1.11 The Labyrinth of Gedref SCRIPT

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. FOREST – DAY]
[Arthur's hunting party in the woods, armed with crossbows. Arthur sends two of his knights around another way.]

ARTHUR (whisper)
Merlin.

MERLIN
What is it?

ARTHUR
I don't know. We'll surround it. I want you to go in there and flush it out.

MERLIN
You want me to go in there? You just said you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous.

ARTHUR
Let's hope so. Now go.

[Merlin sneaks through the woods and picks up a large stick. Merlin sees a unicorn and drops the stick. Merlin walks up to it and hears the hunters coming.]

MERLIN
Go. Go! Please, go. Shh. They're gonna kill you. Please, go! Arthur, no!

[Arthur shoots the unicorn. Merlin goes to it cries as he strokes its head while it dies.]

MERLIN
I'm sorry. Sorry.

ARTHUR
Ha-ha! A unicorn!

MERLIN
What have you done?

ARTHUR
Don't be such a girl, Merlin.

[Merlin sees a white cloaked man, Anhora, behind Arthur in the woods.]

ARTHUR
What are you looking at?

[Arthur and the other two knights turn around, but the man is gone.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Arthur and his knights enter, Merlin carries the unicorn's horn on a pillow.]

ARTHUR
Father! A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot.

UTHER
Magnificent. It's the first one I've seen.

[Uther takes the horn.]

UTHER
Gaius, look at this.

GAIUS
It is very impressive, My Lord.

UTHER
What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind.

GAIUS
Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one.

UTHER
Nonsense. We will be the envy of every kingdom.

ARTHUR
I'm pleased you like it.

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius walk through the Square.]

MERLIN
I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn.

GAIUS
Arthur is a hunter. It's in his blood. Whereas you are something entirely different.

MERLIN
It was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I wish you'd been there.

GAIUS
It's a rare privilege. Alas, there are few unicorns still alive.

MERLIN
You try telling that to Arthur.

GAIUS
I can imagine it would be difficult.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]

ARTHUR
My horse threw a shoe. Take it to the blacksmith. Make sure he does a good job. And when you've done that, you can polish my s...

[Arthur turns around and sees Merlin staring out the window.]

ARTHUR
...saddle. Merlin? Have you listened to a word I've said?

[Merlin nods.]

ARTHUR
You've got a face like a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn.

MERLIN
I don't think you should have killed it.

ARTHUR
Oh, really? And why is that?

MERLIN
It was... It was doing no harm. What purpose did you serve by killing it?

ARTHUR
We were hunting. That's what you do. Would you have me bring it home as a pet? Look at this.

MERLIN
What?

ARTHUR
Do you know what that is?

MERLIN
No.

ARTHUR
Rat droppings. My chambers are infested. You need to spend less time worrying about unicorns and more time worrying about rats.

[Someone knocks.]

ARTHUR
Enter!

[A guard enters.]

GUARD
My Lord, the King requests your service as a matter of urgency.

ARTHUR
Find that rat.

--
[EXT. FIELD – DAY]
[Uther picks a dead piece of wheat stalk from a field.]

UTHER
Every single ear has died. We've received reports that it's the same throughout the entire kingdom.

ARTHUR
I rode through this valley only yesterday. The crop looked healthy enough then.

UTHER
It happened overnight. Farmers are at a lost to explain it.

ARTHUR
Is it a disease of some kind?

UTHER
Perhaps. I've asked the court physician to conduct some tests. We must ration what little food we have left.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
Any ideas what caused the crops to die?

GAIUS
I'm here to complete all the tests. No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night.

MERLIN
What could kill all the plants other than a disease?

GAIUS
It is not killing all the plants. The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges.

MERLIN
It's only killing plants we can eat?

GAIUS
It appears so.

MERLIN
If it's not a disease, it must be magic.

GAIUS
We can't assume that, Merlin. Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. I can't tell the King it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain.

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Villagers stand in a long queue leading into the palace grounds. A guard rations out grain.]

GUARD
Next!

ARTHUR
The livestock is either dying or has been eaten. Food and water's very scarce and we're distributing rations, but they're very meagre.

[Arthur opens a small shaft in the grain store, dumping out a small pile of grain.]

UTHER
This is all the grain we have?

ARTHUR
The people are growing scared. There's been some looting.

UTHER
We must maintain order at all costs. Panic will make the situation worse. I'll issue a decree that looters will be executed. From tonight, Camelot will be under curfew.

ARTHUR
I'll see to it.

--
[EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Merlin passes Gwen as she heads to the well along the outer wall.]

VILLAGER 1
Give it back to me. It's mine.

VILLAGER 2
It's not yours...

GWEN
Merlin. Is it true what they're saying about the crops? They're all dead?

MERLIN
Afraid so. We may have to start tightening our belts.

GWEN
I'm sure Arthur will think of something.

MERLIN
Well, and if he doesn't, I will.

[Gwen starts pumping for water, but only dry sand comes out.]

GWEN
Merlin!

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE]
[Uther and Arthur stand at the well in the Square, Uther sifts sand through his fingers into the well bucket.]

UTHER
Sand. And you say the well is full of it?

ARTHUR
I sent men down to the underground reservoir. There is no trace of water to be found.

UTHER
First the crops, and now this.

ARTHUR
It's the same throughout the kingdom. There's precious little water anywhere.

UTHER
Gaius. Can you offer any explanation for this?

GAIUS
I cannot think of a scientific explanation. I can only conclude it's the result of sorcery.

UTHER
I believe you're right. It is the work of magic. The kingdom is under attack.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin sits with a bucket of sand and his magic book open in front of him.]

MERLIN
Gréot gecymen, lecan. Gecymen gé drýe wæter.

[Gaius approaches.]

MERLIN
I was... I was just, er...

GAIUS
I was hoping you might be trying to turn it back into water. I know I've cautioned against using magic, but if ever there was a time to use your talents, it's now.

MERLIN
Well, I wish I knew how. I've tried everything. If it is magic, it's more powerful magic than I possess.

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, DRAWBRIDGE – DAY]
[Arthur addresses a group of guards.]

ARTHUR
Patrol the market and the lower town. No one is to leave their homes. Dismissed.

[Merlin enters the Square.]

ARTHUR
Merlin. You do realise there's a curfew?

MERLIN
Yeah, I was in your chambers, hunting for the rat.

ARTHUR
Did you find it?

MERLIN
No.

ARTHUR
So you have been outwitted by a rat?

MERLIN
They do say rats are very intelligent.

ARTHUR
More intelligent than you, it would seem. Go home. It'd be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servant for breaking the curfew.

[Arthur sees the white cloaked man, Anhora, walk through the Courtyard Corridor and into the palace.]

ARTHUR
What was that?

MERLIN
What?

[Merlin and Arthur run after him, Arthur jumps over the Courtyard Corridor ledge. They chase Anhora down the Upper Corridor, down some stairs, and down the Wrought Iron Stairway to the Burial Vaults where they lose him. Arthur signs to Merlin. Merlin nods, then follows Arthur.]

ARTHUR
That means you go the other way and cut him off.

MERLIN
Okay.

[Merlin and Arthur go in opposite directions and end up back at the Wrought Iron Stairway without seeing anyone. Then they see Anhora's silhouette as he briefly rounds the corner. Arthur has Merlin go the other way again. They end up back at the Wrought Iron Stairway again.]

ARTHUR
Where is he?

MERLIN
I didn't seen anyone.

ARTHUR
He was right here! Don't tell me you let him get past you.

MERLIN
Arthur, no one passed me.

ARTHUR
Are you blind?!

ANHORA
Are you looking for me? I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns.

ARTHUR
Camelot is under curfew. What's your business here?

ANHORA
I have come to deliver a message.

ARTHUR
And who is this message for?

ANHORA
It is for you, Arthur Pendragon.

ARTHUR
Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?

ANHORA
You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot.

ARTHUR
Me?! You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?

ANHORA
When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly.

ARTHUR
If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life.

ANHORA
The curse was not my doing.

ARTHUR
Undo the curse or face execution.

ANHORA
Only you can do that. You will be tested.

ARTHUR
You're under arrest.

[Arthur reaches for Anhora, but he disappears and Arthur stumbles. Anhora reappears on the Wrought Iron Stairway.]

ANHORA
Until you have proven yourself, and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS
And you believe what this Anhora said about the curse to be true?

MERLIN
Well, you said there's a legend that misfortune comes to anyone who slays a unicorn. It makes sense.

GAIUS
Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid. We're down to our last few scraps of food.

MERLIN
Where did you get the water to make the tea?

GAIUS
Fortunately, for both of us, you forgot to empty your bath yesterday.

MERLIN
You're making tea from my bath water?

GAIUS
It's not so bad. Perhaps a little... soapy.

[Merlin sighs.]

GAIUS
What does Arthur think about the curse?

MERLIN (scoff)
He doesn't believe it's his fault. He's convinced Anhora's responsible for it.

GAIUS
If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS]
[Arthur pus on his boots in his chambers, he finds a hole in one of them.]

ARTHUR
That... rat! It's eaten through my boot, look at it!

MERLIN
I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us!.

ARTHUR
You think this is funny?

MERLIN
Moderately.

ARTHUR
Get it mended. Find that rat.

MERLIN
Have you given any more thought to what Anhora said last night?

ARTHUR
Ah, well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we now know who we're looking for. I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it.

MERLIN
What if he was telling the truth about the curse?

ARTHUR
You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?

MERLIN
No, not deliberately. When you killed the unicorn, I saw Anhora in the forest.

ARTHUR
Why didn't you say anything?

MERLIN
It was just for a second, and then he disappeared. I didn't even...well, I-I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there.

ARTHUR
That doesn't actually prove anything.

MERLIN
Doesn't it make you think he might be telling the truth?

ARTHUR
Because he was skulking about in the forest? That makes me trust him even less.

MERLIN
Why would Anhora appear in Camelot, and then lie to you?

ARTHUR
We had him cornered. He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me.

MERLIN
Arthur, he can disappear into thin air. He didn't have to talk his way out of anything.

ARTHUR
My father has warned me about sorcerers like him. They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed.

MERLIN
Well, I believe he's telling the truth.

ARTHUR
Then you're a fool. You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says. You'd do well to remember that. Now, I think I've figured out what Anhora's next move is going to be, and when he makes it, we're going to be waiting.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, GRAIN STORE – NIGHT]
[Merlin leans against a pillar near the grain store with his eyes closed, smacking his lips. Arthur hits him with a broom.]

ARTHUR
Don't you worry about keeping watch, Merlin. You just make yourself comfortable.

[Merlin sighs and smacks his lips.]

ARTHUR
Stop smacking your lips. It's annoying.

MERLIN
I'm thirsty.

ARTHUR
We're all thirsty, Merlin.

[Merlin sighs.]

ARTHUR
Pst! Someone's coming.

[Arthur draws his sword and Merlin follows him into the grain store. They see the intruder's silhouette. Arthur motions to Merlin.]

ARTHUR (mouths)
You go over there and come in.

[Merlin nods.]

ARTHUR
Show yourself, before I run you through.

[Merlin picks up a scythe hook, a man edges around the corner with a shovel in one hand and a sack of grain in the other.]

ARTHUR
Who are you?

EVAN
My name is... My name is...

ARTHUR
Speak up!

EVAN
My name is Evan, My Lord.

[Merlin comes out of hiding.]

ARTHUR
I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves. My father has order that looters be executed.

EVAN
Please, My Lord. I- I do not steal for myself. I have three children they have not eaten for two days. They are hungry.

ARTHUR
It's the same for everyone.

EVAN
I-- I know that it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve.

ARTHUR
And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?

[Evan shakes his head, close to tears.]

ARTHUR
Then you should go home. If you're caught stealing again, I will not spare you.

EVAN
Yes, My Lord. Thank you.

[Evan smiles, puts down the sack of grain and shovel, and starts to leave.]

ARTHUR
Wait.

[Arthur picks up the sack of grain and tosses it to Evan.]

ARTHUR
Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time.

EVAN
You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, My Lord. This will bring its own reward.

--
[EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Gwen sees a man run past her in the Lower Town, the guards chasing him.]

GUARD 1
Stop him!

GUARD 2
Come back here!

GUARD 3
Stop that man! He's been looting!

[Gwen looks over by the well and sees a drop of water on the spout. She goes to it, puts a bucket under the spout, and pushes the pump. Water gushes out.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Arthur and Merlin gulp down large mugs of water.]

ARTHUR
Never knew water could taste so good.

MERLIN
My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk.

ARTHUR
Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then.

MERLIN
More?

[Arthur motions towards his mug and Merlin fills it.]

ARTHUR
The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense.

MERLIN
*ahem*

ARTHUR
I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin? Let's hear it.

MERLIN
Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward.

ARTHUR
He was merely grateful, and so he should have been.

MERLIN
Maybe that was your first test. You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward. I know you don't have to listen to me.

ARTHUR
Glad we agree on something.

MERLIN
If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything. Perhaps we should seek Anhora out.

ARTHUR
I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it.

MERLIN
Then it's probably best you don't tell him.

ARTHUR
I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food.

MERLIN (mutters)
Find some food!

[Merlin sees the rat climb out of Arthur's boot.]

MERLIN
Swealt déor.

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Even more people continue to queue outside the grain store. Morgana walks among them with Arthur.]

MORGANA
Who are they?

ARTHUR
They've come from the outlying villages in search of food. There's not enough rations to feed the people who are already here.

MORGANA
You shouldn't blame yourself. I'm sure you're doing everything you can.

ARTHUR
It is not enough.

[Arthur leaves and Gwen approaches Morgana.]

MORGANA
Did you manage to find any food?

[Gwen pulls a cloth back from her basket revealing some bread.]

MORGANA
Where did you get that?

GWEN
I was able to smuggle it out of the palace kitchens.

MORGANA
Share it out amongst the children and old people. Make it go as far as you can.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Merlin pours some meat stew into a bowl.]

ARTHUR
Lost my appetite.

MERLIN
You have to eat something.

ARTHUR
I can't. Not while my people are starving. Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?

MERLIN
I'm afraid so.

ARTHUR
We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning. Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes.

MERLIN
Okay, but you have to eat. You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test.

[Arthur takes a bite.]

ARTHUR
What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture.

MERLIN
It's pork.

ARTHUR
This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's, erm...

[Arthur puts down his spoon.]

ARTHUR
It's rat, isn't it?

MERLIN (nods)
Try not to think about it.

ARTHUR
Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too. Come on. Take a seat.

[Arthur forces Merlin down into the chair.]

ARTHUR
Eat.

[Merlin takes a bite.]

ARTHUR
Mmm.

MERLIN
It's actually pretty tasty.

ARTHUR
Mm. Well, I'm glad you like it. Because...

[Arthur fetches the pot of stew.]

ARTHUR
...there's plenty more.

[Someone knocks.]

ARTHUR
Enter. Morgana?

MORGANA
I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat...

[Arthur pauses and Merlin smiles.]

--
[Merlin and Arthur search through the woods.]

MERLIN
I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for.

ARTHUR
You're looking for footprints or broken branches. Anything that would indicate someone passed that...

[Arthur catches sight of Anhora.]

ARTHUR
Merlin! Merlin! He's here!

[Arthur runs off.]

MERLIN
Arthur?!

[Merlin didn't see where he went. Arthur continues chasing Anhora and comes across Evan sitting next to a camp full of horded food.]

ARTHUR
You? You're a thief.

EVAN
Wasn't that obvious when you caught me stealing your grain?
ARTHUR Fortunately I have more important things to deal with.

EVAN
You didn't really believe that story about my children, did you?

ARTHUR
What kind of man lies about starving children to save his own skin?

EVAN
Your people starve because you let thieves steal their grain. That is why they doubt you.

ARTHUR
You don't speak for my people.

EVAN
Hey, your father would never have allowed himself to be fooled like that.

ARTHUR
You hold your tongue, or I will make time to teach you some manners.

EVAN
Your father would have had me executed, but you didn't have the stomach for it, did you, Arthur? And that's why he doubts you'll make a good king.

ARTHUR
You know nothing of what my father thinks.

EVAN
I think he wishes he had another son, one who was worthy of taking his place. You shame him.

ARTHUR
Pick up your sword.

EVAN
The King must fear the day when you will take the throne.

[Arthur attacks Evan.]

EVAN
He fears you do not have enough strength to defeat his enemies. The King must wonder if you are even his son.

[Arthur strikes a fatal blow, but Evan has disappeared. Anhora appears behind Arthur.]

ARTHUR
This is your doing?

ANHORA
It was a test to see what is truly in your heart.

ARTHUR
Your tricks prove nothing!

ANHORA
Why did you kill this man?

ARTHUR
He insulted my honour!

ANHORA
You could have chosen to ignore his taunts. What harm would they do you?

ARTHUR
You will lift the curse, Sorcerer.

ANHORA
It is not in my power.

ARTHUR
Then you will die.

[Arthur tries to strike him, but Anhora disapparates and Arthur falls to the ground.]

ANHORA
Killing me will not help you.

[Arthur tries to strike him, but Anhora disapparates and Arthur falls to the ground again.]

ANHORA
You have shown that you would kill a man to defend your pride. You have failed the test. For this, Camelot will pay dearly.

ARTHUR
My people have done nothing!

ANHORA
Your people's suffering is not my doing. It is yours.

[Anhora disappears.]

MERLIN
Arthur?! Arthur?!

[Merlin finds Arthur.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, GRAIN STORE – DAY]
[Uther sifts rotten grain through his fingers as Arthur enters.]

ARTHUR
What is it? What's happened?

UTHER
All our remaining supplies have rotted. Every last grain.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]

MERLIN
I know Arthur's stubborn and pig-headed and annoying, but he cares about his people. More than he cares about himself. He will not forgive himself for making his people suffer.

GAIUS
You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash.

MERLIN
The mood he's in, I don't know what he's gonna to do.

GAIUS
Ready?

MERLIN
Sure they're not poisonous?

GAIUS
Quite certain.

[Merlin and Gaius pick up giant insects.]

GAIUS
They say they taste like chicken. Unless we're to starve, we must hope they're right.

[They bite into the crunchy insects.]

MERLIN
This tastes nothing like chicken.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - DAY]
[Arthur broods. Uther enters.]

ARTHUR
There are some supplies left in the palace stores. We are distributing them to the people, but there is not enough to live on. They will not survive for long.

UTHER
Then you must stop distributing food to the people.

ARTHUR
They will starve.

UTHER
We must conserve the food we have for our army.

ARTHUR
We cannot let our people go without food.

UTHER
We must defend the kingdom at all cost.

ARTHUR
What's the point of defending a kingdom when the people...

UTHER
Well, what would you have me do?!

ARTHUR
... starve to death?! Ask the neighbouring kingdoms for help.

UTHER
Ha.

ARTHUR
They may be able to spare some food.

UTHER
Out of the question. As soon as they realise how we weak we are, our enemies will strike against us.

ARTHUR
You don't know that for certain!

UTHER
Besides I would rather starve than beg my enemies for help! What of our kingdom's reputation? Have you no pride?

ARTHUR
I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry. They're all I can think of.

UTHER
Give the order to stop distributing food to the people. Is that understood?

ARTHUR
You'll have to give that order yourself.

UTHER
Very well. But if you'd caught the sorcerer, I would not have to. That's your responsibility! One day you will understand what it takes to be King!

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[People continue queuing in the Square. Arthur and Merlin watch from the balcony.]

ARTHUR
They do not know yet know there is worse to come.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

ARTHUR
My father is going to stop distributing food to the people. They are to be left to starve. I had a chance to lift the curse. And I failed them.

MERLIN
You weren't to know you were being tested.

ARTHUR
My people are starving. Camelot is on the verge of collapse. And it is all my doing.

--
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]

MERLIN
Anhora! Show yourself! Anhora!

[Anhora appears.]

ANHORA
You wanted to talk with me?

MERLIN
I've come to seek your help. The people are starving. They will soon be dead.

ANHORA
You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering.

MERLIN
If it pains you, put an end to it.

ANHORA
It is not in my power to lift the curse.

MERLIN
Then give Arthur another chance. He has accepted it is his responsibility, and he will prove himself worthy and lift the curse if you give him one more chance.

ANHORA
You have faith in Arthur?

MERLIN
I trust him with my life.

ANHORA
Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There, he will face a final test. If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot.

[Anhora disappears.]

MERLIN
Wait! What kind of test will he face?

ANHORA (telepathy)
That is for Arthur alone to discover.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Arthur prepares for travel in his chambers.]

MERLIN
Let me come with you. You don't know what form of test will take. I might be able to help.

ARTHUR
You're not coming. I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it, or die trying.

MERLIN
Alright, how does you dying help anyone?

ARTHUR
I'll die knowing I did everything I can.

MERLIN
I'm coming with you.

ARTHUR
Merlin, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?

[Arthur rides out of Camelot and across the countryside. Merlin follows.]

--
[EXT. LABYRINTH OF GEDREF –DAY]
[Arthur arrives at the labyrinth and enters, Merlin arrives shortly after and follows. Merlin meets Anhora in the labyrinth.]

MERLIN
You said Arthur would face a test. And here you are, preparing a trap for him.

ANHORA
The trap isn't for Arthur. It is for you. Gehæftan.

[Merlin is wrapped in vines from the labyrinth hedges.]

--
[EXT. LABYRINTH OF GEDREF –DAY]
[Arthur runs through the labyrinth and finds the exit to the sea. Merlin is sitting at a table on the shore, Anhora standing nearby.]

ARTHUR
Merlin?

MERLIN
I'm sorry.

ARTHUR
Let him go. I'll take your test, but not till he's released.

ANHORA
That is not possible. Merlin is part of the test. Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed.

ARTHUR
I thought I told you to stay at home. Let's get on with it.

ANHORA
There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet.

ARTHUR
What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?

ANHORA
What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted.

MERLIN
Let's think about this. What if I drink from my goblet first?

ARTHUR
If it's poisoned, you'll die.

MERLIN
And if it's not, then you'll have to drink from yours, and you'll die. There must be a way around it.

ARTHUR
It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. And then I'll drink it.

MERLIN
I will be the one to drink it.

ARTHUR
This is my doing. I'm drinking it.

MERLIN
It is more important that you live. You're the future king. I'm just a servant.

ARTHUR
This is no time to be a hero, Merlin. It really doesn't suit you.

MERLIN (sigh)
What if I drink from mine first, and if that's not poisoned, I will then drink yours?

ARTHUR
He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet. I had no idea you were so keen to die for me.

MERLIN
Trust me, I can hardly believe it myself.

ARTHUR (snort)
I'm glad you are here, Merlin. (sigh)

MERLIN
I've got it. Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet.

ARTHUR
You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look.

MERLIN
Is that actually a compliment?

ARTHUR
Look out!

[Arthur points and Merlin looks. Arthur takes the two goblets and pour all of the liquid into one of them, holding it to drink.]

MERLIN
No! I will drink it!

ARTHUR
As if I'd let you.

MERLIN
You can't die. This isn't your destiny.

ARTHUR
It seems you're wrong again.

MERLIN
Listen to me!

ARTHUR
You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you.

[Arthur toasts Merlin.]

MERLIN
Arthur!

[Arthur drinks it.]

MERLIN
No! What have you done?

[Arthur falls off the chair, unconscious.]

MERLIN
Arthur! No!

[Merlin tries to shake Arthur awake.]

MERLIN
Arthur. Arthur. Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on! No... Come on.

[Merlin turns to Anhora.]

MERLIN
Please. Please! Just... let me take his place!

ANHORA
This was Arthur's test, not yours.

MERLIN
You've killed him! I was meant to protect him!

ANHORA
He is not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly.

MERLIN
What?

ANHORA
A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted.

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride into Camelot and dismount. Townsfolk are carrying around platters joyously.]

GAIUS
Merlin, Arthur, there is good news! The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!

MERLIN
You did it.

UTHER
Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?

ARTHUR
He won't be troubling us anymore.

UTHER
Good. Make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked.

ARTHUR
I'll see to it. There's something we must do first.

--
[Arthur lays the unicorn's horn in a burial mound of stones.]

ARTHUR
I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry.

[Merlin and Arthur begin laying stones over the grave. Merlin looks up and sees a unicorn.]

MERLIN
Arthur...

ANHORA (voiceover)
When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again.