1.3 The Mark of Nimueh 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.

--
[00:12, INT. CAVE – DAY]

NIMUEH
*spell*

[Nimueh places a magic egg into water. it travels through underground waterways to a manmade cavern. Nimueh watches Camelot from her water basin.]

NIMUEH
*spell*

--
[02:01, EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Gaius and Merlin look over corpse in the street.]

MERLIN
Aren't you sacred?

GAIUS
Of what?

MERLIN
That you might catch whatever it is.

GAIUS
I'm the court physician, Merlin. This is part of my job. Most of the time there's nothing really to be scared of.

[Gaius turns over corps to reveal white skinned, white eyed face.]

MERLIN
You were saying?

GAIUS
People mustn't see this. They'll panic.

--
[02:36, INT. GWEN'S HOUSE – DAY]
[Gwen and her father get ready at home.]

GWEN
Dad, here's your sandwich.

TOM
Ooh. Mmm, what's in it?

GWEN
It's smoked pigeon. But I'd say there's more smoke than pigeon.

TOM (laughs)
You're such a good girl to me.

GWEN
And I've done you some watercress soup tonight.

TOM
Don't tell me, with more water in it than cress?

[Gwen laughs and they hug.]

GWEN
I'll see you later.

TOM
K. Bye.

--
[03:03, EXT. KING’S PALACE, DRAWBRIDGE – DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius wheel the body over the castle drawbridge. Gwen approaches carrying the flowers she had at home.]

GWEN
What are you doing?

MERLIN
Er...just moving something.

GAIUS
Looks heavy.

MERLIN
Er, it's nothing really. Er...someone got you flowers?

GWEN
Oh! No. *giggle* Would you like one? A purple one. Purple suits you. Not that I'm saying red doesn't suit you.

MERLIN
Thanks. Well, er...

[Merlin sticks the flower in his scarf.]

GWEN
Aww.

MERLIN
Er...see you.

GWEN
Bye.

--
[03:45, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gwen enters with flowers.]

MORGANA
You look happy.

GWEN
I picked these for you.

MORGANA
Oh, that's so sweet.

GWEN
Something to cheer you up. I know you're not sleeping well.

MORGANA
You cheer me up.

GWEN
Would you like me to put them in water for you?

--
[04:05, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius looking at body with magnifying glass.]

GAIUS
I've never seen anything like this before.

MERLIN
Do you think it could be some kind of plague?

GAIUS
No. I fear that something like this could never come from nature. But who has this kind of power?

MERLIN
You think it's caused by magic?

ARTHUR
Merlin!

[Merlin opens door before Arthur can come in and see the body.]

MERLIN
Erm...I'm on my way. Sorry I'm late.

ARTHUR
Don't worry. I'm getting used to it.

[Arthur furrows his eyebrows when he sees the flower in Merlin's scarf. Merlin looks down at it.]

MERLIN Oh, er...Gwen, she gave it to me.

ARTHUR
Tell Gaius my father wants to see him now.

MERLIN
Okay.

[Merlin closes the door.]

MERLIN
Gaius...

GAIUS
I heard.

MERLIN
Wait, why couldn't he just tell you himself?

GAIUS
'Cause that's the way it is. You're a servant.

MERLIN
Wha...if he knew who I was, what I've done...

GAIUS
You'd be a dead servant. Right, get this covered up.

MERLIN
Hey, I'm not your servant.

GAIUS
No, you're my dogsbody. Come on, hurry up.

--
[04:58, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Gaius examines a magically dead servant on the floor.]

UTHER
What's happened to him?

GAIUS
I don't know, Sire. It's the second case I've seen today.

UTHER
Why didn't you report it to me?

GAIUS
I was attempting to find the cause.

UTHER
What did you conclude?

GAIUS
I don't think it's time to hurry to conclusions. A scientific process is a long one.

UTHER
What are you concealing from me?

GAIUS
Sire, I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying in 24 hours, and it's spreading fast.

UTHER
What is the cause?

GAIUS
I think you should say that the cause, the most likely cause, is sorcery.

[Uther pulls Arthur aside.]

UTHER
We must find who did this.

ARTHUR
I will, father.

UTHER (scared whisper)
Conduct door to door searches. Increase your presence in the town. Double the guards on all the gates. And lend the physician your servant.

ARTHUR
Merlin? But...

UTHER
I'm going to need Gaius to find a cure. He needs all the help we can give him. If Gaius is right, believe me, this city will be wiped out. This is the kind of magic that undermines our authority, challenges all we've done. If we cannot control this plague, people will turn to magic for a cure. We have to find this sorcerer, and quickly.

ARTHUR
Yes, father.

--
[06:24,
[Arthur and guards search the city. Merlin and Gaius walk through town. Merlin sees a sick person]

MERLIN
Gaius? Gaius. He's still alive.

GAIUS
I'm afraid there's nothing we can do for him.

MERLIN
But we haven't tried.

GAIUS
If we don't know what a disease is, then how can we cure him?

MERLIN
With magic.

GAIUS
Have a look. They're suspicious of everyone.

MERLIN
This is not the time to be using magic. Science will lead us to the source of the disease.

--
[07:04, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius heats a vial of liquid.]

MERLIN
What are you doing?

GAIUS
I'm examining the contents of that man's stomach.

MERLIN
Will that tell you who did it?

GAIUS
No, but it might tell us how it's spread. One thing I do know, this is magic of the darkest kind.

MERLIN
Why would someone use magic like that?

GAIUS
Magic corrupts. People use it for their own ends.

MERLIN
But not all magic is bad. I know it isn't.

GAIUS
It's neither good nor bad. It's how you use it.

[Arthur and guards burst in]

ARTHUR (to Guard)
Over there. (to Gaius) Sorry Gaius, we're searching every room in town.

GAIUS
What for?

ARTHUR
A sorcerer.

GAIUS
But why would he be here?

ARTHUR
I'm just doing my job.

GAIUS
We've nothing to hide. Go on, then. Search.

ARTHUR
All these books and papers?

GAIUS
My life's work, dedicated to the understanding of science. You are quite welcome to read through them if you wish.

ARTHUR
What's this room up here?

MERLIN
Er, it's mine.

GAIUS
And what do you expect to find in there?

ARTHUR
I'm looking for material or evidence suggesting the use of enchantments.

GAIUS
What've you done with the magic book I gave you?

[Merlin looks worried. Arthur enters his room.]

ARTHUR
Merlin, come here. Look what I found.

[Merlin goes in.]

ARTHUR
I found a place where you can put things. It's called a cupboard.

[Merlin spots book on the floor and magically covers it with his bed sheet. Arthur looks under the bed, but misses the book and exits Merlin's room.]

ARTHUR
How long do you think it may be before you find a cure?

GAIUS
It depends on how many interruptions I get.

ARTHUR
Of course, I'm sorry. (to Guards) We're finished here.

[They exit. Gaius closes the door.]

GAIUS
We have to hide that book.

MERLIN
No. We must use it.

GAIUS
Don't be stupid.

MERLIN
If I have this legacy then what is it for? You keep telling me it's not for playing tricks.

GAIUS
You want to practice magic when the King is hunting for sorcerers? Are you mad? Merlin, your life is destined for more important things.

MERLIN
But if I don't practice, then how will I get to be this great warlock?!

GAIUS
There will come a time when your skills will be recognised.

MERLIN
When?! How long do I have to wait?

GAIUS
Patience is a virtue, Merlin.

MERLIN
Sitting by and doing nothing, that's a virtue?

GAIUS
Your time will come.

MERLIN
I could cure that man we saw.

GAIUS
I know it's tempting to use the way you find easiest, Merlin...

MERLIN
It is when it would save a life.

GAIUS
It's no good just saving one person. We have to discover how this illness is spreading.

MERLIN
Arthur is out there right now looking for the sorcerer!

GAIUS
A sorcerer who's powerful enough to do this will never be found searching the town.

MERLIN (sigh)
So what can we do?

GAIUS
Hope that science can find the answer before it kills us all.

--
[10:43, INT. CAVE – DAY]
[Nimueh watches the Afanc in her stone basin. a woman draws water from the spout in the Lower Town. covered bodies are lined up in the courtyard.]

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

ARTHUR
We searched everywhere, the entire city.

UTHER
Nothing?

ARTHUR
I don't know where else to look.

UTHER
I want you to impose a curfew. No one is to be allowed onto the streets after the great bell.

ARTHUR
Father?

UTHER
And cordon off the lower town.

ARTHUR
Why?

UTHER
Because that's where most of the victims are. Let's isolate it, stop this disease from spreading.

ARTHUR
What about the people who live there?

UTHER
Don't you think I haven't considered it? What else can I do? I have to protect the rest of the city.

[Arthur bows and exits.]

--
[11:39, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius and Merlin examine another corpse.]

GAIUS
What's different about this victim?

MERLIN
Er...she's a woman.

GAIUS
Sometimes I do wonder whether you're a magical talents were given to the right person. Anything else?

MERLIN
Erm...she's a courtier.

GAIUS
Ah.

MERLIN
How does that help us?

GAIUS
Courtiers seldom go down to the lower town. So what does that mean?

MERLIN
Erm....that, that she hasn't spoken to any townspeople.

[Gaius looks pained.]

GAIUS
Yes, it suggests that the disease is not spread by contact.

MERLIN
Oh, and they probably ate different food.

GAIUS
Good. Anything else?

MERLIN
Erm...I doubt they breathe the same air.

GAIUS
So what's the only thing they do share?

MERLIN
Water. Water? You think the disease is spread through water?

GAIUS
Merlin, you're a prodigy.

[Gaius hands Merlin a bucket. Merlin walks to Lower Town well.]

--
[12:37, INT. GWEN'S HOUSE – DAY]
[Gwen ties her cloak.]

GWEN
It's time to get up, Dad. Dad?

[She turns him over.]

TOM
Gwen.

[Tom is magically sick. Gwen panics and runs to the castle crying, passing Merlin at the well.]

MERLIN
Gwen? Gwen!

[Merlin grabs bucket of water and runs after her.]

--
[13:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gwen enters.]

GAIUS
Gwen!

GWEN
Gaius.

GAIUS
You have the sickness?

[Gwen shakes her head.]

GWEN
My father! Please, Gaius, he's all I have.

GAIUS
Gwen, I have no cure.

GWEN
I am begging you!

GAIUS
I wish there was something, anything, but so far the remedy is beyond what I can achieve.

[Gaius takes her hand.]

GAIUS
I'm sorry, Gwen.

[Gwen runs out of the room.]

MERLIN
There must be something we can do.

GAIUS
My best. Let's hope that this can provide some answers.

MERLIN
But that'll be too late for Gwen's father.

GAIUS
I fear you may be right.

[Gaius puts some of the water in a jar, and places a flower in it. Merlin goes to his room.]

--
[13:53, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Merlin checks on snoring Gaius, pulls out his magic book, and sneaks past the guards.]

GUARD 1
What about over...in there?

GUARD 2
Certainly, sir.

[Guards poke spears into haystacks. A guard approaches Merlin's hiding spot.]

MERLIN (whisper)
Onstyrian, onbregdan.

[The door across the street creaks open. A guard nears and the door hits him in the face. Merlin goes to Gwen's house. Gwen and Tom are sleeping. Merlin puts a poultice under Tom's pillow.]

MERLIN
þu fornimst adl fram guman.

[Merlin exits and watches them outside the door. Tom wakes and touches Gwen's head, which is resting on his bedside.]

GWEN
Father?

TOM
Gwen.

GWEN
What's happened? I can't believe it!

[Gwen hugs her father.]

--
[16:38, more covered bodies are laid out in the Square. Nimueh continues watching in her stone basin]

--
[16:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Arthur reaches for glass vial with the tainted water and flower in it.]

GAIUS
Don't touch it. I had this in the water for no more than a few hours.

UTHER
Where's the water from?

GAIUS
The pump from where the people take their daily supply.

ARTHUR
We have to stop the people from using it.

GAIUS
The city cannot survive without water.

UTHER
We have to find this sorcerer!

ARTHUR
I don't believe that they're inside Camelot.

UTHER
Then extend the search to the villages!

ARTHUR
We've started, but I can't search the entire kingdom.

UTHER
And I can't stand by and watch our people dying.

[Arthur nods and exits]

--
[17:17, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin enters. Gwen hums as she gathers Morgana's clothes.]

MERLIN
How's your father? Is he feeling better?

GWEN
Yeah, it's incredible. It's a miracle.

MERLIN
His skin's clear, back to normal?

GWEN
Yes.

MERLIN
Great.

[Merlin beams and turns to leave.]

GWEN
You don't seem surprised.

MERLIN
No, no, I am. It's a miracle.

GWEN
But how did you know he was well?

MERLIN
Er...because you're smiling.

GWEN
That's really weird because I haven't told anyone, but you know. How could you know?

MERLIN
Yeah. Alright. You finally found out, I'll tell you. *swallows* I'm psychic.

GWEN (giggle)
No you're not.

MERLIN
It's true.

GWEN
Alright, what am I thinking?

MERLIN
That I'm not psychic.

GWEN (giggle)
You're strange. I, I don't mean that in a nasty way. You're just funny. I like that.

MERLIN
Erm, er, I 'm pleased for you.

GWEN
Thank you.

MERLIN
What for?

GWEN
Don't know, just for asking.

MERLIN
I didn't like to see you upset. I have to...get on.

[Merlin waves awkwardly. Gwen waves back. Merlin leaves. Gwen smiles.]

--
[18:41, INT. BLACKSMITH’S – DAY]
[Tom works at his forge. Townspeople watch him. Arthur approaches with guards.]

ARTHUR
The story is you were sick.

TOM
Not anymore.

ARTHUR
Perhaps you were suffering from some other ailment?

TOM
Oh, you're joking. I felt like death itself, not enough strength in me to stir the air.

ARTHUR
Then...what happened?

TOM
Oh, I don't know. Suddenly it was gone. I'm fitter than I was before.

ARTHUR
That's remarkable. Was anybody with you when all this happened?

TOM
Just my daughter, Gwen.

[Arthur leaves and Tom goes back to work. Arthur and guards search Gwen and Tom's house. Guard finds glowing poultice.]

--
[20:01, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gwen hums as she carries away a vase full of dead flowers. Arthur and guards enter.]

ARTHUR
Seize her.

GWEN
No.

ARTHUR
Guinevere, I'm arresting you for crimes and contraventions of the laws of Camelot, that you did practice enchantments.

[Morgana enters.]

MORGANA
Gwen?

GWEN
But what have I done? I haven't done anything! Help me, please!

MORGANA
What are you doing?

ARTHUR
I found a magic poultice in her house.

MORGANA
Oh, that's ridiculous.

ARTHUR
Then how else do you explain her father's recovery?

MORGANA
Well, she's innocent! I know she's innocent.

ARTHUR
What can I do? I can't turn a blind eye!

[Arthur exits and Morgana scoffs.]

--
[20:35, INT. KING’S PALACE, UPPER CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Arthur and guards drag Gwen down the corridor.]

GWEN
No, please. You've got to listen to me! Please, I haven't done anything wrong! You have to listen to me, please! I am innocent, I swear! Let me go! I swear to you!

[Gwen turns her head and sees Merlin approaching her.]

GWEN
Merlin! Merlin, please help me! (to guards) Why won't you listen to me?!

[Gaius takes Merlin's arm and escorts him out.]

GWEN
Please listen to me!

--
[21:00, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius enter and Gaius slams the door.]

GAIUS
What've you done?!

MERLIN
What?

GAIUS
I warned you! Oh, I understand. You thought you were doing good.

MERLIN
I couldn't let her father die knowing I could cure him.

GAIUS
Didn't you think it might look a bit suspicious, the curing of one man?

MERLIN
Well then, all I have to do is...I'll cure everyone! No one will ever have to know it was magic.

GAIUS
It's too late! They think Gwen's a sorceress! They think she caused the disease!

MERLIN
But she didn't!

[Merlin rushes to leave.]

GAIUS
Oh, and how are you going to prove that?!

[Merlin stops to think, then leaves.]

--
[21:37, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Arthur enters and guards drag Gwen in behind him.]

GWEN
Please listen to me I have done nothing, please! I swear I haven't done anything!

[Guards drop her on the floor.]

Uther (to Arthur)
Well done.

GWEN
Why will no one believe me?! He got better, he just recovered. I didn't do anything!

[Morgana enters.]

MORGANA
I believe you. Perhaps this is a disease that is not always fatal. Have you thought of that? Perhaps he recovered naturally.

UTHER
And what of this poultice that was found?

GWEN
What poultice? I don't know anything about a poultice!

UTHER
It was found in your house. Undo this enchantment. Put an end to this contagion.

GWEN
I can't!

UTHER
I will show you no mercy.

GWEN
I am not a witch. I don't know how to stop the illness!

UTHER
If you will not undo your sorcery, you force my hand and I must find you guilty...

GWEN
But I told you, I...

UTHER
It is therefore my duty to pronounce judgment. And under the circumstance I have no choice but to sentence you to death.

GWEN
No.

UTHER
I can only hope that when you die, this evil plague dies with you.

GWEN
No! No!

UTHER
Take her away.

[Guards drag Gwen backwards out of the room.]

GWEN
Please, no! I'm innocent! Please, please, no! Please help me! Please, I beg you! No!

[The courtiers leave. Morgana watches Gwen get dragged off, then turns to Uther.]

MORGANA
I know Gwen, she's my maidservant, not an enchantress.

UTHER
Have you ever seen an enchantress? Believe me, they bear no sign, no mark. There is no sense of evil in the eye.

MORGANA
I've seen the way the girl works. Her fingers are worn, her nails are broken. If she was a sorceress, why would she do this? Why would she kneel on a cold stone floor morning after morning when she could make these things happen with a snap of her fingers? Like an idle king!

UTHER
You have no right!

MORGANA
You have a right to cast a judgment on that girl!

UTHER
I have a responsibility to take care of this kingdom! I take no pleasure in this!

MORGANA
But you're sentencing the wrong person!

ARTHUR
She's right, Father. You hear the word magic, you no longer listen.

UTHER
You saw it for yourself. She used enchantments.

ARTHUR
Yes, maybe. But to save her dying father, that doesn't make her guilty of creating a plague. One's the act of, of kindness, of love, the other of evil. I don't believe evil's in this girl's heart.

UTHER
I have witnessed what witchcraft can do. I have suffered at its hand. I cannot take that chance. If there is the slightest doubt about this girl, she must die or the whole kingdom may perish.

ARTHUR
I understand that.

UTHER
One day you may become King. Then you will understand. Such decisions must be made. There are dark forces that threaten this kingdom.

ARTHUR
I know. Witchcraft is an evil, father. So is injustice. Yes, I am yet to be King, and I don't know what kind of king I will be, but I do have a sense of the kind of Camelot I would wish to live in. It would be where the punishment fits the crime.

UTHER
I fear you're right. She's played with fire, and sadly she must die by fire.

[Morgana leaves. Arthur paces the Council Chamber.]

--
[24:44, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
I thought I was doing good and that curing Gwen's father would help her. I thought I was saving a life. It seemed so simple.

GAIUS
An easy solution is like a light in a storm, Merlin. Rush for it at your peril, for it may not always lead you to a safe harbour.

MERLIN
I can see that now.

GAIUS
How many times have I warned you about the responsibilities of being a warlock?

MERLIN
I must see her.

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS]
[Merlin leaves, goes down stairs to the dungeon, passes a weeping Morgana on Wrought Iron Stairway.]

MERLIN
Gwen.

[Gwen tries to get to the cell door, but her chains don't stretch that far. She's been crying.]

GWEN
Thank you.

MERLIN
What for?

GWEN
For coming to see me.

MERLIN
I'm sorry.

GWEN
It's not your fault.

MERLIN
Well...

GWEN
It's alright. Don't worry about me. There's no point crying about it. I mean...I mean, I'm not saying that you were going to cry about me. Obviously I don't think that.

MERLIN
Oh, Gwen. I can't have this happen.

GWEN
Please, one thing. You, you don't have to, but...

MERLIN
What?

GWEN
Remember me.

MERLIN
You're not going to die. I'm not going to let this happen.

[Merlin leaves, rushing up the Wrought Iron Stairway.]

--
[26:37, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
[Uther consulting his advisors.]

UTHER
What if burning this witch doesn't stop the poison? How do I protect my people? My men have closed down the water pumps.

GAIUS
But the emergency supply won't last for much longer. We have to find a way of cleansing the water of the disease.

UTHER
But how?

GAIUS
Well...

[The doors open and Merlin bursts in.]

MERLIN
It was me! It was me who used magic to cure Gwen's father!

[The council stares at him.]

MERLIN
Gwen is not the sorcerer. I am!

[Gaius stands up.]

GAIUS
Merlin! Are you mad?

MERLIN
I cannot let her die for me. (to Uther) I place myself at your mercy.

GAIUS
He doesn't know what he's talking about.

MERLIN
I do.

UTHER
Then arrest him.

ARTHUR
Father, please! I can't allow this! This is madness! There's no way Merlin is a sorcerer.

UTHER
Did you not hear him?

ARTHUR
Yes.

UTHER
He admitted it.

ARTHUR
He saved my life, remember.

UTHER
Why should he fabricate such a story.

ARTHUR
As Gaius said, he's got a...grave mental disease.

UTHER
Really?

ARTHUR
He's in love.

MERLIN
What?

ARTHUR
With Gwen.

[Uther grins.]

MERLIN
I am not.

ARTHUR
Yes, you are.

MERLIN
No way.

ARTHUR
I saw yesterday with that flower she'd given you.

MERLIN
I'm not in love with her.

[Arthur puts his arm around Merlin.]

ARTHUR
It's all right. You can admit it.

MERLIN
I don't even think of her like that!

UTHER
Perhaps she cast a spell on you.

[Arthur looks at his father worriedly. Uther snickers. Other council members snicker, and Arthur smiles in relief.]

ARTHUR
Merlin is a wonder, but the wonder is that he's such an idiot. There's no way he's a sorcerer.

UTHER
Don't waste my time again. Let him go.

--
[28:21, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
Arthur's the idiot.

GAIUS
No. He was right to do what he did. And, thankfully, he saved you from your own stupidity.

MERLIN
What else could I do? It's my fault Gwen's going to die.

GAIUS
Yes, but you don't prove her innocence by offering to jump into the flames. You do it by finding out what's causing the disease!

MERLIN
Well, whatever it is, one thing's for sure: Arthur isn't going to find it. He thinks he is so sharp! But even when I told him I was a wizard, he still couldn't see it.

GAIUS
Sometimes they're pretty hard to spot.

MERLIN
Well, maybe I should go around wearing a pointy hat.

GAIUS
I don't think you'll find one big enough. Anyway, forget that. If we're going to save Gwen, we have to find out what's contaminating the water.

--
[29:04, INT. TUNNEL WATER SUPPLY]
[Gaius and Merlin go to the underground entrance to the water supply. Nimueh's watching in her stone basin]

GAIUS
The water from here supplies the whole town. Take a sample.

[Merlin puts bottle in the water.]

GAIUS
Let's take it back and examine it.

[An Afanc rears up out of the water.]

MERLIN
What the hell was that?

[Gaius takes Merlin's arm and they leave.]

--
[30:25, Physician's Chambers.
[Gaius and Merlin look at a book.]

GAIUS
Here. It was an Afanc.

MERLIN
An...a what?

GAIUS
A beast born of clay, and conjured up only by the most powerful sorcerer. Now we have to find a way to defeat it. But where?

[Gaius looks at shelves of books.]

MERLIN
That could take days. Gwen'll be dead by then.

GAIUS
Have you got a better idea?

[Merlin sees pyre being built in the Square on his way to the dungeons. sees Gwen lying on the cell floor.]

MERLIN
Gwen? I'm going to get you out. I will.

[Merlin leaves.]

--
[31:36, INT. KING’S PALACE, DRAGON'S CAVE]

MERLIN
Hello?

KILGHARRAH
Hello.

[The Great Dragon flies down.]

KILGHARRAH
The great warlock returns, as I knew he would.

MERLIN
I need to know how to defeat an Afanc.

KILGHARRAH
Yes, I suppose you do.

MERLIN
Will you help me?

KILGHARRAH
Trust the elements that are at your command.

MERLIN
Elements? But what is it I have to do?

KILGHARRAH
You cannot do this alone. You are but one side of a coin. Arthur is the other.

MERLIN
I-- I don't understand. Just tell me what it is I have to do.

[Kilgharrah flies off.]

MERLIN
No! Please, help me!

KILGHARRAH
I have.

[Kilgharrah laughs.]

MERLIN
Oh, yeah, right. Thanks.

--
[32:32, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Arthur enters.]

UTHER
Have you found anything more?

ARTHUR
I've tried. I can keep looking.

UTHER
People are dying, we can't delay any longer. We must kill the witch. Bring her execution forward to tonight.

[Arthur bows his head and exits.]

--
[33:03, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin frantically searches through books. Gaius enters.]

GAIUS
Merlin, what are you doing?

MERLIN
Looking for a book.

GAIUS
You going to tell me which one?

MERLIN
A book on elements.

GAIUS
Elements?

MERLIN
Yes. Which one would I find them in?

GAIUS
Well, most of them. The study of base elements is at the very heart of the scientific process.

MERLIN
But how would they help me kill the Afanc?

GAIUS
Well, the Afanc is a creature made from earth and water. That's two of the four base elements.

MERLIN
What about the other two?

GAIUS
Well, perhaps they will destroy it. You want fire. Wind and fire. How did you find this out?

MERLIN
Erm...I just knew, you know? One of my powers.

GAIUS
What else do your powers tell you?

MERLIN
That I am only one side of a coin. The brighter side, obviously.

GAIUS
And who's the other side?

MERLIN
I think that might be Arthur.

MORGANA
They're bringing forward the execution. We have to prove Gwen's innocence.

GAIUS
We're trying.

MORGANA
Please, just tell me what I can do to help.

MERLIN
We need Arthur.

MORGANA
Arthur?

MERLIN
There's a monster, an Afanc, in the water supply. That's what's causing the plague.

MORGANA
Well, we must tell Uther.

GAIUS
The Afanc's a creature forged by magic. Telling Uther wouldn't save Gwen. He'd just blame her for conjuring it.

MORGANA
So, what are we to do?

MERLIN
We need to destroy it. Then the plague will stop and Uther may see sense.

MORGANA
And that's why you need Arthur.

MERLIN
He's our best chance. But he won't want to disobey the King.

MORGANA
Leave that to me.

[Morgana exits. Gaius gives Merlin the keys to the water supply tunnels.]

--
[34:34, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Arthur enters. Morgana is waiting for him.]

ARTHUR
You alright? Sorry about all this [indicated the mess on the table.]. Merlin's not been in today.

MORGANA
Poor Merlin.

ARTHUR
Yeah.

MORGANA
To offer to give up his life to save Gwen's. I certainly can't imagine any man loving me so much.

ARTHUR
No, I certainly can't imagine that either.

[Morgana smirks.]

MORGANA
That's because you're not like Merlin. He's a lover.

ARTHUR
Yeah, maybe that's because I haven't found the right person to love.

MORGANA
Sadly the age of gallantry seems to be dead. You look around and all you see are small men, not big enough to fill their armour. There's not one of them that' s able to stand up for what is right.

[Arthur smirks at Morgana's obvious manipulative insult.]

ARTHUR
What do you want me to do?

--
[35:15, EXT/INT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE/WATER TUNNEL - DAY]
[Morgana and Arthur walk into the Square where Merlin meets them. Arthur draws his sword. They open tunnel door and Arthur lights a torch before they descend.]

ARTHUR
You'd better be right about this, Merlin.

[They hear low growl. Morgana gasps.]

ARTHUR
You should stay here.

MORGANA
I'm coming with you.

ARTHUR
No.

MORGANA
Scared I'll show you up?

ARTHUR
Father will slam us both in chains if he knew I'd endangered you.

MORGANA
Well good thing he doesn't know about it then.

ARTHUR
I'm telling you, Morgana, turn back. You could get hurt.

MORGANA
You could you...if you don't get out of my way.

[Merlin's amused. Arthur rolls his eyes.]

MORGANA
How are we going to find it?

MERLIN
I just hope we do before it finds us.

[Arthur spins around.]

ARTHUR
Stop.

MERLIN
What?

ARTHUR
It's just a shadow.

[They keep moving. the Afanc creeps out of shadows behind them. they reach the water source.]

ARTHUR
Spread out.

[They split up. Arthur hears growl and Afanc swipes at him from behind, then disappears. Morgana rushes to him.]

MORGANA
What is it? Are you alright?

ARTHUR
Yeah.

MERLIN
Did you see it?

ARTHUR
Yes.

MERLIN
What did it look like?

ARTHUR
It--it's quick.

[The Afanc come up in front of Morgana. She screams. Arthur goes for it, but it disappears again.]

ARTHUR
Where is it?

MERLIN
I think it's gone this way!

[They walk. the Afanc creeps slowly out around corner into full view. Arthur swings at it and loses his sword. it also swipes away Morgana's torch. Arthur circles it with torch.]

MERLIN
Arthur, use the torch!

[Arthur swings the torch.]

MERLIN
Lyfte ic þe in balwen ac forhienan.

[Merlin's spell blows flames into the Afanc, incinerating it.]

--
[39:30, INT. CAVE]
[Nimueh watches in her stone basin.]

NIMUEH
Merlin. Mah!

[She splashes the water in anger.]

--
[39:36, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - DAY]
[Uther laughs over some parchment with his advisors.]

UTHER
It's very good.

GAIUS
Good news, Sire. There are no new deaths, and those that are sick are recovering.

UTHER
Good. Strange, I've never heard of an Afanc before.

GAIUS
It's conjured from clay by powerful magic. The type that can only be invoked by an ancient sorcerer. One that has the power to mirror the spirit of life. I found this at the water source.

[Gaius shows him a cracked egg shell.]

GAIUS
It bears the mark of Nimueh. We must be vigilant, Sire.

UTHER
Will I never be rid of her?

GAIUS
Sire.

UTHER
Leave me!

[Everyone exits. Uther sits on the throne and mopes.]

--
[40:38, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – DAY]
[Guards open Gwen's cell. Gwen's father, Merlin, and Morgana enters.]

GWEN
Dad!

[They hug.]

TOM
Oh, my little child!

[Gwen reaches to grasp Morgana's hand.]

GWEN
Thank you!

MORGANA
Don't thank me. It was more Merlin.

GWEN
Really?

MORGANA
He's the real hero here.

GWEN
I don't know what to say.

MERLIN (shrugs)
I didn't do anything.

TOM
I'm-- I'm grateful to you all. Come on, Gwen.

[Tom and Gwen leave.]

MORGANA
Merlin. I wanted you to know, your secret's safe with me.

MERLIN
My secret?

MORGANA
Merlin, don't pretend. I know what you did.

MERLIN
You do?

MORGANA
I saw it with my own eyes.

MERLIN
You did?

MORGANA
I understand why you don't anyone to know.

MERLIN
Well, obviously.

MORGANA
But I won't tell anyone. You don't mind me talking to you about it?

MERLIN
Er...no. I- I, it's, er...you have no idea how hard it is to keep this hidden.

MORGANA
Well, you can continue to deny it, but I think Gwen's a very lucky woman.

MERLIN
Gwen?

[Morgana puts her finger to her lips.]

MORGANA
It's our secret.

[Morgana smiles as she leaves. Merlin sighs.]

--
[41:46, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Merlin and Gaius eat dinner.]

MERLIN
This fish didn't come from the water, did it?

GAIUS
Well, where else is it going to come from? The water's fine now. That's not your worry. This is the work of a very powerful sorcerer. I only hope you didn't come to her attention.

MERLIN
Doubt it. Well no one else seems to appreciate my skills. I just want someone to see me for who I am.

GAIUS
One day, Merlin. One day.

MERLIN
One day what?

GAIUS
One day people won't believe what an idiot you were.

MERLIN
Thanks.

[They toast. Nimueh watches them from her stone basin.]

NIMUEH
Merlin, you will pay for this.