1.5 Lancelot 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, Merlin picks mushrooms in the woods. He hears screeching and gets chased by a griffin. Merlin falls and waits for a deadly blow. Lancelot yells and attacks the griffin with a sword. The sword breaks.]

LANCELOT
Run! Run!

[Lancelot grabs Merlin and they run and hide behind a fallen tree. Lancelot holds his wounded side.]

MERLIN
It's gone. You saved my life. I'm Merlin.

LANCELOT
Lancelot.

[They shake hands. Lancelot passes out.]

--
[02:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS
The wound itself is superficial. The fever will pass. He should be fine in the morning.

--
[02:45, Uther and Arthur survey a burning village.]

UTHER
What creature could've done this?

ARTHUR
We found no tracks in or out. What the villagers say must be true: it has wings and...

UTHER
What?

ARTHUR
And it took no livestock, only people. Whatever it is, it has a taste for human flesh.

UTHER
Post centuries in all the outlying villages. Put the lookouts on full alert. If this thing should make for Camelot, we must be ready.

--
[03:16, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER]

LANCELOT
Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking, I...I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.

MERLIN
Lancelot.

LANCELOT
Yes?

MERLIN
They are going to love you.

LANCELOT
They are?

MERLIN
I've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself.

LANCELOT
I hardly think so.

MERLIN
In fact, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to talk to him right now.

LANCELOT
You know Arthur?

MERLIN
Oh yes.

--
[03:54, EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY]
[A nobleman swings a couple of swords around.]

ARTHUR
Right, you jumped up dung beetle, this is it. The final test. Pass this and you're a knight of Camelot. Fail, and you're no one. You face the most feared of all foes, the ultimate killing machine. You face me. You're challenge to last one minute free combat. Grummond, Second son of Wessex.

[Arthur draws his sword and nods to servant with an hourglass.]

ARTHUR
Your time starts now.

[Grummund swings the swords around while Arthur watches. Grummond goes for the attack and Arthur takes him down in two swift blows. The crowd applauds. Arthur removes Grummond's flag.]

ARTHUR
Take him away.

--
[04:48, EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]

ARTHUR
Grummund's the third to fail this month. How am I meant to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?

MERLIN
Well, I think I might be able to help.

ARTHUR
You, Merlin? You haven't the faintest idea what it takes to become a knight. Courage, fortitude, discipline.

MERLIN
No, no, no, of course I don't, but I do know someone who does.

ARTHUR
Yeah?

MERLIN
He saved my life.

ARTHUR
That's blowing it for starters.

MERLIN
No, no, no. He's really good. Honestly.

ARTHUR
That's great, Merlin. I'm sure he's terrific, but you forget the First Code of Camelot.

MERLIN
The what?

ARTHUR
The First Code. Only those of noble blood can serve as knights. So, unless your friend is a nobleman

MERLIN
Oh, er, he--he is a nobleman.

ARTHUR
Is he?

MERLIN
Absolutely.

ARTHUR
Very well. Bring him to the training ground tomorrow. And make sure he brings his seal of nobility.

MERLIN
Thanks, Arthur. You won't regret it.

--
[05:39, Physician's Chambers. Merlin enters.]

LANCELOT
Well? Did you speak to him?

MERLIN
Yeah, I spoke to him.

LANCELOT
And?

MERLIN
And...

[Merlin feigns disappointment.]

LANCELOT
No.

[Lancelot shakes his head, disappointed.]

MERLIN
He said he would like to meet you.

LANCELOT
Yes! Thank you. Thank you!

MERLIN
Hey, really, it was no problem, really. It's nothing. *ahem* You're not a nobleman, by any chance, are you?

LANCELOT
A nobleman? No.

[Lancelot laughs.]

LANCELOT
Good lord, no. Why do you ask?

MERLIN
It's just that there's this...

GAIUS
The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wished to destroy it. He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life. So he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him.

MERLIN
The nobility.

GAIUS
And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day, only the sons of noble families have served as knights.

MERLIN
But that is not fair.

GAIUS
Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly, I am.

--
[06:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER]

MERLIN
Why do you want to be a knight so much?

LANCELOT
When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains. They were slaughtered where they stood, my father, my mother. Everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made sword craft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat, and when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now, it seems, my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted.

MERLIN
I give you my word, whatever it takes, I will make this right.

--
[07:49, INT. KING’S PALACE, HALL OF RECORDS]
[Merlin searches for a book. Geoffrey of Monmouth watches him. Merlin takes a book.]

MERLIN
Homework.

[Merlin opens book to a page of Northumbrian nobility and pulls out a piece of parchment.]

MERLIN
Ic us bisen hræd tán hwanon.

[Merlin copies the page. Geoffrey wanders over.]

GEOFFREY
Ahem.

[Merlin hands Geoffrey the book.]

MERLIN
It's a...real page turner.

[Geoffrey looks at the title.]

--
[09:04, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin enters and holds up the parchment.]

LANCELOT
What's that?

MERLIN
This is your seal of nobility.

LANCELOT
I don't understand.

MERLIN
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria.

LANCELOT
No, Merlin. No.

MERLIN
Oh, right. So you don't want to be a knight, then.

LANCELOT
Of course I do!

MERLIN
Well...the rules don't allow it. Damn the rules! The rules are wrong!

LANCELOT
But it's a lie. It's against everything the knights stand for.

MERLIN
You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it.

LANCELOT
But the rules, Merlin.

MERLIN
We're not breaking the rules. We're bending them, that's all. You get your foot in the door. But after that you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you succeed - if they make you a knight - it'll be because you earned it, noble or not. I can't change the way things are done around here, but you can...if you let me help you.

--
[09:56, INT. GWEN’S HOUSE – DAY]
[Gwen takes Lancelot's measurements.]

LANCELOT
Thi...*ahem* This is very kind of you, er...

GWEN
Gwen.

LANCELOT
Gwen.

GWEN
Short for Guinevere.

LANCELOT
Ah. Then thank you, Guinevere.

GWEN
Don't thank me. Thank Merlin. Merlin would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlin? Sorry, can you raise your arms? Thank you. Sorry. I think it's great that Merlin's got you this chance. We need men like you.

LANCELOT
You do?

GWEN
Well, not me personally, but you know...Camelot. Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me.

LANCELOT
Well, I'm not a knight yet, My Lady.

GWEN
And I'm not a lady.

[Gwen giggles.]

LANCELOT
Sorry, my...

GWEN
Okay, we're done. Erm...I should have these ready in no time. It's nice to meet you Lancelot.

[Gwen reaches out to shake hands. Lancelot takes her hand and kisses it. Merlin and Lancelot leave.]

--
[11:12, INT. KING’S PALACE, COURTYARD CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin and Lancelot walk down the Courtyard Corridor.]

LANCELOT
She seems lovely. Guinevere.

MERLIN
Oh, yeah. Yeah, she is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise.

LANCELOT
Are you two...you know.

[Merlin laughs.]

MERLIN
No, no. Just friends.

[Merlin gives Lancelot a sideways look.]

--
[11:30, EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY]
[Arthur trains recruits. Merlin and Gwen fix Lancelot's knight costume.]

ARTHUR
One. Two. Three. Four. One. Two. Three. Four.

MERLIN
Well...you certainly look the part.

LANCELOT
Doesn't he just?

MERLIN
I don't feel it.

ARTHUR
Okay, that'll do for today. Well done.

MERLIN
Here's your chance. Go for it.

[Arthur puts a sword in the sword rack. Lancelot approaches him.]

ARTHUR
Yes?

LANCELOT
Lancelot, 5th son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria.

ARTHUR
Lance...a lot? My servant mentioned you. Got your seal?

[Lancelot bows as he presents the fake seal to Arthur.]

LANCELOT
Sire.

[Arthur smacks him. Lancelot falls down.]

ARTHUR
Sluggish reactions. In a battle field you'd be dead by now. Come back when you're ready.

[Arthur walks off. Lancelot gets up and places his hand on his sword.]

LANCELOT
I'm ready now, Sire.

[Arthur turns back around.]

ARTHUR
You are, are you? Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables.

[Onlookers laugh. Lancelot looks uncertainly at Merlin who gives him two thumbs up.]

--
[12:44, INY. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN’S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS
I'm sorry about Lancelot. I see you were upset.

MERLIN
Oh. You know...that's life. You win some, you lose some.

GAIUS
You're taking it very well, I have to say. Very mature.

MERLIN
Thank you, Gaius.

[Lancelot enters covered in...dirt.]

MERLIN
How'd it go?

LANCELOT
Ugh.

[Lancelot goes to Merlin's Chamber. Gaius gives Merlin a look.]

MERLIN
He found work at the stables.

GAIUS
I see. And the truth before I lose my temper?

MERLIN
He's er...trying out for the knights.

GAIUS
The First Code of Camelot has never been broken for any man. What've you done, Merlin?

MERLIN
Okay, I bent the rules a little, but the rules are wrong. They're unfair.

GAIUS
You bent the rules? Using magic?

MERLIN
It was nothing, honestly. It was more of a trick than actual magic.

GAIUS
Your magic is not a toy, Merlin. It's not for you to use or abuse as you see fit.

MERLIN
I know. I know.

GAIUS
Then why'd you do it?

MERLIN
I owe Lancelot my life. I am paying for that debt the only way I can by giving him the opportunity he deserves. If you want to punish me for it, go ahead.

--
[14:01, EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Arthur and a few guards approach Lancelot. Lancelot continues to sharpen swords. Arthur takes a nearby broom and tosses it at Lancelot. Lancelot looks up suddenly and catches it.]

ARTHUR
Not bad.

[Lancelot stands and bows to Arthur.]

LANCELOT
Would you like me to sweep the guardhouse again, Sire?

ARTHUR
It certainly needs sweeping. But first,

[Arthur picks up a broom and removes the bristles.]

ARTHUR
I'd like you to kill me.

LANCELOT
Sire?

ARTHUR
Come on. Don't pretend you don't want to.

[Lancelot removes the bristles on his broom.]

ARTHUR
Hell, if I were you, I'd want to. Come on.

[A fight ensure.]

ARTHUR
Come on, Lancelot, you're not beating a carpet.

[They continue fighting. Arthur hits Lancelot in the gut.]

ARTHUR
Congratulations, Lancelot.

[Arthur tosses the stick to Lancelot.]

ARTHUR
You just made basic training.

[Warning bells toll. Arthur runs toward the screams.]

--
[15:41, Merlin helps an injured woman to sit near Gaius in the Square.]

MERLIN
You're safe now, I promise.

[Gaius tends another woman.]

MERLIN
How is she?

GAIUS
Okay.

[Lancelot runs into the Square.]

LANCELOT
What happened to these people?

GAIUS
Their village was attacked by a winged monster.

[Merlin and Lancelot exchange a look.]

--
[16:10, INT. KING’S PALACE, UPPER CORRIDOR]
[Uther and Arthur look down at the Square.]

ARTHUR
I'd hunt this thing down if I could, but I cannot track a creature through the air.

UTHER
You don't have to track it. First Greenswood, then Willowdale. The creature's heading south, towards the mouth of the valley.

ARTHUR
To Camelot.

UTHER
You must prepare your knights, Arthur.

ARTHUR
Have faith, Father. We'll be ready.

--
[16:29, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius flips through a book of monsters.]

GAIUS
The wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. The wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.

--
[16:50, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQAURE – DAY]
[Arthur speaks to the knights of Camelot.]

ARTHUR
The beast is heading for Camelot. It's fast and agile, but big enough to hit and hit hard. Starting today your training routines will concentrate on an attack strategy. We don't have much time. Dismissed.

[Lancelot approaches Arthur and bows.]

ARTHUR
Yes, Lancelot?

LANCELOT
Is there anything I can do, Sire? It's just...I know that in the event of battle, only a knight may serve.

ARTHUR
That's correct, Lancelot. And you are not yet a knight. Which is why I'm bringing your test forward. You'll face me in the morning.

--
[17:36, EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS – DAY]
[Arthur and Lancelot are dressed in full armour.]

ARTHUR
Well, here we are. Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria...

[Arthur nods to the timekeeper.]

ARTHUR
Your time starts now.

[Arthur and Lancelot put on their helmets. They fight. Lancelot swings and misses Arthur. Gwen grabs Merlin's shirt in her anxiety.]

GWEN
Oh, sorry.

[Arthur punches Lancelot. Lancelot falls back, his helmet askew. Arthur puts his sword in the ground, removes his helmet and goes to remove Lancelot's flag.]

ARTHUR
Shame.

[Lancelot gets up, knocks Arthur off his feet and puts him at sword point.]

LANCELOT
Do you submit, Sire?

[Guards restrain Lancelot. Arthur gets up, apparently angry, and grabs his sword.]

ARTHUR
On your knees!

[Guards force Lancelot to his knees. Arthur puts the sword to Lancelot's chest.]

--
[19:33, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM – NIGHT]
[Lancelot kneels, a sword to his chest.]

UTHER
Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot.

[Applause.]

MORGANA
Who is this man? He seems to have come out of nowhere.

GWEN
I know. It's been a bit of a surprise to all of us.

UTHER
You do us a great honour, Sir Lancelot. The knighthood is the very foundation of Camelot.

LANCELOT
The honour is all mine, Sire.

UTHER
Your father would be very proud.

LANCELOT
Yes, Sire.

UTHER
I have not seen Lord Eldred for many years. Longer than I'd imagined, it seems. Last time I saw him, he only had four sons

LANCELOT
Well...here I am.

UTHER
Indeed you are. And I've kept you too long already. Enjoy the celebrations.

LANCELOT
Sire.

[Lancelot bows. Knights approach him and shake his hand. Uther opens Lancelot's seal and addresses a lady of the court.]

UTHER
Take this seal to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the Court Genealogist.

[The knights walk out, Arthur's arm around Lancelot's shoulders.]

UTHER
I want his opinion by morning.

--
[20:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, HALL OF CEREMONIES – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Lancelot sit on table with their drinks. Merlin stands with Gaius.]

MERLIN
Look at him, Gaius. Does not Lancelot deserve this moment?

GAIUS
I never said he didn't. But destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Merlin. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight you brought him triumph, but who knows what the future may hold.

MERLIN
Yeah, I don't know what it said on your invitation, but on mine it said celebration.

[Gaius chuckles.]

GAIUS
Point taken. Don't come back too late.

MERLIN
All right.

--
[21:23, INT. KING’S PALACE, HALL OF RECORDS]
[Geoffrey of Monmouth looks over court records. Geoffrey finds the page of Lord Eldred of Northumbria and looks displeased.]

--
[21:24, INT. KING’S PALACE, HALL OF CEREMONIES - NIGHT]
[Arthur watches Gwen and Morgana while he and Lancelot sit on a table, drinks in their hands.]

ARTHUR
Here's trouble. Tell me, do you think her...beautiful?

[Arthur watches Morgana. Lancelot's eyes follow Gwen as she goes to stand by Merlin.]

LANCELOT
Yes, Sire. I do.

ARTHUR
Yeah. I suppose she is.

[Morgana notices Arthur's gaze.]

MERLIN
You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen.

GWEN
Don't be silly.

MERLIN
What? So what if he did? Would that really be so bad?

[Gwen sighs.]

GWEN
He's not really my type.

MERLIN
Oh, well, there's a surprise. Sometimes, Guinevere, I wonder if you'd know what your type was if he was standing right next to you.

[Gwen looks wistfully at Merlin.]

GWEN
You're probably right.

[Merlin grabs another drink from a passing servant.]

MERLIN
So, come on. Just for the sake of argument. If you had to, Arthur or Lancelot.

GWEN
But I don't have to and I never will.

MERLIN
Oh, you are no fun, Gwen.

[Arthur pounds on the table.]

ARTHUR
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our new recruit, our new knight of Camelot, Sir Lancelot.

[The crowd applauds. Lancelot and Arthur toast.]

--
[23:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin and Lancelot come out of Merlin's Chamber with hangovers.]

LANCELOT
Argh. Two yards of ale? Two miles, more like it.

GAIUS
Good morning, gentlemen.

[Gaius holds out two fizzing drinks.]

GAIUS
Don't look at it, don't smell it, just down it in one.

LANCELOT
Argh.

GAIUS
Better? Good. Can't have you nodding off first day on the job, Lancelot.

MERLIN
That's Sir Lancelot, if you don't mind.

[They laugh. Guards enter.]

MERLIN
What are you doing?

GUARD
King's orders.

[The guards grab Lancelot and escort him out.]

MERLIN
Stop!

--
[23:45, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Lancelot on his knees before the court.]

UTHER
Tell him what you told me.

GEOFFREY
These credentials are faked. The seal itself is faultless, forgery of the highest possible standard, but a forgery it must be. There is no record of the fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria. Therefore he...

UTHER
Lied. Do you deny it?

LANCELOT
No, Sire.

UTHER
You've broken the First Code of Camelot. You've brought shame upon yourself and upon us. You are not worthy of the knighthood bestowed upon you. You never were. And you never will be. Get him out of my sight.

[Guards escort Lancelot out.]

ARTHUR
Sire.

UTHER
Do you contest my judgment?

ARTHUR
His deception was inexcusable. But he meant no harm, Sire, I'm sure of it. He only wished to serve.

UTHER
The First Code is a sacred bond of trust. It is what binds the knights together. How can you trust a man who's lied to you?

--
[24:50, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS]
[Merlin visits Lancelot’s cell.]

MERLIN
I don't know what to say to you, Lancelot.

LANCELOT
You're not to blame.

MERLIN
Yes, I am. I pushed you. I made you lie.

LANCELOT
The choice was mine. My punishment is mine to bear, and mine to bear alone.

MERLIN
I wish there was something I could do.

LANCELOT
There is. You can stop blaming yourself.

--
[25:20, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS
Merlin?

MERLIN
Whatever you do, don't say, "I told you so."

GAIUS
I have no wish to gloat, Merlin. What's done is done. Here. Come and take a look at this. I realised my mistake. I've been looking for the creature in the wrong place, in the records of all known living things in the kingdom. And then I thought, but what about creatures only recorded in legend? In myth? Then I discovered this.

MERLIN
That is it. That's the monster.

[Warning bells sound. Merlin and Gaius go to the window. People run wildly around the Square, screaming as the griffin swoops down overhead.]

ARTHUR
On me! On me!

[Knights surround Arthur in a defence pattern.]

ARTHUR
Defend!

[The knights crouch down. The griffin attacks. Lancelot rushes to the bars of his cell.]

LANCELOT
What's happening?!

[The knights get up and reform attack pattern. The griffin lands in the Square.]

ARTHUR
Charge! On me!

[Arthur strikes the griffin in the chest with a spear. The spear breaks. Arthur freaks and falls backwards. A guard tosses him a torch. Arthrur waves the torch at the griffin and it takes off making really annoying hissing sounds.]

--
[28:56, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
[Arthur and Uther enter with their entourage.]

UTHER
You said your knights were the best in the land. You proved that today.

ARTHUR
All I know is it's still out there.

UTHER
Let's not wait for it. The kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this now.

GAIUS
Sire, if I may.

UTHER
Gaius?

GAIUS
I've been researching this creature, Sire. I believe it to be a griffin.

UTHER
A griffin? What's in a name?

GAIUS
The griffin is a creature of magic.

UTHER
I don't have time for this, physician.

GAIUS
It is born of magic, Sire, and it can only be killed by magic.

UTHER
You are mistaken. It's a creature of flesh and blood like any other. Arthur proved that today.

ARTHUR
I'm not so sure, Father. I think there may be some truth in what he says.

UTHER
What truth?

ARTHUR
The griffin was unharmed, Sire. Our weapons seemed useless against it.

UTHER
Useless? I think not. No, it's tasted our steel once, the next time will be its last. When will your knights be ready to ride again?

ARTHUR
An hour. Maybe two.

UTHER
Good. We finish this tonight.

--
[30:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin and Gaius enter.]

MERLIN
Is it true? The griffin can only be killed by magic?

GAIUS
Yes, Merlin. I'm certain of it. If Arthur rides out against it, he'll die.

MERLIN
Then he must be stopped. Uther must see reason.

GAIUS
Where magic is concerned, our King is blind to reason. And yet...magic is our only hope.

MERLIN
You're not suggesting...

GAIUS
It is your destiny, Merlin. The true purpose of your magic.

MERLIN
You saw it, Gaius. I can't go up against that thing.

GAIUS
But if you do not, then Arthur will surely perish.

MERLIN
No...this is madness. I don't have magic that powerful. There must be another way.

GAIUS
This is the only way.

MERLIN
Do you even care what happens to me? Oh, just do this, Merlin. Do that, Merlin. Go and kill the griffin, Merlin. I'll just sit here and warm my feet by the fire.

GAIUS
Merlin! Merlin, you are the only thing I care about in all this world. I would give my life for you without a thought. But for what? I cannot save Arthur. It is not my destiny. You know.

MERLIN
I'm sorry.

GAIUS
I don't know what else I can say.

MERLIN
I'll say it for you. We have two hours to find a way to kill that thing.

--
[31:39, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS]
[Arthur enters Lancelot's cell.]

ARTHUR
I should've known. How could I have been so stupid?! You don't sound like a knight, you don't even look like a knight!

LANCELOT
I'm sorry.

ARTHUR
I'm sorry, too. Because, Lancelot, you fight like a knight. And I need...Camelot needs...

LANCELOT
The creature?

ARTHUR
We could not kill it. I've never faced its like.

LANCELOT
I faced it myself, Sire. Some days past. I struck if full square. I wondered how it endured.

ARTHUR
There are those that believe this creature, this...griffin, is a creature of magic, that only magic can destroy it.

LANCELOT
Do you believe this?

ARTHUR
It doesn't matter what I believe. The use of magic is not permitted. The knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone.

LANCELOT
Sire.

ARTHUR
There's a horse waiting outside

LANCELOT
Thank you. Thank you, Sire.

ARTHUR
Lancelot, take it and never return to this place.

LANCELOT
No. No, please, I...It's not my freedom I seek. I only wish to serve with honour.

ARTHUR
I know.

LANCELOT
Then let me ride with you, Sire.

ARTHUR
I cannot. My father knows nothing of this. I release you myself, but I can do no more. Now go before I change my mind.

[Arthur walks towards the wall so Lancelot can exit the cell behind him.]

--
[33:23, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius and Merlin flipping through a book.]

GAIUS
There. You must do this for Arthur.

MERLIN
I've never cast a spell of enchantment this powerful.

GAIUS
Nothing less will kill it. Here.

[Gaius hands Merlin a rusty dagger.]

GAIUS
Try. You have it within you. I know you do.

MERLIN
Bregdan anweald gafeluec.

[Nothing happens. Merlin and Gaius look at each other.]

GAIUS
Don't worry, Merlin, we have plenty of time.

--
[34:07, INT. GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT]
[Lancelot knocks on the door and enters.]

LANCELOT
I'm sorry to disturb you, My Lady.

GWEN
Lancelot, what are you doing here?

LANCELOT
I have no time to explain. I need weapons armour and the best you've got.

GWEN
But what's this all about?

LANCELOT
Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him. It's my duty. Knight or not.

GWEN
You really believe that, don't you?

LANCELOT
Yes, My Lady.

GWEN
Lancelot, I don't believe I've ever met your like before.

LANCELOT
Guinevere, if I should not return...

GWEN
Don't go, Lancelot. Please.

LANCELOT
But go I must.

[Gwen nods.]

--
[34:47, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARMOURY]
[Arthur marches down line of armoured knights.]

ARTHUR
It's time.

[The knights follow him out and ride out of Camelot.]

--
[35:05, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin continues to try the spell.]

GAIUS
Don't worry, Merlin. I know you're trying.

MERLIN
And I'm failing. And if Arthur dies because I'm not good enough...

GAIUS
Merlin!

[Gwen runs in.]

GWEN
Merlin! Lancelot's riding out to kill the griffin!

MERLIN
He's what?

[Gwen shrugs her helplessness. Merlin runs out.]

GAIUS
Merlin?

--
[35:32, EXT. LOWER TOWN – NIGHT]
[Merlin runs to Lancelot as Lancelot saddles a horse.]

MERLIN
I'm coming with you.

LANCELOT
No, you're not.

MERLIN
Just try and stop me.

LANCELOT
Merlin, you're not a soldier.

MERLIN
You said it yourself, Lancelot, Arthur needs all the help he can get. Now let's go.

--
[35:50, Mounted knights approach the griffin in the woods. Arthur draws his sword.]

ARTHUR
For Camelot!

[The knights draw their swords.]

KNIGHTS
For Camelot!

[Merlin and Lancelot ride along. They can hear dying men, sword clanging, and the screech/hissing griffin. They reach the fallen knights and dismount.]

MERLIN
Arthur.

[Merlin feels for Arthur's pulse.]

LANCELOT
Well?

MERLIN
He's alive.

[The griffin hisses. Lancelot rides into attack position with a lance and shuts his visor.]

MERLIN
Okay, Merlin, it's now or never.

[Lancelot rears his horse.]

MERLIN
Bregdan anweald gafeluec.

[Nothing happens. Lancelot charges.]

MERLIN
Bregdan anweald gafeluec.

[Nothing happens. Lancelot passes Merlin.]

MERLIN
Bregdan anweald gafeluec!

[The griffin charges.]

MERLIN
Bregdan anweald gafeluec.

[The lance flames blue, hits the griffin, the griffin dies, and the magic glow disappears. Merlin celebrates.]

MERLIN
Yes!

[Arthur wakes. Merlin runs off. Lancelot removes his helmet.]

ARTHUR
Lancelot.

LANCELOT
Sire.

ARTHUR
You did it. You killed it, Lancelot!

--
[39:02, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Merlin bursts in.]

GAIUS
You did it?!

MERLIN
I did it.

[Gaius and Merlin hug.]

GAIUS
Thank God!

--
[39:12, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]
[Arthur enters.]

UTHER
You did it, my son. You did it.

ARTHUR
Not I, Father. It was Lancelot.

[Lancelot enters.]

UTHER
What's he doing here?

ARTHUR
Father, I can explain.

UTHER
You! Wait outside.

[Lancelot exits and the guards close the doors.]

UTHER
You had no right to...!

[The doors block out all sound. Merlin rounds the corner.]

MERLIN
What are they doing?

LANCELOT
Deciding my fate.

--
[39:53, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]
[Uther and Arthur argue.]

ARTHUR
I confess it, Sire. I released him and I'll take the consequences. But surely Lancelot's actions change things?!

UTHER
His actions change nothing. He broke the code!

ARTHUR
He laid down his life for me! He served with honour.

UTHER
I see you feel strongly about this, Arthur. Under the circumstances? A pardon, perhaps.

ARTHUR
No, not good enough, Father. You must restore Lancelot to his rightful place, as a knight of Camelot.

UTHER
Never. The law is the law. The Code bends for no man.

ARTHUR
Then the code is wrong!

--
[40:37, INT. KING’S PALACE, OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]

MERLIN
They'll restore your knighthood, of course they will. You killed the griffin.

LANCELOT
But I didn't kill the griffin.

[Lancelot walks slightly away from the guards.]

LANCELOT
You did.

MERLIN
That's ridiculous.

LANCELOT
"Bregdan anweald "...I heard you. I saw you.

[Merlin looks worried.]

LANCELOT
Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit.

MERLIN
What are you going to do?

LANCELOT
The only thing I can do.

--
[41:12, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT]
[Lancelot bursts through the doors.]

UTHER
What is this?

[Guards restrain Lancelot.]

LANCELOT
Let me speak!

UTHER
Wait! I'll hear him.

[Guards release Lancelot.]

LANCELOT
Forgive me, Sire. I've come to bid you farewell.

ARTHUR
What is this, Lancelot?

LANCELOT
I lied to you both and now there is conflict between you. I cannot bear that burden, as you should not bear mine. I must start again, far from here. Then maybe one day fate shall grant me another chance to prove myself a worthy knight of Camelot.

ARTHUR
But...Lancelot, you've...already proved that to us.

LANCELOT
But I must prove it to myself. Your Highness.

[Lancelot bows to Uther.]

LANCELOT
Prince Arthur.

[Lancelot bows to Arthur and backs out of the room. Arthur looks crestfallen.]

--
[42:20, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gwen stares out the window at Lancelot's retreating figure.]

MORGANA Gwen? Guinevere? Lancelot?

GWEN Oh. Yes.

MORGANA Come, Gwen. We've a busy day ahead.

GWEN Yes, My Lady.

--
[42:43, EXT. KING’S PALACE, THE BATTLEMENTS – DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius watch Lancelot ride off.]

MERLIN
Perhaps you were right, Gaius. Perhaps I should have never got involved.

GAIUS
No Merlin, I was wrong. Lancelot needed you and you needed Lancelot. Your destinies were entwined.

MERLIN
Will he ever return?

GAIUS
That I cannot say.

MERLIN
Till next time then, Sir Lancelot.