1.13 Le Morte De Arthur 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 sneaks through the woods.]

ARTHUR
Merlin, spear.

[Merlin drops it on him.]

ARTHUR
Do you have any natural gifts, Merlin?

MERLIN
No. Well, let me think. I'm not naturally rude or insensitive.

ARTHUR
Just naturally irritating.

[They move forward and hear growling noises. Arthur catches Merlin's expression.]

ARTHUR
It's probably more scared of you than you are of it.

[Arthur signals to his knights where to go. Questing Beast jumps out at them. Arthur drops his spear and they all run. Merlin falls. Arthur and Sir Bedivere help him up. Bedivere subsequently falls and gets killed by the beast.]

MERLIN
Have we lost it?

ARTHUR
Who's missing?

MERLIN
Where's Sir Bedivere?

SIR BEDIVERE
*scream*

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]

GAIUS
The creature you describe has all the characteristics of the Questing Beast.

ARTHUR
Surely that's a myth.

GAIUS
According to the old books, the appearance of the Questing Beast is supposed to foreshadow a time of great upheaval.

UTHER
Gaius, it's an old wives' tale.

ARTHUR
Look, whatever it is, it's spreading panic. The people fear it will enter the city.

UTHER
Then we must kill it. Arthur, gather the guard together. You ride at dawn.

GAIUS
I beg you, Sire, do not dismiss this. The beast is an omen. I've seen it come before, the night your wife Ygraine passed away.


UTHER
I've told you not to speak of that night again. I have conquered the Old Religion. It's warnings mean nothing to me now. Arthur will destroy the beast and we will no longer suffer at its hand.

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

GAIUS
This is no ordinary beast, Merlin.

MERLIN
Don't worry.

GAIUS
No, listen to me, you don't understand. Uther may not respect the Old Religion, but it is very real. To face a beast such as this, you must understand where it came from.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

GAIUS
At the very heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The Questing Beast carries that power. One bite, you die, and there is no cure.

[Morgana dreams of the dragon flaming, Merlin yelling "NO!", Arthur and Merlin running in the woods, Arthur lying sick in bed, and the Questing Beast. Morgana bolts up in bed screaming.]

GWEN
Morgana? Morgana?! Wake up.

[Gwen struggles with flailing Morgana.]

GWEN
Wake up, it's me! It's Gwen! Stop it! It was just another dream.

MORGANA
It was terrifying.

GWEN
Oh, it's going to be alright.

[Gwen hugs Morgana.]

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Arthur speaks to his knights.]

ARTHUR
You've seen the foe we face. It's a creature of nightmare, but you are the best knights in the realm. We can, and we will, kill it before it harms another citizen of our kingdom.

[Arthur draws his sword.]

ARTHUR
For the love of Camelot!

[The knights draw swords.]

KNIGHTS
For the love of Camelot!

[Morgana rushes out of the palace in her nightgown, hysterical.]

MORGANA
Arthur!

ARTHUR
Morgana, what are you doing?

MORGANA
You cannot face this!

[Morgana tries to grab him, Arthur struggles with her.]

ARTHUR
Morgana, go back to bed. There is nothing to be afraid of.

MORGANA
Please, Arthur. I have seen terrible things! You cannot go!

MERLIN
She probably had a bad dream, Sire. I'll take her to see Gaius.

MORGANA
No! I will not let you go!

ARTHUR
Please, Merlin, get her inside.

MORGANA
No!

[Arthur hands her off to Merlin and motions for the guards to come down. Merlin guides Morgana up the steps.]

MERLIN
I will make sure he's safe, My Lady. I promise.

MORGANA
No!

[Merlin hands her off to the guards.]

MORGANA
No!

[Guards lead her inside.]

--
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]
[Arthur and knights sneak through the woods. Arthur finds gigantic paw print.]

ARTHUR
Let's follow the trail.

[They hear growling and heavy footfalls.]

ARTHUR
Keep close.

[They find and enter beast's lair. Merlin and Arthur split from the rest. they hear hissing.]

MERLIN
What is it?

ARTHUR
Shh!

[Questing Beast sneaks up on them. Arthur pushes Merlin out of the way and takes on the beast. The beast claws him in the chest, throwing him to the ground. It moves in on Arthur. Merlin tries to distract it by waving his torch.]

MERLIN
Hey! Hey!

[Merlin uses magic to pick up Arthur's dropped sword.]

MERLIN
Fléoge! Bregdan anwiele gefeluc!

[Merlin enchants the sword and magically throws it into the Questing Beast, killing it. Merlin goes to Arthur and shakes him.]

MERLIN
It didn't bite you. It didn't.

[Merlin sees blood on his hand.]

MERLIN
Arthur?! Somebody help me!

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
Merlin clears a table with one sweep. Guards place Arthur's stretcher on it.]

GAIUS
What's happened?

[Gaius looks at Arthur's wound.]

GAIUS
He's been bitten.

MERLIN
I tried to save him.

GAIUS
You must tell the King.

MERLIN
There must be something you can do.

GAIUS
I wish there was.

MERLIN
I'll find a cure.

GAIUS
Merlin!

MERLIN
Trust me!

[Merlin bolts into his room.]

GAIUS
Can you hear me, Sire?

MERLIN
Here.

[Merlin brings out magic book.]

GAIUS
The King'll be here any moment!

MERLIN
He can't die. It is my destiny to protect him. We haven't done all the things we're meant to do.

GAIUS
That is a lament of all men.

MERLIN
Gaius, he's my friend.

GAIUS
Then save him.

[Merlin uses magic to flip through the book.]

MERLIN
Gestathole.

[Nothing happens. Merlin flips through the book again.]

MERLIN
Thurhhaele.

[Nothing happens.]

MERLIN
Maybe the spells need time to take effect.

GAIUS
The bite of the Questing Beast is a death sentence that no magic can overturn.

UTHER
Where is the Prince?! Where is my son?!

[Uther enters.]

UTHER
Arthur!

[Merlin magically closes his magic book.]

UTHER
Do something, Gaius!

GAIUS
I am trying, your majesty.

MERLIN
Gaius will find a cure. He will not let him die.

GAIUS
I will do everything in my power.

[Uther desperately picks up Arthur himself.]

UTHER
I'll bear him to his chamber.

[Uther walks through the Square with Arthur in his arms, Merlin and Gaius following. Uther collapses in his grief. four knights come to bear Arthur inside as the King weeps on his knees. Morgana opens a window and watches the scene below.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin rushes to the Dragon's Cave.]

MERLIN
I have failed Arthur, failed in my destiny.

KILGHARRAH
And yet, you would not be here if that were true.

MERLIN
He was bitten by the Questing Beast. He's going to die.

KILGHARRAH
Does he still breathe?

MERLIN
Only just.

KILGHARRAH
Then there is still time to heal him.

MERLIN
I've tried. I cannot save him.

KILGHARRAH
You do not know how to save him.

MERLIN
But you can tell me how?

KILGHARRAH
Perhaps. It will not be easy.

MERLIN
I will do anything.

KILGHARRAH
Anything?

MERLIN
Please, just tell me what I have to do!

KILGHARRAH
Very well. The Questing Beast is a creature conjured by the powers of the Old Religion. You must use the same ancient magic to save him.

MERLIN
But the Old Religion died out centuries ago.

KILGHARRAH
The Old Religion is the magic of the earth itself. It is the essence which binds all things together. It will last long beyond the time of men.

MERLIN
But how can that help me save Arthur?

KILGHARRAH
You must find those who still serve it. Those who hold dominion over life and death.

MERLIN
Where?

KILGHARRAH
Go to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed, where the power of the ancients can still be felt. There you will discover Arthur's salvation.

MERLIN
Thank you. Thank you.

KILGHARRAH
And Merlin, the young Pendragon must live, no matter what the cost.

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

GAIUS
Merlin, you're back. I need your help. You must get this to Arthur to ease his passing.

MERLIN
No. We have to save him.

[Merlin starts packing food.]

GAIUS
You've already tried.

MERLIN
The beast comes from the Old Religion. The cure must come from there as well.

GAIUS
There are not many left with such an art.

MERLIN
You said yourself, the Old Religion is still alive, and there is an island beyond the White Mountains...

GAIUS
No!

MERLIN
The Isle of the Blessed...You know it?

GAIUS
It was said to be the centre of the Old Religion, the focus of its power.

MERLIN
Why did you keep this from me?

GAIUS
Because it was too dangerous, Merlin.

MERLIN
It's our only chance! I have to find it!

GAIUS
And once you are there, what will you ask?

MERLIN
For Arthur to be saved.

GAIUS
The Questing Beast chose Arthur. That means the Old Religion has decided his fate.

MERLIN
Then I will convince them to change their minds!

GAIUS
It is not that simple! The High Priests have the power to mirror life and death, but there will be a price to pay. They will demand a life in return. Merlin, please, I beg of you.

MERLIN
I'm sorry, Gaius. Whatever the price is, I will pay it gladly.

[Arthur lies dying in his bed.]

--
[EXT. KING’S PALACE, GATE – DAY]
[Merlin prepares his horse to leave. Gaius approaches him.]

GAIUS
Here.

[Gaius hands Merlin rolled parchment.]

GAIUS
You'll need a map. And I'm going to give you this. My mother gave it to me.

[Merlin unwraps tiny package.]

GAIUS
It's a rabbit's foot.

MERLIN
To keep you safe.

GAIUS
It was said to protect you from evil spirits. It's rubbish. I don't believe in superstition. I don't know why I gave it to you.

[Gaius reaches to take it back.]

MERLIN
No. I want it. Thank you. (sigh) You've got to keep Arthur alive until I get back.

[Merlin mounts and rides off through the woods.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]
[Arthur stirs in his fevered sleep. Uther watches him.]

UTHER
Shh. Sleep, Arthur.

--
[EXT. COUNTRYSIDE]
[Merlin travels through the countryside with the map.]

KILGHARRAH (voiceover)
You must travel to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed. Beyond the White Mountains, through the Valley of the Fallen Kings. To the north of the great seas of [place name: Marador.], you will find a lake.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Gaius asleep in the chair next to Arthur's sick bed. Gwen enters and knocks on the door to wake Gaius.]

GWEN
Gaius? You should get some rest.

GAIUS
He must not be left alone.

GWEN
I will nurse him.

[Gaius leaves. Gwen takes the towel from Arthur's forehead, dips it in a bowl of water, and sits on the bed to tend to him.]

GWEN
You're not going to die, Arthur. I'm telling you. Because I know that one day you will be King. A greater king than you father could ever be. It's what keeps me going. You are going to live to be the man I've seen inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that is fair and just. I can see a king that the people will love and be proud to call their sovereign. For the love of Camelot, you have to live.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[A crowd gathers outside Arthur's window holding candles. Uther watches from the Griffin Landing window. Gaius comes up behind him.]

GAIUS
Is there anything I can get your majesty?

UTHER
The people have begun to say goodbye.

GAIUS
He's not yet gone, Sire.

UTHER
But he will not recover.

GAIUS
Not without a miracle.

UTHER
I don't believe in miracles.

--
[EXT. ISLE OF THE BLESSED]
[Merlin approaches the lake, steps in a little boat.]

MERLIN
Astyre.

[The propels boat across the lake. Merlin steps out into the fortress on the island and looks around.]

MERLIN
Hello?

NIMUEH
Hello, Merlin.

MERLIN
You.

NIMUEH
Do you know who I am?

MERLIN
Nimueh. You can't be who the dragon meant.

NIMUEH
And why is that?

MERLIN
You tried to kill me.

NIMUEH
Before I understood your importance.

MERLIN
And Arthur.

NIMUEH
Arthur was never destined to die at my hand, and now it seems I will be his salvation.

MERLIN
So you know what I've come to ask?

NIMUEH
Yes.

MERLIN
Will you do it?

NIMUEH
I do not have the power to mirror life itself and yet give nothing in return.

MERLIN
I know that a price will be asked.

NIMUEH
To save a life, there must be a death. The balance of the world must be restored.

MERLIN
I willingly give my life for Arthur's.

NIMUEH
How brave you are, Merlin. If only it were that simple.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

NIMUEH
Once you enter into this bargain, it cannot be undone.

MERLIN
Whatever I have to do, I will do. His life is worth a hundred of mine.

NIMUEH
The Cup of Life, blessed by centuries of powerful sorcerers so that it contains the very secret of life itself. If Arthur drinks water from the Cup, he will live.

[Merlin takes the Cup.]

NIMUEH
Tídrénas.

[Nimueh makes it rain on Merlin for a moment. Merlin collects the water in the Cup. Nimueh takes the Cup and pours the water into a small, decorative canteen.]

NIMUEH
The bargain is struck. I hope it pleases you.

[Merlin rides into Camelot the next morning.]

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

GAIUS
Merlin!

MERLIN
We need to give this to Arthur.

[Merlin hands Gaius the decorative canteen.]

GAIUS
What is it?

MERLIN
Water drawn from the Cup of Life. If Arthur drinks from it, he will recover. Please hurry.

[Gaius begins to walk out, but stops and faces Merlin.]

MERLIN
What are you waiting for?

GAIUS
What price did you pay to redeem his life? Whose life did you bargain?!

MERLIN
We don't have time.

GAIUS
Merlin!

MERLIN
Don't worry, Gaius! Everything's going to be alright.

[Gaius and Merlin giving Arthur the water. Uther enters.]

UTHER
What are you doing, physician? What are you giving him?

GAIUS
It's a... It's a tincture made from the lobelia plant, an ancient remedy for poisonous bites.

UTHER
A cure?

GAIUS
We hope.

UTHER
Do you really think it will have some effect?

GAIUS
It's our last resort, Sire. Perhaps you should allow him to rest.

UTHER
I will not leave him.

[Gaius and Merlin exit. Uther sits by Arthur's bedside.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR]
[Gaius and Merlin head down the corridor. Morgana grabs Merlin's arm and pulls him into an alcove.]

MORGANA
Please, Merlin, you must beware. This is only the beginning.

[Merlin pulls away and continues down the corridor.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius paces in Arthur's Chambers, Uther sleeps hunched over the bed. Arthur wakes. Uther wakes.]

UTHER
Arthur.

[Arthur looks around and puts his head back down.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius enters Physician's Chambers where Merlin is pacing.]

GAIUS
The Prince lives.

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

UTHER
I thought we'd lost you.

ARTHUR
Don't worry, Father, I'm not going to die. I think there's someone watching over me, keeping me from harm.

UTHER
Maybe you're right. On your long journey to become King, you will need a guardian angel. I shall inform the court that their Prince lives.

[Gwen enters as Uther exits. she puts down the towels she's carrying and looks anxiously at Arthur. Arthur opens his eyes and turns to look at her. Gwen smiles in relief.]

GWEN
I knew it. I said you'd be alright.

ARTHUR
I can remember you talking to me.

GWEN
You can?

ARTHUR
You stroked my forehead.

GWEN
I was tending to your fever.

ARTHUR
You never lost faith.

GWEN
I was just talking.

ARTHUR
Tell me again what you said?

GWEN
I don't remember.

ARTHUR
Yes, you do.

GWEN
No, I don't.

ARTHUR
Come on. Something about "the man I am inside."

GWEN
No, I never said that.

ARTHUR
Guinevere...

GWEN
I have to get these washed, Sire.

[Gwen exits hurriedly with the dirty cloths. Arthur grins in amusement.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Merlin sits on his bed, waiting to die, while a thunderstorm whips through the night. A figure enters the Camelot on foot. A trembling diseased hand opens the door to the Physician's Chambers. Morgana bolts awake screaming. Morning comes and Merlin is still alive. He rushes out of his room.]

MERLIN
Gaius! I'm alive!

[Gaius is crouching over a collapsed figure on the floor.]

MERLIN
What is it? What's happened?

GAIUS
Merlin, stay there!

MERLIN
What's wrong?

GAIUS
No, don't!

[Merlin walks over to see Hunith, covered in sores, struggling to breathe on the floor.]

MERLIN
Mother!

HUNITH
Merlin.

MERLIN
What's happened to her?

GAIUS
She's gravely ill.

MERLIN
Do something!

GAIUS
If I could.

MERLIN
Please, Gaius!

GAIUS
Merlin, this is no ordinary illness.

MERLIN
This cannot happen.

GAIUS
Who did you meet at the Isle of the Blessed?

MERLIN
Nimueh.

GAIUS
Nimueh?!

MERLIN
It was as you said. She demanded a price, but I bargained my life, not my mothers.

GAIUS
Merlin. I wish there was something I could do.

MERLIN
I will make you better. I will.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, DRAGON’S CAVE]
MERLIN
You knew this would happen! You had me trade my mother's life for Arthur's!

KILGHARRAH
You said you would do anything.

MERLIN
Did you know my mother would die?

KILGHARRAH
I knew the price would be a heavy one.

MERLIN
But you sent me anyway.

KILGHARRAH
We need Arthur to live.

MERLIN
I'm not one of you!

KILGHARRAH W
e are both creatures of the Old Religion. It is the source of your power.

MERLIN
What's that supposed to mean?

KILGHARRAH
Your destiny is to protect the young Pendragon until he claims his crown. And when he does, magic can be returned to the realm. Only then will I be free.

MERLIN
Oh. So that's all you cared about? I thought you were my friend.

KILGHARRAH
I am more than that, Merlin. I am your kin.

MERLIN
No. The only family I have is my mother, and you had me murder her.

KILGHARRAH
Her life has not been taken in vain. We will achieve great things together, you and I.

MERLIN
You will never be released! For what you've done, I'll make sure you never see the light.

KILGHARRAH
Merlin!

[The Great Dragon breathes fire at him.]

MERLIN
Gescildan!

[Merlin blocks the flames.]

MERLIN
You won't see me again.

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

MERLIN
Where is she?

GAIUS
She's sleeping.

MERLIN
I have to save her.

GAIUS
You cannot.

MERLIN
If the balance of the world needs a life, then Nimueh must take mine.

GAIUS
No, Merlin.

MERLIN
Yes. I will return to the island.

GAIUS
You are young. Your gifts, your destiny are far too precious to sacrifice.

MERLIN
My destiny? This is my mother. My powers mean nothing if I cannot save her. You have taught me so much. Taught me who I am. Taught me the purpose for my skills. Taught me that magic should only be used for great deeds. But most of all, you have always taught me to do what is right.

GAIUS
Merlin.

MERLIN (sniffle)
I need to say goodbye to Arthur.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin enters as Arthur is pouring himself a drink, his other arm in a sling.]

ARTHUR
Ah, Merlin.

MERLIN
How are you?

ARTHUR
Good.

MERLIN
I'm pleased.

ARTHUR
Yes. I owe it all to Gaius.

MERLIN
I need to talk to you.

ARTHUR
You still haven't got it yet, have you? I decide when we need to talk.

MERLIN
Not today.

ARTHUR
I sometimes wonder if you know who I am.

MERLIN
Oh, I know who you are.

ARTHUR
Good.

MERLIN
You're a prat. And a royal one.

ARTHUR (chuckle)
Are you ever going to change, Merlin?

MERLIN
No, you'd get bored. But promise me this, if you get another servant, don't get a bootlicker.

ARTHUR
If this is you trying to leave your job...

MERLIN
No. I'm happy to be your servant. Till the day I die.

ARTHUR
Sometimes I think I know you, Merlin. Other times... *shakes head*

MERLIN
Well, I know you. And you're a great warrior. One day, you'll be a great king.

ARTHUR
That's very kind of you.

MERLIN
But you must learn to listen as well as you fight.

ARTHUR
Any other pointers?

MERLIN
No. That's it. Just...don't be a prat.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER]
[Merlin enters his chamber where Gwen is sitting by Hunith's bedside.]

GWEN
Gaius had to go and get some supplies. He asked me to keep an eye on her until you got back.

MERLIN
Thank you.

GWEN
I'm sorry.

MERLIN
No, she'll get better.

GWEN
I've tried to make her feel comfortable.

MERLIN
You have such a good heart, Gwen. Don't ever lose that.

[Gwen leaves and Merlin goes to sit with his mother.]

MERLIN
I'm going to make you well again. I promise. You'll see.

HUNITH
You're such a good son.

MERLIN
But I don't want you to worry about me. I know that the gods will look after me, and that one day I will see you again.

HUNITH
I will miss you.

MERLIN
I will miss you, too.

[Merlin takes out the rabbit's foot and gives it to his mother.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin comes out of his room and begins packing for his trip the next morning.]

MERLIN
Gaius?

[Merlin finds a note with his name on it. Merlin reads it while Gaius travels to the Isle of the Blessed.]
GAIUS (voiceover)
Dear Merlin, My life is already near to its end. There has, for the most part, been very little purpose to it, very little that will be remembered. In contrast, Merlin, your life is destined for greatness. Live by the tenets I have taught you, and I believe you will, in time, become the greatest warlock ever. To have known you has been my greatest pleasure, and to sacrifice myself for you is but an honour. You are and always will be the son I never had.

MERLIN
No!

[Merlin rides out of Camelot.]

--
[EXT. ISLE OF THE BLESSED]
[Gaius steps out of the boat onto the island.]

NIMUEH
I never thought I'd see you here again.

GAIUS
My Lady.

NIMUEH
It's a long time since you called me that.

GAIUS
I come to ask for your help.

NIMUEH
As you did once before for Uther? You did not like the outcome.

GAIUS
I offer a chance for you to atone for the death of his wife.

NIMUEH
I have saved the life of her son. What more do you ask for?

GAIUS
That this time, you take a just price. Merlin intends to offer his life for his mother's. I want you to take mine in his place.

NIMUEH (laughs)
With all my powers of prediction, I could never have foretold this. Gaius the hero. Why should I grant your wish? You stood and watched as our friends burned in the Great Purge. You are nothing but a traitor.

GAIUS
Merlin is the one man who can bring magic back to this land. At Arthur's side, he can help forge a new kingdom. A world of peace and beauty that we can only dream of.

NIMUEH
And you're willing to give your life, Gaius, for the future they will bring? I'm waiting. Are you ready to die, Gaius? Gaius?

GAIUS
For Merlin I will give my life.

[Merlin approaches edge of the lake of the Isle of the Blessed, he can hear Nimueh.]

NIMUEH
Ic, séo héahsácerd, þe ácwile strengþe ealdan æwfæstnesse!

[Merlin rushes onto the island.]

MERLIN
Stop!

NIMUEH
Back again so soon, warlock?

MERLIN
What have you done?

NIMUEH
Your mother is safe. Isn't that what you wanted?

MERLIN
Have you killed him?

NIMUEH
It was his wish.

MERLIN
I bid my life for Arthur's, not my mother's, not Gaius's!

NIMUEH
The Old Religion does not care who lives and who dies! Only that the balance of the world is restored. To save a life, a life must be taken. Gaius knew this.

MERLIN
It is not the Old Religion that has done this. It is you.

NIMUEH
Come now. We are too valuable to each other to be enemies.

MERLIN
No! I share nothing with you!

NIMUEH
With my help, Arthur will become King.

MERLIN
I will make Arthur King. But you will never see that day. Ástríce!

[Nimueh absorbs his attack.]

NIMUEH
Your childish tricks are useless against me, Merlin. I am a priestess of the Old Religion. Forbærne! You, too, are a creature of the Old Religion. You should join me.

MERLIN
You think I would join forces with such a selfish and cruel magic? Never.

NIMUEH
So be it. Ácwele!

[The spell hits Merlin.]

NIMUEH
Pity. Together we could've ruled the world.

[Nimueh walks away. Merlin gets up and glares at her.]

MERLIN
You should not have killed my friend.

[Merlin uses the power from the clouds to strike Nimueh down. Merlin runs to Gaius.]

MERLIN
Gaius! Gaius!

[Merlin cradles unconscious Gaius.]

MERLIN
No! No! *cries*

GAIUS
Merlin.

MERLIN
Gaius. Gaius. Gaius, you're alive!

GAIUS
What did you do?

MERLIN
Nimueh's dead. The balance of the world has been restored.

GAIUS
You amaze me. You've mastered the power of life and death itself. We'll make a great warlock of you yet.

MERLIN
So you believe in me now?

GAIUS
Well, I would do if...if you could stop this blasted rain.

[They laugh.]

KILGHARRAH
Merlin! No! *roar*

[Morgana wakes from a nightmare.]