[00:13, EXT. WOODS IN ESSETIR - NIGHT]
[Knights of Camelot lie dead, including Sir Leon]
The scenery seemed to move on its own allowing them to see what needed to be seen.
Gwen looked away from the bodies.
Leon turned pale
"This has already happened," Arthur remembered.
"Umm, Question." Gwaine looked the bodies then up at Arthur. "If Leon is dead there, then how is he alive now?"
"Druids," Leon said shortly.
Gwaine opened his mouth to comment but the woods dissolved before their eyes and the next thing they knew they were in Camelot.
The transition was more than a bit unsettling.
-
[00:34, INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY]
UTHER
It was Cenred who did this, you're certain of it?
ARTHUR
Yes, My Lord. His messenger has only this minute departed Camelot. Cenred said that the patrol trespassed on his land and an example had to be made.
UTHER
How many dead?
ARTHUR
All of them, Sire. Every last man.
UTHER
The knights?
ARTHUR
All lost. Edric, Oldof, Osric, and Sir Leon.
Leon felt a soft warmth at the sadness upon even the king's face. It was nice to know that had he stayed dead, he would have been missed.
[01:17, EXT. WOODS IN ESSETIR -NIGHT]
DRUID
Here!
[The druids pick up Sir Leon]
ISELDIR
Quick! Help me. We do not have much time, ready?
-
[01:48, INT. DRUID CAVE - NIGHT] [The druids lay Sir Leon down on a blanket]
"You're very lucky, what with the dragon and then this," Merlin couldn't help but comment
"I heard about the dragon, it was a wonder that you were able to get rid of it." Gwaine shook his head in disbelief.
Lancelot glanced at Merlin who smiled back innocently.
ISELDIR
His spirit leaves him. We must hurry.
DRUIDS (chanting)
Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared, hrag pob ailed, hrag pob evnis boyd un thilis. Buthed gwared...
[Sir Leon's face starts to heal and he opens his eyes.]
ISELDIR
Welcome back.
"Do you ever wonder why they decided to save you?" Elyan asked "I mean you're a knight of Camelot."
"I wish I knew." Leon had wondered, often why. Camelot was known for their harsh outlook on magic, and yet the druids had risked everything to save him. Sometimes, not that he'd ever admit it, but sometimes he questioned Uther's harsh outlook.
[03:08, INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT]
ARTHUR
We thought you were dead for sure.
LEON
I was dead, or as good as, until the druids found me.
UTHER
Druids?
LEON
Yes, My Lord. I owe them my life.
UTHER
How did they heal you? You were as good as dead, you said.
LEON
I don't know.
UTHER
Did they use magic?
LEON
Well, I...
UTHER
Yes or no, it's a simple enough question.
"He's being rather harsh, you think he'd be thankful." Gwaine muttered
Arthur wanted to defend his father, but wasn't he now looking to magic for help, would his father understand that he was trying to save Camelot?
LEON
I only know that I drank from some kind of cup, Sire.
UTHER
Cup?
LEON
It was extraordinary, My Lord. I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me.
UTHER
Well, your trials have left you weary, I'm sure. We must let him rest.
"I never noticed before." Arthur's voice was slightly strained and Merlin tore his eyes from Uther and Leon to see Arthur next to Morgana. "Did she always look like she was plotting something."
Merlin wanted to say yes, but he bit his tongue. It was a good thing no one was paying attention to him at the moment.
[04:10, INT. SIR LEON'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Gaius examines Sir Leon]
LEON: Is that it?
GAIUS: That's it. He's exhausted, Sire, and severely dehydrated, but given time he'll make a full recovery.
ARTHUR: Thank you, Gaius.
- [04:30, EXT. PHOENIX CORRIDOR - NIGHT]
UTHER: Well?
GAIUS: It's remarkable, Sire. He bears no sign of any kind of wound. He's in perfect health.
UTHER: And the cup he spoke of?
Gaius: From his description, I would say it was the Cup of Life.
[Merlin looks at Gaius with surprise]
Arthur's eyes narrowed "Did you know about the cup Merlin."
Merlin didn't know what to say, did he lie? What would this crystal show them, would it show them Merlin's own magic? He did not know what to do.
"I… I'd just heard the name before, that's all."
UTHER You are aware of its power, Gaius.
GAIUS I am, indeed, Sire. But the druids are a peaceful people. They would only ever use the Cup for good. Sir Leon is surely proof of that.
UTHER Be that as it may, according to Sir Leon's description, the druids' cave lies within Cenred's kingdom. It is imperative that we get to the Cup before he does.
GAIUS My Lord, druids are secretive by nature. They will have the Cup well hidden. Might it not be wise to leave it where it is?
UTHER I'm not prepared to take that risk.
"Gaius you were right." Arthur sighed looking utterly miserable. It was difficult having to relive all of this.
"I do not think I was, sire. I think that if Morgana and Morgause wanted it enough they would have eventually been able to find it."
-
[05:27, EXT. GAIUS'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
MERLIN I thought the Cup was destroyed with Nimueh when I defeated her on the Isle of the Blessed.
"What?"
Merlin took a step back. "Arthur…"
"You said you'd only heard about it, don't lie to me Merlin." Arthur couldn't stop himself from sounding a bit broken "Not you."
"Arthur…"
"Maybe we should just continue watching." Lancelot stepped in. Merlin shot him a grateful look. Arthur seemed uncertain, he nodded, but Merlin noticed how he kept his distance and it sent a spike of pain through his heart.
GAIUS The Cup cannot be destroyed. It's magic is eternal, unbound by time or place.
MERLIN But why does Uther fear it so much?
GAIUS Because the Cup can be used for evil as well as good.
MERLIN I don't understand.
GAIUS Many centuries ago, it fell into the possession of a great warlord. One night, he gathered his army before him. He took a drop of blood from each and every man and collected it in the Cup. Such was the vessel's power that the soldiers were made immortal where they stood.
MERLIN So they could not be killed.
GAIUS The carnage they wrought was beyond all imagining. The King's no fool. He knows that the forces of the Old Religion are rising against him once more. Heaven forbid that the Cup should fall into the hands of Morgause.
"Magic is terrifying." Elyan whispered and Merlin wanted nothing more than to explain how good and amazing it could be.
MERLIN Morgana.
"YOU KNEW!" Arthur turned on Merlin. "ARE YOU BETRAYING ME TOO!"
"No! Arthur no! I would never."
"Then why didn't you tell? And how long have you known!?"
Merlin sighed "Since she got back to Camelot." He looked down "I wanted to tell you Arthur, but can you honestly say you would have believed me. I'm just a servant." Gwaine looked ready to protest as did Lancelot but Merlin shook his head. "If I would have said anything against Morgana, Uther would have had my head. And I had no proof anyway."
Arthur's hands fisted at his side his knuckles turning white, he wasn't angry at Merlin but at himself. He wanted to say that he would have believed Merlin, that his manservant should have told him. But he knew, he knew he never would have listened.
GAIUS With Such a weapon at their disposal, Camelot would be all but lost.
-
[06:28, EXT. SECLUDED CORRIDOR - NIGHT]
ARTHUR You called for me, Father?
UTHER Cenred is our sworn enemy. We cannot risk him getting his hands on the Cup of Life.
ARTHUR I know, Father.
UTHER You must retrieve it. Your mission must remain secret; you can speak to no one of this.
[Morgana listens in nearby]
"That's how they knew." Arthur cursed furiously under his breath as he saw Morgana watching, listening.
ARTHUR I will take only my most trusted men.
UTHER We've seen what happened to the last patrol that entered Cenred's land. You must go alone. I'm sorry to place such a burden upon you, but there is no one else I can trust.
ARTHUR I understand, Father.
-
[07:09, INT. ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
ARTHUR: You will be ready by sunrise, won't you Merlin?
MERLIN: If I don't know where we're going, how do I know what to pack? Will it be hot? Will it be cold? Will it be wet? Will it be dry?
The knights all laughed and Merlin simply shrugged. "What? They were good questions."
ARTHUR: Don't be such a girl, Merlin. We're not going on holiday.
MERLIN Holiday? What's a holiday?
"Oh come now, there are times when you've spent days at a time in the tavern." Arthur shook his head.
"Really? I didn't know you had it in you, maybe that's why we get along so well." Gwaine grinned.
Merlin let out an inaudible sigh. If only they knew.
[Merlin begins to pack a red Camelot cape]
ARTHUR: Not that. Nothing bearing the crest of Camelot. We're going undercover.
MERLIN This is ridiculous. Are you going to tell me where we're going or not?
ARTHUR: Well, I can tell you it will be dangerous
MERLIN Great.
ARTHUR: And I can tell you we will be travelling through bandit infested lands.
MERLIN Terrific. Then where?
Arthur: I can't tell you that.
MERLIN You don't know where we're going.
ARTHUR: No, Merlin. I know where we're going. It's just, I can't tell you, that's all.
MERLIN Right, 'cause if you do, you'll have to kill me, I suppose.
ARTHUR Immediately and without hesitation.
MERLIN Great. It'll be a surprise. I love surprises. Who doesn't love a good surprise?
They all laughed. "Merlin you are wonderful." Gwaine laughed.
[08:04, INT. CASTLE BASEMENT - NIGHT]
MORGAUSE What is it you wanted to tell me, Sister?
"She's able to get into Camelot so easily." Arthur looked shocked. The good mood from before melted away leaving behind a tense and dark atmosphere.
"Fortunately Camelot is formidable enough to deter her from attacking."
"But still, how can we stop future sorcerer's from accomplishing the same feats?"
"I'm afraid, sire, that such tasks can only be done with magic."
"So what you're saying is that to prevent magic, you need to use magic?" Gwaine asked
Gaius pursed his lips. Arthur did not know what to think. Even if he had been willing to use magic, there wasn't anyone alive who would help them.
MORGANA Arthur rides at dawn. He's been sent to recover some kind of cup. The Cup of Life, they called it?
MORGAUSE The Cup of Life? Are you sure?
MORGANA I heard every word.
MORGAUSE How long I have searched for it.
"Damn and we led her right to it!" Arthur paced as he watched.
MORGANA Is it as powerful as they believe?
MORGAUSE Oh, yes. Trust me, Sister, with the Cup in our possession, Camelot would soon be at our mercy. Where is the Cup now?
MORGANA It's in the hands of the druids. All I know is that their camp lies within Cenred's kingdom.
MORGAUSE Then perhaps Cenred will be of use to us again. He has spies everywhere. If he can have Arthur followed...
MORGANA Then Arthur will lead us all the way to the Cup itself.
-
[09:11, INT. MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Morgana watches Merlin and Arthur ride out of the Square]
-
[09:19, EXT. WOODS - DAY] [Merlin and Arthur ride through the woods. Spies watch them and ride to Cenred's castle]
Arthur cursed some more.
"There's nothing we can do about it now Arthur, what's done is done."
"I can still be mad about it MERlin."
"I'm just saying."
[09:40, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM -DAY]
MORGAUSE
Which way was the Prince heading?
RIDER
For the Forest of Essetir, My Lady.
CENRED
Send word to the scouts in the area; they must be prepared.
RIDER
Yes, Sire.
MORGAUSE
Can your scouts be relied upon?
CENRED
Of course. I handpicked them myself.
MORGAUSE
Why does that not reassure me?
CENRED Do not concern yourself, My Lady. The Cup of Life will soon be in our hands, and when it is, Camelot will be ours.
MORGAUSE You forget yourself, Cenred. It is Morgana that will take the throne, not you or I.
CENRED I make no claim upon the throne, only the spoils of victory.
MORGAUSE You will get what you deserve, Cenred. I can assure you of that.
"Gross. I do not need that imagery in my head." Gwaine shuddered.
"Ugh." Leon looked at Gwaine in disgust. "I didn't have that imagery in my head until you said something."
[10:29, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
MERLIN We're going to Cenred's kingdom, aren't we?
ARTHUR What makes you say that?
MERLIN Er, we're in the Forest of Essetir and we're not stopping.
"I'm not an idiot."
"Could have fooled me."
ARTHUR You can think what you like, Merlin.
MERLIN Oh, come on. You might as well tell me.
ARTHUR Then I'd have to kill you, I told you that.
MERLIN Go ahead. I mean, I'm probably going to die anyway. Look at what happened to the patrol that came here! Dead, the lot of them!
ARTHUR: Sir Leon survived.
MERLIN: Right, so that gives me, what? A one in forty chance of making it?
ARTHUR: Rather less, actually. There are only two of us.
MERLIN: So I'm not probably going to die, I'm definitely going to die.
ARTHUR: Always the pessimist, Merlin. Who knows, maybe, just this once, we'll have no trouble.
There were smiles on everyone's faces at the exchange. Arthur was thankful for Merlin, he always was good at cheering him up.
[Arthur gets shot in the neck with a tranquiliser dart]
MERLIN: Maybe you're right. If past experience is anything to go by.
[Merlin gets shot in the neck with a tranquiliser dart]
"See look, I was right."
"We didn't die." Arthur reminded him
"We almost did." Merlin mumbled.
[11:13, INT. OLD BELL TOWER - DAY] [Arthur and a crowd of men look down on Merlin. Arthur slaps Merlin's face to wake him up]
MERLIN: What was that you were saying about me being a pessimist?
ARTHUR:Must've slipped my mind.
[Arthur helped Merlin stand up. Gwaine comes up behind Arthur and puts a hand on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur grabs Gwaine's arm without looking]
ARTHUR:Touch me again, you die.
MERLIN: Gwaine?!
"I knew I'd be showing up soon." Gwaine grinned. "Man I look terrible."
"We all did." Merlin laughed.
GWAINE: No manners, you royals. Merlin, old friend, you look terrible.
MERLIN: Likewise.
ARTHUR: What are you doing here?
GWAINE: Well, you know, wrong place, wrong time, wrong drink.
ARTHUR: Nothing's changed there, then.
GWAINE: That's just not fair.
ARTHUR: Where exactly are we?
GWAINE: The bell of an old castle. Belongs to a fellow named Jarl.
ARTHUR: Never heard of him.
GWAINE: Lovely bloke. Slave trader.
"You both really do have the worst luck. You're being tracked by Cenred's men, and Morgause and yet you manage to get captured by slave traders." Lancelot shook his head.
MERLIN: We're going to be sold as slaves?
JARL
Right, you filthy vermin. Which one of you's ready to face my champion in the arena? No volunteers? Well, I shall have to choose one of you toe rags myself, then. Let me see. How about you?
Gwen gasped looking at Merlin in worry.
[Merlin looks around.]
MERLIN
Me?
JARL
Death or glory, boy. You should be honoured.
ARTHUR
Who is this so-called champion? Can he crush nothing but weaklings like this?
"I'm not weak." Merlin argued
Arthur snorted "Merlin, you've got spindly little arms, and the last time I gave you a sword you nearly took my head off."
JARL
You think you could offer a better contest?
ARTHUR
I guarantee it.
MERLIN
Arthur, no.
"And I was supposed to just let you get killed."
"He wouldn't have killed me."
"I wouldn't have killed him." Gwaine and Merlin said at the same time.
JARL
Very well. But if you lose, I'll feed your little friend to the crows piece by stinking piece. Are you ready, my champion?
GWAINE
I am.
"Gwaine!" Gwen looked at the man in shock.
"It's not my fault, besides, it's a good thing I was the champion." Gwaine reasoned.
[12:59, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM - DAY]
MORGAUSE: How could you let this happen? You let Arthur slip through your fingers.
CENRED: He was taken before my men could get to him. MORGAUSE: Taken? By whom exactly?
CENRED: The slave trader, Jarl. He's been working our western border for months.
MORGAUSE: And you let him?
CENRED: We have an understanding. He doesn't bother me, and I don't bother him.
MORGAUSE: And where is this Jarl now?
CENRED
Don't worry, Morgause. I'll find him soon enough.
MORGAUSE
See that you do.
CENRED
Are you threatening me?
MORGAUSE
Trust me, Cenred, when I am threatening you, you'll know about it.
"I can't believe he's managed to keep his throne as long as he has, if the men of Camelot saw their king being yanked around like that he'd lose all their respect."
[13:39, INT. JARL'S FORTRESS - DAY]
[Cheering men push Gwaine and Arthur into the centre of the crowd]
JARL
Gentlemen, the rules are simple. One man lives and one man dies. If you cannot or will not finish off your opponent, I'll kill you both.
"How in the world did you get out of that?" Percival asked speaking up at last. He was a pretty quiet guy and he'd been more interested in learning as much as he could about those he was currently in company with. He'd heard plenty of stories from Lancelot about Merlin and Arthur, and even the pretty Guinevere. But he knew nothing about Leon, or Gwaine or Gaius.
"To be honest." Gwaine's shrugged "i have no idea."
"It was like dumb luck." Arthur recalled. Merlin went pale, his eyes met Lancelot and the man moved subtly forward placing himself in front of Merlin like a shield.
[Jarl tosses two swords at their feet]
JARL
Let battle commence!
[Gwaine and Arthur fight]
ARTHUR Take it easy, will you?
GWAINE It's got to look real, hasn't it?
ARTHUR Fine. If it's real you want...
Gwen rolled her eyes with an uttered "Men." and a shake of her head.
[Arthur and Gwaine continue fighting. They pause, drop their swords and wrestle to the ground]
ARTHUR So far, so good.
GWAINE What happens next?
ARTHUR Er...there was no next.
JARL Finish him!
Everyone was looking around the room in earnest and Merlin looked like he was about to be sick.
MERLIN Forbaern aeltaewlice.
Merlin had hoped for a moment that they didn't see him. But it was like the room had frozen, Merlin's spell echoing around. Merlin wanted to disappear he couldn't even look at Arthur so afraid of what the man would think.
Arthur couldn't believe it. He had to have simply imagined it, but one look around dashed his hopes. Merlin had magic. /Merlin/ had /Magic/. He felt a deep sense of betrayal. It hurt more than even Morgana's had.
"Arthur-"
"Don't!" Arthur snapped "Don't even speak…. You're a sorcerer! A sorcerer, like Morgana."
"No!" Merlin shook his head. "I'm not like her! I've done nothing but protect you Arthur."
"How can I believe a word you say when all you've ever done was lie to me!"
Merlin tried to step forward, but Leon drew his sword. Lancelot did the same. They looked at one another. Arthur watched the two men, a second stab of pain filtered through him when he realised that Lancelot had not been surprised. Merlin had told him, but not Arthur.
"Come on Arthur, you've just seen it with your own eyes, I was saving you."
"You were saving yourself." Arthur yelled back.
Merlin shook his head unshed tears in his eyes as he thought desperately for something to say, anything to make this better.
"I think it would be best if we continued to watch." Percival intoned. He was no big fan of magic, but he trusted Lance and Lance trusted Merlin, trusted him enough to fight the knights for him.
[Fire spreads along the ropes above and the crowd scatters. Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin escape]
[15:39, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
[Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin stop in the woods to rest.]
GWAINE
Well, that's somewhere I'll not be in a hurry to see again.
ARTHUR
Best stay out of trouble, then.
GWAINE
I could say the same to you.
ARTHUR
You could do, but I wouldn't have any idea what you're talking about.
GWAINE
Oh, come on. You must have done something to end up in a hole like that.
ARTHUR
Actually, we're on a quest.
MERLIN
We're looking for the Cup of Life.
[Arthur smacks the back of Merlin's head]
What would have once brought laughter now was only followed by silence.
MERLIN
Ow. What?!
ARTHUR
What part of the word "secret" did you not understand?
MERLIN
It...Gwaine.
"You trusted me that much?"
"Of course, you're my friend. You'd always helped me when I asked even if it was crazy or dare I say it… Perilous." Merlin couldn't help the small quip and Gwaine laughed. He smiled at Merlin.
Gwaine had traveled farther than most, he'd seen lands where magic was freely practiced. It was not that odd at all and Merlin would always be Merlin. He was Gwaine's best friend.
Arthur glared at Gwaine. He hated how the man could speak to Merlin so easily, how he could trust him without any reservations. Arthur had known Merlin much longer than Gwaine so why was he having such a hard time of it. But Arthur knew the answer. It was Because he was afraid. Afraid that the Merlin he'd come to trust and care about may not even be the real Merlin. He'd cared and loved Morgana and she had stabbed him in the back. Was Merlin just waiting for his own chance?
Merlin was glad to have Gwaine, but he could not stop himself from looking to Arthur. He was closer to Arthur than he was with nearly anyone. They were two sides of the same coin. He didn't know what he'd do if Arthur never stopped hating him.
GWAINE
Gentlemen. Gentlemen. It seems whatever it is that you're after, you could use a little help.
-
[16:27, INT. THE BELL TOWER FORTRESS - DAY]
JARL
No one makes a fool of Jarl. No one. I want to know who they are and where they're hiding!
BANDIT
My Lord.
[The bandit brings Arthur's bag]
JARL
What's that?
BANDIT
It was confiscated from the prisoners, My Lord. It may hold some clues.
JARL
I don't want clues. I want blood!
[Jarl empties the bag and finds nothing. He throws the bag to the floor and it jingles. Jarl cuts open the inside and finds coins and a sealed note] Jarl: Well, well, well. It seems we were entertaining royalty. *Muahahaha*
[17:27, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
GWAINE: So according to Merlin here, if you tell me where this Cup is, you have to kill me. Arthur: That's correct.
GWAINE: You may as well tell me, then. I mean, let's be honest, you couldn't kill me even if you wanted to.
ARTHUR: Yeah? Try me.
GWAINE: I already did. Back in the arena. I had you banged to rights, did I not?
ARTHUR: That was just a game.
GWAINE: Oh, a game, right. I won that game, did I not?
ARTHUR: No, you didn't. One more minute...
GWAINE: Oh, you flatt...
MERLIN: One more minute and you both would've been dead. Neither of you won. Your plan was a half-baked disaster, and if it was not for that fire we would all be pushing up daisies.
Arthur scoffed, but the corners of his mouth twitched. Damn.
Gwen smiled softly. "Thank you Merlin. Honestly those two." She shook her head.
"Complete dollop heads." Merlin agreed.
Gwen glanced away a bit nervously but she just couldn't bring herself to fear Merlin. Magic was wrong, it had gotten her father killed, and then almost herself. She'd seen Morgana use it, had watched her change. But Merlin had never changed, he'd always been Merlin sweet and friendly wonderful Merlin. How could he ever be evil.
[18:05, INT. CENRED'S THRONE ROOM - DAY]
CENRED
You're certain it was Arthur?
JARL
Oh, yes. It was the Prince, alright. Matched your description exactly. Had his servant with him. Him and another man.
MORGAUSE
And you have proof of this?
CENRED
Where were they headed?
JARL
West to the Forest of Gedney. They've no horses. Their tracks told us as much. You'll soon run 'em down.
CENRED
Excellent.
JARL
Always glad to be of help to, er, people of qualities such as yourselves. Perhaps some small compensation for my, er, time and trouble? MORGAUSE: Oh, my dear man, how remiss of me. You will have your reward this instant. [Morgause kills Jarl by throwing him into a wall with magic]
"Do you think Cenred has realised that that's what's waiting for him in the end." Gwaine grimaced.
"Merlin have you ever killed someone with magic." Arthur suddenly asked. He couldn't stop the question not after that horrifying display.
Merlin looked down sadly. It was answer enough. Gwen seemed to flinch at his side. "I never wanted to." Merlin's voice was soft. "If I could have gone my whole life without killing anyone I would have. The people I killed, I killed to save you and Camelot."
"Why?"
"Because I love Camelot and it's people, and because I believe in you and the king you'll one day be."
"Why do you have to have magic!? Why?"
"I didn't choose this Arthur. I was born with magic. I was performing magic before I could speak or walk." Merlin's voice was overwhelmed with emotions as he recounted his childhood.
"Then why did you go to Camelot?" Percival asked "Wouldn't it be dangerous for you there."
"My mother thought maybe I could learn to control my magic, she knew if I didn't than someone was bound to notice and people in ealdor didn't take well to magic. She was afraid if I didn't learn then one day I'd be caught and killed. So she sent me to Camelot, to Gaius." Merlin smiled at the old man and Gaius smiled back.
Arthur stopped pacing "You knew too then?" Arthur asked as he sulked. "So who else knew then Gaius and Lancelot. Did you tell anyone else Merlin."
"No! I didn't even actually tell Lancelot."
"He saved my life, and helped me kill the questing beast, that's how I found out."
"You have to believe me Arthur, I would never hurt you or anyone in Camelot." Merlin urged. Arthur didn't reply.
- [19:00, EXT. OUTSIDE THE DRUID CAVE - DAY]
MERLIN Well, don't tell me. We're actually here.
GWAINE Easy, Merlin. Wouldn't want to rile the Prince.
[Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin enter the cave.]
ARTHUR It has to be here somewhere. [Arthur sheaths his sword. He sees a cloth move and pulls a small druid boy out of hiding]
ARTHUR Where is it? Hmm? Where's the Cup? Tell me.
"Arthur!" Gwen looked at him in disapproval.
"I'm sorry, I had to get the cup."
MERLIN Let him go, Arthur. He's just a boy.
ARTHUR Where is it? [Druids surround them]
MERLIN Arthur. [Gwaine draws his sword]
ARTHUR Stay out of this, Merlin.
MERLIN No, Arthur, really. [Arthur looks up and pulls his sword on the boy]
ARTHUR One step closer...
ISELDIR
There is no need for violence, Arthur Pendragon. The boy has done you no harm. Release him.
ARTHUR
Not without what I came for.
ISELDIR
You seek the Cup of Life, do you not?
ARTHUR
I do.
[Iseldir pulls out the Cup]
ISELDIR
It is yours. Please, now, the boy.
[Arthur lets the boy go and grabs the Cup, but Iseldir doesn't let go.]
ISELDIR
You mettle with a power you do not understand, Arthur Pendragon. By taking the Cup of Life you risk more than you know.
"I should have listened" Arthur glared at his feet in shame. He glanced up at Merlin and sighed, he would not continue to make mistakes by being so frightened and paranoid. Merlin had done nothing with his magic but save his life, if he was telling the truth then this would show it, if he was lying. Well then Arthur would make that decision when the time came. He did not know if he could ever trust Merlin as he did before, but he would at least try to understand, to listen.
ARTHUR
I'll take my chances, thanks. Let's go.
[Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin turn to leave.]
ISELDIR(telepathy)
Emrys.
[Merlin turns and looks at Iseldir]
"Emrys?" Lancelot asked his friend curiously. The other's looked equally as curious, except Gaius.
"It's what the druids call me." Merlin told them.
ISELDIR(telepathy)
The Cup is in your care now. Guard it well. The future of this land depends on it.
Merlin looked saddened "I failed." Gwaine put a hand on the young Warlock's shoulder in comfort.
"We all did" He said softly.
[21:45, EXT. WOODS - DAY]
GWAINE
Hard work this quest business.
ARTHUR Trust me, it's a great deed we did here today.
MERLIN Are you sure the Cup wasn't safer with the druids?
ARTHUR They can't be trusted, Merlin. No one can. The only safe place for the Cup is the vaults of Camelot.
MERLIN Yeah, but we have to get it there first.
[Cenred watches them with his soldiers] {C Cenred: Get the Cup. Then kill them.
"We never had a chance of getting that cup back." Arthur shook his head furiously.
"Anything we could have done was thwarted the minute Morgana heard you and Uther planning it." Merlin sighed.
ARTHUR We're approaching the border of Cenred's lands. Beyond the forest lies Camelot.
GWAINE And food and water and a nice hot bath.
ARTHUR Quiet. Listen.
MERLIN I don't hear anything.
ARTHUR Exactly.
GWAINE: Never satisfied, you city types. It's too noisy, it's too quiet... [Cenred's men jump out of hiding]
ARTHUR Run!
[A soldier chasing Arthur shoots him in the leg with a crossbow. Arthur falls unconscious. The soldier takes the Cup from Arthur's bag. Merlin uses magic to knock the soldier back, but the Cup goes flying too and drops into the hands of Cenred's men below]
"You couldn't have used magic to catch it."
"First you don't want me to use magic, now you do. Make up your mind." Merlin huffed "And I didn't think of it until it was too late."
"So basically you're still as much of an idiot with magic as you are without it."
Merlin grumbled, but he couldn't be too hurt, at least Arthur was talking to him.
GWAINE Merlin?!
[23:28, EXT. WOODS - NIGHT]
[Gwaine and Merlin inspect Arthur's wound]
GWAINE Right. That doesn't look too great.
MERLIN Arrow must've been poisoned. He's got a fever, we need to keep him warm.
GWAINE I don't get it. Why all this bother over a cup? [Merlin puts his jacket over Arthur]
MERLIN Because in the wrong hands it can become a terrible weapon.
"Unfortunately that's true for all Magic." Merlin sighed sadly. Elyan looked at him in confusion and Merlin held out his hand for Elyan's sword "May I?" Elyan was not so sure of Magic itself, but he trusted Merlin. So he handed it over. "Magic is like this sword." He explained "It's only a tool, neither good or bad. It's the person who wields it that decided how to use it."
"That's almost wise Merlin." Arthur couldn't help his retort. Merlin's explanation made more sense than he wanted it to.
GWAINE Not so great Cenred's got it, then.
{C MERLIN It's worse than you can possibly imagine.
- [23:56, Cenred's castle. Morgause and Cenred bring the Cup before his army] {C Cenred: Loyal friends, our time is at hand. From today no sword will fell you, no spear will stop you short. Your blood will not be spilled in vain, but in victory. You march with the mightiest weapon of them all: immortality.
{C MORGAUSE *spell* {C [Morgause cuts a soldier's hand and pours the blood into the Cup]
A sense of dread descended down upon them.
- [25:20, Council Chamber of Doom] Uther: Arthur should be back by now.
LEON I'm sure there's a simple explanation, Sire.
UTHER You know as well as I do he's been gone too long. Take a patrol, as many men as you need. Whatever it takes, find him.
LEON Yes, Sire. [Leon leaves]
MORGANA You show great strength, My Lord.
UTHER What do you mean?
MORGANA Day after day you must send your only son into danger.
UTHER Not a responsibility any father would wish to bear.
MORGANA You must try not to worry. He's the First Knight of Camelot and your greatest warrior. He's made it home safe in the past. Why should this time be any different?
UTHER You're right. Of course you are.
"It really is hard to imagine her being evil." Gwen whispered
"What the hell happened to her anyway." Gwaine asked. Merlin tried not to flinch. It was his fault, he knew it was.
- [26:16, campsite] Merlin: We need more firewood.
GWAINE You're right about that.
MERLIN Do you want to go and get some?
GWAINE
Not really. Thanks for asking.
The men all snorted and Merlin shot him a withering look. Gwaine raised his hands up in surrender but he was chuckling.
MERLIN
There's wolves out there, bears, boars...
GWAINE
Exactly.
MERLIN
I'm not a warrior, I can't defend myself like you.
GWAINE
Never too late to learn. Merlin, don't you know when someone's joking with you?
[Merlin lets out a puff of laughter]
GWAINE
If I die collecting firewood, keep it to yourself. I got my reputation to consider.
[Gwaine walks off. Merlin kneels over Arthur, who is shivering with a fever]
MERLIN
Geh'ælan . Geh'ælan. Come on. Arthur, come on.
Gwen looked increasingly worried "Was the poison too strong for your magic."
"No." Merlin shook his head "I'm just really rubbish at healing spells. I live in Camelot so there's not really a lot of time to practice and the magic I use most often is combative."
[27:41, Cenred's castle. Cenred and Morgause watch the immortal army depart]
CENRED {C
Magnificent, aren't they? My army of immortals.
MORGAUSE
Your army?
CENRED
Well, they are my men.
MORGAUSE
Correction: they were your men. It is I that made them immortal. They are bound to me now.
CENRED
Do not think for one moment that you can cross me, My Lady.
MORGAUSE
Cross you? Never. *spell*
[A soldier in the room lifts his sword]
CENRED
What are you doing?
MORGAUSE
Have I not always been honest with you, Cenred?
[Cenred draws his sword]
CENRED
Stop. Stop, you answer to me not to her.
[Cenred runs the soldier through with a sword, but the man does not fall]
CENRED
Morgause. Morgause, make him stop. Make him stop!
[The soldier disarms Cenred and knocks him to the floor]
MORGAUSE
Did I not say that, when I threatened you, you'd know about it?
[The soldier raises his sword]
MORGAUSE
Well, now you know.
CENRED Morgause, please...! {C [The soldier runs Cenred through]
"I can't believe he didn't see that coming." Leon commented he was not sad to see Cenred go.
[28:54, Knights of Camelot see Morgause's army marching through a valley] Leon: My God. Alright, come on. [The knights run back on foot, but mounted soldiers come after them. Leon unhorses a soldier, but the soldier doesn't die when Leon runs him through with a sword. Leon flees]
"I'm glad you made it back to Camelot without getting caught." Arthur cared very deeply for Leon they had known each other since he was just a boy.
[29:57, campsite. Arthur coughs awake]
ARTHUR {C
Where's the Cup?
[Merlin wakes. Gwaine wakes, batting his eyelashes]
ARTHUR
Where's the Cup?
MERLIN
Cenred's men, they took it.
ARTHUR
Then what are we still doing here?!
MERLIN
You were unconscious.
ARTHUR
Always an excuse, Merlin.
"That's completely unfair." Merlin let out a small huff of air. He sighed when Arthur remained quiet. Little steps he told himself. At the very least the prince hadn't tried to run him through.
[Arthur tries to get up, but yells in pain. Merlin and Gwaine get up to help him]
ARTHUR
We have to get back to Camelot before it's too late
"It's already too late." Leon said solemnly
[30:37, Council Chamber]
UTHER We must convene the Council of War.
LEON They cannot be stopped. The soldiers, Sire, they will not fall.
UTHER
What are you saying?
LEON
They will not die.
UTHER
Gather the knights. Prepare whatever defences you can.
LEON
But Sire...
UTHER
Do it!
[Morgana smirks. Leon bows and exits with court members. Uther turns to Gaius]
UTHER Cenred. It must be. How? The location of the Cup was secret.
GAIUS There's only one explanation, Sire. We have a traitor in our midst.
"If only we could have known." Arthur thought of all the lives that could have been saved.
"I'm sorry Arthur, truly I wish I could have stopped her." Merlin whispered.
[31:17, Camelot's army prepares for war]
-
[31:43, Morgana's Chambers. Gwen shakes her head as she watches the gathering immortal army. Morgana enters]
MORGANA
Gwen?
GUINEVERE
Is it true they attack at dawn?
MORGANA
I'm afraid so.
GUINEVERE
And no word from Arthur?
MORGANA
Nothing.
GUINEVERE
Then all is lost. We'll be massacred, every last one of us.
MORGANA
Not everyone has to die.
GUINEVERE
What do you mean not everyone?
MORGANA
Those that defy them, those that choose to fight, they will surely die. But those who do not resist, those that choose to welcome change, they will have a future here. Everyone has a choice, Gwen.
"I was so afraid. I knew she'd changed, that she was somehow different. But I never imagined that she could be that bad. It was horrifying." Gwen looked at Morgana sadly remembering how close they had once been.
GUINEVERE You know I have always been loyal to you, Morgana. And I always will be. [Morgana smiles and takes her hands]
MORGANA Then have no fear. No harm will come to you, I promise you that. [Gwen smiles and nods. Morgana hugs her. Gwen looks uneasy, Morgana smirks out at the army]
"Thank you Gwen, if you hadn't of done that then I'd still be captive, and probably dead." Leon smiled at his childhood friend.
"I wish I could have saved more."
Leon gave her a small pat on the arm and then blushed he leaned over and whispered "Do you think this will show how you helped me escape?" He looked horrified and Gwen had to hide a small laugh.
[33:11, Gwaine and Merlin walk over a hill, Arthur limps. They stop when they see a burning village]
GWAINE
What the hell happened?
ARTHUR
I don't know. We need to hurry. We're still a day's march from Camelot.
-
[33:30, Gwaine, Arthur, and Merlin find fallen knights of Camelot]
ARTHUR
Camelot patrol.
MERLIN
There's not a single enemy body.
ARTHUR
He's right. This wasn't a fight, this was a slaughter.
GWAINE
Who could've done such a thing?
ARTHUR
An army of men that cannot die. Come on.
No one spoke, heads bowed in honor of the fallen knights.
- [34:02, Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin climb over another hill to find smoke rising from Camelot. The walk to the castle is strewn with bodies of Camelot's army] Arthur: They never stood a chance.
It was difficult having to see it all again, all the bodies. Gwen put a hand over her mouth looking ill. Lancelot and Percival looked just a sickened.
- [34:39, Lower Town. Bodies are strewn through the street. Arthur struggles to open Gwen's front door] Gwaine: Here, let me. [Gwaine kicks the door in. Elyan jumps up with a battle cry, Arthur and Gwaine take defensive stances]
MERLIN Elyan!
"It's weird seeing yourself like this." Elyan said though his voice sounded kind of dry and tired.
ELYAN
I'm sorry.
ARTHUR
Where is everyone?
ELYAN
I- I thought that...
ARTHUR
Elyan, please, what happened?
ELYAN
They came out of nowhere, a mighty army. Weapons were useless against them. Th-they were men, Sire, but not men. Nothing could kill them. Nothing.
ARTHUR
Wh, Where's your sister? Where's Guinevere?
Gwen smiled "Thank you for worrying."
ELYAN
She was in the citadel when they attacked.
ARTHUR
Then there's still hope.
ELYAN
Sire, the citadel's been taken.
[Arthur, Gwaine, Merlin, and Elyan exit Gwen's house, Arthur limping badly]
ARTHUR
Let's go.
ELYAN
How much longer can he keep going like this?
MERLIN
I don't know.
"I would have been fine." Arthur countered Merlin snorted
"Liar."
"Merlin."
"Shutting up."
[36:16, INT. THE CITADEL]
[Arthur pauses in a corridor, struggling to stand.]
GWAINE
Where now?
ARTHUR
Now, er... Now we, er...
MERLIN
Arthur, you can't go on.
ARTHUR
We must. We must find the others...
MERLIN
You can't go on without treatment.
ARTHUR
...Guinevere and my father.
MERLIN
Elyan.
ELYAN
Yeah?
MERLIN
Do you know your way to the dungeons?
ELYAN
Yeah, I think so.
MERLIN
Go with Gwaine. See if you can find them.
Leon couldn't help a small smile that slipped onto his face. He'd long since lowered his sword but now at last he sheathed it. Lancelot did the same.
ARTHUR I'm going with them. MERLIN No, you're not.
ARTHUR That's an order.
MERLIN No, to hell with your orders. You're coming with me. [Merlin puts Arthur's arm around his shoulder and drags him down the corridor]
"Thank you Merlin, for taking care of Arthur." Leon said sincerely
"Always" Merlin nodded
Arthur was grasping at air now. It wasn't that he wanted Merlin to be evil, but if he wasn't if magic was as he said it was then all those people who had been killed under his father's ruling… How could his father have been so wrong.
- [37:14, Physician's Chambers]
ARTHUR You're disobeying orders, Merlin. I'll have you in the stocks for this.
MERLIN Fine. Now, stay put and try not to move that leg. [Merlin looks for a potion, but hears a rattling in the cupboard. He picks up Arthur's sword and goes to check it out. Merlin yanks the door open]
MERLIN
Gaius!
They weren't very thorough were they." Arthur tsked. "Not that I'm not happy both of you were ok, but it's a very sloppy take over."
"They knew we couldn't do much on our own even if we wanted to." Elyan said
GAIUS
Merlin!
[Merlin and Gaius hug]
MERLIN
Are you alright?
GAIUS
All the better for seeing you.
[Arthur groans]
GAIUS
Arthur.
MERLIN
I tried to heal him using magic, but it didn't work.
[Gaius nods and goes to Arthur]
GAIUS
This may hurt a bit, Sire.
[Gaius inspects the wound]
ARTHUR
Ah.
GAIUS The wound's infected. I'll have to redress the leg to reduce the inflammation.
ARTHUR No, no, no, no. We haven't got time. Just give me something to keep going.
GAIUS
Yes, Sire.
MERLIN
It's the army of immortals, isn't it?
GAIUS
We'll be lucky to get away with our lives, any of us.
-
[38:29, Dungeons. Gwaine and Elyan peek around the corner to see Uther being dragged out of a cell by immortal soldiers]
UTHER
Where are you taking me? I am the King! I demand to know!
"Our timing was impeccable." Gwaine stated
-
[Merlin's Chamber. Merlin pulls his magic book and the Avalon water vial from the floorboard under his bed and packs it in a bag.
"What's that from?" Arthur asked curious as to why merlin would be packing such a thing.
"It was a gift, from the Fisher King."
Gwaine and Arthur looked at eachother in shock and then back at Merlin. "What?"
"He was there, still alive, but he wasn't evil, he wanted to die." Merlin looked sad. He gave me that water and told me it was the real prize. He said it would help me."
"There was no body there when we entered."
"It was not a normal death." Merlin answered.
[38:52, Physician's Chambers. Gaius hands Arthur a potion] Gaius: The effect will be instant, Sire, but I cannot guarantee how long it'll last.
ARTHUR Thank you, Gaius. [Gwaine and Elyan enter]
ELYAN The King, Sire, he's alive.
Arthur: Where is he?
GWAINE They're taking him to the throne room as we speak.
ARTHUR This may be my last chance.
MERLIN
Arthur, there's too many of them. You'll never make it.
ARTHUR
I won't leave my father to die here alone. Gwaine, Elyan, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the castle. I hope we meet again.
[Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius leave]
ARTHUR
Merlin, you should go with them.
MERLIN
Nah, I've seen the woods already.
"Forgive me Merlin, I never should have doubted you."
"No, I'm sorry. You had every right to feel the way you did, I lied to you." Arthur smiled and punched Merlin.
"Ow!"
"Don't be such a girl."
Everyone in the room smiled at the two of them.
[Arthur grabs Merlin's shoulder with a smile and the two of them sneak through the corridors. Arthur stumbles on their way out of hiding]
MERLIN
Are you alright?
ARTHUR
Keep moving.
-
[39:47, Merlin and Arthur crawl to the edge of the balcony above the Throne Room. Immortal soldiers force Uther to his knees in front of Morgause]
MORGAUSE
Well, Uther, how the mighty have fallen. [Arthur makes a furious move, but Merlin grabs him]
MERLIN (whisper)
The guards are immortal, they'll cut you to ribbons! What use are you dead?
MORGAUSE
I don't think you'll be needing this anymore. [Morgause removes Uther's crown]
UTHER
This is unlawful. You cannot do this. You have no right to the throne!
MORGANA
No, she does not. But I do. I am your daughter, after all. Don't look so surprised. I've known for some time. [Shock dawns on Arthur's face. Morgana sits on the throne. Morgause nods to a soldier, and the soldier shoves Geoffrey of Monmouth forward, the queen's crown in his hands]
GEOFFREY: By the power vested in me, I crown thee Morgana Pendragon, Queen of Camelot. [Immortal soldiers push Uther into a bow. Morgana and Morgause smirk. Arthur watches in horror]
"We've almost caught up to where we are now." Gaius mused
"What happens after that?" Percival questioned
No one had the answer for him.
AN: I know Percival didn't talk much but don't worry he will once he's actually in the show and the same for Lancelot. They were more observing since they didn't know the full story behind things.