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.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT] [People run through the square screaming, surrounded by burning rubble. Arthur and his knights run past with crossbows.]
ARTHUR
I know you're tired, but make one last effort for me! Every shot must count!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, INFIRMARY – NIGHT]
GWEN
I don't think people can suffer a third night of this.
GAIUS
We must trust in Arthur.
GWEN
I do. But even he has little chance.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS – NIGHT]
[Merlin walks with Arthur.]
MERLIN
I'm sorry you're having to do this.
ARTHUR
Why? You're not to blame.
[The dragon approaches.]
ARTHUR
Flame up!
[The knights light their arrows and take aim.]
ARTHUR
Stay strong! For tonight is not your night to die, I will make sure of that! Hold firm! Hold! Hold! Now!
[The knights shoot arrows. dragon flames the battlements and they all duck.]
OPENING CREDITS
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, INFIRMARY – NIGHT]
GWEN
We've no clean water left.
GAIUS
I know, but it's too dangerous to go out there.
[Gwen heads for the door anyway.]
GAIUS
Gwen! Don't!
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]
[Gwen takes a bucket to the well in the Square, stepping over the rubble while everyone else flees. dragon flies overhead. she begins to draw from the well. Arthur enters the Square, watching the dragon circle above.]
ARTHUR
Clear the square!
[Arthur notices Gwen drawing from the well.]
ARTHUR
Gwen?!
[Arthur looks up at the dragon as it starts to turn for an attack.]
ARTHUR
Guinevere!
[Gwen turns and sees her peril. She runs, Arthur runs to help her. Dragon swoops and catches Arthur, causing both of them to fall. Arthur grabs Gwen's hand and they run for cover. Merlin jogs out into the square.]
MERLIN
Flēogé! Gar!
[Merlin throws a magical spear at the dragon. It glances off.]
KILGHARRAH
Do not imagine that your petty magic can harm me!
[The dragon flies off.]
MERLIN
Why are you doing this?! You're killing innocent people!
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, INFIRMARY – NIGHT]
[Gwen treats Arthur's shoulder wound in the infirmary.]
GWEN
You shouldn't've risked your life.
ARTHUR
I wasn't going to let anything happen to you.
[Gwen reaches to put the towel down, but Arthur catches her hand and presses it against his shoulder/chest, covering it with his hand. She smiles. Gaius notices and smiles at the pair. Merlin approaches him.]
GAIUS
Are you hurt?
MERLIN
There's nothing I can do. My magic is no good. It doesn't work.
GAIUS
Dragons aren't monsters. They're creatures of wonder and magic. You must realise that they're immune to your powers.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, WAR ROOM – DAY]
[Arthur, Uther, knights, and advisors meet.]
ARTHUR
The dead number 49 men, 27 women, a further 18 women and children are unaccounted for. Most of last night's fires are now out. The castle walls, in particular, the western section are near to collapse, I could go on.
UTHER
Do we have any further idea on how the beast escaped?
SIR LEON
I regret to say, Sire, we don't.
UTHER
There must be some way to rid ourselves of this aberration. Gaius?
GAIUS
We need a dragonlord, Sire.
UTHER
You know very well that's not an option.
GAIUS
Sire, what if...there was, indeed, one last dragonlord left.
UTHER
That's not possible
GAIUS
But if there was.
UTHER
What are you saying?
GAIUS
It may just be rumour.
UTHER
Go on.
GAIUS
I'm not exactly sure, but I think his name is Balinor.
UTHER
Balinor?
ARTHUR
Where does he live?
GAIUS
He was last seen in Cenred's kingdom in the border town of [place name: Engerd.], but that was many years ago.
ARTHUR
If this man still exists, then it is our duty to find him.
UTHER
Our treaty with Cenred no longer holds. We are at war. If they discovered you beyond our border, they would kill you.
ARTHUR
I will go alone.
UTHER
No.
ARTHUR
That way I will not be detected.
UTHER
No, Arthur. It is too dangerous.
ARTHUR
More dangerous than staying here? I'll not stand by and watch my men die when I have the chance to save them.
UTHER
I have given you my orders.
ARTHUR
Do not make this a test of wills, Father.
UTHER
I'm not talking to you as a father, I'm talking to you as a king!
ARTHUR
I will ride immediately.
UTHER
My concern is for you.
ARTHUR
Mine is for Camelot. I'll send word when I've found him. [to Merlin.] Prepare the horses.
[Merlin bows to Uther and follows Arthur out.]
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin packs for their journey.]
MERLIN
Who were the dragonlords? Gaius?
[Merlin pulls Gaius out of his contemplative pacing.]
GAIUS
There were once men who could talk to the dragons, tame them.
MERLIN
What happened to them?
GAIUS
Uther believed that the art of the dragonlord was too close to magic. So he had them all rounded up and slaughtered.
MERLIN
But one survived. How did you know?
GAIUS
I helped him escape.
MERLIN
Gaius.
GAIUS
Merlin, you've never heard the name Balinor?
MERLIN
No.
GAIUS
Your mother never mentioned him?
MERLIN
My mother?
GAIUS
She took him in.
MERLIN
She stood up against Uther?
GAIUS
Yes.
MERLIN
She was brave.
GAIUS
Yes. When Uther discovered where Balinor was, he sent knights to Ealdor to hunt him down. He was forced to flee.
MERLIN
Why didn't my mother tell me any of this?
GAIUS
Merlin, I promised her I would never speak of these things.
MERLIN
Of what?
GAIUS
I've always treated you as my son, but that is not what you are. The man you are going to look for is your father.
MERLIN
My father?
GAIUS
Yes.
MERLIN
He was a dragonlord? Why did no one ever tell me?!
GAIUS
I wanted to. Your mother feared it would be too dangerous.
MERLIN
I had a right to know!
GAIUS
She wanted to protect you.
MERLIN
No. I had a right to know.
--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Gaius approaches Merlin in the Square as Merlin prepares his horse.]
GAIUS
You got everything you need?
MERLIN (nods)
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...
GAIUS
I know that.
ARTHUR
Come on, Merlin.
MERLIN
You're ready?
ARTHUR
No thanks to you.
[Arthur cringes from his wound.]
MERLIN
You okay?
ARTHUR
It's just a scratch.
[Arthur trots off.]
GAIUS
Merlin, whatever happens, you must not let Arthur know who this man is. Uther would view the son of a dragonlord with the deepest suspicion.
--
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride through the woods and pause at the top of a hill overlooking a village.]
ARTHUR
This is it. One more step and we're in Cenred's kingdom. This Balinor better be worth it.
--
[INT. TAVERN INN – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin arrive in the village at night in the pouring rain. they enter a tavern and everyone stops to stare at them.]
ARTHUR
Greetings!
[A man pulls a knife out of a table.]
--
[INT. TAVERN INN – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin sit at a table and the innkeeper slops their drinks all over the table.]
ARTHUR
We're looking for a man named Balinor. I'm willing to pay...
[Arthur slaps a bag of coins in front of the innkeeper.]
ARTHUR
...handsomely.
[The innkeeper nods and leans in.]
INNKEEPER
Never heard of him.
[The innkeeper only takes the few coins Arthur already had on the end of the table.]
MERLIN
You think one of these men is Balinor?
ARTHUR
I hope not.
MERLIN
So do I.
--
[INT. TAVERN INN, GUEST CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin getting ready for bed.]
ARTHUR
What is wrong with you today?
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
It pains me to admit it, but I do enjoy your surly retorts. In fact, it's probably your only redeemable feature.
MERLIN
Thanks.
ARTHUR
There are loads of servants who can serve. So few are capable of making a complete prat of themselves. What is it?
MERLIN
Nothing.
ARTHUR
It's something. Tell me. Alright, I know I'm a prince, so we can't be friends. But if I wasn't a prince...
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
Well, then...I think we'd probably get on.
MERLIN
So?
ARTHUR
So at least can you tell me?
MERLIN
Well, that's true. But you see, if you weren't a prince, I'd tell you to mind your own damn business.
ARTHUR
Merlin. Are you missing Gaius.
MERLIN
Something like that.
ARTHUR
Well, what is it, then?
[Arthur throws a pillow at Merlin.]
MERLIN
I'll tell you. I'm worried about everyone back in Camelot. I hope they're alright.
ARTHUR
So do I.
--
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
[Leon heads the knights against the dragon back in Camelot.]
SIR LEON
Hold! Hold! Hold! Now!
[They shoot at the Great Dragon. The dragon blows fire. The knights hunch down and overlap their shields against the flames. Uther watches from his chambers.]
--
[INT. TAVERN INN, GUEST CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Someone sneaks into the room and reaches for Arthur's bag. Arthur grabs the man's hand and throws him onto Merlin's bed at knifepoint. Merlin wakes.]
MERLIN
What's going on?
ARTHUR
Do you know what the punishment is for theft?
ASGERD
No, please. I've got children to feed.
ARTHUR
Tell me where to find Balinor.
ASGERD
Balinor?
ARTHUR
What do you know of him?
ASGERD
Nothing. I...
ARTHUR
Do you value your life?
ASGERD
It's been many years since I saw him!
ARTHUR
You know where he lives?
ASGERD
You must travel through the Forest of Merendra to the foot of Feorre Mountain. There you will find the cave where Balinor dwells.
[Arthur releases Asgerd.]
ASGERD
But don't get your hopes up.
MERLIN
Why?
ASGERD
He will not welcome you. Balinor hates everyone and everything. A cave's the best place for him.
--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur walking their horses through the woods, Arthur stumbling a bit. Merlin notices.]
ARTHUR
It's all right.
MERLIN
No, it's the wound. Let me have a look.
[A branch snaps as Merlin's looking at Arthur's wounded shoulder.]
MERLIN (whisper)
Get down! Get down!
[Merlin pulls him down to hide behind a fallen tree. Cenred's men pass by.]
MERLIN (whisper)
Arthur? (shakes him) Arthur?
[Arthur has passed out.]
--
[EXT/INT. BALINOR'S CAVE - DAY]
[Arthur is slung over his horse as Merlin guides them to Balinor's cave. Merlin leaves Arthur for a bit as he enters Balinor's cave.]
MERLIN
Hello?!
[Balinor grabs him from behind.]
BALINOR
What do you want here, boy?
[Balinor lets him go and Merlin stares at his father.]
MERLIN
My friend, he's sick! He needs help!
BALINOR
Show me, boy.
[Merlin keeps staring.]
BALINOR
What are you waiting for? Fetch him!
--
[INT. BALINOR'S CAVE - NIGHT]
[Balinor treats Arthur's wound.]
BALINOR
Ahlúttre þá séocnes. Þurh- hæle bræd. He needs rest.
MERLIN
Will he be alright?
BALINOR
By morning.
MERLIN
Thank you.
--
[INT. BALINOR'S CAVE - NIGHT]
[Merlin and Balinor eating dinner.]
MERLIN
Looks good. How long have you lived here?
BALINOR
A few winters.
MERLIN
Must be hard.
BALINOR
Why are you here?
MERLIN
Just travelling. We're looking for someone. I was told, well...they said that he lived somewhere hereabouts. A man named Balinor. You never heard of him? He was a dragonlord.
BALINOR
He's passed on.
MERLIN
You knew him?
BALINOR
Who are you?!
MERLIN
I'm...Merlin.
BALINOR
And him?
[Balinor points at Arthur.]
MERLIN
He's my master.
BALINOR
His name!
MERLIN
His name is Lancelot. He's a knight. You know, a nice one.
BALINOR
His name is Arthur Pendragon. He is Uther's son.
MERLIN
Yes.
BALINOR
This is Cenred's kingdom. He's asking for trouble. What do you want from me?
MERLIN
Are you Balinor? The Great Dragon is attacking Camelot.
BALINOR
His name is Kilgharrah.
MERLIN
Well, we can't stop him. Only you, a dragonlord, can.
BALINOR
He doesn't act blindly. He kills for a reason. Vengeance. This is of Uther's making.
MERLIN
But he's killing innocent people. Women and children.
BALINOR
Uther pursued me! He hunted me like an animal!
MERLIN
I know.
BALINOR
What do you know about anybody's life, boy?! Uther asked me to use my power to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wanted to make peace with it, but he did not! He lied to me! He betrayed me! You want me to protect this man?
MERLIN
I want you to protect Camelot.
BALINOR
He killed every one of my kind! I alone escaped!
MERLIN
Where did you go?
BALINOR
There's a place called Ealdor.
MERLIN
Yes.
BALINOR
I had a life there. A woman. A good woman. Ealdor is beyond Uther's realm, but still he pursued me. Why would he not let me be? What was it that I had done that he wanted to destroy the life I built, abandon the woman I loved? He sent knights to kill me. I was forced to come here, to this! So, I understand how Kilgharrah feels. He's lost every one of his kind, every one of his kin. You want to know how that feels? Look around, boy. Let Uther die. Let Camelot fall.
MERLIN
You want everyone in Camelot to die?
BALINOR
Why should I care?
MERLIN
What if one of them was your son?
BALINOR
I don't have a son.
MERLIN
And if I told you...
ARTHUR
Merlin. Merlin. (cough)
--
[EXT. BALINOR'S CAVE - DAY]
[Merlin watches his father by the mouth of the cave. Arthur comes out of the cave.]
ARTHUR
I feel great! What the hell did you give me?
MERLIN
It was all down to Balinor.
ARTHUR
So we found him, then? Thank heaven for that.
MERLIN
That doesn't mean he's willing to help.
ARTHUR
What?
MERLIN
You won't persuade him.
ARTHUR
Does he know what's at stake?
[Merlin nods.]
ARTHUR
What kind of man is he?
MERLIN
I don't know. I thought he'd be something more.
--
[EXT. LOWER TOWN/KING'S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS - DAY]
[People of Camelot carry buckets of water through the lower town to put out the fires from the night before. Gwen gazes across Camelot from the battlements with tear-stained cheeks. Gaius joins her.]
GAIUS
You missing Morgana? She's stronger than people think. I believe that, wherever she is, she'll be alright.
GWEN
And Arthur?
GAIUS
You care a lot for him, don't you?
GWEN
Everyone does.
GAIUS
I think he cares the same way about you. It's alright, I won't tell anyone.
GWEN
I know we can never be.
GAIUS
Oh...the world's a strange place, Guinevere. Never underestimate the power of love. I've seen it change many things.
--
[EXT. BALINOR'S CAVE - DAY]
[Arthur walks back to Merlin after talking to Balinor.]
MERLIN
What did he say?
ARTHUR
He'll change his mind.
MERLIN
He said that?
ARTHUR
Just...give him a moment.
BALINOR
Farewell, then.
ARTHUR
That's your decision?
BALINOR
I will not help Uther.
ARTHUR
Then the people of Camelot are damned.
BALINOR
So be it.
ARTHUR
Have you no conscience?!
BALINOR
You should ask that question of your father!
MERLIN
And you are no better than him!
ARTHUR
Don't waste your time, Merlin!
MERLIN
Gaius spoke of the nobility of dragonlords! Clearly he was wrong!
BALINOR
Gaius?
MERLIN
Yes.
BALINOR
A good man.
MERLIN
Yeah. I was hoping you'd be like him.
ARTHUR
Merlin!
MERLIN
I wanted to...
ARTHUR
Merlin!
MERLIN
Well, there's no point.
--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur and Merlin ride off, then set up camp in the woods.]
ARTHUR
I always thought that silence would be a blessing with you, but I find it just as irritating. You're a riddle, Merlin.
MERLIN
A riddle?
ARTHUR
Yes. But I've got to quite like you.
MERLIN
Yeah?
ARTHUR
Now I realise you're not as big a fool as you look.
MERLIN
Yeah, I feel the same. Now that I realise you're not as arrogant as you sound.
ARTHUR
You still think I'm arrogant?
MERLIN
No. More...supercilious.
ARTHUR
That's a big word, Merlin. You sure you know what it means?
MERLIN
Condescending.
ARTHUR
Very good.
MERLIN
Patronising.
ARTHUR
It doesn't quite mean that.
MERLIN
No, these are other things you are.
ARTHUR
Hang on!
MERLIN
Over bearing.
[Arthur hears a twig snap and picks up his sword.]
ARTHUR
Shh.
MERLIN
Very overbearing.
ARTHUR
Merlin!
MERLIN
But you wanted me to talk.
[Merlin hears another twig snap. Merlin picks up a sword and follows Arthur. They hear trees move behind them and turn around.]
BALINOR
Careful, boy. I thought you might need some help. This is dangerous country.
ARTHUR
And will you return to Camelot with us?
BALINOR
You are right, Merlin. There are some in Camelot who risked their lives for me. I owe a debt that must be repaid.
ARTHUR
If you succeed in killing the dragon, you will not go unrewarded.
BALINOR (scoff)
I seek no reward.
ARTHUR
Great! Let's eat.
--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Merlin and Balinor collect firewood.]
MERLIN
This wood's too wet.
BALINOR
Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it light.
MERLIN
When you healed Arthur, I heard you mumble some words.
BALINOR
An ancient prayer.
MERLIN
I thought it might've been more than that.
BALINOR
The Old Religion can teach us many things.
MERLIN
The Old Religion. Is that something you were taught?
BALINOR
It's not something you can learn. Either it's a part of you, or it isn't. My father knew that, and his father before him.
MERLIN
Were they also dragonlords?
BALINOR
We'll need some kindling.
MERLIN
You mentioned...You spoke of Ealdor. You took refuge with a woman.
BALINOR
That was a long time ago.
MERLIN
I grew up there.
BALINOR
Ealdor?
MERLIN
Yes. I know the woman.
BALINOR
Hunith? She's still alive?
MERLIN
Yes. She's my mother.
BALINOR
Then she married. That's good.
MERLIN
She never married. I'm your son.
BALINOR
I don't know what it is to have a son.
MERLIN
Or I a father.
[Merlin hears something snap and sees Arthur walking close by.]
MERLIN
You must not tell Arthur.
[Balinor hands Merlin some firewood and they smile at one another.]
--
[EXT. FOREST, CAMP - NIGHT]
[Arthur sleeps as Merlin and Balinor sit by the campfire. Balinor whittles some wood.]
MERLIN
Why did you never return?
BALINOR
I thought her life would be better without me.
MERLIN
Why?
BALINOR
Uther wanted me dead. If he'd found me, he'd have killed me, and your mother. I wanted her to be safe.
MERLIN
We could've come with you.
BALINOR
What kind of life would you have had here?
MERLIN
We'd have been...happy. When we've finished in Camelot, I will take you to Ealdor.
BALINOR
She won't recognise me. I see her in you.
MERLIN
Yeah?
BALINOR
You have her kindness.
MERLIN
How did you become a dragonlord?
BALINOR
You don't choose to become a dragonlord. It's not something you're taught. It's a sacred gift. For thousands of years it's been handed down from father to son. And that is what you must now become, Merlin.
MERLIN
I would like that.
BALINOR
And like all dragonlords, you won't know for sure that you have that power until you face your first dragon. You should get some sleep. We've a big day ahead of us. Goodnight, Son.
MERLIN
Sleep well, Father.
--
[EXT. FOREST, CAMP - DAY]
[Merlin wakes and sees mini-dragon that his father whittled for him. he smiles. Arthur grabs him from behind, covering his mouth.]
ARTHUR (whisper)
Cenred's men.
[Arthur draws his sword. Cenred's men attack. Merlin tosses his father a sword and takes on his own opponent. Merlin gets disarmed. Balinor rushes to his aid.]
BALINOR
No!
[Balinor is run through. Merlin catches his father.]
MERLIN
AHHHH!
[Merlin's eyes glow and he throws the guard who just stabbed his father. Merlin lowers his dad to the ground and holds him.]
BALINOR
Ah, I see you have your father's talent. Merlin...
MERLIN
Please, no. Please. I can save you.
BALINOR
Listen to me. When you face the dragon, remember: be strong. A dragon's heart is on its right side, not its left.
MERLIN
I can't do it alone.
BALINOR
Listen to me! Oh, my son. I've seen enough in you to know that you will make me proud.
[Balinor dies.]
MERLIN
No. Father. (cries) No.
[Arthur shows up, sees Balinor, and throws his sword down.]
ARTHUR
NO!
[Merlin wipes his eyes and stands up to face Arthur.]
ARTHUR
Camelot is doomed.
--
[INT. KING'S PALACE, WAR ROOM - DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride back to Camelot in the rain. look outs spot them and rush to tell the King. the King and his advisors stand as Arthur and Merlin enter the War Room.]
ARTHUR
I'm sorry, Father. I failed you. The last dragonlord is dead.
[Gaius looks at Merlin who tries not to cry. Gaius lowers his head.]
UTHER
There are many years where I might've wished for that news.
ARTHUR
All is not lost, Father. We have to fight the monster ourselves. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms: on open ground, on horseback, where we can manoeuvre better.
UTHER
There is no point.
ARTHUR
So what? We stand here, watch Camelot fall.
UTHER (nods)
You have my blessing.
ARTHUR
I need a dozen knights! Those who do not wish to fight can do so without stain on their character. For those brave enough to volunteer should know, the chances of returning are slim.
[Sir Leon's the first to step forward. twelve other knights step forward and form a circle around Arthur.]
--
[INT. KING'S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY]
[Merlin sits on his bed and cries over the dragon figurine his father made for him. Gaius enters.]
GAIUS
Merlin, what happened?
MERLIN
I couldn't save him.
GAIUS
Merlin.
MERLIN
He said the dragonlord's gift is passed from father to son.
GAIUS
That is true.
MERLIN
When I faced the Great Dragon, my magic was useless.
GAIUS
Your father wasn't dead. It's only then you can inherit his powers.
MERLIN
Do you think I'm strong enough to stand up to him?
GAIUS
Only time will tell.
[Arthur's Chambers. Merlin helps Arthur put on his armour.]
ARTHUR
Well, look on the bright side, Merlin. Chances are you're not going to have to clean this again.
MERLIN
You must be careful today. Do not force the battle.
ARTHUR
Yes, Sire!
MERLIN
I'm serious.
ARTHUR
I can hear that.
MERLIN
Let matters take their course.
ARTHUR
Merlin, if I die, please...
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
The dragonlord today...I saw you. One thing I tell all my young knights: no man is worth your tears.
MERLIN
Yeah. You're certainly not.
[Arthur picks up a sword and Merlin does too.]
ARTHUR
What are you doing?
MERLIN
I'm coming with you.
ARTHUR
Merlin, the chances are I'm going to die.
MERLIN
Yeah. Yeah, you probably would if I wasn't there.
ARTHUR (scoff)
Right.
MERLIN
Do you know how many times I've had to save your royal backside?
ARTHUR
Well at least you got your sense of humour back.
[Arthur swipes Merlin's sword out of the way and heads toward the door. Merlin follows. Arthur stops.]
ARTHUR
Are you really going to face this dragon with me?
MERLIN
I'm not going to sit here and watch. I know it's hard for you to understand how I feel, but...well, I care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not going to let you mess it up.
[They laugh. Arthur gives Merlin a friendly hit and they exit. Gaius watches from the battlements as the dragon slayer party rides out of Camelot.]
--
[EXT. FOREST CLEARING - NIGHT]
[The dragon slayer party waits for Kilgharrah. The dragon arrives..]
ARTHUR
Hold firm.
[Kilgharrah swoops down.]
ARTHUR
Hold! Hold! Hold! Now!
[The knights circle their horses in formation to surround Kilgharrah. Kilgharrah knocks Merlin, Arthur and some other knights off of their horses with his tail. Kilgharrah roasts some other knights.]
MERLIN
No. Stop!
[Kilgharrah turns toward Merlin and Arthur. Arthur picks up a spear. Kilgharrah contemplates Arthur for a moment and then tries to flambé him. Arthur rolls out of the way and stabs Kilgharrah in the side. Kilgharrah roars and knocks Arthur out. Merlin gets up.]
BALINOR (voiceover)
You're the last dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself, you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share, for your soul and his are brothers. When you speak to him as kin, he must obey your will.
MERLIN
Dragorn. Non didlkai. Kari miss, epsipass imalla krat. Katostar abore ceriss. Katicur. Me ta sentende divoless. Kar… krisass.
[Kilgharrah settles back and bows to Merlin. Merlin picks up the spear.]
KILGHARRAH
I am the last of my kind, Merlin. Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed.
[Merlin thrusts the spear into the air and Kilgharrah winces.]
MERLIN
Go! Leave! If you ever attack Camelot again, I will kill you!
[Kilgharrah bows. Merlin drops the spear.]
MERLIN
I have shown you mercy! Now you must do the same to others!
KILGHARRAH
Young warlock, what you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency. I'm sure our paths will cross again.
[Kilgharrah flies off. Arthur wakes.]
ARTHUR
What happened?
MERLIN
You dealt him a mortal blow.
ARTHUR
He's gone?
MERLIN
Yeah. You did it.
ARTHUR
Ha! Ha! Ha! *insane laughter*
MERLIN (laughs)
You did it.
[Arthur and Merlin head for the drawbridge. Uther sees them from his window, sighs in relief and leaves. Gwen and Gaius come to meet them. Gwen runs to Arthur and hugs him.]
GWEN (whisper)
I thought I'd lost you.
[Gaius and Merlin hug.]
GAIUS
My boy.
[Arthur and Gwen leave.]
MERLIN
I felt him there with me, Gaius.
GAIUS
He'll always be with you.
MERLIN
I hope so.
GAIUS
Merlin, I know I can never compare with your father, but for what it's worth, you've still got me.
MERLIN
Well, I suppose I'll just have to make do.
GAIUS (laughs)
Merlin will return