In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name: Merlin.
[00:14, PLAINS OF DENARIA - DAY]
[A cloaked figure struggles to pull a horse cart along a dusty road. Four nights approach on horseback.]
SIR LEON
Halt!
[The cloaked woman stops.]
SIR LEON (cont'd)
Stay where you are.
[The woman sets down the cart handles a as the knights dismount, Sir Elyan among them.]
SIR LEON (cont'd)
Where are you headed?
MORGANA
The Seas of Meredor.
SIR LEON
What's in the cart?
[Morgana says nothing. Sir Leon motions for the spare knights to search it and Morgana turns around.]
SIR LEON
Lady Morgana.
[Morgana uses magic to throw each of the knights to the ground. She looks around, pulls off her hood and pulls down a blanket in the cart.]
MORGANA
Are you alright?
MORGAUSE
Yes, thank you, Sister. But we must hurry. Night is nearly upon us.
[Morgause turns her face towards Morgana, revealing a hideous deformity to the right side of her face.]
MORGAUSE (cont'd)
And we still have far to go.
--
[New Opening credits]
--
[02:02, CASTLE SQUARE - MORNING]
[Merlin runs through knights and servants and into the Castle. Servants are decorating the castle with vines and Merlin ducks under one of them as he bolts up the Griffin Stairway.]
MERLIN
Sorry.
[02:15, CASTLE KITCHENS - MORNING]
[Merlin bumps into more servants and nicks some food off a passing plate. The head cook accosts him with a ladle.]
HEAD COOK
What are you doing in my kitchen?
MERLIN
Uh, the prince's shirt.
[The cook motions to the line above the stove where the pots are hanging.]
HEAD COOK
Keep your dirty fingers off my food. Do you understand?
[Merlin grabs the shirt and a hook on a string drops down in front of his face. He looks up, confused. Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival are peering down at him with eager and mischievous grins. Gwaine puts a finger to his lips and Merlin laughs. Merlin attaches the hook to one of the roasting chickens and pulls on the string. The knights pull it up to them as Merlin exits hastily.]
HEAD COOK
Oi!
[02:48, CASTLE HALLWAY - MORNING]
[Merlin weaves through bustling servants. A servant with wine pitchers bumps into him and spills it all over Arthur's newly washed shirt. Merlin picks up the stained shirt and stares at it.]
SIR LANCELOT
You could try a bit of salt.
MERLIN
Arthur is going to kill me.
SIR LANCELOT
Let's see.
[Sir Lancelot looks at the shirt.]
SIR LANCELOT (cont'd)
You've faced far worse, Merlin.
MERLIN
He needs it for tonight.
SIR LANCELOT
I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something.
[Lancelot lifts his eyebrows knowingly. Lancelot keeps walking and Merlin checks to see no one's looking.]
MERLIN
Fordwin wamm.
[Lancelot stops and turns around. Merlin shows him the clean shirt and Lancelot opens his arms as if to say "See, that was easy." The both continue on their way.]
--
[03:22, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]
[Arthur's leaning against his desk and writing, as Merlin enters with his clean white shirt.]
MERLIN
Your dressed.
ARTHUR
Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot.
[Arthur turns around to walk behind his desk. He didn't manage to pull his shirt all the way through his belt in the back and his skin is showing. Merlin sniggers.]
MERLIN
Are you sure about that?
ARTHUR
Beg your pardon?
MERLIN
It's just that you--
ARTHUR
Merlin.
MERLIN
But you--
ARTHUR
I am trying to write a speech.
MERLIN
Do you want help?
ARTHUR
No.
MERLIN
You won't want this, then?
[Merlin holds up a scroll and Arthur looks up from his desk.]
MERLIN (cont'd)
I spent all night working on it.
[Arthur takes the scroll and looks over it with exaggerated scepticism.]
MERLIN (cont'd)
What do you think?
[Arthur hands it back to Merlin.]
ARTHUR
Needs a polish.
MERLIN
I'll add it to the list.
[Arthur tosses the speech he was working on.]
ARTHUR
Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech. Obviously it would be too much for you to say, "Thank you."
[Merlin stares at Arthur for a moment and walks out with his laundry without deigning reply. Arthur smiles.]
--
[04:11, SEAS OF MEREDOR - DAY]
[Morgana helps Morgause limp out of the cart in the foggy wood.]
MORGAUSE
The Isle of the Blessed.
[Morgana helps Morgause to the dock. A ferryman waits for them by a longboat. He holds out his hand. Morgause places a coin in it.]
MORGAUSE
You know where we wish to go.
[The sisters huddle in the boat, the ferryman at the helm, as it glides across the sea.]
--
[04:49, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Uther's hand shakes badly as he lowers his goblet to the table in front of his chair. Gwen enters and watches him with a pitying expression before she approaches him.]
GWEN
Not eaten, sire? Sire?
[Uther doesn't seem to hear her, lost in his own misery. Gwen takes the tray of untouched food and meets Gaius on her way out. She looks at the potion in Gaius's hand.]
GWEN (cont'd)
It doesn't seem to make any difference.
GAIUS
I'm not sure it ever will. But at least it gives him peace.
GWEN
It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him.
GAIUS (nods)
His heart is broken and his spirit is gone. You're joining us for the feast tonight?
GWEN
I don't think so. I need to stay with the king.
GAIUS
You're very good to him, Gwen.
GWEN
I don't do it for him; I do it for Arthur.
[Gaius watches Gwen exit.]
--
[05:59, SEAS OF MEREDOR - DAY]
[Morgause and Morgana continue across the sea with the ferryman.]
--
[06:12, COUNCIL CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Sir Leon and Sir Elyan ride into the square and report to Arthur and the Council.]
SIR LEON
The reports are true, sire. We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria.
ARTHUR
Was she alone?
SIR ELYAN (shakes head)
There was someone else.
ARTHUR
Morgause.
SIR ELYAN
Couldn't be sure.
[A man speaks from the shadows.]
AGRAVAINE
Where was Morgana heading?
SIR LEON
To the Seas of Meredor.
GAIUS
Isle of the Blessed.
[Agravaine steps into the light.]
AGRAVAINE
I'll send out patrols at first light.
ARTHUR
Thank you, Agravaine.
SIR LEON
Sire, you should know her powers have grown. Sir Bertrand and Sir Wontague are both dead.
ARTHUR
Keep me informed of any developments.
[The councilmen all bow and exit. Agravaine remains.]
ARTHUR (cont'd)
For months, nothing. Why now?
AGRAVAINE
We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, what does it matter? Mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her.
ARTHUR
You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last few months without you. Thank you, Uncle.
AGRAVAINE
I made a promise to your mother. I'll always be there for you.
[Arthur nods with a smile and exits.]
--
[07:34, ISLE OF THE BLESSED - NIGHT]
[Wyvern shriek as they fly around the fortress as Morgana's boat continues to the isle.]
--
[07:55, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]
[Arthur and Agravaine sit on either side of the king's chair at the feast. Arthur stands and the laughter dies down.]
ARTHUR
Samhain. It is the time of year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors. It is a time to remember those we have lost to celebrate their passing.
--
[08:15, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]
MORGAUSE
Samhain is almost upon us. We must hurry.
MORGANA
I can't do this.
MORGAUSE
Sister. Remember what I told you. It is the only way. What you are about to do will affect everyone, even you. But most importantly, it will bring our enemies to their knees. You must be strong, remember that.
[Morgause presents Morgana with a dagger.]
MORGAUSE (cont'd)
Do not be scared.
[Morgana takes the dagger.]
MORGAUSE (cont'd)
I am not long for this world. There is nothing left for me here now.
[Morgause weakly climbs onto the altar stone and takes Morgana's hand.]
MORGAUSE (cont'd)
Please, sister, let my parting be my final gift to you.
[Morgause lies down on the altar.]
--
[09:45, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]
[Arthur raises his glass in a toast.]
ARTHUR
To the king.
[Everyone stands to toast as the bell tolls.]
--
[09:50, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]
MORGANA
Eala leofu sweoster, paem gastum befaeste ic pe. Alys pa peoster pe inne onwunap. [?]
[Morgana poises the dagger to strike, her eyes glow and she plunges it into Morgause's chest. Morgause gasps.]
--
[10:07, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]
[Merlin senses the magic and everything goes into slow-mo.]
GAIUS (distorted)
To the king.
AGRAVAINE (distorted)
To the king.
[The knights toast their glasses as Merlin freaks out.]
--
[10:21 , ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]
[Morgana is blown off her feet.]
--
[10:27, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]
[Merlin sees a dead-looking woman in a black, hooded cloak with a staff standing in the middle of the banquet hall.]
CAILLEACH (whisper)
Emrys. Emrys. Emrys.
[Merlin drops his empty serving pitcher and the whole hall goes quiet and stares at him. He swoons. Lancelot rushes to his side. Arthur rolls his eyes. Merlin shivers on the floor.]
--
[10:53, ISLE OF THE BLESSED, ALTAR - NIGHT]
[Cailleach strokes Morgana's cheek and Morgana wakes. She sits up and sees the cloaked woman standing in front of the rift.]
MORGANA
Who are you?
CAILLEACH
I am the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world. You have torn the veil between the worlds.
[Eerie screams echo from the rift.]
CAILLEACH (cont'd)
The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child. And, like the dead, they are numberless.
[Morgana looks around in fear.]
CAILLEACH (cont'd)
You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings, but you must beware. Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world, and you will not walk through it alone. The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow. He is your destiny, and he is your doom. (whisper) Emrys.
--
[12:17, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Lancelot lays Merlin on the bed.]
SIR LANCELOT
What happened?
GAIUS
I don't know. I've never felt anyone so cold before.
SIR LANCELOT
Will he be alright?
GAIUS
I'll need Hawthorne to improve the blood flow. And blankets. Lots of blankets.
[Lancelot goes to fetch them.]
--
[12:36, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gaius is grinding something as Merlin steps out of his chamber wearing a blanket. They sit together.]
MERLIN
When she spoke, her voice...it was as though it came from the depths of the earth, and her eyes...they were so sad. So much pain in them. Who is she?
GAIUS
The Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world.
MERLIN
Why was she there?
GAIUS
It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's Eve, the very moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence.
MERLIN
Why was I the only one to see her.
GAIUS
You have great power, Merlin. For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon.
MERLIN
But you don't understand. It wasn't a vision. She knew who I was. She called me Emrys.
[Gaius ponders.]
MERLIN (cont'd)
What is it? What does it mean?
GAIUS
I'm not sure. But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all.
--
[14:01, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]
[Merlin brings in a breakfast tray and sets it noisily on the table while Arthur's still in bed.]
ARTHUR
Merlin.
[Merlin opens the curtains.]
ARTHUR
Merlin!
MERLIN
What?
[Arthur puts a pillow over his face. Someone knocks at the door.]
ARTHUR (muffled)
Merlin!
MERLIN
That's not me.
[Arthur takes off the pillow and Sir Leon enters.]
SIR LEON
Excuse me, sire. You're needed in the council chambers as a matter of urgency.
--
[14:22, COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MORNING]
[The council is gathered around a weeping woman.]
ARTHUR
What's happened to her?
AGRAVAINE
Her village was attacked.
ARTHUR
By who?
AGRAVAINE
Not entirely clear, sir.
[Arthur approaches the weeping woman]
ARTHUR
What's your name?
DREA
Drea.
[Arthur steps closer and the girl tenses. Arthur puts a comforting hand on her shoulder and speaks tenderly.]
ARTHUR
Drea.
[She uncertainly makes eye contact.]
ARTHUR
I'm Arthur. Don't be frightened. Tell me what happened.
DREA
My mother, my father, my litter sister, they're...
[She starts weeping again.]
ARTHUR
It's all right. It's all right.
[Drea nods.]
ARTHUR (cont'd)
Someone attacked them.
[Drea nods.]
ARTHUR (cont'd)
Who?
DREA
There was no one. Just...shapes.
ARTHUR
You didn't see their faces?
DREA
They had no faces.
[Arthur looks uncertainly at a few councilmen. Merlin turns at the sound of something behind him.]
DREA
I-- I keep telling you. They were there, but...they weren't there. They moved so quickly. It was as if they weren't real, but...they must've been. I could hear the people screaming. And then...silence. They were all...dead.
[Drea breaks down and Arthur comforts her.]
ARTHUR
Hey. Thank you.
[Arthur turns her to cry on Gaius's shoulder.]
ARTHUR
Where is this village?
AGRAVAINE
Howden. It's to the east of the White Mountains, no more than half a day's hard ride.
ARTHUR (to Sir Leon)
Ready the men.
--
[16:12, WOODS - DAY]
[The Round Table knights ride out of Camelot. Merlin is startled by the sound of a woodpecker.]
ARTHUR
Merlin, you need your comfort blanket?
MERLIN
What do you mean?
ARTHUR
You're making me edgy.
[Lancelot's mount whinnies and Merlin jumps.]
ARTHUR
That's a horse.
MERLIN
Maybe it sensed something.
ARTHUR
Yes, that you're a clot pole.
MERLIN
That's my word.
ARTHUR
Yeah. And it suits you perfectly.
[The knights survey the slaughtered village.]
ARTHUR
It's too quiet.
[They enter the village on foot. All is silent. A door creaks loudly and they freeze until a goat bleats and wanders out. They split up in pairs to search. Arthur turns at a loud crunch. Gwaine just bit into an apple.]
SIR GWAINE
Sorry.
[Lancelot shakes his head.]
SIR ELYAN
Here!
[Gwaine drops the apple and they all run to Elyan. Inside one of the houses, they stare at frosted corpses. They all turn as something whips past behind them.]
ARTHUR
You saw it?
SIR GWAINE
We are literally chasing shadows.
ARTHUR
Come on.
[They exit the house and search the village at night, bearing torches. Merlin splits off from Lancelot when he hears a door shut in a barn. He walks around cautiously and a chicken jumps out at him. He sighs in relief. Something shrieks quietly behind him and he sees a wisp of it as it exits the barn. Merlin chases the shrieking wisp and loses it.]
MERLIN
Leoht.
[Merlin shines a light from his hand. The light fades.]
MERLIN
Leoht.
[The light shines briefly and disappears.]
MERLIN
Leoht.
[Nothing happens. Screams echo around him. A wisp shoots straight for him.]
MERLIN
Fleoh nu on moras! Fleoh nu on moras!
[Merlin's eyes glow, but nothing happens.]
SIR LANCELOT
Merlin!
[Lancelot uses his torch to repel the wisp.]
SIR LANCELOT
What happened?
MERLIN
My magic...I couldn't use it.
[The others come running.]
SIR LANCELOT
There's something out there!
ARTHUR
You saw it?
SIR LANCELOT
When it saw the light, it fled.
SIR GWAINE
It scared the horses.
MERLIN
It's not something you can chase or something you can kill.
[The shrieks echo.]
ARTHUR
We need to get out of here.
--
[21:33, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
[People are screaming and running into the Castle. Gwen rushes down a hallway with blankets and a torch.]
AGRAVAINE
Gwen! Warn Gaius there are more victims by the western gate.
[Agravaine continues down another hallway and Gwen rushes on until a window behind her smashes in right behind a knight. The skull wisp rushes in and the knight screams. Gwen takes cover behind a column and brandishes her torch at the skull wisp. The skull wisp leaves and she crouches to check on the knight. He's frozen solid.]
--
[22:10, MORGUE - NIGHT]
[Guards exit with a stretcher and Gaius pulls a cloth over the face of one of many victims.]
MERLIN
Gaius.
GAIUS
Merlin.
[Gaius can tell that Merlin is freaked out.]
GAIUS (cont'd)
You saw them.
[Merlin nods.]
GAIUS (cont'd)
Here, help me. Give me some more sheets.
[Merlin's still acting strangely.]
GAIUS (cont'd)
Merlin?
MERLIN
My magic is useless against them. I've tried. I have never felt so powerless. Something deep inside. And when it came for me, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breathe. I'm scared.
GAIUS
Merlin, it's alright. It's not your fault.
--
[23:13, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - MORNING]
AGRAVAINE
We've suffered fifty dead, maybe more. Mainly in the Lower Town.
ARTHUR
And there's no way of fighting them?
AGRAVAINE
No, our only weapons are torches. And the light doesn't kill them, it only repels them.
ARTHUR
What are they?
GAIUS
They're Dorocha, sire. The spirits of the dead. On Samhain's Eve in the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them.
AGRAVAINE
But who'd do such a thing now?
GAIUS
Morgana.
ARTHUR
You see her hand in this?
GAIUS
We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed.
ARTHUR
How do we defeat these creatures?
GAIUS
I don't know, sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch.
--
[23:57, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Merlin lights candles. He hears a Dorocha shriek and drops his basket of candles; one rolls near the curtains. Arthur looks up.]
MERLIN
I thought I saw something.
ARTHUR
What was it, a spider?
[Merlin sees the curtain move and stares at the candle on the floor. Arthur watches Merlin's hesitation.]
ARTHUR (cont'd)
Just pick it up.
[Merlin picks up the basket and they both stare at the curtain.]
ARTHUR (cont'd)
Do you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?
MERLIN
It's not a joke.
ARTHUR
Yeah.
[Arthur approaches the curtain, uses his sword to whip it open. Nothing's there. Merlin sighs in relief.]
ARTHUR
You see, Merlin, I could never be like you. I could never let myself look so spineless.
MERLIN
Oh, see, I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless.
ARTHUR
What?
MERLIN
Well, alright. Thoughtless.
ARTHUR
Never.
MERLIN
Definitely humourless.
ARTHUR
Because you're not funny.
[Arthur hands Merlin the candle. They both turn when they hear the Dorocha.]
MERLIN
You're not scared?
ARTHUR
Oh, I am, Merlin. Maybe more than you.
--
[25:45, CAMELOT - NIGHT]
[The guards light fires in grates all over the city. A Dorocha sweeps past some candles in the Physician's Chambers and blows out some of them. Gaius snaps up from his work. Knights patrol the streets with torches. Sir Percival lags behind when he sees/hears something. He walks over to some barrels and finds three small children huddling behind them.]
SIR PERCIVAL
Hey, hey, hey. It's all right. It's all right, you're safe now.
[Percival hears the Dorocha and checks to see the knights walking in the distance. He carefully calculates: 1 torch + 2 arms + 3 kids = oh noes! (comment courtesy of
ravenya03) Percival leaves the torch and runs through the street with the children in his arms. A Dorocha streaks right for them and Elyan jumps in with a torch just in time. Elyan takes one of the kids and they bring them to their parents in a house.]SIR PERCIVAL
Thanks.
SIR ELYAN
Couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?
[They grin at each other.]
--
[MAIN SQUARE - MORNING]
[Villagers crowd into Camelot with the belongings they can carry.]
[27:28, COUNCIL CHAMBER - MORNING]
[Arthur discusses the refugee villagers with Gaius, Merlin, and Agravaine.]
GAIUS
They're coming from across the kingdom. They're looking to Camelot for protection.
ARTHUR
And we will give it to them.
AGRAVAINE
We cannot house them all.
ARTHUR
We have to try.
AGRAVAINE
How? We cannot live like this forever, Arthur. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures.
ARTHUR
Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them.
GAIUS
I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire. If I am right, and the veil between the worlds is torn, then there's only one path open to us. To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it.
ARTHUR
And how do I do that?
GAIUS
I'm not sure. But for the tear to be created would've required a blood sacrifice. To seal will require another.
ARTHUR
We ride before nightfall.
[All three of his councillors are surprised.]
GAIUS
And who will be the sacrifice?
ARTHUR
If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do.
--
[Agravaine rides through the woods.]
--
[28:54, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY]
[Agravaine enters without knocking. She puts a dagger to his back.]
AGRAVAINE
My lady?
MORGANA
My lord.
[Agravaine sighs.]
MORGANA (cont'd)
I trust you bring me good news.
[She lowers the dagger and walks further into her home.]
MORGANA (cont'd)
Tell me.
AGRAVAINE
The kingdom is on its knees.
MORGANA
How terrible.
AGRAVAINE (chuckles)
Indeed.
MORGANA
What of the poor people?
AGRAVAINE
More fall every night.
MORGANA
Such a shame.
AGRAVAINE
You should know that Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures.
MORGANA (scoffs)
Impossible.
AGRAVAINE
He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak. If the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil.
[Morgana thinks it over and turns away.]
AGRAVAINE (cont'd)
Something's troubling you. Morgana.
MORGANA
Something the Cailleach said. She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom.
AGRAVAINE
Your doom? What did she mean?
MORGANA
I don't know.
AGRAVAINE
Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week, leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir.
[Morgana smirks.]
--
[30:25, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Arthur sits with his absentminded father.]
ARTHUR
There are many things I have to thank you for. You've taught me so much. Most of all, you have taught me what it is to be a prince. I hope that this time you'll be proud of me.
[Arthur cries as Gwen walks in the doorway. Arthur stands, cups his father's chin and kisses his forehead. Arthur turns to leave and Uther grabs his arm.]
UTHER
Don't leave me.
ARTHUR
I have to, Father.
UTHER
Please.
[Arthur squeezes his father's hand, then wipes his tears and leaves. He sees Gwen and goes to her.]
ARTHUR
Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone.
GWEN
What is it?
[Arthur doesn't respond.]
GWEN (cont'd)
You don't have to go.
ARTHUR
I do.
GWEN
Please, Arthur, take care. You are precious, not just the kingdom.
ARTHUR
Smile.
GWEN
I can't.
[Arthur lifts her chin.]
ARTHUR
Do you remember...the first time I kissed you?
[Gwen smiles. Arthur smiles at her reaction.]
ARTHUR (cont'd)
There. That's the memory I will take with me.
[They embrace. Gwen holds him tight, still worrying.]
--
[32:19, GATES - DAY]
[The Round Table knights walk their horses out of the city in slow-mo.]
--
[32:28, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Arthur hands Agravaine a ring bearing the Pendragon seal.]
ARTHUR
You have to take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility to the kingdom rests with you.
AGRAVAINE
What about your father?
ARTHUR
Should he die, you're to assume the throne.
AGRAVAINE
Arthur--
ARTHUR
You're the only person I trust, Uncle.
AGRAVAINE
I beg of you, for the sake of the kingdom, there must be another way.
[Agravaine presses the ring back into Arthur's hand.]
ARTHUR
My mind's made up. I'm just grateful you're here.
[Arthur leaves Agravaine with the ring.]
--
[33:00, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY]
[Gaius enters while Merlin is packing.]
GAIUS
Merlin, what are you doing?
MERLIN
It is my destiny to protect Arthur.
GAIUS
How? Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha.
MERLIN
Then I must sacrifice myself in his place.
GAIUS
No.
MERLIN
My life has always been marked out by destiny. If this is meant to be...I'm not afraid. I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day...Albion will live.
[Speechless, Gaius hugs Merlin.]
--
[33:48, TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY]
[The Round Table knights mount their horses. Lancelot watches with a smile as Gwen approaches him.]
SIR LANCELOT
Gwen.
GWEN
Will you grant me a favour?
SIR LANCELOT
Anything.
[Gwen looks over at Arthur exiting the city gate with Merlin.]
GWEN
Look after him. Bring him home.
[Lancelot looks sad and disappointed.]
SIR LANCELOT
I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.
GWEN
Thank you.
[Gwen walks back to the castle.]
--
[34:33, WOODS - DAY]
[The knights ride out. After dismounting, they prepare to make camp.]
ARTHUR
Elyan, look after the horses, they need watering. I need someone to volunteer to get wood.
MERLIN
I'll do that.
[Lancelot watches Merlin go and follows.]
SIR LANCELOT
You shouldn't be here. You have no powers.
MERLIN
Doesn't matter.
SIR LANCELOT
You're not a warrior, Merlin. I don't want to see you hurt. If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.
MERLIN
It's your duty to protect Camelot no matter what the cost.
[Lancelot nods.]
MERLIN
Well, it's my duty to protect Arthur. Surely you can understand that.
SIR LANCELOT
I can understand that very well.
--
[35:42, MORGANA'S HOVEL - NIGHT]
[Still wearing her healing bracelet, Morgana has a prophetic dream. Red and black banners lie strewn on a battlefield with knight's corpses. A raven sitting on a helmet takes flight. Excalibur is stuck in the ground (or a knight's chest) Old Merlin walks on the field with a white cane, looking down at the camera.]
MORGANA
Help me, Emrys. Please.
[Morgana's wrinkled hand reaches up to Old Merlin from her position on the ground, below the camera. She's wearing vambraces.]
MERLIN
Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?
MORGANA
Please...
[Morgana wakes in her bed. At first she seems afraid, then angry.]
MORGANA
Emrys.
--
[36:33, COUNTRY ROAD - DAY]
[The knights ride by a field full of peasant corpses travelling to Camelot.]
ARTHUR
We need to reach Daelbeth by nightfall.
[The knights pick up the pace.]
--
[36:46, CRUMBLING FORTRESS - DUSK]
ARTHUR
Pair off. Find any wood you can. Get the fires burning.
[The knights collect firewood while carrying torches. Gwaine hears a man's scream and drops his firewood. The nights gather together as screams start to surround them. A Dorocha launches at them and Arthur wards it off with a torch.]
ARTHUR
Let's go!
SIR PERCIVAL
We haven't got enough!
ARTHUR
Go!
[The knights are back at the fire pit with Merlin and Lancelot. Merlin pretends to use the flint, then...]
MERLIN (whisper)
Bel onbryne.
[The fire lights instantly. Lancelot looks at him. Merlin makes a cute shrug face. Lancelot grins in amusement. The knights stand around the fire with torches. Percival looks at the fire, then at Arthur.]
SIR PERCIVAL
It won't get us through the night.
ARTHUR
'will keep the area safe for a while.
[Later, Gwaine throws a log on the fire.]
SIR GWAINE
The last one. Maybe we should draw lots, see who gets some more.
ARTHUR
I'll go.
SIR LANCELOT
You'll need help.
MERLIN
I'll go with him.
ARTHUR
You sure you're the right person?
MERLIN
Well, since when have you known how to collect firewood?
[The knights chuckle. Lancelot watches as they walk off. Merlin collects firewood while Arthur stands guard with a torch. A Dorocha charges them from behind.]
ARTHUR
Merlin!
[Arthur drops the torch to tackle Merlin out of the way. They fall off the wall.]
ARTHUR
Let's go!
[They rush through some passages and close a door behind them. The Dorocha seems to lose them. The knights back at the fire pit shuffle around anxiously.]
SIR LANCELOT
They should've been back by now.
SIR ELYAN
Someone needs to go and look for them.
SIR PERCIVAL
We've only got one torch between us.
[Lancelot grabs the torch and starts walking off.]
SIR LANCELOT
Who's coming?
[Elyan follows, then the other knights. Gwaine grabs his sword belt and puts it on as he follows. Arthur and Merlin hide behind a corner in one of the fortress rooms. Merlin ties a cloth around Arthur's injured arm. Arthur looks uncomfortable and Merlin gives him a confused look.]
ARTHUR
It's cold.
MERLIN
Right.
ARTHUR
You're not feeling it?
MERLIN
I c...
[Merlin shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.]
ARTHUR
You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for.
MERLIN
Really? Was that a compliment?
ARTHUR
Don't be stupid.
[Merlin chuckles and then Arthur does, too. Back in the passages, Lancelot leads the knights through the fortress, warding off Dorochas with the torch. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur listen to the screaming spirits.]
ARTHUR
All the things I've faced...I never worried about dying.
MERLIN
I don't think you should now.
ARTHUR
Sometimes you puzzle me.
MERLIN (Dragoon voice)
You never fathomed me out?
ARTHUR
No.
MERLIN
I always thought if things had been different, we'd've been good friends.
ARTHUR
Yeah.
MERLIN
That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous, dollop head.
[Arthur chuckles.]
MERLIN (cont'd)
We will defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur, together.
ARTHUR
Well, I appreciate that. You know, you're a brave man, Merlin. Between battles.
[Merlin chuckles.]
MERLIN
You don't know how many times I've saved your life.
ARTHUR
Ha. If I ever become king, I'm gonna have you made court jester.
[They chuckle. Then they hear the Dorocha. In the passages, Lancelot and the knights continue the search. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur wait.]
ARTHUR
They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
MERLIN
Feels pretty dark right now.
ARTHUR
Well, it can't be long then.
[The Dorocha finds them and sweeps through the door. Arthur starts to rush out from around the corner, but Merlin pulls him back and stands up himself, running straight for the Dorocha.]
ARTHUR
Merlin, no!
[Merlin jumps at the Dorocha. It catches him in the chest, stops him mid-air and throws him back against the stone wall. Lancelot enters and wards off the Dorocha with the torch, then hands it to Percival and turns to Arthur.]
SIR LANCELOT
What happened?
[Arthur and Lancelot go to Merlin. They turn him over. He's frosted over like the corpses they found.]
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