Part One[]
KILGHARRAH: In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name: Merlin.
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[MORGANA'S FORTRESS- THRONE ROOM]
[A man wearing a hooded cloak enters and stands before Morgana. Mordred is at her side.]
MORGANA: What a pleasure it is to see you again, Ari. [Ari pushes his hood back. There is a druid symbol on his neck.]
ARI: The honour is all mine, my lady.
MORGANA: Your arrival has been keenly anticipated, I can assure you. [Glances at Mordred.] I have boasted of your powers. Though not all believe.
ARI: People may believe as they wish.
MORGANA: Oh, well perhaps some small proof of your talents is in order. After all, seeing is believing. Is it not?
ARI: I'm not an entertainer, my lady.
MORGANA: Of course not. Think of it as more as a demonstration. Extinguish those flames.
ARI: My lady, I must protest.
MORGANA: Indulge me.
ARI: Forp fleoge! [The fires go out.]
MORGANA: Impressive, indeed. Who here now could deny your powers. [A guard brings a box to Morgana. Ari recognizes the symbol on the on it. Morgana stands up to open the box. Ari tries to move back but the guards grab his arms.]
MORGANA: Aweax thu metethearfenda! Thicge thu thone drycraeft the thinan deorcan mode gefylth.
ARI: Not this. [The guards force him down to the ground.]
ARI: Please, Morgana. My lady, I beg of you. I'm begging you. [A slug like creature slithers it way up the box. It leaps at Ari, landing on his face. Ari struggles with it for a while. The creature then slithers away. Morgana goes back to her throne. Ari lies still after the creature has attacked.]
MORDRED: Is he dead?
MORGANA: If I had wanted him dead, I would have put a sword in his gut. [Ari takes a deep breath. The guards help him up.]
MORGANA: Don't despair Ari, we're nearly done. If you'd do me the favor of relighting those fires.
ARI: You know...I cannot.
MORGANA: For the benefit of my friends. [Ari jerks his arms free from the guards.]
ARI: I will not humiliate myself before you.
MORGANA: You will if you want to see your family alive.
ARI: Bael onbryne!
MORGANA: Again! If you please.
ARI: Bael onbryne. [Ari cries. Morgana motions for the guards to take him away.]
MORDRED: He was a loyal soldier, and robbing him of his magic you've lost yourself a powerful ally.
MORGANA: Perhaps. But now we know the war can be won. [A door shuts.] For Arthur is nothing without Emrys and Emrys is nothing without magic.
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OPENING CREDITS
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[KING'S PALACE-OUTSIDE]
[A guard exits a tunnel with a torch, and turns to his right. Patrolling the grounds. There is a man that is sneaking along the aisle way with the box that has the creature in it. He enters the tunnel that the guard came out of.]
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[KING'S PALACE- TAVERN]
[Arthur shakes his cup of dice in Merlin's face, turns to his turn and drops the dice on the table.]
ARTHUR: Three! [It’s a three. The tavern people cheer.]
ARTHUR: Feel free to retire at any time.
MERLIN: Likewise.
ARTHUR: There's no...uh...disgrace for a servant to lose to his King.
MERLIN: Or a King to a servant. [More laughing from the tavern people. Merlin laughs with them.]
TAVERN PEOPLE: Ohhh.. [Merlin takes a small handful of silver coins and drops them on a plate. Arthur notices how much there is.]
ARTHUR: Watch out. Here we go. [Merlin shakes the cup, brings it to his mouth and blows on the dice. His eyes glow. He drops the dice on table.]
MERLIN: Ten. [More cheering. Arthur has a look that says 'unbelievable.' Percival gives a small smile. Merlin pretends that he can't believe he rolled a ten.]
TAVERN PEOPLE: Yay! [Arthur leans across the table to Merlin. Merlin picks up the coins.]
ARTHUR: [Whispers.] Enjoy this moment, Merlin...while it lasts.
[KING'S PALACE- CORRIDOR]
[Two knights step through a doorway and walk down the corridor. The man with the box comes out from behind the door and walks across the corridor to the door that leads to the physician's chambers.]
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[KING'S PALACE- PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[The man with the box quietly enters. Gaius is asleep on the table. He hears the door open and starts to lift his head. The man grabs a rock off a table as passes.]
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[KING'S PALACE- TAVERN]
[Arthur shakes his cup of dice.]
ARTHUR: Twelve. [Merlin fakes a cough. Arthur rolls a four. Merlin grimaces and rubs his throat.]
MERLIN AND TAVERN PEOPLE: Ohh....
ARTHUR: You put me off.
MERLIN: What are you talking about?
ARTHUR: You just coughed. [Percival glances between them. The tavern people laugh.]
MERLIN: [He points to his throat.] I was clearing my throat.
ARTHUR: You just coughed, deliberately. [Merlin closes his eyes and shakes his head.]
MERLIN: Argh, I knew you'd discover my secret in the end. There is just no fooling you, my lord. Right. [The tavern people laugh. Arthur just stands there not showing any emotion. Merlin picks up his coins stack by stack and places them on the plate. He takes the last one that is on the table and tosses it with the others.]
ARTHUR: It's like that is it? [Merlin nods his head. Arthur sweeps his coins into his hand and drops them onto the plate. Merlin and Arthur stare at each other. Arthur doesn't look away. Merlin shakes the dice, brings the cup to his mouth, and blows on the dice. His eyes glow. He throws the dice on the table.]
MERLIN: Twelve.
[The people cheer. Arthur looks down at the dice.]
MERLIN: Whoo!
[Merlin puts the coins in a bag. Arthur is at a loss. His look doesn't really give anything away.]
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[KING'S PALACE- PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin quietly opens the door and enters. Merlin goes over to look at something and trips over a stool falling to the floor. He grimaces and gets up. Gaius is laying the floor, with a cut over his right eye.] [Merlin enters his chambers, steps on a chest, lies down on the bed, places the money pouch on the bed side table and lets his arm hang off the side. The box is under his bed, lid is off. There's a hissing noise and the creature slithers out. Merlin hears the hissing and sits up. He looks around the room, looks toward the door and the creature jumps at him, knocking him down. Merlin grabs it and falls to the floor. He manages to pull it off his face and throws it against the wall. Merlin struggles to breathe. The creature starts to move toward him and he backs up against a barrel. Just as it leaps again Gaius comes in with a shovel and kills it. Gaius goes to Merlin.]
GAIUS: Merlin. Merlin. [Merlin is still struggling with breaths. He looks up at Gaius.]
MERLIN: Gaius. Your head. [He points to the cut.] You...You should get that seen to you. [He passes out.] [Merlin is on bed. Gaius is wiping his forehead with a cloth. Merlin comes around.]
GAIUS: Merlin.
MERLIN: What happened? What was that thing?
GAIUS: Morgana's work, that’s for sure. Mordred would of told her of your powers by now, Merlin. It was only a matter of time before she struck out. We can only be grateful that she failed. [Gaius gets up. Merlin realizes his throat is dry. He turns and looks at the cup sitting on the bed side table. He reaches his arm out.]
MERLIN: Strangath. [Nothing happens. He lifts his head up and tries again.]
MERLIN: Strangath.[Nothing happens. He tries again.] Strangath.
MERLIN: Gaius! [Gaius comes back over and sits in the chair by the bed.] I don't think she failed.
GAIUS: Whatever do you mean?
MERLIN: I've lost my magic.
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[KING'S PALACE- PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[The box that housed the creature is sitting on the table. Gaius is flipping through a book. Merlin is gazing out the window.]
GAIUS: Look. Here. [Merlin comes over to him to see what he has found.]
GAIUS: It is the sign of the gean canach.
MERLIN: Gean canach? That...that’s the language of the old religion, isn't it?
GAIUS: Indeed. [Merlin crouches down next to Gaius.] The gean canach is a fearsome creature forged by the tears of the earth mother Nemaine. It devourers the magic of others. Draining them of their power.
MERLIN: I thought all such creatures were destroyed in the Great Purge.
GAIUS: All but one it would seem.
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[GARRISON]
[The Saxons attack. Morgana is watching from a distance. Mordred walks up.]
MORDRED: The garrison is surrounded, my lady.
MORGANA: Good. Are you ready?
MORDRED: I'm ready. [Morgana holds out her hand, Mordred takes it. They lower their heads and start to chant.]
MORGANA AND MORDRED: Thurh minum gewealde ond thinum maegen... geclippath we thone lieg the ealla awestath. [They lift their heads and their eyes glow. A fire ball shoots toward the garrison. It crashes into a cart. People jump to the ground and roll out of the way.][Gwaine and other knights come out a tunneling fighting. A blonde woman runs and gets caught by a Saxon. Gwaine comes to the rescue.]
EIRA: Get off me.
[Gwaine grabs the guy and places his sword at his throat.]
GWAINE: Let her go. She's not your enemy. I am.
[The man elbows Gwaine, knocking him to the ground. Before he can do anymore danger the woman hits him on the head with a piece of wood. As he falls forward Gwaine jumps up and stabs him. He goes to the woman, grabs the wood from her hand and drops it. He puts an arm around her shoulders and leads her away.]
[Leon and others fight under a walkway.]
LEON: We cannot hold them! Sound the retreat! Send word to Camelot! [They retreat with the Saxons running after them.]
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[KING'S PALACE- ENTRANCE/CORRIDORS]
[The knights return to Camelot. Gaius walks down the corridor tending to hurt people. He stops at a knight that is holding his head. Merlin stands at the end of corridor watching everything that is going on to and knows there is nothing he can do. Gaius walks toward him.]
GAIUS: The garrison at Stowell was attacked.
MERLIN: Morgana.
GAIUS: It would seem so. It cannot be a consequence. She's picked the moment you are most helpless to begin her attack.
MERLIN: What am I going to do?
GAIUS: Well for the moment you are going to help me treat the wounded. [He grabs Merlin's arm and leads him forward.] Your skill as a physician is still valid. [He stops him at two knights and walks off.] [Merlin is treating Eira wound on her leg. Gwaine looks on.]
MERLIN: Sorry. One moment. [He grabs a knife to cut the extra length of the bandage.] [Eira looks up at Gwaine.]
GWAINE: Don't worry. Merlin knows what he's doing. [Merlin gets up. Eira adjusts her skirt.] EIRA: Do you have news from Stowell? Have you heard from my family? [Gwaine glances at Merlin before answering.]
GWAINE: Eira, your family...the people of your town...you're the only one that survivor the attack. [Merlin glances at them.]
EIRA: I'm...alone. [Merlin watches. Gwaine kneels down next to her and places a hand over hers.] GWAINE: I'm sorry. Eira, whatever happens, you'll be safe here in Camelot. You have my word.
EIRA: Thank you.
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[KING'S PALACE- THRONE ROOM-ROUND TABLE]
[Arthur, Gwen and the knights sit at the round table. Merlin stands in the background.]
LEON: A force of Saxons, sire. They crossed the northern border last night and attacked the garrison at Stowell.
ARTHUR: They march under Morgana's command.
LEON: There'd be no doubt about it sire. It's not men we faced, but sorcery.
ARTHUR: We shouldn't be surprised. She's been massing an army for weeks. Now with Stowell taken, she has a base at our northern border, which can only mean one thing.
GWEN: She means to take Camelot.
PERCIVAL: Well she's already made her first mistake.
LEON: We have sufficient time to prepare our defenses sire. We can make our stand here however great her army the walls of Camelot will hold. The Citadel will not fall.
ARTHUR: Perhaps, perhaps not. We've already deserted Stowell. I won't forsake the people of this land while we take refuge here.
PERCIVAL: But we can protect them, sire, in Camelot itself.
ARTHUR: Some but not all. Countless, men, women and children will be left behind. People who I've vowed to protect.
GWEN: We cannot save everyone, Arthur. No matter how much we may wish it.
ARTHUR: There is a way, one way alone. We insure that she never makes it this far.
PERCIVAL: We...ride out and meet them.
ARTHUR: Man to man.
LEON: But, sire, Morgana commands an army of thousands.
ARTHUR: None the less. It’s our duty as protectors of this land. We cannot stand by, and let our citizens be slaughtered. Those are not the values that Camelot was built on. Whatever the outcome of this battle, my sister cannot and will not desecrate those values. A war has begun.
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[FOREST]
[Aithusa breathes fire on a sword.]
MORGANA: Your blade, Mordred. [She holds it out to him.] Forged in a dragon's breath, nothing can survive its touch. A weapon worthy of my proudest warrior. [Mordred takes the blade and holds it up in front of him.]
MORDRED: Then I shall wield it in victory, and with honour.
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[KING'S PALACE- COUNCIL CHAMBERS] [Arthur, and some knights look over a map. Gwen and Merlin stands in the background.]
ARTHUR: To reach Camelot, Morgana will have no choice but to cross the White Mountains. [He sets a smaller map down and unrolls it.] Now, the pass that gives passage to an army that size, is here. [He points to a place.]
PERCIVAL: I know it well. The path leads a valley by cliffs on the other side.
ARTHUR: That’s where we meet them. Now we may be outnumbered but if don't let them outflank us then we can hold the pass.
LEON: How long? Morgana has no care for the likes of men.
ARTHUR: She can't supply for an army that size indefinitely. Not isolated by the mountains. If we can hold out long enough she'll be forced to retreat. Percival, at what point is the pass at its narrowest.
PERCIVAL: Here, sire. [He points.]
ARTHUR: What do they call this place?
PERCIVAL: Camlann, sir. [Merlin fears the worst. It’s the place in the prophecy.]
ARTHUR: Then it is at Camlann, that we make our stand.
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[KING'S PALACE- PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
MERLIN: I hoped to never hear that name again.
GAIUS: You cannot go, Merlin. You'll have to persuade him.
MERLIN: I know Arthur better than I know myself. He'll mot listen.
GAIUS: If Arthur goes to Camlann, the prophecy will come true and he will die.
MERLIN: This battle is the only way he knows how to save his people. If he's going to lose his life...he'll still go.
GAIUS: Then what are we to do?
MERLIN: If I can't prevent him from going then I must protect him as best as I can.
GAIUS: But you can't protect him without your magic.
MERLIN: Then I must regain my magic.
GAIUS: I can't restore it. It's beyond my power.
MERLIN: I know. Perhaps it’s beyond anyone's power. If there’s an answer, I must seek it elsewhere.
GAIUS: But where?
MERLIN: The birthplace of magic itself, The Crystal Cave. [Gaius crosses his arms.]
GAIUS: The Valley of The Fallen Kings is crawling with bandits. Without your powers you won't stand a chance.
MERLIN: Which is why I won't be going alone.
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[KING'S PALACE- GWAINE'S CHAMBERS]
[Gwaine is getting ready to leave.]
EIRA: I thought you weren't going until sundown?
GWAINE: There’s something I have to do first. Favor for my friend Merlin.
EIRA: Where you going?
GWAINE: The Valley of the Fallen Kings.
EIRA: Why?
GWAINE: Don't worry. I won't be long.
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[KING'S PALACE- ROYAL CHAMBERS]
[Arthur's armor is laid out on the table.]
MERLIN: I think that you'll find that’s everything, sire.
ARTHUR: Impressive. Very impressive. ....more likeable. Not from you anyway.
MERLIN: Thank you, sire.
ARTHUR: So where are you after?
MERLIN: After?
ARTHUR: Come on, Merlin. You’re the worst servant in the history of the world. Now suddenly this. Is it money?
MERLIN: No.
ARTHUR: No, it can't be that. You already won all of mine. Time off?
MERLIN: Arthur...
ARTHUR: No. It can't be that either. You don't really do anything.
MERLIN: I just wanted to make sure you had all you needed for your journey to Camlann. For the days ahead.
ARTHUR: Thank you. [He seems confused.] Merlin, what do you mean, my journey.
MERLIN: I'm afraid I won't be coming with you. Not this time. I'm sorry. I have an urgent errand to run for Gaius. Vital supplies that I can't attain here.
ARTHUR: Vital supplies? [He seems hurt and doesn't think that Merlin is telling him the whole truth.]
MERLIN: Yes. It's....
ARTHUR: No, no. It's fine. It's fine. I understand.
MERLIN: Arthur...
ARTHUR: You know, Merlin, all those jokes about you being a coward...I never really meant any of them...I always thought you were the bravest man I ever met. Guess I was wrong.
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[KING'S PALACE-MAIN SQUARE]
[Merlin and Gwaine ride out. Eira watches from a window.]
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[FOREST]
[Merlin and Gwaine journey to The Valley of The Fallen Kings.]
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[KING'S PALACE- MAIN SQUARE]
[Arthur and the knights get ready. Gwen comes up.]
GWEN: Arthur!
ARTHUR: Guinevere. What are you doing?
GWEN: I'm coming with you.
ARTHUR: The battlefield is no place for a Queen.
GWEN: I have no intention of joining you there. I can assure you. Arthur, if these are to be your last days, I would far rather spend them together then sit waiting for a man that I might never see again.
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[FOREST]
[Someone rides out. It’s Eira. She dismounts and walks to a spot. A sword come to her throat, Mordred steps out behind her.]
MORGANA: Gently, Mordred. Can't speak with her throat cut out can she? [Morgana walks up and stands beside Mordred. Mordred puts the sword away.]
MORGANA: So, Eira, I trust Sir Gwaine has found your company to his satisfaction?
EIRA: I like to think so.
MORGANA: Has he been forthcoming about Arthur's plans?
EIRA: He's kept no secrets from me.
MORGANA: Well? Does the king intend to ride out and meet us?
EIRA: He does, my lady. The king and his men depart from Camelot as we speak.
MORGANA: Then it is as we have anticipated. Thank you, Eira. You've been most informative. [Morgana hands her a pouch with gold and she starts to leave. She remembers something and turns back.]
EIRA: Something else. The knight said he was taking Merlin somewhere. The Valley of The Fallen Kings, I think. [She leaves and Morgana looks concerned.]
MORGANA: Merlin. Why would Merlin leave Arthur now?
MORDRED: Why shouldn't he? He's of no further use to his king after all.
MORGANA: Perhaps. Why The Valley of The Fallen Kings? [Mordred lowers his head. She turns toward Mordred.]
MORGANA: What is it Mordred?
MORDRED: When I was a boy the druids told me of this special place, a place where magic itself was born. It was said to lie within The Val...They call it The Crystal Cave.
MORGANA: This can mean only one thing, Emrys means to get his powers back.
[THE VALLEY OF THE FALLEN KINGS]
[Merlin and Gwaine walk through the valley.]
GWAINE: Thanks for everything that you did for Eira.
MERLIN: There's no need to thank me, it was the least I could do. And you seem to care for her.
GWAINE: Well I could hardly leave her to the Saxons now could I?
MERLIN: Was that your only reason for rescuing her?
GWAINE: Of course. [A twig snaps and bandits come running at them. Gwaine turns to fight them. He stops the blow of one and pushes him to the ground. He punches the other one and knocks him to the ground as the first one gets up. He goes after Merlin, who falls to the ground.]
MERLIN: Gwaine!
[Gwaine stabs him in the back, pulls the sword out and without looking stabs the other guy who has gotten up and is standing behind him.]
GWAINE: You okay? [He offers Merlin a hand up.]
MERLIN: Yeah. I think so. Thank you.
GWAINE: No need to thank me Merlin. It was the least I could do.
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[FOREST]
[Morgana rides toward The Crystal Cave.]
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[THE VALLEY OF THE FALLEN KINGS]
[Merlin and Gwaine come to an entrance of The Crystal Cave.]
MERLIN: I can make my own way from here.
GWAINE: Sorry. (?)
MERLIN: You needn't come any further. I'll be fine.
GWAINE: How will you get back to Camelot? There are bandits everywhere.
MERLIN: Once I have what I'm looking for I'll be perfectly safe, I promise you.
GWAINE: What are you looking for?
MERLIN: I can't tell that, Gwaine. [Merlin turns to look at Gwaine.]
MERLIN: You just have to trust me. You should get going, Arthur will need you by his side.
GWAINE: Look after yourself Merlin. [He holds his sword out, hilt first, to Merlin. Merlin reaches to take it.]
GWAINE: You know to use the sharp end, right?
MERLIN: Yeah. [They grasp arms.]
GWAINE: I hope you find what you're looking for.
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[THE CRYSTAL CAVE- BACK ENTRANCE]
[Merlin crawls through a tight space with a torch, until he can get to the tunnel. The flame goes out and he stops.]
MORGANA: Emrys. [Morgana is nowhere to be seen though.]
MORGANA: Over here, Emrys. [Merlin pulls the sword from his belt and walks forward.]
MERLIN: I see you, Morgana.
MORGANA: How well you've kept your secret. [Morgana moves behind and he turns but shes no longer there.] How well you've protected my brother.
MERLIN: Face me, Morgana. [Morgana's voice sounds like it’s coming from different directions. Merlin keeps on turning to where her voice sounds like it’s coming from.]
MORGANA: Who would of thought it, a worthless servant with all that power.
MERLIN: Face me.
MORGANA: But you cannot help your King now. You cannot even help yourself.
MERLIN: Why do you hide? You still afraid of me? [He turns back the way he came. Morgana comes through the doorway behind him.]
MORGANA: I fear no one. Least of all you. [Merlin swings the sword around and cuts her arm. He holds the sword up to her. She laughs at him.]
MORGANA: You have defied me for the last time, Emrys. [She starts to back up, Merlin walks toward her. Once through the doorway she causes rocks to fall to block his way.]
MORGANA: Stanas ahreosath!
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[PASSAGEWAY]
[Morgana's army marches through a pass. Leon and Percival watch from behind a rock.]
LEON: Send word to the King. The enemy will reach Camlann by sundown tomorrow and we underestimated their forces. They outnumber us 5 to 1.
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[THE CRYSTAL CAVE]
[Merlin is sitting on the floor leaning against the rocks that are blocking the doorway. He gets up and tries to move a rock but its stuck fast. He reaches higher up and pulls some small rocks away. He tries frantically to pull the rocks down but nothing happens. He slides to the ground, and starts to cry.]
MERLIN: [He hits the rock.] Aaahhh!!!
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[FOREST]
[The knights make camp. Gwen and Gaius sit next to a fire with Arthur near them. Gaius is mixing something together.]
ARTHUR: Vital supplies.
[Gaius looks up from what he is doing.]
GAIUS: Excuse me, sire?
ARTHUR: It's a shame Merlin didn't feel able to join us.
GAIUS: I'm sorry Sire for I must take the blame.
[Gwen looks at Gaius thinking he's not telling the whole truth.]
GAIUS: But I cannot treat the wounded without sufficient medicine. The timing is unfortunate I grant you. ARTHUR: Yes. Unfortunate as you say. [Arthur walks away. Gaius watches him leave.]
GWEN: I'm not sure he believes you, Gaius. [He turns back to face Gwen.]
GWEN: I'm not sure I do either. I know how devoted Merlin is to Arthur. He would never leave him at a time like this. Not for a mere errand. Not unless there was something else. Something he doesn't feel able to talk about it.
GAIUS: My lady, there is something else. Something of the very greatest importance, and I very dearly wish I could tell you what it is, but I cannot. For reasons that affects us all. [Gwen nods her head.]
GWEN: Then there is nothing more to be said, except whatever it is, I wish him luck. [She reaches over and pats Gaius's hand.]
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[THE CRYSTAL CAVE]
[Merlin is still leaning against the rock. He looks up and sees a light shining through a tunnel. He gets up and starts climbing toward it. He makes it to the top and walks in and then faints.]
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[CAMLANN] [The knights make it to Camlann. Arthur and a group of knights go up a short passageway. He holds his hand to halt everyone. They look at the dead end area before them.] ARTHUR: This is it. Camlann. The fate of the kingdom will be decided here. Make camp. Take our positions.
LEON: It's a death trap, Sire.
ARTHUR: That's the idea.
LEON: Morgana will have no means of escape. But neither will we.
ARTHUR: They'll always out flank us. This is our only chance. [He looks at Leon.] It ends here, Leon. Be it life or death, it ends here.
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[THE CRYSTAL CAVE]
[Merlin is still passed out on the floor of the cave. Crystals surround him.]
BALINOR: Merlin. [Merlin opens his eyes]
MERLIN: Father. [He turns his head the other way and sees his father's ghost/spirit.]
BALINOR: My son.
MERLIN: Are you here? Are you real?
BALINOR: Dead or alive? Real or imagined? Past or present? These things are of no consequence. All that matters is that you heed the words of your father who loves you. Do not let go, Merlin, do not give in.
MERLIN: I have no reason to go on. The battle is already over. Morgana has won.
BALINOR: Only if you accept defeat. But if you fight, if you let hope into your heart, Morgana cannot be victorious.
MERLIN: What hope is there without my magic? [Balinor kneels down next to Merlin.]
BALINOR: Merlin, you are more than a son of you father. You are son of the earth, the sea, the sky. Magic is the fabric of this world, and you were born of that magic. You are magic itself. You cannot lose what you are.
MERLIN: But how do I find myself...again?
BALINOR: Believe, Merlin. Believe what your heart knows to be true. That you have always been, and always will be.
MERLIN: Always will be.
BALINOR: Rest now. Rest my son. And soon you shall awaken into the light. [Merlin sleeps.]
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[WETLAND]
[Morgana's army marches forward through a wetland with Mordred at the head, on a horse.]
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[CAMLANN-KING'S TENT]
[The knights have set camp. Arthur is in his tent sitting at a table, thinking. Gwen steps in front of him. He looks up at her. She puts her hands around a pole and leans her head against it. She can tell something is troubling him.]
GWEN: What is it?
ARTHUR: What if Sir Leon was right? Perhaps we should've made our stand at Camelot. [Gwen moves toward the table and places her hands on it.]
GWEN: Your plan is brave and bold, and our only chance of defeating Morgana once and for all. Yes, we could of held out at the Citadel, but for how long? And at what cost to the kingdom? I have never for a moment doubted the valor and wisdom of this choice. [Arthur stands up and walks around the table to her.]
ARTHUR: If you do not doubt me, Guinevere, then I do not doubt myself. [He takes her hands.] That gives me a strength greater than any weapon. [They hug.]
GWEN: Come, we must rest while we can.
[Arthur picks Gwen up and carries her to the bed.]
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[ROCKY AREA]
[Morgana looks out over her camp. Mordred walks up to her.]
MORGANA: Have the outriders returned?
MORDRED: Arthur has made camp at Camlann.
MORGANA: And the path? Did you find it? [Mordred nods his head.]
MORDRED: It was well concealed.
MORGANA: If Arthur imagines we can't out flank, he's in for an unpleasant surprise. Send a 100 warriors. Good ones.
MORDRED: I'll choose them myself.
MORGANA: And prepare the army, we attack tonight. [Mordred nods his head and leaves.]
---------- [THE CRYSTAL CAVE]
[Merlin is fully healed of the cuts that were on his face. He opens his eyes, sits up and touches his face. Rubbing a place where there was a cut and sees that there is no blood on his hand when he pulls his hand away. He slowly gets into a crouching position while looking around him. Merlin cups his hands together.] MERLIN: Gewyrc an lif.
[Merlin's eyes glow. There is small fluttering noise. He opens his hands and a blue butterfly flies away. He watches it with a smile on his face. He stands up and finds a crystal. Merlin puts his hand out and imagines start to flash through the crystal. Some are from previous episodes. He sees Excalibur coming out of the lake, Mordred leading the Saxons through the wetland, the red of an old dress of Morgana's, him receiving a spell from the dragon, the Saxons marching along a path to attack. He flashes through several more to find Arthur.] MERLIN: Arthur where are you? [Merlin sees the camp at Camlann and Arthur and Gwen sleeping.]
MERLIN: Arthur. Arthur, I'm sorry I had to leave you. I didn't want to. I hope one day you'll understand why. Your plan is a good one and you may yet save this kingdom, but you must beware.Your army's flank is vulnerable. There's an old path over the ridge of Camlann, and Morgana knows of it. She means to trap you, Arthur. Find the path or the battle will be over before it's begun. Find the path!
-----------
[CAMLANN-KING'S TENT/CAMP]
[Arthur opens his eyes and leans up, waking Gwen as well. He has a confused look on his face.]
GWEN: What's the matter?
ARTHUR: Merlin.
GWEN: It was a dream Arthur. Just a dream.
ARTHUR: Didn't feel like a dream. It felt... [He throws the covers back and gets up.]
GWEN: Arthur! [Arthur bursts out of the tent.]
LEON: Sire, the scouts report that Morgana's army is on the move.
ARTHUR: She'll attack before the night is done. Tell our men to prepare.
LEON: Yes, Sire!
ARTHUR: Percival! Gwaine! [They head toward Arthur.]
ARTHUR: Take a patrol of men to the rear of us. You're looking for a hidden path running into the mountains. She means to outflank us, we must stop her now. [Percival and Gwaine lead a patrol of men up the path. Percival holds his hand up and everyone halts.] [Arthur is in his armour, standing before his army.]
ARTHUR: Tonight...we do battle. Tonight we end this war, we end a war as old as the land itself. War against tyranny, greed, and spite. Not all will greet the dawn, some will live, some will die. But each and every one of you fights with honour, and with pride. For not only do we fight for our lives, we fight for the future. The future of Camelot. The future of Albion. The future of the united kingdoms. [He lifts Excalibur into the air.] For the love of Camelot!
ALL: For the love of Camelot!
---------
[THE CRYSTAL CAVE] [Arthur is shown in the crystal. Merlin straightens up after watching everything that just took place. He turns around and sees his father.]
MERLIN: Thank you. For your help, your guidance.
BALINOR: I only offered a hand. You stand tall on your own two feet, Merlin, you always have done.
MERLIN: As did you, father. I follow in your footsteps.
BALINOR: Your journey has only just begun. You wield a power you yet cannot conceive of. Only in the heart of the Crystal Cave will your true self be revealed. [They turn toward the center of cave.]
BALINOR: Move towards the light. Your destiny awaits. Do not be afraid. Trust in what you are, trust in what will be. [Merlin walks toward the light. He stops and looks back his father.]
MERLIN: Goodbye, father.
BALINOR: There are no goodbyes, Emrys, for I will always be. As you will always be. [Merlin climbs up a step and walks to the light.]
---------
[CAMLANN]
[The armies stand facing each other. The Saxons beat their shields. Morgana stands on a cliff edge watching. Arthur draws his sword and holds it up.]
ARTHUR: On me! [They charge at the Saxons. The Saxons charge back. The battle begins.][The Saxons along the hidden path run at Percival, Gwaine and the others.]
PERCIVAL: On me! [They charge at the oncoming Saxons and clash.][Arthur cuts downs Saxons. He slashes one, flips one over his back, hits one as he runs past, cuts one down from behind. Ducks an attack and kicks the guy in the chest. Cuts another one down as the guy leaps at him. He runs on.][Morgana watches Mordred from above. Mordred cuts down a couple of knights, he keeps looking around for Arthur.]
-----------
[THE CRYSTAL CAVE]
[Rocks go flying as a spell breaks through a barricade. Old Merlin steps out, angry.]
Part Two[]
KILGHARRAH: In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name: Merlin.
---------------
[CAMLANN] [The battle continues.]
----------
[FOREST]
[Old Merlin riding as fast as can to get to Camlann.]
----------
[CAMLANN]
[Mordred continues to cut down Camelot knights as he looks for Arthur, as he continues his search for Arthur. Knights surround Mordred. Morgana throws them back with a flash of her eyes Mordred turns and looks up at her. She nods her head at him. He walks on.]
-------------
[FOREST]
[Old Merlin continues his rapid pace.]
----------
[CAMLANN]
[Aithusa screeches and flies overhead. Arthur looks up and sees her. She swoops down, everyone ducks and Aithusa breathes fire over them.]
------------
[MAKE SHIFT HOSPITAL-TENT]
[Gaius tends to the wounded. Gwen enters.]
GWEN: Bandages. I need bandages.
[She goes to the table that has the bandages. A knight moves past. A Saxon bursts in, swinging an axe. A knight blocks his attack, misses one, gets knock in the stomach with the axe, pushed him back and kicked down on a table. The Saxon raises the axe above his head for the kill. Gwen stabs him in the back, killing him.]
-----------
[WETLAND]
[Old Merlin continues on.]
----------
[CAMLANN]
[Beroun cuts through the knights. Arthur fights a Saxon, elbows him and knocks him to the ground. He dispatches another, turning into another Saxon and disposes of him as well. A group of Saxons charge at Arthur but before they can strike a blast of lightning knocks them down. Another group comes in from the other side, they get struck down as well. Arthur glances around and looks up at the top of the cliff. Arthur sees Old Merlin and they regard each other for a second. Old Merlin strikes another group of Saxons down.]
MORGANA: Emrys! [Old Merlin throws Morgana off her little cliff and she lands among the dead that are scattered.] [Old Merlin strikes more Saxons down. Arthur watches as they fall. Aithusa comes back to attack again.]
OLD MERLIN: Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai! Weas! [Aithusa halts her attack and leaves. Arthur stares up at Old Merlin. Arthur turns to the knights behind and raises his sword.]
ARTHUR: For the love of Camelot! [They charge after the Saxons. The Saxons retreat.]
----------
[MAKE SHIFT HOSPITAL- TENT]
[Gwen and Gaius are standing outside the tent watching Old Merlin.]
GWEN: Who is that?
GAIUS: Someone truly remarkable.
GWEN: You know him?
GAIUS: Let's just say he deserves our gratitude. [Gwen looks up at Old Merlin until he leaves. She goes back in the tent.][Old Merlin walks across the ground looking at the bodies as he passes.][Arthur dispatches a Saxon and looks around. A knight raises his arm up and Arthur runs to him. Just as Arthur gets to him he dies][Mordred steps out from behind a rock and walks toward Arthur, he raises his sword...Arthur either hears him or sees his reflection in a sword on the ground. He stands and blocks the attack, he goes to stab and stops, realizing its Mordred. Mordred stabs him and withdraws the sword, fatally wounding him. Arthur goes to a knee.]
MORDRED: You gave me no choice. [Arthur finds the strength and stands thrusting his sword into Mordred. They stare at each other. Arthur thrusts the sword one more time and withdraws it. Mordred smiles at Arthur and dies. Arthur lets go of Mordred's chainmail and lets him fall. Arthur looks down saddened over having killed his former friend and then turns and starts to walk with his hand over the wound but goes down.]
----------
[MAKE SHIFT HOSPITAL- TENT]
[Gwen is helping tend to the wounded. Leon enters and sees Gwen.]
LEON: My lady. The battle is won. The Saxons are in full retreat. They're making for the hills. I've dispatched 200 men to drive our advantage home. [Gwen goes to him.]
GWEN: And Arthur?
LEON: We'll keep looking.
GWEN: Thank you. [She turns away, putting a hand to head and the other hand on the table. Leon looks on but doesn't know what to do. Gwen gets a hold of herself.]
GWEN: Oh, I'll need some fresh water. [A knight nods to her and leaves to get the water. She rolls up her sleeves. She goes back to the knight she was helping. Leon leaves.]
----------
[CAMLANN]
[Old Merlin continues his search for Arthur. He sees him sitting slumped over on a rock. He drops his staff and goes to Arthur. He feels for a pulse. He puts Arthur's arm over his shoulder and pulls him up. Old Merlin carries Arthur off the battlefield. Arthur still has a hold of Excalibur.]
-------------
[FOREST]
[Arthur wakes up. Merlin is himself again. He’s sitting on the other side of the campfire with his back to Arthur.]
ARTHUR: Merlin. [Merlin gets up and goes to him.]
MERLIN: How are you feeling? [Arthur tries to move into a sitting position. But the pain is too much.]
ARTHUR: Ah, ah! [He grabs Merlin's shoulder. Merlin puts a hand on Arthur's shoulder, and then grabs his arm.]
MERLIN: Lie back. Lie back.
ARTHUR: Where have you been?
MERLIN: It doesn't matter now.
ARTHUR: Ah, my side...my side. [Merlin glances at the wound.]
MERLIN: You're bleeding.
ARTHUR: That's all right. I thought I was dying.
MERLIN: I'm sorry. I thought I'd defied the prophecy. [Arthur looks at him.] I thought I was in time.
ARTHUR: What are you talking about?
MERLIN: I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...And yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop. [Arthur pats Merlin on the shoulder.]
ARTHUR: The person who defeated them was the sorcerer.
MERLIN: It was me. [Merlin grips Arthur's wrist as he cries.]
ARTHUR: Don't be ridiculous, Merlin. [He looks back at Merlin.]
ARTHUR: This is stupid, why would you say that?
MERLIN: I'm a...[Merlin stops cause of how bad he crying.]
MERLIN:[He points to himself.] I'm a sorcerer. I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur. Only for you. ARTHUR: Merlin, you are not a sorcerer. I would know!
MERLIN: Look. Here. [Merlin turns his head toward the fire and raises his hand. Arthur raises his head.]
MERLIN: Upastige draca! [An animated dragon forms from the flames. Merlin looks back at Arthur. Arthur isn't quite sure how to act.]
ARTHUR: Leave me.
MERLIN: Arthur!
ARTHUR: No. Just...you heard! Just... [Merlin leaves.]
[Arthur looks at Merlin]
ARTHUR: Hmm
-------------
[KING'S PALACE- ROYAL CHAMBERS]
[Gwen looks out the window. Knights move through the square. Bodies covered with sheets line the square. Leon enters. He walks to her and stops a few feet away.]
LEON: Three more patrols have returned from the White Mountains, my lady. There is no sign of him.
GWEN: He must be somewhere!
LEON: We have spoken to every villager, every man, woman, child. There has been no word.
GWEN: He is out there.
LEON: We will keep searching.
GWEN: He is alive. I know it, I can feel it. [He turns to leave as she turns around.]
GWEN: Who else is still unaccounted for?
LEON: Gaius.
GWEN: He's not been seen?
LEON: Not since the battle. [Leon leaves.]
----------
[FOREST]
[Gaius walks through the woods to Merlin and Arthur.][Merlin sits at a fire next to Arthur. He stands as Gaius comes up. Arthur is asleep or pretending to be.]
GAIUS: Any change?
MERLIN: No.
GAIUS: Let me see. [Gaius goes to Arthur's side.][Merlin notices the herbs that Gaius is carrying or lack of.]
MERLIN: Is that all you got?
GAIUS: The hills are crawling with Saxons.
MERLIN: There's no yarrow, no lady's mantle.
GAIUS: I got comfrey.
MERLIN: You should've got sticklewort. There must've been sticklewort.
GAIUS: Merlin, why don't you water the horses. And make sure they're fed, we can't hide here for much longer. [Merlin leaves. Arthur cracks his eyes open to see he's gone. He grab's Gaius's robe.]
ARTHUR: He's a sorcerer. [Gaius doesn't say anything. Just looks at him.]
ARTHUR: You knew.
GAIUS: Arthur, he is your friend
ARTHUR: I want him gone.
GAIUS: There is no need to fear him.
ARTHUR: Have him take word to Camelot. To Guinevere.
GAIUS: You cannot send Merlin. I will go.
ARTHUR: I need a physician right now, not a sorcerer.
GAIUS: He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur, he doesn't just have magic...there are those who say he's the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.
ARTHUR: Merlin?!
GAIUS: If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me. [Arthur looks the way that Merlin went. He's trying to process all this information.] [Merlin is feeding Gaius's horse from his hand. He strokes it nose as Gaius walks up. Merlin hears Gaius and turns towards him.]
MERLIN: Gaius?
GAIUS: He has a fragment of sword embedded in his chest.
MERLIN: Then we'll use magic to draw to it out.
GAIUS: No, the blade that struck Arthur is no ordinary blade. I fear it was forged in a dragon's breath. Its fatal power will not be easily denied.
MERLIN: Aithusa.
GAIUS: The blade's point is travelling inexorably towards his heart. Not even you could hope to thwart such magic. It would take a power as ancient as the dragons themselves.
MERLIN: No. There must be something that we can do, Gaius.
GAIUS: Only the Sidhe possess such magic. In the midst of the Lake Of Avalon there is an ancient isle. That is the source of their power. You must take him there.
MERLIN: He won't allow that.
GAIUS: He will. I spoke to him.
----------------
[HILLSIDE]
[There is a pile of rocks. A blade is driven into the ground, there is a piece missing. A tearful Morgana stands next to the grave of Mordred.]
MORGANA: The battle is not over, Mordred. We will have our revenge.
---------------
[FOREST]
[Merlin walks up to Arthur.]
MERLIN: Arthur? [Arthur turns his head toward him.] We need to leave at first light.
ARTHUR: I'll decide.
MERLIN: I can't let you die. [Arthur looks up at him.]
ARTHUR: It doesn't change anything. [He looks away and closes his eyes.]
GAIUS: Let him sleep. It's late. [Merlin walks to Gaius.] You cannot travel tonight. [Merlin steps past Gaius and looks out into the forest.] You were right to tell him. [Gaius leaves.]
------------
[MORGANA'S FORTRESS]
[Morgana sits on her throne. The door opens, Beroun and two other Saxons enter. They bow.]
BEROUN: My lady, we've searched every valley, every gorge, every gully. The King is nowhere to be found. [Morgana raise her head and shouts.]
MORGANA: I want him dead!
BEROUN: We've looked. [Morgana clenches her hand and her eyes glow. The Saxon to the right of Beroun falls down dead.]
MORGANA: Find him. [Beroun and the other Saxon bow and leave.]
-----------
[FOREST]
[Merlin pushes Arthur upright on his horse. Arthur takes something off from around his neck.]
ARTHUR: Gaius. [Gaius walk up to Arthur as Merlin walks away.]
ARTHUR: Give this to Guinevere. [He places the necklace in Gaius's hand.]
GAIUS: It's the Royal Seal, sire.
ARTHUR: If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me. [Gaius places his other hand on top of Arthur's, nods his head and walks to Merlin.]
MERLIN: You know I was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted.
GAIUS: I know.
MERLIN: How long does he have?
GAIUS: At best, two days. [Merlin walks around Gaius and back to Arthur.]
GAIUS: Merlin. [Merlin turns back and goes to hug Gaius.] I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go. [Gaius has a feeling that he won't see him again. Gaius backs away. Merlin takes the reins of Arthur's horse and grabs his horse and walks away. He looks back at Gaius one last time.]
-----------
[KING'S PALACE- ROYAL CHAMBERS]
[Gwen sees Gaius ride into the Main Square. She leaves to meet him.]
------------
[KING'S PALACE- GRIFFIN STAIRCASE]
[Gaius walks up the stairs with Gwaine. Gwen comes down the stairs and meets them.]
GWEN: Gaius.
GAIUS: My lady.
GWEN: Tell me!
GAIUS: He's alive. [Gwen lets out a sigh of relief.]
GWAINE: Then why isn't he with you?
GAIUS: He's wounded. [He holds out the Royal Seal.] He wanted me to give you this, my lady. [Gwen takes it.]
GWEN: Where is he?
GAIUS: There is a place where he may be saved. Merlin is taking him there as we speak.
GWEN: Well then we must send the knights. [She looks at Gwaine.] Ready as many men as you can...
GAIUS: No, my lady. Merlin can cope by himself.
GWEN: Merlin?
GAIUS: You must trust him.
GWEN: [Outburst.]How can one man be as strong as an army?!
GAIUS: Morgana's forces are still searching for Arthur. Two men travelling alone stand a much better chance of evading her, especially if she has no idea where they're heading. [He looks at Gwaine. Gwaine seems a little uneasy. Gwen glances at Gwaine.]
-----------
[KING'S PALACE-CORRIDOR]
[Gwaine is looking out a window as Eira walks up to him.]
EIRA: Hey. What is it? [Gwaine turns around to face her.] Tell me.
GWAINE: Can't.
EIRA: Why not? Is it the King? What's happened to him? Gwaine? Is he dead?
GWAINE: No.
EIRA: How do you know? Where is he? Gwaine? Don't you trust me?
GWAINE: I do.
EIRA: Then tell me.
------------
[PLAINS]
[Merlin and Arthur walk along. Merlin sees two men galloping their way.]
MERLIN: Saxons. [He dismounts and unties his blanket from the back of his saddle. He throws it over Arthur to cover his armour.]
MERLIN: I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak. [Arthur grabs the edges of the blanket and pulls it around his face.][Merlin steps away from Arthur and looks around. He makes fake smoke appear in the trees ahead with a flash of his eyes.Then turns to the Saxons as they come galloping up.]
MERLIN: Help us! Please you have to help us. We were ambushed. [The Saxons dismount and walk towards him.]
BEROUN: By who?
MERLIN: These two men.
BEROUN: What did they look like?
MERLIN: Um...One was... a knight. [He glances over his shoulder and notices that Excalibur’s hilt can be seen.] They stormed our camp. [He points to the smoke.] [The Saxons take a few steps to look at the smoke rising from the forest. Merlin goes and covers the hilt of the sword. The Saxons turn back around.]
BEROUN: You're sure it was a Camelot knight?
MERLIN: Yeah. [Beroun pushes Merlin back as he walks forward. He pulls the blanket off of Arthur. The Saxons draw their swords. Merlin raises his hands and throws the Saxons with a flash of his eyes. Arthur watches.]
ARTHUR: You've lied to me all this time. [Merlin doesn't say anything.]
------------
[CAMPSITE]
[Merlin is trying to light a fire using flints. Arthur watches as he fails to light it.]
ARTHUR: Why don't you use magic?
MERLIN: Habit, I suppose. [Merlin turns to look at Arthur. 'Seems like he's asking if it's ok?' Arthur nods his head.] [Merlin starts a fire with a flash of his eyes.]
MERLIN: Feels strange.
ARTHUR: Yeah. [Merlin gets up and walks to the bags.]
ARTHUR: I thought I knew you. [Merlin unrolls his blanket.]
MERLIN: I'm still the same person.
ARTHUR: I trusted you. [Merlin looks up.]
MERLIN: I'm sorry.
ARTHUR: I'm sorry too. [Merlin walks to Arthur and takes his boots off.]
ARTHUR: What are you doing?
MERLIN: They need drying. [Merlin sets the boots by the fire and goes to his blanket.]
----------
[KING'S PALACE- CORRIDOR]
[Eira walks down a corridor carrying a basket. She goes to a room, sets the basket on table and pulls the blanket back. She reaches in and pulls out a crow. She releases it out the window. Gwaine walks up behind her.]
GWAINE: Eira. [Eira jumps and steps back.]
EIRA: I was just...
GWAINE: Sending word to Morgana?
EIRA: No! [Gwen walks up. Eira looks at her.]
EIRA: My lady! I wouldn't do that, I wouldn't betray you or the king.
GWEN: And you didn't, you can go to your death safe in that knowledge. Your note will send your mistress riding for Brineved and all the while the king will be travelling in the opposite direction. Guards! [A guard goes in the room, grabs Eira's arm and pushes her out the room. The other guard grabs her other arm and they lead her away.]
EIRA: Gwaine. Gwaine, please! [Gaius stands in the background.]
[FOREST]
[Merlin supports Arthur's head and tries to get him to eat something.]
MERLIN: This will be good for you. You need to eat.
ARTHUR: Why are you doing this? [Merlin places the spoon back in the bowl.] Why are you still behaving like a servant? [Merlin sets the bowl down.]
MERLIN: It's my destiny. As it has been since the day we met.
ARTHUR: I tried to take your head off with a mace.
MERLIN: And I stopped you, using magic.
ARTHUR: You cheated!
MERLIN: You were going to kill me.
ARTHUR: I should've.
MERLIN: I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. [Arthur looks up at Merlin.] Without you, Camelot's nothing.
ARTHUR: There was a time when that was true. Not now. There are many who can fill the crown.
MERLIN: There will never be another like you, Arthur. Now, I also do this...[He sets the bowl on his knee, supports Arthur's head and gets him to take a bite.]
MERLIN: because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.
[KING'S PALACE- THRONE ROOM]
[Gwen is looking out the window. Gaius walks in. She turns around when she hears him.]
GAIUS: You called for me, my lady?
GWEN: I want to thank you, Gaius.
GAIUS: What for?
GWEN: Unmasking Eira. I shall forever be in your debt, and Merlin's. Was it he that found Arthur?
GAIUS: He's a good servant.
GWEN: He's always been there at Arthur's side.
GAIUS: Indeed. [Gwen walks toward him.]
GWEN: The sorcerer in the battle. You knew who he was. [She stops in front of him.]
GAIUS: Yes.
GWEN: Do I know him? Please Gaius, answer me honestly...
GAIUS: Yes. [She smiles.] GAIUS: He'll take good care of Arthur.
GWEN: Yes, I'm sure he will. I'm pleased. [Gaius bows and leaves.]
[MORGANA'S FORTRESS]
[The crow that Eira sent arrives. Morgana is standing with some of the Saxons. She walks toward it. The crow hops to her. Morgana takes the note off its leg, reads it and smiles.]
[KING'S PALACE-MAIN SQUARE/CORRIDOR]
[Eira is escorted out to be hung. Gwen watches from the balcony.] [Gwaine is standing in a corridor watching through a window. Percival walks up behind him and puts a hand on his shoulder.]
GWAINE: You know what you said you'd do if you ever found Morgana? [Percival looks at Gwaine.]
GWAINE: Well, we've got a good idea where she'll be heading. [Gwaine and Percival race through a forest.]
[FOREST] [Arthur is sitting on tree about to fall over. Merlin is getting a waterskin from his saddlebag. He turns to see Arthur slump over.]
MERLIN: Arthur, you need to hold on. One more day. [Merlin helps him.] One more day. [Merlin wipes Arthur's head with a cloth. Puts the cloth away and starts to take the cap off the waterskin.]
ARTHUR: Why did you never tell me?
MERLIN: I wanted to, but...
ARTHUR: What?
MERLIN: You'd have chopped my head off. [Merlin gives Arthur a drink of water.]
ARTHUR: I'm not sure what I would've done.
MERLIN: And I didn't want to put you in that position. [Arthur looks at Merlin.]
ARTHUR: That's what worried you?
MERLIN: Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me, I was born to serve you, Arthur. And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing. [Arthur stares at Merlin. 'Thinking maybe he has been wrong the whole time.] Ready? [Merlin puts Arthur's arm over his shoulders and helps him up.]
[CREEPY FOREST]
[A small group of Saxons and Morgana walk along a path in a forest. Gwaine and Percival hide behind a tree overhead, watching them.]
MORGANA: Position lookouts for the King's approach. [The Saxons move out.] [Percival up behind one, throws his arm around the guy's head putting him in a sleeper hold. Once the guy has passed out Percival lays him down.][Gwaine comes up on one but the guy hears him. They cross swords but Gwaine cuts him down.][Two Saxons come up on the guy Percival attacked. The second guy attacks Percival, they cross swords, Percival knocks him to the ground. Gwaine comes up as the other guy is about to swing and they cross swords. Each cut down a man. They go after Morgana. Gwaine catches up to her. She hears him and stops and glances over her shoulder. As Morgana starts to walk to him Percival jumps out through two trees with a dagger, he grabs her and stabs her in the side. With his back turn, Morgana throws him and then Gwaine with a flash of her eyes and hand motions. They are both rendered unconscious.]
MORGANA: Did you really think you could outwit me?
[FOREST]
[Merlin leads the way. He holds up his hand, Arthur stops. They see smoke up ahead.]
ARTHUR: Saxons? [Merlin uses magic to 'see' the way to the fire. It’s an old smoldering fire and no one is there.]
MERLIN: They're long gone.
ARTHUR: How do you know? MERLIN: I can 'see' the path ahead.
ARTHUR: So you're not an idiot. That was another lie.
MERLIN: No, it’s just another part of my charm. [They continue on.]
[CREEPY FOREST]
[Gwaine comes around and sees that he is tied between two trees. Morgana is standing before him with a box.] MORGANA: Tell me where the king is.
GWAINE: I'd rather die.
MORGANA: Then you shall have your wish...once you've told me. [She kneels down.]
MORGANA: Not even you Sir knight, can resist the charms of the Nathair. [Morgana opens the box and a small black snake raise up, hissing. Gwaine struggle against his bonds.] [Percival come around. He is tied to two huge trees with the rope wrapped around wrists several times. He tests the ropes. Gwaine screams in the distance. Percival grabs ahold of the ropes with his hands and pulls, his face turning red with effort. The ropes break and he falls to his knees. He gets up.]
[FOREST]
[Merlin and Arthur walk along. Merlin hears Saxons up ahead and holds his hand up. Arthur glances up.]
MERLIN: In there. [They turn to their right and hide in a secluded area off the path. Three Saxons on horseback come up the path. Arthur leans against a tree. Merlin watches from behind one. He sees a print that they left behind.]
MERLIN: Andslyht! [A small wind blows leaves across the print. The Saxons stop and look around. Merlin makes the bushes rustle to the right of the Saxons with a flash of his eyes.]
SAXON: This way. [The Saxons leave.]
ARTHUR: You've done this before. [Merlin glances at Arthur then back to watch the Saxons.] ARTHUR: All these years, Merlin...You never once sought any credit.
MERLIN: It's not why I do it. Come on. [Merlin puts Arthur’s arm over his shoulders and helps away.]
[CREEPY FOREST]
[Percival walks up to Gwaine who is slumped over. Percival lifts Gwaine’s head up.]
GWAINE: She's riding for Avalon.
PERCIVAL: Gwaine.
GWAINE: I failed.
PERCIVAL: No. You haven't. [Gwaine slowly dies.]Gwaine! Gwaine!
[FOREST]
[Merlin and Arthur ride along. Merlin looks back and Arthur is slumped over the side of his horse.]
MERLIN: Arthur! [Merlin dismounts and goes to Arthur. He straightens him up.]
ARTHUR: I can't go on.
MERLIN: There's not far to go. we need to reach the lake before dawn.
ARTHUR: No, Merlin. No.
MERLIN: All right. We rest for an hour.
[Morgana races through the trees.]
[FOREST] [There’s a fire going. Arthur is sitting against a log. Merlin gives Arthur some water.]
ARTHUR: Merlin, whatever happens...
MERLIN: Shh...don't talk.
ARTHUR: I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do.
MERLIN: I always have. I'm not going to change now.
ARTHUR: I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.
MERLIN: Does that mean you're gonna give me a day off?
ARTHUR: Two.
MERLIN: That's generous. [Arthur's head lolls and goes down. Merlin checks his pulse.]
MERLIN: Get some sleep.
[Morgana continues on.] -----------
[Merlin glances up at the moon. He goes to Arthur and wakes him up.]
MERLIN: Arthur. We need to get moving. [Arthur barely moves and Merlin shakes him.] Arthur. We've wasted enough time.
-------------
[Percival dismounts from his horse and looks at the tracks Morgana left.]
------------
[Merlin and Arthur continue on. They stop again and Merlin helps Arthur forward to a log and sits him down. Avalon is in the distance.]
MERLIN: Avalon. We'll get there. [Something spooks the horses and they take off. Merlin gets up and tries to stop them.]
MERLIN: Whoa, whoa, whoa. [Morgana comes up.]
MORGANA: Hello, Emrys. [Merlin goes to turn around. Morgana throws him with a flash of her eyes. Arthur tries to reach for his sword. Thinking that Merlin is unconscious she turns to Arthur.]
MORGANA: What a joy it is to see you, Arthur. Look at you, not so tall and mighty now. You may have won the battle, but you've lost the war. You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry, my dear brother, I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you, [Merlin is behind Morgana. He draws Excalibur quietly.] until the wolves gorge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.
MERLIN: No, the time for all this blood shed is over. [Morgana turns, stands and faces him.] I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.
MORGANA: I am a High Priestess. No mortal blade can kill me. [Merlin stabs her and she starts to feel the effect of the blade. Arthur looks on.]
MERLIN: This is no mortal blade. Like yours, it was forged in a dragon's breath. [Merlin holds Morgana as she dies. He lowers her to the ground and withdraws the sword.]
MERLIN: Goodbye, Morgana. [She takes her final breath.] [Merlin goes to Arthur and helps him up.]
ARTHUR: You've brought peace at last.
MERLIN: Arthur. [Merlin supports Arthur as they walk. Arthur is dragging Excalibur.]
MERLIN: Come on. We have to make it to the lake. [Arthur drops to the ground landing on Merlin.]
ARTHUR: Merlin...not without the horses. We can't, it's too late. It's too late.
MERLIN: No.
ARTHUR: All your magic, Merlin, can't save my life.
MERLIN: I can. I'm not going to lose you. [Merlin struggles to stand to help Arthur. Arthur pats his hand.]
ARTHUR: Just, just hold me. Please. [Merlin stops trying to get up.]
ARTHUR: There's something I want to say..
MERLIN: You're not going to say goodbye.
ARTHUR: No, Merlin...Everything you've done. I know now. For me, for Camelot. For the kingdom you helped me build...
MERLIN: You'd have done it without me.
ARTHUR: Maybe. I want to say...something I've never said to you before...[Arthur turns his head more and looks at Merlin.] Thank you.[Arthur reaches up and touches Merlin on the back of the head. His hand falls.]
MERLIN: Arthur...No! Arthur! Stay with me [He feels his pulse.] Arthur! Arthur. Come on. [Merlin tries to move Arthur but can't.] Arthur!
MERLIN: O drakon! E male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes! [Merlin manages to get out from underneath Arthur. He presses his forehead against Arthur's. Kilgharrah arrives.]
MERLIN: Kilgharrah. I would not have summoned you, if there was any other choice. I have one last favor to ask. [Kilgharrah takes them to the lake. Merlin is dragging Arthur toward a small boat.]
KILGHARRAH: Merlin. There is nothing you can do.
MERLIN: I've failed?
KILGHARRAH: No, young warlock, for all that you have dreamt of building, has come to pass.
MERLIN: I can't lose him! He's my friend!
KILGHARRAH: Though no man, no matter how great, can know his destiny, some lives have been foretold, Merlin...Arthur is not just a King-he is the Once and Future King. Take heart, for when Albion's need is greatest, Arthur will rise again. It has been a privilege to have known you, young warlock-the story we have been a part of will live long in the minds of men.
[Kilgharrah flies off. Merlin watches. He then lowers Arthur to the ground.]
[Merlin stares out over the lake, holding Excalibur. He looks down at the sword, and then raises it up in front of him looking at it. Merlin then throws Excalibur into the lake and it is caught by Freya's hand and drawn back under the water while he watches resignedly.]
[Arthur is laid in a boat, his cloak arranged and his hands folded over his chest. Merlin places a hand on Arthur's forehead. Merlin breaks down.]
MERLIN: Arthur. In sibbe gerest. [The boat sets off on the lake. Merlin watches, weeping.]
[KING'S PALACE-THRONE ROOM]
[Gwen sits on the throne, looking at the Royal Seal. Leon stands beside her. She lifts her head, looks at him and gives a slight nod. The knights, the council and the court members. Percival looks up.]
LEON: The King is dead. [Gaius and Gwen share a glance. Gwen looks back at Leon.]
LEON: Long live the Queen!
ALL: Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! [Gwen looks at everyone standing before her.] ------------
[MODERN DAY]
[The pillar of stone that was the center of the Sidhe powers still stands but not like it did before. A truck rushes by, and an aged Merlin is seen walking past what was once the lake of Avalon, waiting for Arthur to rise as Kilgharrah told him he is destined to do.]