Months have passed and a new year has come into the country. Arthur rides through the kingdom of Camelot with his knights, Merlin and Mary. They come to a battlefield where only the lifeless bodies of the fallen lie. "Search for survivors!" commands Arthur.

Everyone gets off their horses and bends over the victims. Mary is horrified, by all the dead bodies. So many men have given their lives. Now and then she bends down to one to close his eyes. Tears trickle down her cheeks.

"Their attackers seem to be moving north!" exclaims Arthur, "Come on!"

Merlin asks, "Do you think we should go after them?"

"Merlin, don't be a chicken! Get Mary, we'll ride on!"

Merlin turns and sees Mary standing among the dead. He walks toward her. "Mary? Mary? We have to keep going!" Mary doesn't respond. Merlin reaches her and puts his hand on her shoulder. She turns slowly to face him. So much sadness in her eyes, he thinks.

She says, "How many more men have to die? Morgana has been gone for more than a year. We will not find her. But all these men, they have to give their lives for this."

Merlin nods in agreement. He was just discussing this with Gaius last night. They both don't understand it either.

"Merlin! Mary. Stop flirting around...we want to get on!" calls Arthur impatiently. Both reluctantly follow him.

After some time, they pass through a dense forest. Suddenly Arthur raises his hand and makes everyone stop. Mary sees abandoned tents among the trees. Everyone gets off their horses and quietly walks towards the tents. Everything seems abandoned. Arthur gives instructions to the knights with hand signals. He tells Mary, to stay behind him.

The fireplace is cold. Arthur looks around. The knight next to Mary, suddenly slumps to the ground, hit in the back by an arrow. Screaming, men with swords, morning stars, and crossbows come running toward them. Arthur calls his men together. "Merlin, get Mary out of here."

But Merlin and Mary do not get far. A man with a huge axe builds up in front of them, swinging it dangerously. Merlin takes Mary behind him and deftly dodges the axe. The axe buries itself in a nearby tree.

Merlin's eyes light up and the whole tree begins to fall. He quickly takes Mary by the hand and pulls her out of the danger zone. The attacker is buried under the tree.

Finally, the forest grows quiet and Arthur and his men emerge victorious. Mary examines the wounded as they all hear footsteps coming from the forest. Arthur draws his sword. The figure emerges from the mist and Mary can hardly believe her eyes.

Arthur says, "Morgana!"

Morgana is taken back to Camelot and as she lies there in her own bed, Gaius examines her. Mary stands beside him. "You need to rest," Gaius says.

Gwen approaches Gaius, "I will stay with her."

Gaius nods, "Call me when she wakes again, Guinevere!"

Gaius and Mary leave the room. Outside, the king approaches them, "How is she?"

"She'll be fine!"

"So there's nothing wrong with her?"

"Nothing physical."

"May I see her?"

"It's best to wait until tomorrow."

"Yes, of course! Gaius, thank you!"

Merlin waits for Gaius and Mary to return. When they finally do, he asks, "Did you talk to her?"

Gaius says, "She's sleeping."

"Has she said anything about me?"

"Not until now!"

"Well, she will!"

"Does she know your secret, Merlin? Does she know you can do magic?"

"No, she doesn't. No one knows!"

"Good, because if Uther finds out..."

"She knows I tried to poison her."

"You had no choice. Camelot was going down. Morgana was the source of the disease. Either she would have been poisoned, or the kingdom would have fallen."

"Uther doesn't know that. She'll just say I tried to kill her."

"We can't be sure, Merlin." Gaius turns to his herbs. Mary helps him.

Merlin asks quietly, "What do you think Uther will do to me?"

Mary feels the fear Merlin has. Gaius turns to the boy, "Let's wait and see what the morning brings!"

In the morning, Mary comes quietly into Merlin's room. He is still in bed, asleep. Mary looks at his relaxed face. She is sorry that she has to wake him now. "Merlin?"

He turns in her direction at the sound of her voice and looks at her sleepily. "Arthur wishes to see you. In Morgana's chambers."

Merlin is now fully awake and looks at her anxiously.

When Merlin gets to Morgana's room, he overhears her telling Arthur, "I was kept in a cell for almost a year. I thought I was going crazy."

Heart pounding, Merlin walks into the room. Morgana is sitting with Arthur on the edge of the bed. They don't seem to notice his entrance.

Arthur says, "How did you escape?"

"They moved me about a week ago. I don't know why.Maybe because of the patrol from Camelot."

"The patrol found you?"

"Yes, I thought I was free. But then I saw them killed. Every last one of them massacred. But that night the bandits were distracted by their prey. I took my chance. When I saw you, I couldn't believe it."

Arthur takes her in his arms. Morgana sees Merlin standing there and says, "I think I need to rest."

"Everything's going to be okay. You're safe now."

Merlin wants to follow the prince out of the room, but Morgana says, "Merlin!" He turns around uncertainly. Morgana looks at him seriously, "I want to talk to you. I know what you did. You tried to poison me."

"I didn't mean to."

"It's all right, Merlin, I understand. You were protecting your friends. I would have done the same thing."

"Really?"

"I was so naive, Merlin. I don't think I understood what I was doing. But believe me, I have seen the evils of this world. I've seen firsthand what it is that Uther is fighting against. You don't know how much I regret everything I've done! I just hope you can forgive me."

"I'm so sorry for all you've been through. It's good to have you back!" Morgana smiles at him.

The reunion between the king and Morgana is a warm one. Morgana thanks Uther for his perseverance in finding her. Even though she had disowned and betrayed him. Uther is so grateful to have his ward back that he doesn't notice her putting on an act for him. As she leaves him, she smiles mischievously to herself.

That night, Morgana leaves the castle and meets her sister Morgause in the forest to put her plan into action. Morgause says, "My sister. How have you been?"

"Camelot has welcomed its daughter with open arms."

"Uther suspects nothing?"

"He laps up my lies like the snivelling dog that he is."

"And the boy?"

"Merlin? He thinks I've changed. And he's right. Soon he will see exactly how I have changed."

Morgana hands Morgause a handkerchief, with which she had dried the king's tears, at their reunion.

Morgause says, "The tears of Uther Pendragon have only begun to fall." She puts the cloth and a root of a plant into a boiling cauldron. A fearsome scream rings out and Morgana covers her ears. Morgause smiles, "The mandrake root is special, only those with magic can hear its screams. But for those without magic, the mandrake pierces every corner of their soul, turning the unconscious into an image of fear and horror. Uther Pendragon will realize that his great kingdom is worth nothing if he has lost his mind."

Morgause casts her spell and gives the root to Morgana, which she later places under Uther's bed.

Merlin knocks on Mary's bedroom door in the early evening of the next day. When she opens it, it takes his breath away when he sees her. She has her hair down, which is never the case, and is wearing a simple blue dress, but it makes her eyes sparkle. "Merlin? Can I help you?"

Merlin gulps and says, "You look...wonderful! I came to pick you up for the feast. Will you help serve?"

Mary smiles, "Yes I'm helping, as always. But somehow I feel like celebrating too. The mood is happy in the castle since Morgana came back."

Merlin nods. Together they go to the banquet hall to help with the final preparations.

In the evening, the mood is exuberant.

The king stands up and makes a speech. To his right, Arthur's placed and to his left, Morgana.

"Standing here and seeing so many happy faces seems almost like a dream. I can tell you that I haven't felt this way in a long time. Drunk with joy! I would have scanned the entire world, the seas, the sky, the stars, just for that smile." He points to Morgana, "To have it stolen from me was like a knife stab to the heart. Morgana, there are no words. You mean more to me than you will ever know. To Lady Morgana!"

Everyone raises a glass and says a cheer. The king hugs his ward and then goes out for some fresh air. Mary sees that he had already drunk too much wine.

As she looks around, she notices Merlin looking at her. She smiles at him and quickly looks away. She feels warm and feels flutters in her stomach.

Gwen looks at her, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. I guess I should have eaten something before I went to work. I feel a little weak on my feet. I'm going to get some fresh air real quick."

Gwen looks after Mary with amusement. She has seen the look between her and Merlin. She suspects something other than low blood sugar.

Mary rushes out of the castle and the cool air does her good. She leans against the wall and reminds herself to breathe calmly. Slowly, her heart calms. She is confused...what was that just now? She has never felt this way before. Her head is spinning.

She sees the king staggering to the well. He looks in and Mary hopes he doesn't fall in. Suddenly he falls backwards and screams in terror. He curls up and whimpers. Mary lifts her dress a little and runs to him as fast as she can. He is shaking all over and a guard, who has heard the screams, comes over to them.

"Quick, get the prince!" says Mary, trying to calm the king. She looks into the well, but can't see anything.

A little later Arthur is standing next to her and some men carry the king to his room and lay him on his bed.

Morgana seems very upset and asks, "Will he be all right?"

Gaius looks at the king and says, "He should sleep until morning."

Morgana takes Uther's hand and holds it tightly. Gaius, Merlin, and Mary leave the room, closely followed by Arthur. No sooner are they all outside, than Morgana disdainfully lets go of the king's hand and smiles wickedly.

Arthur follows Gaius into the hallway and asks, "What could have changed him so?"

"I have no idea."

"Gaius! He was lying on the floor crying. Mary said he was screaming in panic."

Gaius stops, "Exhaustion!"

"Gaius! What are you not telling me? What?"

"When Mary found him, he was mumbling to himself. Most of it was incoherent, but..."

"What?"

Arthur looks at Mary. She replies, "He kept saying your mother's name."

"He never talks about her!"

"He claimed to have seen her. In the well."

"Did the guards see him in that state?" Arthur takes Mary roughly by the arm.

Gaius says, "I think you worry too much."

Arthur glares angrily at Gaius, "If the people find out..."

"Let's just say he was sick, but is recovering now." Arthur lets go of Mary and goes back to his father. She rubs the spot.

Gaius looks at her, "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. I understand he's upset. If you don't mind, I'm going to rest now." Gaius and Merlin wish her a good night.

Morgana meets with her sister again that night. "The rumors are already spreading. The mandrake poison is working well." says Morgause with satisfaction.

Morgana smiles,"Soon all of Camelot will believe its king is going mad."

"And a kingdom without a king, is ripe for the picking."

Morgana asks, "When are you going to Cenred?"

"Tomorrow."

"And will he do what we want?"

"Cenred wants to please me. He would do anything for me."

"Then the time you spent with him was worth it."

The sisters laugh and enchant a new mandrake root.

Morgana is surprised by a guard on her way back to the castle. When he asks too many questions, she stabs him in cold blood.

The next morning, court is convened in the throne room. Mary sees that the king is sitting on the throne. He still looks a little pale, but otherwise well.

Arthur says, "We have been told that mercenaries are pouring into Cenred's realm."

"Do we know why?" asks the king.

"Rumor has it that Cenred is raising an army. We should send a patrol to assess the situation." The king looks past Arthur to the door of the hall. "Father?"

Uther's eyes widen and he backs away in fear. Mary, Merlin, Arthur, and many others turn to see what is causing the king such fear. There is nothing and no one to be seen.

"Leave me alone!" the king says quietly. "Get out!" the king becomes indignant, "Get out, I said! Or I'll hang you..." there is still no one to be seen. Two guards grab the king and try to keep him quiet. They take him out of the hall to his chambers. Gaius and Mary follow them.

When Mary comes out of the king's room, Merlin is waiting for her in the hall. He looks at her questioningly: "There must be an explanation. Why the king is behaving this way."

Mary leans against the wall: "All I know is that during the great purge, Uther drowned many whom he suspected of sorcery. And some of them..." Mary pauses. "...Some of them were children. Killed because of their innate magic. Maybe his conscience is playing tricks on him. Whatever it is, we can't hide it any longer. The power of a king over his people is a very fragile thing. If they lose confidence in him, Gaius and I fear for Camelot."

Merlin silently thinks about her words. Just as he is about to say something, the warning bells sound. Both run to see, what has happened.

The knight who surprised Morgana last night has been found badly injured. He is taken to the physician chambers. A little later, Gaius requests an audience with the prince. "The man must have been attacked sometime during the night," he said.

"Who could have done this?"

"There's a seal of the Bloodguard on the dagger. Battle priests who swore to protect the High Priestesses of the Old Religion."

"Surely they were wiped out during the Great Purge."

"Not all of them."

"So in your opinion, there is a traitor in Camelot?"

Mary watches as Morgana turns away slightly and looks at the ground.

Gaius replies, "That is possible, sire. The guard will be able to tell us soon."

Morgana looks up.

"He is still alive?" asks Arthur.

"Indeed."

Mary is alone in Gaius' chambers, mixing some herbs. Merlin and the physician are with the king. Suddenly, Mary hears energetic footsteps approaching. Her necklace starts to vibrate. Mary hides in Merlin's room. First she wants to see who is coming. She looks through the wooden cracks in the door and sees Morgana carefully opening the door and looking around to see if she is alone. Mary really wants to step right back out of hiding, but something about Morgana's manner gives her pause. "Gaius? Merlin?" calls Morgana. But gets no answer. Uncertain, she looks around again and also takes a step toward Merlin's room. Mary puts her hand over her mouth. Every fiber of her body is under high tension. But Morgana stops in front of the little table with all the tinctures. Mary sees her take one, which is tagged with poison, and then empty it into the mouth of the injured guard. He opens his eyes in panic, but can't say anything. The poison works quickly and he is dead. Satisfied, Morgana looks down at him and disappears from the chamber again. Mary remains sitting on the floor of Merlin's room, her eyes wide with horror.

A short time later, Gaius and Merlin return. Merlin notices that something is wrong with the injured man. "Gaius?" The physician comes to Merlin who is standing next to the dead man. He feels for a pulse, but can't find one. Merlin says, "You said he would recover."

"I thought so, too."

"Then what happened? Don't you think it's strange?"

Gaius nods, "Yes, very!" Suddenly his eyes widen. "Where's Mary?" They both look around the room. Her workstation looks like she just left it for a moment. Gaius goes to look in the hallway. Merlin notices that his room door is only ajar. He could swear that he had closed it this morning.

When he gets to his room, he finds Mary sitting on the floor. She flinches as he walks in. "Ssh, it's me, Merlin!" Mary looks at him with wide eyes. "Mary, what happened? You saw something, didn't you?"

Mary shakes her head... "I can't tell. I can hardly believe it..."

Merlin calls for Gaius, who returns immediately. Together they help Mary up and sit her down on a chair. After Gauis gives her something for her nerves, she tells them both everything she has observed. Both are shocked that Morgana could fool them all like that.

Gaius later sends Merlin to the king to give him something for the nerves as well. However, the king is already sleeping fitfully when Merlin is there. He tucks the king in and notices strange stains on the floor in front of the bed. He bends down to take a closer look at them. Suddenly he hears footsteps and sees a shadow approaching. He quickly rolls under the bed, where his face hits the mandrake root. Trying not to make a sound, he crawls further under the bed. A hand reaches underneath and pulls the mandrake root from its attachment. As Merlin looks, he sees Morgana disappear with the root. He quickly crawls out and follows her.

He follows her at a sufficient distance into the dark forest, where she seems to be waiting for someone in a small clearing. It doesn't take long and Morgause comes to the meeting place. Merlin ducks down and tries to get a little closer so he can hear them.

Morgause says, "Sorry to keep you waiting. There was much that needed to be discussed."

"But your visit was successful?"

"Yes, Cenred's army will ride to Camelot when I command it."

Morgana smiles at her sister, "There is nothing you cannot do."

"It is you who give me strength, sister. How is the battle for Uther's mind going?"

"When Cenred marches on Camelot, he will find a kingdom without a king."

"At last we are ready."

"Not quite. Merlin suspects me."

"Has he told Arthur?"

"Not yet, but he will."

"Then we must stop him."

"That won't be hard! Because he's already here." Merlin jumps out of his hiding place, startled. "Did you really think I was that stupid, Merlin?" Morgana asks him, smiling.

Merlin runs...

It doesn't take long and Morgause's men have caught up with him. Everything goes black around Merlin.

Mary knocks and enters. Arthur is working on documents to sign. She says, "How are you, sire?"

"I'm not ill." Arthur looks up.

Mary nods, "It can't be easy to see your father like this."

"No. He was always so strong. He built this kingdom from nothing, Mary. To see him like this now..."

"I'm sure he'll get better in time." She sees the prince struggling with tears.

Gaius comes up behind Mary, and says, "But until then, we must have plans, Arthur. You must take over the reigns. Camelot needs a leader. That falls to you. You must fulfill your role as Regent. It's not just me saying that. The members of the court have spoken."

"So you are already speaking behind my back. What kind of treason is this?"

"It is for the good of the kingdom."

"I will not take the throne from my father."

"The palace is awash with rumours, the people are getting restless."

"I have sworn allegiance to my king. And as long as he breathes, it is my duty to keep it. I will not abandon my father."

Mary and Gaius leave the prince alone again.

Mary asks, "Where is Merlin, anyway? He should have been back a long time ago!"

"He'll be out doing something else. Go to sleep my child. You've had enough excitement today." Mary kisses Gaius on the cheek and goes to her room.

Merlin wakes up with a dull headache. He cannot move because he is completely chained. Two men lift him up and bring him before Morgause. She looks at him with interest: "You fascinate me, Merlin! Why does a simple servant keep risking his life for Arthur and for Camelot?"

Merlin just looks at her defiantly. He feels cold. Morgause says, "You know the answer, but you won't tell me. Why? Come on, time and time again you put your life on the line. There must be a reason."

"I believe in a fair and just kingdom."

"And you think Arthur can give you that?"

"I know it!"

"Then what? Do you think you're getting credit, Merlin? Is that it? All this so you can one day be the king's servant?" Merlin looks silently at the forest floor before him. Morgause combines, "No, there's more. Something you're not telling me, right? Well, you can take your secret to the grave." Morgause speaks a few words and her eyes light up. The chains around Merlin's body tighten and breathing becomes difficult for him. "You tried to poison one of my own. You will regret that." Morgause pulls her men away, leaving Merlin alone in the clearing.

Mary has just finished cooking the porridge that is always served for breakfast. She takes out plates and ladles for Gaius, Merlin, and herself. Gaius calls out, "Merlin! Breakfast!"

No response comes from the boy's room. Gaius goes over and opens the door. They both see that Merlin's bed was not needed last night. Mary looks at Gaius with worry.

All day, they both try to find out, where Merlin could be. But no one has seen him or heard from him. The day is already coming to an end again and Gaius and Mary are worried sick.

Mary goes to talk to Gwen, who works for Morgana, as a last resort. "Gwen, have you seen Merlin?"

"No, never since yesterday!"

Morgana comes into the room, "Is there a problem?"

Mary doesn't look at her, but says, "Merlin didn't come home last night."

"That's not like him! You have nothing to worry about. I'm sure he'll be home soon."

Mary heads to her room, wondering where else he might be. It had seemed to her that Morgana knew something, and that scared her like nothing has in a long time!

Merlin, meanwhile, has tried several times to break or loosen his chains with magic. Each time, however, they tighten even more. He notices how breathing is only possible with great difficulty. He is cold and slowly the despair gnaws at him. He is surely already beeing missed and no one will find him here. It slowly gets dark and fog rolls in. Eerie noises can be heard everywhere and Merlin feels threatened.

He hears something coming closer from the forest and suddenly sees himself surrounded by many large, scorpion-like creatures. They are coming towards him and he knows they mean him no good. He can fight some off with magic, but there are just too many. Suddenly, he notices a burning pain in his back where one of the Serkets stung him with its spike full of poison. Merlin notices how the poison works quickly. His muscles cramp and respiratory paralysis sets in. With the last of his strength, he calls out to the dragon before fainting. Before the Serkets can fully pounce on the young warlock, the great dragon flies from the sky, breathes fire on them, and gently lifts the unconscious Merlin.

Merlin wakes up because he is cold. He realizes that he has a fever. As his vision clears, he sees the dragon watching over him. "I didn't think you were coming!"

"Merlin, I can't avoid a Dragonlord even if I wanted to."

"Thank you!" Merlin tries to stand up. His head is spinning and he quickly lies back down with a groan.

"Lie still."

"My head hurts!"

"The Serket's poison is strong. I gave you a spell to help you heal, but it takes time." Merlin nods wearily and falls asleep.

Hours pass and a new day dawns as Merlin awakens again. He feels weak, but better. He sits up and says, "You shouldn't have let me sleep."

"I had no choice, young warlock. The poison was very strong, even for your great power!"

Merlin stands up, "I don't have time. I must return to Camelot. The kingdom is in danger and it's my fault. I should have listened to you. I shouldn't have trusted Morgana."

"You did what you thought was right. And that shows great courage. But trust is a double-edged sword."

"I thought...because she has magic too, I thought we were the same."

"In a way, you are!"

"No, I'll never be like her!"

"You've learned an important lesson, Merlin. Your determination to see the good in people will be your undoing. But I fear your future is now forever linked. She is the darkness to your light, the hatred to your love."

"I must go back to Camelot!"

"You haven't fully recovered, Merlin. And it's three days on foot."

Merlin glares mischievously at the dragon, "I have no intention of walking!"

The dragon flies Merlin back to Camelot and drops him down a distance from the castle. "Thank you, I will never forget this!"

"The future of Arthur and Albion is now in your hands. Good luck, Merlin!"

Mary is rudely awakened. Startled, she sits up. Merlin looks at her, "I'm sorry, you'll have to come with me, but first I'll wake Gaius."

"Merlin! We were so worried about you!" Mary exclaims, wrapping herself in a cloak. "Where have you been? You look pale. Are you all right?"

"I don't have time to explain. Morgana has conspired with Morgause against Uther. She's behind his visions. Come quickly, I have something to show you."

After rousing Gaius from sleep as well, all three make their way to the king's chambers. Inside, there is a terrible mess. Everything is lying around and the king is not in his bed. Mary finds him huddled behind a curtain, shivering. With a fixed gaze he looks into the distance. He does not respond to Mary, nor to Gaius.

Merlin runs to the bed, pulls out the root from under it, and throws it into the fire. Gaius and Merlin flinch at the mandrake's cry, but the king immediately seems much calmer and more relaxed.

Uther looks at Gaius. The latter says, "It was an enchantment, sire. You must rest now." Merlin and Gaius help the king back to bed. Mary looks at the charred root in the fire.

Gaius gives the king something to help him sleep.

Quietly, the three leave the room and return to Gaius' chambers. Merlin sits down tiredly on a chair. Mary sits down next to him and looks at him with her blue eyes. "You are tired. You need to rest. What happened?"

Merlin tells them both everything he has observed and what has happened to him in the last 24 hours. Finally, he says, "We need to tell Uther what Morgana did."

Gaius looks at Merlin in horror, "Are you mad? He would have us beheaded if we accused her. He would see it as treason."

"She can't get away with it."

"He adores her!" now Mary says, too.

"But if he knew..."

"You know how blind he is when it comes to her. Besides, the root is gone now. It can't do any more harm."

"No, you don't understand. I heard Morgana and Morgause. Their plan still goes on, I'm sure of it." Merlin closes his eyes. He still notices how the poison weakens him.

Mary puts her hand on his arm, "You need to rest. I'll make you some strong soup. It's best to wait for tomorrow." All three nod.

When Mary goes to check on the king in the morning, she finds Morgana kneeling beside the bed, looking for something underneath. Mary can guess what it is. She asks, "Have you lost something, my lady?"

Morgana jumps up, startled. "My earring. I thought I lost it here yesterday!" she replies with presence of mind. "How is the king?"

"Much better. We found the source of the disease. He has been enchanted."

"Enchanted?"

"You need not worry, My Lady. Gaius says he will make a full recovery." Morgana smiles in agony, "What a relief!"

Mary leaves the room.

Merlin has recovered well during the night. As he is walking through the halls to get breakfast for Arthur, someone grabs him and pulls him behind a pillar. It is Morgana.

Furious, she looks at him: "I don't know how you escaped. But if you breathe a word about what you saw, I'll make your life short and painful. Not only yours...that of your friend as well. Imagine how Uther would react if he learned that a servant had tried to poison his beloved ward." She leaves Merlin standing.

A patrol returns to Camelot. With worrying news. Cenred's army is setting course for Camelot. It is expected at the castle gates in less than two days. There are said to be 20,000 men or even more. Mary pales at the number. Although Camelot is outnumbered, the prince does not want to back down. He orders the fortress to be prepared for an attack.

Immediately, everything in and around the castle is prepared for an attack. Mary and Gwen help Gaius to have enough bandages, fresh cloths and herbs. The people from the surrounding villages are warned and asked to take shelter within the castle walls.

Gwen knocks on Arthur's door. Since it is open, she enters. Arthur turns around and she says, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"No, come in. Please!"

She walks up to him, "How is your father?"

"I'd be happy if he were here."

"You should trust yourself more."

"What do the people say?"

"They're glad you're in charge!"

"I've forced a siege on them. There will be casualties, Guinevere."

"I trust you, Arthur. More than Uther, more than anyone. Worry is a poor advisor. Forget everything else. Follow what you think is right!"

Arthur gratefully takes her hand in his and looks deep into her eyes. Gwen withdraws her hand, "I should go, Sire." She turns and leaves the room.

Arthur watches her go.

Morgana meets Morgause in the forest, "Where have you been?"

"What's wrong, sister?"

"Merlin. He's alive. He's back in Camelot. He has interfered with our plans. He destroyed the mandrake, your spell is broken."

"Don't worry. The root has already done its work, and Cenred's army is a day away from the city."

"Then it is time?"

"Are you ready? Morgana, Cenred's army is powerful, but they cannot take the city alone. You too must play your part."

Morgana smiles wickedly, "Tell me what I must do."

Morgause hands her a staff, "It is carved from the rowan tree that grows in the heart of the Isle of the Blessed. Only the High Priestesses and her Bloodguard have seen it."

"My magic is still weak. I lack the strength to wield such a tool."

"Don't worry, the staff will guide you. It has its own power."

"I will not fail you."

Mary and Merlin see all the people from the surrounding villages arrive in Camelot the next morning. Most are carrying the bare necessities in boxes and sacks. "I have to go again. Gaius needs all the help he can get to have everything ready for the wounded." Mary says

"Yes, Gwen is helping too, I saw. I'll go through the castle with Arthur in a minute and check that everything is ready."

Mary looks up at Merlin, "Please be careful! I'm afraid of what's coming." Merlin puts his arm around her, "Everything will be fine. Take care of yourself as well. I'll see you after the battle."

As it dims, Cenred's army stands outside the walls of Camelot. The Knights of Camelot sharpen their weapons and prepare to attack. A dangerous calm spreads through the castle. Merlin helps the prince put on his armor. Arthur is silent and introverted. Merlin notices how Arthur is worried. He too is tense, and barely manages to close the flaps: "I'm sorry!" he apologizes.

Arthur looks at his servant, "It's not your way to get nervous, is it Merlin?"

"I'm not nervous."

"No?"

"I trust in your destiny."

Arthur frowns, "Have you been drinking too much cider?"

"It is your destiny to be the greatest king Camelot has ever had. Your victory today will be remembered until the end of time." Merlin hands the prince his sword, "Trust in yourselves!"

Arthur looks at Merlin and says, "Sometimes, Merlin, you show...I don't know what it is. I don't want to say...It's not wisdom...but yes, thats what it is!"

Mary watches anxiously out the window as the army of Camelot gathers in the courtyard. Gwen stands beside her, "Are you worried?"

"Yes. Those are our friends, fathers, brothers out there. Have you seen how many men Cenred has? They outnumber us."

Gwen nods, "I worry too."

The girls take each other by the hand.

The battle starts and Mary and Gwen soon have no time to look out the window or worry about friends.

Camelot holds its own, but soon has to abandon the lower city and retreat behind the castle walls.

Merlin arrives at the citadel, where Gaius and Mary are bandaging a wounded man. They work hand in hand. "Gaius, Mary, we need to keep an eye on her." He looks over at Morgana, who is also helping to tend to the wounded.

"Don't worry, we'll do it!" nods Gaius. Merlin looks at Mary who has blood on her dress and already looks tired. "I have to get back to Arthur."

Mary looks at him and nods. She hurries to the next patient.

Mary wipes her brow. So many wounded people. She looks around. Chaos and screams fill the room. Suddenly, she sees Morgana leaving the citadel. Gaius is intently at work. Gwen is also tending a young knight. Mary doesn't think twice and follows Morgana at some distance. Morgana walks across the courtyard into the castle and into her chambers. Mary hides behind a pillar when Morgana comes out again shortly after with a long staff in hand.

Merlin arrives at the Citadel with a wounded man. Looking around, he cannot see Morgana anywhere. Gaius comes out from behind a curtain, "Morgana is gone!"

"Yes, I see that!"

"Sorry, I didn't see her leave. There's too much going on in here!"

"Gaius, where's Mary?"

Gaius looks around the hall. He can't see Mary anywhere either. Gwen comes over and Merlin asks, "Gwen, have you seen Mary?"

"No, sorry. Morgana isn't here anymore either. Maybe they went to get water together?" Gwen hurries on.

Merlin feels hot and cold at the same time. "I have to find Mary and Morgana. I suspect bad things!"

Gaius looks after him.

Merlin hurries through the corridors. He hopes Mary is somewhere and hasn't followed Morgana, whatever the witch is up to.

Mary follows Morgana into the catacombs in the depths of the castle. She hides behind a wall and peers out from behind it. Maybe she should be looking for Merlin now. Mary sees Morgana place the staff among all the tombs and then ram it into the ground with full force.

Merlin notices the force of the power Morgana releases, almost instantly. It takes his breath away for a moment. He walks even faster, now sensing where the magic is coming from.

Mary sees a light spread from the staff to all the tombs. She is horrified to discover that skeletons of the dead are rising from it and going into battle with swords and shields. The knights will not be able to fight on two fronts. Mary turns to warn Merlin and everyone else. She crashes into one of the skeletons, which sneers at her with empty eye sockets. Mary draws in a breath. The skeleton grabs her roughly by the arm and pulls her out of her hiding place. It raises its sword, but before it can stab her, Morgana shouts, "Stop! Bring her to me. I want her to watch." Mary is drawn to Morgana. She smiles wickedly at her, "You're brave, I'll give you that. But just as stupid as your friend Merlin. You don't stand a chance against me." Morgana ties Mary to a pillar: "Here you have the best place. I think your friend will show up soon too, don't you?"

Mary is silent. She hopes Merlin will show up soon. He is the only one who can stop this.

The skeletons are attacking Camelot from the heart. Arthur and his knights are surrounded and doing their best. But the battle seems lost before it has even really begun.

Merlin sees it from a window. Now it is clear to him where he must go. His path leads him into the catacombs.

When he gets there, Morgana is already waiting for him, "Oh there you are! You should go while you still can."

"Morgana, please, I beg you! Women and children are dying. The city will fall."

Merlin takes a step towards Morgana.

The latter raises her hand, "Don't take another step. You don't want to lose Mary, too."

Merlin only now sees the bound girl. "You can't want that, can you?"

"I have magic, Merlin! Uther hates me and everyone like me. Why shouldn't I hate him too?"

"You could change Uther's attitude. But using magic like this will only embolden him." Morgana, seems to control Mary's breathing with her hand. Mary suddenly gasps for air as if her throat is being squeezed shut. "You don't have magic, Merlin, how could you understand?"

"I understand, believe me!" Mary shakes her head slightly to keep Merlin from revealing more of himself. "If I had your gift, I'd use it for good," Merlin says. And then, "That's what magic is for! That's why you're born with these powers."

"You don't know what it's like to be an outsider, to be ashamed of it, to have to hide who you are. Do I deserve to be executed for who I am?"

Merlin looks to Mary, who is slowly losing consciousness. "No. It doesn't have to be that way. We'll find another solution."

"There is no other solution."

Merlin takes a step backward. He must somehow manage to get Morgana to release Mary. He suddenly runs toward the staff. Morgana reacts with lightning speed and rams the sword handle into his stomach. But she also releases Mary and the girl can breathe normally again. Blurredly, she perceives that Merlin is fighting Morgana.

Breathing heavily, Merlin says, "What do you want to do? Kill me?"

"Don't you think I could?"

"If you're going to do it, do it quickly! And spare Mary!"

"You wish!"

The swords continue to clash, just as they did on the surface, where Camelot's men are still trying to hold their own against Cenred's army and that of the skeletons.

Camelot is on the brink of destruction. Merlin also suddenly loses his sword and Morgana has the advantage. However, she stumbles and this is Merlin's chance. With his magic power, he causes the ceiling to collapse and Morgana is buried by stones.

Merlin grabs the sword that fell out of her hand, runs towards the staff and says "Snæde!" with glowing eyes he swings the sword and the staff is destroyed.

The skeletons collapse on the spot. Gripped with renewed courage, the Knights of Camelot push the attackers back outside the castle walls. Camelot is saved.

Merlin walks towards Mary with wobbly legs and cuts her loose. Together they sink to the ground, exhausted. Merlin asks, "Are you all right?"

"I am now!" replies Mary, resting her head against his shoulder.

By morning, Cenred's men have departed and the worst of the fires are extinguished. The king calls the court together.

Merlin and Mary reach the hall with Prince Arthur.

Merlin says, "Sire, I have something to tell you about Morgana!"

"It's all right, we know!"

Merlin and Mary stop in surprise. The prince goes to his seat, next to the king. It becomes quiet in the hall.

The king says, "Since I have been king, we have won many battles. But none has been as important as this one. Every man, every woman, every child has fought heroically. And I thank them all. Even before the battle, we knew there was a traitor among us. One who almost cost us the victory. But we have to thank the person who outwitted him and almost single-handedly changed the course of the battle. Lady Morgana!" Everyone applauds as Morgana steps up to the king. All except Merlin, Mary, and Gaius, who look at each other in shock. Uther continues, "For it was she who bravely entered the tomb, found the magic vessel, and destroyed it. We must be vigilant. We must resolutely confront the dark forces of magic. We must ensure that they never again breach our walls."

Morgana looks challengingly at Mary and Merlin.

That evening, Gaius and his two wards sit at the table. Gaius is glad to have them both back unharmed. Merlin once again pokes at his food and asks, "Why is Uther so blind to her true nature?"

Gaius replies, "I don't know, Merlin. It's a mystery. But Morgana will try again."

"I'll be ready."

"You must be careful."

"I'm not afraid of her. Gaius!"

"You should be."

"No. I feel sorry for her. She's become so bitter, so hateful."

"Don't let this happen to you, Merlin!"

Merlin shakes his head, "Nothing could ever make me so angry."

A little later, when Mary has already gone to bed, Gaius comes into Merlin's room again. "Merlin, I think you need to stop thinking only of yourself in this story with Morgana."

"What do you mean?"

"Mary, in the meantime, is just as involved in it, as you are! Morgana can't stand her any more than she can stand you. Only Mary, doesn't have any magic to protect her."

"I'm looking out for her. So you mean my fate is now tied to Mary's as well?"

Gaius nods, "It will be a challenge. And as hard as it is for me to say this, you will have Arthur to think of first and foremost. There will be moments when you will have to decide, whether to help Mary or Arthur. I've told you several times that you need to put the brakes on your feelings for the girl, and it breaks my heart that I might lose her because I let it get this far!"

"Gaius, I know what my destiny is. And I will protect Mary too!"

Gaius looks sadly at Merlin, "There will be harder times ahead, Merlin." Gaius leaves the young warlock alone, who lies awake in bed for a long time.