ARTHUR: Of course.

MERLIN: So, does that mean that you're not going to hit me anymore?

ARTHUR: When do I hit you?

MERLIN: All the time.

ARTHUR: That's not hitting, Merlin, that's merely friendly slaps. It's horseplay.

MERLIN: So can I give you a 'friendly slap'?

ARTHUR: You can certainly try.

''> MERLIN grabs one of Arthur's leather gloves and thwacks him on the back of the head with it. His face is one of immediate regret.''

ARTHUR: (Amused) What the hell was that?

MERLIN: It was, um, horseplay.

ARTHUR: No, Merlin, you're doing it all wrong. Why don't I show you?

''> ARTHUR puts on the leather glove and makes a tight fist. MERLIN and ARTHUR look at Arthur's fist together. What a fun bonding activity!''

 [END OF EPISODE]