Excalibur
In a dark shadowy vault containing a number of ancient tombs, graced with ornately carved sculptures of their noble occupants. A shadow falls across a black tomb - carved with the outline of a mighty Knight in full armour, a sword lain across his body like a cross. Suddenly, in the darkness there's a woman with dark hair and a blue cloak.
'Nimueh,' said Gaius grimly.
She stands over the tomb and runs her hands over it, whispering a terrifying spell, 'Gehyre me, wan cniht, awac!' As she utters the words her eyes burn into the stone casing. Suddenly, a crack rips across the lid.
'What does that mean?' asked Arthur shivering remembering the knights he had lost to Nimueh.
'I judge. Absent night, arise!' Merlin shrugged. 'Necromancy is always very dark and dangerous,' he muttered.
'Have you ever performed necromancy?' asked Arthur.
'Only once,' Merlin said.
'What?' Arthur shouted. 'Being born with magic is one thing, saving my life and Camelot another. But using dark magic!'
'Arthur,' said Gaius sharply.
'What?' Arthur fumed.
'Nimueh killed me,' the old man said.
'You brought your Gaius back to life,' Gwen understood.
Arthur cooled, 'sorry Merlin I didn't know.'
Merlin shrugged, 'its fine I thought you would react like this at the beginning. You've certainly reacted better than I expected.'
'We're your friends of course we're not going to have you executed,' Gwen said.
'Thanks I've just grown up fearing for my life,' Merlin said.
Arthur frowned at the fear that his father had in forced upon Merlin and so many others.
'Beo strangra ond steacra, forbrec tha wane,' as Nimueh continues the crack grows bigger on the tomb.
'How long does this go on for?' complained Gwaine.
Merlin and Gaius shrugged.
'But you performed it on Gaius,' Arthur said.
'He was recently dead so his spirit was close and I was on the Isle of the Blessed,' Merlin said.
'The Isle of the Blessed?' asked Elion.
'Place of the Old Religion,' Merlin explained. 'There's a lot of magical energy in the air making magic easier to perform.'
'Plus your powerful than Nimueh,' Gaius added.
Merlin just shrugged looking embarrassed, 'she was saying "I am powerful and unbending for lamenting grief"' Merlin said in attempt to change the subject.
'Uparis; awrec Uther Pendragon!' as soon as Nimueh had finished the there was a mighty crash! A hand clad in a black gauntlet smashes through the top of the tomb and reaches out towards the witch An evil smirk crosses her face deadly gorgeous face.
'How is she cursing my father this time?' Leon asked.
'Raise up, anguish to Uther Pendragon,' Merlin stated grimly.
'How do you remember all of this?' asked Gwaine.
'Instinct and learning,' Merlin replied.
In the Great Hall of Camelot's Palace Arthur is knelt on an elaborately decorated woolsack before Uther. The Prince is dressed in ceremonial robes, Merlin stands proudly to one side. A steward holds a cushion carrying a coronet and a gold rod. It's the Prince's investiture. All around there are dignataries present, including Gaius and Morgana. Uther speaks quietly but formally to his son as he takes the rod and places it in Arthur's hand.
'Do you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of this Kingdom and its dominions according to the statutes, customs and laws laid down by your noble forebears?' the king asked his heir.
'I do, Sire,' the crown prince replied.
'Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgements?' Uther continued.
'Why is he asking you to do something he doesn't?' Merlin asked.
'He thinks he's being merciful,' said Gaius. 'He hasn't all been there since Ygraine's death.'
'And the start of the purge,' sighed Merlin frowning could he continue to hate someone who had acted in mentally instability.
'I do, Sire,' the prince repeated.
'And do you swear allegiance to Camelot for now and for as long as
you live?' the king questioned.
'I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of this kingdom and its peoples,' the prince responded.
'It would be life and limb,' groaned Merlin.
Both Pendragons smile. Uther places the crown upon his son's head, he turns, addressing the room as well as Arthur, following the words of the ceremony.
'Now being of age and being the heir apparent, you shall hence-forth become Crown Prince of Camelot,' Uther decreed.
The crowd cheer. Merlin grins proudly to one side; next to him stands Gwen who talks to her friend in a low voice, 'so how does it feel to be servant to the Crown Prince of Camelot?'
'Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege,' Merlin replied.
Arthur rolled his eyes at his servant, 'you know any other servant would be honoured to be the servant of the crown prince.'
'Do you really want a boot licker as a servant?' asked Merlin.
'No,' Arthur reluctantly admitted.
Gwen takes a sideways look at him, 'you're proud of him really. Even though you complain about him constantly,' Gwen laughed.
'I am not,' Merlin said offended.
'You are. I can see it in your face,' Gwen smiled.
'Those socks are very clean. Of course I'm proud of them,' Merlin said quickly.
There was a moment of silence before everyone burst out laughing, 'only you,' Elyon chortled.
Merlin looked embarrassed.
Gwen laughs as Arthur soaks up the adulation. But the moment is interrupted by the sound of smashing glass. Uther and Arthur turn to see a knight on horseback rides an armoured steed at full tilt through the giant windows at the far end of the Great Hall. Glass showers over the assembled guests as they scramble out of the way. His face is masked beneath his visor. His armour is an ominous black. He advances slowly, inexorably towards Uther.
'Oh what now,' moaned Hunith could those two never stay out of trouble.
'What in the Devil's name?' Uther says in shock.
Panicked guests get out of the way as the horseman continues his relentless path toward the king. The Knights put their hands to their swords in expectation of trouble. The black knight stops before Uther and Arthur and throws down a huge metal gauntlet.
'Who's he challenging?' asked Lancelot.
'Father,' said Arthur.
'But the king didn't pick it up,' Leon said grimly.
A stunned Uther stares at it. Arthur reacts, goes to pick up the gauntlet but before he reaches it, a young knight, Sir Owain, swoops and plucks the glove from the ground and holds it proudly aloft.
'I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge,' the young knight proclaims.
The black knight continues to focus on Uther and Arthur, his expression is inhuman, unblinking, finally he turns toward Sir Owain.
'What is he?' asked Hunith.
'A wraith,' Gaius explained.
'Single combat. Noon tomorrow. To the death,' the Black Knight commands.
'I have a feeling it's going to be bad for Sir Owain,' Hunith said.
'Especially as I don't know any Owain,' Lancelot added.
Uther's white as a sheet, fixated by the crest on the knight's helmet.
'I didn't notice how focused on the crest father was,' Arthur said. 'He knows the night; how?' Arthur asked.
Gaius refused to meet the regent's eyes.
Gaius too stares intently at the knight, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
'Uncle, what do you know?' Hunith asks Gaius.
Gaius didn't answer.
The titles come on.
In Gaius' chamber Gaius is preparing some routine remedies at his workbench as Merlin watches, but his thoughts are still consumed by the evening's events.
'Have you ever seen this Black Knight before?' Merlin asked.
GAIUS stops his work for a moment, 'I don't believe so.'
'And you tell me off for lying to you,' Merlin said.
'You didn't recognise his crest?' Merlin asked.
Gaius busies himself with his work again, 'his crest?' he said evasively.
'Which house is it?' asked Merlin.
'I'm not sure. I didn't see it that clearly,' Gaius lied.
'Liar,' grinned Gwaine.
'He's not someone you'd forget in a hurry though,' Merlin pointed out.
'That's true,' Leon agreed.
Gaius busying himself with his equipment, 'No,' he agreed.
'So you don't think he's from round here?' Merlin asked.
'That would seem likely,' Arthur said.
'But then what's he doing here?' asked Merlin.
Gaius turns to face his apprentice.
'Merlin, your faith in my all-seeing knowledge is both touching and wholly misplaced. Maybe if you've finished your work for the day you could go to bed and leave me to finish mine,' snapped Gaius.
'Okay, I'm going,' Merlin said quickly He goes to his room.
Gaius continues with his preparations. A second later Merlin pops out of his room again, 'Gaius?' the boy asks.
'Do you ever learn?' asks Arthur.
Merlin grinned.
'At least your annoyingness isn't completely an act,' Arthur said relieved.
'Merlin,' Gaius said wearily.
'Do you think Owain can beat him?' Merlin asks nervously.
'That's why you were annoying Gaius so much,' Hunith smiled sadly.
'I was worried,' Merlin said.
Arthur smiled, 'I can't see how anyone could mistake you for an evil sorcerer.'
'Your father would,' Merlin pointed out.
'We will find out soon enough,' Gaius said.
Merlin leaves again. Gaius looks after him, clearly more troubled by the night's events than he's letting on.
In Morgana's chamber the girls are looking out through the window where the black knight is standing motionless in perfect symmetry outside the gates of Camelot, planted in the ground next to him is a plain black standard.
'What does he want?' Gwen asked, cautiously standing a few steps back from the window, watching the menacing stranger camped outside the castle. 'Why would he issue such a challenge?'
MORGANA is pacing nervously, 'and why did Owain of all people pick it up? Owain!'
'I know,' Gwen agreed sadly.
'He's just a boy,' Morgana said.
'He hates anyone saying that,' Gwen informed her lady.
'That would be why he accepted the challenge,' said Arthur, 'to prove himself.'
A guilty reaction appeared on Morgana's face. She turns to leave the room.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur stands at the window looking at the Black Knight, he looks concerned. There's a knock at the door and Morgana enters, you must stop Owain from fighting,' she said.
'It's his damn fault. He shouldn't have picked up the gauntlet!' Arthur retorted.
'You know it's not a weakness to show your feelings,' said Gwen.
'I know that now,' Arthur smiled.
'So put an end to it,' Morgana retorted.
'The challenge has been taken up. The fight cannot be stopped,' Arthur sighed.
'So fight in his place. Much as it pains me to say it, you're the man for this job, not him,' Morgana pointed out.
'I can't!' Arthur said.
'Why not?' demanded Morgana.
'Owain picked up the gauntlet, Owain is the one who must fight. That is the Knight's code. He knew that,' Arthur explained.
'The knight's code also said this lot wouldn't be knight,' Merlin pointed at Lancelot, Gwaine, Elyon and Percival, 'and she wouldn't be courting you. The knight's code is wrong!'
'I know but that is across all the kingdoms not just Camelot,' Arthur sighed.
'But he's just a boy,' Morgana said.
'I know,' Arthur sighed.
In the House of Records Geoffrey of Monmouth is anxiously examining a book of heraldry. He sees Gaius enter.
'Gaius! Thank God,' Geoffrey said in relief.
'You know why I'm here?' Gaius questions.
'The Black Knight,' Geoffrey replies.
'So it is he?' Gaius asks.
'You saw his crest?' Geoffrey asked.
'Have you confirmed it?' Gaius asked looking down at the book.
'It is the crest of Tristan de Bois,' Geoffrey said.
Arthur gasped.
'Whose Tristan de Bois?' asked Percival.
'My uncle,' Arthur replied, 'my mother's brother. I've seen him in my family tree but all father would say was he was dead.'
Gaius sighed sadly.
'And he's the only Knight to ever have carried that crest?' Gaius double checked.
'According to the records,' Geoffrey agrees.
Gaius sighs, concerned, his fears confirmed. He turns to leave.
In the king's council chambers Uther sits alone, he hears a noise at the door and reacts fearful of what it might be. A moment, he moves toward his sword lying on a table. He rests his hand lightly on it and looks anxiously toward the door.
Arthur and Leon gulp.
'Yes?' Uther asks.
The door opens and in comes Gaius.
'I'm sorry to disturb you, Sire,' Gaius apologizes.
'What is it?' Uther demands; trying to hide his anxiety.
'The Knight, the stranger,' Gaius pauses.
Uther tenses up at the mention of his brother of law.
'He bears the crest of Tristan de Bois,' Gaius said grimly.
'Yes,' Uther said.
GAIUS nods, 'but he's been dead for twenty years.'
'A year after I was born,' Arthur said.
'I know. I killed him,' Uther said.
Arthur gasped, 'what's with my family,' the prince complained.
'I'm sorry,' said Merlin.
Gwen gave Arthur a hug.
'But how do you explain-'Gaius began.
'Dead men do not return. Is that all?' Uther said sharply.
Gaius bows and leaves. Uther sits alone in the empty room. Despite his denial, Uther is a troubled man.
New born sunlight glints on the black knight's breastplate. He remains almost cemented to the ground. His standard flaps in the breeze, further underlining his superhuman stillness. He does not appear to have moved all night.
In Arthur's chambers there is a slow beat of a distant drum. Owain is standing in the centre of the room. In contrast to the black knight, he fidgets about as Merlin helps him on with his armour. In daylight he looks even more of a boy than he did the previous night.
'He's never going to win,' muttered Percival.
Hunith looked worried about the boy-like-knight.
'I know,' sighed Arthur.
Arthur tries to focus him.
'Owain, you've never fought in mortal combat before, it's different... it's not like the training I've given you,' Arthur warned the young knight.
Owain is more fixated on adjusting a buckle, 'yeah, I know.'
'Listen to me. The problem is we've never seen him fight. You have to quickly get the measure of him,' Arthur instructed his knight.
'But I have the same advantage; he's never seen me fight,' Owain pointed out cheerfully.
'True,' Arthur relented unconvinced.
'You've watched me,' Owain said.
'Yes,' Arthur agreed warily.
'And?' Owain encouraged.
'And I know no one braver,' Arthur said.
Owain smiles innocently at Merlin.
'He's too innocent for a fight to the death,' sighed Hunith not liking where she thought the boy was going.
Gaius, Arthur, Gwen, Leon and Merlin nodded.
Merlin throws a glance at Arthur. He can sense his concern.
'Remember, all it takes to kill a man is one well aimed blow,' instructed the prince.
Owain thrusts his sword at an imaginary target. Gwen enters and Owain smiles at the hand maiden.
'The Lady Morgana asked me to give you this token,' Gwen holds up a ribbon.
Owain is slightly overwhelmed, he looks at Arthur.
'She wishes you to wear it for luck,' Gwen smiles.
'You can thank her and tell her I shall wear it with pride, but I won't need luck,' Owain turns to Arthur.
Arthur seems guilty at the situation Owain is in.
In the tournament grounds a drummer pounding a slow rhythm. A large crowd is waiting expectantly for the fight, dispersed amongst them are Uther, Gaius and Morgana.
'Where are you three?' asked Hunith looking at Merlin and Gwen.
'Hurrying after preparing Arthur and Morgana,' replied Merlin.
'With Owain,' sighed Arthur.
The black knight stands in the centre in his customary static pose. As Uther enters the tournament ground and takes his seat, the knight turns to face him straight on. Uther stares back at the knight. He looks deeply troubled. Merlin and Gwen hurry to join the onlookers. Finally, Sir Owain strides out from the palace with Arthur at his side. For the first time, the young man's nerves are apparent. He walks toward the waiting black knight.
'Find the flow of the fight and try to control it,' Arthur gave one last point of instruction before Owain was to fight.
Owain nods, now barely able to speak. He stops a sword distance from his foe. The drummer's beat quickens and intensifies. Owain finally seems scared.
'The fight shall be to the Knights' rules... And to the death,' Arthur told the two knights looking at Owain. Owain puts on his helmet then lifts his sword, the black knight reciprocates. They face each other, for the first time; there is a huge size difference between the two men. 'Let battle commence,' Arthur leaves the ground to take his seat by Uther, he watches the fight intensely throughout.
Owain doesn't hesitate; he lunges at the Black Knight. In one swift and easy move, the Black Knight side steps and parries, forcing Owain to look slightly ridiculous. Owain readjusts himself and lunges again. The Black Knight once more foils him with a deft move.
'It's easy to see who's the better fighter,' sighed Percival.
The others nod.
'He's not going to outlast this fight,' Hunith said sorrowfully feeling for the boy.
Arthur's concern intensifies. Uther too looks concerned. The two fighters circle each other; suddenly the Black Knight unleashes a series of blows.
'He's switching from defence to offense,' said Lancelot. 'He'll be going for the kill soon,' sighed Lancelot.
His style is unhurried, precise, clinical, devoid of emotion. All Owain can do is block and parry, he's forced backward across the square unable to find a riposte.
'Come on, Owain!' Gwen shouts.
'One well aimed blow!' Arthur bellows.
Merlin watches on fearfully. The fight accelerates, blows rain down on young Owain. The Black Knight is brilliant fighter, relentless, unstoppable. Merlin's eyes tighten. Suddenly we're in Merlin's point of view, in slow motion we see Owain manage to unleash a single strike that pierces the Black Knight's breastplate.
Hunith, Lancelot, Gwaine, Elyon, and Percival react with joy. Gwen, Arthur, Merlin, Gaius, and Leon sigh knowing what's going to happen.
Merlin reacts with joy, 'yes!'
Gaius gives him a puzzled glance. Uther stands up too? The fight continues at normal speed again, the Black Knight shows no sign of injury. Instead, he reacts with a flurry of frenzied blows. As the final stroke lands, the crowd reacts with audible horror.
So do the group of watchers.
Uther sits down in horrified realisation that Owain is dead. The drum stops then a silence. We see the ribbon, Owain's good luck token, lying in the dirt, it flutters on the breeze. The crowd is silent. Arthur hangs his head. Morgana has tears in her eyes. The Black Knight steps over Owain's body and throws down his gauntlet again - it lands before the King.
'Who will take up my challenge?' the Black Knight asks.
Arthur makes to step forward but Uther grabs him by the arm. Arthur flashes his father a quick look, and pulls himself from Uther's grip. But as he turns back to the gauntlet, Sir Pellinor steps forward and swipes it from the ground. 'I, Sir Pellinor, take up the Challenge,' the knight says.
'He dies too, doesn't he?' Hunith asks.
Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, and Gwen nod sadly. Leon doesn't because he completed training with Pellinor and grieved over the man.
'Single combat. Dawn tomorrow,' the Black Knight decrees. The Black Knight stares at Uther.
Arthur spins round to Uther. Uther brushes him aside and turns away.
'Don't be insulted, Arthur, it must be quite hard to have your dead brother-in-law who you killed come back and haunt you,' Hunith said.
'Do you have a brother in law?' asked Arthur.
'I was never married,' Hunith smiled sadly.
'But Merlin,' said Lancelot.
'It was complicated,' Hunith said.
'Merlin's never talked about his father,' Gwen said.
'He never knew him,' sighed Hunith.
Gwaine frowned at him. Gaius shook his head at the young knight.
The Black Knight starts to walk back toward the gates.
MERLIN watches him, and then glances at GAIUS.
'Should we tend to his wounds?' Merlin asked his mentor.
Gaius looks at him, confused.
'He took a hit,' Merlin insists.
'Owain didn't land a blow,' Gaius states.
'How come Merlin saw it and none of us did?' asked Arthur.
'Merlin's born of the old religion,' explained Gaius.
'But Morgana didn't notice anything,' said Gwen.
'I'm a creature of the old religion it's like I can survive looking in the lake of Avalon that no mortal is able to do whereas she is a human who has magical ability,' explained Merlin.
'So you're not mortal?' asked Arthur.
Merlin shrugged, 'I've never exactly tested by mortality.'
'Emrys means immortal,' Gaius added.
Merlin shivered, 'I don't want to lose my friends.'
'I know Merlin but that's many years until you'll have to deal with your mortality or not so,' Gaius said.
'I saw it. It pierced his breast plate,' Merlin insisted.
'Are you sure?' Gaius asked.
Merlin nods, 'my eyes are quicker than yours.'
'Quicker than whole humans,' added Gaius.
'I am human,' said Merlin. 'More or less,' the warlock adds.
They look at the Knight. He is walking purposefully with no hint of pain or impairment.
'He should be dead,' Merlin frowns.
Gaius looks concerned.
'You accepted it just like that?' asked Arthur.
'Merlin just confirmed what I already thought to be true,' Gaius explained.
'Maybe he already is,' suggested Gaius.
'Where would Camelot be without the two of you?' asked Leon.
'Not there,' Lancelot stated.
Arthur angrily pursues Uther as he enters the council chambers.
'Why did you stop me?' Arthur stormed.
'We have to give our Knights the chance to prove themselves,' Uther stated.
'Have you seen how this stranger fights?' Arthur shouted.
'And Sir Pellinor will be a match for him,' Uther assured Arthur.
'He's still not recovered from the wounds he suffered at Ethandun,' retorted Arthur.
'What happened at Ethandun?' asked Elyon.
'We reclaimed a territory that Ceredian had claimed,' Arthur said.
'I cannot help that,' Uther said coolly.
'So you send him to his death?' Uther said incredously.
Uther angrily turns on Arthur.
'I didn't send him anywhere. I am not to blame,' Uther said with finality.
A door opens into the darkness and two figures appear silhouetted against the light outside. In the half light we can see some stone steps descending downwards.
'Are you sure we should be doing this?' Merlin asked worriedly.
'You're not scared, are you?' Gaius teases his ward.
'Uncle,' Hunith said reproachfully. 'My son get's in enough trouble without your encouragement.'
'No, I love old crypts,' Merlin said sarcastically. Then after a pause, 'I wouldn't be seen dead anywhere else.'
'You are scared,' teased Arthur.
'You only act like an idiot if you're scared whether because of the king or the crypts,' said Hunith knowledgably.
'I could sense the dark magic down there,' Merlin defended himself.
Suddenly, the door they came through slams closed and the room is thrown into darkness.
'How did that happen?' asked Gwen shivering.
'Dark magic leaves a trace,' said Gaius grimly.
'What was that?' asked Merlin fear evident in his voice.
'Must've been a gust of wind,' Gaius said reassuringly.
The two men are surrounded in complete darkness.
'We should've brought a torch,' Gaius said.
'Leohtbora,' Merlin incants and the torch and crypt to light up.
'That could be very useful,' Gwen said. 'What does it mean?'
'Light-bearer,' Merlin replied.
'Handy!' Gaius said.
'Yes,' grinned Merlin.
'Except it means you'll have to go first,' Gaius said.
Merlin frowns, then reluctantly takes the lead.
Merlin and Gaius are now in the vault itself. Merlin sees various tombs ahead of him.
'What are we looking for?' Merlin asks nervously.
'Move your light to the left,' Gaius instructed.
Gaius' apprentice does as he's told. The flickering torchlight creates all kinds of strange unnerving shadows.
'There,' Gaius said.
Merlin shines the torchlight on the black tomb. They move toward it.
'We're breaking into someone's Grave,' Merlin said uneasily.
'Scared,' laughed Gwaine.
As Gaius reaches the tomb he stops, 'we're too late; I think someone has already broken out.'
'We know,' complained Gwaine.
The top of the tomb has been smashed open with great force. Debris is lying across the floor. Gaius bends down to peer inside, the inside of the tomb is empty.
Gaius and Merlin return. Gaius hurries to the shelves and removes a book, 'Tristan de Bois was the brother of
Ygraine. Uther's wife.'
'Arthur's mother?' asked Merlin.
GAIUS nods.
'Ygraine died in childbirth and he blamed Uther for her death. He came to the gates of Camelot and challenged him.'
'But it was my fault,' said Arthur.
Merlin shook his head, 'tragedies happen sometime nobody's to blame.'
Arthur shrugged not believing his friend but not saying anything else.
'To single combat?' Merlin asked in realisation.
GAIUS nodded, 'and Uther won. With his last breath Tristan cursed Camelot to one day suffer his return.'
Merlin looked at his mentor.
'I thought it was just the ramblings of a dying man,' Gaius sighed.
'Men don't just rise up from the dead though, no matter how angry they are,' Merlin pointed out.
'My guess is we're dealing with a wraith,' Gaius said whilst consulting a wraith.
'A wraith?' asked Merlin.
'The spirit of a dead man conjured from the grave,' Gaius explained.
'And very dark magic,' said Merlin grimly.
Gaius nodded.
'So this is the work of a sorcerer?' asked Merlin.
'Sorceress,' corrected Gwen.
'Powerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a tormented soul and make it live again,' Gaius went onto say.
'That's why magic scares me,' said Arthur.
'But a sword is also a deadly tool in the wrong arms,' Merlin replied.
Arthur frowned but nodded.
'How do we stop it?' asked Merlin.
GAIUS looks up his face grim, 'we can't. Because it is no longer alive, no mortal weapon can kill it.'
'How did you destroy it?' asked Leon.
Gaius shrugged, 'Merlin never told me.'
'I had help,' Merlin said carefully.
'The sword,' Lancelot said suddenly.
Merlin nodded.
'Surely there must be something,' Merlin looked at Gaius desperately.
GAIUS shook his head, 'nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for.'
'Father,' said Arthur.
'I got it a bit wrong,' admitted Gaius. 'Still don't know how.'
'You'll see,' Merlin said cheekily.
'And what's that?' asked Merlin.
'Revenge,' Gaius said grimly.
'On Camelot?' asked Merlin.
GAIUS gives a slight nod.
'What does that mean for Sir Pellinor?' asked Merlin.
Gaius sighed, 'death.'
Leon winced.
'I'm afraid it doesn't look good,' Gaius said grim.
'No kidding,' said Gwen.
The next morning on the tournament ground there is the sound of the drum, beating its slow, ominous rhythm. The black stands in the centre of the tournament ground in readiness for battle. His darkness is even more striking now that he's silhouetted against the sun. He stares at Uther. Uther holds his gaze. The eager crowd has a nervous atmosphere. They cheer as Sir Pellinor and Arthur enter the arena. The pair stop, Arthur focuses on Sir Pellinor to give him his last instructions...
'You've seen him fight,' said Arthur.
'He's good,' said Pellinor looking at the Black Knight.
Arthur forces Sir Pellinor to look at him, 'not as good as you,' Arthur encourages his knight. 'Are you listening to me?' Arthur demands.
SIR PELLINOR nods.
'See the sun is low in the sky,' Arthur points out the setting of the fight.
SIR PELLINOR glances toward the sun...
'Keep it behind you,' Arthur instructs the knight.
He holds up his hand (in arm wrestling position). Sir Pellinor reciprocates and clasps his hand.
'For the love of Camelot,' Sir Pellinor cheers.
'For the love of Camelot,' Arthur replicates the motion.
Sir Pellinor and the Black Knight exchange sword blows. Sir Pellinor is an experienced fighter, he gives as good as he gets. He pushes the Black Knight back with a series of lunges. The CROWD cheer for their hero. Amongst them we see Uther, Arthur, Morgan and Gwen. Standing to one side, viewing the fight from a different angle, we find Merlin and Gaius.
'Maybe you were wrong,' Merlin said hopefully.
'I wish,' said Merlin.
'I hope so,' said Gaius.
The Black Knight parries everything Sir Pellinor throws at him, until finally Sir Pellinor lands a blow which knocks the black knight's sword to the ground. The Black Knight is momentarily defenceless as Pellinor thrusts his sword into his chest with what looks like a fatal blow. The crowd gasp and cheer as they see Sir Pellinor's sword penetrate the Black Knight's armour.
Sir Pellinor steps back, triumphant. But the Black Knight doesn't flinch. He retrieves his sword and responds with a series of crashing blows, that Sir Pellinor struggles to block. The Black Knight is unstoppable. He lands a fatal strike that coincides with a drum beat.
UTHER appears appalled by what he's witnessed. The crowd look shocked. We go to Gwen and MORGANA.
'The sword went in - I'm sure of it,' Gwen said looking unnerved.
'It did,' said the Once and Future King and Emrys together.
'I saw it too,' Morgana looked worried.
The Black Knight turns toward the King, starts to remove his gauntlet, but before he can throw it down. A gauntlet hits the ground at his feet. The black knight looks up to see where it's come from. He finds Arthur looking at him.
'I will not see anymore of my men die,' Arthur said sharply. 'I, Arthur Pendragon, take up the challenge.'
A murmur goes out amongst the crowd.
'We were worried we were going to loose our Crown Prince,' said Gwen.
'So be it,' the Black Knight accepts the prince's reply.
'Single combat. Noon tomorrow,' Arthur is the one to issue the time and place of the fight.
Gaius catches Uther's eye. The king is white-faced with shock.
In the council chambers Arthur, a determined look on his face, stands in front of his father.
'How could you be so stupid? I will revoke the challenge,' Uther decides.
'No,' Arthur turned to his father. 'The Knights' code must be upheld. That's what you told me.'
'This is different,' Uther said.
'Once a challenge is laid you cannot rescind it,' Arthur quoted.
'Do you know the Knights' Code off by heart?' asked Merlin.
'Do you know your magic book off by heart?' retorted Arthur.
'Point,' Merlin conceded.
'You are the Crown Prince,' the king reminded his son.
'There cannot be one rule for me and one for all the rest,' Arthur said fairly.
'You're a very fair noble,' said Gwaine. 'Unusual, that is.'
'Er thanks,' Arthur said not liking the blight on nobles.
'That's why he's the Once and Future King,' grinned Merlin, 'even if he is a prat.'
'Merlin,' Arthur rolled his eyes.
'I forbid you to fight,' the king commands.
Arthur turns to face his father.
'You want me to prove myself worthy of the throne. I cannot do that by being a coward,' Arthur said coolly.
'No, Arthur, this will be your death!' Uther said.
Arthur walks to the door, 'I'm sorry you have so little faith in me, father.'
'He's worried about you,' Hunith said.
'I know,' sighed Arthur.
'It's Uther's redeeming quality,' said Merlin. 'His love for you and Morgana.'
'Arthur!' Uther calls after his son.
Arthur keeps walking. Uther hangs his head in despair.
In Gaius' chambers Merlin and Gaius discuss what to do.
'You were right,' Merlin sighed.
'I wish I wasn't,' Gaius said genuinely.
'If Arthur fights that thing, he'll die,' Merlin said.
'He is Camelot's greatest warrior. If anyone can defeat it, he can,' Gaius said.
'But you said yourself; no mortal weapon can kill it. Which means we have to find a way to defeat the wraith ourselves,' Merlin said.
'How do you propose to do that?' demanded the physician.
Merlin runs up the stairs to his room, 'if no mortal sword will kill it.' He disappears into him room and comes back with his magic book. 'Then I will have to with mortal magic.'
'You saved my father's life,' said Arthur.
Merlin shrugged, 'accidentally.'
'Merlin, it's too dangerous,' Gaius warned.
'We don't have any choice,' Merlin said grimly.
GAIUS watches him turning the pages and quietly leaves the room.
In the King's council chambers a troubled Uther is pacing the room when Gaius enters. Uther stops and stares at him in trepidation, anticipating bad news.
'Good evening, Sire,' the court's physician respectfully.
'Gaius,' Uther said simply.
'There is something of great urgency I must discuss with you,' Gaius said grim.
'Then spit it out, man,' the king said impatiently.
'Tristan's tomb is empty,' Gaius said grimly.
Uther's face ices over.
'I believe he has been conjured from the dead,' Gaius explained.
Uther is quiet for a moment, and then resumes his pacing, his mind whirring.
'How is this possible?' demanded Uther
'I believe he is a wraith,' Gaius explained.
'A spirit?' asked the king.
Gaius nods, 'he has come to take vengeance for Ygraine's death.'
'It was magic that killed her. Not I,' Uther said guiltily.
'I thought it was childbirth,' said Gwen.
'So did I,' frowned Arthur.
Merlin and Gaius shared a look.
'Nevertheless it was you he blamed,' Gaius said.
'It was his fault,' Merlin said telepathically to Gaius.
Gaius didn't answer.
Gaius hesitates, 'you cannot allow Arthur to fight. No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith. It will stop at nothing until it has accomplished what it came for. Arthur cannot win, he will die.'
'He will not listen to me,' Uther sighed.
'Then you must tell him who the knight is,' Gaius said.
'No,' said Uther.
'Does everyone lie to me?' asked Arthur hurt. 'My father is keeping my mother's death from me,' then a look of dawning on his face.
'Arthur?' asked Merlin warily.
'You said that the image of my mother was false,' Arthur said.
Merlin shook his head, 'I'm sorry.'
'Why did you lie to me?' asked Arthur offended.
'For your sake and Camelot's,' snapped Merlin.
Arthur frowned thoughtfully but went back to the black box.
'You cannot hide the truth forever,' Gaius said gently.
'With Merlin's help,' muttered Arthur.
'I am the King! You will not bid me what to do!' Uther said angrily.
'A good king should listen to his advisors,' said Arthur.
'That is your choice, sire; you tell him or let him go to his death,' Gaius said.
'No one but you and I will ever know that secret,' Uther said angrily.
'The boy is of age, he should know,' Gaius said.
'I'm not a boy,' said Arthur.
'You are to me,' laughed Gaius.
'Never,' Uther draws a dagger, 'you made an oath, and I warn you not to break it.'
They two men stand face to face for a moment. Gaius is first to drop, 'very well, sire.'
'Leave me,' the king commands.
Gaius leaves the room. Uther is clearly shaken.
It's the dead of night. The black knight stands impassive, framed against the towers of Camelot. Merlin emerges from the shadows. Keeping to the shadow of the wall he slips along until the Knight is in sight.
'Why can't you be that silent on hunts?' asked Arthur.
'I don't approve of hunting animals for fun,' replied Merlin.
The Black Knight remains impassive, apparently oblivious to Merlin's presence.
Merlin held his hand up in front of him and begins incanting, 'cume her fyrbryne.'
'What does that mean?' asked Arthur wondering if this was how Merlin saved his father's life.
'Come here, conflagration,' Merlin replied.
Merlin's eyes flash gold and a flame appears from nowhere. The fire races across the ground, encircles the knight and engulfs him in a ball of flames. Merlin waits, it looks like his magic has worked. But when the flames die down the Black Knight is still standing, completely impassive.
Elyon shivered, 'he survived that?'
Merlin nodded grimly.
Merlin stares at him in complete astonishment.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur is preparing for the fight, rehearsing moves with his sword in slow motion, replaying and adjusting the angle of his wrist or the arc of each swing. He's a coiled spring, as anxious as we've seen him. Merlin comes rushing in, frantic.
'Merlin,' sighed Arthur, 'you know that conversation we had about knocking.'
'You have to pull out!' Merlin said sharply.
Arthur stops what he's doing and turns to look at his servant.
'And why's that, Merlin?' asked Arthur angry.
'You sounded like my father,' Arthur muttered.
'Because he'll kill you,' Merlin said.
'Why does everybody think that?' Arthur asked.
'Because they're right,' Merlin said. 'Just pull out. You're the crown prince. No one wants you to die for some stupid challenge.'
Everyone but Arthur nods.
'I am not a coward,' Arthur retorted.
'Nobody said you were,' said Hunith.
'I know that. I've stood there and watched you overcome every fear you've ever faced,' Merlin said.
'See you do care for him,' Gwen smiled.
'It's what's required of me, Merlin,' Arthur explained.
'But you are more than that ... you are not merely a warrior, you are a prince; a future king. You have proved your courage, but you must prove your wisdom,' Merlin said.
'Good advice,' Gaius said.
'Thanks,' Merlin said, 'not that he listened.'
'Then why did Uther end up fighting in his place?' asked Gwen.
'I was drugged,' growled Arthur.
'I cannot back down,' Arthur said.
'Please, Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary Knight you're fighting. Look at him - he doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep. He just stands there in total silence. Doesn't that tell you something?' Merlin desperately begged the future king to reconsider.
'No one is unbeatable!' Arthur said stubbornly.
'If you fight him you will die,' Merlin said desperately.
'I cannot listen to this, Merlin,' Arthur throws the door open for Merlin.
'I'm trying to warn you, Arthur,' Merlin tried again.
'And I'm warning you, Merlin,' Arthur retorted swinging his sword at the servant.
Merlin darts from the room. Arthur slams the door after him.
In the King's council chambers Uther sits in the empty council chamber, a haunted figure. There's a rattle at the window, he reacts, looks toward the sound. He turns back and is shocked to see someone standing in his room.
'Nimueh,' growled Merlin eyes flashing lightening flashing in the background.
He stares at her fearfully.
'I should've known,' Uther said understanding she was the conjurer.
'It is more than I had hoped for, Uther. Soon Arthur will be slain,' Nimueh said with relish.
'Not on my watch,' said Merlin.
'You will have sent him to his death,' the evil sorceress smirked.
'You conjured this thing. Their deaths are at your hand,' Uther said angry.
'That's true but she's only like this because of your persecution and the death of her son at your hands,' said Merlin.
'That doesn't excuse her actions,' said Hunith gently.
'No,' Merlin agreed, 'but it explains them.'
'Always so righteous, never to blame,' Nimueh said coolly.
'What's that supposed to mean?' asked Gwaine.
'She's talking about mother's death, isn't she?' Arthur asked sadly.
Gwen placed a hand on Arthur's not knowing what really happened.
Merlin nodded at his prince.
'Haven't you had your fill of revenge?' he asks angrily.
'But if it's revenge that means Uther started it,' Leon frowned.
'He did he begun the war,' Merlin said. 'It is a war even if I choose to remain neutral.'
'Haven't you! You began this war when you threw me from the court and slaughtered all of my kind,' Nimueh said angry as the king.
Merlin nodded in agreement, 'she was the court sorceress.'
'You brought it on yourselves with the evil you practised,' Uther retorted.
'That we're born with,' Merlin said coolly.
'Hypocrite,' muttered Arthur.
'I was your friend, Uther! You welcomed me here,' Nimueh said hurt.
'And you betrayed that friendship!' Uther said angry/
'I did as you asked! I used the skills you so despise to give your barren wife the son you craved,' Nimueh said.
'So that's why he hates magic,' murmured Hunith.
Merlin nodded, 'but he knew the risks.'
'He refused to choose anyone and the magic took the one closest to you,' Gaius said.
'Mother,' sighed Arthur.
Gwen gave Arthur a hug.
'Did mother know what father had done?' asked Arthur.
'Yes but she didn't know it would cost someone there life,' said Gaius.
'Never speak of her that way! My wife was worth a thousand of you. And you took her from me,' the king said grief evident.
'She died giving birth to your son!' Nimueh pointed out. 'It was not my choice. That is the law of magic. To create a life there had to be a death, the balance of the world had to be repaid.'
'You knew it would kill her!' Uther said.
'Did she?' asked Arthur.
'No,' said Gaius.
'No, you're wrong. If I had foreseen her death, and the terrible retribution you would seek,' Nimueh began. 'I would never have granted your wish.'
'I wish you hadn't,' Uther said.
There were gasps.
'He wishes I was never born,' said Arthur shock and pain. 'I always knew I was a disappointment but…'
'Uther loves you,' said Gaius.
'You didn't see him when the Questing Beast almost killed you,' Merlin added, 'his love for you, and Morgana is his redeeming quality.'
'You wish you did not have a son?' asked Nimueh silkily. 'Well, that wish will come true tomorrow.'
'I will not let you take him,' Uther vowed.
'That is your choice,' Nimueh said a faint smile on her beautifully evil face.
'I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn,' Nimueh said.
'I do feel sorry for her,' murmured Arthur.
Merlin nodded.
There's a rattle at the window and the candles flame and go out. When Uther turns back, Nimueh has gone.
The Hall of Records is dark. Merlin is looking through a book, dissatisfied with what he's found. He begins searching the shelves again; he hears a noise, stops and listens. He waits, he clearly shouldn't be there. He starts rummaging again. He knocks a book over, bends to pick it up and sees a pair of feet beside him. His eyes dart upward to see Geoffrey of Monmouth glaring at him.
'I take it you're not meant to be there,' asked Lancelot amused.
'How did you get in here?' Geoffrey of Monmouth glared some more at the boy.
'The door was open,' Merlin lied.
'No, I locked it,' Geoffrey said.
'Uh, someone else must've opened it,' Merlin lied.
'You used magic to get in,' said Arthur.
Merlin grinned.
'Why break into the hall of records?' asked Gwaine in disgust.
'And you wouldn't find any magic books to help,' Arthur added. 'They'll be down in the vaults or burned.'
'I had to try,' Merlin said.
'And you thought you'd come in and help yourself,' demanded Geoffrey.
'I was looking for a book, for Gaius,' Merlin lied.
Geoffrey's tone softens; he looks at the open book, seeing the contents.
'He thinks the Black Knight is a wraith,' Merlin explained.
'Then Arthur's in grave peril,' Geoffrey frowned.
'Which is why I'm here,' Merlin said quickly. 'I need to find a weapon that will kill something that's already dead,' Merlin asked.
'I have read of such things, in the ancient chronicles,' admitted Geoffrey.
'Thank goodness,' said Arthur.
Merlin leaps up, excited, 'what did they say?'
'Several fables speak of ancient swords-'Geoffrey begins.
'That can kill the dead?' Merlin interrupts.
'Let the man talk,' Hunith scolded her son.
'Yes, mother,' Merlin said.
'The fables speak of swords which can destroy anything - alive or dead,' Geoffrey said.
'The sword you used against Morgana's un-dead army,' Lancelot nodded.
Merlin nodded.
'Can you show me one of these fables?' asked Merlin.
'Well let me think,' the keeper of records starts to search the shelves.
'I'm sort of in a hurry,' Merlin said impatiently.
'You young people always are,' complained the old man.
'Yes you are,' agreed Gaius.
'I had a few hours until you would fight the wraith and no way to defeat it,' Merlin reminded the old man.
He continues searching as Merlin follows the old man's every move, 'here we are: The Chronicle of Beltain. Now let me see,' he starts to go through the pages as Merlin waits impatiently. 'Yes, here we go,' the keeper of the records begins to read, 'and Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good.'
'The sword I gave you,' said Gwen.
Merlin nodded.
'So Kilgharrah helped you,' smiled Hunith not surprised that Kilgharrah and Balinor's son had a relationship.
'What did you say?' Merlin asked suddenly.
'And Sir Marhaus-'began Geoffrey.
'Not about him,' Merlin snapped, 'the dragon.'
'The sword begotten in the dragon's breath,' repeated Geoffrey.
He looks up from the book but Merlin has already disappeared.
'Always in a hurry,' Geoffrey shook his head.
'When Arthur's life is in danger yes,' Merlin nodded.
'Then you are always in a hurry,' teased Percival.
'I'm not always in danger,' Arthur complained.
'Yes you are,' said Merlin. 'Give me a time you haven't been.'
'Eh…' said Arthur.
Merlin beamed.
In Gwen's house Gwen is busy with her chores; she hears a knock at the door and sees Merlin.
'Merlin,' Gwen said in surprise. 'What're you doing here?'
'Oh, I've come to ask a favour,' Merlin said seriously.
'Yes?' Gwen asked.
'I don't know how to ask it,' Merlin said.
'Ask, Merlin, you know that I would grant you anything,' Gwen said.
Merlin looks at her.
'I mean not anything,' Gwen said quickly backtracking, 'obviously, not anything. What is it you want?'
'I need a sword, the strongest sword your father's ever made,' Merlin said.
'What for?' asked Gwen.
'To save Arthur; I need you to help me,' Merlin asked.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur stands in the window alone, he stares out at the Black Knight doubt in his eyes. He hears a noise and quickly turns to the door where he finds Morgana watching him.
'I don't want you to fight tomorrow,' Morgana says.
Arthur stares at her, surprised by her conviction.
'Why not?' asked Arthur.
'I don't know what it is, please,' she begs her brother to stay out of danger.
'She really did care,' sighed Arthur.
Merlin nodded.
'I'm warning you,' Morgana too tried.
'You're worried about me,' Arthur said.
'No. It's not me. It's your father. Can't you see what you're doing to him?' Morgana begged.
'As apposed to what you did to him,' Arthur said icily.
'My father?' asked Arthur doubtfully.
'Obviously. He cares about you,' Morgana said in a thick voice. 'He loves you, Arthur. He doesn't want to lose you.'
'He would die for you,' added Gaius. 'He was prepared to.'
'And I feel the same,' admitted Arthur. 'But,' Arthur paused, 'I have to do this.'
A moment, they hold each other's stare. Tears are forming in Morgana's eyes, 'I understand,' she turns and goes.
Arthur bows his head and sighs.
In Gaius' chambers Gaius is preparing for bed; a knock at the door. Gaius goes to open it. He finds Uther standing outside.
'Am I still welcome?' Uther asks his friend.
'Have you come to shout at me?' Gaius asked the king sharply.
'I'm sorry,' Uther apologizes.
Gaius leads the king inside, 'you knew that one day, all this would come back to haunt me,' the king sighed.
'Literally,' Merlin muttered.
Gaius raised his eyes at his ward.
'Not quite so literally,' Gaius said.
'You've been spending too much time with Gaius,' Hunith laughed.
'I should've listened to you. You told me no good would come of using witchcraft,' sighed Uther.
'Gaius,' Merlin said outraged.
'What I said was using magic to create a life was very dangerous and that even if he had not chosen someone's life to exchange someone had to die,' corrected Gaius.
'You wanted an heir. You thought it was the only way,' Gaius said.
'Nimueh told me there would be a price,' Uther said.
'Would he have minded if it were any of the civilians of Camelot?' asked Arthur.
Gaius shook his head, 'that's what he thought would happen.'
'You were not to know that the price you'd pay was Ygraine's life,' Gaius said softly.
Uther winces at the memory, 'I cannot let Arthur die!'
'Then you must stop the fight,' Gaius begged the king.
'No. I will take his place,' Uther said.
'You realise what you're saying?' Gaius demanded.
'Ygraine died for him and so must I,' Uther said.
'He really does love me,' said Arthur.
'Told you so,' Merlin said.
'Uther,' Gaius said shocked.
'I have no other choice,' Uther said.
'There must be another way,' Gaius said.
'There was,' Merlin said.
'I didn't know you had found a way to destroy it,' Gaius said.
'No! My death will stop the wraith and Arthur will live,' Uther decided. 'It means that you will be the only person left who knows the truth about Arthur's birth.
'Morgause knew,' said Arthur. 'Did she really know my mother?' asked Arthur.
'She was born before the ban on magic so she may have,' said Gaius. 'But she would have been very young.'
You must swear to me that you will keep your oath,' the king's hard eyes were on his friend's.
'I will take it to my grave,' Gaius finally agreed.
'You always were a good friend, despite my temper,' Uther smiled.
'I always thought that would be the death of you,' Gaius sighed.
'I must ask you one last favour,' the king somehow manages a smile.
In Gwen's house Gwen returns to Merlin carrying a sword.
'My father's been saving this. He's always said this was the best sword he's ever made,' she hands it to Merlin.
Merlin examines the sword, 'It's beautiful.'
'He'll kill me if he finds I've taken it,' Gwen said nervously.
'Your father's little girl you can do no wrong,' smiled Elyon, 'never mind when he found out you were doing so to save Arthur's life.'
'It's for the love of Camelot,' Merlin said.
'You've been around Arthur too much,' Gaius said amused.
'That's what I thought,' agreed Gwen.
'Mmm,' she murmured, 'yes.'
In the armoury corridor Merlin hurries through the castle. He carries the sword with him, wrapped and hidden inside a cloth blanket. Merlin hurries his way down into the depths of the citadel. Merlin steps out once more onto the lip of rock overlooking the great cavern. The Great Dragon raises his eyes, 'Merlin!'
'So he does know your name,' said Hunith.
'I think that's the only time he's called me by name,' Merlin said.
'D'you know why I'm here?' asked Merlin.
'It may surprise you, Merlin, but my knowledge of your life is not universal,' the Great Dragon responds.
'Sometimes I wonder,' said Merlin.
'He sounds like Gaius,' Hunith muttered.
'It's to do with Arthur, his life is in danger. He will die unless I can make a weapon that can kill the dead,' Merlin said.
'So what do you come to ask of me?' asked the Great Dragon.
Merlin bends down on one knee, places the wrapped sword on the ground and unrolls it. We see the finished sword for the first time. Even in its raw, un-enchanted state it has a simple beauty. Merlin reaches down to pick it up, but it disappears before his eyes. Instinctively, he looks down into the cavern and sees the sword hovering in the air before the Great Dragon.
'Will you burnish it to save Arthur?' asked Merlin.
The Great Dragon considers this, 'That is your destiny, young warlock, not mine.'
'Back to Young Warlock,' smirked Merlin.
'But if Arthur fights the wraith and dies Camelot will have no heir. I will have no destiny,' Merlin argued back.
The Dragon considers this, 'a weapon forged with my assistance will have great power.'
'I know-'Merlin began.
'You do not know. You can only guess. You have not seen what I have seen. If you had perhaps you would not ask this of me,' Kilgharrah warned.
'What do you mean?' asked Merlin carefully.
'In the wrong hands this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone,' Kilgharrah ordered the warlock.
'Is that why father went on about the sword being gone?' asked Arthur.
'And why you wouldn't let me touch it?' asked Arthur.
'Where is it now?' asked Gwaine.
'Somewhere only Arthur can retrieve it,' said Merlin.
'I understand,' Merlin said.
'You must do more than understand. You must promise!' the Great Dragon requests.
Merlin nods, 'I promise' Merlin agrees.
The Great Dragon exhales an almighty blast of fire. The sword is temporarily lost within the inferno. When the flames recede we see the shining sword, the light flashes off it, almost blinding Merlin. He turns his head away. And when he looks up again, he sees the sword has been returned to him. It is lying on the cloth blanket. Merlin is captivated it has a simple but majestic presence.
'I want that sword,' all the knights said together.
'Heed my words,' the last of the dragons has a last word of advice for the warlock.
Merlin stops and turns to the Great Dragon, 'the sword was forged for Arthur and him alone.'
In the Palace Uther is standing at the window, looking out at the ominous unyielding figure of the Black Knight standing before the gates of Camelot.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur is also standing at his window looking out through the curtains, he's unable to sleep. He hears Gaius's voice outside his door.
Arthur growls knowing he is about to be drugged.
'I've brought you something that might help you sleep,' Gaius calls from outside the door.
'Well he didn't lie,' grinned Merlin. 'He just forgot to mention how long you would sleep for.'
'Forgot,' snorted Arthur.
Gaius enters carrying a small phial.
'I'm fine. I don't need it,' Arthur said.
Gaius removes the cap from the phial, 'here. It'll relax you; it'll take the edge off your nerves.'
Arthur finally concedes and downs the liquid with a grimace, 'I wouldn't drink it for pleasure.'
'Why don't you sit down for a moment?' the physician suggests.
'Mind you if you forget the taste... the effects are...'
Arthur trails off and plonks himself down on his bed, already succumbing to the sedation. 'Quite enjoyable,' he finally finishes his sentence.
'Lie back,' the physician suggests.
Arthur rests his head on his pillow.
'How're you feeling?' asked Gaius.
'Mmm,' Arthur mumbled.
Gaius looks at Arthur a moment, waiting for him to drift off. Satisfied that Arthur's asleep, he turns and walks quietly to the door. He gently removes the key from the door lock.
Arthur scowled.
Gaius leaves Arthur's room and locks the door behind him. He walks away along the corridor.
At the tournament grounds the Black Knights stands, watched by a few townspeople busy setting up for the fight. Amongst them there is the drummer.
In Morgana's chamber's Morgana is at her dressing table. She looks sick, she hasn't slept. Gwen enters with her breakfast and lays it before her, 'I'm not hungry,' Morgana said at once.
Arthur, Merlin, Gwen and Gaius who had been Morgana's friends sighed.
'You must eat something,' Gwen insisted.
'I can't,' Morgana said looking pale.
The drum beat start, Morgana looks to the window.
'If he dies, I fear for the future,' Morgana sighed.
'And now she hopes for Arthur's death,' Gwen said bitterly.
'Arthur will win. He will live to be King,' Gwen said optimistically.
'How can you be so sure?' asked Morgana
'Merlin is looking out for him. He won't let him die,' Gwen said faithfully.
'At least someone believes in me,' Merlin said.
'I always have,' said Hunith.
'Since I first met you,' agreed Gaius.
'I always knew there was something about you,' said Arthur.
'I've always believed in you,' said Gwen.
'Your loyalty to Arthur was astounding from that first tavern fight,' said Gwaine grinning.
'You've looked after my little sister,' said Elyon.
'You didn't know me and you were still willing to help me fulfil my dream,' said Lancelot.
'I never really got you I suspected you were hiding something but I could see your fierce bravery,' said Percival.
Morgana smiles at Gwen's sweet faith in Merlin but obviously doesn't share it.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur sleeps, oblivious to the preparations for the fight that are going on outside.
Arthur groaned again.
In the armoury the slow beat of the familiar drum continues outside as Merlin readies Arthur's armour and finally unwraps the new sword from its blanket. It shimmers in the early morning light.
'It really is beautiful,' said the black smith's son, 'I can't believe my father made something so beautiful.'
He holds it in his hand. Suddenly, the door opens and Merlin turns expecting to see Arthur, instead it's Uther that enters, 'that's a fine blade,' the king compliments the servant.
'It's for Arthur,' Merlin said quickly.
'He won't be needing it today,' Uther said.
Merlin just looks confused.
'I will be taking Arthur's place!' the king clarifies.
'But, Sire,' Merlin said desperately.
'Prepare me for battle,' the King orders.
'But Arthur should be the one-'Merlin began/
'No, the grievance is with me, the fight is mine,' Uther said.
'I do not have your armour,' Merlin said.
Uther points to some armour placed nearby, 'this will do. It's likely to make little difference.'
'He really was expecting to die,' said Arthur quietly.
Gaius nodded.
Merlin straps on a breast plate. Uther seems in a trance.
'I'll get you your sword,' Merlin said quickly.
'If he uses any other sword he'll die,' said Arthur angry at his friend.
'You're the only one who can wield the sword,' Merlin said. 'Otherwise great evil will be wrought with it. It should not be wielded by anyone else.'
'You've fought with it,' said Lancelot.
'Briefly,' Merlin nodded, 'and only to save Camelot.'
'This one will be fine,' Uther said.
Merlin looks horrified.
Arthur glares at Merlin.
'No, Sire,' said Merlin panicking. 'You don't understand. That one was made specifically for Arthur!'
Uther examines it. The sword appears to dazzle almost unnaturally, 'who made it?' asked the king.
'Uh... Tom the Blacksmith,' Merlin said.
'It's worthy of a King,' the current king decreed.
'You'd be better off with a sword you trusted,' Merlin tied again.
'He'd be dead with a sword he trusted,' growled Arthur.
Uther slowly wields the sword, 'It has an almost perfect balance. Tom is not the Royal Sword smith. I'm surprised Arthur went to him.'
'I didn't,' said Arthur, 'not because I had anything against,' Arthur said quickly, 'I was just used to my own Sword Smith.'
Gwen and Elyon nod.
'It was me,' Merlin explained.
Uther looks at him.
Merlin shrugs, 'I felt he needed a better sword.'
Uther looks surprised, 'you do show him incredible loyalty.'
'It's my job, Sire,' Merlin said simply.
'But you go beyond the line duty,' Uther points out.
'He's referring to the times you've saved my life,' said Arthur.
'Well... you could say there is a bond between us,' Merlin shrugged.
'Say things like that and people are going to think you're the servant the princess is in love with,' laughed Gwaine.
Merlin and Arthur looked at each other awkward, 'eh no Gwaine,' Merlin said.
'I'm glad,' the king paused. 'Look after him, will you,' he requests.
He sets off for battle, taking the sword with him.
Uther walks under the drawbridge. The drum beat gets slowly louder as he approaches the tournament ground and the battle of his life.
The bright light, the noise of a large fight crowd, a multitude of expectant faces and in the centre of the Tournament Ground the Black Knight standing motionless and poised for battle. Uther steps forward. Shock rumbles through the crowd, including Morgana and Gwen in the stands and Merlin and Gaius at the side of the fighting area. The drummer holds his monotonous rhythm. Uther walks calmly through the crowd, but we sense his tension within. He arrives before the Black Knight and stops inches from him, staring into his foe's visor.
'You can have what you want – the father, not the son,' Uther said.
The Black Knight stiffens and steps back withdrawing his sword. Uther puts on his helmet. The spectators watch in hushed silence as Uther and the Black Knight circle one another.
In Arthur's chambers the drum can be heard outside the window. Arthur begins to stir,
'And so the sleeping princess awakes from his long sleep,' Gwaine jibed.
then grabs his head. The drug has left after-effects. He manages to stumble to the window. He reacts to what he sees. The battle is on. The new sword glints in the light as it hits the Black Knight's blade for the first time. This is no ordinary sword. Uther and the Black Knight trade blows, two mighty gladiators engaged in ancient warfare as Morgana, Gwen, Merlin and Gaius look on.
In his chambers Arthur rushes for the door and finds it locked. He kicks at it in vain.
'I still can't believe you conspired against me; drugging and locking me in my chambers like a naughty child,' growled Arthur.
Swirling action as the Black Knight slashes ruthlessly at Uther. The King responds, parrying and countering with great skill, somehow managing to maintain his regal presence and command the fight. Merlin watches the action intensely, reacting as the blows strike. But the Black Knight's assault is unrelenting. Suddenly, the sword is knocked from Uther's hand,
'No cried,' Arthur.
it clatters across the cobbles. He is defenceless. He reaches for it, but the
Black Knight slices at his arm, striking a plate on his forearm. Gaius and Merlin react to this turn of events against the King. Uther reacts in pain, the Black Knight closes in for the kill. Uther now has only his shield with which to defend himself. In vain, he uses it to beat away the BLACK Knight's blows. It's a desperate fight. Morgana, sat next to Gwen, looks on in horror.
'When did she start hating him?' asked Arthur.
Merlin sighed, 'when he killed her friends.'
Arthur frowned.
Back in Arthur's chambers Arthur wedges a spear into the jamb and forces his door open. He runs from the room.
In the tournament grounds Uther continues to desperately defend himself with his battered shield, but the Black Knight drives him towards the wooden barriers. Uther appears doomed. Nimueh is concealed in the crowd,
There are growls at her appearance.
she smiles anticipating Uther's demise.
Arthur, 'she's smiling at my father's death!'
'Uther doesn't die,' said Merlin reassuringly.
The Black Knight makes a final lunge with all his might, but somehow Uther steps out of the way.
'He's a very agile fighter,' commented Lancelot having never seen the king fight.
Arthur nodded, 'brilliant taught me all I knew even with the old battle wound.'
The sword buries itself in Uther's shield. Uther hits the Black Knight around the head, the Knight's helmet flies off to reveal the hideous wraith underneath. The crowd's shock turns to horror. Before the Black Knight can remove his sword, Uther has regained his weapon, 'die a second time!' Uther strikes home with the sword, straight into the Knight's breastplate. As he pulls the blade back, the wraith's mouth opens, his final breath hitting Uther, who stumbles back as the wraith starts to burn
'Why did he burn?' asked Leon.
'The sword contains dragon fire,' explained Gaius.
and then explodes in a cloud of dust. Merlin's face is shocked The crowd react.
An exhausted Uther looks down at the wraith's remains – an empty suit of armour.
Later in the council chambers Gaius dressing Uther's wounded arm. Uther is still smiling, 'I thought you said a wraith couldn't be killed,' commented Uther.
'Yes, it was remarkable,' said Gaius. He eyes the sword on the nearby table. 'Was that a new sword?' he questions the king.
'Best I've ever fought with,' Uther said.
'May I have a look?' Gaius examines the blade, looking at the runes.
'I was interested in those markings,' Uther admits.
'On one side it says "Take me up", on the other "Cast me away"' Gaius translates.
'What does that mean?' asked the king.
'That only one should wield it,' Gaius said. 'I hope it's where none can reach it.'
Merlin nodded, 'Arthur is the only one who can.'
'How did you manage that,' demanded Gaius.
'It's protected by magic,' said Merlin. 'Not even I can get through it.'
'Only me,' Arthur said.
'Where did you get it?' asked Gaius.
'Did you suspect me?' asked Merlin.
'Merlin I always suspect you,' Gaius sighed.
'Merlin gave it me. It was forged for Arthur,' Uther explained.
'I knew it was you then,' said Gaius.
Gaius reacts, but the conversation is interrupted by Arthur's entrance. The prince doesn't look happy.
'Someone got out on the wrong side of the bed,' laughed Merlin.
'For good bloody reason,' growled Arthur.
'That should heal pretty quickly. I'll redress it tomorrow,' Gaius says.
'Thank you, Gaius. Thank you for everything,' the king says with hidden meaning.
Gaius smiles and is gone.
'You had Gaius drug me,' the Prince looked furious. 'I was meant to fight him!'
'No,' Uther said, 'you weren't.'
'The Knight's code-' Arthur began.
'Be damned!' Uther said passionately.
'Hear, hear,' said Merlin.
'I believed you would die. I could not take that risk. You are too precious to me. You are worth more to me than anything I know; more than this entire Kingdom; more than my own life!' Uther ended.
'That was the first time he'd shown his feelings regarding you of more than heir?' asked Gwen.
Arthur nodded.
Arthur is taken aback, it is the first time he has seen his father like this.
'I've always thought,' Arthur paused; 'well ...' he trailed off embarrassed.
'What?' asked Uther.
'That,' Arthur paused again, 'I was a disappointment to you,' he finally admitted.
'You were never a disappointment to Uther,' said Gaius.
'He's always been a little cold towards me,' explained Arthur.
'He probably associates you with your mother's death,' said Hunith quietly.
Gaius nodded.
'That is my fault, not yours,' Uther said. 'You are my only son,' he smiles a rarer smile of affection for his son. 'And I would not wish for another.'
Arthur is unsure how to react, 'what I saw ... You fought pretty well,' Arthur said.
'Your father just confessed how much he cares for you and you want to talk about fighting,' said Gwen, 'men.'
'Oi I'm not like that,' complained Merlin.
'You're a warlock,' said Gwen.
Merlin pouted.
Gwen laughed.
Merlin grinned.
'Thank you,' Uther said.
Arthur prepares to head off, 'you should join us for training sometime; looked like you needed some help on your footwork.'
'And you say I'm insolent,' grinned Merlin.
'You are insolent,' said Gaius.
'Always have been cheeky from before you could talk,' laughed Hunith.
Merlin gave his cheeky grin.
'I'll give you some footwork,' Uther offers to land a kick.
Arthur grins and moves swiftly away. Uther smiles, pleased.
Merlin sighed wishing he'd had time to tease and laugh with his father.
In Gaius' chambers Gaius and Merlin are having supper. Gaius looks at Merlin. Merlin tries to ignore him.
'You know why I'm looking at you,' Gaius said.
'No,' Merlin lied obviously.
'Uther told me you gave him that sword today,' Gaius told his warlock apprentice.
Merlin doesn't answer.
'It must be a sword of very great power to slay the dead,' said Gaius. 'Did you enchant it?' asked Gaius.
'No,' Merlin said. 'I didn't.'
'Who did then?' asked the physician.
Merlin shakes his head, 'wasn't me,' was all he said.
Gaius gives him a look, 'shame, it saved the King's life, I'd have been proud of you.'
'You were trying to sweet talk the truth out of him,' said Gwen.
'That obvious?' asked Gaius disappointed.
'No just Morgana did that a lot last year,' shrugged Gwen.
Gaius frowned at being compared to the dark witch.
'Well-'Merlin began.
'Never mind,' Gaius said.
'Tease,' laughed Hunith.
They share a look, Merlin smiles.
In Merlin's room Merlin is asleep. The room rumbles with the sound of the Great Dragon's voice, 'Merlin! Merlin!' the Great Dragon calls.
'Someone's in trouble,' Gaius' eyes twinkled.
Merlin wakes and listens. He swings his legs out of bed and thinks for a moment looking guilty.
Merlin returns the well worn route to the Great Dragon.
Merlin reaches the cave of the Great Dragon and sees the Great Dragon's face loom towards him. The Great Dragon stares at him.
'You have no idea what you have done,' the Dragon roars.
'I'm sorry. Uther just took the sword,' Uther nervously tries to get the dragon to understand.
'You have betrayed me,' the Dragon roared.
'He's the King. I couldn't stop him,' Merlin tried to reason with the dragon.
'You counted the promise you made to me for nothing. That is something you will regret,' threatened the Great Dragon.
'I couldn't let him die,' Merlin reasoned.
'You could. But yet you did not. And now he has the sword you begged from me,' the Great Dragon berated the boy.
'I'll get it back,' Merlin vowed.
'The sword is in the world. It cannot be unmade. But now a curse will forever lie upon it,' Kilgharrah explained.
'What do you mean?' asked Merlin.
'The sword forged for Arthur is now destined to be used against him. It will bring about his doom.'
Arthur shivered.
'Hence why I don't want anyone to take it,' Merlin said grimly.
The others nodded.
'So the little druid boy is going to kill me with that sword,' said Arthur.
'Apparently,' said Merlin.
'But surely it's not set in stone,' said Arthur.
'The ancient prophecies say Mordred and Morgana will have an alliance and they already have a bond, they say Mordred and Morgana will become evil and they both are, they say we will unite the lands of Albion and I will be loyal to you. Is it destiny or our choice?' asked Merlin.
Arthur considered this, 'I don't know,' he admitted.
'What do you mean? Is Arthur going to die?' Merlin begged.
'Everyone dies eventually,' said Gaius, 'though you are an unanswered question in regards to death.'
Merlin nodded.
'Everything dies, warlock, it is only the manner of death that is in question. Your actions have made that choice for Arthur. What's done cannot be undone,' the Great Dragon turns and is gone leaving a worried Merlin standing there a moment, taking in what he's heard.
'Does he have to leave like that,' muttered Arthur.
'Yes,' said Gaius and Merlin together.
In the armoury Merlin stares at the blade, shining in the early morning light. He takes it from its rack and wraps it in a bundle.
At dawn Merlin leaves Camelot; he's carrying a cloth bundle.
At the lake of Avalon the water is calm. Merlin takes out the sword; he takes one last look, and then throws it into the lake. The swords hilt slowly sinks to the depths.
'How were you able to retrieve it?' asked Lancelot.
Merlin's eyes darkened and he did not answer.