KILGHRARRAH
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy. His name: Merlin.
Kait whispers excitedly, she is always excited when she watches this show. "That's my one of my most favorite things of this show."
Arthur looks over, confused, "the dragon talking about Merlin?"
Kait shakes her head, "no, when Merlin's eyes flash like that. When he uses magic his eyes turn to gold as you have seen. That is most favorite thing about him."
"Really?" asks Merlin, a bit shocked, as Hunith chuckles.
She nods.
Merlin grins, then turns to her. His eyes flash gold, Kait grins and laughs a bit to herself.
Arthur, on the other hand, frowns, "what did you do?" Kait looks around as Merlin looks forward and grins, not saying anything.
Kait then spots what he did, and starts giggling. Arthur has big donkey ears, and bright turquoise hair. Arthur's hands fly to his head, feeling around in horror. Merlin mumbles under his laughter, "you should see the color." Then starts snorting.
Gwaine cracks up laughing so hard he falls out of his chair.
Arthur rips a piece out of his head and the appalled look on his face turned to playful anger, the way he only gets with Merlin. He starts to lunge but with two flashes of gold Arthur is pushed back into his seat and everything turns to normal. Arthur feels it and is glad it is gone even though he hides it as he sets his jaw and refuses to look at the grinning Merlin.
VALIANT
I understand you have a shield for me.
[The merchant, Devlin, motions for him to come behind the counter.]
DEVLIN
With your swordcraft and this shield, I guarantee you'll win.
VALIANT
Show me how it works.
DEVLIN
Certainly. Tharanai im bis entra ofra honra stolle.
[The painted snakes on the shield come to life and slither out of the shield.]
When you're competing in the tournament, you pin your opponent under the shield, a snake strikes. Your opponent will be paralyzed.
[Devlin hands him the shield.]
The snakes are now under your command. They will do anything that you tell them to do.
VALIANT
Anything?
"Idiot," snorts Arthur.
DEVLIN
Just say the word. [They both laugh.]
VALIANT
Kill him.
[A snake darts out from the shield and strikes Devlin.]
"Told you."
"We know Arthur we were all here," Kait says flatly.
[EXT. CAMELOT - DAY]
[Valiant rides for Camelot and places his helmet and seal on the registration table.]
VALIANT
Knight Valiant of the Western Isles. I'm here for the tournament.
STEWARD
Welcome to Camelot.
[OPENING CREDITS]
[EXT. CAMELOT CASTLE RAMPARTS - DAY]
ARTHUR
Ready?
MERLIN
Would it make any difference if I said no?
Arthur chuckles and rolls his eyes.
ARTHUR
Not really.
[Merlin draws his sword. Arthur attacks.]
ARTHUR
Body. Shield. Body. Shield.
MERLIN
Shield.
ARTHUR
Head.
"Was this for you or for me?" asks Merlin, curious.
"Both. Did you notice how much better of a swordsman you were? It saved your life once or twice when your magic couldn't."
MERLIN
Head? Ow.
ARTHUR
Come on, Merlin. You're not even trying.
[Arthur tags Merlin in the back.]
MERLIN
Ow! I am.
Gwaine growls in displeasure at how Arthur treated Merlin before he changed.
ARTHUR
Once more.
MERLIN
Oh, no.
ARTHUR
To the left. To the right. And left. Head.
MERLIN
Ow!
ARTHUR
Come on, Merlin! I've got a tournament to win.
MERLIN
Can we stop now, please? Ow! Shield. Body.
ARTHUR
Shield.
MERLIN
Shield. Ah.
[Arthur hits him on the head.]
MERLIN
Ow.
[Merlin topples over backwards and his helmet rolls off.]
ARTHUR
You're braver than you look. Most servants collapse after the first blow.
"Thanks." Merlin says deadpan.
MERLIN
Is it over?
ARTHUR
That was just the warm up. How's your mace work coming along?
[Arthur swings a mace over his head.]
MERLIN [sighs]
[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]
Merlin walks in, losing his armour as he goes
GAIUS [chuckles]
So, how was your first day as Arthur's servant?
[Merlin taps his head.]
MERLIN
Do you hear clanging?
"It wasn't that bad," retorts Arthur.
Merlin snorts.
Hunith smiles.
[Merlin sits at the table wearing his tunic. Gaius massages Merlin's shoulders.]
MERLIN
Ah! It was horrible and I've still got to learn all about tournament etiquette by the morning. OnhrÃne achtung bregdan!
[After he casts a spell, a book slides to Merlin on the table and opens up.]
Arthur reaches over and slaps the back of Merlin's head, "you idiot!"
Hunith very much agrees with her prince, not that she would say so aloud.
GAIUS
Oi! [He slaps the back of Merlin's head.] What've I told you about using magic like this?
Arthur nods in a jerky movement.
MERLIN
If I could actually feel my arms, I'd pick up the book myself.
Merlin looks at Arthur expectantly.
"What?"
"That's why I did it, I couldn't even lift my arm."
Arthur rolls his eyes, "your so melodramatic." Kait snorts at this.
GAIUS
Never mind your arms. What do I do if you get caught?
MERLIN
What would you do?
GAIUS
Well, you just make sure it doesn't happen, for both our sakes.
[Gaius goes back to treating Merlin's shoulders.]
MERLIN
Ah! I save Arthur from being killed and I end up as a servant. How is that fair?
GAIUS
I'm not sure fairness comes into it. You never know, it might be fun.
MERLIN [scoffs]
You think mucking out Arthur's horses is going to be fun? You should hear my list of duties.
GAIUS
We all have our duties. Even Arthur.
"You should know that Merlin," Hunith frowns.
MERLIN
It must be so tough for him with all the girls and the glory.
Arthur presses his lips, so many people think this of him.
GAIUS
He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure.
No kidding, thinks Arthur.
[He presses hard on Merlin's arm.]
MERLIN
Ah! That makes two of us.
Gwaine chuckles, "your arm is under pressure or your destiny is putting you under it?"
"Both," Merlin chuckles.
[GUINEVERE'S HOUSE - DAY]
Merlin brings Arthur's armour to Gwen's house. Merlin's dressed in the armor.
"What on Earth are you doing?" Arthur exclaims.
"Well how do you think I learned to put on your armor?" Merlin fires back playfully.
Arthur chuckles, though now that he thinks of it this is the only time he remembers seeing Merlin in armor.
GWEN
So, you've got voiders on the arms.
MERLIN
Mmhhmmm.
GWEN
The hauberk goes over your chest.
MERLIN
The chest. The arms. The chest.
GWEN
I guess you know what to do with the helmet.
MERLIN
Erm, yeah. Yeah, that was the only bit I'd figured out.
GWEN [giggles]
[Merlin puts the helmet on.]
MERLIN
How come you're so much better at this than me?
GWEN
I'm the blacksmith's daughter. I know pretty much everything there is to know about armour, which is actually kind of sad.
MERLIN
No, it's brilliant!
Arthur glares at Merlin.
"What? You had no feelings for her at that moment and besides I only liked her as a sister."
"Shut up."
[EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY]
Merlin struggles to get the vambrace on Arthur's lower arm.
ARTHUR
You do know the tournament starts today?
MERLIN
Yes, Sire.
[Merlin fixes the buckle on the gorget.]
MERLIN
You nervous?
ARTHUR
I don't get nervous.
"Liar," chuckles Kait.
MERLIN
Really? I thought everyone got nervous.
ARTHUR
Will you shut up!
[Merlin grabs Arthur's cape, ties it on him, and hands Arthur his helmet.]
MERLIN
Great, yeah. I think you're all set.
Gwaine chuckles, seeing it immediately.
ARTHUR
Aren't you forgetting something? My sword.
Before Arthur can say anything Merlin breaks in, "Hey! It was my first time and I've gotten tons better."
MERLIN
Oh, yeah. Yeah, sorry. Guess, uh, you'll be needing that.
[Arthur grabs the sword and marches off.]
MERLIN
That went well.
[TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY] [Guinevere and Morgana sit excitedly in the stands of the tournament grounds as the competitors enter the arena. Merlin peeks around the entrance as Uther struts past the front line of knights]
UTHER
Knights of the realm, it's a great honour to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of 1,000 gold pieces.
[A box is opened revealing the gold.]
UTHER
It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!
[Crowd cheers. The knights exit the arena. Uther stops by Arthur on his way to the stands and speaks to him in a low voice.]
UTHER
I trust you will make me proud.
"No pressure," mutters Kait.
Hunith frowns, what kind of father would put that on their son?
[Uther slaps his back. Guards take Arthur and the other knight's capes, and they put on helmets. The crowd cheers and Guinevere whoops. Arthur and the knight fight.]
MERLIN
Yeah! Come on!
[Arthur wins and the crowd cheers.]
MERLIN
Yeah!
[Valiant wins his bout. Meanwhile, other knights compete. Arthur and Merlin watch Valiant fighting.]
MERLIN
Knight Valiant looks pretty handy with a sword.
[Valiant exits the arena and stops near Arthur.]
VALIANT
May I offer my congratulations on your victories today?
ARTHUR
Likewise.
VALIANT
I hope to see you at the reception this evening.
[Valiant leaves with his servant.]
MERLIN
Creep.
Arthur and Kait chuckle, Gwaine smirks.
ARTHUR [snorts]
MERLIN [snorts]
ARTHUR
Uh, for tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail.
[MERLIN'S CHAMBER]
All of these tasks are magically being done while Merlin reads the magic book. Gaius enters and all of the objects drop
Arthur scowls at his friend and servant's idiocy.
GAIUS
Are you using magic again?
MERLIN
No.
"Your a terrible liar."
Merlin sighs, "I know."
GAIUS
What's all this, then?
MERLIN [shrugs]
Arthur chuckles.
GAIUS
I just came to tell you that supper's ready.
[THRONE ROOM - DAY]
The tournament knights queue up to meet Uther and Lady Morgana
VALIANT
Knight Valiant of the Western Isles, My Lord.
UTHER
I saw you fighting today. You have a very aggressive style.
VALIANT
Well, as My Lord said, "To lose is to be disgraced."
UTHER
I couldn't agree more. Knight Valiant, may I present the Lady Morgana, my ward.
"Course you couldn't," snorts Kait darkly.
[Valiant bows to kiss Morgana's hand while Arthur looks on with a wry grin.]
VALIANT
My Lady.
MORGANA
I saw you competing today.
VALIANT
I saw you watching. I understand the tournament champion has the honour of escorting My Lady to the feast.
MORGANA
That's correct.
VALIANT
Then I will give everything to win the tournament.
[She smiles and nods to him, he nods back.]
VALIANT
My Lady.
[Valiant walks over to shake hands with other knights, Morgana and Guinevere watch him. Arthur bows to his father.]
UTHER
Arthur.
ARTHUR
Father.
"Jezz that was a bit cold, no affection with you two I see." Kait raises her eyebrows.
Arthur shrugs.
Just then Gwaine snorts, then burst out laughing. Everyone gives him strange looks before he explains, "have you noticed how we all have daddy issues? Seriously do any of us have normal parenting? Merlin and I never met our father and Arthur's got, well, he's got Uther." Hunith and Kait chuckle at the knight's silliness. After a moment of sadness Merlin joins in, even Arthur can't resist long, trying to look offended but not working against the charming knight.
[Arthur looks over at Valiant before walking to Morgana.]
MORGANA
They all seem rather impressed by Knight Valiant.
ARTHUR
They're not the only ones.
MORGANA
You're not jealous, are you?
ARTHUR
I don't see there's anything to be jealous of.
[Morgana's smile fades. Arthur walks on.]
MORGANA [to Guinevere, in a low voice]
Could Arthur be any more annoying?
Merlin sighs then, "nope." He says, popping the 'P'.
Arthur slaps Merlin's arm.
MORGANA
I so hope Knight Valiant wins the tournament.
GUINEVERE
You don't really mean that.
MORGANA
Yes, I do.
[ARMOURY]
Merlin hears a hissing sound
MERLIN
Hello? Is there someone there?
Arthur makes a sound of aspiration, "do you always just stumble on attempts to kill me?"
Merlin shrugs and nods.
Arthur looks shocked, "how much? I mean how many?"
Merlin smirks and looks a mixture of frustrated and tired, "almost daily sometimes."
Arthur looks at the screen, astounded. Gwaine chuckles at his look while Hunith is surprised at how much trouble those two get into.
[Merlin finds Valiant's shield and sees one of the snake eyes blink. he moves to touch it when someone puts a sword to his chest. Merlin gets up.]
VALIANT
Can I help you with something, boy?
Arthur's lip curls and he scolds in disgust at the knight and the danger Merlin has put himself in.
MERLIN
Nope. I'm good. I, I was just... I was, erm, gathering my master's armour.
VALIANT
Then you'd best be on your way.
MERLIN
Right, yeah. No problem.
The look on Gwaine's face is absolutely deadly.
[Merlin picks up the armour and stumbles on his way out.]
[ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS]
Arthur's armour is laid out on the table. Arthur enters, dressed in his gambeson
ARTHUR
You did all this on your own?
MERLIN
Yes, Sire.
Arthur and Kait snort.
ARTHUR
Now let's see if you can get me into it without forgetting anything.
[Merlin puts on Arthur's hauberk and surcoat, followed by the gorget, vambraces, pauldron, and couter. Next, his mail coif, belt, sword belt, dagger, and sword. Merlin hands Arthur his helmet.]
ARTHUR
That was much better. Not that it could have got any worse.
MERLIN
I'm a fast learner.
ARTHUR
I hope, for you sake, that's true.
"It is," Merlin says in that annoyingly cheerful way only he can.
MERLIN
Good luck.
[EXT. TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY]
Arthur marches into the arena and acknowledges the crowd. Merlin watches from the entrance
GAIUS
Is it my imagination, or are you beginning to enjoy yourself?
Merlin slouches in his chair and grumbles, Hunith smiles at how close they are getting in such a short time.
MERLIN
It... [sighs] It isn't totally horrible all the time.
[Arthur fights his opponent.]
MERLIN
Yes! [claps]
Arthur looks at Merlin in surprise, "you were rooting for me?"
"I had to didn't I? I mean what would happen if someone saw me not rooting for you?" Merlin teases, Arthur and Gwaine chuckle.
[Valiant fights in the arena. He knocks down Sir Ewan, whose helm rolls off. Valiant pins him down with his shield.]
VALIANT
Strike him.
[Serpents come out of shield.]
VALIANT
Strike him!
[Serpent bites Sir Ewan. Valiant hits him and stands up. Crowd cheers. Arthur and Merlin see Sir Ewan lying motionless on the ground.]
Arthur glares darkly at Valiant on the screen. If looks could kill, the wall would have exploded.
"Coward," hisses Gwaine, Hunith nods defiantly.
MERLIN
I think he's badly hurt.
[Gaius enters the arena with his medical bag.]
"Thank goodness for Gaius," whispers Kait.
[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]
Merlin enters and puts down Arthur's armor.
MERLIN
How is he?
GAIUS
It's most odd. Look at this. See these two small wounds. Looks like a snake bite.
Merlin
How could he've been bitten by a snake? He was injured in the sword fight.
GAIUS
But the symptoms are consistent with poisoning: slow pulse, fever, paralysis.
MERLIN
Can you heal him?
GAIUS
Well, if it is a snake bite, I'll have to extract venom from the snake that bit him to make an antidote.
MERLIN
What happens if he doesn't get the antidote?
GAIUS
Then I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for him. He's going to die.
MERLIN
He was fighting Knight Valiant.
"That's how you figured it out," realizes Gwaine.
Hunith looks at her son in pride.
GAIUS
What's that?
MERLIN
Nothing.
Arthur turns to Merlin, "let me guess... your going to go tramping to his room and do something stupid. Am I right?"
Merlin thinks for a bit, then nods and grins. Hunith closes her eyes and sighs.
[VALIANT'S GUEST CHAMBERS]
Valiant walks through the Red Ribbon Chamber and Merlin spies him from around the corner and follows to spy on Valiant in his guest quarters. Valiant pulls a mouse out of a cage
VALIANT
Dinner time. Come on.
"Ugh," groans Kait.
[Valiant feeds it to the snakes in the shield.]
"That's... disturbing," Gwaine says, disgusted.
[Merlin scurries away, but Valiant hears him and follows. Merlin hides in an alcove of the Criss-cross Corridor and Valiant gives up the chase.]
[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]
Gaius sits beside Ewan when Merlin enters
MERLIN
I've just seen one of the snakes in Valiant's shield come alive. He's using magic.
GAIUS
Are you sure?
"Duh, what else would it be," Kait exclaims aspirated.
MERLIN
The snake ate a mouse - one swallow, straight down. Sir Ewan was fighting Valiant when he collapsed. It must've been one of the snakes from the shield. I have to tell Arthur.
Arthur looks at Merlin with fondness, "you trusted me even then."
Merlin flashes his dimples and shrugs.
GAIUS
Is there any chance you might be mistaken?
MERLIN
I know magic when I see it.
GAIUS
Perhaps, but have you any proof?
MERLIN
Don't you believe me?
GAIUS
I fear you'll land yourself in trouble. How will you explain why you were in Valiant's chambers?
MERLIN
What does that matter? He's using magic to cheat in the tournament!
"That's noble Merlin but it doesn't work that way, you must have proof." Arthur says sadly. Gwaine sighs but agrees.
GAIUS
But you can't go accusing a knight of using magic without proof. The King would never accept the word of servant over the word of a knight.
"That has to change," mutters Arthur.
MERLIN
What? So what I say doesn't count for anything?
GAIUS
I'm afraid it counts for very little as far as the King is concerned. That's the way it is.
"Not for long," Arthur lifts his chin.
"Thank you, Arthur."
[TRAINING GROUNDS/TOURNAMENT GROUNDS]
Merlin and Arthur watch as a serving boy uses a step ladder to put on the helm of Arthur's next opponent.
"You... are going to fight, that?..." Hunith stutters.
Gwaine and Merlin snort, Hunith glances at them.
Arthur smirks a bit and nods.
MERLIN
You're telling me you've got to fight that?
ARTHUR
Yes, and he's strong as a bear. But he's slow.
MERLIN
Ah, and you're fast.
ARTHUR
Exactly.
"You seem surprised Arthur, is Merlin not as stupid as you thought?" Kait grins.
Arthur says nothing but fights a smile as he crosses his arms.
[Merlin finishes helping Arthur with his armour. Morgana absently strokes Guinevere's cloak in the stands.]
"What on earth is she doing?" Merlin squints his eyes, but the others look just sa confused as he.
GWEN
You're not worried, are you?
MORGANA
No.
[Merlin sees Valiant put down his shield. Gaius approaches Merlin.]
GAIUS
How're you getting on?
MERLIN
Fine. Just doing my job. Minding my own business.
"why Merlin you sound a bit frustrated," jokes Gwaine.
"Huh, wonder why," Merlin rolls his eyes.
[Arthur fights the bear knight and wins. Valiant wins his next match. Merlin and Gaius look at the final brackets.]
MERLIN
Valiant's going to fight Arthur in the final. He'll use the shield to kill him.
"Nah," waves off Kait," you wouldn't let 'em." Merlin flashes his dimples at her.
[GAIUS' CHAMBERS]
Merlin sits beside Ewan when Gaius enters
GAIUS
Merlin, about what I said yesterday... Look, Uther wouldn't really listen to you or me, but you are right. We can't let Valiant get away with this.
MERLIN
But we don't have any proof.
GAIUS
Well, if we could cure Ewan, he could tell the King that Valiant was using magic. The King would believe another knight. But how we get the antidote...Well, that's another matter.
Arthur groans, "I know that look on your face, Merlin."
Said wizard chuckles.
Hunith sighs, she also knows that look.
[Merlin gets up and leaves.]
GAIUS
Merlin?
[COUNCIL CHAMBERS]
The knights toast
KNIGHTS
Long live Valiant!
UTHER
So Valiant, do you think you stand a chance of defeating my son?
VALIANT
He is a great warrior, My Lord. I do hope to be a worthy opponent.
Arthur snorts.
[Merlin peeks into the Council Chamber.]
"How many times have you snuck by and eavesdropped?" Arthur looks at Merlin expectantly.
"You'll see." Merlin chuckles.
UTHER
You should stay in Camelot after the tournament. I could do with more knights like you.
Like a flip of a coin Arthur goes from playful to anger, "a knight? That man is no knight. He is a coward. I would rather take my life than become like him."
"Lets hope you don't have to," comments Gwaine.
VALIANT
I'd be honoured, My Lord.
Kait snorts.
