1.8 The Beginning of The End 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.

--
[00:10, EXT. LOWER TOWN, MARKET – DAY]
[Mordred walks through the market with his father, Cerdan.]

CERDAN
Do you have my supplies ready? We must leave the city without delay.

STALLHOLDER
Everything you asked for, it's all here. I'm sorry.

[Guards approach. Mordred and his father duck under the merchant's table to run through the market.]

GUARD
Seize him! Stop there!

[Mordred and Cerdan are forced to run into the palace grounds. A guard jumps at them and slashes Mordred. Merlin hears Mordred's telepathic scream.]

CERDAN
*spell*

[The spell throws the guard into the rampart wall. Mordred can't run far, so he and his father are stuck on the drawbridge.]

CERDAN
Abannan átí.

[The spell shuts the drawbridge gates.]

CERDAN
Run! Run, run!

[Mordred runs through the gates before they close. Cerdan allows himself to be caught.]

--
[02:41, INT. KING’S PALACE, CENTRAL CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin walks down the corridor.]

MORDRED (telepathy)
Help!

[Merlin stops to look for the owner of the voice. Merlin enters the Square.]

MORDRED (telepathy)
Help me! Please.

[Merlin stops to look around again and sees Mordred sitting by a stone ledge, looking at him.]

MORDRED (telepathy)
Please. You have to help me.

[Merlin realises the boy is using telepathy.]

MORDRED (telepathy)
Help me.

[Merlin sees the guards enter the Square.]

GUARD
Search in there. Take the other side. You, did you see a boy run in here?

MORDRED (telepathy)
They're searching for me.

MERLIN (telepathy)
Why are they after you?

MORDRED (telepathy)
They're going to kill me.

GUARD
Guards! In here!

[Merlin runs to a side door, looks at the guards, and then nods to Mordred.]

MERLIN (telepathy)
This way. Run. Run!

[Mordred runs to Merlin, holding his wounded arm.]

GUARD
Hey. There he is! Alert the rest of the guards!

[Merlin grabs Mordred's hand and they run up the Griffin Stairway.]

GUARD
In there. Quick, down there. We've got 'im.

[Merlin and Mordred run up the curved stairs.]

--
[04:18, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin bursts in with Mordred.]

MORGANA
Have you forgotten how to knock, Merlin?!

MERLIN
The guards are after him. I didn't know what to do.

GUARD (knocks)
My Lady? (knocks) My Lady?

MORGANA
In there.

[Morgana waits until Merlin and Mordred are behind the curtain to open the door.]

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

[Mordred collapses into Merlin's arms.]

GUARD
We're searching for a young Druid boy. We believe he came this way.

MORGANA
I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and my maid.

GUARD
Best keep the door locked till we find him.

MORGANA
Of course. Thank you.

[Morgana closes the door and runs to check on Mordred. Merlin's hand is covered in Mordred's blood.]

--
[05:13, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]

ARTHUR
The Druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies. He meant no harm. Is it necessary to execute him?

UTHER
Absolutely necessary. Those who use magic cannot be tolerated.

ARTHUR
The Druids are a peaceful people.

UTHER
Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom. They preach peace, but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak.

ARTHUR
Showing mercy can be a sign of strength.

UTHER
Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom. Executing the Druid will send out a clear message. Find the boy. Search every inch of the city.

--
[05:56, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Mordred lies awake. Morgana and Merlin watch the Square below as Cerdan is waiting to be executed. Uther and Arthur stand on the balcony.]

UTHER
People of Camelot, the man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic. Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death. We're still searching for his accomplice. Anyone found harbouring the boy is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor. Let this serve as a warning to your people.

CERDAN
You have let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you.

MORGANA
I can't watch this.

[Morgana leaves the window and sits down on the floor, cradling Mordred. Uther signals for Cerdan to be executed.]

MORDRED (telepathy)
No!

[Morgana's mirror breaks.]

--
[07:10, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
Do you know much about the Druids?

GAIUS
Very little. They're very secretive people. Especially now they're being hunted by Uther. Merlin, please tell me you haven't got yourself mixed up in this.

MERLIN
Me? No. Mixed up in what?

GAIUS
For someone with such a big secret, you are a terrible liar.

MERLIN
Well, I haven't done anything.

GAIUS
Merlin...

MERLIN
I heard the boy calling out. He was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear him... like he was inside my mind.

GAIUS
Yes, I've heard of this ability. The Druids look for children with such gifts to serve as apprentices. While they're searching for this boy, you must be especially careful otherwise it'll be your head on the chopping block.

MERLIN
I'm always careful. You know me.

GAIUS
Yes, Merlin, unfortunately I do.

--
[08:28, EXT. LOWER TOWN]
[Merlin sees the guards poking their pole arms through a hay cart.]

--
[08:40, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]

MERLIN
How is he?

MORGANA
He's sleeping. He's very pale. I worry he may have lost a lot of blood.

MERLIN
Has he said anything at all?

MORGANA
Nothing. He won't even tell me his name.

MERLIN
You know, er, for a moment there earlier, I- I thought you were going to hand us over to the guards.

MORGANA
I'm glad you have so much faith in me, Merlin.

MERLIN
No, no, sorry. Erm, I meant, you're the King's ward. You're taking a huge risk helping the boy.

MORGANA
I wouldn't see an innocent child executed. What harm has he ever done anyone?

MERLIN
Uther believes he has magic, and that makes him guilty.

MORGANA
Uther's wrong.

MERLIN
You believe that?

MORGANA
What if magic isn't something you choose? What if it chooses you? Why are you looking at me like that?

MERLIN
Nothing.

MORGANA
Why are you helping him?

MERLIN
It was a spur of the moment decision. What do you think we should do with him? He can't stay here.

MORGANA
We have to find a way to get him back to his people.

--
[10:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]
[Morgana dining with Uther.]

UTHER
You seem troubled, Morgana. Is something wrong?

MORGANA
No, My Lord. I'm sorry I'm not better company.

UTHER
I'm merely concerned for your welfare, that's all.

MORGANA
Thank you, My Lord. All is well.

[Arthur enters.]

UTHER
What news of the hunt for the Druid boy?

ARTHUR
We have conducted an extensive search. The boy is nowhere to be found.

UTHER
You mean you failed to find him?

ARTHUR
Perhaps he's already left the city.

UTHER
You're telling me that a wounded boy is able to evade the guards and escape the city? Nonsense, someone's hiding him. I want him found.

ARTHUR
He's just a boy. What harm can he do?

UTHER
He is a Druid, and that makes him dangerous.

MORGANA
The Druids would see your father's kingdom destroyed.

ARTHUR
I had no idea you were such an authority on Druids.

UTHER
Morgana is right. Double your efforts.

ARTHUR
Yes, father.

UTHER
Keep searching until you find him.

--
[11:11, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin checks on Mordred.]

MERLIN
He's burning up. How long has he been like this?

MORGANA
Since early this morning. I think his wound may be infected. We need Gaius before it gets any worse.

MERLIN
No. We can't involve Gaius. It's too dangerous. Besides, if he finds out about this, he'll execute me himself.

MORGANA
We need to get him out of Camelot, and we can't do that while he's sick. We need a physician.

MERLIN
I'll treat him.

MORGANA
Merlin, do you know how to treat an infected wound?

MERLIN
Not exactly, but I'm a fast learner.

[footsteps and knocking at the door. Morgana closes the curtain and goes to open the door.]

MORGANA
Arthur! To what do I owe this pleasure?

ARTHUR
Don't get all excited. It's not a social call. I'm looking for the Druid boy. I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers.

MORGANA
You're not searching my chambers.

ARTHUR
Don't take it personally. I have to search the entire castle. Only take a few minutes.

MORGANA
I'm not having you mess up my things.

ARTHUR
I'm not interested in your things, I'm just looking for any evidence that the Druid boy's in the castle.

[Merlin peeks through the curtain and sees Mordred's boots sitting out in plain sight.]

MORGANA
Perhaps the Druid boy's hiding in your chambers. They're usually such a mess, you'd never know.

ARTHUR
It's hardly my fault I have such a lazy idiot for a servant.

MERLIN (whisper)
Bestepe 'scós.

[The boots tiptoe towards Merlin.]

MORGANA
If you can't even find your own servant, what hope do you have of finding the boy?

MERLIN (whisper)
Gestælle scós.

[The boots hide behind a column.]

ARTHUR
Really, I'm touched by the confidence you have in my abilities. And, as much as I'd love to stay and talk, the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be finished.

MERLIN (whisper)
Ástýre scós.

[The boots tiptoe to Merlin behind the curtain.]

MORGANA
Well, I'll save you the trouble.

ARTHUR
Trust me, if I could find him, I would.

MORGANA
The Druid boy's hiding behind the screen. I'm sure your father would love to know how you wasted your time by rifling through my things. Go on.

ARTHUR
So you can have the satisfaction of making me look a fool?

MORGANA
In my experience, you don't need any help looking like a fool. What are you waiting for? Take a look.

ARTHUR
Why don't you go back to brushing your hair, or whatever it is that you do all day?

MORGANA
Bye, Arthur. Good luck with the search!

--
[13:36, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
[Merlin searching through books.]

MERLIN
Bites, bruises, burns, wounds... Infections...

[Merlin grabs a few bottles and some herbs.]

GAIUS
Ah, there you are. I need you to pick some heather for me.

MERLIN
Er, can I do it later? I was just going out.

GAIUS
Who set this book out?

MERLIN
It was me. I was doing some reading.

GAIUS
Oh? I'd given up hoping you might take more of an interest in my work.

MERLIN
No. It's fascinating.

GAIUS
Merlin, you are riddle wrapped up in a mystery.

MERLIN
That's me. I was just getting some cleaning supplies. Arthur's been complaining about the state of his chambers.

GAIUS
I think Arthur's chambers can wait. I'm not missing the chance to begin your education.

MERLIN
Really. I should go.

GAIUS
Sit! We'll start with some basic anatomy...

[Gaius pulls out a giant volume.]

--
[14:47, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Morgana opens the door for Merlin to enter.]

MORGANA
What took you so long?

MERLIN
Sorry. Once Gaius gets talking about anatomy, there's no stopping him.

[Merlin begins treating Mordred.]

MORGANA
Are you sure you know what you're doing?

MERLIN
I'm doing my best.

MORGANA
I'll get you some more water.

MORDRED (telepathy)
Thank you, Emrys.

Merlin (telepathy)
Emrys? Why do you call me that?

MORDRED (telepathy)
Among my people, that is your name.

MERLIN (telepathy)
You know who I am. How?

MERLIN
Speak to me.

MORGANA
I don't know if he can't speak, or... he's just too scared to.

--
[15:44, INT. KING’S PALACE, TUNNELS/DRAGON’S CAVE]
[Merlin sees the guards continuing to search the castle as he goes down the Tunnel Corridor to the Dragon's Cave.]

MERLIN
Hello?

[The dragon climbs around a corner and roars. Merlin sighs.]

MERLIN
Do you have to do that? You scared the life out of me.

KILGHARRAH
The young warlock. No doubt you're here about the Druid boy.

MERLIN
How did you know?

KILGHARRAH
Like you, I hear him speak.

MERLIN
Why does he call me Emrys?

KILGHARRAH
Because that is your name.

MERLIN
I'm pretty sure my name's Merlin, always has been.

KILGHARRAH
You have many names.

MERLIN
Do I? How does the boy know who I am? I've never even met any Druids.

KILGHARRAH
There is much written about you that you have yet to read. You should not protect this boy.

MERLIN
Why? He has magic. He's just like me.

KILGHARRAH
You and the boy are as different as day and night.

MERLIN
What do you mean?

KILGHARRAH
Heed my words, Merlin.

MERLIN
Why should I not protect him?

[The dragon flies off.]

--
[16:57, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Morgana tends the feverish Mordred.]

GWEN
Let me care for him for a while. You need to sleep. You'll make yourself sick if you go on like this.

MORGANA
His fever's getting worse.

MORDRED (telepathy)
Morgana.

MORGANA
Did you hear that?

GWEN
What?

MORGANA
He said my name.

GWEN
Did he? I didn't hear anything.

[A knock on the door.]

MERLIN
It's Merlin.

[Gwen opens the door.]

MERLIN
How is he?

MORGANA
He's getting weaker. Whatever you did yesterday, it hasn't worked. We have to ask Gaius for his help. After all you've done, you can't give up now! Please! If he doesn't receive treatment, he'll die!

MERLIN
OK.

--
[18:00, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]

GAIUS
The search for this Druid boy is becoming a real nuisance. With all the extra security around the castle, it's taking me twice as long to do my round. Is that everything?

MERLIN
Morgana's hiding the Druid boy in her chambers.

GAIUS
When you say that Morgana's hiding the Druid boy, I take that means that you're helping her?

MERLIN
Sort of.

GAIUS
Merlin, you promised me that you wouldn't get involved.

MERLIN
I know. I'm sorry. I had no choice.

GAIUS
Every guard in Camelot is searching for this boy, and you're harbouring him under their very noses. Can't you see how dangerous that is? What were you thinking of?

MERLIN
Was I supposed to hand him over to the guards to be executed?

GAIUS
You think you can save this boy? What happens if you're caught? Who's going to save you?

MERLIN
You're saying it's wrong to harbour a young magician?

GAIUS
The difference is, Merlin, that your magic is still secret. Though it's a wonder how, considering how careless you are.

MERLIN
The boy's hurt. He's really sick. I've tried to treat him. We need your help.

GAIUS
So, now you want me to risk my neck, too? I wish the boy no harm, but it's too dangerous.

MERLIN
But if you don't, we may as well hand him over to the guards, because he'll die anyway. You didn't turn your back on me. Please don't turn your back on him.

--
[19:33, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Gaius examines Mordred.]

GAIUS
I will treat the boy, but as soon as he's well, you must get him out of Camelot. And woe betide anyone caught helping him. Well, one thing we know for certain.

MERLIN
What's that?

GAIUS
You're no physician.

--
[20:13, EXT. LOWER TOWN, MARKET – DAY]
[Morgana, Merlin, and Gwen watch the guards.]

GUARD
Halt there.

[The guards stop a man pulling a cart out through the gate.]

GWEN
The guards are searching everyone leaving the town.

MERLIN
There is another way out. There's a secret door in the armoury. It leads to the lower town. I'll take the boy out that way.

MORGANA
No. It's too dangerous. I'll do it.

MERLIN
But I--I'm good with secret doors and things.

MORGANA
If you are caught, Uther will execute you. The boy's my responsibility. I'll smuggle him out of the castle.

MERLIN
Well, you'll need a key for the door.

MORGANA
Who has it?

MERLIN
Arthur.

--
[20:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Arthur dines on soup.]

MERLIN
Inbringe, cume mec.

[The spell floats the keys off of Arthur's belt.]

ARTHUR
Is there any bread?

[The keys jangle as Merlin floats them behind Arthur's head as he turns.]

ARTHUR
What was that?

MERLIN
What?

ARTHUR
There was a sound.

MERLIN
Was there?

[Merlin continues floating the keys behind Arthur's head as he stands up to search for the sound.]

ARTHUR
What is that? Can't you hear it?!

MERLIN
I can't hear anything.

ARTHUR
Are you deaf? It's like a...jangling sound.

[Arthur walks towards Merlin.]

MERLIN
There!

[Merlin points behind Arthur.]

ARTHUR
What?

MERLIN
I thought I saw something.

[Arthur moves to where Merlin pointed. Merlin drops the keys into the soup.]

ARTHUR
What was that?

MERLIN
What was what?

ARTHUR
A different sound, like a...like a splash.

[Merlin picks up some bread from the table.]

MERLIN
Bread?

[Arthur leaves, checking his hearing on the way out. Merlin grabs the keys from the soup.]

--
[22:21, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Morgana dresses in Gwen's clothes.]

MORGANA
It'll have to do.

[Morgana sighs.]

MORGANA
I feel I've put you in danger without ever stopping to ask how you feel about it. I'm sorry.

GWEN
I know how it feels to face the threat of execution. And I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[Knocking.]

MERLIN
It's Merlin.

[Gwen goes to open the door. Morgana goes to Mordred.]

MORGANA
We're going to get you out of Camelot. I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise.

MERLIN
Are you ready?

[Morgana nods.]

MORGANA
Did you get the keys?

MERLIN
Yeah. Er, the door is behind the shield at the far end of the armoury.

GWEN
I'll pack you some food and water for the journey. Be careful.

--
[23:16, INT. KING’S PALACE – NIGHT]
[Guards march through the Griffin Landing as Morgana peeks over the edge of the curved stairs and descends with Mordred. A serving girl sees them sneaking off through the corridor at the bottom of the Spiral Stairway. They sneak out through the door behind the shield in the armoury.]

--
[24:08, INT. GWEN'S HOUSE – NIGHT]
[Gwen prepares some travel supplies.]

GWEN
I hope they're OK. Morgana really cares about the boy. I've never seen her this way with anyone.

MERLIN
I'm sure she just wants to protect him.

GWEN
Hmm.

--
[24:25, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARMOURY – NIGHT]
[Arthur walks through the armoury with a guard.]

GUARD
A servant saw someone entering. They had a boy with them.

[Arthur sees the revealed door and checks his key ring, but the key is missing.]

ARTHUR
Sound the warning bell.

--
[24:48, INT. GWEN'S HOUSE – NIGHT]
[Merlin looks out the window as the warning bells sound.]

MERLIN
They're coming.

[Morgana and Mordred enter.]

GWEN
There's enough food for three days.

MERLIN
Your horse is fed and watered. I'll take you to it.

MORGANA
No. There's no point in all of us risking our lives.

MERLIN
What about you?

MORGANA
I'm the King's ward. I'll take my chances.

GWEN
Morgana!

MORGANA
I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to either of you. We must go.

MORDRED (telepathy)
Goodbye, Emrys.

--
[25:20, EXT. LOWER TOWN]
[Morgana and Mordred try to run, but Arthur and the guards approach through their exit. Morgana and Mordred hide in a nearby building. Arthur enters.]

ARTHUR
Fan out.

[Morgana and Mordred make a break for it, but they run across a guard and Arthur blocks the other side of the path. Arthur draws his sword and places it at Morgana's back.]

ARTHUR
Halt, or I'll run you through. Show yourself.

[Morgana turns around. Arthur is shocked.]

MORGANA
Let him go. I beg you. He's just a child.

[Arthur debates, looking at the guards around him.]

ARTHUR
Restrain them.

--
[27:03, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM]

UTHER
All this time, you've been hiding the boy in my own palace. How could you betray me like this?

MORGANA
I would not see him executed.

UTHER
I've treated you like a daughter. Is this how you repay me?

MORGANA
I did what I thought was right.

UTHER
You think it's right to conspire with my enemies against me?

MORGANA
How can this child be your enemy? He's just a boy.

UTHER
He is a Druid.

MORGANA
Is that such a crime?

UTHER
His kind would see me dead and this kingdom returned to anarchy and you would help them.

MORGANA
Then punish me... but spare the boy. I beg you.

UTHER
Make arrangements for the boy to be executed tomorrow morning.

MORGANA
No! Please. He's done nothing.

UTHER
Let this be a lesson to you.

MORGANA
You don't have to do this.

UTHER
Do you hear me? I want him executed at dawn.

ARTHUR
Yes, Father.

MORGANA
What have these people done to you? Why are you so full of hate?

[Morgana marches towards Uther and grabs his arm. Uther grabs her throat and presses her against a chair back.]

UTHER
Enough! I will not hear another word! Do not speak to me until you are ready to apologise for what you've done.

[Uther leaves, Arthur follows him.]

--
[28:09, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]

MORGANA
I promised that I wouldn't let anything bad happen.

MERLIN
You can't blame yourself. You tried your best.

MORGANA
It's not enough.

MERLIN
He's in jail now. There's nothing more we can do.

MORGANA
I will not let him die. Can I count on your help?

[Merlin nods.]

MORGANA
Thank you.

--
[28:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, COURTYARD CORRIDOR]
[Arthur follows Uther down the corridor.]

ARTHUR
Perhaps imprisonment is a more suitable punishment for the boy. I mean, he's so young.

UTHER
It would allow him to grow more powerful, more dangerous, until he strikes against us.

ARTHUR
We don't know he's gonna strike against us. He's yet to do anything.

UTHER
It is enough that his people conspire to overthrow me. This is harsh, but necessary. I take no pleasure in killing the boy.

ARTHUR
Well, then spare him for Morgana's sake. She's clearly grown attached to the boy, and if you execute him I fear she will never forgive you.

[Uther stops and rounds on Arthur.]

UTHER
I do not seek her forgiveness! She has betrayed me!

ARTHUR
Yet you're sparing her.

UTHER
She has the promise I made her father to thank for that. The boy enjoys no such privilege. He will be executed at dawn. Is that clear?

--
[29:43, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Arthur enters. Morgana is waiting for him.]

ARTHUR
Make yourself at home.

MORGANA
You can't let your father execute the boy.

ARTHUR
You're lucky he's not executing you. Are you telling me he really was behind the screen when I came to search your chambers?

[Morgana nods.]

MORGANA
I know you believe your father's wrong to execute him.

ARTHUR
What I believe doesn't matter. My father's made up his mind. He won't be talked out of it. I tried.

MORGANA
Then the time for talking is over.

ARTHUR
Whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen.

MORGANA
We have to get the boy back to his people.

ARTHUR
No. Forget it.

MORGANA
I can't believe you'd let an innocent child die!

ARTHUR
It's too late. He's been caught. I have no choice.

MORGANA
And is this how you will rule when you are King? You're not like your father.

ARTHUR
I will not betray him.

MORGANA
If I know you at all, you won't stand by and let this happen. Please. If you won't do this for the boy, then do it for me.

--
[31:00, INT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]
[Merlin watches the executioner sharpen his axe.]

--
[31: 16, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Merlin enters. Morgana and Arthur look at him.]

MERLIN
Sorry. Was I interrupting something?

ARTHUR
Nothing you need concern yourself with. Go make yourself useful, muck out my horses.

MORGANA
I trust Merlin.

[Arthur motions for Merlin to enter.]

ARTHUR
We're going to break the Druid boy out of the dungeons.

MERLIN
You can't do that.

MORGANA
We have to. Uther's going to execute him at dawn.

MERLIN
I mean... it's too dangerous. You've already been caught once, and if the King catches you a second time he'll never forgive you.

MORGANA
I'm not worried for myself.

ARTHUR
Merlin's right. When my father finds out the boy's escaped, he will suspect you being involved.

MERLIN
It's suicide.

ARTHUR
You must go to my father and apologise. Dine with him, he cannot hold you responsible if you're with him when the boy escapes.

MORGANA
You need me if the plan's to work. You can't do this on your own.

ARTHUR
Merlin will take your place.

MERLIN
Me?

ARTHUR
I'm going to take the boy out through the burial vaults. There's a tunnel that leads beyond the city walls. Get my horse from the stables and meet me there. There's a grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel. Bring a rope and a grappling hook to pull it off.

MERLIN
No-- no, I can't...

ARTHUR
Merlin. Do you understand? If you're not there to meet us, we'll surely be caught.

[Merlin nods.]

--
[32:50, INT. KING’S PALACE, DRAGON'S CAVE]

MERLIN
I need to know why you told me not to protect the boy.

KILGHARRAH
You seek my counsel and yet you choose to ignore it.

MERLIN
Just tell me why.

KILGHARRAH
If the boy lives, you cannot fulfil your destiny.

MERLIN
What's he got to do with my destiny? You said it's my destiny to protect Arthur.

KILGHARRAH
Then you have the answer you seek.

MERLIN
You're telling me that little boy is going to kill Arthur?

KILGHARRAH
It seems that is up to you.

MERLIN
No. You can't know that for certain.

KILGHARRAH
You have it in your power to prevent a great evil.

MERLIN
There must be another way! The future isn't set in stone!

KILGHARRAH
You must let the boy die.

--
[33:42, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]

GAIUS
I assume it's the plight of the Druid boy that's causing your forehead to wrinkle like a lizard's elbow.

MERLIN
Would you let something terrible happen if it meant you'd stop something even worse happening in the future?

GAIUS
I suppose it depends on what the 'terrible' and 'even worse' things were.

MERLIN
One of them's bad, really bad. And the other, it's...unthinkable.

GAIUS
It sounds as if you've already made your decision. You can only do what you believe to be right, Merlin. I just hope it doesn't involve you putting yourself in terrible danger.

MERLIN
For once, you don't have to worry. I'm going to do nothing.

--
[34:42, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT]
[Gwen helps Morgana dress for dinner.]

MORGANA
Thank you.

[Morgana turns around and sees Gwen's expression.]

MORGANA
What is it? What's wrong?

GWEN
You're risking so much for this boy. You don't know anything about him. You don't even know his name.

MORGANA
There's a bond between us.

GWEN
Stronger than the bond you have with Uther?

MORGANA
It's like nothing I've ever felt before. Perhaps I was always meant to help him.

GWEN
How can that be?

MORGANA
I don't know. I can't explain it.

[Gwen sighs and shakes her head.]

MORGANA
I must go to Uther.

GWEN
Good luck.

--
[35:46, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]
[Uther dines as Morgana enters with tear stained cheeks.]

MORGANA
I have come to apologise, My Lord. You have been generous and kind and fair. And I owe you everything. I truly don't know what came over me. I acted without thinking of the consequence. My behaviour was unforgivable. *gasp*

UTHER
I am glad you've seen sense. Dine with me. Let's put this *ahem* unfortunate incident behind us.

--
[36:37, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – NIGHT]
[Arthur descends the Wrought Iron Stairway. He stops halfway and drops a smoking bag down to the guards, who cough and pass out. Arthur grabs their keys and opens Mordred's cell.]

ARTHUR
Don't be scared. I've sent word to your people, I'm taking you to them. You must come with me.

[Arthur takes Mordred's hand and leads him out. They head down a tunnel with a torch.]

ARTHUR
This way.

--
[37:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, DUNGEONS – NIGHT]
[The guards wake.]

GUARD
It's the Druid boy. He's escaped!

--
[37:53, INT. KING’S PALACE, TUNNELS – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Mordred reach the gate at the end of the tunnel. Merlin is nowhere in sight.]

ARTHUR (whisper)
Merlin! Merlin! Don't worry, he'll be here.

--
[38:14, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Merlin sits on his bed. The warning bells sound.]

--
[38:19, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]
[Morgana dines with Uther.]

UTHER
Guard!

[A guard enters.]

UTHER
Find out why they've sounded the warning bell.

GUARD
Yes, My Lord.

--
[38:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, TUNNELS – NIGHT]
[Arthur pushes against the gate.]

ARTHUR
Damn it, Merlin!

[Arthur and Mordred hear a door open at the other end of the tunnel. Arthur puts out the torch.]
Guard (distant): I think they went that way.

--
[38:49, INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER/TUNNELS – NIGHT]
[Merlin sits in his chamber. Arthur and Mordred wait anxiously.]

MORDRED (telepathy)
Emrys. Emrys. Where are you, Emrys? Emrys. Help us. Please! They're coming.

GUARD 1
Look over there. Look over there. Check in there.

GUARD 2
Yes, sir.

[Arthur draws his sword.]

GUARD 1
But you look down here.

MORDRED (telepathy)
I'm scared, Emrys. They will kill me. Don't do this. Don't ignore me. I know you can hear me. I thought you were my friend. We're the same. I don't want to die. Emrys! Emrys! Emrys!

--
[39:47, EXT. TUNNEL EXIT – NIGHT]
[Merlin sneaks past the guards across the drawbridge.]

MERLIN
Hey!

ARTHUR (whisper)
Where the hell have you been?!

MERLIN
I had trouble getting out of the castle.

[Merlin narrows his eyes at Merlin.]

ARTHUR (whisper)
Well, get this grate off, they're coming!

[Merlin attaches the grappling hook and pulls off the grate. Merlin lifts Mordred up onto the horse in front of Arthur.]

ARTHUR
If my father asks where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip. You'd better make yourself scarce, or they'll execute you in his place.

MORDRED (telepathy)
Goodbye, Emrys. I know that someday we will meet again.

--
[40:35, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – NIGHT]

GUARD
My Lord. I regret to report that the Druid boy has escaped from the dungeon.

UTHER
What!? How?

GUARD
My Lord, he was assisted by some accomplices. The guards are searching Camelot as we speak.

UTHER
Find him and his accomplices and kill them.

GUARD
Yes, My Lord.

UTHER
If I discover that you were somehow involved in freeing this boy, the consequences will be extremely severe.

MORGANA
My Lord, you know I respect you too much to ever betray you like that.

UTHER
I made a promise to your father that I would protect you. But if you cross me again, I will break that promise without a second thought.

[Uther leaves and Morgana scowls.]

--
[41:40, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT]
[Arthur and Mordred meet the Druids in the woods.]

ISELDIR
We are forever indebted to you, Arthur Pendragon, for returning the boy to us.

ARTHUR
You must not let it be known that it was I who brought him to you.

ISELDIR
We will tell no one. You have my word.

[The druids turn to leave.]

ARTHUR
Wait, I don't even know your name! At least tell me your name.

ISELDIR
It's all right.

MORDRED
My name is Mordred.

ARTHUR
Good luck, Mordred.