4.8 LAMIA 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.

--
[00:13, INT/EXT. LONGSTEAD, THE HOWDENS' HOUSE - NIGHT]
[John stirs the fire while Mary folds a blanket.]

JOHN HOWDEN
There's a chill in the air tonight.

[Mary chuckles, John turns to her.]

JOHN HOWDEN
What?

MARY HOWDEN
You say that every night.

[John chuckles.]

JOHN HOWDEN
Do I now?

MARY HOWDEN
Only for the last thirty years. Stop your fussing and come to bed.

[A man screams outside. John quickly lights a torch and gets up. Mary grabs his arm.]

MARY HOWDEN
John...don't go outside, I'm begging you.

JOHN HOWDEN
It's my duty. I'm the elder of this village.

MARY HOWDEN
John, please!

JOHN HOWDEN
Lock the door behind me. Let no one in. No one, do you hear?

[John searches outside. He enters a common building and sees a door opening and closing with the wind. He jerks it open and no one's there. He steps through the doorway and a man falls on him. John supports him and looks at his pale, staring face.]

JOHN HOWDEN
Aldref?

[Aldref is limp on his feet, eyes wide. John looks around him.]

JOHN HOWDEN
Hello? Is there anybody there?

[Nearby a figure slithers out of sight.]

[OPENING TITLES]

--
[02:42, INT. LOWER TOWN, GWEN'S HOUSE - DAY]
[Gwen folds blankets. Someone knocks at the door and Gwen opens it.]

MARY HOWDEN
Gwen?

GWEN
Mary?

MARY HOWDEN
I was told I might find you here.

GWEN
Mary!

[Gwen happily pulls Mary into her house.]

GWEN
What a wonderful surprise!

MARY HOWDEN
I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

GWEN
No, no, not at all. What brings you to Camelot?

MARY HOWDEN
I don't want to trouble you, Gwen. John and I, I-- I know we haven't seen you for many years, but...there was no one else we could turn to.

GWEN
What is it?

MARY HOWDEN
Just...we're just so scared.

GWEN
Oh, Mary...

[Gwen hugs Mary.]

--
[03:24, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gwen and Mary sit at the table, Gwen holds Mary's hand.]

KING ARTHUR
Guinevere informs me that you live in Longstead in the Fiore Mountains, is that right?

MARY HOWDEN
That's right, sire. Our village, we're blighted by a sickness. Three good men it has taken now. We have no physician, sire. It is beyond our understanding.

KING ARTHUR
I see.

[Arthur looks at Gwen, who gives him an "oh, those poor people" expression. Gwen turns her attention back to Mary.]

MARY HOWDEN
Forgive me. I have no right to bring such a small matter before the king.

KING ARTHUR
You have every right.

[Arthur sits.]

KING ARTHUR
It's my responsibility to protect the people of this kingdom, whoever they may be.

MARY HOWDEN
You'll help us?

KING ARTHUR
I'll do whatever I can.

[Mary looks hopefully at Gwen and touches her hand.]

--
[04:07, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Merlin cares for a sick patient while Gaius speaks with Arthur.]

GAIUS
This is the forth case of sweating sickness I've seen today. In normal circumstances, I'd be happy to travel to this village to investigate, but--

KING ARTHUR
Of course. I understand.

GAIUS
Might I make a suggestion, sire? Why not send Merlin in my place?

[Merlin looks at Gaius and Gaius looks at Arthur.]

KING ARTHUR (dubious)
Merlin?

GAIUS
He has a knowledge of the healing arts. If the diagnosis is straightforward, he can prescribe a remedy, I'm sure.

KING ARTHUR
And what if it isn't?

GAIUS
Then he can bring his findings to me.

KING ARTHUR
"Findings"? Merlin can't find his own backside most of the time.

[Merlin's not pleased by the comment.]

GAIUS
I think he's capable of much more than you imagine, sire.

KING ARTHUR (aside to Gaius)
Do you really think he'll be able to...handle the responsibility?

GAIUS
Yes, sire. I do.

--
[04:53, INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Merlin reads up on medicine while he eats. Gaius cuts some bread.]

MERLIN
Do you really think I can do this, Gaius?

GAIUS
I know you can.

MERLIN
I'm not a physician. I don't have anything like the knowledge you do.

GAIUS
You've been working for me for many years, Merlin. I suspect you know more than you think you do.

MERLIN
I just do what you tell me to do. I don't have to make the decisions myself. These people will be putting their lives in my hands.

GAIUS
I put my life in your hands every day, Merlin, as does Arthur and Gwen and all of Camelot, though they may not know it. You're the one who holds the fate of this kingdom in the balance.

MERLIN
That's different. That doesn't require a lifetime of learning, just--

GAIUS
Intelligence, courage, compassion.

[Merlin scoffs with a smile.]

GAIUS
All I know is...I have every faith in you.

--
[05:46, INT. KING'S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Merlin packs for the journey. Gaius enters.]

GAIUS
Merlin. Before you go, you'll need this.

[Gaius holds out his medicine bag.]

MERLIN
Oh, I can't take that, Gaius. That's your medicine bag.

GAIUS
Don't worry. I've got plenty of spare supplies.

[Merlin takes it.]

MERLIN
Thanks, Gaius.

GAIUS
Are you ready?

MERLIN
As I'll ever be.

[Gaius nods with a smile.]

--
[06:21, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Mary, Merlin, and Gwen ride off with the knights. They stop at the top of a hill.]

MARY HOWDEN
My village lies at the foot of those mountains.

SIR LEON
With luck, we should be there by nightfall.

--
[06:51, EXT. LONGSTEAD - NIGHTFALL]
[A few villagers gather as they arrive. Mary dismounts and John greets her with a hug.]

GWEN
John.

[Gwen hugs John.]

GWEN
It's good to see you. We came as quickly as we could.

JOHN HOWDEN
Words cannot express our gratitude, Gwen.

[John looks up.]

JOHN HOWDEN
Where's Gaius?

MERLIN
I'm sorry. He was needed in Camelot, but I will help in any way that I can.

JOHN HOWDEN (to Gwen)
We're living in fear for our lives. We need a skilled physician, not a boy.

SIR ELYAN (offended)
His name is Merlin.

GWEN
He was appointed acting physician by King Arthur himself.

MERLIN
Where are they?

[John points. Merlin and Gwen head off in that direction.]

--
[07:48, INT. LONGSTEAD, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
[Merlin uses a small mirror to check for breath.]

MERLIN
They're alive, but only just. How long have they been like this?

JOHN HOWDEN
Two or three days. We've tried to feed them, keep them warm, but nothing seems to make any difference.

GWEN
And you've no idea what happened to them?

JOHN HOWDEN
No. It just strikes suddenly, without warning.

MERLIN
Well, we need to stimulate the blood flow. Poultice of betulial should work, and a tincture of belladonna to stimulate the heart.

[Merlin hands something to Gwen, his assistant, and she nods to his instructions.]

JOHN HOWDEN
Will it kill them? Will it...bring them back?

MERLIN
Let's see what the morning brings. Right now we need hot water and plenty of blankets.

[Gwen nods and leaves with John. Merlin waits for the doors to close and turns to one of the patients.]

MERLIN
Ic þe þurhhæle þin licsare!

[Merlin's eyes glow, but nothing happens.]

--
[08:48, INT/EXT. LONGSTEAD, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]
[Merlin reads over his medical notes again. He hears a hissing sound outside. He takes a fishing rod by the door and goes to investigate. After a tense moment with more hissing, he turns around the corner of the house and is startled by Gwaine.]

MERLIN
Gwaine!

GWAINE
Sorry. Call of nature.

MERLIN
I could've killed you!

GWAINE
With a fishing rod? "Sir Gwaine was slain...with a fishing rod"?

[Merlin laughs.]

GWAINE
That's the stuff of legends, eh?

[Merlin chuckles and feints hitting Gwaine with the rod.]

GWAINE
Whoa-ho-ho.

[Gwaine chuckles and walks off. Merlin hears the hissing again, but nothing's there. He follows Gwaine.]

--
[10:03, INT. LONGSTEAD, TEMPORARY WARD - DAY]
[Merlin and Gwen see to the sick.]

MERLIN
I barely feel a pulse.

[John enters.]

JOHN HOWDEN
How are they?

[Merlin and Gwen exchange a look.]

MERLIN
I'm afraid the treatments have had no effect.

JOHN HOWDEN
You mean they're dying.

MERLIN
I'm sorry. There's something at work here that I don't understand.

JOHN HOWDEN
Are you suggesting sorcery?

MERLIN
That's...possible, yes.

JOHN HOWDEN
I feared as much. The other night, when I found Aldref, I felt a...a presence. An evil in the air.

[Merlin turns to Gwen.]

MERLIN
We need to get back to Gaius. Only he can explain this.

--
[11:06, EXT. LONGSTEAD - DAY]
[Gwen, Merlin, and the knights ride out.]

--
[11:20, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Sir Leon sees campfire smoke and holds up a hand to stop the group.]

SIR LEON
Dismount and muzzle your horses. Not a sound, any of you.

[They dismount and they sneak closer on foot.]

MERLIN
Bandits.

SIR ELYAN (nods)
Looks like it.

SIR LEON
We'll skirt their camp. With any luck, we'll reach the plain unnoticed.

[Gwaine sees a girl with her hands tied being jostled by the men.]

SIR GWAINE
Over there.

[Gwaine draws his sword. Gwaine goes down to the camp and the others follow. They kill most of the bandits, Merlin uses his magic on one, and the rest flee.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Over here.

[The others find Percival cradling the unconscious girl.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Looks like we're too late.

[Merlin checks her.]

MERLIN
No, she's--

[The girl screams and tries to get away from Merlin.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Hey. Hey. Hey, it's all right. It's all right.

[Gwen crouches down next to them. The girl settles down as Percival cradles her and looks into her eyes.]

SIR PERCIVAL
We're knights of Camelot. You're safe now. You're safe.

GWEN
Here.

[Gwen reaches to untie the girl's bonds and the girl squirms.]

GWEN
My name's Gwen. What's yours?

LAMIA
Lamia. My name is Lamia.

[Merlin gets out some medical supplies.]

GWEN
What happened to you, Lamia?

LAMIA
I was travelling home and the bandits took me.

[She sobs and presses herself into Percival's embrace.]

MERLIN
Your hands. Did they do this to you?

[Merlin reaches to tend to Lamia's wrists, but she recoils from his touch. Leon crouches down and puts a hand on Merlin to stop him and Percival comforts Lamia. Leon puts a hand on her arm.]

SIR LEON
Are you strong enough to ride?

[Lamia looks up but says nothing.]

SIR LEON
Then let's get out of here. Before they return.

[Percival picks up Lamia and they head off.]

--
[14:07, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[They all lead their horses, Lamia sits on the one Percival is leading.

SIR LEON
We'll be safe here till the morning.

[The group stops and Merlin holds out a hand to help her down.]

MERLIN
Here.

[Lamia recoils and Percival shoves Merlin away. Gwen and Merlin are shocked.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Hey! Get away from her, Merlin.

[Percival takes Lamia into his arms.]

SIR PERCIVAL
And stay away.

GWEN (low)
Merlin, he didn't mean it. They're just tired, that's all.

--
[14:44, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT]
[Percival takes the first watch. He hears a girl crying in the woods and goes to investigate. He finds Lamia curled up by a tree, crying. He kneels down and comforts her.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Don't worry. No harm can come to you now.

[Percival holds her close and her eyes glow green with a hiss. She lifts her face up, but a twig snaps and Percival stands up, sword ready for attack.]

MERLIN
Sorry.

[Percival lowers the sword. Lamia glares at Merlin.]

MERLIN
Would you like some water?

[Merlin holds out a flask. Percival ignores him, returns to Lamia, and walks off with his arm around her.]

--
[16:12, INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]

KING ARTHUR
It's been two days. They should be back by now.

AGRAVAINE
There must be some delay at Longstead, sire.

KING ARTHUR
If there was a delay, they would have sent word.

AGRAVAINE
Then it must be the bridge is down at Brekfer River.

KING ARTHUR
No, I already checked. Patrol passed through there yesterday.

AGRAVAINE
Well, should I send some scouts out to search for them?

KING ARTHUR
Gaius, is your work done here?

GAIUS
Yes, sire, I'm satisfied the sweating sickness is all but passed.

KING ARTHUR
Then we leave for Longstead at first light.

--
[16:37, EXT. CAMELOT - DAY]
[Arthur's party rides out.]

--
[16:53, EXT. FOREST - DAY]

GWEN
Would you--

[Gwen tries to hand Lamia a bowl of food, but Lamia flinches away from her.]

GWEN
I'll just put it here.

[Gwen places the bowl on the fire pit rocks nearby and walks over to Merlin.]

GWEN
She still won't eat. No appetite at all. Poor girl.

SIR LEON
Pack your bags. We ride east with the rising sun.

MERLIN
Wait...east? Camelot lies west of here.

SIR ELYAN
Lamia has asked that we take her home.

MERLIN
No, we need to get Gaius.

SIR GWAINE
Gaius can wait.

MERLIN
We were sent to help the people of Longstead. Their lives depend on us.

SIR LEON
You dare to question our judgment? You are not a knight! You're not even a physician! You're nothing but a servant! Come on.

GWEN
Please! Listen! Merlin's right, we have to get back to-- !

SIR ELYAN
Stay out of this, Gwen. It's none of your business.

[Gwen is surprised and confused. The knights all help Lamia on their way. Gwen scoffs in disbelief. Merlin is suspicious.]

--
[18:02, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur's party rides through the forest. Arthur sends out a scout and dismounts. He throws his cloak on his saddle. Gaius dismounts and approaches him.]

GAIUS
Is anything wrong, sire?

KING ARTHUR (whisper)
Listen. No birdsong. Nothing.

[The scout comes back.]

RED CAPE (whisper)
Sire!

[Arthur draws his sword from his horse. They discover a Southron camp, corpses lying on the forest floor.]

KING ARTHUR
Does anything strike you as odd about these bodies?

GAIUS
Yes, sire. There's not a mark on them.

KING ARTHUR
Not so much as a scratch.

AGRAVAINE
Over here, my lord!

[Arthur approaches the prison wagon.]

KING ARTHUR
Southron slave traders by the looks of it.

AGRAVAINE
What were they transporting? Some kind of an animal?

[Gaius examines scratch marks on the wood.]

GAIUS
No. These marks were made by humans. And whoever they were, they did anything they had to to get out.

[One of the Southrons moans. Arthur and Gaius check on him.]

KING ARTHUR
Can he be treated?

GAIUS
I… I could try, sire. But I'll need time and somewhere to work.

KING ARTHUR (to knights)
He comes with us! (to Gaius) We'll make Longstead in a matter of hours.

--
[20:05, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Sir Leon starts bringing his water flask to Lamia. Gwaine intercepts him.]

SIR LEON
Why don't you watch what you're doing?

SIR GWAINE
Why don't you watch your damn tongue?

SIR LEON
You'd do well to learn some manners.

SIR GWAINE
Nothing I can learn from you, Leon.

[Gwaine shoves him and Merlin and Gwen look over.]

SIR LEON
We'll see about that.

[Leon shoves Gwaine. Lamia twirls her hair, pleased with their quarrelling.]

MERLIN
Enough! What's got into you?

[Leon rams his chest into Gwaine as he walks past him and Gwaine draws his sword. Leon does likewise and they fight. Gwen is surprised. Percival and Elyan look at each other and intervene. Lamia twirls her hair with a smirk as they pull Gwaine and Leon apart. Leon has a slash of blood on his arm, pouring through his chainmail.]

MERLIN
Great!

[Merlin goes to check Leon's arm, who is still struggling against Percival.]

GWENA
I'll get the medicine bag.

[Merlin leads Leon away.]

MERLIN
Come on.

[Lamia smirks and twirls her hair.]

--
[20:51, EXT. LONGSTEAD - NIGHT]
[Arthur gives orders to his knights.]

KING ARTHUR
Spread out and speak to everyone. Someone must know something.

[The knights nod and depart. Agravaine meets Arthur.]
 
KING ARTHUR
Did you speak to the village elder?

AGRAVAINE
It seems they left yesterday morning.

KING ARTHUR
Where are they headed?

AGRAVAINE
Camelot, my lord.

KING ARTHUR
Something must've happened.

AGRAVAINE
We can't go after them tonight.

KING ARTHUR
Then we ride at dawn. See that the men are prepared.

AGRAVAINE
Sire.

--
[21:13, INT. LONGSTEAD, TEMPORARY WARD - NIGHT]

GAIUS
And they've been like this for four days?

JOHN HOWDEN
And each day they grow weaker.

[Gaius nods.]

GAIUS
Merlin is right. This is no ordinary illness. There is sorcery at work here.

--
[21:28, EXT. FOREST - NIGHT]
[Merlin tends to Leon and Gwen brings him bandages.]

SIR LEON
That needles the size of a spear.

[Merlin finishes sewing Leon's arm and Gwen wraps it.]

MERLIN
I'm sorry, it's all I have.

GWEN
There. Done.

SIR LEON
Thank you.

[Leon gets up in a huff and puts his shirt back on. Gwen sits in his place.]

MERLIN (low)
Leon and Gwaine, I've never known them to act like this.

GWEN (whisper)
Elyan's the same. I hardly recognize him.

MERLIN
I think it's something to do with her.

GWEN (surprised)
Lamia?

MERLIN
The knights are like brothers. Yet, they fight and quarrel like foes?

[Gwaine puts a blanket on Lamia's shoulders.]

MERLIN
It started the moment we found her.

GWEN
But look at her. She's just a girl. How could she affect them this way?

MERLIN
I don't know.

--
[22:23, INT. LONGSTEAD - ARTHUR'S QUARTERS - NIGHT]
[Gaius enters.]

KING ARTHUR
Any luck with the Southron?

GAIUS
I've done my best, sire. His condition is perilous, but he lives.

KING ARTHUR
Was he able to tell us anything?

GAIUS
He is a slave trader, as you suspected. They were travelling south with a girl.

KING ARTHUR
Did he say what happened to them?

GAIUS
He claims they fell under some kind of spell. Quarrels and fights broke out among them. They began to suspect the girl of bewitching them. Seems they were right.

KING ARTHUR
Why? What happened?

GAIUS
The girl escaped and killed them all but him.

KING ARTHUR
How's that possible? She's just one girl.

GAIUS
Not a girl, sire. A lamia.

KING ARTHUR
A lamia?

GAIUS
A creature of magic. In their wars with the ancient kings, the High Priestesses of the Old Religion took the blood from a girl and mingled it with that of a serpent. The creatures they created had ferocious powers. They could control the mind of a man, suck the life from him with a single embrace.

KING ARTHUR
Which is why none of the traders had a mark on them.

GAIUS
But the lamia proved more deadly than their makers had ever imagined.

--
[23:31, EXT. FOREST, CAMP - NIGHT]
[Elyan is on watch as the others sleep.]

GAIUS (V.O.)
They could transform at will and become hideous monsters.

[Elyan hears a hiss and goes to investigate.]

[INT. LONGSTEAD - ARTHUR'S QUARTERS - NIGHT]

GAIUS
And they kept on killing, sire. They would not stop.

KING ARTHUR
So this girl, this creature, is still out there somewhere.

GAIUS (nods)
I'm afraid so, sire.

--
[23:55, EXT. FOREST, CAMP - NIGHT]
[Elyan continues his investigation. He hears a rustle and draws his sword. It's Lamia. She holds up her hands.]

LAMIA
Forgive me.

[Elyan lowers the sword.]

LAMIA
I didn't mean to frighten you. Couldn't sleep.

SIR ELYAN
Nor could I. Then again, it is my job to stay awake.

[Lamia walks closer.]

LAMIA
Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you.

[Lamia takes his face in her hands and kisses him. A hiss rises up and Elyan convulses and drops to the ground as Lamia's eyes flash green.]

--
[24:50, EXT. FOREST, CAMP - DAY]
[Everyone wakes.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Elyan!?

GWEN
He was supposed to be on guard. He should've woken us long before now. Elyan!

SIR LEON
Elyan! Elyan! Gwen, stay with Lamia. The rest of you, come with me. Spread out.

[The knights draw their swords and head off. Merlin looks to Gwen to see if it's okay and she nods for him to go with them.]

SIR LEON
Elyan!

LAMIA
Don't worry. They'll find your brother soon enough.

SIR PERCIVAL (distant)
Elyan! Elyan!

--
[25:30, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur leads his horse as he tracks Gwen's party. He examines the ground.]

KING ARTHUR
Six horses...running east...tracks are no more than a day old.

[Arthur mounts and they ride off.]

--
[26:04, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[The knights carry Elyan back to the camp.]

GWEN
Oh, g— Elyan! What happened to him?

SIR LEON
I don't know. We found him like this.

[Gwen rushes to Merlin.]

GWEN
Merlin! (whisper) She did this. I know she did.

[Merlin turns to the knights.]

MERLIN
We need to get him back to Camelot now.

[Lamia stands up.]

LAMIA
I know this area. There's a castle not far from here. We could take shelter there. You—you could tend to your friend.

SIR LEON
Then lead the way.

MERLIN
We don't need shelter, thank you. We need Gaius.

GWEN
He's right.

SIR LEON
Silence! Both of you! You have no say in these matters! You come with us, or you stay here. It's up to you. Let's go.

[Leon and Percival carry off Elyan. Lamia glares at Gwen and Merlin and follows.]

--
[26:49, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Gwen and Merlin ride in the back of the party. They speak in low tones.]

GWEN
We could try reasoning with them or tell them Lamia's responsible for what's happening.

MERLIN
They won't listen to reason. You've seen how they are. It's like they're under an enchantment.

GWEN
We have to do something!

MERLIN
Arthur's our only hope now. We've been gone too long, he must know something's wrong.

GWEN
They'll never find us now. We're in the middle of nowhere.

MERLIN
We need to give him some help.

--
[27:18, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur continues to track Gwen's party.]

KING ARTHUR
Tracks stop here.

AGRAVAINE
I fear we're wasting our time, sire. For all we know, they could've gone back to Camelot already.

KING ARTHUR
No. Camelot lies west of here. Tracks heading...east.

[Arthur thinks for a moment, then turns to his knights.]

KING ARTHUR
Fan out, see what you can find.

[Merlin waits as Gwen rips off part of her tunic and ties it to a tree. She mounts and they catch up to the others. They reach an opening in the trees that looks down on the castle Lamia mentioned.]

--
[28:26, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur's party continues searching for tracks. Agravaine finds some and covers them up. He smirks.]

--
[28:47, EXT. LAMIA'S CASTLE - DAY]
[Gwen's party enters the castle through a cave with a broken gate.]

LAMIA
This way.

[Merlin grabs Percival's arm. The others continue on.]

MERLIN
This is madness, Percival. Elyan needs help. You know nothing about this girl. You have no idea where she's taking you.

[Percival looms menacingly over Merlin.]

SIR PERCIVAL
You heard Sir Leon. We've no interest in your opinion. So keep your mouth shut, or I'll shut it for you.

[They enter the caves and Leon's torch goes out.]

SIR LEON
Is everyone all right?

MERLIN (whisper)
*spell*

[Merlin lights his torch and brings it up to light Sir Leon's. Lamia is gone.]

SIR LEON
Where's Lamia. Lamia!

[They enter a great hall to find it strewn with skeletons.]

MERLIN
What is this place?

SIR LEON
Whatever it is, it isn't safe. We need to find Lamia. She could be in danger.

MERLIN
We're the ones in danger, Leon. She's brought us here to-- She's led us to a trap.

SIR PERCIVAL
That's a lie!

MERLIN
She's poisoned your minds and you can't see--

SIR LEON
Enough!

MERLIN
It was Lamia that attacked Elyan!

[Leon grabs Merlin.]

SIR LEON
I said ENOUGH!

[Leon shoves Merlin to the ground.]

GWEN
Please! My brother's hurt! We need to find him somewhere warm!

[Leon is barely able to contain his anger and rushes out. They follow. Gwaine and Gwen continue carrying Elyan between them. Gwaine stops.]

SIR GWAINE
Over here.

[They enter a vine-covered room and set Elyan down.]

SIR GWAINE
I'll make us a fire.

SIR LEON
Percival and I will search for Lamia.

[Leon gets in Merlin's face.]

SIR LEON
You will stay here and you will do as Gwaine says. Do I make myself clear?

[Gwaine crushes a box to use for firewood.]

--
[31:50, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur's party rides through the woods.]

KING ARTHUR
It's impossible. They can't have just disappeared.

AGRAVAINE
Could be that we're following the wrong tracks, my lord. Any number of people pass through these woods.

KING ARTHUR
It was them. I know it was.

AGRAVAINE
Maybe we should go back to Longstead, try again in the morning.

KING ARTHUR
By morning they could all be dead.

AGRAVAINE
They're knights of Camelot, my lord, more than capable of looking after themselves.

KING ARTHUR
Maybe so, but you're forgetting one thing, Uncle. Guinevere is with them.

AGRAVAINE
I realise that, sire.

KING ARTHUR
We keep going. All night if necessary.

--
[32:19, INT. LAMIA'S CASTLE, VINE CHAMBER - DAY]
[Merlin leans against a column while Gwen sits on the floor stroking her brother's head on her lap.]

GWAINE
We need more wood.

MERLIN
I'll go and get some.

[Gwaine laughs humourlessly.]

GWAINE
No. You stay where you are. I'll go get it myself. You're not going anywhere.

MERLIN
Gwaine, please listen to me. It's not safe for you out there.

GWAINE
You trying to tell me my business?

MERLIN
No, I'm just saying that...

GWAINE
What?

MERLIN
Nothing.

[Gwaine whips the torch in front of Merlin's face and stalks off. Merlin turns to Gwen. She's crying.]

GWEN
If he doesn't get some help soon, he's not going to make it.

--
[33:00, INT. LAMIA'S CASTLE, CORRIDORS - DAY]
[Gwaine searches the castle, a hand on his sword hilt. He hears a noise and draws his sword, but it turns out to be a rat crawling through some bones. Meanwhile, Leon and Percival hear a hiss.]

SIR PERCIVAL
That was her. I'm sure of it.

SIR LEON (excited)
Lamia.

[Leon looks down both ends of the corridor.]

SIR LEON
It's nothing.

[Leon continues, but Percival hears a hiss and walks toward it.]

--
[33:47, INT. LAMIA'S CASTLE, VINE CHAMBER - DAY]

GWEN
I don't understand it. Why have only the knights been enchanted? Why not us as well?

MERLIN
You're a woman.

GWEN
So?

MERLIN
All the victims have been men.

GWEN
So why haven't you fallen under her spell?

MERLIN
I've just been lucky, I suppose.

GWEN
There must be a reason.

MERLIN
Maybe it's because I'm not a knight.

GWEN
The three villagers weren't knights, either.

MERLIN
Who knows.

[Gwen shakes her head.]

GWEN
There's something about you, Merlin. It's the way she looks at you as if you were the enemy.

[They hear a distant yell.]

MERLIN
Whatever you do, don't leave this room.

[Gwen tenses and tries to say something as he exits, not wanting him to leave.]

--
[34:26, INT. LAMIA'S CASTLE - NIGHT]
[Merlin hears the lamia hiss and investigates.]

MERLIN (whisper)
Gwaine?

[Merlin approaches Gwaine standing against a column.]

MERLIN (whisper)
Gwaine?

[Merlin touches his shoulder and Gwaine falls on him, slack jawed.]

--
[34:56, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur's party continues their search. Arthur finds one of Gwen's cloth scraps on a broken tree.]

KING ARTHUR
Agravaine!

AGRAVAINE
Sire?

[Arthur holds the cloth scrap.]

KING ARTHUR
It's Guinevere's.

AGRAVAINE
How can you be certain?

KING ARTHUR
It's from her tunic. I'd know it anywhere. We must be close.

[Arthur rides off.]

--
[35:17, INT. LAMIA'S CASTLE - DAY]
[Merlin runs down a hall and hears the lamia hiss.]

--
[35:22, EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur's party reaches the view of the lamia's castle.]

KING ARTHUR
Come on.

--
[35:33, INT. LAMIA'S CASTLE - NIGHT]
[Percival hears a girl weeping and investigates. He pulls back a curtain and finds Lamia curled up on the floor crying.]

SIR PERCIVAL
Lamia.

[Percival crouches down to her and turns her to face him.]

SIR PERCIVAL
You all right? I've been looking everywhere for you.

LAMIA
I thought you might never find me. Thank you, Percival. Thank you.

[Lamia kisses Percival and her eyes glow green as Percival's life force is drained and he falls unconscious.]

SIR LEON
No. No. No! No!

[Leon charges, sword drawn. Lamia throws Leon back, knocking him out. Merlin arrives to find Lamia crouched over, kissing Sir Leon.]

MERLIN
You won't find me such easy prey.

LAMIA
Your magic holds no fear me. I could've killed you anytime I wished.

MERLIN
Then…what are you waiting for?

[Lamia attacks, throwing Merlin backwards. She hisses.]

MERLIN
Þurhdrif hie ecg!

[The spell throws a sword into Lamia's torso. Merlin gets up and checks Percival's pulse. Lamia hisses from the shadows. Merlin searches for her and he's smacked with a tentacle. The lamia pursues him.]

MERLIN
*spell*

[Merlin collapses the ceiling on the lamia. Gwen hears/feels the collapse. The rocks seem to have squashed the lamia. Or maybe not. The lamia bursts through with a shriek. Gwen hears it, grabs a sword, and goes looking for it. Merlin runs from the lamia. Gwen finds Merlin running towards her.]

GWEN
Merlin.

[Gwen goes to Merlin, but he pushes her in the opposite direction and they take off running as the lamia comes around the corner. The lamia knocks Merlin down, grabs his leg with a tentacle and drags him in. The lamia is about to strike when…]

GWEN
Get away from him!

[Gwen charges the lamia and runs her sword into it. She strikes again, but loses the sword and falls down. She and Merlin slide quickly backwards along the floor, trying to scramble away from the tentacles, but the lamia looms overhead. Gwen hyperventilates and Merlin raises a hand to cast a spell, his eyes glowing. The lamia topples forward, a spear in its back, revealing Arthur behind it, leaning over from his throw. Arthur steps cautiously forward, checking for any movement. Gwen scrambles to her feet and runs to him.]

GWEN
Arthur!

[Gwen jumps into his arms. He laughs.]

MERLIN
You carry on. Don't worry about me.

KING ARTHUR
Sorry.

[Arthur pulls away from Gwen and helps Merlin to his feet.]

KING ARTHUR
Ha-ha. It's almost good to see you, Merlin.

MERLIN
Likewise.

KING ARTHUR
Almost.

[Merlin scoffs in amusement. Arthur goes back to Gwen and they walk out with their arms around each other's waists. Merlin picks up Gwen's sword and follows.]

--
[40:15, INT. LONGSTEAD, TEMPORARY WARD - DAY]
[Gaius treats the Knights of the Round Table. Arthur enters.]

KING ARTHIR
How are they doing?

GAIUS
I have given them the same compound that cured the villagers, sire. They're fortunate that you got to them when you did.

KING ARTHUR
Thank you, Gaius.

[Arthur pats Gaius on the shoulder and Gaius nods. Arthur shakes hands with Percival, who's awake. Arthur exits.]

--
[40:44, INT. LONGSTEAD, TEMPORARY WARD - DAY]
[Arthur emerges from the temporary ward and sees Merlin.]

KING ARTHUR (teasing)
So…Merlin. Being saved by a woman, that really can't feel good.

MERLIN
Feels a lot better than being dead.

KING ARTHUR
Does it? Being saved by a woman…

[Arthur raises one hand, palm up.]

KING ARTHUR
…or dying…

[Arthur raises the other hand, palm up, and shifts them like he's weight the scales. He drops his arms.]

KING ARTHUR
I'd have to think about that one.

MERLIN
Well, don't think too hard. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.

[Arthur drops his jaw in mock astonishment and punches Merlin genially in the arm before sauntering off. Merlin grins.]

--
[41:10, INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Arthur stands at the table reading some documents. Someone knocks.]

KING ARTHUR
Come.

[Gwen enters.]

GWEN
You wanted to see me?

[Arthur turns around and leans against the table.]

KING ARTHUR
Just want to make sure you're all right. You've been through a lot these past few days.

GWEN
I'm fine. Nothing a change of clothes couldn't cure.

KING ARTHUR
I thought I knew everything about you, Guinevere. Your loyalty, your wisdom. Since when did you become this fearless hero?

GWEN (chuckles)
Well, maybe you just didn't notice before.

KING ARTHUR
Mm. Maybe I didn't. Truly…

[Arthur takes her hand.]

KING ARTHUR
You showed great courage back there.

GWEN
I did what anyone else would've done.

[Arthur stands.]

KING ARTHUR
You did a good deal more than that. You were equal to any knight of Camelot. I'm proud of you.

GWEN (beams)
Really?

[Gwen steps closer. Arthur smiles affectionately.]

KING ARTHUR
Really.

[Arthur takes her in his arms and they kiss.]