1.6 A Remedy To Cure All Ills 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.

--
[00:11, Edwin pulls a bug out of a box.]

EDWIN
Bebeode þe arisan ealdu.

[Edwin places the bug in some flowers.]

--
[00:50, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Gwen enters with Edwin's flowers.]

GWEN
Look what's just arrived for you.

MORGANA
Who're they from?

GWEN
I don't know. Maybe Arthur.

MORGANA
How disappointing.

GWEN
Why? Who'd you like them to be from?

MORGANA
I don't know. Tall, dark stranger?

--
[01:14, Edwin stands in the Square at night. Gwen puts out the candles in Morgana's Chambers.]

GWEN
See you in the morning.

[Morgana falls asleep and the bug climbs out of the flowers and into Morgana's ear.]

--
[02:41, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius examines sleeping Morgana.]

GAIUS
Her body seems to have closed down.

UTHER
Why? You don't have an answer do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It's been nearly two days. And what do you know?

GAIUS
I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain.

UTHER
What could cause such a thing?

GAIUS
An infection, possibly. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her, Sire.

--
[03:08, INT. KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE]
[Gaius descents the curved stairs from Morgana's Chambers. Gwen meets him.]

GWEN
Is she any better?

[Gaius shakes his head. Gwen climbs the stairs as Gaius descends and meets Merlin on the landing.]

GAIUS
She's all but dead, Merlin.

MERLIN
No, you're going to cure her. You have to.

GAIUS
Don't you start. I've tried everything.

MERLIN
I was wondering...

GAIUS
What?

MERLIN
Maybe I could...

[Merlin waits for a guard to pass by.]

MERLIN
...help.

GAIUS
If you're suggesting magic...have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father? This is not a magical illness, it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary.

MERLIN
There must be something more I can do.

GAIUS
And yarrow.

--
[03:53, INT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE]
[Edwin waits as Arthur comes out to meet him.]

ARTHUR
What's your business here?

EDWIN
My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills.

ARTHUR
Is that so?

EDWIN
I beg an audience with the King.

ARTHUR
Our court has a physician.

[Arthur begins to walk away.]

EDWIN
I hear the Lady Morgana was gravely ill.

[Arthur stops and turns.]

ARTHUR
That is no concern of yours.

EDWIN
I might be able to help her.

ARTHUR
Our physician has the matter in hand.

[Arthur continues walking.]

EDWIN
I will be at the inn, in case you change your mind.

--
[04:37, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]
[Arthur sits in a chair while Merlin paces.]

MERLIN
It's gonna be alright. It is. I know it is. She's gonna be absolutely...

ARTHUR
Merlin.

MERLIN
What?

ARTHUR
You're making me anxious.

MERLIN
But I'm not worried.

ARTHUR
Then stop pacing.

[Merlin sits down, but then starts tapping his fingers on the table. Arthur gets up and starts pacing.]

--
[05:11, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS
I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less.

ARTHUR
We cannot let her die!

UTHER
Arthur, please.

ARTHUR
There's a man, he came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her.

UTHER
That's ridiculous. He doesn't know what's wrong with her.

ARTHUR
He says he has a remedy that can cure all ills.

GAIUS
Impossible.

ARTHUR
Well, for Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean, what've we got to lose? Please, Father.

GAIUS
Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling.

ARTHUR
I don't care! If she's about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling! If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?

UTHER
Send for him.

--
[05:59, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
[Uther, Gaius, and Arthur enter. Edwin drops to one knee and hands Uther a roll of parchment.]

EDWIN
Edwin Muirden, Sire. Physician and loyal servant.

UTHER
Welcome to Camelot.

GAIUS
Have we met before?

EDWIN
I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir.

UTHER
Do you really believe you have a remedy?

EDWIN
There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, Sire. So when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honour bound to offer my services.

GAIUS
You say you have a cure for all? An antidote for everything?

EDWIN
Yes. Although it is not quite as simple as that.

UTHER
Gaius is the court physician.

EDWIN
You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you. I am curious to know what it is that has affected her.

GAIUS
An infection of the brain.

EDWIN
And your treatment?

GAIUS
Yarrow.

EDWIN
Yes, yes.

GAIUS
Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation.

EDWIN
Interesting.

ARTHUR
Why? What would you suggest?

EDWIN
No, no, no, that is all fine. All good. If that is... the right diagnosis.

UTHER
What would your diagnosis be?

EDWIN
Well, without examining the patient...

ARTHUR
He should examine her.

EDWIN
I would need my equipment.

UTHER
Of course. You'll have use of one of the guest chambers.

ARTHUR
And consider my manservant at your disposal.

EDWIN
I will start work immediately.

--
[07:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, EDWIN'S GUEST CHAMBER]
[Merlin sets down some of Edwin's equipment.]

EDWIN
Yes...it was all originally designed for alchemy.

MERLIN
Making gold?

EDWIN
You have an interest in science?

MERLIN
Well, science is knowledge.

EDWIN
It has the answers to everything.

MERLIN
Maybe. It can't explain love.

EDWIN
So, you are in love?

MERLIN
No. I mean feelings, emotions.

EDWIN
You seem too bright to be just a servant.

MERLIN
Oh, don't be fooled, I'm not that bright.

EDWIN
Yes, we will need that. Now, we must hurry to the Lady Morgana. before it is too late.

--
[08:44, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA’S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin and Edwin walk across the Square to Morgana's Chambers where Arthur and Uther are waiting.]

EDWIN
Put my equipment over there. Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy.

UTHER
Certainly.

EDWIN
That includes you, Gaius.

GAIUS
But I am eager to learn from your methods.

EDWIN
Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration.

UTHER
Gaius...

[Everyone leaves and Edwin pulls out the bug box. Gwen enters as he's about to take the bug out of Morgana. He stops and turns on her.]

EDWIN
Why are you spying on me?

GWEN
I wasn't. I'm her maidservant.

EDWIN
Then bring me some water.

GWEN
Someone should be with her.

EDWIN
Do you want to be responsible for her death?

GWEN
No, but...

EDWIN
Then you will bring me some water. Now. Or she may die.

[Gwen leaves.]

EDWIN
Bebeode þe arisan áblinnen.

[Edwin pulls out the bug, dabs Morgana's bloody ear with a small cloth, and puts the bug back in the box with the others.]

--
[11:18, INT. KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE]
[Edwin descends the curved stairs to meet Uther, Arthur, Merlin, and Gaius.]

EDWIN
Great news, Your Majesty. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain.

UTHER
What is it then?

EDWIN
It is cerebral haemorrhage.

GAIUS
Haemorrhage? I don't think so.

EDWIN
I found this trace of blood in her ear.

[Edwin shows them the bloody cloth.]

UTHER
God in heaven.

EDWIN
The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually death.

UTHER
How could you have missed this?

GAIUS
I didn't see any blood.

EDWIN
Please. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?

[Uther turns to Gaius for explanation.]

GAIUS
It may have increased the bleed.

UTHER
Is there a cure?

EDWIN
See for yourself.

--
[12:12, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]

UTHER
Morgana, this is truly a miracle.

[Uther kisses her forehead.]

UTHER
I thought... I really thought...

MORGANA
Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily.

GAIUS
What exactly did he give you?

MORGANA
I have no idea. But thank heaven he did.

--
[12:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR]
[Gaius approaches Edwin as he walks down Corridor.]

GAIUS
Edwin. I want to offer you my congratulations.

EDWIN
Thank you.

GAIUS
She was all but dead and you brought her back to life. How exactly did you do that?

EDWIN
I have developed an elixir for the treatment of just such an ailment.

GAIUS
I'd love to know the ingredients.

EDWIN
It is not yet perfected. You must give me more time before I make it public.

GAIUS
The injury to your face?

EDWIN
It happened when I was very young.

GAIUS
Perhaps it was I that treated you for it.

EDWIN
I told you before, we've never met.

GAIUS
Yes, of course. Well, I'll leave you to your work.

--
[13:24, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
[Edwin stands before Uther, Arthur, and Morgana.]

UTHER
Name your reward.

EDWIN
I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient, Sire.

UTHER
There must be something I can do for you.

EDWIN
No. I will wait until the Lady Morgana is fully recovered, and then I will be on my way.

UTHER
Why don't you stay awhile? You could live here in the palace.

EDWIN
No. I - I feel I would be trespassing. And you already have a court physician.

GAIUS
I'm sure Gaius would be glad of your help.

EDWIN
It is a kind offer, but...

UTHER
Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision then.

EDWIN
To dine with Your Majesty would be reward in itself.

[Edwin bows.]

--
[14:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, HALL OF RECORDS]
[Gaius approaches Geoffrey of Monmouth.]

GEOFFREY
Gaius!

GAIUS
Geoffrey. I'm here to ask a favour of you.

GEOFFREY
Well, anything for an old friend.

GAIUS
I wish to see the court records from the time of the Great Purge.

GEOFFREY
What possible need can you have for those?

GAIUS
I fear that the past may have come back to haunt us.

GEOFFREY
All the more reason to keep the records hidden.

GAIUS
I know that neither of us want to remember that time, but this is a matter of great urgency.

GEOFFREY
The records are sealed, they cannot be opened. Uther has forbidden it.

GAIUS
Geoffrey, I beg of you.

GEOFFREY
I'm sorry, Gaius. This time you ask too much. Even for me.

--
[14:53, INT. KING’S PALACE, EDWIN'S GUEST CHAMBER]
[Merlin knocks.]

MERLIN
Edwin?

[Merlin enters the room and examines Edwin's equipment. he opens the bug box . they're still. he closes it reads the inscription on the cover.]

MERLIN
Bebeode þe arisan ealdu.

[Merlin opens the box to see the bugs moving.]

EDWIN
Very good.

[Merlin turns around, knocking over a jar with powder in it. he hands the box to Edwin.]

EDWIN
Swefn.

[The bugs go still.]

EDWIN
You have magic.

MERLIN
It wasn't me, I didn't do anything.

EDWIN
Then how else did you bring them to life? Only magic can do such a thing. These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her life. Magic can be a force for good.

MERLIN
I know.

EDWIN
Then why do you fear it?

MERLIN
Uther has banned it, it's not permitted.

EDWIN
Should I have let Morgana die?

MERLIN
No.

EDWIN
People like us, we have a gift. Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?

MERLIN
Perhaps.

[Merlin tries to clear up the powder he spilled.]

EDWIN
Don't waste your time picking that up. Feormian dærst rénian.

[The powder goes back in the jar.]

EDWIN
Why waste a talent like that? And I can teach you.

MERLIN
Rǽdan ásce géatan

[The jar pours the powder into a bowl.]

EDWIN
What do you use this for?

MERLIN
Gaius doesn't like me to.

EDWIN
A gift like yours should be nurtured, practised, enjoyed. You need someone to help you, to encourage you.

MERLIN
Perhaps.

EDWIN
Imagine what we could achieve, if we shared our knowledge.

MERLIN
I should be getting back.

EDWIN
Of course. But you must promise to keep our secret safe.

MERLIN
Of course.

EDWIN
People like you and I, we must look after each other.

--
[19:05, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Someone knocks.]

GAIUS
Come in.

[Geoffrey of Monmouth enters with a large book covered in a cloth.]

GEOFFREY
Gaius, you've been a good friend to me over the years, and you've done me many kindnesses. I can't deny you this one request.

GAIUS
The records?

GEOFFREY
I know you wouldn't ask unless it was important.

GAIUS
You must believe me, there's a great deal at stake.

GEOFFREY
If Uther were to discover this, he would kill us both.

GAIUS
It is for Uther's sake that I make the request. Trust me, please.

[Geoffrey hands Gaius the book.]

GAIUS
Thank you, old friend.

--
[19:58, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
[Uther dines with Edwin.]

UTHER
It's unlike Gaius to miss something like this.

EDWIN
We all make mistakes.

UTHER
Gaius is a great physician.

EDWIN
The very best. Which is what I don't understand.

UTHER
What?

EDWIN
It's not for me to speak out of turn.

UTHER
You saved the life of my ward, you may speak as you wish.

EDWIN
He has been prescribing sleeping draughts for Morgana.

UTHER
She suffers from bad dreams.

EDWIN
Yes. But the dreams should have been a warning.

UTHER
You think the two may be connected?

EDWIN
Oh, yes.

UTHER
A symptom of the illness?

EDWIN
I am certain of it, yes. And those potions, they masked the problem, and allowed it to develop to the point where...

UTHER
She nearly died. If you hadn't come along when you did.

EDWIN
But I did and that is all that matters. Her life was saved... in the nick of time.

UTHER
Will you undertake a review of his work? Just to be on the safe side.

EDWIN
If it would put your mind at rest, Sire.

--
[21:23, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius continues to read.]

MERLIN
Have you been up all night?

GAIUS
Yes, but it was worth it. Where are you going?

MERLIN
Er, I told Edwin I'd be up at dawn to collect some supplies.

GAIUS
Well, you better get a move on then.

--
[21:56, INT. KING’S PALACE, EDWIN'S GUEST CHAMBERS]
[Gaius enters.]

GAIUS
Edwin. Your scar has healed well. I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy.

EDWIN
I told you we've never met before. I didn't realise who you were until I checked the records. You used your mother's maiden name. You are Gregor and Jaden's son.

EDWIN
They were friends of yours.

GAIUS
They were sorcerers.

EDWIN
They practised magic. And so did a lot of people back then, Gaius.

GAIUS
Uther will be furious when he finds out who you are.

EDWIN
Fine. Fine. Shall we tell him? Let's go and tell him. Let's tell him. Let's tell him everything. Ooh, I know... We could also tell him about Merlin.

GAIUS
Merlin?

EDWIN
You didn't know he was a sorcerer? Ah. I wonder what Uther will do. Probably have him burnt.

GAIUS
You would betray another sorcerer?

EDWIN
You did. When you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther! At least Merlin doesn't have a son who will try to rescue him from the flames!

GAIUS
You're here to take revenge.

EDWIN
And I have waited a long time.

GAIUS
You think I will sacrifice the King to save Merlin?

EDWIN
Think about it, Gaius. But if I find out that you have told one other person, including the boy, I will go straight to Uther.

[Merlin enters.]

MERLIN
I got your provisions.

EDWIN
Oh, thank you, Merlin. Gaius was just reminiscing about old times, weren't you, Gaius?

GAIUS
Yes.

EDWIN
But now, I must get back to work.

--
[24:21, INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR]

MERLIN
I'd better get on with my errands.

GAIUS
Yes, of course, you must.

MERLIN
Do you want me to get you anything?

GAIUS
No, I'm fine. Just do what Edwin asks.

--
[24:39, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]
[Edwin stands before Uther, Morgana, and Arthur.]

EDWIN
I have been through the court medical records with a fine-tooth comb, Sire.

UTHER
And were your findings satisfactory?

EDWIN
With regret, I would have to say they were not.

UTHER
How so?

EDWIN
Gaius is a great man, thorough, and dedicated.

UTHER
But?

[Edwin sighs.]

EDWIN
His methods are outdated. He has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors.

UTHER
Gaius has served me well for 25 years.

EDWIN
And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse.

UTHER
Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens. Have you given any more thought to my offer?

EDWIN
Yes. I have considered it very carefully.

UTHER
Allow me some time to do the same.

[Edwin bows and exits. Uther gets up and goes to the table for a drink. Morgana follows him.]

MORGANA
Uther, you can't do this.

UTHER
You heard what he said. Gaius is old, he makes mistakes.

MORGANA
Gaius has treated me since before I can remember. You can't cast him out.

UTHER
You would have died if your care had been left to him. That's something I could not bear.

MORGANA
I know that, but ...

UTHER
I cannot risk something like this happening again.

--
[26:11, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius watches Merlin in his sleep. Gaius goes down the Tunnel Corridor to the Dragon's Cave with a torch.]

GAIUS
Hello? It is me, Gaius.

[The dragon flies up to the rock by the entrance.]

KILGHARRAH
How old a man can become and yet change so little.

GAIUS
You have not changed either.

KILGHARRAH
Twenty years, almost a lifetime to make the short journey back to where you began.

GAIUS
I'm not here for myself.

KILGHARRAH
The boy?

GAIUS
You know about Merlin?

KILGHARRAH
You have struggled against his destiny, but you can no more prevent it than he can.

GAIUS
So, it is true then?

KILGHARRAH
Oh yes. He and the young Pendragon one day will unite the land of Albion.

GAIUS
But he is in danger.

KILGHARRAH
No. It is my gaoler who stands in peril.

GAIUS
Must Uther be sacrificed for the boy?

KILGHARRAH
Their time cannot come until his is past.

GAIUS
But is that time now?

[The dragon chuckles darkly.]

KILGHARRAH
That is of your choosing.

GAIUS
I will not choose between them.

KILGHARRAH
Then turn a blind eye. That is, after all, your talent.

--
[28:13, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius sits and ponders.]

ARTHUR
Gaius, my father needs to speak to you.

GAIUS
When?

ARTHUR
Immediately.

--
[28:33, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM.]

GAIUS
Sire. Is there a problem? Are you unwell?

UTHER
This is not an ailment you can treat me for. You've been a loyal servant for many years. I look on you as a friend.

GAIUS
I regard you in the same way, Sire.

UTHER
You've been here since Arthur's birth. And all that entailed. What I'm trying to do I think is best for you.

GAIUS
I'm confused, Sire.

UTHER
I'll give you a generous allowance, make sure you're looked after.

GAIUS
You're retiring me?

UTHER
I don't want you to worry. I'll allow you to continue living in your chambers until more suitable accommodation can be found.

GAIUS
Because I made one mistake? Although in truth, Sire, it was not a mistake.

[Gaius sees Edwin creep out from behind a column.]

GAIUS
It was...

EDWIN
Yes Gaius?

UTHER
It was unfortunate, I accept that.

GAIUS
May I ask who is to be the next court physician?

UTHER
None of this was Edwin's idea. Initially, he turned down the offer.

GAIUS
I'm sure.

UTHER
It's not been an easy decision, but .... the younger man, new ideas.

GAIUS
Yes.

UTHER
You're hesitant. Is there a reason you oppose his appointment?

GAIUS
Sire...

EDWIN
If you have anything to say, then say it now, Gaius.

UTHER
This is difficult for both of us.

GAIUS
I thank you for your patronage. It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve your family, for all these years.

--
[30:37, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin enters while Gaius is packing.]

MERLIN
Gaius! Uther cannot do this to you. You tried to save Morgana.

GAIUS
Uther's not to blame.

MERLIN
I will speak to Edwin, you can work together.

GAIUS
No, you mustn't do anything.

MERLIN
I can't stand by and do nothing.

GAIUS
Uther's right. It's time I stepped down.

[Merlin sees him packing.]

MERLIN
What are you doing?

GAIUS
I cannot stay when there's no longer a use for me.

MERLIN
You're not leaving?

GAIUS
I believe it's for the best.

MERLIN
Then I will come with you.

GAIUS
Merlin, you're like a son to me. I never expected such a blessing so late in life.

MERLIN
And you are more than a father to me.

GAIUS
Then, as a father, I must tell you, you must remain here. Camelot is where you belong.

MERLIN
But you belong here too.

GAIUS
Not anymore. Merlin, you must promise me you will not waste your gifts.

MERLIN
My gifts mean nothing without you to guide me.

GAIUS
You have a great destiny. If I have had a small part to play in that, then I'm pleased.

MERLIN
There is so much I have yet to learn. I need you to teach me.

GAIUS
I'm afraid I am leaving here tonight, Merlin. And there's nothing you can do or say that can persuade me otherwise.

MERLIN
I will not let this happen.

[Merlin exits.]

GAIUS
Goodbye, Merlin.

--
[32:11, EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY]
[Merlin watches Arthur practice.]

MERLIN
I can't understand why Uther would sack him over one mistake.

ARTHUR
A mistake that nearly killed Morgana. Besides, it wasn't the only one.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

ARTHUR
Edwin said his work was riddled with errors.

MERLIN
That's nonsense.

ARTHUR
No one wants Gaius to go, but my father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do.

--
[32:41, INT. KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR]
[Uther walks with Edwin in the castle.]

UTHER
I think you'll be very happy here.

EDWIN
I'm sure I will. When I reviewed Gaius's work, I noticed that he's been prescribing you arnica.

UTHER
It's for, er, my shoulder, it's an old battle wound. It gives me a lot of pain.

EDWIN
May I take the liberty of providing a new prescription? It should prove far more effective.

UTHER
Really?

EDWIN
Oh, yes. It is a remedy to cure all ills.

--
[33:24, EXT. LOWER TOWN]
[Gwen sees Gaius lead a horse out of the main gate while she buys fruit from a stall.]

GWEN
Gaius? You're leaving?

GAIUS
Yes, I'm sorry I didn't come and say goodbye.

GWEN
I don't want you to go. I don't trust Edwin. There was no blood in Morgana's ear, he put it there. He did something to her, I know he did.

GAIUS
You need to be careful who you say that to.

GWEN
I'm saying it to you because you can do something about it.

GAIUS
I can't.

GWEN
But you think the same, don't you? He's evil.

GAIUS
It's not that simple.

GWEN
So you're going to turn your back on us?

GAIUS
I have no choice, I'm sorry Gwen.

GWEN
In life you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't.

GAIUS
Well, then. My choice is to leave.

GWEN
Then I'll miss you.

[Gwen kisses Gaius on the cheek.]

GWEN
Goodbye Gaius.

--
[34:16, INT. KING’S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS]
[Uther drinks a potion and passes out on the bed.]

--
[34:35, Gaius sits by a campfire in the woods.]

--
[34:42, INT. KING’S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS]
[Edwin leans over Uther's bed as Uther wakes from his drug induced sleep.]

EDWIN
My Lord. My Lord. It seems the drugs I gave you have taken hold. Your body is now paralysed. Now, open your eyes, My Lord. I want my face to be the last face you ever see. You took my childhood from me. And now finally, I take my parents' revenge. Within a few hours, the beetle will eat into your brain. And you will suffer, as they suffered. And I long to hear you scream, as they screamed the night you gave the order for the fires to be lit. With your death, magic will return to Camelot. Bebeode þe arisan ealdu.

[The bug crawls into Uther's ear.]

EDWIN
Goodbye, Uther Pendragon.

--
[36:00, INT. KING’S PALACE, EDWIN'S GUEST QUARTERS]
[Edwin enters.]

GAIUS I will not allow you to kill Uther.

EDWIN
You've never had a problem letting people die before.

GAIUS
Your parents were practising dark magic, just like you.

EDWIN
And how do you propose to stop me?

GAIUS
Wáce ierlic.

[Nothing happens.]

EDWIN
Hmm. I think you meant: vaki ierlt.

[The spell throws Gaius against the wall.]

EDWIN
Have you forgotten everything, Gaius? You're getting too old. I have a cure though. Forbærne yfel.

[The spell encircles Gaius in flames.]

--
[26:59, INT. KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE - NIGHT]
[Arthur runs in as Merlin descends the curved stairs.]

ARTHUR
Merlin! My father has Morgana's illness! We must find Edwin!

--
[37:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, EDWIN'S GUEST CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Merlin bursts in.]

MERLIN
What are you doing?

GAIUS
He was trying to kill the King. I couldn't let him.

EDWIN
I can rule the kingdom now. And with you at my side, we can be all-powerful.

MERLIN
Release him!

EDWIN
It's your loss, Merlin.

[Edwin's spell throws an axe at Merlin, but Merlin stops it.]

EDWIN
Swilte, Merlin.

[Merlin's magic overpowers Edwin's. Merlin sends the axe to kill Edwin and the flames disappear.]

MERLIN
Are you alright?

GAIUS
Yes. Thank you Merlin.

[Merlin fetches the bug box.]

GAIUS
What are you doing?

MERLIN
Uther's ill; the same thing Morgana had. Edwin said he used these to cure Morgana. Maybe we can too.

GAIUS
Elanthia beetles.

MERLIN
They're magical?

GAIUS
Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul. We must going to him.

--
[38:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
How do we get the beetle out before it kills him?

GAIUS
It can only be magic.

MERLIN
We can't use magic on Uther, he'd kill us.

GAIUS
We don't have a choice.

MERLIN
Gaius!

GAIUS
There are times when it is necessary. It is your right.

MERLIN
I don't know how.

GAIUS
If you don't, he's going to die.

[Merlin sits on the bed and places his hands over Uther's ears.]

MERLIN
Bebeode þe arisan ealdu. Áblinnen.

GAIUS
What's happening?

[Merlin pulls his hands back, holding the still bug in his hand.]

GAIUS
Has anyone ever told you, you're a genius?

MERLIN
You certainly haven't.
--
[40:41, INT. KING’S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gaius prepares a potion for Uther the next morning.]

GAIUS
Drink this. It'll help regain your strength.

UTHER
There's nothing wrong with my strength. Do you remember them? His parents?

GAIUS
I remember them all, Sire.

UTHER
Gaius. Once again, you saved my life. You've always served me well. And I know there are things that I've asked you to do, which you found difficult.

GAIUS
You've always done what you believe to be right.

UTHER
I was not right to betray you. I'm sorry. From now on I will remember that, in the fight against magic, you are the one person I can trust.

--
[41:45, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Gaius stands before the royal court.]

UTHER
I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honour of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth, you are a free man of Camelot.

[Uther hands Gaius a roll of parchment and the court applauds.]

--
[42:18, EXT. LOWER TOWN – DAY]

GAIUS
Of course, it's all ridiculous. I didn't save Uther, you did.

MERLIN
No, no. For once, I'm happy for someone else to take the credit. You were prepared to sacrifice your life to save me.

GAIUS
Where do you get that from?

MERLIN
I thought...

GAIUS
No. I didn't do anything. You saved me and you saved Uther. Maybe you are a genius.

MERLIN
You think so?

GAIUS
Well, almost. One day.