1.1 The Dragon's Call SCRIPT

[00:00, EXT. MAIN ROAD – DAY]
[Merlin walks through the countryside to Camelot.]

KILGHARRAH
No young man, no matter how great, can know his destiny. He cannot glimpse his part in the great story that is about to unfold. Like everyone, he must live and learn. And so it will be for the young warlock arriving at the gates of Camelot. A boy that will, in time, father the legend. His name: Merlin.
--
[01:25, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Merlin enters Camelot and Uther addresses a crowd from the balcony in the Square.]

UTHER
Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is judged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass.

[Uther gives the signal and the man is beheaded.]

UTHER
When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin.

MARY COLLINS
*wailing* There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You killed my son! But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son.

UTHER
Seize her!

MARY COLLINS
*spell*

[Mary is whisked away in a whirl of wind and smoke.]

--
[04:55, INT. KING’S PALACE – DAY]
[Merlin enter the palace and addresses a guard]

MERLIN
Where would I find Gaius, the- the court physician?

[The guard points. Merlin walks up steps and knocks on the open door to the physician's quarters and peeks inside.]

MERLIN
Hello?

[Merlin wanders inside.]

MERLIN
Hello? Gaius? *ahem*

[Gaius trips over backwards from the bookshelf stairs and the railing breaks. Merlin's eyes glow and he slows time enough to magically sweep a mattress under Gaius before he hits the floor.]

GAIUS
What did you just do?!

MERLIN
Erm...

GAIUS
Tell me!

MERLIN
I—I-- I have no idea what happened.

GAIUS
If anyone had seen that...

MERLIN
Er, no! That--that was-- that was nothing to do with me. That--that was...

GAIUS
I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it!

MERLIN
Nowhere.

GAIUS
So how is it you know magic?

MERLIN
I don't.

GAIUS
Where did you study? Answer me!

MERLIN
I--I've never studied magic or, or been taught.

GAIUS
Are you lying to me, boy?

MERLIN
What do you want me to say?

GAIUS
The truth!

MERLIN
I was born like this!

GAIUS
That's impossible! Who are you?

MERLIN
Oh, erm...

[Merlin pulls off his backpack.]

MERLIN
I have this letter.

GAIUS
I-- I don't have my glasses.

MERLIN
I'm Merlin.

GAIUS
Hunith's son?

MERLIN
Yes!

GAIUS
But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!

MERLIN
It is Wednesday.

GAIUS
Ah. Right, then. You better put your bag in there.

MERLIN
You-- you won't say anything about, erm...

GAIUS
No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you.

--
[07:35, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER – NIGHT]
Merlin looks out his window at the Camelot]

HUNITH (voiceover)
My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that, if he were to remain, I fear what would become of him. He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts. I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe, and may God save you both.

--
[08:56, INT. KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE]
[Morgana looks out the window from the landing.]

UTHER
Morgana.

MORGANA
Yes?

UTHER
What is it? Why are you not joining us at the feast?

MORGANA
I just don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for celebration. That poor mother.

UTHER
It was simple justice for what he'd done.

MORGANA
To whom? He practiced some magic, he didn't hurt anyone.

UTHER
You were not around twenty years ago, you have no idea what it was like.

MORGANA
How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?

UTHER
Until they realise there is no room for magic in my kingdom! You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen.

MORGANA
I told you! I want no part in these celebrations!

UTHER
I'm your guardian! I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect at least respect our finest singer.

MORGANA
You know, the more brutal you are, the more enemies you will create!

--
[09:48, EXT/INT. WOODS, LADY HELEN’S TENT - NIGHT]
[Lady Helen's party camps in the woods]

LADY HELEN
*humming* *gasp* Hello? Gregory?

GREGORY
Lady Helen.

LADY HELEN
Is all well?

GREGORY
Yes, ma'am. With luck, we should reach Camelot late tomorrow.

LADY HELEN
That's good.

GREGORY
I'll be outside if you need me.

[Gregory draws his sword.]

GREGORY
Who's there? Who's there?

MARY COLLINS
Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp.

[Mary stabs the effigy, killing Lady Helen.]

MARY COLLINS
Ghefrolinz grimpoxin kouata.

[Mary turns into Lady Helen.]

--
[11:51, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[The Great Dragon calls to Merlin in his sleep.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin. Merlin.

[Merlin wakes in his new bed chamber and enters the Physician's Chambers]

GAIUS
I got you water. You didn't wash last night.

MERLIN
Sorry.

GAIUS
Help yourself to breakfast.

[Merlin sits down to eat watery porridge. Gaius intentionally knocks a bucket of water off the table. Merlin stands up and stops it. Gaius gasps and they look at each other. Merlin lets it drop.]

GAIUS
How did you do that? Did you incant a spell in your mind.

MERLIN
I don't know any spells.

GAIUS
So what did you do? There must be something.

MERLIN
It just happens.

[Merlin gets a mop to clear it up.]

GAIUS
Well, we better keep you out of trouble. You can help me until I find some paid work for you. Here.

[Gaius places a small sac and bottle on the table.]

GAIUS
Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once.

MERLIN
Okay.

GAIUS
And here.

[Gaius hands him a plate with a sandwich on it. Merlin smiles and takes the sandwich.]

GAIUS
Off you go. And Merlin! I need hardly tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed.

[Merlin eats his sandwich as he walks down the Physician's Corridor and through the Square to deliver the medicine. Knocks on a door and squinting old man answers.]

MERLIN
Erm, I brought you your medicine.

[Sir Olwin pops the cork and starts drinking it.]

MERLIN
Oh, and Gaius said don't drink it all at...

[Sir Olwin finishes drinking it.]

MERLIN
I'm sure it's fine.

--
[14:05, EXT. KING’S PALACE, TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY]
[Merlin crosses the drawbridge gate into the training grounds. Arthur's bullies a serving boy, Morris.]

ARTHUR
Where's the target?

[Arthur's gang laughs the background.]

MORRIS
There, Sir?

ARTHUR
It's into the sun?

MORRIS
But, it's not that bright.

ARTHUR
A bit like you, then?

[Knights’ laughter.]

MORRIS
I'll put the target on the other end, shall I, Sir?

[The serving boy begins carrying the target toward the wall.]

KNIGHT 1
Teach him a lesson. Go on, boy.

ARTHUR
This'll teach him.

KNIGHT 2
Yeah.

KNIGHT 1
Ha-ha. Teach him a lesson.

[Arthur throws a dagger at the target.]

MORRIS
Hey! Hang on!

ARTHUR
Don't stop!

[Morris takes a few steps back.]

MORRIS
Here?

[Gwen shakes a curtain out an upper window.]

ARTHUR
I told you to keep moving!

[Arthur throws another dagger.]

ARTHUR
Come on! Run!

[Morris shuffles his feet along trying to carry the large target as Arthur throws more daggers.]

ARTHUR
Do you want some moving target practice?

[Morris finally drops the target and it rolls to Merlin's feet. Merlin puts a foot on it so Morris can't pick it up.]

MERLIN
Hey, come on, that's enough.

ARTHUR
What?

MERLIN
You've had your fun, my friend.

ARTHUR
Do I know you?

MERLIN
Er, I'm Merlin.

[Merlin holds out his hand.]

ARTHUR
So I don't know you.

MERLIN
No.

ARTHUR
Yet you called me "friend."

MERLIN
That was my mistake.

ARTHUR
Yes, I think so.

MERLIN
Yeah. I'd never have a friend who could be such an ass.

[Merlin starts walking away.]

ARTHUR (scoff)
Or I one who could be so stupid.

[Merlin stops walking.]

ARTHUR
Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?

MERLIN
No.

ARTHUR
Would you like me to help you?

MERLIN
I wouldn't if I were you.

ARTHUR (chuckle)
Why? What are you going to do to me?

MERLIN
You have no idea.

ARTHUR
Be my guest! Come on! Come on! Come oooooon.

[Merlin takes a swing at him and Arthur twists Merlin's arm behind his back.]

KNIGHTS
Whoa.

[Gwen cringes in surprise.]

ARTHUR
I'll have you thrown in jail for that.

MERLIN
What, who do you think you are? The King?

ARTHUR
No. I'm his son, Arthur.

[Arthur takes Merlin out at the knees.]

--
[15:47, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – DAY]
[Guards escort Merlin down the Wrought Iron Stairway to the dungeons and throw him in a cell]

--
[16:08, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]
[Mary Collins, disguised as Lady Helen, rides across the drawbridge and into the Square with her escort. Mary (Lady Helen)'s reflection in a puddle reveals Mary in her true appearance.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - NIGHT]
[Mary (Lady Helen) enters and walks down the long hall to meet Uther and a few court members.]

UTHER
Lady Helen. Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
The pleasure's all mine.

UTHER
How was your journey?

MARY (HELEN)
*sigh* Oh, the time it took, Sire.

[Uther kisses her hands.]

UTHER
Well, it's always worth the wait.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
It will be.

--
[17:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – DAY]
[The Great Dragon's voice wakes Merlin in his cell the next morning]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin. Merlin.

[Merlin hears it coming from the floor beneath him, so he gets up and backs away.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin.

[Merlin moves towards the floor and inspects it]

GAIUS
Merlin!

[The cell door opens and Gaius steps in.]

GAIUS (sigh)
You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot.

MERLIN
I'm sorry.

GAIUS
You're lucky. I managed to pull a few strings to get you released.

MERLIN
Oh, thank you! Thank you!

[Gaius gives him a disapproving look for being so excited.]

MERLIN
I won't forget this.

GAIUS
Well, there is a small price to pay.

--
[18:04, EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Merlin is in the stocks being pelted with rotten fruit and vegetables by children.]

MERLIN
Oh, no.

[Gaius laughs.]

MERLIN
Thanks!

[The children leave and Gwen approaches.]

GWEN
I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid.

MERLIN
Right. I'm Merlin.

[Merlin reaches his hand further out of the stocks to shake Gwen’s.]

MERLIN
Although, most people just call me Idiot.

GWEN
No, no, no. I saw what you did. It was so brave.

MERLIN
It was stupid.

GWEN
Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him.

MERLIN (snort)
Oh, I...I can beat him.

GWEN
You think? Because you don't look like one of these big, muscle-y kind of fellows.

MERLIN
Thanks.

GWEN
No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm...Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and...well...

MERLIN
What?

GWEN
You don't look like that.

[He motions for her to move closer.]

MERLIN
I'm in disguise.

[Gwen is confused for a moment, then laughs.]

GWEN
Well, it's great you stood up to him.

MERLIN
What? You think so?

GWEN
Arthur's a bully, and everyone thought you were a real hero.

MERLIN
Oh, yeah?

GWEN (nods)
Mm-hmm.

[Children approach with more rotten fruit.]

MERLIN
Oh, excuse me, Guinevere. My fans are waiting.

[Gwen leaves as they start pelting him.]

--
[19:38, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Merlin sits down to eat]

GAIUS
Do you want some vegetables with that?

MERLIN (scoff)
I know you're still angry with me.

GAIUS
Your mother asked me to look after you

MERLIN
Yes.

GAIUS
What did your mother say to you about your gifts?

MERLIN
That I was special.

GAIUS
You are special. The likes of which I have never seen before.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

GAIUS
Well, magic requires incantations, spells. It takes years to study. What I saw you do was...elemental, instinctive.

MERLIN
What's the point if it can't be used?

GAIUS
That I do not know. You are a question that has never been posed before, Merlin.

MERLIN
Did you ever study magic?

GAIUS
Uther banned all such work twenty years ago.

MERLIN
Why?

GAIUS
People used magic for the wrong end at that time. It threw the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to destroy everything from back then, even the dragons.

MERLIN
What? All of them?

GAIUS
There was one dragon he chose not to kill, kept it as an example. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle where no one can free it. Now, eat up. When you've finished, I need you to take a preparation to Lady Helen. She needs it for her voice.

--
[21:01, INT. KING’S PALACE, GUEST CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Merlin walks up Spiral Stairway across the Balcony Corridor and enters Lady Helen's guest chamber. He puts the potion bottle on the vanity table and notices an effigy and a special book. Lady Helen walks across the Balcony Corridor. Merlin hears her coming and puts the book down, trying to cover up the evidence that he was snooping.]

MARY (LADY HELEN)
What are you doing in here?

MERLIN
An...I, I was asked to deliver this.

[Merlin picks up the potion bottle from the table, Mary's reflection is revealed in the half-covered mirror behind him. Merlin hands her the bottle. Merlin exits]

--
[22:21, EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Merlin walks across the Square and passes Arthur and his gang as he walks through the Lower Town]

ARTHUR
How's your knee-walking coming along?

[Merlin keeps walking.]

ARTHUR
Aw, don't run away!

[Merlin stops.]

MERLIN
From you?

ARTHUR (sigh)
Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb.

MERLIN
Look, I've told you you're an ass.

[Merlin turns to face Arthur.]

MERLIN
I just didn't realise you were a royal one. Oh, what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?

ARTHUR (laughs)
I could take you apart with one blow.

MERLIN
I could take you apart with less than that.

ARTHUR
Are you sure?

KNIGHT 1
Come on, then.

KNIGHT 2
Fight.

[Merlin takes off his jacket and Arthur laughs.]

KNIGHT
[ ...] toying with him, then!

ARTHUR
Here you go.

[One of Arthur's knights hands him a mace, which he tosses at Merlin. Merlin doesn't catch it. He picks it up and Arthur starts swinging his mace with ease.]

KNIGHT
That a way.

ARTHUR
Come on, then. I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth.

MERLIN
Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?

ARTHUR (snort)
You can't address me like that.

MERLIN
I'm sorry. H-How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?

[Merlin gives a little bow. Arthur smiles a perturbed grin and starts swinging at Merlin.]

ARTHUR
Come on then, Merlin! Come on!

[Arthur backs Merlin into the market stalls and a crowd continues to gather. Gaius hears the commotion and looks out the Physician's Chambers' window to see Merlin in trouble again. Merlin falls down.]

ARTHUR
Ha-ha. You're in trouble now.

MERLIN
Oh God.

[Merlin looks for something to help him. He sees a couple of large hooks and magically entangles them with Arthur's mace. Arthur untangles it and attacks again. Merlin moves a box and Arthur steps into it, barking his shin.]

ARTHUR
OW! Argh!

[Arthur pursues him again. Merlin tightens a rope on the ground, tripping Arthur. Merlin picks up the mace and starts swinging it at Arthur.]

MERLIN
Do you want to give up?

ARTHUR
To you?

MERLIN
Do you? Do you want to give up?

[Arthur backs up, catching his foot in a bucket and falling over backwards. Merlin, thrilled by his victory, spots Gaius in the crowd and pauses. Arthur attacks him from behind with a broom, knocking him to the ground. Guards begin to pick up Merlin.]

ARTHUR
Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it.

--
[25:10, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]

GAIUS
How could you be so foolish?!

MERLIN
He needed to be taught a lesson.

GAIUS
Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good! Not for idiotic pranks!

MERLIN
What is there to master? I could move objects like that before I could talk!

GAIUS
Then, by now, you should know how to control yourself!

MERLIN
I don't want to! If I can't use magic, what have I got?! I'm just a nobody, and I always will be. If I can't use magic, I might as well die.

[Merlin goes to his bed chamber. Gaius enters Merlin's chamber with a medical basket.]

GAIUS (sigh)
Merlin? Sit up. Take your shirt off.

[Merlin removes his shirt, revealing bruises.]

MERLIN
You don't know why I was born like this, do you?

GAIUS
No.

[Gaius tends to Merlin's wounds.]

MERLIN
I'm not a monster, am I?

[Gaius looks Merlin in the eye.]

GAIUS
Don't ever think that.

MERLIN
Then why am I like this? Please, I need to know why.

GAIUS
Maybe there's someone with more knowledge than me.

MERLIN
If you can't tell me, no one can.

[Gaius pours potion into a tiny cup.]

GAIUS
Take this. It will help with the pain.

--
[27:08, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]
Uther dines with Mary (Lady Helen).]

UTHER
Will you sing for me tonight?

MARY (LADY HELEN)
You will have to wait, Sire.

UTHER
You will not deny me.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
I am saving myself for my performance tomorrow. Will everyone be there?

UTHER
Who would dare to miss it?

MARY (LADY HELEN)
How about your son?

UTHER
Well...

MARY (LADY HELEN)
It seems a shame not to have met him.

UTHER
That's Arthur.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
Poor child.

UTHER
Hmm?

MARY (LADY HELEN)
Poor child. It can't have been easy to, to grow up without a mother.

UTHER
No.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
Hmm. That bond between mother and son, it's so hard to replace.

UTHER
Hasn't been easy.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
I'm sure.

[She smiles at him and Uther smiles back.]

MARY (LADY HELEN)
Perhaps if you found someone...If you remarried. (she laughs) I'm sure you'd have the pick of any maiden in the kingdom.

UTHER
Well, perhaps I'll find love again. But I'm afraid it's too late to replace Arthur's mother.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
Yes. It's certainly too late for Arthur.

--
[28:18, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Merlin lies awake in his bed.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin. Merlin.

[Merlin gets out of bed and sneaks out of the Physician's Chambers. Merlin crosses the Square.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin.

[Merlin descends the Wrought Iron Stairway and distracts a pair of guards by rolling their dice away from them. He grabs a torch, lights it, and heads down the Tunnel Stairway.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin. Merlin.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, DRAGON’S CAVE - NIGHT]
[Merlin enters the cave.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin. (laughs)

[Merlin looks around for the owner of the voice.]

MERLIN
Where are you?

[The Great Dragon flies to land in front of Merlin.]

KILGHARRAH
I'm here. How small you are for such a great destiny.

MERLIN
Why? What do you mean? What destiny?

KILGHARRAH
Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason.

MERLIN
So there is a reason.

KILGHARRAH
Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion.

MERLIN
Right.

KILGHARRAH
But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike.

MERLIN
I don't see what this has to do with me.

KILGHARRAH
Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion.

MERLIN
No. No, you've got this wrong.

KILGHARRAH
There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't.

MERLIN
But I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand.

KILGHARRAH (laughs)
None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin, and none of us can escape it.

MERLIN
No. No way. No. No. There must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot.

KILGHARRAH
Perhaps it's your destiny to change that.

[The dragon flies off.]

MERLIN
Wait! Wait! Wait, stop! No, I, I need to know more!

--
[32:11, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER – DAY]
[Gaius enters Merlin's messy chamber and picks up his clothes.]

GAIUS
Hoy!

[Merlin wakes.]

GAIUS
Have you seen the state of this room?!

MERLIN
It just happens.

GAIUS
By magic?

MERLIN
Yeah.

GAIUS
Yes. Well, you can clear it up without magic. And then I want you to get me some herbs: henbane, wormwood, and sorrel. And deliver this to Morgana. Poor girl's suffering from nightmares.

[Gaius tosses some more clothes at Merlin.]

MERLIN
Mmm, I know the feeling.

--
[32:46, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin walks through the Griffin Landing and up some curved steps to Morgana's Chambers. Merlin enters the open door and stares at Morgana as she walks behind her changing screen]

MORGANA
You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?

[Merlin pauses uncertainly before fetching the dress. Morgana begins undressing.]

MORGANA
I mean, the man's a total jouster. And just because I'm the King's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?

[Merlin places the gown on the screen.]

MORGANA
Well, does it?

MERLIN (high pitched) (shakes head)
Mm-Mmm.

MORGANA
If he wants me to go, then he should invite me, and he hasn't.

[Merlin tries to figure a way out of his situation.]

MORGANA
So do you know what that means?

MERLIN (high pitched) (shakes head)
Mm-Mmm.

MORGANA
Where are you?

[Morgana looks over the screen and Merlin holds up one of her cloaks to hide his face.]

MERLIN (high pitched)
Here.

[Merlin peeks through the neck of the cloak.]

MORGANA
It means I'm going by myself.

[Merlin puts the cloak down and starts to leave.]

MERLIN
I need some help with this fastening.

[Merlin turns around and stops, at a loss for what to do. Gwen enters behind him.]

MORGANA
Gwen?

GWEN
I'm here.

[Merlin spins around.]

GWEN (mouths)
What are you doing here?

[Merlin sighs in relief and motions that Morgana needs help dressing.]

GWEN (mouths)
Oh.

[Gwen nods. Merlin mouths something to Gwen before he leaves and she helps Morgana. Morgana comes out behind the screen in a new dress, carrying another gown.]

MORGANA
So, it's whether I wear this little tease...

[Morgana looks at her dress in the mirror and then holds up a maroon gown.]

MORGANA
...or give them a night they'll really remember.

--
[34:14, INT. KING’S PALACE, GUEST CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[The serving girl, Bronwen, brings a bowl of fruit to Lady Helen's guest chambers and knocks. Mary (Helen) opens the door.]

BRONWEN
Lady Helen. *curtsies* Compliments of the King.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
Come in.

[Mary (Helen) sits at her vanity table and picks up an apple.]

MARY (LADY HELEN)
So sweet. How will I ever repay him?

BRONWEN
When he hears you sing. Well, that will be more than enough won't it? I'm really looking forward to the performance.

MARY (LADY HELEN)
So am I.

BRONWEN
I love singing, you know. I sing all the time. My betrothed says I have the voice of a fallen angel.

[Bronwen removes the cloth over the mirror and sees Mary Collins's reflection. the girl tries to leave, but Mary grabs her arm and drains the life from her.]

--
[35:23, INT. KING’S PALACE, BANQUET HALL – NIGHT]
[Court members gather. Gaius and Merlin enter. Merlin sees Arthur joking with his mates.]

ARTHUR
...Merlin....

[The knights laugh.]

ARTHUR
...so I stood up and...

[Arthur feints a punch into one of his mate's stomach. They laugh. Arthur turns and does a double take as Morgana walks into his line of sight. All the men stare.]

ARTHUR
God have mercy.

[Merlin stares at Morgana as she passes him.]

GAIUS
Merlin. Remember, you're here to work.

MERLIN
Oh, yeah.

[Merlin continues to stare at Morgana as Arthur approaches to talk to her. Gwen sidles up next to Merlin.]

ARTHUR (lip reading)
Morgana, you look well...

GWEN
She looks great, doesn't she?

MERLIN
Yeah.

GWEN
Some people are just born to be queen.

MERLIN
No!

GWEN
I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?

MERLIN (chuckle)
Oh, come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men.

GWEN
No, I like much more ordinary men like you.

MERLIN
Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary.

GWEN
No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you.

MERLIN
Thanks.

[They turn away from each other awkwardly.]

--
[37:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, GUEST CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Mary (Helen) hums at her vanity table before leaving the room, walking past Bronwen's corpse.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, BANQUET HALL – NIGHT]
[Celebratory horns signal King Uther's entrance and everyone finds their place at the tables.]

UTHER
We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of [place name: Mora].

[Applause. music begins and the Uther and the court take their seats. Mary (Helen) sings. The court members begin nodding off to sleep. Merlin notices and presses his hands over his ears. Cobwebs begin forming over the enchanted sleepers. Merlin notices her staring at Arthur as she walks forward. She pulls a dagger from her sleeve. Merlin magically drops the chandelier on her as she raises her arm to throw the dagger. Court members wake and pull the cobwebs off, muttering. Uther and Arthur stand up to see Mary Collins lying on the floor. Mary raises herself up enough to throw the dagger at Arthur. Merlin slows down time to reach Arthur and pull him out of harm's way. The dagger slices into Arthur's chair as they fall to the floor. Mary dies. Uther and Arthur stare at Merlin.]

UTHER
You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid.

MERLIN
Oh, well...

UTHER
Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded.

MERLIN
No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness.

UTHER
No, absolutely. This merits something quite special.

MERLIN
Well...

UTHER
You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant.

[The court applauds.]

ARTHUR
Father!

[Gwen claps with a pitying smile on her face. Arthur and Merlin look away from each other unhappily.]

--
[41:13, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER]
[Gaius knocks on Merlin's chamber door and enters]

GAIUS
Seems you're a hero

MERLIN
Hard to believe, isn't it?

GAIUS
No. I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?

MERLIN
But...that was magic.

GAIUS (nods)
And now, it seems, we finally found a use for it.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

GAIUS
I saw how you saved Arthur's life.

MERLIN
Oh, no.

GAIUS
Perhaps that's its purpose.

MERLIN (sigh)
My destiny.

GAIUS
Indeed. This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me.

[Gaius hands Merlin a book wrapped in a cloth. Merlin unlatches it and looks inside.]

MERLIN
But this is a book of magic.

GAIUS
Which is why you must keep it hidden.

MERLIN
I will study every word.

[Knocking on door of the Physician's Chambers.]

GUARD
Merlin, Prince Arthur wants you right away.

GAIUS
Your destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants.