The Beginning of the End
'In a place of myth and a time of magic the fate of a great kingdom rests of the shoulders of a young boy. His name Merlin,' Kilgharrah as always began.
In the market of Camelot a man in a brown cloak is walking with his son in a dark green cloak. He comes across a stall, 'do you have my supplies ready? We must leave the city at once,' the man asks the stall owner.
'Too late,' Merlin sighed.
Arthur looked vaguely guilty.
'It's all there,' the stall owned passed the father a small satchel. 'I'm sorry,' he said.
'See why it's hard to trust anybody when you have magic,' Merlin said.
Gwen nodded.
'Is this what you live with everyday?' asked Arthur, 'the fear that somebody might discover you and hand you over to father.'
Merlin nodded.
The man and his son looked around as they saw the knights of Camelot coming. The father took the boy and pulled him under the stalls.
'Seize him,' the knights shouted.
The two run the man knocks over some barrels to avoid the guards. They are caught upon by some guards and the boy gets hurt. He screams.
Elsewhere in Camelot Merlin is walking down a corridor when Merlin here's the boy scream.
'How did you hear that?' asked Arthur.
'Telepathy,' Merlin said shrugging. 'Druids are good at it I can do it but I don't have much reason to.'
The druid flings the knight against the wall.
'I thought druids were peaceful people,' said Percival.
'His son was threatened,' Merlin said a little coolly.
Arthur winced at the tone of Merlin's voice.
'But they kidnapped Morgana,' said Leon.
'No they didn't,' said Merlin grimly.
He looks around then focusing on the gate say, 'Abanatae,'
'What does that mean?' asked Leon having been part of the search for the Druid boy.
'I command you to pull,' Merlin replied.
The gate shuts the old man takes Mordred by the shoulders and commands him to 'run.'
The boy runs as the knights seize the man.
The subtitles come on.
In a corridor in Camelot Merlin is walking when he hears a voice.
'Help,' the voice says. 'Help me,'
Merlin follows the voice where he sees a small boy in a green cloak, 'please help me,' the boy begs as the knights begin his search.
One knight pulls aside a civilian, 'you,' the knight commands, 'have you seen a boy?'
Merlin understands that they are searching for the boy.
'They're searching for me,' the boy explains telepathically.
'Why are they after you?' Merlin again asked telepathically.
'See told you I could use telepathy,' Merlin said proudly.
'We never doubted you, my son,' Huinith smiled.
'They're going to kill me,' the boy said in a panicky voice.
'He was terrified,' murmured Arthur.
'Do you blame him?' asked Gwen.
Arthur shook his head.
'Guards in here,' a knight shouts leading them away from the boy.
Merlin goes to the entrance of a servant's tunnel with the boy watching him nervously obviously scared he's going to abandon him.
'This way,' Merlin said waiting for the boy. 'Run. Run.'
The boy gets up and runs as fast he can whilst holding his injury.
One of the knights spots him, 'there he is,' he shouts at his comrades. The knights chase him.
'Oh so brave and noble,' Merlin's eyes flashed. 'A bunch of trained knights chasing after a defenceless child,' he said bitterly.
All the knights flinched at Merlin's angry tone as a strange wind filled the room. Merlin realised what he was doing and calmed down.
'Alert the rest of the guard,' the knight shouted.
Merlin and the boy run with guards behind them.
'Through there,' a knight shouts.
Merlin runs into a room. Morgana and Gwen start in surprise.
'Have you forgotten how to knock, Merlin?' asked Morgana.
'He's never learnt,' grinned Arthur.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
'The guards were after him I didn't know what to do,' Merlin said.
'Why her?' askedArthur outraged.
'She was always the one who was most against the prosecution of magic,' Merlin said. 'I thought if anyone would help me with the boy it would be her.'
There's a knock at the door of Morgana's chambers.
'My lady,' a knight said.
Morgana looks thoughtful.
The knight knocks again, 'my lady,' he repeats.
'In there,' Morgana points towards a curtain.
Merlin pulls the boy behind the curtain of the alcove just as Morgana opens the door to the guard, 'I'm sorry my lady we're searching for a young druid boy he came this way.'
The druid boy faints in Merlin's arms.
'What was wrong with him?' asked Gwaine.
'He'd been stabbed,' Merlin growled.
'I haven't seen anyone,' Morgana said looking the knight right in the eye. 'It's just me and my maid.'
'Best keep the door locked till we find him,' the knight advised.
'He's just a boy,' Gwen said angrily.
'Of course, thank you,' Morgana closed the door and went to the alcove where she found the boy in Merlin's arms. The three saw the blood and shared a worried look.
In the council chambers Arthur and Uther are talking.
'The druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies he meant no harm was it really necessary to execute him?' Arthur questioned his father.
'At least one Pendragon is fair,' said Merlin.
'I think it's because Arthur's more like Ygraine than Uther,' Gaius smiled, 'whereas Morgana is very much like Uther.'
'Morgana executes non-magic people and Uther executes anything associated with magic,' nodded Gwen.
Arthur looked very awkward at this comparison.
'Absolutely necessary those who use magic will not be tolerated,' Uther decreed.
'But they have no choice,' Arthur said.
'I know but your father has long been blind to reason where magic is concerned,' sighed Gaius.
'The druids are a peaceful people,' Arthur tried to reason with his father.
'Given a chance and they'd return magic to the kingdom,' Uther warned his son.
'So would I,' said Merlin.
'They just want to live in peace,' said Percival.
'Of course, they'd see magic return to kingdom they want to live without fear of persecution,' said Gwen angrily.
Arthur remained unconvinced as Uther took a drink out of his goblet, 'they preach peace but conspire against me,' Uther told his son.
'By being themselves?' asked Merlin angry.
'I cannot appear weak,' Uther said.
'Showing mercy can be a sign of strength,' Arthur said.
'And never forget that,' Gwen said.
'I won't,' Arthur said.
'Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to our people,' Uther said.
'All of them,' said Merlin. 'He's forgotten that once many magic users lived under the same laws as non-magic people.'
'Executing the druid will send out a clear message to our people.'
In Morgana's chambers the druid boy is lying with his shirt off where everyone can see his druid tattoo. Outside the druid is being executed.
'The man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic,' Uther said. 'This will send out a clear warning to your people. His accomplish
'His son,' Hunith corrected, 'do you know how terrifying it is to try and bring up a child who has magic who can be taken from you any day?'
Merlin looked guilty, 'mother-' he began.
'Don't,' Hunith smiled at her son. 'I wouldn't want you any other way.'
Merlin smiled.
is still be searched for anyone found harbouring the boy will be executed as a traitor,'
Merlin and Morgana shared a worried look.
The druid has some last words to say, 'you've let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you.'
'So did I,' murmured Merlin.
'I can't watch this,' Morgana said weakly walking away from Merlin and the window.
'How did she turn from the girl who can't stand to watch an execution to the witch who is willing to murder innocents for the sake of it?' asked Leon.
'An angry person is dangerous a scared person is more so,' said Merlin, 'because they have nothing to loose.'
'And magic users today are usually both scared, angry and bitter at the life they're forced to live,' Gaius added.
Morgana puts her arms around the boy as the king gives the signal for the druid to be executed. The druid is forced to his knees and his head placed on the chopping block.
'At least it's quicker than burning,' Gaius said.
Merlin nodded sadly.
As the axe comes down on the father's head the son screams telepathically causing the mirror on Morgana's table to smash.
Later Merlin is playing with his food whilst Gaius has his science equipment out.
'Do you know anything about the druids?' Merlin asked.
'Not obvious at all,' muttered Lancelot.
Merlin shrugged.
'Very little,' Gaius replied absentmindedly. 'They are a very secretive people especially now they're being hunted by Uther,' then he turned to look at his ward. 'Why do you ask? Please tell me you haven't got yourself mixed up in this.'
'He really knows you well,' laughed Hunith.
'Your son's going to be death of me,' Gaius said. 'There can't be trouble without Merlin being somehow involved.'
'Me?' Merlin feigned innocence. 'Mixed up in what?'
'Very convincing,' laughed Lancelot.
'For someone with such a big secret you are a terrible liar,' Gaius said.
'But I can be very creative with the truth,' Merlin said.
'And distract us by being an idiot,' Arthur added.
Merlin grinned.
'Well I haven't done anything,' Merlin said.
'Merlin,' Gaius demanded.
'I heard the boy calling out,' Merlin admitted. 'He was nowhere to be seen but I could hear him inside my mind.'
'Yes I've heard of this ability,' admitted Gaius.
'Which Merlin has,' grinned Gwaine.
'The druids search for children with this ability to serve has apprentices,' Gaius informed Merlin. 'While they're searching for this boy you must be especially careful otherwise it will be your head on the chopping block.'
Everyone around the room but Merlin gulped; they couldn't bear to see the boy dead.
'I'm always careful,' Merlin assured Gaius. 'You know me.'
'Yes Merlin unfortunately I do,' Gaius retorted.
'Ouch,' laughed Gwaine.
In the town the guards continue to search for the druid boy as Merlin walks past. He enters Morgana's chambers.
'How is he?' Merlin asked.
'He's sleeping,' the two walk toward the boy, 'he's very pale I worry he may have lost a lot of blood.'
'Has he said anything at all?' Merlin asked.
'Nothing he won't even tell me his name,' Morgana said.
'Really?' asked Arthur. 'He told me it.'
'What was it?' asked Merlin.
'Mordred,' shrugged Arthur.
'You know for a moment there I thought you'd hand us over to the guards,' Merlin laughed.
'I'm glad you have so much faith in me, Merlin,' Morgana retorted.
'No, no, sorry,' Merlin said quickly. 'I meant you're the king's ward you're taking a huge risk helping the boy.'
'Well I wouldn't see an innocent child executed,' Morgana said. 'What harm has he ever done anyone?'
'None,' sighed Arthur.
'Well Uther believes he has magic,' Merlin said. 'And that makes him guilty.'
'Uther's wrong,' Morgana said.
'He's already pushed her away,' said Arthur.
Merlin nodded sadly.
'You believe that?' asked Merlin hopefully.
'You thought you'd earned an ally in Camelot,' said Gwen.
'That's why it hurt so much when she betrayed us,' Merlin sighed.
'What if magic isn't something you choose what if it chooses you?' Morgana asked.
Merlin gave her a smile looking at Morgana.
'Why are you looking at me like that?' Morgana demanded.
'Nothing,' Merlin said quickly.
'Why are you helping him?' asked Morgana.
'Spur of the moment decision,' Merlin lied.
'Because you could be in his position,' Gwen said.
'So easily,' Merlin nodded.
'What do you think we should do with him?' asked Merlin. 'He can't stay here.'
'We have to find a way to get him back to his people,' Morgana said.
They watched Mordred sleeping.
Later Morgana and Uther are having dinner.
'Wait where's Arthur?' asked Gwaine.
'Looking for the boy,' replied Leon.
When Arthur enters.
'What news of the boy? How goes the hunt?' asked the king.
'We've conducted an extensive hunt the boy is nowhere to be found,' Arthur informed his father.
'You mean you've failed to find him,' Uther summarized.
'Perhaps he's already left the city,' suggested Arthur.
'Your telling me a wounded boy managed to evade the guards and escape the city? Nonsense someone's hiding him,' Uther said oblivious to his ward's nervous look.
'Well he was right on that account,' Gaius frowned at Merlin.
'I want him found.'
'He's just a boy,' Arthur defended Mordred. 'What harm can he do?'
'At least someone's talking sense,' Hunith said.
'Father never sees sense when magic is involved,' Arthur sighed.
'He's a druid,' Uther said again. 'And that makes him dangerous.'
'The druids would see your father's kingdom destroyed,' said Morgana suddenly.
Arthur and Uther stared at her.
'I still don't know why she said that,' said Arthur.
'To direct suspicion away from herself,' replied Merlin.
'I had no idea you were such an authority on druids,' said Arthur.
'Morgana is right,' Uther supported his daughter. 'Double your efforts,' he commanded his heir.
'Yes father,' Arthur said looking annoyed.
'Keep searching until you find him,' Uther said.
Morgana and Merlin are in Morgana's chambers looking after Mordred once again when Arthur comes to the door Merlin and Mordred hide behind the curtain.
'What do I owe the pleasure?' Morgana asked.
'Don't get all excited it's not a social call I'm searching for the druid boy,' Arthur said. 'I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers.'
'You're not searching my chambers,' Morgana said sounding outraged.
'Don't take it personally I have to search the whole castle,' Arthur said.
'I won't have you messing up my things,' Morgana tried to stop him from finding the druid.
'I'm not interesting in your things I'm just looking for any evidence that the druid boy is in the castle,' Arthur informed her.
Merlin spots Mordred's shoes in the middle of the room.
'How did I miss them?' asked Arthur.
'You'll see,' grinned Merlin.
'Perhaps the boy's hiding in your chambers they're usually so messy you'd never notice,' Morgana jibed.
'Well it's hardly my fault that I have such lazy idiot for a servant,' said Arthur.
'I'm not lazy I just have more important things to worry about than your chambers,' said Merlin.
'In other words your useful at everything but your job,' Arthur laughed.
'Yeah,' Merlin grinned.
'He never learned to work the conventional way,' said Hunith.
'Magic is much quicker and easier,' Merlin said.
'And likely to get you executed,' said Gaius drily.
Merlin shrugged, 'I won't be something I'm not!'
'Bestaep sceos,' Merlin said.
'What does that mean?' asked Gwen.
'Go boots,' Merlin replied.
'That simple?' asked Arthur.
'There's no point in making them fancy and complicated,' Merlin shrugged.
'If you can't find your own servant what hope have you of finding the boy?' Morgana jibed.
Arthur ignored her and walked around close to where the boots were walking towards Merlin and Mordred.
'Gestile sceos,' Merlin said and the boots hid behind a pillar and stopped.
'Boots be still,' Merlin answered before anyone could ask.
'As much as I would love to stay and talk the sooner that I start the sooner I finish,' Arthur said.
Arthur looked the opposite way Merlin was enchanting the boots once again, 'astyre sceos.'
'Guide the boots,' Merlin sighed.
The boots walked into Merlin's arms.
'Then I'll save you the trouble,' Morgana told Arthur.
'Trust me if I could find the boy I would,' Arthur said whilst eating.
'The druid boy's hiding behind the screen,' Morgana said suddenly. 'I'm sure your father would love to know how you've been rifling through my things. Go on.'
'I can't believe I fell for that,' muttered Arthur.
'So you can have the satisfaction of making me a fool?' asked Arthur.
'In my experience you don't need any help looking a fool. What are you waiting for? Go on take a look,' the witch dared the prince.
'Why don't you just go back to brushing your hair or whatever you do all day,' Arthur retorted.
'By Arthur,' Morgana grinned, 'good luck with the search.'
In Arthur's chambers Merlin has given Arthur some soup.
'Obrinde, cume mec,' Merlin enchants and the key on Arthur's belt comes to him.
Arthur looked outraged, 'you stole my key?'
Merlin shrugged.
'What was that spell you used?' asked Arthur.
'Bring, come to me,' Merlin shrugged.
'I'll have to remember that one,' muttered Arthur.
Arthur turned around to Merlin.
'Do you have any bread?' the prince asked not noticing the key behind his head. 'What's that sound?' he said suddenly.
'What?' Merlin asked.
'There was a sound,' Arthur said.
'Was there,' Merlin asked blankly shaking his head.
'You are a good liar,' Gwaine said suddenly.
'I'd be dead if I wasn't,' Merlin said.
'What is that,' Arthur turned around trying to locate the sound of keys whilst Merlin kept them out of his prince's eyesight. 'Are you sure you can't here that?'
Merlin shook his head again, 'I can't hear anything,' Merlin lied.
'Are you death? It's like a jangling sound,' Arthur said looking up then following the keys forward.
'There,' said Merlin.
'What?' Arthur said suddenly.
'I thought I saw something,' Merlin said.
Merlin then dropped the keys in the soup. Arthur had heard, 'what was that?'
'What?' asked Merlin.
'A different sound like a splash,' explained Arthur.
Merlin picked up a peace of bread, 'bread?' he asked.
Arthur shoved Merlin out of the way and as Arthur tried to get the sound out of his head Merlin picked up the keys.
A guard and Arthur are walking down.
'A servant saw someone entering they had a boy with them,' the guard told the prince.
Arthur checked the secret door but it was locked pulling out his keys he realised that he had keys missing, 'sound the warning bell he ordered the guard.'
'And you never suspected me,' grinned Merlin.
Arthur and the knights follow Morgana and Mordred. Morgana leads Mordred into the stables where Arthur follows them. He is surprised to see his step sister.
In the council rooms Uther and Morgana are arguing.
'All this time you've been hiding the boy in your chambers,' Uther said angrily.
'Then punish me don't harm the boy,' Morgana begged the king.
'You must learn that actions have consequences,' Uther said. 'The boy will die and until then you are confined to your chamber. The boy will die.'
'If you do this I will never forgive you,' Morgana stormed off.
Later Arthur and Uther are talking.
'Are you sure your going to execute him?' asked Arthur. 'Given his age surely allowances should be made. Maybe imprisonment is better.'
'Too let him grow into a threat?' asked Uther. 'No the boy will die.'
'I don't say this in concern for the boy but for Morgana,' Arthur said. 'I fear that if you do this she will never forgive you.'
'Forgive me?' Uther asked outraged. 'It is she who betrayed me. She can thank her father for the promise I made to look after her that she was not executed. If it happens again I will not be so lenient.'
Arthur left for his chambers where Morgana was waiting for him.
'Yes Morgana come into my chambers,' Arthur said.
'Help me save the boy,' Morgana said.
'I can't I tried talking father out of it but he won't budge nothing can be done,' Arthur sighed.
'You know this isn't right,' Morgana said.
At this moment Merlin walked in.
'Merlin clean my chambers,' Arthur said.
'I trust Merlin,' said Morgana suddenly.
'We're planning to break the druid boy out,' said Arthur.
'Morgana shouldn't help,' Merlin said.
'He's right if the boy escapes father will immediately suspect you,' Arthur said. 'Apologize have a meal with him.'
'But the plan needs two people,' said Morgana.
'Merlin can help,' Arthur said.
Later Merlin and Gaius are having a conversation.
'You look down,' Gaius said. 'I suppose this is about the druid boy.'
'What if you knew something terrible were to happen,' Merlin said.
'How bad,' Gaius asked.
'Bad so bad,' Merlin said. 'But it would stop something worse happening.'
'It sounds like you've made your decision,' Gaius said.
'I had,' sighed Merlin.
'But you came,' Arthur said.
'Telepathy,' Merlin said. 'I couldn't listen to him die.'
Later Arthur breaks Mordred out of the cell. They are running until they get to the grates.
'Merlin,' hissed Arthur. 'Where the hell is he?'
The guards are about to discover him.
'Emrys,' the boy calls.
Merlin puts his hands on his head in attempt to block out the sound of the boy.
'I thought we were the same,'
This gets through to Merlin who runs off to where the boy is.
'Where were you?' Arthur groaned.
'Got held up by Gaius,' Merlin said.
Merlin leaves Arthur who meets up with a druid.
'Wait what's your name?' asked Arthur.
The older druids nod at Mordred.
'My name is Mordred,' the boy said.