4.13 THE SWORD IN THE STONE PART TWO 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 man. His name: Merlin.

--
[01:28, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT]
[Southrons chase Arthur's party through the woods. Tristan supports Isolde as they go. Arthur's party approaches the mouth of cave tunnels.]

MERLIN
I’ll cover our tracks, you keep going!

[Merlin turns away from the others as they head into the caves.]

MERLIN (dragontongue)
Ω δρακον, *dragonspeak*

[Merlin sees the Southrons approaching and Kilgharrah isn't arriving, so he heads for the caves. Agravaine hears the dragon's roar and looks up. Kilgharrah swoops down on them.]

AGRAVAINE
Take cover!

[Kilgharrah flame roasts most of the Southrons as Agravaine tries to run.]

--
[02:23, INT. MOUNTAIN TUNNELS - NIGHT]
[Merlin catches up to the others in the cave.]

ARTHUR
Did you lose them?

MERLIN
It's safe.

ARTHUR
You sure?

MERLIN
Do I look like an idiot?

ARTHUR
Yes.

MERLIN
Doesn't change, does it?

ARTHUR
Which way now?

[Merlin looks around uncertainly.]

ARTHUR
I thought you said you grew up in these tunnels.

MERLIN
I did. Just-- it could be that way.

ARTHUR
Or it could be that way.

MERLIN
Yes.

ARTHUR
That's very reassuring.

--
[02:45, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT]
[Agravaine and a few of his men come out of hiding to look out over the field of crispy Southrons. Kilgharrah roars again and comes back for another pass.]

AGRAVAINE
Run!

[Agravaine and the remaining Southrons run into the mountain tunnels, followed by a stream of fire. They escape unscathed.]

--
[03:07, INT. MOUNTAIN TUNNELS - NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin lead their party through the caves.]

TRISTAN
So you know Arthur?

GWEN
I was a servant in Camelot.

TRISTAN
To Arthur?

GWEN
No.

TRISTAN
So why are you here?

GWEN
He's my king.

TRISTAN
I can't say I've detected many kingly qualities so far.

[Arthur is upset as he overhear this.]

GWEN
Well, maybe you don't know him.

--
[03:33, INT. MOUNTAIN TUNNELS - NIGHT]
[Agravaine and his men pursue Arthur's party. Agravaine hears something.]

AGRAVAINE
Shh!

[They stop to listen and hear some pebbles move.]

AGRAVAINE (mouths)
That way.

--
[03:33, INT. MOUNTAIN TUNNELS - NIGHT]
[Arthur's party stops and turns as they hear movement behind them.]

ARTHUR
I thought you said we'd lost them.

MERLIN
I thought I had.

TRISTAN
It won't take long for them to catch us.

MERLIN
I'll got back.

[Merlin heads back through the tunnel.]

ARTHUR
What are you gonna do?

MERLIN
Create a diversion.

[Arthur stops Merlin.]

ARTHUR
It's too risky.

MERLIN
I know these tunnels and Agravaine doesn't. You keep going.

[Merlin hands Arthur his torch.]

ARTHUR
Merlin...don't do anything stupid.

MERLIN
Me?

[Arthur looks after Merlin, hesitant to leave him behind, then follows the others. Merlin sidles along the tunnel wall as he hears the Southrons approach. He takes a breath and then steps around the corner to face them.]

MERLIN
OH, HELLO!

[Agravaine and his men run after Merlin. Merlin runs into a dead end.]

AGRAVAINE
Merlin. Merlin?

[Trapped, Merlin turns to face Agravaine.]

AGRAVAINE
Where's Arthur?

[Merlin shakes his head slightly.]

MERLIN
Be careful.

[Agravaine is confused.]

AGRAVAINE
What are you talking about? Where's Arthur?

[Merlin shifts his weight almost sadly, not really wanting to hurt them.]

AGRAVAINE
Tell me. Now. Or I'll have to kill you.

[Merlin shakes his head sadly.]

MERLIN
I don't think so.

[Agravaine steps toward Merlin. Merlin throws all of them back with a flash of his eyes. He takes a few steps forward and Agravaine wakes, gasping. Agravaine looks at Merlin and sits up. Merlin looks down, then raises his head nobly to look Agravaine in the eyes.]

AGRAVAINE
You have magic.

MERLIN
I was born with it.

[Agravaine gets up, then something occurs to him...]

AGRAVAINE
So it's you. You're Emrys.

MERLIN
That is what the druids call me.

AGRAVAINE
And you've been at court all this time, eh? At Arthur's side. (chuckles) How you've managed to deceive him. I am impressed, Merlin. Perhaps we're more alike than you think.

[Agravaine holds a hand out to Merlin, but Merlin raises his hand to strike with magic and Agravaine pauses, smile fading. Agravaine gestures submission and Merlin lowers his hand. Agravaine whips out a knife with his other hand to attack Merlin, but Merlin raises both hands and blasts Agravaine backwards with a flash of his eyes. Agravaine goes still as he hits the ground, eyes open. He lies dead whether from the spell, the fall, or his own knife stabbing him in the back as he landed on it. Merlin takes deep breaths and steps forward to look down at the men he just killed. He turns with a scowl and continues through the tunnels.]

--
[07:00, INT. MOUNTAIN TUNNELS - NIGHT]
[Arthur slows to a stop and turns around.]

TRISTAN
What are you doing?

ARTHUR
Shh!

[Arthur listens and they hear rocks moving. Arthur looks up.]

ARTHUR
Merlin.

TRISTAN
He knows the tunnels. He'll find his way.

ARTHUR
I'm going back.

[Arthur walks past Tristan, Gwen, and Isolde and Tristan watches in confusion.]

TRISTAN
For a servant?

GWEN
You're wrong about him.

--
[07:26, INT. MOUNTAIN TUNNELS - NIGHT]
[Arthur approaches a corner and prepares to attack the approaching figure.]

ARTHUR
Merlin!

[Arthur straightens up.]

ARTHUR
Where have you been?

MERLIN
Were you worried about me?

ARTHUR (lying)
No. I was making sure we weren't being followed.

MERLIN
You came back to look for me.

ARTHUR
All right, it's true. I came back because you’re the only friend I have and I couldn’t bear to lose you.

MERLIN
Really?

[Arthur turns around and walks off...]

ARTHUR
Don't be stupid.

[Merlin smiles and follows.]

--
[08:04, EXT. MOUNTAIN - DAY]
[Arthur's party emerges on the other side of the mountain. Tristan supports Isolde, and Arthur clutches his wounded ribs.]

TRISTAN
So, where now?

ARTHUR
To the plains beyond the mountains.

TRISTAN
You sure? That's Lot's kingdom. He's no friend of the Pendragons.

GWEN
Well, maybe we could find somewhere here. A house where we could rest.

TRISTAN
We're fugitives, a danger to anyone who harbours us.

MERLIN
He's right. We must travel back towards Camelot.

ARTHUR
No, we need to keep going.

MERLIN
If we hold up in the Forest of Essetir, we'll be safe at least for a while.

ARTHUR
No.

MERLIN
If anyone has survived this battle, that's where they'll be hiding.

TRISTAN
I know which I'd do. You're the king, Arthur. You're our leader...

ARTHUR
All right. Forest of Essetir it is.

[Tristan smirks and they walk down the mountain path.]

--
[08:54, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]
[Southron troops march into the square.]

--
[08:58, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - DAY]
[Gwaine is slumped in a corner, manacles on his wrists. Elyan tends to Gaius who is lying on the bed, pale and weak.]

SIR ELYAN
Come on, Gaius, hold fast.

[Guards open the cell. One restrains Elyan while the other picks up Gwaine and escorts him out.]

SIR GWAINE
Don't worry, at least we get to eat.

[Elyan grabs the bars as the Southron locks the cell door.]

--
[09:24, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL FIGHTING CHAMBER - DAY]
[Morgana unlocks Gwaine's manacles.]

MORGANA
So, you have another chance to sing for your supper. I thought I might make it a little harder this time.

SIR GWAINE
Seems fair.

MORGANA
Oh, but you can't fight with your bare hands.

[Morgana hands Gwaine a wooden dagger.]

MORGANA
Never mind. You're a night of Camelot. You'll be fine.

[Morgana struts to her throne and the Southrons begin to cheer as a couple mercenaries enter the circle to fight Gwaine.]

SIR GWAINE
What the hell.

[Gwaine sinks into a fighter's stance.]

--
[10:02, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - DAY]
[Isolde sharpens her knife while Gwen and Merlin set up a campfire and Tristan and Arthur collect more wood.]

TRISTAN
Well, well, well, look at you. First you go back to rescue your servant, now you're getting your hands dirty. But then again, why shouldn't you? You're just like everyone else. There's nothing special about you, is there?

ARTHUR
Well, maybe you're right. Maybe I don't deserve to be king.

TRISTAN
Well, that's all right, 'cause you're not. Not anymore.

[Tristan struts off while Arthur tries to cope with that fact. Gwen watches Arthur sulk off into the woods and gets up to go talk to him. Arthur tosses the wood aside.]

GWEN
Arthur?

[Arthur keeps walking and Gwen jogs up to him and touches his arm.]

GWEN
Arthur...

[Arthur stops and spins around.]

ARTHUR
Don't.

[Gwen pulls back.]

ARTHUR
What happened in Ealdor was a moment's weakness.

[Gwen flinches.]

ARTHUR
What you did to me... Everything I cherished between us, everything we had, it’s gone. That’ll never change.

GWEN
I'm sorry.

[Gwen walks back to the campfire tearfully.]

--
[11:21, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUNGEONS - NIGHT]
[Gwaine stumbles into the cell and Morgana stands in the doorway with a half loaf of bread.]

MORGANA
Enjoy your supper.

[Morgana tosses the bread into the cell.]

MORGANA
I fear it'll be your last.

[Morgana exits and the Southrons lock the cell door. Elyan gives some bread to Gaius.]

SIR ELYAN
You need to eat.

GAIUS
Whether I eat or not, I'm not long for this world.

SIR ELYAN
Come on, Gaius.

GAIUS
I'm a physician, Elyan. I've spent my days watching the cycle of life. If there’s one thing I’m not afraid of, it’s death. Don't waste your food. If Gwaine has to fight again, he'll need all the strength he can get.

[Elyan leaves the bread with Gaius.]

--
[12:28, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - NIGHT]
[Arthur lounges against a tree by the fire, arms crossed, brooding.]

MERLIN
Come on, I'll take watch.

[Merlin sits down against the tree. Arthur continues brooding.]

MERLIN
Arthur, what's the matter? Don't listen to Tristan, he doesn't know you.

ARTHUR
I trusted the wrong people.

MERLIN (shakes head)
They betrayed you. That wasn't your fault.

ARTHUR
No. I was a fool. I misjudged everyone...my uncle...Morgana. Every decision I've made has been wrong.

MERLIN
You are being too hard on yourself.

ARTHUR
I should be more discerning, wise...a statesman, a king. Tristan's right, there's nothing special about me. I'm just like everyone else.

MERLIN
You're not. You're a worthy king.

ARTHUR
I'm good with a sword. That's all.

MERLIN
Your people love you.

ARTHUR
Most of them are dead. Thanks to me.

MERLIN
No, most of them escaped. They'll be here in the forest, I'm sure of that.

ARTHUR
Well, if they are, they'll have to find themselves a new king.

[Arthur gets up and walks away.]

MERLIN
Arthur... Arthur!

--
[14:00, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR, CLEARING - NIGHT]
[Merlin runs through the forest.]

MERLIN
Ω δρακον, έάω μαλερός σοφόνους φθέγγομαι τείδε άναδικέω!

[The Great Dragon meets Merlin in a clearing. Kilgharrah smiles down on him.]

MERLIN
Well, thank you. You saved us all.

KILGHARRAH
The land of Albion and the future we have all fought for was in peril.

[Merlin sighs.]

KILGHARRAH
What is troubling you, young warlock?

MERLIN
It's Arthur. He's lost the will to fight. He feels he's failed his people; he believes he no longer deserves to be king.

KILGHARRAH
The fate of Camelot rests in your hands, young warlock, for you and you alone can restore the king's faith.

MERLIN
How?

KILGHARRAH
You must make him believe that he can be king once more.

[Merlin mulls that over.]

KILGHARRAH
I wish I could be of more help, Merlin.

MERLIN
No...I know how. The people who fled Camelot, do you know where they're hiding?

KILGHARRAH
I am a dragon. I can cover many leagues in the blink of an eye. They shouldn't be too hard to find.

MERLIN
Then we have no time to lose.

--
[15:28, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - DAY]
[Merlin wakes Arthur.]

ARTHUR
What?

MERLIN
There's something I need to show you.

[Merlin walks off. Arthur grabs his sword and follows.]

ARTHUR
This had better be good because this really isn't the time for one of your ridiculous games.

MERLIN
I was thinking about last night and how you were saying how you'd given up all hope, how you were a poor leader and a shoddy king.

ARTHUR
"Shoddy"?

MERLIN
All right, "shabby."

ARTHUR
Thanks.

MERLIN
Well, it reminded me of a tale Gaius once told me.

ARTHUR
Merlin, I'm really not interested in your favourite bedtime stories.

MERLIN
For once in your life, just...listen.

[Arthur holds his hands up in defeat.]

MERLIN
Many years ago, before the birth of the five kingdoms, this land was in an endless cycle of bloodshed and war, but one man was determined to end all that. He gathered together the elders of each tribe and drew up plans for the lands to be divided. Each would respect the others' boundaries, and drew it over the land as they saw fit. That man was Camelot's first king, ancestor to all that followed, including you, Arthur.

ARTHUR
Bruta.

MERLIN
You know the story.

ARTHUR
Yes, ever child in Camelot does. Can I go back to bed now?

MERLIN
No. Because there's another part of the story that you haven't heard.

ARTHUR
Really?

MERLIN
When Bruta was on his deathbed, he asked to be taken deep into the forest. There, with the last of his strength, he thrust his sword into a rock. If his lineage was ever questioned, this would form a test. Only a true king of Camelot could pull the weapon free.

[Arthur stops.]

ARTHUR
Are you making this up?

MERLIN
Of course not.

[Merlin keeps walking and Arthur can't sort out if he's lying. Arthur follows.]

ARTHUR
All right. If it's true, why haven't I heard this story?

MERLIN
Well, history isn't really your strong point, is it?

ARTHUR
And where is this rock?

MERLIN
Oh, it was lost many years ago during the Great Purge, but...I've managed to find it.

ARTHUR
I've never heard so much rubbish in my entire life.

MERLIN
Are you calling Gaius a liar?

ARTHUR
No, I'm calling you an idiot.

MERLIN
What's that then?

[Arthur follows Merlin's line of sight. Arthur's stunned by the sight of the sword in the stone. They walk closer and Arthur us surprised again as a crowd of knights and peasants appear out of the forest, Sir Leon and Sir Percival among them. Merlin smiles. Arthur glances back at him and sees Merlin's proud expression.]

ARTHUR
What the hell are you playing at?

MERLIN
I'm proving that you are their leader and their king.

ARTHUR
That sword is stuck fast in solid stone.

MERLIN
And you're going to pull it out.

ARTHUR
Merlin, it's impossible.

MERLIN
Arthur, you're the true king of Camelot.

[Arthur glances back at the crowd of people surrounding the sword in the stone.]

ARTHUR
Do you want me to look like a fool?

MERLIN
No, I'm going to make you see that Tristan's wrong; you aren't just anyone, you are special. You and you alone can draw out that sword.

[Arthur debates, then draws his sword and sticks it in the ground.]

ARTHUR
You better be right about this.

[Arthur approaches the stone slowly. He looks up at the crowd hesitantly, then places both hands on the hilt. He tries to pull it up, but the sword doesn't budge.]

MERLIN
You have to believe, Arthur.

[Arthur shakes with the effort, but the sword doesn't move. Merlin looks at the crowd as Arthur struggles.]

MERLIN
You're destined to be Albion's greatest king.

[Arthur lets go of the sword.]

MERLIN
Nothing, not even this stone can stand in your way.

[Arthur looks at the sword and repositions himself. He places one hand on the sword hilt and closes his eyes. Merlin watches him.]

MERLIN
Have faith.

[Arthur lifts his chin, willing himself to believe. Merlin's eyes glow and the stone released the sword. Arthur pulls it out and stares at it, amazed. Arthur's people watch in awe.]

SIR LEON
Long live the king!

ALL
Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!

--
[20:57, EXT/INT. KING'S PALACE, DRAWBRIDGE GATE/CORRIDOR - DAY]

HELIOS
When they arrived there, the ground itself was still on fire. They'd all been slaughtered, every last one of them.

MORGANA
And Agravaine?

HELIOS
Dead.

MORGANA
There's only one person who could've done this; only one man who could command a dragon. This is the work of Emrys.

--
[21:24, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - DAY]
[Arthur walks with Leon, Percival, Merlin, and Gwen.]

KING ARTHUR
What about the drawbridge?

SIR LEON
Well manned.

SIR PERCIVAL
As are the northern gates.

KING ARTHUR
The battlements on the south side?

SIR PERCIVAL
Arthur, even if we can get inside, she has an army.

KING ARTHUR
And we have, what? A few hundred?

SIR PERCIVAL
And they still outnumber us.

KING ARTHUR
Yeah, but only three to one.

[Leon chuckles.]

ISOLDE
And do you think they'll fight?

SIR LEON
Well, they'll fight for Arthur.

KING ARTHUR
It's not me they have to fight for. It's for Camelot.

SIR LEON
No, Arthur. It is you that people love, and you that they will lay down their lives for. I know that I would ride into the mouth of hell for you.

SIR PERCIVAL
And I.

[Isolde looks at Tristan, who is surprised.]

MERLIN
And I.

[Tristan is won over by the loyalty of Arthur's men. Arthur draws Excalibur.]

KING ARTHUR
Into the mouth of hell it is.

[They follow Arthur and Tristan watches Arthur in admiration.]

--
[22:18, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - NIGHT]
[Isolde tends to her wounded arm. Gwen passes her, carrying some blankets. Gwen sees Tristan give Isolde a bouquet of flowers.]

ISOLDE
What's this for?

[Tristan shrugs "Just because" and Isolde catches Gwen's forlorn expression. Gwen watches Arthur sadly as Isolde approaches her.]

ISOLDE
Never give up hope. Love is stronger than anything.

[Gwen scoffs with a smile.]

ISOLDE
Believe me.

[Gwen smiles sadly at her kindness and glances back at Arthur. Merlin jogs up to Arthur.]

MERLIN
You all right?

KING ARTHUR
Yes.

MERLIN
Do you think there are too many of them?

KING ARTHUR
Southrons are men like you and me. Men we can fight. But Morgana...

[Arthur shakes his head.]

KING ARTHUR
Her power is so great and we've got nothing to answer it with.

MERLIN
I never finished Gaius's story.

KING ARTHUR
Not now, Merlin, please.

MERLIN
Will you just listen?

[Merlin puts his hands on his hips and Arthur lowers his head in acquiescence.]

MERLIN
When the sword was thrust into the stone, the ancient king foretold that one day it would be freed again at a time when Camelot needed it most. The man who freed it would unite the land of Albion and rule over the greatest kingdom the world has ever known. That man is you, Arthur.

[Arthur's brow furrows and Merlin smiles.]

KING ARTHUR
You're making this up.

MERLIN
Why would I do that? Your head's already as big as your waist. I believe it, though. And I believe in you. I always have.

[Arthur looks at Excalibur and considers what Merlin said.]

--
[24:08, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - NIGHT]
[Merlin plots by a campfire. A light bulb goes on and he smiles and scrambles to his feet.]

--
[24:17, EXT. CAMELOT - NIGHT]
[Merlin hides as Southrons patrol outside the city. He crosses over to a tunnel grate and raises a hand to it.]

MERLIN
Tospringe.

[The lock bursts and the gate swings open.]

--
[24:31, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDORS - NIGHT]

MERLIN
... min freondum ond min feondum.

[There's a flash of light and Old Merlin walks down the corridor.]

MORGANA
You must send emissaries to Lot's kingdom. I'll suffer a war before Arthur's captured.

[Morgana turns a corner stops in her tracks as she catches a glimpse of Old Merlin before he runs off.]

MORGANA
It's him! It's Emrys, he's here!

HELIOS
Guards!

[Helios and the Southrons pursue Old Merlin while Morgana stands there terrified. The warning bell sounds as Old Merlin sneaks around the palace. A guard steps out of an alcove behind Old Merlin and he takes out the guard with a flick of his hand without even turning to look.]

--
[25:02, INT. KING'S PALACE, MORGANA'S (ARTHUR'S) CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Old Merlin enchants an effigy.]

OLD MERLIN
Ontende eallne þæs drycræftes hire awæge!

[The poppet's head bursts into flames and Old Merlin smiles and laughs as the spell whispers magic.]

--
[25:20, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDORS - NIGHT]
[Old Merlin unbuckles the belt of the Southron he knocked out.]

--
[25:27, INT. KING'S PALACE,WROUGHT IRON STAIRWAY - NIGHT]
[Helios and his men run down toward the dungeons as another hooded Southron figure walks up the stairs. It's Merlin back to his young self.]

--
[25:35, INT. KING'S PALACE, MORGANA'S (ARTHUR'S) CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Helios and Morgana enter her chambers.]

HELIOS
..searched everywhere. He fled Morgana; he trembled at the sight of you.

MORGANA (panicked)
Then why was he here? Why does he choose to taunt me like this?!

HELIOS
We must hold our nerve. Maybe you should get some sleep.

[Morgana nods and walks towards the bed.]

MORGANA
Make sure there are guards on the door.

[Helios nods and exits. Still unsettled, Morgana lies down. She relaxes and falls asleep, Merlin's effigy whispering magic as it hangs under the bed.]

--
[26:29, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - DAY]
[Merlin stares off into space. Arthur snaps his fingers in front of Merlin's face.]

KING ARTHUR
Wakey, wakey. You look like you've been up half the night.

MERLIN
I was. Couldn't sleep.

KING ARTHUR
I thought you said you had faith in me?

MERLIN
Whatever gave you that idea?

[Arthur shrugs with a smile. Later, Arthur gives orders to Leon and Percival, then sees Tristan and Isolde trying to catch his eye. Arthur approaches them.]

KING ARTHUR
This is where we say goodbye.

TRISTAN
Arthur, all my life I've shied away from other people's wars, and despised the power and wealth that kings buy with the lives of men, but you've shown yourself to be different.

ISOLDE
You've shown us that you fight for what is right and fair, and for that reason, we would like to fight at your side.

[Arthur is speechless in surprise.]

KING ARTHUR
I'd be honoured to have you at my side.

[Isolde nods.]

KING ARTHUR
We'll stand together as equals.

--
[27:41, EXT. FOREST OF ESSETIR - DAY]
[Arthur gazes at Excalibur as Gwen approaches from behind.]

GWEN
Arthur.

[Arthur turns around.]

GWEN
If anything happens to us, I want you to know...

KING ARTHUR
Guinevere--

GWEN
I understand why you can't forgive me. But I never once stopped loving you. Never once.

[Gwen walks on and Arthur considers her words.]

--
[28:06, EXT. FOREST/CAMELOT - DAY]
[The knights of Camelot arm themselves. Arthur stands at their front. He lifts Excalibur and swings it forward as he steps forward, signalling them to move out. Red capes file towards the castle walls. Sir Leon leads one group, they take out the sentries on the wall with crossbows and head in. Sir Percival, Tristan, and Isolde take out another set of guards on another gate and wave in more knights. Arthur fights another set of Southrons and Merlin and Gwen make sure they're dead after they roll down the hill.]

--
[29:35, EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE/COURTYARD CORRIDOR - DAY]
[Sir Percival splits from Tristan and Isolde.]

--
[29:42, INT. KING'S PALACE - DAY]
[Warning bells sound as Sir Leon leads knights through the palace. Arthur charges through the palace tunnels while Leon's party charges up the Griffin staircase. Arthur takes out a guard in the Phoenix corridor, then holds his wounded ribs as he continues on.]

--
[30:01, INT. KING'S PALACE, MORGANA'S (ARTHUR'S) CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Helios bursts into Morgana's chambers and she gets out of bed.]

HELIOS
It seems we have company.

MORGANA
Emrys?

HELIOS
Arthur.

[Morgana relaxes and smiles.]

MORGANA
My dear brother... we must welcome him home.

[Helios smirks.]

HELIOS
Shall we?

[Morgana smirks and they exit. The effigy continues to whisper magic from under Morgana's bed.]

--
[30:25, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY]
[Tristan and Isolde hide behind columns. They jump out and attack some Southrons together.]

--
[30:36, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]
[Morgana and Helios wait in the council chamber while the mercenaries file out into the corridors.]

HELIOS
It is as we expected; he is making his way here. He should be with us soon.

MORGANA
And we'll be waiting.

--
[30:47, INT. KING'S PALACE, DUGEONS/CORRIDORS - DAY]
[Sir Percival's party fights their way through the dungeons. Sir Leon leads another party, Arthur makes his way through the palace on his own. Gwaine and Elyan go to the bars as they hear the commotion from their cell. Sir Percival arrives.]

SIR GWAINE
Come on, boys. What's taking you so long?

[Sir Leon tosses Percival the keys and he opens the cell. Percival and Elyan grasp arms.]

SIR PERCIVAL
You all right?

SIR ELYAN
I've been locked up with Gwaine for a week.

[Leon supports Gwaine out of the cell while Percival goes to Gaius, who's lying weakly on the bed.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Gaius. Come on.

[Percival and Elyan help Gaius up.]

--
[31:44, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL ROOM CORRIDOR - DAY]
[Arthur rounds the corner with Tristan, Isolde, Merlin, and Gwen to find five Southrons standing guard.]

KING ARTHUR
One each. Pick your man. On me!

[Arthur charges the front man, and strikes him. The mercenaries stumbles towards Gwen and she knocks him out with her sword.]

--
[31:58, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]
[Morgana and Helios wait by the throne, listening to the fighting outside.]

MORGANA
I'm going to enjoy this.

--
[32:05, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL ROOM CORRIDOR - DAY]
[Arthur's party takes out the rest of the guards.]

ISOLDE
Whatever happened to the idea of finding a bit of land and settling down?

[Arthur walks over toward Merlin and looks at Excalibur.]

KING ARTHUR
You know, this thing's not bad.

MERLIN
Thought you might like it.

[They prepare to enter the council chamber.]

KING ARTHUR
Ready?

ALL
For the love of Camelot!

[They charge into the council chamber, but stop short when they find only Morgana lounging on the throne, Helios standing it.]

MORGANA
Welcome, dear brother. It's been far too long.

[Morgana gets up and walks toward him.]

MORGANA
I apologise if you had a difficult reception. It's hard to know who to trust these days.

[Morgana stops in the middle and Arthur approaches her slowly. He raises Excalibur with an open hand to show he's not attacking her, and she watches his warily until he places the sword in his belt. He meets her in the middle.]

KING ARTHUR (softly)
What happened to you Morgana?

[Morgana looks him in the eye almost regretfully, the hurt plain on both their faces and in their voices.]

KING ARTHUR (softly)
I thought we were friends

MORGANA (softly)
As did I.

[Morgana's voice hardens.]

MORGAN
But alas, we were both wrong.

KING ARTHUR
You can't blame me for my father's sins.

MORGANA
It's a little late for that. You’ve made it perfectly clear how you feel about me and my kind. You're not as different from Uther as you'd like to think.

KING ARTHUR
Nor are you.

[Morgana becomes angry and backs away.]

MORGANA
I’m going to enjoy killing you, Arthur Pendragon. Not even Emrys can save you now.

[Arthur draws Excalibur. Morgana smirks.]

MORGANA
Your blades cannot stop me.

[Merlin braces himself.]

MORGANA
Hleap on bæc.

[Nothing happens except the sound of the effigy's whispers. Morgana is confused and Arthur watches her reaction, still waiting for her attack. Morgana tries the spell again, raising her hand for strength.]

MORGANA (scared)
Hleap on bæc!

[Merlin seems to be absorbing Morgana's magic with the effigy's whispers. Both Morgana and Arthur realise that her magic's not working.]

KING ARTHUR
Not so powerful now, my lady.

[Helios pulls Morgana behind him as she panics. Morgana runs off.]

KING ARTHUR
After her!

[Gwen and Merlin chase after Morgana. Southrons enter the council chamber from behind, fended off by Tristan and Isolde, while Arthur takes on Helios. Arthur clutches his wounded ribs while they fight.]

--
[34:35, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDORS - DAY]
[Morgana takes out some knights of Camelot with a sword as she makes her way through the corridors. Merlin follows. A knight of Camelot strikes Morgana from behind as he jumps out from behind a column. She takes him out, but not without sustaining a deadly wound in her side first.]

--
[35:10, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]
[Arthur struggles to fight Helios with his wounds. Helios knocks him down and disarms Arthur. Helios raises his sword for the final blow, but Isolde stabs him in the back. Helios sweeps around and slices Isolde as he falls down dead. Arthur realises what happened as Isolde turns to Tristan with a tragic look on her face. She drops her sword and falls to her knees. Arthur and Tristan go to help her.]

--
[36:09, INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDORS - DAY]
[Gwen turns a corner cautiously, still in pursuit of Morgana. Morgana rounds the corner at the other end and Gwen crouches into a fighting stance. Morgana approaches and they fight.]

GWEN
What did I do to make you hate me so much?

MORGANA
It's not what you did, it's what you're destined to do! I'm sorry, Gwen, but I can never let that happen!

[Morgana disarms Gwen. She steps forward to kill Gwen, but she's blown backward. Part of the ceiling collapses with the blast. The glow in Merlin's eyes dies out. Merlin approaches Gwen.]

MERLIN
You all right?

GWEN
Yes.

[Merlin steps forward to find Morgana in the rubble smoke.]

GWEN
What happened?

[The smoke clears and Morgana is gone.]

MERLIN
I don't know.

[Gwen and Merlin return to the council chamber.]

--
[37:28, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]
[Tristan holds Isolde in his arms as she dies.]

ISOLDE
I'm sorry.

TRISTAN
Shhh.

[Gwen and Merlin enter.]

ISOLDE
Our dreams...

TRISTAN
Isolde, don't.

[Arthur leans against a column, eyes bloodshot as he watches them.]

ISOLDE
I wish...

TRISTAN
I wish, too.

ISOLDE
Hold me.

[Tristan puts an arm around her shoulders and she dies. He cradles her face in his hand and kisses her, then hold her body as he cries. Arthur swallows hard and looks up at Gwen. She looks up and they hold each other's gaze.]

--
[38:32, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gwen sets a fallen chair upright in Arthur's chambers, which seems to have been trashed during the attack. Arthur enters.]

GWEN
It will take some time.

KING ARTHUR
Well, Merlin can take care of it.

[Arthur smiles and Gwen smiles back. Her smile fades as she steps forward.]

GWEN
If you want me to go, to return to Ealdor...

KING ARTHUR
I want you to stay.

[Gwen waits uncertainly as Arthur steps forward.]

KING ARTHUR
Guinevere...

GWEN
You don't have to say anything.

KING ARTHUR
Whatever's happened between us...

GWEN
Please, Arthur, I can't forgive myself.

KING ARTHUR
I don't care.

[Arthur steps up in front of her and Gwen waits.]

KING ARTHUR
I just don’t ever want to lose you.

[Gwen smiles a little. Arthur considers her for a moment and then takes her hands. She waits hopefully.]

KING ARTHUR
Will you marry me?

[Gwen smiles.]

GWEN
Yes.

[Arthur begins to smile.]

GWEN
Yes, with all my heart.

[Arthur and Guinevere step into each other's arms and kiss passionately.]

--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]
[The doors open to reveal Guinevere dressed in a rich, purple and gold gown, walking down the aisle between the knights and courtiers of Camelot. Guinevere kneels on the dais before Arthur. Arthur smiles down at her. A man brings the queen's crown to Arthur on a pillow and he takes it. Elyan, Gaius, and Merlin stand in the front row. Merlin is dressed in richer clothes. Gwaine and Leon stand behind them.]

KING ARTHUR
By the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you...Guinevere...Queen of Camelot.

[Arthur crowns her and she smiles up at him. Arthur takes her hands, her engagement ring on her first finger, and she steps up on the dais. They kiss wholeheartedly and Guinevere smiles as they part. Arthur holds her hand and turns them to face their subjects.]

KING ARTHUR
Long live the queen!

ALL
Long live the queen! Long live the queen! Long live the queen! Long live the queen! Long live the queen!

--
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Morgana stumbles through the forest, clutching her wounded side. She falls and goes unconscious. Wings sweep overhead and Aithusa lands next to her. Aithusa breathes healing magic on her and she wakes. She looks at the little white dragon in wonder as Aithusa watches her and then flies away.]

Merlin Will Return