The Labyrinth of Gedref
'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.' Kilgharrah as always began.
'We know,' yawned Gwaine.
In the forest Arthur's hunting party in the woods, armed with crossbows. Arthur sends two of his knights around another way.
'Merlin,' Arthur whispers.
'What is it?' Merlin asks loudly.
'I don't know. We'll surround it. I want you to go in there and flush it out,' Arthur pointed in to where the animal was.
'You want me to go in there? You just said you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous,' said Merlin.
'No problem for someone with your talents,' grinned Lancelot.
'Let's hope so. Now go,' Arthur orders.
Merlin sneaks through the woods and picks up a large stick. Merlin sees a unicorn and drops the stick.
'It's beautiful,' whispers Hunith and Gwen.
Merlin nodded, 'I know.'
'Did you kill it?' asked Elyon intrigued.
Merlin frowned, 'unfortunately.'
Merlin walks up to it and hears the hunters coming.
'Go. Go! Please, go. Shh. They're gonna kill you. Please, go! Arthur, no!' Merlin begged.
Arthur shoots the unicorn. Merlin goes to it cries as he strokes its head while it dies.
'I'm sorry. Sorry,' Merlin cries.
'It's just an animal,' said Gwaine confused.
'It's so much more than that,' said Merlin.
Arthur frowned, 'he was right.'
'Instinct,' explained Gaius.
'Ha-ha! A unicorn!' Arthur rejoiced.
'What have you done?' Merlin cried.
'Don't be such a girl, Merlin,' Arthur mocked.
Merlin sees a white cloaked man, Anhora, behind Arthur in the woods.
'You saw Anhora already,' said Arthur.
Merlin nodded.
'What are you looking at?' Arthur and the other two knights turn around, but the man is gone.
In the council chambers Arthur and his knights enter, Merlin carries the unicorn's horn on a pillow.
'Father! A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot,' Arthur said proudly.
'Magnificent. It's the first one I've seen,' Uther takes the horn. 'Gaius, look at this,' the king shows off the horn proudly.
'It is very impressive, My Lord,' Gaius said not sounding impressed.
'Oh crack a smile it's not that bad,' said Gwaine.
Merlin, Gaius and Arthur share a look.
'What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind,' Uther asked the court physcian.
'Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one,' Gaius warned.
'The crops failing,' said Leon.
'The drought,' added Gwen.
Arthur nodded a pained look on his face.
'It wasn't your fault,' said Gwen. 'You didn't know.'
'And you repealed the curse,' reminded Merlin.
'Nonsense. We will be the envy of every kingdom,' Uther ignored the council.
'I'm pleased you like it,' Arthur said.
Merlin and Gaius walk through the Square.
'I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn,' Merlin was telling Gaius.
'Arthur is a hunter. It's in his blood. Whereas you are something entirely different,' Gaius smiled.
'It was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I wish you'd been there,' Merlin added.
'It's a rare privilege. Alas, there are few unicorns still alive,' sighed Gaius.
'You try telling that to Arthur,' Merlin frowned.
'I can imagine it would be difficult,' agreed Gaius.
In Arthur's chamber Arthur and Merlin are talking.
'My horse threw a shoe,' Arthur was telling Merlin.
'And the curse begins,' sighed Gaius.
'Take it to the blacksmith. Make sure he does a good job. And when you've done that, you can polish my s...' Arthur turns around and sees Merlin staring out the window. '...saddle. Merlin? Have you listened to a word I've said?' the prince asks frustrated.
Merlin nods absently.
'You've got a face like a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn,' complained Gaius.
'I don't think you should have killed it,' Merlin retorted.
'Oh, really? And why is that?' demanded the hunter.
'It was... It was doing no harm. What purpose did you serve by killing it?' Merlin asked.
'We were hunting. That's what you do. Would you have me bring it home as a pet? Look at this,' Arthur told the servant.
'What?' Merlin asked absently.
'Do you know what that is?' the heir to the crown demanded.
'No,' Merlin didn't sound like he cared.
'Rat droppings,' Arthur snapped. 'My chambers are infested. You need to spend less time worrying about unicorns and more time worrying about rats.'
'It's not my fault,' said Merlin, 'it's the curse!'
Arthur nodded.
Someone knocks at Arthur's chamber door.
'Enter!' the prince yells.
A guard enters, 'my Lord, the King requests your service as a matter of urgency.'
'Find that rat,' the prince orders.
In a field outside Camelot Uther picks a dead piece of wheat stalk from a field where all the wheat had died.
'The curse,' sighed Hunith.
'Didn't it effect you?' asked Arthur.
'They're outside the Kingdom's borders,' replied Gaius. 'It affected the whole of the Kingdom because you are the Crown Prince.'
'And care about the Kingdom more than your own life,' added Merlin.
'That too,' agrees Gaius.
'Every single ear has died. We've received reports that it's the same throughout the entire kingdom,' the king informed Arthur.
'I rode through this valley only yesterday. The crop looked healthy enough then,' Arthur frowned.
'It happened overnight. Farmers are at a lost to explain it,' Uther frowned.
'Is it a disease of some kind?' asked Arthur worried.
'Perhaps. I've asked the court physician to conduct some tests. We must ration what little food we have left,' Uther said.
In the Physician's chambers Gaius and Merlin are running tests on the dead crops.
'Any ideas what caused the crops to die?' Merlin asks his mentor.
'I'm here to complete all the tests. No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night,' Gaius said grimly.
'What could kill all the plants other than a disease?' asked Merlin.
'You have magic did you really have to ask?' asked Arthur incredously.
'It is not killing all the plants. The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges,' Gaius said.
'It's only killing plants we can eat?' Merlin summarised.
'It appears so,' Gaius agreed.
'If it's not a disease, it must be magic,' Merlin said.
'We can't assume that, Merlin. Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. I can't tell the King it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain,' Gaius said.
In the main square of Camelot villagers stand in a long queue leading into the palace grounds. A guard rations out grain, 'next!' calls the guard.
'The livestock is either dying or has been eaten. Food and water's very scarce and we're distributing rations, but they're very meagre,' Arthur informed the king. Arthur opens a small shaft in the grain store, dumping out a small pile of grain.
'This is all the grain we have?' asked Uther.
'The people are growing scared. There's been some looting,' Arthur informed Uther.
'We must maintain order at all costs. Panic will make the situation worse. I'll issue a decree that looters will be executed. From tonight, Camelot will be under curfew,' Uther decreed.
'I'll see to it,' the prince promised.
In the lower town Merlin passes Gwen as she heads to the well along the outer wall.
A villager is shouting, 'give it back to me. It's mine.'
'It was worse than even the worst winters in Ealdor,' sighed Merlin. 'Made worse by people fighting each other; in Ealdor we all muck in and help each other if food is scarce.'
'We're not used to it,' Gwen said.
'I know,' Merlin nodded.
'It's not yours,' another villager argues back.
'Merlin. Is it true what they're saying about the crops? They're all dead?' Gwen asks Merlin.
'Afraid so. We may have to start tightening our belts,' Merlin said.
'You weren't as worried as everyone else,' Gwen noted.
'As you said I was used to it,' Merlin said.
'I'm sure Arthur will think of something,' Gwen said.
'Thanks,' Arthur smiled.
'Well, and if he doesn't, I will,' Merlin said.
Gwen starts pumping for water, but only dry sand comes out. 'Merlin!' Gwen said urgently.
'We always had enough water though,' said Merlin, 'and somethingto eat!'
Uther and Arthur stand at the well in the Square, Uther sifts sand through his fingers into the well bucket, 'sand. And you say the well is full of it?'
Arthur nodded grimly.
'I sent men down to the underground reservoir. There is no trace of water to be found,' Arthur told the king.
'First the crops, and now this,' the king said.
'It's the same throughout the kingdom. There's precious little water anywhere,' Arthur relayed the reports.
'Gaius. Can you offer any explanation for this?' Uther asked the court physician.
'I cannot think of a scientific explanation. I can only conclude it's the result of sorcery,' sighed Gaius.
'I believe you're right. It is the work of magic. The kingdom is under attack,' the king said.
In the physician's chambers Merlin sits with a bucket of sand and his magic book open in front of him.
'Did you reverse the curse?' asked Gwaine.
'Natural magic,' Gaius explained, 'not even Merlin can reverse that.'
'Gréot gecymen, lecan. Gecymen gé drýe wæter,' Merlin tried.
'What does that mean?' asked Gwen, 'I mean the last word must be water.'
'Good sand arrived. Water arrived with sorcerer,' explained Merlin.
'Your complimenting the sand even though it's stopping us have water,' Arthur said insulted.
'Magic is made of the four elements; air, water, fire and earth. It would upset the balance of magic if you just pushed out the earth to replace with water so you have to ask it nicely,' explained Gaius.
'You didn't get any of that did you,' Merlin looked amused as Arthur blushed.
Gaius approaches.
'I was... I was just, er...' Merlin tried to come up with an excuse.
'I was hoping you might be trying to turn it back into water. I know I've cautioned against using magic, but if ever there was a time to use your talents, it's now,' Gaius.
Merlin looked surprised, 'well, I wish I knew how. I've tried everything. If it is magic, it's more powerful magic than I possess.'
On the Drawbridge Arthur addresses a group of guards.
'Patrol the market and the lower town,' Arthur orders. No one is to leave their homes. Dismissed.'
Merlin enters the Square.
'Merlin. You do realise there's a curfew?' asked Arthur.
'Since when do I obey the law,' grinned Merlin.
'Yeah, I was in your chambers, hunting for the rat,' Merlin lied.
'Did you find it?' asked Arthur.
'No,' Merlin admits.
'So you have been outwitted by a rat?' Arthur said slowly.
'They do say rats are very intelligent,' Merlin adds knowledgably.
'More intelligent than you, it would seem,' Arthur insults. 'Go home,' the prince orders. 'It'd be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servant for breaking the curfew,' Arthur admits.
'And you like me,' Merlin grinned.
'No,' said Arthur teased smiling.
'Oh go on admit it you love me really,' Merlin grinned.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
Arthur sees the white cloaked man, Anhora, walk through the Courtyard Corridor and into the palace.
'What was that?' Arthur asks.
'What?' asks Merlin having not seen Anhora this time.
Merlin and Arthur run after him, Arthur jumps over the Courtyard Corridor ledge. They chase Anhora down the Upper Corridor, down some stairs, and down the Wrought Iron Stairway to the Burial Vaults where they lose him. Arthur signs to Merlin. Merlin nods, and then follows Arthur, 'that means you go the other way and cut him off,' Arthur told the servant.
'Okay,' Merlin nods.
Merlin and Arthur go in opposite directions and end up back at the Wrought Iron Stairway without seeing anyone. Then they see Anhora's silhouette as he briefly rounds the corner. Arthur has Merlin go the other way again. They end up back at the Wrought Iron Stairway again.
'Where is he?' Arthur demands.
'I didn't see anyone,' Merlin said.
'He was right here! Don't tell me you let him get past you?' Arthur demands frustrated.
'I have better eyesight than you how would I let him pass you and you not?' asked Merlin.
'Arthur, no one passed me,' Merlin repeated.
'Are you blind?' demands Arthur.
'I can see in slow motion,' retorted Merlin.
Anhora suddenly appears, 'are you looking for me? I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns,' the man introduces himself.
'Camelot is under curfew. What's your business here?' Arthur demands.
'I have come to deliver a message,' Anhora told the prince calmly.
'And who is this message for?' Arthur asks.
'It is for you, Arthur Pendragon,' the keeper of the unicorns addresses the prince by his full name.
'Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?' Arthur demands.
'You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot,' Anhora said.
Arthur sighed and closed his eyes.
'You didn't know,' Gwen said quietly.
Merlin nods.
'Me? You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?' Arthur demands.
'When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly,' Anhora warned.
Everyone gulped.
'If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life,' the prince said.
'It wasn't him,' said Merlin.
'The curse was not my doing,' Anhora seemed oblivious to Arthur's anger.
'Undo the curse or face execution,' Arthur promised.
'Only you can do that. You will be tested,' the keeper told Arthur.
'You're under arrest,' Arthur decided. Arthur reaches for Anhora, but he disappears and Arthur stumbles. Anhora reappears on the Wrought Iron Stairway.
'You can do that as well,' said Gwaine.
'I can do a lot of things,' Merlin said mysteriously.
Arthur rolled his eyes, 'you are such a pain!'
'Until you have proven yourself, and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity,' warned the keeper.
'Thank goodness you did,' said Gwen.
'I didn't,' replied Arthur.
'Then how?' asked Percival.
'He gave me a second choice I have no idea why,' replied Arthur.
Merlin smiled.
In Gaius' chambers Gaius and Arthur are discussing Anhora's warning.
'And you believe what this Anhora said about the curse to be true?' asked Gaius.
'Well, you said there's a legend that misfortune comes to anyone who slays a unicorn. It makes sense,' Merlin said.
'Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid. We're down to our last few scraps of food,' Gaius said.
'Where did you get the water to make the tea?' asked Merlin.
'Fortunately, for both of us, you forgot to empty your bath yesterday,' Gaius said.
'Eugh,' Arthur made a face.
'You're making tea from my bath water?' Merlin asked rhetorically looking disgusted.
'It's not so bad. Perhaps a little... soapy,' Gaius said.
Arthur made another face.
Merlin sighs.
'What does Arthur think about the curse?' asked Gaius.
Merlin scoffs, 'he doesn't believe it's his fault. He's convinced Anhora's responsible for it,' explained Merlin.
'If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense,' Gaius told him.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur puts on his boots in his chambers, he finds a hole in one of them, 'that... rat! It's eaten through my boot, look at it!'
'I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us!' Merlin jokes.
'You think this is funny?' Arthur demands.
'Moderately,' Merlin grins.
'Get it mended. Find that rat,' Arthur orders again.
'Have you given any more thought to what Anhora said last night?' Merlin asks warily.
'Ah, well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we now know who we're looking for. I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it,' Arthur said confidently.
Merlin frowned, 'that would do no good.'
'I know, Merlin,' sighed Arthur.
'What if he was telling the truth about the curse?' Merlin asks carefully.
'You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?' Merlin demands.
'No, not deliberately. When you killed the unicorn, I saw Anhora in the forest,' Merlin admits.
'Why didn't you say anything?' Arthur demanded.
'It was just for a second, and then he disappeared. I didn't even...well, I-I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there,' Merlin said.
'That doesn't actually prove anything,' Arthur told Merlin.
'Doesn't it make you think he might be telling the truth?' asked Merlin.
'Because he was skulking about in the forest?' questioned Arthur. 'That makes me trust him even less,' Arthur answered his own question.
'Why would Anhora appear in Camelot, and then lie to you?' asked Merlin.
'We had him cornered,' Arthur said.
'No you didn't,' said Gaius, 'he could have got out any time he wanted to.'
'Now your sounding like Merlin,' muttered Arthur.
'He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me.'
'Arthur, he can disappear into thin air. He didn't have to talk his way out of anything,' Merlin said reasonably.
'And if he worried about being captured he wouldn't have come in the first place,' put in Gwaine.
'My father has warned me about sorcerers like him.
'You father's wrong,' snapped Merlin.
'I know Merlin,' Arthur nodded.
They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed,' Arthur spouted Uther's teaching.
'Well, I believe he's telling the truth,' Merlin told the prince.
'Then you're a fool. You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says,' Arthur told more of Uther's propaganda.
'No wonder you were scared to tell me the truth,' sighed Arthur.
'I always hated it when you said anything like that,' Merlin said.
'It hurts him a lot,' added Lancelot.
'You'd do well to remember that,' Arthur warned the warlock. 'Now, I think I've figured out what Anhora's next move is going to be, and when he makes it, we're going to be waiting.'
Merlin leans against a pillar near the grain store with his eyes closed, smacking his lips. Arthur hits him with a broom.
'So nice, kind and gentle,' Merlin mutters.
Arthur rolled his eyes at him.
'Don't you worry about keeping watch, Merlin. You just make yourself comfortable,' Arthur tries to keep the boy up.
Merlin sighs and smacks his lips.
'Stop smacking your lips,' Arthur orders. 'It's annoying.'
'I'm thirsty,' Merlin complained.
'We're all thirsty, Merlin.
Merlin sighs.
'Pst! Someone's coming,' Arthur whispers.
Arthur draws his sword and Merlin follows him into the grain store. They see the intruder's silhouette. Arthur motions to Merlin.
'You go over there and come in,' Arthur mouths.
Merlin nods.
'Show yourself, before I run you through,' Arthur threatens.
Merlin picks up a scythe hook, a man edges around the corner with a shovel in one hand and a sack of grain in the other.
'Who are you?' Arthur asked in surprise.
'You were expecting Anhora,' said Gwen.
Merlin and Arthur nod.
'My name is... My name is...' the man stutters.
'Speak up!' the prince orders.
'My name is Evan, My Lord,' Evan said respectfully.
Merlin comes out of hiding.
'I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves. My father has order that looters be executed,' Arthur reminds the man.
'Please, My Lord. I- I do not steal for myself. I have three children they have not eaten for two days. They are hungry,' the man begs.
'It's the same for everyone,' Arthur reminds the father.
'I- I know that it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve,' Evan sobs.
'And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?' questioned the prince.
Evan shakes his head, close to tears.
'Then you should go home. If you're caught stealing again, I will not spare you,' Arthur warned the man.
'Yes, My Lord. Thank you,' Evan said respectfully.
Evan smiles, puts down the sack of grain and shovel, and starts to leave.
'Wait,' Arthur calls after the man.
Arthur picks up the sack of grain and tosses it to Evan.
'That was a very noble thing to do,' said Gwen smiling.
'A test,' said Gwaine suddenly.
Arthur nodded.
'Which he passed,' Merlin said proudly.
'I passed it not you,' said Arthur.
'I can still be proud of you,' retorted Merlin.
'Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time,' Arthur told the man.
'You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, My Lord. This will bring its own reward,' the man said mysteriously.
In the lower town Gwen sees a man run past her in the Lower Town, the guards chasing him.
'Stop him!' a guard calls.
'Come back here!' another guard calls.
'Stop that man! He's been looting!' another guard shouts at the onlookers.
Gwen looks over by the well and sees a drop of water on the spout. She goes to it, puts a bucket under the spout, and pushes the pump. Water gushes out.
In Arthur's chambers Arthur and Merlin gulp down large mugs of water.
'Never knew water could taste so good,' Arthur said after he was done.
'My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk,' Merlin said after draining his goblet.
'Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then,' laughed Arthur apparently in a much better mood.
'More?' Merlin asks.
Arthur motions towards his mug and Merlin fills it.
'The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense,' Arthur said.
'You passed your first test; the curse is beginning to lift,' Gaius said.
'I know,' Arthur said.
'Er…' Merlin muttered.
'I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin? Let's hear it,' the prince says.
'Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward,' Merlin said.
'He was merely grateful, and so he should have been,' Arthur told the servant.
'Maybe that was your first test. You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward. I know you don't have to listen to me,' Merlin said.
'Glad we agree on something,' Arthur jibed.
'If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything. Perhaps we should seek Anhora out,' suggested Merlin.
'I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it,' Arthur said.
'Then don't tell him,' grinned Gwaine.
'That's what I said,' laughed Merlin.
'Then it's probably best you don't tell him,' Merlin replied.
'See,' Merlin grinned.
'I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food,' the prince orders.
Merlin mutters, 'find some food!'
'Well you found some,' said Gwen.
Merlin sees the rat climb out of Arthur's boot.
'Please tell me you didn't feed me rat,' Gwen groaned.
'Blame Merlin,' said Arthur as Merlin said, 'it was arthur.'
Gwen rolled her eyes not able to keep cross for long.
'Swealt déor,' Merlin said.
'What did that mean, anyway?' asked Leon.
'Kill the animal,' said Merlin.
'That would be useful on hunts,' said Arthur.
Merlin nodded.
At the palace square even more people continue to queue outside the grain store. Morgana walks among them with Arthur.
'Who are they?' asked Morgana.
'They've come from the outlying villages in search of food. There's not enough rations to feed the people who are already here,' Arthur said.
'You shouldn't blame yourself. I'm sure you're doing everything you can,' Morgana said.
'I was,' agreed Arthur, 'and I always will.'
'It is not enough,' Arthur sighed and leaves and Gwen approaches Morgana.
'Did you manage to find any food?' asked Morgana.
Gwen pulls a cloth back from her basket revealing some bread.
'Where did you get that?' Morgana asked.
'I was able to smuggle it out of the palace kitchens,' Gwen said.
'Stealing now are you Gwennie,' teased Elyon.
'Don't call me "Gwennie" Ellie,' scowled Gwen.
Elyon too scowled at the nickname.
'Share it out amongst the children and old people. Make it go as far as you can,' Morgana told her.
'She used to so nice,' sighed Gwen.
'I know,' Merlin too sighed.
In Arthur's chambers Merlin pours some meat stew into a bowl.
Arthur made a face, 'I can't believe you fed me rat,' he grimaced.
'You made me eat it too,' reminded Merlin.
'Lost my appetite,' Arthur said.
'You have to eat something,' Merlin told his master.
'I can't. Not while my people are starving. Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?' Arthur asked his friend desperately.
'Not purposefully,' Merlin replied softly.
'You've told me that before,' Arthur reminded him.
'I know but it doesn't hurt to say again,' Merlin again.
'I'm afraid so,' Merlin said.
'We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning. Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes,' Arthur decided.
'Okay, but you have to eat. You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test,' Merlin told the prince.
Arthur takes a bite, 'what kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture.'
Arthur, Gwen and Merlin look slightly ill while the others laugh.
'It's pork,' Merlin lied unconvincingly.
'This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's, erm... ' Merlin trailed off.
Arthur puts down his spoon, 'it's rat, isn't it?' Arthur asks knowingly.
Merlin nods, 'try not to think about it.'
'Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too. Come on. Take a seat,' Arthur forces Merlin down into the chair. 'Eat,' the future king orders his manservant.
Merlin takes a bite.
Merlin grimaces.
'Mmm,' Arthur murmurs.
'It's actually pretty tasty,' Merlin lies.
'Really?' Hunith raises an eyebrow.
'No,' Merlin, Arthur and Gwen wrinkle their noses in disgust.
'Mm. Well, I'm glad you like it. Because,' Arthur fetches the pot of stew, 'there's plenty more. '
There's a knock at the door.
'Enter,' Arthur calls.
Morgana enters.
'Morgana?' Arthur asks.
'I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat?' asks Morgana.
'I ate that too,' groaned Gwen.
'How was it?' grinned Elyon.
'Ghastly,' said Gwen, 'but I was starving so I ate it. Where were you anyway?'
'I don't know when it was but I couldn't have been in Camelot at this time,' Elyon said.
Arthur pauses and Merlin smiles. Merlin and Arthur search through the woods.
'I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for,' admitted Merlin.
'When are you ever,' teased Arthur.
'You're looking for footprints or broken branches. Anything that would indicate someone passed that-'Arthur stops as he catches sight of Anhora.
'Or any scent of magic,' added Gaius.
'Merlin! Merlin! He's here!' calls Arthur and runs off.
'Arthur?' Merlin calls.
Merlin didn't see where he went. Arthur continues chasing Anhora and comes across Evan sitting next to a camp full of horded food.
'You? You're a thief,' Arthur said in shock.
'Wasn't that obvious when you caught me stealing your grain?' Evan asked spitefully.
'Fortunately I have more important things to deal with,' Arthur said coolly.
'You didn't really believe that story about my children, did you?' the thief asked.
'What kind of man lies about starving children to save his own skin?' asks Arthur disgusted.
'Your people starve because you let thieves steal their grain. That is why they doubt you,' the thief informed the future king.
'Don't listen to him,' Gwen said.
'You don't speak for my people,' the prince retorted.
'Don't get involved in the argument,' Hunith sighed.
'Hey, your father would never have allowed himself to be fooled like that,' the man added insult to injury.
'You hold your tongue, or I will make time to teach you some manners,' Arthur threatened the thief.
'Your father would have had me executed, but you didn't have the stomach for it, did you, Arthur? And that's why he doubts you'll make a good king,' Evan got at the future king's true fears.
'You know nothing of what my father thinks,' snapped Arthur.
'I think he wishes he had another son, one who was worthy of taking his place. You shame him,' sneered the thief.
'Pick up your sword,' ordered the prince.
'Don't react,' said Hunith suddenly, 'it's test.'
'That I failed,' sighed Arthur. 'Pride is definitely my greatest fault.'
'The King must fear the day when you will take the throne,' jibbed the thief.
Arthur attacks Evan.
'Don't,' everyone but Arthur shouted.
'He fears you do not have enough strength to defeat his enemies. The King must wonder if you are even his son,' added the thief.
Arthur strikes a fatal blow, but Evan has disappeared. Anhora appears behind Arthur.
'Uh oh,' said Gwaine.
'This is your doing?' Arthur said.
'It was a test to see what is truly in your heart,' Anhora told Arthur.
'Your tricks prove nothing!' Arthur cried.
'Why did you kill this man?' asked Anhora calmly.
'He insulted my honour!' Arthur said.
'You killed for your pride,' said Gwen.
'I know, it was wrong of me,' agreed Arthur.
'You could have chosen to ignore his taunts. What harm would they do you?' asked the sorcerer.
'You will lift the curse, Sorcerer,' demanded the prince.
'It is not in my power,' sighed Anhora.
'Then you will die,' Arthur told the white haired man. Arthur tries to strike him.
But Anhora disappears and Arthur falls to the ground. Anhora appears once again, 'killing me will not help you.'
Arthur tries to strike him again, but Anhora disappear and Arthur falls to the ground again.
'You have shown that you would kill a man to defend your pride. You have failed the test. For this, Camelot will pay dearly,' the keeper of the unicorns told the prince.
'My people have done nothing!' begged the Once and Future King.
'Your people's suffering is not my doing. It is yours,' Anhora disappears.
Arthur looked guilty.
'It wasn't your fault,' said Gwen.
'Arthur? Arthur?' Merlin calls.
Merlin finds Arthur.
Later in the grain store Uther sifts rotten grain through his fingers as Arthur enters, 'what is it? What's happened?' Arthur demands.
'All our remaining supplies have rotted. Every last grain,' Uther informs him.
In the evening Merlin is in Gaius chambers talking to Gaius.
'I know Arthur's stubborn and pig-headed and annoying, but he cares about his people. More than he cares about himself. He will not forgive himself for making his people suffer,' Merlin said.
'You really know Arthur,' smiled Gwen.
'I spend almost all my waking hours with his prattiness,' said Merlin.
'You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash,' Gaius warned him.
'When do I do anything rash?' asked Arthur offended.
Everyone stared at him.
'Okay don't answer that,' Arthur said.
'The mood he's in, I don't know what he's gonna to do,' Merlin sighed.
'Ready?' asked Gaius.
'Sure they're not poisonous?' asked Merlin.
'What are you eating?' asked Arthur apprehensive.
Merlin grimaced.
'Quite certain,' Gaius assured the boy.
Merlin and Gaius pick up giant insects.
'Ugh,' Arthur said.
Merlin nodded.
'They say they taste like chicken. Unless we're to starve, we must hope they're right,' Gaius said.
They bite into the crunchy insects.
'This tastes nothing like chicken,' Merlin grimaces.
In the council chamber's Arthur broods as Uther enters.
'There are some supplies left in the palace stores. We are distributing them to the people, but there is not enough to live on. They will not survive for long,' Arthur told his father.
'Then you must stop distributing food to the people,' Uther told him.
'What?' shouted Gwen. 'He can't do that!'
'Unfortunately he can,' Gaius said grimly.
'He's the king,' added Merlin.
'They will starve,' Arthur said.
'We must conserve the food we have for our army,' Uther said.
'We cannot let our people go without food,' Arthur said.
'We must defend the kingdom at all cost,' Uther said.
'What's the point of defending a kingdom when the people-'Arthur began.
'Well, what would you have me do?' asked Uther.
'-starve to death? Ask the neighbouring kingdoms for help,' Arthur suggested.
'Ha,' Uther said.
'They may be able to spare some food,' Arthur suggested.
'Out of the question. As soon as they realise how we weak we are, our enemies will strike against us,' Uther said.
'He's so paranoid,' said Merlin.
'You don't know that for certain!' Arthur told his father.
'Besides I would rather starve than beg my enemies for help! What of our kingdom's reputation? Have you no pride?' the king demanded.
'There are more important things than pride,' said Gwaine.
'I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry. They're all I can think of,' Arthur said distraught.
'Give the order to stop distributing food to the people. Is that understood?' Uther ordered.
'You'll have to give that order yourself,' snapped Arthur.
'I didn't like father putting the nobles after the people,' said Arthur.
'Very well. But if you'd caught the sorcerer, I would not have to. That's your responsibility! One day you will understand what it takes to be King!' Uther said.
Later in the square people continue queuing in the Square. Arthur and Merlin watch from the balcony.
'They do not know yet know there is worse to come,' Arthur sighed.
'What do you mean?' asked Merlin.
'My father is going to stop distributing food to the people. They are to be left to starve. I had a chance to lift the curse. And I failed them,' Arthur sighed.
'You weren't to know you were being tested,' Merlin reassured the prince.
'My people are starving. Camelot is on the verge of collapse. And it is all my doing,' Arthur sighed.
'It's not your fault,' said Gwen, 'you had no idea what was going happen when you killed the unicorn.'
In the forest Merlin is all alone, 'Anhora! Show yourself! Anhora!' the warlock calls.
Anhora appears, 'you wanted to talk with me?'
'I've come to seek your help. The people are starving. They will soon be dead,' Merlin said.
Arthur winced.
'You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering,' Anhora says honestly.
'If it pains you, put an end to it,' Merlin begs.
'It is not in my power to lift the curse,' explained Anhora.
'Then give Arthur another chance,' suggests Merlin. 'He has accepted it is his responsibility, and he will prove himself worthy and lift the curse if you give him one more chance.'
'You have faith in Arthur?' asks Anhora one sorcerer to another.
'I trust him with my life,' Merlin admits.
'Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There, he will face a final test. If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot,' Anhora tells Merlin and disappears.
'Wait! What kind of test will he face?' Merlin called back.
'That is for Arthur alone to discover,' Anhora responds telepathically.
'So he knew you were a warlock?' asked Arthur.
Merlin shrugged, 'you can use telepathy on non-magic people but it is much harder and they can't respond.'
In Arthur's chambers Arthur prepares for travel in his chambers.
'Let me come with you. You don't know what form of test will take. I might be able to help,' Merlin begs.
'You're not coming. I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it, or die trying,' Arthur said resolutely.
'Alright, how does you dying help anyone?' Merlin asked angrily.
'I'll die knowing I did everything I can,' replied Arthur.
'I'm coming with you,' Merlin said.
'Merlin, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?' Arthur asks.
Arthur rides out of Camelot and across the countryside. Merlin follows.
'You should have knows he would follow you,' said Gwaine, 'he always does.'
Arthur arrives at the Labyrinth of Gedref and enters, Merlin arrives shortly after and follows. Merlin meets Anhora in the labyrinth.
'You said Arthur would face a test. And here you are, preparing a trap for him,' Merlin said angry.
'The trap isn't for Arthur. It is for you. Gehæftan,'.
Merlin is wrapped in vines from the labyrinth hedge.
'What does that mean?' asked Arthur.
'Restrain,' said Merlin.
'It didn't hurt did it?' asked Arthur.
'No it was fine,' Merlin assured his friend, 'you weren't worried about me were you?'
'Of course not I just need my Court Sorcerer,' shrugged Arthur.
Merlin beamed at being addressed as such.
Arthur runs through the labyrinth and finds the exit to the sea. Merlin is sitting at a table on the shore, Anhora standing nearby.
'Merlin?' Arthur asked in surprise.
'I'm sorry,' Merlin said.
'Let him go. I'll take your test, but not till he's released,' Arthur ordered.
'That is not possible. Merlin is part of the test. Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed,' Anhora said calmly.
'I thought I told you to stay at home. Let's get on with it,' sighed Arthur.
'There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet,' Anhora explained.
Hunith looked worried, 'how did you both get out alive?' she asked.
'It wasn't really poison,' Arthur said quickly.
'Thank the lord,' said Hunith.
'What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?' Arthur asked worried.
'Loyalty,' replied Merlin, 'and friendship.'
'What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted,' Anhora told them.
'Let's think about this. What if I drink from my goblet first?' asked Merlin.
'If it's poisoned, you'll die,' Arthur said.
'And if it's not, then you'll have to drink from yours, and you'll die. There must be a way around it,' Merlin said.
'It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison.
'Can you do that?' asked Percival.
'Never tried,' Merlin shrugged.
And then I'll drink it,' Arthur said.
'Merlin will never let you do that,' Hunith smiled sadly.
'I will be the one to drink it,' corrected Merlin.
'This is my doing. I'm drinking it,' argued Arthur.
'It is more important that you live. You're the future king. I'm just a servant,' Merlin fought back.
'You are way more than just a servant,' smiled Hunith.
'As it said at beginning "you will father the legend" that is Arthur,' added Percival.
'This is no time to be a hero, Merlin. It really doesn't suit you,' Arthur said.
'Gee thanks,' said Merlin.
Arthur smiled, 'okay you're as much of a hero as the rest of us.'
Merlin sighs, 'what if I drink from mine first, and if that's not poisoned, I will then drink yours?'
'He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet. I had no idea you were so keen to die for me,' Arthur said.
'He drank poison to save you,' said Gwen incredulous.
'Trust me, I can hardly believe it myself,' agreed Merlin.
Arthur snorted, 'I'm glad you are here, Merlin,' he sighs.
'I've got it. Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet,' Merlin said.
'That's smart,' said Gaius.
'Always the tone of surprise,' muttered Merlin.
'You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look,' Arthur said.
'You know I still can't tell if that was an insult or a compliment,' muttered Merlin.
'Insult,' laughed Arthur.
'Compliment,' everyone else disagreed.
'Is that actually a compliment?' Merlin laughed.
'Look out!' Arthur points and Merlin looks.
'Did you actually fall for that?' Gaius shook his head, 'sometimes I think you're a genius other times I think you're an idiot.'
Merlin grinned.
Arthur takes the two goblets and pour all of the liquid into one of them, holding it to drink.
'No! I will drink it!' Merlin tries to take it.
'As if I'd let you,' Arthur said.
'You can't die. This isn't your destiny,' cries Merlin.
'Neither is it yours,' Gaius adds.
'It seems you're wrong again,' Arthur said.
'No I was right,' grinned Merlin.
'Fortunately,' sighs Gaius.
'Listen to me!' Merlin said urgently.
'You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you,' Arthur said and toasts Merlin.
'Arthur!' Merlin cries.
Arthur drinks it ignoring his friend.
'No! What have you done?' Merlin cries.
Arthur falls off the chair, unconscious.
'Arthur! No!' Merlin tries to shake Arthur awake. 'Arthur. Arthur. Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on! No... Come on.' Merlin turns to Anhora. 'Please. Please! Just... let me take his place!'
'No,' Arthur said. 'Never exchange your life for mine!'
Merlin avoided Arthur's eyes knowing what would happen.
'This was Arthur's test, not yours,' the keeper of the unicorns says calmly.
'You've killed him! I was meant to protect him!' Merlin said.
'He is not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly,' Anhora told him.
'Few,' breathed Gwen.
'What?' asked Merlin.
'A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted,' the keeper told the warlock.
Arthur smiled at this.
Merlin and Arthur ride into Camelot and dismount. Townsfolk are carrying around platters joyously.
'Merlin, Arthur, there is good news! The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!' Gaius beams.
'You did it,' Merlin grinned at Arthur.
'Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?' asked Uther.
'He won't be troubling us anymore,' Arthur assured the king.
'Good. Make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked,' the king ordered.
'I'll see to it. There's something we must do first,' Arthur said.
'What are you going to do?' asked Hunith warily.
Merlin smiled happily.
Arthur lays the unicorn's horn in a burial mound of stones.
'Oh,' said Gwen, 'that's nice.'
'I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry,' Arthur apologizes.
Merlin and Arthur begin laying stones over the grave. Merlin looks up and sees a unicorn, 'Arthur,' breaths.
'When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again!' Anhora's voice sounds over the two friends.
'Wow,' said Gwen.
'That's powerful magic,' said Gaius.
Merlin nodded, 'and good.'