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 boy. His name: Merlin.
--
[00:13, EXT. WOODS IN ASCETIR - NIGHT]
[Knights of Camelot lie dead, including Sir Leon]
--
[00:34, INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]
UTHER
It was Cenred who did this, you're certain of it?
ARTHUR
Yes, My Lord. His messenger has only this minute departed Camelot. Cenred said that the patrol trespassed on his land and an example had to be made.
UTHER
How many dead?
ARTHUR
All of them, Sire. Every last man.
UTHER
The knights?
ARTHUR
All lost. Edric, Oldof, Osric, and Sir Leon.
--
[01:17, EXT. WOODS IN ASCETIR -NIGHT]
DRUID
Here!
[The druids pick up Sir Leon]
ISELDIR
Quick! Help me. We do not have much time, ready?
--
[01:48, INT. DRUID CAVE - NIGHT]
[The druids lay Sir Leon down on a blanket]
ISELDIR
His spirit leaves him. We must hurry.
DRUIDS (chanting)
Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared...
[Sir Leon's face starts to heal and he opens his eyes.]
ISELDIR
Welcome back.
OPENING CREDITS
--
[03:08, INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
We thought you were dead for sure.
LEON
I was dead, or as good as, until the druids found me.
UTHER
Druids?
LEON
Yes, My Lord. I owe them my life.
UTHER
How did they heal you? You were as good as dead, you said.
LEON
I don't know.
UTHER
Did they use magic?
LEON
Well, I...
UTHER
Yes or no, it's a simple enough question.
LEON
I only know that I drank from some kind of cup, Sire.
UTHER
Cup?
LEON
It was extraordinary, My Lord. I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me.
UTHER
Well, your trials have left you weary, I'm sure. We must let him rest.
--
[04:10, INT. SIR LEON'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gaius examines Sir Leon]
LEON
Is that it?
GAIUS
That's it. He's exhausted, Sire, and severely dehydrated, but given time he'll make a full recovery.
ARTHUR
Thank you, Gaius.
--
[04:30, EXT. PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT]
UTHER
Well?
GAIUS
It's remarkable, Sire. He bears no sign of any kind of wound. He's in perfect health.
UTHER
And the cup he spoke of?
GAIUS
From his description, I would say it was the Cup of Life.
[Merlin looks at Gaius with surprise]
UTHER
You are aware of its power, Gaius.
GAIUS
I am, indeed, Sire. But the druids are a peaceful people. They would only ever use the Cup for good. Sir Leon is surely proof of that.
UTHER
Be that as it may, according to Sir Leon's description, the druids' cave lies within Cenred's kingdom. It is imperative that we get to the Cup before he does.
GAIUS
My Lord, druids are secretive by nature. They will have the Cup well hidden. Might it not be wise to leave it where it is?
UTHER
I'm not prepared to take that risk.
--
[05:27, EXT. GAIUS'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
MERLIN
I thought the Cup was destroyed with Nimueh when I defeated her on the Isle of the Blessed.
GAIUS
The Cup cannot be destroyed. It's magic is eternal, unbound by time or place.
MERLIN
But why does Uther fear it so much?
GAIUS
Because the Cup can be used for evil as well as good.
MERLIN
I don't understand.
GAIUS
Many centuries ago, it fell into the possession of a great warlord. One night, he gathered his army before him. He took a drop of blood from each and every man and collected it in the Cup. Such was the vessel's power that the soldiers were made immortal where they stood.
MERLIN
So they could not be killed.
GAIUS
The carnage they wrought was beyond all imagining. The King's no fool. He knows that the forces of the Old Religion are rising against him once more. Heaven forbid that the Cup should fall into the hands of Morgause.
MERLIN
Morgana.
GAIUS
With Such a weapon at their disposal, Camelot would be all but lost.
--
[06:28, EXT. SECLUDED CORRIDOR - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
You called for me, Father?
UTHER
Cenred is our sworn enemy. We cannot risk him getting his hands on the Cup of Life.
ARTHUR
I know, Father.
UTHER
You must retrieve it. Your mission must remain secret; you can speak to no one of this.
[Morgana listens in nearby]
ARTHUR
I will take only my most trusted men.
UTHER
We've seen what happened to the last patrol that entered Cenred's land. You must go alone. I'm sorry to place such a burden upon you, but there is no one else I can trust.
ARTHUR
I understand, Father.
--
[07:09, INT. ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
You will be ready by sunrise, won't you Merlin?
MERLIN
If I don't know where we're going, how do I know what to pack? Will it be hot? Will it be cold? Will it be wet? Will it be dry?
ARTHUR
Don't be such a girl, Merlin. We're not going on holiday.
MERLIN
Holiday? What's a holiday?
[Merlin begins to pack a red Camelot cape]
ARTHUR
Not that. Nothing bearing the crest of Camelot. We're going under cover.
MERLIN
This is ridiculous. Are you going to tell me where we're going or not?
ARTHUR
Well, I can tell you it will be dangerous
MERLIN
Great.
ARTHUR
And I can tell you we will be travelling through bandit infested lands.
MERLIN
Terrific. Then where?
ARTHUR
I can't tell you that.
MERLIN
You don't know where we're going.
ARTHUR
No, Merlin. I know where we're going. It's just, I can't tell you, that's all.
MERLIN
Right, 'cause if you do, you'll have to kill me, I suppose.
ARTHUR
Immediately and without hesitation.
MERLIN
Great. It'll be a surprise. I love surprises. Who doesn't love a good surprise?
--
[08:04, INT. CASTLE BASEMENT - NIGHT]
MORGAUSE
What is it you wanted to tell me, Sister?
MORGANA
Arthur rides at dawn. He's been sent to recover some kind of cup. The Cup of Life, they called it?
MORGAUSE
The Cup of Life? Are you sure?
MORGANA I heard every word.
MORGAUSE
How long I have searched for it.
MORGANA
Is it as powerful as they believe?
MORGAUSE
Oh, yes. Trust me, Sister, with the Cup in our possession, Camelot would soon be at our mercy. Where is the Cup now?
MORGANA
It's in the hands of the druids. All I know is that their camp lies within Cenred's kingdom.
MORGAUSE
Then perhaps Cenred will be of use to us again. He has spies everywhere. If he can have Arthur followed...
MORGANA
Then Arthur will lead us all the way to the Cup itself.
--
[09:11, INT. MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Morgana watches Merlin and Arthur ride out of the Square]
--
[09:19, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride through the woods. Spies watch them and ride to Cenred's castle]
--
[09:40, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM -DAY]
MORGAUSE
Which way was the Prince heading?
RIDER
For the Forest of Ascetir, My Lady.
CENRED
Send word to the scouts in the area; they must be prepared.
RIDER
Yes, Sire.
MORGAUSE
Can your scouts be relied upon?
CENRED
Of course. I handpicked them myself.
MORGAUSE
Why does that not reassure me?
CENRED
Do not concern yourself, My Lady. The Cup of Life will soon be in our hands, and when it is, Camelot will be ours.
MORGAUSE
You forget yourself, Cenred. It is Morgana that will take the throne, not you or I.
CENRED
I make no claim upon the throne, only the spoils of victory.
MORGAUSE
You will get what you deserve, Cenred. I can assure you of that.
--
[10:29, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
MERLIN
We're going to Cenred's kingdom, aren't we?
ARTHUR
What makes you say that?
MERLIN
Er, we're in the Forest of Ascetir and we're not stopping.
ARTHUR
You can think what you like, Merlin.
MERLIN
Oh, come on. You might as well tell me.
ARTHUR
Then I'd have to kill you, I told you that.
MERLIN
Go ahead. I mean, I'm probably going to die anyway. Look at what happened to the patrol that came here! Dead, the lot of them!
ARTHUR
Sir Leon survived.
MERLIN
Right, so that gives me, what? A one in forty chance of making it?
ARTHUR
Rather less, actually. There are only two of us.
MERLIN
So I'm not probably going to die, I'm definitely going to die.
ARTHUR
Always the pessimist, Merlin. Who knows, maybe, just this once, we'll have no trouble.
[Arthur gets shot in the neck with a tranquiliser dart]
MERLIN
Maybe you're right. If past experience is anything to go by.
[Merlin gets shot in the neck with a tranquiliser dart]
--
[11:13, INT. OLD BELL TOWER - DAY] [Arthur and a crowd of men look down on Merlin. Arthur slaps Merlin's face to wake him up]
MERLIN
What was that you were saying about me being a pessimist?
ARTHUR
Must've slipped my mind.
[Arthur helps Merlin stand up. Gwaine comes up behind Arthur and puts a hand on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur grabs Gwaine's arm without looking]
ARTHUR
Touch me again, you die.
MERLIN
Gwaine?!
GWAINE
No manners, you royals. Merlin, old friend, you look terrible.
MERLIN
Likewise.
ARTHUR
What are you doing here?
GWAINE
Well, you know, wrong place, wrong time, wrong drink.
ARTHUR
Nothing's changed there, then.
GWAINE
That's just not fair.
ARTHUR
Where exactly are we?
GWAINE
The bell of an old castle. Belongs to a fellow named Jarl.
ARTHUR
Never heard of him.
GWAINE
Lovely bloke. Slave trader.
MERLIN
We're going to be sold as slaves?
JARL
Right, you filthy vermin. Which one of you's ready to face my champion in the arena? No volunteers? Well, I shall have to choose one of you toe rags myself, then. Let me see. How about you?
[Merlin looks around.]
MERLIN
Me?
JARL
Death or glory, boy. You should be honoured.
ARTHUR
Who is this so-called champion? Can he crush nothing but weaklings like this?
JARL
You think you could offer a better contest?
ARTHUR
I guarantee it.
MERLIN
Arthur, no.
JARL
Very well. But if you lose, I'll feed your little friend to the crows piece by stinking piece. Are you ready, my champion?
GWAINE
I am.
--
[12:59, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM - DAY]
MORGAUSE
How could you let this happen? You let Arthur slip through your fingers.
CENRED
He was taken before my men could get to him.
MORGAUSE
Taken? By whom exactly?
CENRED
The slave trader, Jarl. He's been working our western border for months.
MORGAUSE
And you let him?
CENRED
We have an understanding. He doesn't bother me, and I don't bother him.
MORGAUSE
And where is this Jarl now?
CENRED
Don't worry, Morgause. I'll find him soon enough.
MORGAUSE
See that you do.
CENRED
Are you threatening me?
MORGAUSE
Trust me, Cenred, when I am threatening you, you'll know about it.
--
[13:39, INT. JARL'S FORTRESS - DAY]
[Cheering men push Gwaine and Arthur into the centre of the crowd]
JARL
Gentlemen, the rules are simple. One man lives and one man dies. If you cannot or will not finish off your opponent, I'll kill you both.
[Jarl tosses two swords at their feet]
JARL
Let battle commence!
[Gwaine and Arthur fight]
ARTHUR
Take it easy, will you?
GWAINE
It's got to look real, hasn't it?
ARTHUR
Fine. If it's real you want...
[Arthur and Gwaine continue fighting. They pause, drop their swords and wrestle to the ground]
ARTHUR
So far, so good.
GWAINE
What happens next?
ARTHUR
Er...there was no next.
JARL
Finish him!
MERLIN
Forbaern aeltaewlice.
[Fire spreads along the ropes above and the crowd scatters. Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin escape]
[15:39, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
[Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin stop in the woods to rest.]
GWAINE
Well, that's somewhere I'll not be in a hurry to see again.
ARTHUR
Best stay out of trouble, then.
GWAINE
I could say the same to you.
MERLIN
You could do, but I wouldn't have any idea what you're talking about.
GWAINE
Oh, come on. You must have done something to end up in a hole like that.
ARTHUR
Actually, we're on a quest.
MERLIN
We're looking for the Cup of Life.
[Arthur smacks the back of Merlin's head]
MERLIN
Ow. What?!
ARTHUR
What part of the word "secret" did you not understand?
MERLIN
It...Gwaine.
GWAINE
Gentlemen. Gentlemen. It seems whatever it is that you're after, you could use a little help.
--
[16:27, INT. THE BELL TOWER FORTRESS - DAY]
JARL
No one makes a fool of Jarl. No one. I want to know who they are and where they're hiding!
BANDIT
My Lord.
[The bandit brings Arthur's bag]
JARL
What's that?
BANDIT
It was confiscated from the prisoners, My Lord. It may hold some clues.
JARL
I don't want clues. I want blood!
[Jarl empties the bag and finds nothing. He throws the bag to the floor and it jingles. Jarl cuts open the inside and finds coins and a sealed note]
JARL
Well, well, well. It seems we were entertaining royalty. *Muahahaha*
[17:27, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
GWAINE
So according to Merlin here, if you tell me where this Cup is, you have to kill me.
ARTHUR
That's correct.
GWAINE
You may as well tell me, then. I mean, let's be honest, you couldn't kill me even if you wanted to.
ARTHUR
Yeah? Try me.
GWAINE
I already did. Back in the arena. I had you banged to rights, did I not?
ARTHUR
That was just a game.
GWAINE
Oh, a game, right. I won that game, did I not?
ARTHUR
No, you didn't. One more minute...
GWAINE
Oh, you flatt...
MERLIN
One more minute and you both would've been dead. Neither of you won. Your plan was a half-baked disaster, and if it was not for that fire we would all be pushing up daisies.
--
[18:05, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM - DAY]
CENRED
You're certain it was Arthur?
JARL
Oh, yes. It was the Prince, alright. Matched your description exactly. Had his servant with him. Him and another man.
MORGAUSE
And you have proof of this?
CENRED
Where were they headed?
JARL
West to the Forest of Gedney. They've no horses. Their tracks told us as much. You'll soon run 'em down.
CENRED
Excellent.
JARL
Always glad to be of help to, er, people of qualities such as yourselves. Perhaps some small compensation for my, er, time and trouble?
MORGAUSE
Oh, my dear man, how remiss of me. You will have your reward this instant.
[Morgause kills Jarl by throwing him into a wall with magic]
--
[19:00, EXT. OUTSIDE THE DRUID CAVE - DAY]
MERLIN
Well, don't tell me. We're actually here.
GWAINE
Easy, Merlin. Wouldn't want to rile the Prince.
[Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin enter the cave.]
ARTHUR
It has to be here somewhere.
[Arthur sheaths his sword. He sees a cloth move and pulls a small druid boy out of hiding]
ARTHUR
Where is it? Hmm? Where's the Cup? Tell me.
MERLIN
Let him go, Arthur. He's just a boy.
ARTHUR
Where is it?
[Druids surround them]
MERLIN
Arthur.
[Gwaine draws his sword]
ARTHUR
Stay out of this, Merlin.
MERLIN
No, Arthur, really.
[Arthur looks up and pulls his sword on the boy]
ARTHUR
One step closer...
ISELDIR
There is no need for violence, Arthur Pendragon. The boy has done you no harm. Release him.
ARTHUR
Not without what I came for.
ISELDIR
You seek the Cup of Life, do you not?
ARTHUR
I do.
[Iseldir pulls out the Cup]
ISELDIR
It is yours. Please, now, the boy.
[Arthur lets the boy go and grabs the Cup, but Iseldir doesn't let go.]
ISELDIR
You mettle with a power you do not understand, Arthur Pendragon. By taking the Cup of Life you risk more than you know.
ARTHUR
I'll take my chances, thanks. Let's go.
[Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin turn to leave.]
ISELDIR(telepathy)
Emrys.
[Merlin turns and looks at Iseldir]
ISELDIR(telepathy)
The Cup is in your care now. Guard it well. The future of this land depends on it.
--
[21:45, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
GWAINE
Hard work this quest business.
ARTHUR
Trust me, it's a great deed we did here today.
MERLIN
Are you sure the Cup wasn't safer with the druids?
ARTHUR
They can't be trusted, Merlin. No one can. The only safe place for the Cup is the vaults of Camelot.
MERLIN
Yeah, but we have to get it there first.
[Cenred watches them with his soldiers]
CENRED
Get the Cup. Then kill them.
ARTHUR
We're approaching the border of Cenred's lands. Beyond the forest lies Camelot.
GWAINE
And food and water and a nice hot bath.
ARTHUR
Quiet. Listen.
MERLIN I don't hear anything.
ARTHUR
Exactly.
GWAINE
Never satisfied, you city types. It's too noisy, it's too quiet...
[Cenred's men jump out of hiding]
ARTHUR
Run!
[A soldier chasing Arthur shoots him in the leg with a crossbow. Arthur falls unconscious. The soldier takes the Cup from Arthur's bag. Merlin uses magic to knock the soldier back, but the Cup goes flying too and drops into the hands of Cenred's men below]
GWAINE
Merlin?!
[23:28, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT]
[Gwaine and Merlin inspect Arthur's wound]
GWAINE
Right. That doesn't look too great.
MERLIN
Arrow must've been poisoned. He's got a fever, we need to keep him warm.
GWAINE
I don't get it. Why all this bother over a cup?
[Merlin puts his jacket over Arthur]
MERLIN
Because in the wrong hands it can become a terrible weapon.
GWAINE
Not so great Cenred's got it, then.
MERLIN
It's worse than you can possibly imagine.
--
[23:56, Cenred's castle. Morgause and Cenred bring the Cup before his army]
CENRED
Loyal friends, our time is at hand. From today no sword will fell you, no spear will stop you short. Your blood will not be spilled in vain, but in victory. You march with the mightiest weapon of them all: immortality.
MORGAUSE
Gegadre anne here fram þisse bune ond heora blod. Swa þæt hie ne abygð ond ne swilteaþ naht, ac leofaaþ a on ecnesse.'
[Morgause cuts a soldier's hand and pours the blood into the Cup]
--
[25:20, Council Chamber of Doom]
UTHER
Arthur should be back by now.
LEON I'm sure there's a simple explanation, Sire.
UTHER
You know as well as I do he's been gone too long. Take a patrol, as many men as you need. Whatever it takes, find him.
LEON
Yes, Sire.
[Leon leaves]
MORGANA
You show great strength, My Lord.
UTHER
What do you mean?
MORGANA
Day after day you must send your only son into danger.
UTHER
Not a responsibility any father would wish to bear.
MORGANA
You must try not to worry. He's the First Knight of Camelot and your greatest warrior. He's made it home safe in the past. Why should this time be any different?
UTHER
You're right. Of course you are.
--
[26:16, campsite]
MERLIN
We need more firewood.
GWAINE
You're right about that.
MERLIN
Do you want to go and get some?
GWAINE
Not really. Thanks for asking.
MERLIN
There's wolves out there, bears, boars...
GWAINE
Exactly.
MERLIN
I'm not a warrior, I can't defend myself like you.
GWAINE
Never too late to learn. Merlin, don't you know when someone's joking with you?
[Merlin lets out a puff of laughter]
GWAINE
If I die collecting firewood, keep it to yourself. I got my reputation to consider.
[Gwaine walks off. Merlin kneels over Arthur, who is shivering with a fever]
MERLIN
Geh'ælan . Geh'ælan. Come on. Arthur, come on.
--
[27:41, Cenred's castle. Cenred and Morgause watch the immortal army depart]
CENRED
Magnificent, aren't they? My army of immortals.
MORGAUSE
Your army?
CENRED
Well, they are my men.
MORGAUSE
Correction: they were your men. It is I that made them immortal. They are bound to me now.
CENRED
Do not think for one moment that you can cross me, My Lady.
MORGAUSE
Cross you? Never. Ic bebiede þe ðine cyning cwellan!
[A soldier in the room lifts his sword]
CENRED
What are you doing?
MORGAUSE
Have I not always been honest with you, Cenred?
[Cenred draws his sword]
CENRED
Stop. Stop, you answer to me not to her.
[Cenred runs the soldier through with a sword, but the man does not fall]
CENRED
Morgause. Morgause, make him stop. Make him stop!
[The soldier disarms Cenred and knocks him to the floor]
MORGAUSE
Did I not say that, when I threatened you, you'd know about it?
[The soldier raises his sword]
MORGAUSE
Well, now you know.
CENRED
Morgause, please...!
[The soldier runs Cenred through]
--
[28:54, Knights of Camelot see Morgause's army marching through a valley]
LEON
My God. Alright, come on.
[The knights run back on foot, but mounted soldiers come after them. Leon unhorses a soldier, but the soldier doesn't die when Leon runs him through with a sword. Leon flees]
--
[29:57, campsite. Arthur coughs awake]
ARTHUR
Where's the Cup?
[Merlin wakes. Gwaine wakes, batting his eyelashes]
ARTHUR
Where's the Cup?
MERLIN
Cenred's men, they took it.
ARTHUR
Then what are we still doing here?!
MERLIN
You were unconscious.
ARTHUR
Always an excuse, Merlin.
[Arthur tries to get up, but yells in pain. Merlin and Gwaine get up to help him]
ARTHUR
We have to get back to Camelot before it's too late
--
[30:37, Council Chamber]
UTHER
We must convene the Council of War.
LEON
They cannot be stopped. The soldiers, Sire, they will not fall.
UTHER
What are you saying?
LEON
They will not die.
UTHER
Gather the knights. Prepare whatever defences you can.
LEON
But Sire...
UTHER
Do it!
[Morgana smirks. Leon bows and exits with court members. Uther turns to Gaius]
UTHER
Cenred. It must be. How? The location of the Cup was secret.
GAIUS
There's only one explanation, Sire. We have a traitor in our midst.
--
[31:17, Camelot's army prepares for war]
--
[31:43, Morgana's Chambers. Gwen shakes her head as she watches the gathering immortal army. Morgana enters]
MORGANA
Gwen?
GUINEVERE
Is it true they attack at dawn?
MORGANA
I'm afraid so.
GUINEVERE
And no word from Arthur?
MORGANA
Nothing.
GUINEVERE
Then all is lost. We'll be massacred, every last one of us.
MORGANA
Not everyone has to die.
GUINEVERE
What do you mean not everyone?
MORGANA
Those that defy them, those that choose to fight, they will surely die. But those who do not resist, those that choose to welcome change, they will have a future here. Everyone has a choice, Gwen.
GUINEVERE
You know I have always been loyal to you, Morgana. And I always will be.
[Morgana smiles and takes her hands]
MORGANA
Then have no fear. No harm will come to you, I promise you that.
[Gwen smiles and nods. Morgana hugs her. Gwen looks uneasy, Morgana smirks out at the army]
--
[33:11, Gwaine and Merlin walk over a hill, Arthur limps. They stop when they see a burning village]
GWAINE
What the hell happened?
ARTHUR
I don't know. We need to hurry. We're still a day's march from Camelot.
--
[33:30, Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin find fallen knights of Camelot]
ARTHUR
Camelot patrol.
MERLIN
There's not a single enemy body.
ARTHUR
He's right. This wasn't a fight, this was a slaughter.
GWAINE
Who could've done such a thing?
ARTHUR
An army of men that cannot die. Come on.
--
[34:02, Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin climb over another hill to find smoke rising from Camelot. The walk to the castle is strewn with bodies of Camelot's army]
ARTHUR
They never stood a chance.
--
[34:39, Lower Town. Bodies are strewn through the street. Arthur struggles to open Gwen's front door]
GWAIN
Here, let me.
[Gwaine kicks the door in. Elyan jumps up with a battle cry, Arthur and Gwaine take defensive stances]
MERLIN
Elyan!
ELYAN
I'm sorry.
ARTHUR
Where is everyone?
ELYAN
I- I thought that...
ARTHUR
Elyan, please, what happened?
ELYAN
They came out of nowhere, a mighty army. Weapons were useless against them. Th-they were men, Sire, but not men. Nothing could kill them. Nothing.
ARTHUR
Wh, Where's your sister? Where's Guinevere?
ELYAN
She was in the citadel when they attacked.
ARTHUR
Then there's still hope.
ELYAN
Sire, the citadel's been taken.
[Arthur, Gwaine, Merlin, and Elyan exit Gwen's house, Arthur limping badly]
ARTHUR
Let's go.
ELYAN
How much longer can he keep going like this?
MERLIN
I don't know.
--
[36:16, INT. THE CITADEL]
[Arthur pauses in a corridor, struggling to stand.]
GWAINE
Where now?
ARTHUR
Now, er... Now we, er...
MERLIN
Arthur, you can't go on.
ARTHUR
We must. We must find the others...
MERLIN
You can't go on without treatment.
ARTHUR
...Guinevere and my father.
MERLIN
Elyan.
ELYAN
Yeah?
MERLIN
Do you know your way to the dungeons?
ELYAN
Yeah, I think so.
MERLIN
Go with Gwaine. See if you can find them.
ARTHUR I'm going with them.
MERLIN
No, you're not.
ARTHUR
That's an order.
MERLIN
No, to hell with your orders. You're coming with me.
[Merlin puts Arthur's arm around his shoulder and drags him down the corridor]
--
[37:14, Physician's Chambers]
ARTHUR
You're disobeying orders, Merlin. I'll have you in the stocks for this.
MERLIN
Fine. Now, stay put and try not to move that leg.
[Merlin looks for a potion, but hears a rattling in the cupboard. He picks up Arthur's sword and goes to check it out. Merlin yanks the door open]
MERLIN
Gaius!
GAIUS
Merlin!
[Merlin and Gaius hug]
MERLIN
Are you alright?
GAIUS
All the better for seeing you.
[Arthur groans]
GAIUS
Arthur.
MERLIN
I tried to heal him using magic, but it didn't work.
[Gaius nods and goes to Arthur]
GAIUS
This may hurt a bit, Sire.
[Gaius inspects the wound]
ARTHUR
Ah.
GAIUS
The wound's infected. I'll have to redress the leg to reduce the inflammation.
ARTHUR
No, no, no, no. We haven't got time. Just give me something to keep going.
GAIUS
Yes, Sire.
MERLIN
It's the army of immortals, isn't it?
GAIUS
We'll be lucky to get away with our lives, any of us.
--
[38:29, Dungeons. Gwaine and Elyan peek around the corner to see Uther being dragged out of a cell by immortal soldiers]
UTHER
Where are you taking me? I am the King! I demand to know!
--
[Merlin's Chamber. Merlin pulls his magic book and the Avalon water vial from the floorboard under his bed and packs it in a bag.
--
[38:52, Physician's Chambers. Gaius hands Arthur a potion]
GAIUS
The effect will be instant, Sire, but I cannot guarantee how long it'll last.
ARTHUR
Thank you, Gaius.
[Gwaine and Elyan enter]
ELYAN
The King, Sire, he's alive.
ARTHUR
Where is he?
GWAINE
They're taking him to the throne room as we speak.
ARTHUR
This may be my last chance.
MERLIN
Arthur, there's too many of them. You'll never make it.
ARTHUR
I won't leave my father to die here alone. Gwaine, Elyan, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the castle. I hope we meet again.
[Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius leave]
ARTHUR
Merlin, you should go with them.
MERLIN
Nah, I've seen the woods already.
[Arthur grabs Merlin's shoulder with a smile and the two of them sneak through the corridors. Arthur stumbles on their way out of hiding]
MERLIN
Are you alright?
ARTHUR
Keep moving.
--
[39:47, Merlin and Arthur crawl to the edge of the balcony above the Throne Room. Immortal soldiers force Uther to his knees in front of Morgause]
MORGAUSE
Well, Uther, how the mighty have fallen.
[Arthur makes a furious move, but Merlin grabs him]
MERLIN (whisper)
The guards are immortal, they'll cut you to ribbons! What use are you dead?
MORGAUSE
I don't think you'll be needing this anymore.
[Moraguse removes Uther's crown]
UTHER
This is unlawful. You cannot do this. You have no right to the throne!
MORGANA
No, she does not. But I do. I am your daughter, after all. Don't look so surprised. I've known for some time.
[Shock dawns on Arthur's face. Morgana sits on the throne. Morgause nods to a soldier, and the soldier shoves Geoffrey of Monmouth forward, the queen's crown in his hands]
GEOFFREY
By the power vested in me, I crown thee Morgana Pendragon, Queen of Camelot.
[Immortal soldiers push Uther into a bow. Morgana and Morgause smirk. Arthur watches in horror]
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 boy. His name: Merlin.
--
MORGANA
Tell me, Sir Leon, how have you enjoyed the first week of my reign? Speak up. Are you and your fellow knights ready to honour and serve me?
LEON
I would rather die.
MORGAUSE
That can be arranged.
LEON
My loyalty is to the King and Prince Arthur. There is nothing you can do to change that.
MORGANA
We shall see.
--
ELYAN
I'll get some more.
MERLIN
It's too dangerous.
GAIUS
What happened?
MERLIN
Nothing. [whisper to Gaius] We need to do something. Morgana's men are everywhere.
--
MORGANA
I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me
LEON
Long live the King!
KNIGHTS
Long live the King!
MORGANA
Perhaps this will help you change your mind.
LEON
No!
--
MORGANA
Father.
UTHER
Why are you doing this?
MORGANA
Oh, come, come. Surely you of all people must understand. Sometimes such measures are necessary.
UTHER
Those people are innocent.
MORGANA
As were so many that you put to death.
UTHER
If you must kill someone, kill me.
MORGANA
You'll get your wish. But not yet. First I want you to suffer as I suffered. To know what it's like to be alone and afraid. To be disgusted with who and what you are.
UTHER
Do you really hate me so much?
MORGANA
You cannot begin to know how much I hate you.
MERLIN
It's rat. Oh, believe me, you've eaten far worse. I mean, I've definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down no problem.
ARTHUR
Merlin, for once, leave me in peace, please.
MERLIN
I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana. I don't know why. I'm sure he had his reasons, but now is not the time for that. He's still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you.
ARTHUR
I've known her all my life. How could she do this to us?
MERLIN
I can't answer that, but you have a duty to your father, to your people. You can't give up on them now.
ARTHUR
You cannot defeat an immortal army.
MERLIN
We don't know until we try.
MORGANA
I'm beginning to see the challenges that I face. Being queen is not so simple, Gwen.
GUINEVERE
You're doing well, your Majesty.
MORGANA
You think? The knights do not share your view.
GUINEVERE
They don't know you.
MORGANA
I need their allegiance. Without that, the people will not yield to me.
GUINEVERE
My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together. I could talk to him, try to make him see sense?
MORGANA
You would do that for me?
GUINEVERE
Uther killed my father.
MORGANA
Yes, I...forgot you too had suffered.
GUINEVERE
Let me meet with Sir Leon.
MORGANA
I will arrange it.
GUINEVERE
Thank you, your Majesty.
--
MERLIN
We need to act before Morgana gets any stronger.
GAIUS
Have you sent word to Lancelot yet?
MERLIN
I sent a letter to Haldor days ago. He's probably moved on.
GAIUS
Give it time.
MERLIN
We don't have time. We need to act now.
GAIUS
I know, Merlin, but how?
MERLIN
There was an immortal army before. How was it defeated?
GAIUS
The Cup of Life had to be emptied of the blood it contained. Once that had happened, the enchantment no longer held.
MERLIN
Then that's what I have to do.
GAIUS
They're immortal, Merlin. You don't know the power to defeat a soldier, never mind an army.
--
LEON
Guinevere.
GUINEVERE
It's all I could get.
LEON
I don't understand. What are you doing here?
GUINEVERE
Morgana sent me...to talk to you, to make you see sense. Listen to me.
LEON
I'd rather starve. Guard!
GUINEVERE
I'm going to help you escape. [to guard] It's alright. Get me some water. The queen has instructed me to get the prisoner food and water.
LEON
You know what will happen to you if you're caught.
GUINEVERE
We have to find Arthur.
LEON I've a good idea where he'll be hiding.
GUINEVERE
Then I need to get you out of here.
LEON
How? It's impossible, surely?
GUINEVERE
I'm a trusted member of the court. Morgause has the keys to the cells in her chambers.
LEON
No, Gwen
MORGANA
It is as we suspected. She's betrayed me. I will have her executed at dawn.
MORGAUSE
No. Wait. This is good. Let her run to her beloved prince. She will lead us straight to him.
GUINEVERE
No one will suspect me.
--
GAIUS
Merlin, what are you doing?
MERLIN
Looking for something.
GAIUS
What?
MERLIN
This. When I met the Fisher King, he gave me this. He told me, in Camelot's darkest hour, when all seems lost, it would show me the way.
GAIUS
Yes. But how?
MERLIN
That's what I've got to find out.
--
MORGANA
Did you speak to Sir Leon?
GWEN
Yes.
MORGANA
And will he do as you asked?
GWEN
It might take some time, but I think he will come 'round.
MORGANA
Gwen, this deserves a celebration.
GWEN
Your Majesty.
MORGANA
To friendship and loyalty.
GUINEVERE
To friendship and loyalty.
--
MERLIN
Geriht læc me. Fultume me!
GUINEVERE
My Lady? Morgause?
MERLIN
Geondlihte gesweorc min!
--
[Gwen, the blacksmith's daughter;)]
GWAINE
Sorry. Nature calls.
MERLIN
Oh, no! Freya?
FREYA
I've missed you.
MERLIN
You're...
FREYA
Merlin, we don't have long.
MERLIN
Is it really you?
FREYA
I swore that one day I would repay you. Now is the moment.
MERLIN
I don't understand.
FREYA
There is but one weapon that slay something which is already dead.
MERLIN
A blade forged in the dragon's breath.
FREYA
That weapon lies at the bottom of the Lake of Avalon. Where you hid it.
MERLIN
But Morgana's army are not dead, they're very much alive.
FREYA
Anyone who toys with the cup pays a terrible price. The moment they entered their pact with Morgause, they became the living dead. You must come to the lake.
MERLIN
And you will give me the sword?
FREYA
In your hands it has the power to save Albion.
MERLIN
Thank you.
FREYA
No. It's giving me the chance to see you again.
GWAINE
That's better. You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.
MERLIN
I'm fine. Really. [whispers] Freya?
MERLIN
I have to cross 20 leagues of hostile territory. I need you to take me.
KILGHARRAH
I am not a horse, Merlin!
MERLIN
If you do not, then Morgana will have won. Unless that's what you want.
KILGHARRAH
My allegiance has never been with the witch.
MERLIN
I know. But is it with me?
KILGHARRAH
Yes, young warlock. It is with you.
MERLIN
Thank you.
KILGHARRAH
I warned you before that, in the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once its task is done, you will place it where none can wield it.
MERLIN
I promise. Gesegle
--
[Gwen slips Leon the key]
GWEN
We haven't got time to waste. [hands him a dress]
LEON
You...You can't be serious.
GWEN
Just hurry! Every guard in Camelot will be looking for you. They won't be looking for two women courtiers.
LEON
Augh.
MORGANA
Sounds like the wait is over.
MORGAUSE
Beo þu leohte bewunden! The potion does its work.
MORGANA
Off you go. Hurry along to your beloved prince.
GWEN
What's taking you so long?
LEON
I'm a women.
GWEN
Here, let me help you.
LEON
From here, we need to take the path heading north. There's a cave in the Darkling Woods, five minutes due east of the fallen oak. It has a concealed entrance and fresh water. My guess is that's where Arthur's hiding out.
MORGAUSE
Scin scire! This way.
ARTHUR
Having a little lie down, Merlin?
MERLIN
No.
ARTHUR
Good. Because the time for sleeping's over.
MERLIN
You seem better.
ARTHUR
You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin. Well, most thing, in fact. But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful.
MERLIN
Really?
ARTHUR
Yesterday, amongst all your gibberish, you said something that, if I didn't know you, I'd be completely fooled into thinking you were...
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
Wise.
MERLIN
Nah.
ARTHUR
Guinevere! Sir Leon.
ELYAN
We've been found! They're almost upon us!
ARTHUR
[to Merlin] Get Gaius. [to others] We need to get out of here. Run!
MERLIN
They've found us. We need to go.
GAIUS I'll slow you down. It's Arthur you need to protect, not me.
MERLIN
I won't leave you!
GAIUS
Camelot needs you.
MERLIN
Camelot needs us both. Go! I'll be right behind you!
--
PERCIVAL
Look out!
ARTHUR
Who's that?
GWAINE
Don't know, but I'm liking him already.
GUINEVERE
Lancelot!
LANCELOT
We need to hurry.
ARTHUR
I take it that rock fall wasn't an accident.
LANCELOT
This is Percival. It was his strength that brought them down.
PERCIVAL
Your Highness.
ARTHUR
Arthur.
PERCIVAL
Arthur it is.
ARTHUR
What were you doing here?
MERLIN
Er...it was me. I sent for him.
ARTHUR
Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you.
MORGAUSE
He was lucky to escape. I'm sorry, Sister.
MORGANA
What can he do? Arthur has but a handful of men. We have an immortal army at our disposal.
MORGAUSE
Yes, but whist Arthur lives, the people will not yield.
MORGANA
Then we will make them. Tonight we will have a gallows built, and tomorrow, one by one, we will put an end to the knights of Camelot.
GAIUS
Are you sure we'll be safe in here?
ARTHUR
This castle belonged to the ancient kings. It'll do for a while.
ELYAN
Can't be worse than that cave.
ARTHUR
Search the place, see what you can find.
GWAINE
They must've been left by bandits.
ARTHUR
Here! Come and join me. This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here. My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?
LANCELOT
You taught me the values of being a knight, the code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world that you will build.
ELYAN
Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you.
LEON
I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for.
GWAINE
I think we've no chance. But I wouldn't miss it for the world.
PERCIVAL
Your enemies are my enemies.
GAIUS
If you need an old man.
GUINEVERE
You know the answer.
ARTHUR
Merlin?
MERLIN
No, don't really fancy it.
ARTHUR
You don't have a choice, Merlin.
MERLIN
OK.
ARTHUR
I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of.
ARTHUR
Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Gwaine, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of camelot. Tomorrow, when you fight, you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known.
MERLIN
You're a knight. At last.
LANCELOT
But for how long?
MERLIN
Who knows?
LANCELOT
What'you planning? And don't even think about lying; I know you too well.
MERLIN
It's too difficult to explain.
LANCELOT
You can tell me.
MERLIN
Morgana has the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty it of the blood within, then the army will be destroyed, and Morgana will be powerless.
LANCELOT
Aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army.
MERLIN
Aren't you forgetting something? I have magic.
LANCELOT
It doesn't make you immortal.
MERLIN
No.
LANCELOT
You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it.
MERLIN
He can't. Not yet. That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing.
LANCELOT
Leave that to me.
ARTHUR
There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons. It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm.
LANCELOT
We need to take out the warning bell. That way the warriors have no mean of communication.
ARTHUR
Good idea.
LANCELOT
I'll need someone with me who knows the castle.
MERLIN
I'll go.
ARTHUR
Alright.
ARTHUR
Stay here with Gaius. I want you to gather firewood and make bandages. There'll be casualties.
GUINEVERE
Alright.
ARTHUR
Guinevere.
GUINEVERE
They'll see.
ARTHUR
I don't care. I want you to know...if I never see you again...
GUINEVERE
You will. You will see me. I watched you last night. You gave us hope, something to believe in. I saw the king you will become. I'm so proud of you Arthur.
GAIUS
You need to be careful.
MERLIN
I've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the cells.
GAIUS
I overheard you, Merlin. If Morgause catches you, she'll kill you.
MERLIN
I have no choice.
GAIUS
I remember the bumbling idiot that came charging into my chamber all those years ago. Who would believe.
[Arthur & Co. approaching castle]
GUINEVERE
Gaius? Gaius?!
ARTHUR [to Lancelot]
Good luck.
MERLIN
*gasp* I can sense the Cup's power. This way. [kills guard]
LANCELOT
What is that?
MERLIN
It was forged in a dragon's breath.
GWAINE
*whistles* [to Percival] Now! [to guards] Stay there and don't move, eh?
[Merlin and Lancelot peek around a corner]
LANCELOT
What do we do now? [Merlin shakes head]
[Arthur & Co. fight guards, Arthur throws keys to the imprisoned knights]
[Lancelot and Merlin attack guards, get inside council room, lock door, and face more guards]
[Arthur opens Uther's cell]
ARTHUR
Father, we have to hurry.
UTHER
I'm sorry.
ARTHUR
Please, Father, now isn't the time.
--
[Lancelot and Merlin fight]
[Arthur & Co. fight]
[Lancelot & Merlin fight, Lancelot injured]
[Arthur & Co. fight, warning bell sounds]
ARTHUR
What the hell are those two doing?!
[Lancelot & Merlin fight, Merlin kills last guard, goes for the Cup, Morgause throws him]
[Arthur & Co. fight, reinforcements arrive. Arthur stops fighting]
ARTHUR
If we're gonna go down! We'll go down fighting! For the love of Camelot!
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
RAAAAAHHHHHHH!
--
MORGAUSE [to Merlin]
I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again.
GAIUS
No, you won't. Oferswing! [Morgause thrown. Gets up to cast spell]
MORGAUSE
Ahhhh! [thrown by Merlin, knocked out]
GAIUS
Merlin! The Cup! [Merlin picks up Excalibur and knocks Cup off pedestal, blood spills]
[Arthur & Co. guards explode]
[Morgana enters council room.]
MORGANA
No! No! [runs to and embraces Morgause] Sister.
MERLIN
It's over, Morgana.
MORGANA
No, you're wrong. This has just begun! No. *screams*
[Windows explode, council room crumbles, Merlin, Gaius, and Lancelot flee the scene.]
ARTHUR
You're safe now, Father.
ELYAN
Where's Gwaine? Gwaine? You still alive?
GWAINE
What do you think? And that's Sir Gwaine to you.
ARTHUR
Have you seen the state of these boots?
MERLIN
Yeah.
ARTHUR
Well, go and get something to clean them.
MERLIN
Why? They're your boots.
ARTHUR
Have you lost your mind?
MERLIN
I thought you believed in equality.
ARTHUR
I'm sorry?
MERLIN
At the Round Table, you said...
ARTHUR
Shut up, Merlin. [gives Merlin a friendly shove]
MERLIN
How's your father?
ARTHUR
I don't know. All this. Morgana. It's hit him hard.
MERLIN
Perhaps we're heading for a new time. You may need to take charge, become...become King.
ARTHUR
Who knows what the future will bring.
--
(Arthur spots Gwen and walks down the castle steps.He then helps her off of her horse and they kiss, then hug)
GAIUS
And they searched through the remains of the rubble, and still no Morgana?
MERLIN
Or Morgause.
GAIUS
They won't have gone far. Merlin, no one else is going to say this to you, but I will. Well done.
MERLIN
I told you Camelot needed both of us.
GAIUS
We're going to have to tidy this place up.
MERLIN
Hmm. But not now.
GAIUS
Where are you going?
MERLIN
Er...
GAIUS
What are you up to?
MERLIN
There's something I have to do.
KILGHARRAH
In the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once it's task is done, you will place is where none can wield it.
[Merlin raises Excalibur, his eyes glow red as he says a spell, and thus, the sword enters the white plain stone]
Merlin Will Return