Transcript:The Gates of Avalon

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'S CHMABERS]
[Arthur drifts under water wearing his armour. A woman stands over him. Morgana wakes with a gasp. She is terrified.]

MORGANA (whisper)
Arthur! Arthur!

--

OPENING CREDITS

--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur slinks through the woods with a crossbow. Merlin bursts out of the trees and bumps in to Arthur as he's about to shoot.]

MERLIN
What is it?

ARTHUR (angry)
You really are a total buffoon, aren't you, Merlin?

MERLIN
I was just asking.

ARTHUR
Who? Me or the deer?! We're supposed to be hunting. It requires speed, stealth and an agile mind.

MERLIN
So you're able to get by on two out of three, then?

[A woman screams.]

MERLIN
What was that?

ARTHUR
Quiet.

AULFRIC
(distant): Please! Don't!

SOFIA
(distant): Help!

[Arthur grabs his sword from Merlin.]

[A man lays on the ground as a bandit draws his sword to kill him. A young woman struggles with three other purse snatchers.]

AULFRIC
No, no, I beg you! Mercy!

BANDIT
Give us some money!

SOPHIA
Help me! Help me!

[Arthur shoots one of the robbers. The others attacks Arthur. The man gets up and holds the young woman while Arthur fights off the bandits.]

MERLIN
*spell*

[A large tree branch falls on top of one of the bandits trying to attack Arthur from behind. Arthur kills the one in front of him and the last bandit runs off. Arthur looks up at the tree.]

ARTHUR
Stroke of luck.

MERLIN
And let that be a lesson to you!

[Arthur gives him a look.]

MERLIN
What? I was covering your back.

ARTHUR
(to the man and the young woman): You alright? Didn't hurt you?

[The young woman turns to Arthur and removes her hood.]

SOPHIA
No... Thanks to you. I'm Sophia. This is my father

ARTHUR
Arthur Pendragon... at your service.

[Arthur kisses Sophia's hand. He looks dazzled by her beauty.]

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

Sophia and her father stand before the court

AULFRIC
My name is Aulfric, heir to Tír-Mòr. This is my daughter, Sophia.

UTHER
You're a long way from home. What brings you to Camelot?

AULFRIC
Our home was sacked by raiders, We barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry.

[Arthur leaning on a pillar cannot take his eyes from Sophia.]

UTHER
These are dangerous times. What will you do?

AULFRIC
We travel west to Caerleon where we have family and, I hope, a new life.

UTHER
You must stay here awhile, (Arthur looks relieved) break your journey. A noble family like yours is always welcome in Camelot.

[Arthur stares at Sophia when she exits with her father. She stares back at him. Merlin smiles.]

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

ARTHUR
Make sure you put her in a decent room.

MERLIN
The one next door's empty.

ARTHUR
The one next door's fine. Excellent, in fact… (Merlin smiles) Shut up, Merlin.

MERLIN
What? I didn't say anything.

ARTHUR
You didn't have to. I want to make it clear that my intentions towards Sophia are completely honorable. Put her in the room on the other side of the castle. It's warmer, more comfortable.

MERLIN
Of course. She…er...is very beautiful.

ARTHUR
Yes, she is.

MERLIN
And if your intentions are honorable...

ARTHUR
Oh, they are. Most definitely.

MERLIN
Then what's the problem with her staying next door?

ARTHUR
There isn't one. You've convinced me. Put her in the room next to mine.

KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR

[Merlin hands Sophia a blanket.]

MERLIN
If you need anything, just let me know.

SOPHIA
Thank you.

[Sophia enters her guest room. Morgana sees her. They both exchange a look. Morgana approaches Merlin anxiously.]

MORGANA
Who is that?

MERLIN
Er…Sophia Tír-Mòr. We rescued her in the woods. Well, Arthur did most of the rescuing.

MORGANA
She can't stay here.

MERLIN
The King said that she and her father are welcome in Camelot. Is everything ok?

MORGANA
Yes. Thank you.

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Morgana enters just as Gaius takes a flask off of the burner.]

MORGANA
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you.

GAIUS
Nonsense, my child. My favourite patient is always welcome. Gaius kisses her cheek.

GAIUS
I'm sorry about the mess. Most of it's Merlin's. If I'd known you were coming, I'd have tidied up in here.

MORGANA
Er…it's not that. It's just...your bench is on fire.

GAIUS
My bench is on fire? What are you...(turns to look) My bench is on fire!

MORGANA
(hands him a bucket): Here.

GAIUS
(uses tongs to drop the flask in the water): You're always getting me into trouble. What brings you to this dark corner?

MORGANA
I had another dream.

GAIUS
I see.

MORGANA
I saw Arthur lying under water, drowning, and there was a woman standing over him, watching him die. And she's here in Camelot.

GAIUS
The mind plays tricks. It borrows from everyday life and plays out its own fantasy.

MORGANA
But I had this dream before she came to Camelot.

GAIUS
You must be mistaken.

MORGANA
No, I know what I saw. It was so real...so vivid. I saw him die, Gaius. She's going to kill him.

GAIUS
These are just dreams, Morgana, nothing more. Are you taking the sleeping draught I made up for you?

MORGANA
Oh, it doesn't help.

GAIUS
Here. Try this. It will induce a deeper sleep (hands her a bottle) You've nothing to fear.

MORGANA
Thank you, Gaius.

GAIUS
Morgana. Don't bother Uther about this. No need to worry him.

FOREST, BANDIT’S CAMPFIRE - NIGHT

[Aulfric approaches the bandit that got away. The bandit stands up and draws his sword.]

AULFRIC
You can dispense with the unpleasantries…your payment.

[Aulfric holds up a leather pouch.]

BANDIT
I want more. My friends are dead because of you.

AULFRIC
Yes. I'm sorry. Such a dreadful waste of life. But if it's any consolation, you'll see them again soon…má réðe cine týne!

[Aulfric’s eyes redden and he kills the bandit with his staff.]

KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Morgana stirs restlessly in her sleep. She sees the same vision of Arthur drowning with Sophia standing over him. Morgana wakes She is terrified.]

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY

ARTHUR
I'm taking Sophia out for a ride today. You know, show her around.

MERLIN
Where do I come into this?

ARTHUR
Well, I'm supposed to be on patrol with the guard of my father this morning, so I need you to cover for me.

MERLIN
What, and lie to the King? No. No way. No, he'll see right through me. He'll have me in the stocks quicker than you can say rotten tomatoes.

ARTHUR
Merlin.

[Merlin sighs]

ARTHUR
I need you to do this for me.

MERLIN
I am a terrible liar. I start sweating, my…my vision blurs, my…my brain stops working.

ARTHUR
Well, no change there, then. Look, I promised Sophia I'd take her out and if I don't turn up it'll blow my chances.

MERLIN
You like her, then?

ARTHUR
Yeah. What's not to like? I want to spend some more time with her, but I need to get my father off my back. I can't order you to lie to the King, but ...you'd be a friend for life if you did.

MERLIN
Go on, then, you don't want to keep her waiting.

ARTHUR
Thanks, Merlin. I won't forget it.

KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY

[Morgana watches Arthur ride out of Camelot with Sophia.]

GUINEVERE
You're sure it's her?

MORGANA
I could never forget that face.

GUINEVERE
You should speak to the King.

MORGANA
And tell him what? That I can see the future?

GUINEVERE
If you think Arthur's life is in danger.

MORGANA
You know how he'd react.

GUINEVERE
You're his ward, he wouldn't harm you.

MORGANA
He hates magic more than he cares for me.

GUINEVERE
That's not true.

MORGANA
Would you care to put it to the test?

GUINEVERE
But what else can you do?

MORGANA
I'm going to have to try and stop her myself.

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

UTHER
Where's my son?

MERLIN
I'm not sure where he is. I…erm…I think there's been a mistake. But it's not his fault. Arthur's, I mean.

UTHER
Stop gibbering and tell me where he is.

MERLIN
It's probably... No, it's definitely my fault.

UTHER
Where is Arthur?!

MERLIN
He's not here.

UTHER
I can see that.

MERLIN
Arthur wasn't sure of his orders, so he asked me to check with the guards to see if he was riding out this morning and...well...I may have forgotten.

UTHER
You forgot? MERLIN
I'm sorry, My Lord. I am sure he would have been here had I told him.

UTHER
If this was a time of war, I would have you flogged.

MERLIN
And since it's not, we'll let it go just this once?

LOWER TOWN - DAY

[Merlin is pelted with rotten tomatoes in the stocks.]

MERLIN
I forgot how much fun this was.

FOREST - DAY

[Arthur walks through the woods with Sophia.]

ARTHUR
The river's not far. It's just down here.

SOPHIA
Arthur...wait.

ARTHUR
What is it?

[Sophia takes Arthur's hands and looks into his eyes.]

SOPHIA
(spell): Túce hwón frec'úre, Artur.

GUARD
(distant): You there! Halt!

[Sophia backs away and Arthur tackles her as an arrow flies at them. Arthur runs toward the guards.]

GUARD
(distant): Sorry!

ARTHUR
(distant): Sorry?! You nearly shot a crossbow in my face! What do you mean you're sorry?!

[Sophia looks fearfully at the arrow in the tree behind her. Arthur jogs back.]

ARTHUR
You okay?

SOPHIA
Yes. Thanks to you.

ARTHUR
They were searching for the bandits that attacked you yesterday. Here.

[Arthur picks up Sophia’s staff to give it to her.]

SOPHIA
(angry): Don't…touch that!

ARTHUR
(puzzled): I'm sorry…Maybe we should go back.

SOPHIA
It's fine. I…I'm sorry, I was upset. Now, don't let this spoil our day together. We were having such a nice time. Let's go down to the river.

ARTHUR
I'm taking you back to Camelot (Sophia looks worried). Your father would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you.

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Merlin enters covered in rotten tomatoes.]

GAIUS
Have you been playing with your food again?

MERLIN
The King put me in the stocks.

GAIUS
What'd you do this time?

MERLIN
Nothing. Honestly, it wasn't my fault (pours water in a basin) Arthur wanted to get out of going on patrol with Uther and the guard, so I covered for him and took the blame.

GAIUS
And Arthur was prepared to let you do this?

MERLIN
It was his idea.

[Merlin washes his face.]

GAIUS
And what made him neglect his duties? It must've been something terribly important.

MERLIN
(smiling): Sophia.

GAIUS
(looks concerned): The girl from the forest?

MERLIN
He wanted to take her out for the day (takes food out of his hair) He is besotted.

GAIUS
But they've only just met.

MERLIN
I know. I guess it must have been love at first sight.

GAIUS
Yes…I suppose it must be.

KING’S PALACE – CORRIDOR

[Gaius is walking toward Aulfric’s bedchambers. He checks if anyone is around and enters.]

AULFRIC'S GUEST CHAMBERS

[Gaius snoops around and inspects Aulfric's staff and the writings on it. He doesn’t hear Aulfric enter.

AULFRIC
Can I help?

GAIUS
(startles): Forgive me. The door was open. I thought someone may have broken in.

AULFRIC
(angry): Looks like they have! (his eyes have reddened)

GAIUS
I apologise for imposing on you. It won't happen again (starts to leave. He has seen the red eyes and looks suspiciously at Aulfric)

AULFRIC
(threatening voice): Make sure it doesn't.

KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE

[Arthur and Sophia ride in and dismount. Sophia looks worried.]

ARTHUR
You're sure you'll be alright?

SOPHIA
Yes. Thank you for today (kisses Arthur's cheek) Good night, Arthur.

[Arthur watches her until she is inside the castle.]

KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE

[Sophia enters the palace and bumps into Morgana.]

SOPHIA
Sorry! (smiles) Lady Morgana, isn't it? I'm Sophia.

MORGANA
(drily): What are you doing here?

SOPHIA
My father and I are guests of the King.

MORGANA
You're lying. I know what you're going to do to him, and I won't let it happen.

SOPHIA
Does Arthur know you feel this way about him? Of course he does. I suspect he's already turned you down.

MORGANA
Don't think you can make a fool out of me.

SOPHIA
I won't have to. You're managing to do that well enough already.

MORGANA
Stay away from him.

SOPHIA
Or what? (pause) Jealousy is such an unattractive trait in a women.

MORGANA
If anything happens to Arthur, I'll find you. However long it takes.

KING’S PALACE, AULFRIC'S GUEST CHAMBERS

[Sophia enters.]

AULFRIC
You've not been gone as long as I expected.

SOPHIA
We were interrupted.

AULFRIC
What happened?

SOPHIA
I was nearly killed. For a moment, I felt what it would be like to die a mortal death. He saved me. Someone so weak, so feeble, saved me! I can't bear to be like this a moment longer.

AULFRIC
You won't have to. Once his heart is yours, the gates of Avalon will open once again for us and we can regain our true form.

SOPHIA
I need a little more time.

AULFRIC
You must hurry. The physician can see us for what we truly are.

SOPHIA
And he is not alone. The Lady Morgana. She fears her powers, but that will not keep her quiet for long.

AULFRIC
Tomorrow, you have to finish the enchantment otherwise our chance to rid us of these mortal shells will be lost forever.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

MORGANA
You seem very fond of her.

ARTHUR
You make that sound like a bad thing.

MORGANA
Not necessarily. I've just never seen you fall under a woman's spell so quickly.

ARTHUR
If you're jealous, Morgana, it's ok to admit it.

MORGANA
Don't flatter yourself.

ARTHUR
Come on. It wouldn't be the first time now, would it?

MORGANA
Arthur, I'm trying to protect you! She isn't what she seems.

ARTHUR
Why? What makes you say that?

MORGANA
I just have a feeling. It's difficult to describe. I had a dream. A nightmare.

ARTHUR
(laughing): You really are very sweet, Morgana.

MORGANA
Why are you laughing?

ARTHUR
You! Your feelings, bad dreams. You don't have to make this stuff up. You can tell me the truth. It's obvious you like me.

MORGANA
Less and less by the second.

ARTHUR
All right. Whatever you say.

MORGANA
You're intolerable. Just hope I'm wrong about her.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY

[Merlin is getting Arthur’s armour ready. Arthur comes in.]

MERLIN
You're dressed!

ARTHUR
Nothing gets past you, does it, Merlin?

MERLIN
What…You're supposed to be wearing these! Your father's bestowing a knighthood on one of your men this morning!

ARTHUR
I'm giving it a miss.

MERLIN
Won't the King mind?

ARTHUR
Not if you…er…cover for me, again. By the way, thanks for yesterday, I heard you ended up in the stocks. Bad luck.

MERLIN
They were throwing potatoes at me. It's only supposed to be rotten fruit.

ARTHUR
I'm not sure there's any hard-and-fast rules, but if it's any consolation, I think it was worth it.

MERLIN
(gets closer): What? It went well?

ARTHUR
Great. Fantastic (Arthur looks lost in his mind) She's incredible.

MERLIN
Don't worry. I'll find a way to get you out of it.

ARTHUR
Just make sure you don't end up in the stocks this time.

MERLIN
I won't. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this whole deception lark.

LOWER TOWN - DAY

[Merlin is pelted with rotten food in the stocks.]

FOREST - DAY

[Arthur and Sophia frolic through the woods.]

ARTHUR
Wai…wait! Careful.

SOPHIA
Don't worry. I will be (she comes close to Arthur and looks in is eyes) túce hwón frec 'úre, artur.

ARTHUR
What are you doing?

[Sophia takes Arthur's hand and comes closer.]

SOPHIA
Þec nom feoh gyse. Cume morðor rice ær. Túce hwón frec úre, Artur.

[Sophia and Arthur's eyes glow red.]

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Merlin enters covered in rotten food. Gaius sits at his desk.]

GAIUS
Not again Merlin, surely?

MERLIN
You would think that the appeal of pelting the same person with fruit would wear off after a while, but, oh, no!

GAIUS
I heard that Arthur wasn't at the knighting ceremony.

MERLIN
Yeah (pours water in a basin) he wanted to make the most of his time left with Sophia.

GAIUS
So you helped him?

MERLIN
(start to wash): I'm his servant, I had to.

GAIUS
You shouldn't have done that, Merlin (he looks up at Gaius) I fear that Sophia may not be all that she seems.

MERLIN
Why?

GAIUS
(gets up): What do you know about seers?

MERLIN
Not much. They're…supposed to be able to see the future, like prophets?

GAIUS
It's said to be an innate ability. Those who have it are born that way. Some aren't even aware that what they see is the future. It comes to them in their dreams (sits on a bench the other side of his desk)

MERLIN
What's this got to do with Sophia?

GAIUS
The night before she and Aulfric came to Camelot, Morgana had a dream. Sophia was in it.

MERLIN
(surprised): Before she arrived in Camelot?

GAIUS
I've been watching Morgana since she was very young. And though I tried to persuade myself otherwise, I realised that (Merlin has come closer and sat on the bench near Gaius) some of the things she said she'd dreamt came to pass. I kept it secret from Uther, of course. The gift of prophecy is too close to the work of magic.

MERLIN
You think Morgana is a seer?

GAIUS
I don't think it. I fear it. Morgana said she dreamt that Sophia killed Arthur.

MERLIN
Couldn't that have just been a dream? Maybe the- the woman Morgana saw just looked like Sophia.

GAIUS
That's what I hoped. But Aulfric caught me in Sophia's room and, in a flash of anger, his eyes changed colour.

MERLIN
Who are they?

GAIUS
It's not who they are that worries me. It's what they want with Arthur.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

[Sophia continues enchanting Arthur.]

SOPHIA
Our love is strong. You feel the same way, too. If we were ever to be parted...?

ARTHUR
I'd never let that happen.

SOPHIA
You may not have the choice. There are some here who don't want us to be together.

ARTHUR
I'll never let them come between us.

SOPHIA
Because we are in love.

ARTHUR
Because we're in love.

SOPHIA
You must seek permission for us to marry... so that we can be together.

ARTHUR
Till death do us part.

SOPHIA
Túce hwón frec'úre, artur.

[Sophia's eyes glow red and she kisses Arthur.]

SOPHIA
Till death do us part.

[Arthur's eyes glow red and Sophia exits.]

KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR

[Aulfric meets Sophia outside Arthur's door.]

SOPHIA
He's ready. Tomorrow he'll do what we need him to.

AULFRIC
Good, you have done well. I must go to the elders.

[Merlin sees Aulfric as he turns the corner to Arthur's Chambers and follows him.]

WOODS, LAKE OF AVALON

[Merlin follows Aulfric into the woods. Aulfric reaches the Lake. Merlin watches him from behind a tree. The wind has started to blow. Aulfric addresses the Lake.]

AULFRIC
I seek an audience with the Sidhe elders! Do:tiag-sa ar idbairt do denam!

[A blue haze and fairies appear over the lake. The fairies fly faster than a human eye can see. Merlin adjusts his sight and through his eyes we watch everything in slow-motion. Merlin is amazed by what he sees and he smiles.]

AULFRIC
I come before you to plead for the chance to win passage back to Avalon and a life of immortality! One of the fairies, the Sidhe Elder, comes close to Aulfric. Merlin watches

SIDHE ELDER
Your punishment for killing another Sidhe is a mortal body and a mortal life. You will never be able to return to Avalon.

AULFRIC
The crime was mine, not my daughter's.

SIDHE ELDER
The gates of Avalon remain closed to your daughter. Unless the soul of a mortal prince be offered up to them.

AULFRIC
Thank you. An immortal life for my daughter is all that I desire, so I promise you the soul of the greatest prince of all. Arthur Pendragon! Merlin realizes that Arthur’s life is in great danger. The fairies disappear into the Lake and Aulfric laughs.

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

GAIUS
Avalon. What you saw at the lake, it's Avalon. It must be…

MERLIN
What's...

GAIUS
The land of eternal youth. Mortals are only supposed to glimpse it the moment before death.

MERLIN
Well, I've seen it and I'm still here.

GAIUS
Extraordinary. What did it look like?

MERLIN
Does it matter? They're going to sacrifice Arthur and we don't even know who "they" are yet.

GAIUS
We do now (Gaius sits by his desk. Merlin follows him) I found writing like this on the top of Aulfric's staff. It's Ogham, an ancient script. Abas ocus bithe. Duthectad bithlane. "To hold life and death in your hands." From the writing on his staff and what you saw at the lake, I'm afraid I'm now certain. We're dealing with the Sidhe.

MERLIN
That does not sound like a good thing.

GAIUS
They're masters of enchantment.

MERLIN
You think Arthur's been enchanted?

GAIUS
(nods): Almost certainly. I'm afraid Morgana's dream is coming true.

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER

[Arthur stands before Uther who is reading documents. Morgana sits next to Uther. Ulfric and Sophia are one step behind Arthur.]

ARTHUR
I request this audience, Father, to discuss a matter of great importance(Merlin enters the council chamber) It cannot have escaped your attention that I and Lady Sophia Tír-Mòr have grown very close.

UTHER
(teasing): Not too close, I hope.

ARTHUR
We're in love (Uther and Morgana exchange a look) Which is why I come before you today to ask your permission to marry.

[Merlin and Morgana look concerned.]

UTHER
(first startled then laughs): I assume you're joking.

ARTHUR
No. I'm going to marry her.

UTHER
But you only met two days ago.

ARTHUR
We're in love.

UTHER
In love? We had no idea that you were such a romantic (turning to Morgana)had we, Morgana?

MORGANA
No. (pause) He's full of surprises.

ARTHUR
I'm going to marry her. I don't care what either of you think about it.

UTHER
I thought you'd come to ask my permission?

ARTHUR
Out of courtesy, nothing more.

[Arthur turns back, takes Sophia's hand and they walk toward the door.]

UTHER
Guards, door.

[The guards prevent Arthur and Sophia from leaving.]

UTHER
(stands up): You've forgotten whose court you're standing in.

ARTHUR
You won't stop me. If I want to marry her, I will.

UTHER
(to the guards): Arrest Sophia and Aulfric Tír-Mòr…

[The guards step forward.]

ARTHUR
What are you doing?

UTHER
…and inform the executioner his services will be required tomorrow morning.

ARTHUR
You can't do this.

UTHER
(raises his voice): Yes! I can! And unless you show me some respect (leans to Arthur) I will!

[Arthur reluctantly bows his head.]

UTHER
Release them. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Sophia is no doubt your first love, but she certainly won't be the only one. Enjoy yourself while you can.

KING’S PALACE, COURTYARD CORRIDOR

[Morgana follows Uther.]

UTHER
You're not planning on springing any surprises on me, are you?

MORGANA
Don't you think you should be taking this a bit more seriously?

UTHER
He's young, foolish and in love. Give it a week and he'll be chasing after the next girl that catches his eye.

MORGANA
Sophia will never let that happen.

UTHER
Do you bear a grudge against our guest?

MORGANA
There's something about her I don't trust. You've seen the way Arthur changed since she's arrived.

UTHER
He's a fool in love.

MORGANA
She's dangerous.

UTHER
Dangerous? To who?

MORGANA
Arthur.

UTHER
Why do you say that?

MORGANA
I just have a sense, a feeling.

UTHER
And what has she done to make you have this feeling?

MORGANA
Nothing, yet. It's what she's going to do…I don't know how to tell you this.

UTHER
Try. Whatever it is, you can tell me.

[They stop and face each other. Uther waits for Morgana to speak.]

MORGANA
I've just seen girls like this before. They string men along and then drop them. I don't want to see him get hurt.

UTHER
I know you want to protect him, but some lessons we have to learn for ourselves. He'll hurt for a week and then Sophia will be forgotten.

MORGANA
I hope so.

UTHER
Are you sure there's nothing else behind this?

MORGANA
Yes, it's nothing. Uther leaves. Morgana looks desperate.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT

[Arthur's packs for travel. He wears his chainmails. Merlin enters.]

ARTHUR
Get out.

MERLIN
I thought the King was a bit harsh.

ARTHUR
I don't need sympathy, Merlin, especially not from you.

MERLIN
But I did think he had a point.

ARTHUR
(angrily): I ordered you to get out. Now leave me!

MERLIN
I know what you think you're doing, and I know you think you're in love with Sophia...

ARTHUR
Who are you to tell me what I'm thinking?

MERLIN
I'm your friend.

ARTHUR
No, Merlin, you're my servant.

MERLIN
You don't know what you're doing. She's cast a spell on you. You're enchanted.

SOPHIA
(enters the room with Aulfric) : I told you people would try to keep us apart.

ARTHUR
I know. I won't let that happen.

MERLIN
Look, don't listen to her, she's controlling you.

SOPHIA
We can elope together. Get away from this place, these people.

MERLIN
I saw you. I followed him. They're planning to sacrifice you.

AULFRIC
You let your servant talk to your guests this way?

MERLIN
I know what you're going to do, because I followed you to the lake and I heard everything. You have to believe me.

[Arthur seems lost and looks like he does not know who to believe.]

SOPHIA
Don't listen to him, Arthur. Let's go. Let's leave tonight.

MERLIN
She's going to kill you. Sophia plans to sacrifice you to buy a life of immortality. If you go with her, you'll die.

ARTHUR
It…it doesn't make sense. We're…we're in love.

MERLIN
They're magical beings! Look at the writing on the staff.

[Merlin lunges forward to grab Aulfric's staff; Aulfric's eyes flash red.]

MERLIN
Look at his eyes. Look at him. Do you believe me now? Arthur, do you see?

[Arthur turns round. His eyes are also red.]

ARTHUR
I see everything. Merlin lunges toward Aulfric, but Aulfric uses his staff.

AULFRIC
Na mben sis!

[Aulfric's spell throws Merlin against the wall and knocks him unconscious.]

KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
[Morgana looks out her window and sees Arthur leaving the Square with Sophia and Aulfric. She runs out of her chambers.]

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Morgana runs in.]

MORGANA
He's gone! Arthur's gone with her! She's taken him!

GAIUS
Slow down.

MORGANA
I know you don't believe me, but I'm so sure it's going to happen. My dream's going to come true.

GAIUS
I do believe you.

MORGANA
I've got to tell Uther. Gaius: You can't. Morgana: I've got to do something, if I don't then Arthur will die.

GAIUS
You can't tell Uther about your dream. If Uther thinks you've got the seers' power, he'll charge you with witchcraft.

MORGANA
I don't have a choice. I couldn't live with myself knowing I'd let him die.

GAIUS
Wait. We've known each other a long time, you trust me don't you?

MORGANA
Yes, you know I do.

GAIUS
Then trust me now. Stay here and don't say a word to anyone about this. Morgana: But Arthur...

GAIUS
I'll take care of it.

MORGANA
Where are you going?

GAIUS
To find someone who can help. He leaves and motions her to stay inside.

WOODS - NIGHT

[Arthur walks through the woods with Sophia and Aulfric.]

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

[Gaius enters as Merlin is just coming around.]

GAIUS
Merlin! What happened to you? Gaius kneels down and helps Merlin

MERLIN
Aulfric. Where's Arthur? I have got to go after him. What's that buzzing noise?

GAIUS
Careful, Merlin, you can barely stand up.

MERLIN
I have to go.

GAIUS
You can't, not in this state. You owe it to your powers that you survived this at all.

MERLIN
I'll be fine, he needs me.

GAIUS
Has that buzzing stopped?

MERLIN
Yeah.

GAIUS
Liar.

MERLIN
I have to go, Gaius. He'll die if I don't.

GAIUS
The Sidhe are a vicious people. You must be careful.

MERLIN
Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Walks toward the window

GAIUS
Merlin? (points at the door) This way.

MERLIN
Just testing. Merlin runs through the forest.

LAKE OF AVALON

[An oblivious Arthur is standing with Sophia and Aulfric. Sophia puts he staff on the grass.]

AULFRIC
Go. They are waiting for you.

SOPHIA
I don't understand. You're coming too.

AULFRIC
Only one of us can pass through. This was never meant for me.

SOPHIA
But…I only wanted this so we could both return to Avalon.

AULFRIC
Your destiny is on a different path to mine. It is my fate to live a mortal life.

SOPHIA
( crying): I don't want to leave you.

AULFRIC
You must. Once the ceremony begins you have to go through with it. The elders expect a soul. If they don't get his they will take yours.

SOPHIA
Goodbye (she hugs her father) I will never forget you.

[She takes Arthur's hand and leads him into the lake. Merlin continues running. Sophia and Arthur are now in the lake. They stop,water at waist-height. They hold hands. Ulfric starts the ceremony.]

AULFRIC
Ia bend dǽdon níwe. Cúðon gare íewe deahl sǽ áre. Sé áre. Ig bæþ deahl sǽ néah. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him.

[Merlin trips in the woods, then keeps running.]

AULFRIC
An 'wén. Flíete á. Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him. An 'wén. Flíete á.

[Sophia kisses Arthur.]

AULFRIC
Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him. An 'wén. Flíete á. Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him, Arthur Pendragon. Arthur falls backwards into the water. Merlin keeps running. Aulfric keeps incanting.

AULFRIC
Ia bend dǽdon níwe. Cúðon gare íewe deahl sǽ néah. Sé áre. Ig bæþ deahl sǽ néah. An 'wén. Flíete á. Dómdæg. Déaþ ór cwylþ óga him.

[Merlin arrives and sees Aulfric's Sophia's staff on the ground.]

MERLIN
Onbregdan.

[The staff flies into Merlin's hand. Merlin points it at Aulfric.]

MERLIN
Swilte, gold beorþ. A bolt of light hits Aulfric and he explodes.

SOPHIA
Father! No! No! Sophia tries to run to the shore. Merlin points the staff at her.

MERLIN
Óga ceoles. A bolt of light hits Sophia and she explodes. Merlin takes his jacket off as he runs into the water.

MERLIN
Arthur! Arthur! Arthur! Merlin finds Arthur under the water and brings him to the surface.

KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS

[Merlin and Gaius sit at Arthur's bedside waiting for him to wake. Arthur groans.]

MERLIN
Arthur? Arthur?

ARTHUR
What happened? Where am I?

MERLIN
Can you remember anything?

ARTHUR
Oh! Oh my head! There was a girl. Sophia, she...I asked my father something about her, I asked him... (bolts up in bed) What was I thinking?

MERLIN
Well, we did wonder. Especially when you eloped with her last night.

ARTHUR
I did what? Gaius: Merlin had to bring you back to Camelot.

ARTHUR
I don't recall any of this.

GAIUS
Must've been some blow.

ARTHUR
What blow?

MERLIN
Well…er…when I caught up with you, I couldn't persuade you to return, you were beyond reason. So I had to make you.

ARTHUR
You managed to knock me out?

MERLIN
Yep. With a lump of wood. Gaius: He only did it to bring you back safely. Arthur (points menacingly at Merlin): No one…can know about this (points at Gaius) Any of it. Is that understood?

[Merlin and Gaius look at each other and then nod. Arthur falls back on his pillows.]

KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY

[Arthur stands before the court.]

UTHER
When you failed to show up for patrol this morning, I feared you'd eloped with Sophia in a fit of passion. Arthur turns to Merlin.

MERLIN
I…I wish he had. Because then I wouldn't be stood in front of you feeling like an idiot... again.

UTHER
This is becoming a near daily occurrence for you.

MERLIN
But there was a mistake. And I would not say it was anyone's fault (Arthur looks at him) Not…not really. Erm,..you…you could say it was mine.>

UTHER
Could somebody tell me what happened? Merlin: Well... Uther: Someone with a brain.

ARTHUR
After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off her so I went for a hunt.

MORGANA
And killing things mends a broken heart?

ARTHUR
No, but it's good fun. Merlin was meant to inform you that I wouldn't be back till later today.

UTHER
( to Merlin): Have you some kind of mental affliction?

MERLIN
Probably. Gaius: I'm looking into it, Sire.

UTHER
Well, I hope for our sake you find a cure. Or we'll find ourselves with a food shortage on our hands. Merlin (chuckles): Food shortage… LOWER TOWN – DAY

[Merlin is pelted by rotten food in the stocks.]

KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS

[Morgana knocks and enters.]

GAIUS
Morgana.

MORGANA
I've had some troubled nights.

GAIUS
I prepared another draught for you. Have the dreams stopped?

MORGANA
(shakes head): Arthur told me what actually happened (addresses Merlin) You must've hit him round the head really hard.

MERLIN
Yeah. I feel really bad about that.

GAIUS
Here you are. Remember, every night just before you go to sleep.

MORGANA
Thank you, Gaius.

[Morgana leaves]

GAIUS
She must never find out the truth.

MERLIN
Why not? She had a premonition that helped save Arthur's life.

GAIUS
And it could've cost her her own. If Uther ever found out, things would never be the same again. It must remain a secret.

MERLIN
Is she like me? Can she use magic?

GAIUS
No one's like you, Merlin.

MERLIN
But she has the gift?

GAIUS
For her sake, I hope not.

MORGANA’S CHAMBERS

Morgana wakes from another nightmare