KILGHARRAH
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.
--
[INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE – NIGHT]
[Jonas brews a magical potion.]
*spell*
JONAS
Mistress.
TROLL
Is it done?
JONAS
Yes, Mistress, the potion is prepared.
TROLL
Then Camelot and all its riches will soon be mine.
[The troll drinks the potion. Jonas takes the bottle from her human hand. They ride through the woods and stop on a hill.]
JONAS
Camelot.
OPENING CREDITS
[The troll pulls back her hood to reveal a beautiful noblewoman.]
--
[EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Gaius and Merlin walk through the Lower Town, Merlin laden with pots.]
GAIUS
Keep up, Merlin. We've got a busy day ahead.
MERLIN
It's a busy day every day. You and Arthur, you work me to the bone.
GAIUS
Do stop moaning. At least the work's interesting.
MERLIN
Gaius, we're collecting pots. We do the same thing each and every Thursday at exactly the same time and nothing interesting ever happens.
[Jonas grabs Merlin's arm.]
JONAS
Please, we seek Uther Pendragon. Where can he be found?
MERLIN
I...
[Jonas presses a royal seal into Merlin's hand.]
JONAS
We have urgent business with the King.
GAIUS
I'm sorry, any business you have with the King will have to be pursued through the usual channels.
[Gaius looks at the seal.]
GAIUS
But this is the seal of the House of Tregor. Where did you get this?
JONAS
It does not belong to me.
[Jonas turns to the troll, who pulls back her hood.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
It belongs to me.
[Gaius bows.]
GAIUS
My Lady.
[Merlin stares transfixed by Catrina. Gaius continues to bow.]
GAIUS (whisper)
Merlin!
[Merlin bows.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER – DAY]
UTHER
Lady Catrina, is it really you?
TROLL(CATRINA)
I can hardly believe it myself.
UTHER
We had tidings from the north that the House of Tregor had fallen to invaders.
CATRINA
All that you heard was true, My Lord, and worse.
UTHER
Your father, the King?
TROLL(CATRINA)
Gone, Sire. The enemy attacked without warning. We were outnumbered five to one. He could not endure. I would never have survived had it not been for my faithful servant Jonas. But we did survive, and we have made it this far...
[Catrina swoons and Uther catches her.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
Forgive me, My Lord. I fear my trials have taken a toll.
UTHER
Your sufferings are beyond imagining, My Lady. It would be an honour to help you in any way we can.
TROLL(CATRINA)
A bed for the night would be most welcome.
UTHER
And consider yourselves our esteemed guests. It's the least we can do.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Thank you.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, UPPER CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Gaius and Merlin walking down a corridor, Gaius seems lost in thought.]
MERLIN
She's very brave.
GAIUS
Yes.
MERLIN
It's just terrible what she's been through.
GAIUS
Terrible, indeed.
MERLIN
What's wrong?
GAIUS
Nothing...
ARTHUR
Merlin! Job for you.
MERLIN
Work, work, work.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA’S GUEST CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin shows Catrina and Jonas her guest quarters.]
MERLIN
I'm sorry it's not quite what you're used to.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Forgive me, but I didn't get your name.
MERLIN
Merlin.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Well, Merlin, considering we spend last night in a cave, this will do very nicely. Thank you.
MERLIN
Well, if you need anything, just ask. My master's chambers are only upstairs.
JONAS
My mistress and I could not be more grateful for the kindness you've shown us.
MERLIN
You're welcome.
[Merlin leaves.]
TROLL (CATRINA)
Well I can't sleep here. This whole place stinks of cleanliness.
JONAS
Do not worry, Mistress. I will find you somewhere more suitable.
[Troll (CATRINA) breathes on fruit to rot it in seconds.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL DINING CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Pendragons and Catrina at dinner.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
Well, this is wonderful. Thank you.
UTHER
It's an honour. The Houses of Tregor and Pendragon have been allies for as...well, as long as anyone can remember.
TROLL(CATRINA)
My father often spoke of you, My Lord.
UTHER
And I will remember him always.
ARTHUR
I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to meet him.
TROLL(CATRINA)
I'm sorry too. For the House of Tregor is no more.
UTHER
Well, no, Catrina, it lives on in you.
TROLL(CATRINA)
I only wish that were true.
UTHER
It is, My Lady. Your courage, your modesty. And you are as you always were, ever since you were a child.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Ah, I fear I am much changed since then, my Lord.
UTHER
Oh, yes, it's true. You are far more beautiful now.
(Arthur looks completely appalled, while Morgana smiles)
ARTHUR (fake yawn)
I'm sorry, hard day's training. If you'll excuse me.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Of course.
UTHER (nods)
Arthur.
MORGANA
I should retire myself.
[Morgana and Arthur leave.]
UTHER (nods)
Morgana. Can I get you anything else? You've hardly touched your food.
TROLL(CATRINA)
I'm sorry, I find I have little appetite ever since that day.
UTHER
I wish I'd been there for you.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Oh, but you're helping me now. Your kindness, your companionship. I must also bid you goodnight, My Lord. It's been a long day.
UTHER
Of course. Goodnight, My Lady.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Gaius makes a potion.]
MERLIN
There's something really different about the Lady Catrina.
GAIUS
Oh?
MERLIN
Most of Uther's guests just treat me like I'm dirt in their shoes, but she was really nice, even after all she's been through.
GAIUS
Yes. She always was very gracious.
MERLIN
You've met her before?
GAIUS
Oh, it was many years ago. I doubt that she would remember. Now, Merlin, I've got a job for you.
MERLIN
Does it ever end?
GAIUS
Give this to the Lady Catrina with my compliments.
MERLIN
What is it?
GAIUS
She'll know what it is.
MERLIN
But what is it? Okay, okay.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA’S GUEST CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Lady Catrina enters her guest room and slumps into troll hunch.]
TROLL (CATRINA)
What's that?
[She sits down by tray full of fruit.]
JONAS
Compliments of the King.
TROLL (CATRINA)
Revolting.
[Troll (CATRINA) rots the fruit by breathing on it.]
TROLL (CATRINA)
Uther's so stupid, so blinded by pretty things. Already he falls for me. I can see it in his eyes. It's only a matter of time before he is completely under my control.
JONAS
Excellent.
[Merlin knocks on door and enters and Troll (Catrina) wipes her face of rotten fruit.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
Jonas, you must take these back to the kitchens, it's, er, it's perfectly rotten.
MERLIN
I--I'm sorry. I did not mean to intrude.
TROLL(CATRINA)
That's, er, that's quite alright. At least I wasn't undressing.
MERLIN (blushes)
Er, the court physician asked me to give you this.
JONAS
What is it?
MERLIN
Er, Gaius prepared it for you.
TROLL(CATRINA)
I am terribly sorry, there must be some mistake. I requested no medicine.
MERLIN
Oh. Oh. Are you sure?
TROLL(CATRINA)
Quite sure, thank you. I am in perfect health.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Merlin slams the bottle on the table in front of Gaius.]
MERLIN
She didn't ask for it. She didn't need it. She didn't even want it.
GAIUS
Interesting.
MERLIN
If you say so.
GAIUS
When I treated her as a child, it was for an incurable disease. Catrina had a rare bone disorder affecting her joints. She often had difficulty walking, especially after a long ride. My tonic was the only thing that brought her relief.
MERLIN
She walks as well as you or I.
GAIUS
So I noticed.
MERLIN
So...the tonic was some kind of test?
GAIUS
Indeed. And I'm starting to wonder if the Lady Catrina is really the Lady Catrina at all.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Uther and Catrina prepare for a ride.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
What a charming idea this is, Uther.
UTHER
Yes. A ride before breakfast always gives me a healthy appetite. I've had the kitchens prepare something special.
[Catrina looks revolted when she sees the picnic basket, but puts on a smile.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
Oh, how sweet of you.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA’S GUEST CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin watches Catrina and Uther leave, then enters Catrina's guest room cautiously to snoop around.]
JONAS
Can I help you?
MERLIN
No. Er, I-- I-- I was-- I was just changing the sheets.
JONAS
Please, go ahead. Don't let me get in your way.
MERLIN
All done. Thank you.
JONAS
Merlin. Aren't you forgetting something?
[Jonas turns around and Merlin catches a glimpse of a green forked tail. Jonas holds out the laundry basket.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin enters.]
GAIUS
What did you find?
MERLIN
Something wasn't right in there. There was this strange smell, and I could've sworn the Lady Catrina's bed hadn't been slept in. And there was something else.
GAIUS
Oh?
MERLIN
Jonas. As I was leaving, I thought I saw something...this is gonna sound mad, but it looked like Jonas had a tail.
GAIUS
A tail? You sure?
MERLIN
Well, I mean, I only glimpsed it for a moment. I-I mean, I could be wrong...
GAIUS
No, no, I believe you. Merlin, we must keep an eye on her. A very close eye.
--
[EXT. STREAM – DAY]
[Uther and Catrina have a riverside picnic.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
How wonderful it is to sit here with you, Uther. It is a terrible thing to find oneself alone in the world, suddenly, cruelly alone.
UTHER
When Ygraine died, I feared I'd never recover.
[Catrina tosses her food into the river when Uther’s not looking.]
UTHER
But then as time passed, I've become used to being alone.
TROLL(CATRINA)
But you have Morgana and Arthur. Surely they are a comfort to you?
UTHER
They are. Of course they are, both of them.
TROLL(CATRINA)
It must be hard to be king and father both. To shoulder all that responsibility all by yourself. But I feel sure, My Lord, that you and I shall not remain alone forever. We will find love anew. A kindred spirit to share the burden of this life.
UTHER
I believe we will.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Uther helps Catrina down from her horse and they giggle. Arthur and Merlin look on while grooming a horse.]
ARTHUR
Honestly. Look at them.
UTHER
Are you alright?
MERLIN
Don't you think it's odd how quickly they've become close?
ARTHUR
There's nothing odd about that. My father's a wealthy and powerful man.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT]
GAIUS
Good evening, Sire.
UTHER
A very good evening to you, Gaius.
GAIUS
You seem in very high spirits.
UTHER
I am, I am.
GAIUS
The Lady Catrina, she has struck a chord with you.
UTHER
Catrina is a remarkable woman.
GAIUS
That she is, Sire. You may remember I treated her as a child. Such courage in the face of her condition.
UTHER
Condition? What are you talking about?
GAIUS
Oh, I thought you knew, Sire. I diagnosed Catrina with an incurable bone disease.
UTHER
Well, evidently you were wrong. There's nothing the matter with her now.
GAIUS
It has been a miraculous recovery, I must say.
UTHER
I'm sorry, Gaius. What are you suggesting?
GAIUS
Oh, I'm not suggesting anything, Sire. It's just a little strange, that's all.
UTHER
The only thing I see as strange is that you won't admit that you were wrong.
GAIUS
Sire, this is not about me. It's about the Lady Catrina.
UTHER
The Lady Catrina is our honoured guest, and you will show her the respect that she deserves.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, UTHER’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Catrina and Uther relax on some pillows, sipping wine by firelight.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
Is there something on your mind, My Lord?
UTHER
No, it's nothing.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Speak, My Lord.
UTHER
Is it true that, as a child, you suffered from an interminable illness?
TROLL(CATRINA)
Who told you that?
UTHER
Gaius, the court physician. He said he treated you for it.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Yes, My Lord. What he says is true. But, as you see, I suffer no more.
UTHER
And for that you must be eternally grateful. After all, Gaius thought your condition was incurable, did he not?
TROLL(CATRINA)
Well, fortunately for us, physicians are often mistaken. Even your famous Gaius.
UTHER
It is unusual, though, for such a serious illness to cure itself. Almost a miracle.
TROLL(CATRINA)
I can neither deny it, nor explain it, but miracles do happen. After all, is it not a miracle that we should have found each other again after all this time? And my good fortune continues. For you are a remarkable man, Uther Pendragon. You are brave, but compassionate. You are powerful, but modest. And most of all, you are very, very handsome.
[Catrina tries to kiss him.]
UTHER
I'm sorry.
TROLL(CATRINA)
No, no, no, My Lord. It is I who must apologise.
UTHER
It's a long time since Ygraine...since anyone...
TROLL(CATRINA)
I--I understand completely. There's no hurry. We have all the time in the world.
UTHER
And the time will come, I assure you.
[Catrina exits the castle, Merlin follows briefly.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Arthur is asleep in his chambers. Merlin takes the mirror from his bedside and floats it out the window to see Catrina!Troll.]
MERLIN
Scéawere, folge min bebod.
ARTHUR
Merlin.
[Merlin spins around and the mirror crashes.]
ARTHUR
I have no doubt, Merlin, that you have prepared a very good explanation for this.
MERLIN
Yes. No. Er...
ARTHUR
Apparently I'm wrong.
[Arthur shoves Merlin out of the way and looks out the window, seeing the broken mirror.]
ARTHUR
Please tell me you weren't spying on Lady Catrina.
MERLIN
It's not what it seems.
ARTHUR
Yes, Merlin. It's exactly what it seems. You have led a sheltered life, you have no social skills whatsoever, and Catrina is, I admit, an attractive woman. I understand completely. And if I ever find you doing it again, I'll feed you to the dogs. Do I make myself clear?
MERLIN
Yes, absolutely, Sire.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – NIGHT]
[Merlin follows the troll to tunnels under the castle. Jonas sees him.]
GAIUS
What you saw is seldom seen, Merlin. Trolls despise all other living things, especially humans. They prefer to lurk in the darkness of their nests, feasting on rotten filth.
MERLIN
And Jonas? Is he a troll too?
GAIUS
Who can tell what manner of creature he is.
MERLIN
It makes no sense. If trolls like to lurk in their caves so much , what's this one doing in Camelot?
GAIUS
Trolls are greedy. Lady Catrina's like the rest of her kind; she lusts after wealth and power.
MERLIN
Uther's wealth and power.
GAIUS
We've reached the point of no return. Uther has to be told.
MERLIN
You're going to tell Uther that his lady friend's a troll?
GAIUS
That's exactly what I'm going to do.
MERLIN
Good luck.
GAIUS
Thank you, Merlin.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, UPPER CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Uther watches Catrina in the square through the window.]
GAIUS
My Lord.
UTHER
Yes, Gaius?
GAIUS
I have served you for many years now. I like to think that, in my humble capacity, I've advised you to the best of my ability, and that my advice has proven to of value to you.
UTHER
Yes, this is true.
GAIUS
And so I must advise you that the Lady Catrina is not all that she seems to be.
UTHER
Well then tell me, Gaius, who is she?
GAIUS
I believe her to be...she is...she's...
UTHER
Oh, come on. Out with it.
GAIUS
She is a troll, Sire.
UTHER
Excuse me?
GAIUS
Some trolls have the power to take any shape they please. This one has taken a shape that pleases you. You are besotted, My Lord. The creature has you in its power.
UTHER
Gaius, this is a little ludicrous.
GAIUS
Please, Sire, her entire family is wiped out, but she alone escapes? She has an incurable disease, but makes a miraculous recovery?
UTHER
And that is nothing but idle gossip.
GAIUS
And is it gossip she does not eat her food? Of course she doesn't. She feasts off rotten fruit like any other troll.
UTHER
Enough. This attack is unwarranted and malicious.
GAIUS
Sire, her servant is not human. He has a tail.
UTHER
I said enough!
GAIUS
Sire, please, I just advise you not to do anything rash.
UTHER
And I advise you to hold your tongue, physician, or I will indeed do something rash.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA’S GUEST CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Jonas waits for Catrina.]
JONAS
Did you sleep well last night, Mistress?
TROLL (CATRINA)
Very well, thank you.
JONAS
We have a problem. Last night you were followed.
TROLL (CATRINA)
Who?
JONAS
The boy, Merlin.
TROLL (CATRINA)
Merlin.
JONAS
Shall I dispose of him, Mistress?
TROLL (CATRINA)
No, no, no. That may arouse suspicion. No. But it is time that Uther bent to my wishes.
JONAS
And if he does not?
TROLL (CATRINA)
Well, he'll have no choice. There's more than one way to enchant a man.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gaius enters.]
GAIUS
Please don't say anything, Merlin.
MERLIN
I wasn't going to say anything.
GAIUS
You were going to say, "I told you so."
MERLIN
OK. I was. But I...I'm not going to now.
GAIUS
Uther didn't take to it well.
MERLIN
Augh, you see? I told you...Sorry.
GAIUS
But I know him, Merlin. He's a proud man, but he's not stupid. He will reflect on what I said, I'm sure he will.
MERLIN
Let's hope you're right.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA'S GUEST CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
TROLL (CATRINA)
Ic nemne þá grædige, yfele, formolsnung. mé getryme. Nu meaht þú begalan. Nu meaht þú begalan.
[Catrina/Troll enchants a necklace with her blood.]
TROLL (CATRINA)
Dinner time. *cackle*
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL DINING CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Uther and Catrina at dinner.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
Isn't this perfect? You and me together. A toast. A toast to us.
UTHER
I'm not sure everyone sees it that way.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Well, there will always be those who resist change. That's to be expected.´
UTHER
We must be mindful of public opinion.
TROLL(CATRIN)
A What are you trying to say, My Lord?
UTHER
Perhaps if you were to visit your cousins for a while to show people that we're not rushing into anything.
TROLL(CATRINA)
You would let yourself be bullied by some petty minded fools? But of course, of course, My Lord. If that is what you wish, then that is what I shall do.
UTHER
It is as you said, we have all the time in the world.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Before I go, My Lord, there's something I want to give you. It belonged to my father, and his father before him.
UTHER
Catrina, I couldn't possibly...
TROLL(CATRINA)
No, no, no, My Lord. I want you to have it. Perhaps when you look at it, it will remind you of me.
[She puts the enchanted necklace around Uther’s neck.]
TROlL(CATRINA)
And of the times that we have spent together.
UTHER
I shall wear it always.
TROLL(CATRINA)
That is as well, My Lord. For while others doubt me, you must not. You cannot doubt me. For am I not beautiful, My Lord?
UTHER
You are beautiful.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Am I not your heart's desire?
UTHER
You are my heart's desire.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Then seal it, My Lord. Seal it with a kiss.
UTHER
Yes. A kiss.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – DAY]
[Troll eats in a rotten heap under the castle.]
JONAS
Good morning, Mistress.
TROLL
It is, indeed, Jonas.
JONAS
The King was receptive to your advances.
TROLL
How could he resist such beauty?
JONAS
The enchantment proved affective, then?
TROLL
Ah, he is but a puppet in my hand! *cackle*
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER – DAY]
[Gaius approaches Uther.]
GAIUS
You called for me, Sire?
UTHER
Ah, Gaius. You'll be delighted to hear that none of the worries you brought to my attention have any truth to them whatsoever.
GAIUS
Sire?
UTHER
I hope over time you will come to see Lady Catrina as she really is.
GAIUS
Over time?
UTHER
I have asked Catrina to extend her stay indefinitely.
GAIUS
But...
UTHER
I consider the matter closed, and I hope you show me the courtesy of doing the same.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
GAIUS
It's no good, Merlin. I can tell him she's a troll until I'm blue in the face, he simply won't listen. He sees a charming, beautiful woman.
MERLIN
Yeah, with a body like a tree trunk.
GAIUS
But we only know that because you saw her in the troll form.
MERLIN
So, what do we do?
GAIUS
We must open Uther's eyes, show her for what she really is.
MERLIN
Using magic?
GAIUS
It's the only way to reveal her true form.
MERLIN
But she never leaves his side.
GAIUS
I know.
MERLIN
You want me to use magic in front of the King?
GAIUS
Yes, Merlin, I do.
MERLIN
I--I'd never get away with it.
GAIUS
I'm sorry, Merlin. I know how dangerous this is, but we cannot allow it to gain any further control over the King. Who knows what the consequences might be?
MERLIN
Just one problem. I know nothing about troll magic.
GAIUS
Then we have work to do.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS – DAY]
[Catrina and Uther overlook the city.]
TROLL(CATRINA)
A beautiful day.
UTHER
The first of many, I hope.
TROLL(CATRINA)
How fine it must be to have all of this at your command.
UTHER
It can be a burden sometimes.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Well, let me share your burden, My Lord. Together we could achieve so much.
UTHER
You know there's nothing I'd love more.
TROLL(CATRINA)
Oh, and My Lord...
UTHER
Hmm?
TROLL(CATRINA)
Would it not be a good idea send a message to those who doubt us? To show all of Camelot the strength of our love, our commitment?
UTHER
Yes. What did you have in mind?
TROLl(CATRINA)
Well, I was thinking of something traditional. Something permanent.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gaius sleeps on books, Merlin reads one.]
MERLIN
Here. The spell of revelation. By which the true nature of the thing may be revealed.
GAIUS
But this applies only to objects, things, not to living creatures.
MERLIN
I know. The principle's the same, isn't it? I have to try it. What other choice do we have?
GAIUS
Very well. But Merlin, choose your moment carefully. Trolls are vicious creatures.
[A knock at the door.]
GAIUS
Come in.
GUARD
The King requests your presence in the council chambers.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER – DAY]
[Uther enters with Catrina on his arm.]
UTHER
Thank you all for coming. You are, no doubt, wondering why I have gathered you here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light, and love. It gives me greatest pleasure to inform you that the Houses of Tregor and Pendragon are to be united in the closest bond of all. I am to marry Lady Catrina of Tregor. I am to marry Lady Catrina tomorrow. This union heralds a new dawn for the kingdom, a new beginning...
MERLIN (whisper) Hierste þæt íecen sóna.
UTHER
...and a new queen for all here in Camelot.
MERLIN (whisper)
Hierste þæt íecen sóna.
UTHER
I could not hope to have made a better match.
MERLIN (whisper)
Hierste þæt íecen sóna.
UTHER
I hope you will all share in our joy.
[Applause.]
UTHER
Thank you.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA’S GUEST CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Jonas and Catrina!Troll enter.]
TROLL (CATRINA)
What happened?
JONAS
I'm sorry, Mistress. I was not prepared.
TROLL (CATRINA)
Quickly, my potion.
JONAS
It was the boy, Merlin. It seems he has magic.
TROLL (CATRINA)
Do not concern yourself. I resisted him easily enough.
JONAS
But there's no telling what he'll do next! He could ruin everything!
TROLL (CATRINA)
That cannot be allowed to happen!
JONAS
What would you have me do, Mistress?
TROLL (CATRINA)
I think it's time we set a trap.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius enter.]
MERLIN
I'm sorry. I tried. I gave it everything I had.
GAIUS
It's not your fault, Merlin. You did your best.
MERLIN
The spell of revelation is powerful magic. And she could feel it, I could see she could feel it.
GAIUS
Her magic must be strong, indeed, to be able to resist you. Where are you going?
MERLIN
To see Arthur! He's our only hope!
GAIUS
Merlin!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin approaches Arthur hesitantly.]
ARTHUR
Yes?
MERLIN
Arthur. I'm going to tell you something. It's not going to be easy.
ARTHUR
Right...
MERLIN
It concerns the Lady Catrina.
ARTHUR
You're not using my chambers to spy on her again.
MERLIN
Oh, no. Trust me, I saw everything I needed to see.
ARTHUR
I'm sure you did.
MERLIN
Arthur. She's a troll.
ARTHUR (laughs)
She's not that bad.
MERLIN
I'm serious. She is. She's an actual troll.
ARTHUR
Merlin, I know what you're trying to do, and I appreciate it. You're a true friend. But it's not about whether I like her or not, it's about what makes my father happy. And when they announced the wedding today, I realised that Lady Catrina does just that. She makes him happy.
MERLIN
Well, he won't be so damn happy when he discovers his wife's a fruit munching monster.
ARTHUR
That's enough, Merlin.
MERLIN
But...
ARTHUR
She's the future queen of Camelot whether you like it or not. So you better get used to it.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, UPPER CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin hears fake weeping.]
MERLIN
Hello?
JONAS
Master Merlin. I'm sorry.
MERLIN
What's wrong with you?
JONAS
I'm a slave. A prisoner.
MERLIN
What are you talking about?
JONAS
My mistress, she's not as she seems. But you know as much.
MERLIN
Go on, I'm listening.
JONAS
She is a cruel, wicked creature. She keeps me in chains. She hurts me. Her magic, I-I can't escape it. She twists my mind as she is twisting the mind of your King.
MERLIN
Why are you telling me this?
JONAS
I can help you.
MERLIN
How?
JONAS
Below the castle, where she sleeps, she keeps her potions there. Every night she must take these potions, it is the magic that transforms her from beast to beauty. If you were to take these from her, she must remain as a beast, and then your King would not be so keen, I think.
MERLIN
Tell me, Jonas, why should I believe any of this?
JONAS
You must do as you think fit, Master Merlin, but if my mistress is not stopped, by morning she will be queen.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – NIGHT]
[Merlin goes to the Troll's nest.]
TROLL
You won't find anything in there. You may possess some magic, wretch, but you are no match for me.
[The Troll magically collapses tunnel entrance, trapping Merlin inside.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Gaius looks for Merlin.]
GAIUS
Merlin?
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – NIGHT]
[Merlin is stuck under Camelot, trying to unblock tunnel entrance.]
MERLIN
Ic ábíetee pæt stánhol. (repeats)
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CATRINA’S GUEST CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Catrina!Troll prepares for wedding.]
TROLL (CATRINA)
Jonas, have I ever looked more revolting?
JONAS
No, Mistress.
TROLL (CATRINA)
Oh, Jonas. You always say the right thing.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – DAY]
MERLIN
Ic ábíetee pæt stánhol!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – DAY]
[Arthur and Uther enter.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – DAY]
MERLIN
Ic ábíetee pæt stánhol.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – DAY]
[Catrina enters.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, TROLL’S NEST – DAY]
MERLIN
Ic ábíetee pæt stánhol!
[Merlin’s spell unblocks the entrance.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – DAY]
[Geoffrey of Monmouth presides over the wedding ceremony.]
GEOFFREY
My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate, by the ancient right of handfasting, the union of Uther Pendragon and Lady Catrina of Tregor.
[Merlin rushes through the Courtyard Corridor.]
GEOFFREY
Is it your wish, Uther, to become one with this woman?
UTHER
It is.
GEOFFREY
Is it your wish, Catrina, to become one with this man?
TROLL(CATRINA)
It is.
GEOFFREY
Do any say nay?
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin dashes through the Red Ribbon Chamber to reach the throne room, but Jonas steps in his way.]
JONAS
Master Merlin, can I help you? Are you lost?
MERLIN
Step aside, Jonas.
JONAS
The King's wedding is by invitation only.
MERLIN
I said, get out of my way!
JONAS
So sorry, but I regret to say, that you are not invited.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – DAY]
GEOFFREY
With this garland, I do tie a knot, and by doing so, bind your hands and your hearts for all eternity.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY]
JONAS
Leave my mistress alone!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – DAY]
UTHER
I, Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot, I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee as I respect myself.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY]
MERLIN
Ic þé wiþdríf!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – DAY]
GEOFFREY
I now pronounce you to be husband and wife.
[Merlin bursts in just as Uther and Catrina kiss. The court applauds. Catrina scowls when she sees Merlin.]