- [INT. IDIRSHOLAS – NIGHT]
[Morgause walks behind tall cobwebbed figures in the chamber of an empty old castle.]
MORGAUSE
Cnihtas Medhires, éower sáwla sind min sáwla. Onwác and cóm hér eft. Rid eft ond forsliehð eft. Gehðu, Uther Pendragon!
[Morgause lights a fire in the middle of the circle of figures. The figures start to move.]
"What the hell was that?" Gwaine asked Merlin.
"Something not good." Merlin was looking rather pale and Gwaine and Lancelot met eyes looking at their friend with worry.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER – DAY]
JOSEPH I'm a herder from the northern plains, Sire. Three nights back, we were camped beneath the walls of Idirsholas.
UTHER I'm not sure I would've chosen such a place.
JOSEPH Good pasture is scarce at this time of year, Sire.
UTHER And what is it you have to tell me?
JOSEPH While we were there we, we saw smoke rising from the citadel.
GAIUS And did you see anything else?
JOSEPH No.
UTHER Did you go inside?
JOSEPH No. Nobody has stepped over that threshold for 300 years! You must know the legend, Sire.
GAIUS When the fires of Idirsholas burn, the Knights of Medhir will ride again.
"I've heard the legends, the older men used to use them to frighten us as kids." Percival remembered. "I didn't think they were real."
Merlin sighed "Unfortunately."
UTHER See to it this man is fed and has a bed for the night. Take a ride out there.
ARTHUR Why?
UTHER So we can put people's minds at rest.
ARTHUR Surely this is superstitious nonsense?
"If only it were that" Arthur rubbed his temples he felt ages older than what he was and the memories of the past did not help.
UTHER Gather the guard and do as I say.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
MERLIN Why is Uther so worried?
GAIUS Because the Knights of Medhir are a force to be reckoned with.
MERLIN Do you believe the story as well?
GAIUS It's more than a story, Merlin. Some 300 years ago, seven of Camelot's knights were seduced by a sorcerer's call. One by one, they succumbed to her power. At her command, they became a terrifying and brutal force that rode through the lands leaving death and destruction in their wake.
MERLIN What happened?
GAIUS It was only after the sorcerer herself was killed that the Knights of Medhir finally grew still. Merlin, if what Joseph says is true, then something has awoken them, and I fear for each and every one of us.
"I wish I could stop being right all the time." Gaius sighed.
"DId you just give yourself a weird backhanded compliment." Merlin teased the old man who swatted at him.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Morgana enters her room and finds her window open and a little box on her window ledge. she opens it and read the note placed inside.]
"My dearest Morgana, Meet me tonight after sundown in ...outside the castle gates. I will...the marked and distinctive... Until then, keep..."
"Even back then she was a traitor?!" Arthur gripped his sword hilt even knowing this was just a memory.
"No." Merlin shook his head "She still had some love in her heart for Camelot."
"What are you not telling me Merlin?"
"You'll know soon enough. Sire." Arthur didn't like that, Merlin only called him sire when something was wrong.
GWEN Are you alright?
[Morgana crumples the note.]
MORGANA Yes, just a little cold.
GWEN Do you need something warmer?
MORGANA No, thank you.
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur's party rides through the woods.]
ARTHUR What is it, Merlin? Don't tell me you've been listening to Gaius's bedtime stories again.
MERLIN I just hope that's all they are.
"That'll be the day." Gwen couldn't help but utter to herself.
[EXT. KING'S PALACE/FOREST – NIGHT]
[Morgana sneaks out of the castle at night to meet Morgause in the woods.]
MORGAUSE You look well.
MORGANA Thanks to you.
[Morgana touches the enchanted bracelet Morgause gave her.]
MORGANA I wear it all the time. I can't remember when I last had a bad dream.
MORGAUSE But you do not seem happy. Why is that?
MORGANA I would be if I didn't have to pretend.
MORGAUSE Pretend?
MORGANA That I'm Uther's loving ward when I hate him.
"She doesn't seem all that loving." Gwaine commented
"Not toward Uther, she was afraid of him, but she still cared about Camelot, she still cared about you Arthur."
MORGAUSE Have you ever imagined a new world, Morgana? One where Uther was no more?
MORGANA Sometimes.
MORGAUSE And is that what you'd like?
MORGANA I once had the chance to be his assassin.
MORGAUSE And what stopped you?
MORGANA I don't know. I believe he cared for me. But not anymore. He cares for no one.
MORGAUSE So, you want Uther destroyed and his reign to end?
MORGANA More than anything. But it doesn't matter what I want. The future's not of my making.
MORGAUSE You are wrong, Morgana. You underestimate your importance. The decisions you make now will change the shape of everything that is to come.
MORGANA What do you mean?
MORGAUSE Whose side are you on, Morgana? Are you with Uther? Or are you with me? Are you prepared to help me bring about his downfall?
MORGANA I am.
MORGAUSE I can't tell me how much it means to hear you say that.
[Morgause's eyes glow and Morgana passes out in Morgause's arms. Morgause lays her on the ground and begins to draw a circle around Morgana with a stick.]
MORGAUSE Acene slæp swilce ... Acene slæp swilce ... Acene slæp swilce ...
[Morgana begins to glow.]
"She didn't know." Leon whispered.
"It doesn't change what she did, she wanted to kill the king." Arthur crossed his arms.
"Can you blame her?" Merlin looked at Arthur "She had magic, Uther killed everyone with magic. In her mind she knew that one mistake and she could be the next on the chopping block."
"Why are you defending her, after all she's done?"
"Because right here, right now in this memory she deserved to be defended." Merlin urged the others looked at him in shock and Merlin closed his eyes tightly. "I feel like I'm to blame for all of this. Morgana had magic, she was frightened, so she turned to the only one person she thought could understand her."
"Morgause" Gwen said and Merlin nodded.
"If I hadn't been such a coward, if I wouldn have told her about my magic, she might not be the way she is."
Arthur scoffed "You didn't have anyone either and you turned out just fine."
"I had Gaius and my mother."
"That's different." Arthur shook his head. "You said it yourself, you don't hold a grudge against my father."
The other knights agreed Merlin was certainly not to blame.
"You shouldn't feel guilty Merlin." Lancelot whispered to him."
"You won't believe that for long." Merlin said looking depressed.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Morgana wakes in her bed the next morning.]
GWEN Morning, My Lady. Morgana. Morgana.
MORGANA Yes.
GWEN Did you sleep well? (yawns)
MORGANA Yes. Better than you, by the looks of it.
GWEN Sorry. (sighs)
[INT. KING'S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Uther sits up in bed, sweating.]
UTHER I have court business that needs attending to.
GAIUS You have to stay in bed, Sire. You have a fever. I'll prepare a tonic for you. When did he first fall ill?
SIR LEON It came on this morning. It's not something to worry about?
GAIUS No. It will soon pass. Be sure to let me know if there's any change.
"Did you know it was magic?" Leon asked
"No. I knew something was off, but I try not to point my finger towards sorcery until I know for sure."
[INT. IDIRSHOLAS – DAY]
[Arthur's party rides for the fortress and enters the ruins.]
MERLIN What's that noise?
ARTHUR What noise?
MERLIN A sort of trembling sound.
ARTHUR That's your knees knocking together.
The knights all snorted and Merlin frowned at them but he had a sparkle of amusement in his eyes.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Gwen sits, waiting for Gaius to give her a remedy.]
GAIUS I fear this contagion is spreading. You're the fifth person I've seen today.
GWEN I'm sure it's nothing.
[Gaius knocks a potion bottle to the floor, which shatters.]
GAIUS Damn.
[Gaius bends down.]
GAIUS Ooh.
[Gaius straightens up.]
GAIUS I'll pick that up later. I think I might need a little something myself. If I can ever find what it is I'm looking for.
"This is what happened when I leave, everything goes to hell." Merlin shook his head trying to lighten the damp mood.
"Things go the same way even if you are there." Arthur said
"That's because I had to maneuver around without getting caught, that takes time and planning."
[INT. IDIRSHOLAS – DAY]
[Arthur's party enters the chamber in the fortress where Morgause awoke the knights at the beginning. Arthur checks the ashes of the fire.]
ARTHUR It seems part of Joseph's story was true. Probably just travellers passing through.
[Merlin turns his head back toward the entrance.]
MERLIN Or maybe not.
[Knights of Idirsholas draw their swords. Arthur's party fights the knights. Arthur runs one through, but it doesn't fall. Fight, stab, repeat. Arthur loses his sword in an undead knight's gut.]
"How many undead armies have you both fought against."
Arthur thought back on it. "3. Maybe 4. I don't remember."
"If I would have known you had this much fun in Camelot, I would have stayed." Gwaine laughed
"You didn't really have a choice, you were banished."
Gwaine winked at Merlin, who smiled back.
MERLIN Arthur!
[Merlin throws Arthur a sword.]
ARTHUR Run, Merlin! Go!
[Merlin passes Arthur, but then stops.]
"Why do you never listen to me?"
"If I did you'd be dead."
ARTHUR What are you...?! Do as I say!
[Arthur shoves Merlin toward the entrance. Merlin waits in the doorway for Arthur. Arthur fights his way to the door and faces approaching undead knights.]
MERLIN Ahríes þæc!
[Merlin pulls Arthur backwards out of the room as the entrance crumbles.]
"See. Without me you'd have been run through."
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur run into the woods and then stop.]
ARTHUR What happened to your arm?
MERLIN Oh, I must have caught in on something.
ARTHUR Let me see. Your first battle wound. Here.
Merlin laughed "Hardly."
Gaius shook his head disapprovingly.
"How many times have you been injured?" Gwen asked concerned.
"A lot, but it's ok Gaius patches me up." Merlin smiled brightly.
[Arthur rips off the bottom of his tunic.]
MERLIN Er, no. No, don't...You'll ruin it.
ARTHUR Don't worry. You can mend it.
[Arthur wraps Merlin's arm.]
ARTHUR Did anyone else escape?
[Merlin shakes his head.]
"So much death. It's no wonder Camelot hates magic, all they ever see is the bad." Merlin grimaced
ARTHUR We need to get back to Camelot, gather reinforcements.
"Only Camelot is under attack too." Percival frowned
"How did you get out of this one, princess?"
"I have no idea, I'm guess Merlin does though." He turned to his manservant expecting to see him smiling sheepishly or blushing, but Merlin did not look at all pleased if anything he looked like he was about to be sick.
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur dismount at the city entrance where the guards are lying on the ground.]
MERLIN Are they dead?
ARTHUR No. They're breathing.
MERLIN What's happened to them?
ARTHUR I don't know.
[They jog into the Square where guards and knights are strewn about.]
ARTHUR What's going on?
[A horse comes into the Square with a cart, the driver fast asleep.]
MERLIN I'll get Gaius.
[Merlin jogs into the palace.]
MERLIN Arthur?!
[INT. KING'S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE – DAY]
[Arthur runs in after Merlin. People are passed out on the staircase.]
"I can't imagine coming back to that."
"To think someone could beat us so quickly." Arthur looked uneasy. Magic was truly something terrifying. His eyes went to Merlin and he backtracked. At least in the hands of someone like Morgause and Morgana it was.
MERLIN They're all fast asleep. Must be some kind of sickness.
ARTHUR Where's my father?
[INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[Arthur rushes in, but it's empty.]
ARTHUR Where is he?!
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin runs in.]
MERLIN Gaius!
[Gaius is asleep on his work table.]
MERLIN It must be the work of magic.
ARTHUR We have to find my father!
[Arthur and Merlin pass Morgana's Chambers and go inside. Arthur notices Gwen lying on the floor and moves her to the bed. they hear the curtain behind them move. Arthur draws his sword and pulls Morgana out from behind it.]
"Thank you for that, but you really didn't have to." Gwen blushed softly. Arthur too turned slightly pink. Merlin snorted and Arthur glared.
*Arthur shouts*
*Morgana screams*
ARTHUR It's me! It's me, Morgana! What's happened?
MORGANA I didn't know it was you!
ARTHUR Calm down, Morgana. Just tell me what happened.
MORGANA People were complaining, saying they weren't feeling well.
ARTHUR And what then?
MORGANA They started falling asleep. Everyone, everywhere I went.
"It's hard to imagine that this is the same woman from the last memory." Lancelot commented.
"She was so scared." Percival looked at Morgana with pity.
They could see now what Merlin had meant, She may have wanted Uther gone, but it was clear to see that she did not want to hurt anyone else. So what had changed?
ARTHUR Was someone here?
MORGANA *shakes head*
ARTHUR Then why were you hiding?
MORGANA I told you, I didn't know who you were.
ARTHUR Where's my father?
MORGANA I don't know.
MERLIN Arthur, she's distressed.
ARTHUR If she was awake then she must have seen something.
MORGANA I didn't see anything.
"Arthur." Gwen scolded
"I'm sorry, we were under attack of immortal warriors, and Camelot had no army to defend itself, and the king could have been killed for all I knew." Arthur defended himself "I was worried."
"Obviously so was she."
"I'm sorry." Though he didn't seem very sorry. As scared as this Morgana seemed to be Arthur could not wipe the cruel and cold woman she had become from his mind. Whatever she was was gone.
ARTHUR You saw people getting sick, what did you do?
MORGANA What could I do?
ARTHUR Morgana, I don't understand. Why is it that you're the only person awake?
"Did you know?" Arthur looked at Merlin.
"Not at first, I thought it was because of her magic, but then I started getting tired too and I knew that it had to be something else."
[INT. KING'S PALACE, UPPER CORRIDOR – DAY] v[Knights of Medhir ride out from Idirsholas. Arthur, Merlin, and Morgana walk down the corridor.]
MERLIN Don't worry, I won't say anything.
MORGANA About what?
MERLIN The illness.
MORGANA That has nothing to do with me.
MERLIN No, of course not, but you have magic.
MORGANA You haven't told anyone that!
MERLIN No, and I won't tell Arthur, but...there must be something keeping you safe, and I think that must be it.
MORGANA Right.
ARTHUR (distant) I found him!
"She probably knew deep down that it was Morgause, but I don't think she realised what it was the woman had planned." Merlin had set to pacing, looking back on it now there was so much more he could have done. Things might be different if he had just found another way.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS –DAY]
[Arthur lifts his father from his slumped position over the table.]
ARTHUR Father.
MERLIN See, he's all right.
ARTHUR He is not "all right".
"Seems fine to me." Gwaine smirked.
MERLIN He's just asleep. All we have to do is find the cure. A way to wake them.
ARTHUR Who could have done this? You're the only one who's not been affected, Morgana. There must be a reason.
[MORGANA LOOKS AT MERLIN FOR HELP]
MORGANA I don't know.
ARTHUR That's all you keep saying! You must know something!
MORGANA No, they just fell asleep one by one!
MERLIN It's obvious. When she started feeling sick, Gaius gave her a potion, right?
[MORGANA LOOKS CONFUSED]
ARTHUR When was she sick? She never said that.
MERLIN She was one of the last to be affected. Somehow the potion must have helped.
ARTHUR What about everyone else? [MERLIN STRUGGLES TO ANSWER AS MORGANA LOOKS ON IN DESPERATION AND ARTHUR WAITS FOR A RESPONSE]
MERLIN By then Gaius was too ill. He didn't have a chance to treat anyone else.
[MORGANA LOOKS RELIEVED]
"You really tried to help her." Leon looked at merlin gratefully. Whether he had succeeded or not, Merlin was surely something else. He didn't know if anyone would have acted the same put in his position.
"Not enough."
Gaius watched Merlin getting more and more depressed as the memory continued and he could think of nothing to say that would ever get through to him. He knew how much Merlin suffered for his decision.
ARTHUR Go and see if you can find this potion. I'll search for signs of life in the lower town. Morgana, you stay here. You look after my father. Keep him safe. Here. Protect him with your life, you understand?
"I'm surprised she didn't just kill him then and there." Arthur glared
Gwen wished she could help Arthur, but she couldn't blame him for being bitter. They'd all trusted her, and she had slaughtered so many innocent people. Gwen blinked back her tears.
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]
[Morgause meets her undead knights in the woods. They dismount and bow before her.]
"Your luck just keeps getting better and better doesn't it?" Lancelot mumbled.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin flips through magic book.]
MERLIN Alright, Gaius, this is going to wake you. Ic ácwice þé.
[Gaius springs up with a goofy grin.]
Everyone laughs except Gaius.
"That's terrifying." Gwaine wheezes through his laughter.
MERLIN Gaius!
[Gaius has a blank stare.]
MERLIN Gaius? All right. Er...
[Merlin flips pages in the magic book.]
MERLIN Oh. We could try this. Ic þé bebíede þæt þú mé slæpest!
[Gaius's chair collapses and he ends up on the floor.]
"Merlin!"
"Sorry" He said this while trying to hide a small smile and Gaius gave him the eyebrow of doom that quickly sobered his young apprentice.
MERLIN Well, maybe not. Er...(sigh) Oh, come on, Gaius. I need you to wake up.
[Gaius still staring forward with a silly grin.]
MERLIN I really need your help.
[Merlin flips through the book.]
MERLIN Ah, here we go. Brimstréam!
[The spell splashes water in Gaius's face.]
Gwaine was laughing so hard he had to lean on Percival to stop him from falling over "This is pure comedy gold."
Gaius looked like he wanted to poison Gwaine.
ARTHUR Merlin!
[Merlin snaps the book shut.]
ARTHUR Come quickly!
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS/LOWER TOWN – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur watch from the battlements as eight riders head for Camelot.]
MERLIN According to the legend there were only seven knights of Medhir.
ARTHUR Then who's the extra rider?
MERLIN I don't know. Camelot is defenceless.
ARTHUR We have to get back to my father.
[Medhir riders pass through the lower town.]
The Atmosphere in the room slowly grew more tense all laughter forgotten.
"At least we know you all survive." Gwaine tried, but it was useless.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, UTHER'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur return.]
ARTHUR This will be one of the first places they look. We have to get him somewhere else.
MORGANA What's going on?
ARTHUR We're under attack. No time to explain. Grab his legs, carry him. You're not meant to be sweeping the floor with him! Pick his feet up!
MERLIN His feet aren't the problem.
There was some scattered laughter even Leon had to fight of a smile "MERlin!"
"What he was heavy! It's not like I'm percival!" Percival grinned at that.
ARTHUR Morgana, give him a hand.
Gwaine had a hard time not laughing "I swear you three look ridiculous."
Arthur glared at him hotly hand on the hilt of his sword and looking ready to disembowel anyone who spoke next.
[The riders cross the drawbridge.]
[INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin grins as Uther snores while they drag him through the corridor.]
ARTHUR It is not funny, Merlin. Did you find the potion Morgana took?
MERLIN Er...no.
[The riders dismount in the square.]
[INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Arthur, Merlin, and Morgana drag Uther into the room. Merlin and Morgana drop his legs.]
ARTHUR We can't leave him here! We have to lift him onto the bed.
MERLIN Why? He's asleep. He's not going to know.
ARTHUR Merlin!
MERLIN Well...I'll get him a pillow.
ARTHUR He's the King!
MERLIN All right. Two pillows.
The knights had been holding in their chuckles but at Merlin's comment and Arthur's face it was too much and they laughed. Arthur did not look amused in the slightest as he rolled his eyes.
"At least attempt to contain your enjoyment."
Leon coughed composing himself quickly and trying to act like he hadn't just been roaring with laughter. "Sorry my lord."
[Merlin and Arthur put pillows under Uther's head. Arthur staggers as he stands up.]
MERLIN You alright?
ARTHUR Are you feeling the same?
MERLIN We're getting sick.
[Merlin looks at Morgana who's still fine.]
"I knew then that it couldn't be her magic protecting her."
"Too bad there were no spells that could fix things."
"Magic is a good tool, but it's not a cure all." Gaius said wisely.
ARTHUR We can't let that happen. We must keep my father hidden.
MERLIN Why don't we disguise him?
ARTHUR That might just work.
MERLIN We could dress him as a woman.
Gwen snorted
"Not you too" Arthur looked down at her sternly
"I'm sorry" But she couldn't wipe the smile off her face.
ARTHUR That, on the other hand...
MERLIN We could dress him as a servant.
ARTHUR That's better.
MERLIN I'll get him some clothes.
ARTHUR Are you alright, Morgana? You seem quiet.
MORGANA I'm fine.
ARTHUR You sure? I can always tell when you're lying. Don't worry. I won't let any harm come to him.
Arthur sighed "At least I thought I could." How well had he really known Morgana. It seemed that now he could hardly even remember the good times every memory of her was tainted with darkness and the thought of her cruel cold smirk.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDORS/DRAGON'S CAVE – DAY]
[Merlin hides from the undead knights wandering through the castle. He goes to the Dragon's Cave.]
Arthur was flabbergasted. He couldn't even form words. Merlin knew the dragon before it was released!
MERLIN What's going on?! Why is everyone asleep?!
*Kilgharrah pretends to be snoring*
MERLIN Please not you as well. I need your help! What am I going to do?! Don't pretend. I know you're listening to me.
And he knew him well if this was anything to go by.
KILGHARRAH (yawn) I don't need to listen to you, Merlin. You always say the same thing: "Help me". And yet you refuse to give anything in return. Now you will face the consequence of that decision. Camelot's end is nigh, and there's nothing you can do about it.
"Something in return?" Leon did not want to believe it.
"I didn't want to." Merlin whispered
MERLIN I know I promised to free you, and I will!
"You didn't, you couldn't have." Arthur looked at Merlin feeling that betrayal come crawling back in.
"I didn't want to. I'd been lying to him telling him I would to get his help, but i had no choice this time." Merlin's voice was desperate he needed Arthur to understand, he hadn't wanted this.
KILGHARRAH Hahahaha.
MERLIN I will! I promise!
KILGHARRAH I no longer trust your promises.
MERLIN I swear on my mother's life!
KILGHARRAH Careful what you say.
MERLIN You have to help me. Please?
KILGHARRAH Her life matters more to you than your own. This is an oath I believe you will honour.
Arthur grit his teeth together in anger.
"I had to. I didn't know what was causing the sickness and we would have all died if I couldn't stop it." Merlin cried out.
Gwen to was fighting with herself. Merlin looked so sad and guilty, but then she remembered the dragon and all of the bodies and it felt like she was being torn apart. Leon felt the same struggle within him, he had lost so many men and all the innocent civilians.
MERLIN I will.
KILGHARRAH It is one thing to cast a spell that puts everyone to sleep. The power to maintain it is a very different matter. It will need more than just words to break this enchantment.
MERLIN What do you mean?
KILGHARRAH You must eradicate the source, Merlin.
MERLIN Great. What is that?
KILGHARRAH Not what, but who. Such spells need a vessel, a constant living presence to give them strength. The source of this pestilence is the witch, the Lady Morgana.
MERLIN Can't be.
KILGHARRAH I have warned you about her in the past, but you have failed to take heed. She is dangerous!
MERLIN (sigh) No.
KILGHARRAH And now she has chosen to turn her back on her own.
MERLIN How do I stop her?
KILGHARRAH That is easy, young warlock. You must kill her.
MERLIN (whisper) No!
Everyone in the room went pale. Arthur gripped Gwen's hand tightly so much that it hurt, but she hardly noticed as she held onto him just as tightly.
KILGHARRAH The spell is woven with magic of such power that even you are not immune. You must act now before it's too late. If you do not, then Camelot will fall and Arthur will die, and the future you were destined to share will die with you.
"Future?" Lancelot looked over at Merlin confused. But Merlin looked to distraught to even speak.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin grabs clothes, a water skin, and a bottle of Hemlock.]
"No. Merlin you didn't!" Gwen looked at Merlin "Please tell me you didn't"
Merlin could not look at her and she felt like she wanted to cry.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin runs down the corridor. Arthur grabs him and pulls him into an alcove.]
ARTHUR What took you so long?
MERLIN I didn't know Uther's size.
[Merlin and Arthur hear undead breathing, so they peek around the other side of the alcove to see Morgause walking down the corridor with the undead knights. Furious!Arthur tries to pull his sword, but Merlin stops him.]
[INT. KING'S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin enters.]
MORGANA I was worried about you.
The pure love and concern on Morgana's face only made the other flinch. Merlin wished he could die right then. Living it once was difficult enough but having to watch it knowing how things turned out because of it was something much more painful
MERLIN They're here! They're in the castle!
MORGANA Where's Arthur?
MERLIN Gone to find somewhere safe to move to.
MORGANA Thank you for not saying anything to him.
MERLIN It's all right.
MORGANA You're a good friend.
Merlin blinked back tears.
"You betrayed her." Arthur bit out
"I had to save you!"
"At what expense." Arthur yelled back unable to stop himself "Look what she has become."
"Don't you think I can't see that!" Merlin was suddenly furious. He'd never yelled at Arthur before not like this, but he couldn't stop himself. "This was my decision it's something I have to live with everyday. I know I made a mistake but I didn't think I had another choice."
Arthur knew he shouldn't feel so angry but he did and he turned away from merlin for fear that he might strike him.
[Arthur enters.]
ARTHUR We have to move my father before Morgause gets here.
MORGANA Morgause!
ARTHUR Come on! Let's go!
MERLIN You're not surprised?
MORGANA No, I am.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, SERVANT'S CHAMBER – DAY]
[They drag Uther into a servant's chamber.]
ARTHUR Should be safe in here for a while.
[They drop Uther on the low bed. Merlin and Arthur sit down while Morgana stands at the window unaffected by the spell.]
ARTHUR Must be the potion Gaius gave her.
MERLIN Yeah, must be the potion.
ARTHUR We can't keep this up much longer.
MERLIN I know. Wait. We're in a servant's quarters. If we leave him here, they'll just think he's a servant.
ARTHUR Not if Morgause sees him. We need to get him out of Camelot.
MERLIN When we arrived there was a cart in the main square, remember?
ARTHUR You are full of good ideas today, Merlin. You go and look.
No one could say anything as the two men stood with their backs to each other the air around them seemed to boil with anger guilt and frustration.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, CORRIDOR – DAY]
[Merlin looks out a window at the cart in the square. Merlin is attacked by an undead knight in the corridor.]
MERLIN Atres!
[The spell throws the knight against the wall. Merlin flees. It gets back up.]
Despite Arthur's anger he breathed a sigh of relief when Merlin escaped.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, SERVANT'S CHAMBER – DAY]
[Merlin runs into the servant's chamber.]
MERLIN
They're closing in! We won't make it to the cart, not carrying Uther.
ARTHUR
That's why we've made this. We're gonna pull him.
[Arthur peeks out of the servant's chamber at an undead knight, closes the door, draws sword and hides behind a column.]
ARTHUR Get down. Keep quiet.
[Merlin and Morgana hide. behind another column. undead knight enters and Arthur attacks.]
ARTHUR Protect the King! Get him out of here!
[Merlin and Morgana drag Uther out of the room and down the Upper Corridor. an undead knight pursues them. Morgana trips and falls.]
MORGANA Merlin!
[Merlin pauses and then keeps dragging the King.]
"She was your friend." Sir Leon could not help himself he valued loyalty above all else and while Merlin had proven himself to arthur he had also abandoned his friend on word from a dragon.
Merlin flinched. Gwaine stood next to Merlin protectively. "He was doing what he thought was right to save Camelot." Merlin couldn't believe that Gwaine was defending him he thought for sure that they'd all hate him and he wouldn't blame them if they did.
MORGANA Please!
[The knight goes to strike her. Morgana screams and cowers on the floor. The undead knight stops and looks at her, then goes after Merlin. Merlin drags Uther down Red Ribbon Corridor. He's about to use magic against the knight, but Arthur jumps into fight it and kicks it down a spiral set of stairs.]
[INT. KING'S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM – DAY]
[They enter.]
ARTHUR Merlin, help me.
[Merlin and Arthur bar the door.]
ARTHUR Morgana, we need the remedy that Gaius gave you. Morgana.
MORGANA I don't have it.
ARTHUR I know that, but you must remember what it was, what was in it? Come on, Morgana! We can't keep going much longer! Think!
MORGANA I'm sorry! I...
MERLIN It doesn't matter. We can't get it now anyway, we're trapped.
ARTHUR There has to be something we can do!
MERLIN (whisper) Why didn't that knight kill you?
MORGANA How do I know? Because I'm a woman?
MERLIN Yeah, maybe.
ARTHUR Unless we can rid ourselves of this sickness, then I don't see how we're going to hold out.
MERLIN We have to destroy the source of the magic.
ARTHUR Which is?
MERLIN I don't know.
Gaius was there at Merlin's other side putting an arm around him. "You had no other choice."
"I should have found a way." Merlin whispered back. "I should have tried harder."
ARTHUR Our only chance is to get out of Camelot. Help me with my father. You cut the blanket up. We'll tie it to my father, and we'll lower him onto the cart.
MORGANA Arthur...
ARTHUR Morgana, please just do as I say. I'll fetch the cart 'round to the window.
MERLIN You're going out there? I'll come with you.
ARTHUR No. No, you stay. You protect my father.
MERLIN You won't reach the cart alone. It's suicide.
ARTHUR We have no choice.
MERLIN How you feeling?
ARTHUR Not bad.
MERLIN You sure?
ARTHUR Yeah, you?
MERLIN Never better.
ARTHUR Get me a pillow, could you.
MERLIN Don't mess around. Arthur you... Arthur? You need to stay awake.
[Arthur begins to fall asleep leaning against the door. Merlin smacks him.]
ARTHUR Merlin!
MERLIN That's better!
ARTHUR If you ever do that again...
MERLIN Well, don't fall asleep, then!
Gwaine let out a small chuckle but he was the only one who did. Percival and Elyan both had small smiles on their fact. They were staying out of it. Neither of them knew Morgana before she'd gone evil and to be honest they both liked Merlin more anyway.
[Arthur takes the water skin from Merlin and splashes his face with it. the undead knights growl outside the door.]
ARTHUR That your knees again?
[Arthur and Merlin unbar the door.]
ARTHUR If I need a servant in the next life...
MERLIN Don't ask me.
ARTHUR Ha-ha!
Gwen wanted to cry. To see them so close like brother and then look at them now being torn apart. Was it really worth it watching this memory? They should have left after the last one.
[Arthur draws his sword and jumps out into the corridor. Merlin re-bars the door.]
MORGANA He's not going to survive out there.
MERLIN I know.
MORGANA We've got to do something.
MERLIN I know.
[Arthur fights outside. Merlin and Morgana take Uther's dragging cloth.]
MERLIN Here. You tear this up. I'll make some rope.
[Merlin poisons the water skin.]
MERLIN Here, have some water.
MORGANA I'm not thirsty.
MERLIN If we get out of here, you may not get another chance to drink.
MORGANA If we get out of here.
[Merlin hands her the water skin, but she puts it down. Arthur fights in the corridor. Merlin picks up the water skin and pretends to drink.]
MERLIN Here.
MORGANA I'm fine.
MERLIN No, you have some before I finish it.
MORGANA (sigh) Thank you.
[Morgana drinks. She begins to have trouble breathing. looks at the skin and then at Merlin. Merlin wipes his eyes and then turns to face her. Morgause notices something's wrong. Merlin tries to hold Morgana as she struggles to breathe. ]]
Merlin wipes his face once more feeling a few tears start to fall. "I didn't want to. I really didn't" His voice sounds so sad and helpless. Lancelot wanted nothing more than to make his friend smile as did Gwaine but there was nothing they could do. The only one who could fix this was Arthur. The prince was currently not looking at Merlin his shoulders tense.
[[Morgause begins to hold her throat like Morgana. she blows the council chamber door open and rushes to Morgana, taking her from Merlin's arms.]
MORGAUSE What has he done to you?
MERLIN I had to.
MORGAUSE You poisoned her!
MERLIN You gave me no choice.
MORGAUSE Tell me what you used and I can save her.
MERLIN First, stop the attack!
MORGAUSE You're nothing but a simple servant! You don't tell me what to do!
MERLIN If you want to know what poison it is, you will undo the magic that drives the knights!
MORGAUSE Tell me the poison or you'll die!
MERLIN Then she'll die with me. I don't want this any more than you, but you give me no choice. Stop the knights and you can save her.
Seeing Merlin struggle both in the memory and in front of him made Arthur's anger wane slightly. He was trying so desperately to save Camelot. Gods above, why did it have to be Morgana.
[Arthur is still fighting undead knights.]
MORGAUSE Astýre ús þanonweard! Cnihtas Medhires, éower sáwla. Rid eft ond forsliehð eft.
[The knights drop in front of Arthur. Merlin hands Morgause the hemlock bottle. Arthur bursts in with other knights of Camelot.]
ARTHUR What have you done with my father?
MERLIN He's safe!
[Uther wakes up on the floor.]
ARTHUR Morgana!
MORGAUSE Keep away from her! Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!
[Morgause and Morgana disappear in a windy cloud of smoke.]
And everyone watching knew, that was the beginning. It led them to where they were now.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS]
[Uther looks at Morgana's jewellery. Arthur enters.]
ARTHUR I couldn't find you. Are you alright?
UTHER Is there still no sign of her?
ARTHUR We've looked, Father.
UTHER Morgause must not be allowed to get away with this.
ARTHUR Yes, Father.
[Arthur turns to leave.]
UTHER Arthur. I haven't had a chance to say thank you.
ARTHUR I failed, Father. I should have protected Morgana.
UTHER No. That was my duty. Her loss will forever my on my conscience, not yours.
Arthur wished it were that easy.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS]
GAIUS You did the right thing.
MERLIN You don't mean that. Morgana was your friend, too. You cared about her.
GAIUS I did. But I fear that, unlike you, Morgana chose not to use her gift for good. You had no choice. Would be sitting here now if you had not made that decision?
Gwen finally broke. She remembered Morgana's hatred how she had tried to kill Arthur and all those innocent people. What Merlin had done was wrong, but it was Morgana who made the choice to feel that hatred. It was Morgana who decided to kill and destroy.
[Merlin gets up.]
GAIUS Where are you going?
MERLIN I'll eat that later.
GAIUS Merlin?
MERLIN There's something I have to do.
[Merlin goes to his room to fetch a sword and heads to Dragon's Cave.]
KILGHARRAH (voiceover flashback)
You must steal a sword from the Knights of Medhir. Their blades were forged by the Old Religion. If you harness its power to your own, you will have the strength to break the chains with which Uther Pendragon keeps me prisoner.
[The dragon flies down to Merlin.]
Arthur flinched. He had almost forgotten about the Dragon.
KILGHARRAH The time has come, young warlock.
MERLIN Where will you go?
KILGHARRAH I am the last of my kind. There is but one road I can take.
MERLIN What does that mean?
KILGHARRAH You will see.
[Merlin climbs down the steps to the base of the dragon's giant chain.]
MERLIN Before I do this, you promise me that you will not harm Camelot.
KILGHARRAH I think there have been enough bargains, don't you?
MERLIN Ic bebeode þisne sweord þæt hé forcierfe þá bende þæra dracan. Un clýse!
[Merlin swings the sword and breaks the chain. The dragon roars and flies away.]
The memory ended and Arthur was glad of it, he needed time and space, he needed to get away from Merlin to get out of here. He had seen things he had not wanted to know. The crystal seemed to feel his desire to leave and it released him. The knights staggered when they found themselves once again in the cave. Arthur stalked away.
Ygraine panicked she spoke to her son desperately "Arthur, you must not leave the cave, if you do the spell will be broken!"
"Does it matter." He glared but stopped. He was far enough from the others now anyway. "I did not want to see that!"
"Not everything has a happy end Arthur, there are things that will be hard for you to watch, but you must, you have to understand what is at stake."
"Why do you want this so badly!"
"Because I want you to be safe, I want you to be happy." Ygraine told him. I want you to live. She added to herself. She took a moment to compose herself. "You're not really mad at Merlin. You have to know that what he did, he did out of love for you and for Camelot."
"That doesn't make it right." Arthur argued.
"We all make mistakes Arthur, even me."
"Why can't I hate him. I want to. It would be easier than feeling like this."
"A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. You and Merlin are destined to walk side by side. He is a part of your life, a part of you."
"Well I don't want it"
Ygraine laughed "If only it were that easy. Talk to him Arthur, it is difficult on him too, try to remember that."
"Arthur?" It was Merlin making his way down the sloped caver path towards the prince. He stopped a good distance away "Everything I've done has been for you. I care about you." Normally Arthur would call him a girl but this time he stayed silent and Merlin did not know what he was thinking. "I know I've made mistakes, but I'm only human. I am trying."
Arthur sighed. "I know." He said back his anger had vanished, but he almost wished it hadn't now he felt burdened by guilt and sadness. He sat down and Merlin sat down beside him. They looked at eachother for a moment and they both sighed. Arthur gave a small smile and shoved Merlin with his shoulder. "This." He gestured to the cave and then back to Merlin. "It's a lot to take in. There's so much I didn't know. How can I even begin to think I'd be a good king, when I'm so blind."
"Don't think like that. You're going to be a great king. I know it."
"How can you be so sure."
"Because there's no one else like you." Merlin told him. Arthur looked at him shocked, but grateful for his words.
"You always tell me I'm a prat.'
"You are." Merlin smiled and Arthur hit him "But that doesn't mean you'll be a bad king."
"If you trust me that much, then why did you never tell me."
"You'd have chopped my head off. "
"I'm not sure what I would've done."
"And I didn't want to put you in that position." Merlin told him. Arthur looked at him in a new light. His doubts about Merlin vanished.
"That's what worried you?" Merlin gave him a small half smile. "You still puzzle mer Merlin, even after knowing this."
"Yeah well, can't be too predictable can I?" Arthur laughed. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small pouch. Merlin watched him curiously as he pulled out a sigil. It was beautiful and Merlin could tell it meant a lot to arthur from the way he looked at it running his thumb over the metal with such gentleness.
"This belonged to my mother, it bears her sigil." He told Merlin. "Here." He pressed it into Merlin's hand."
"Arthur I can't-"
"Just" Arthur interrupted Merlin. "Take it." He knew what doing this meant, he knew the importance and significance of giving this to Merlin. The man beside him was already his brother, he'd done so much for Arthur most still remained a mystery and he was sure he'd not agree with everything, but Merlin had never left him. He'd gone into battle with him without any armor or any kind nor expecting any reward. Now he was giving Merlin something, giving him a place a true position in his royal household. If anyone deserved it, it was Merlin. "You're still my manservant though." He said afterwards. Merlin laughed.
"You can't get rid of me that easily." He replied.
The men and woman watched Merlin go. They did not attempt to follow.
Leon paced until Gwen put an hand on his arm to stop him. "I know you're angry, But Morgana betrayed us all. And that wasn't Merlin's fault, it was her."
"I know I just,,, Merlin he... "
"He did what he had to." Gaius stepped in. "Merlin made a choice knowing Arthur was going to die if he did not. Sir Leon Merlin has felt more guilt over that choice than any other that he has made. I have seen him wallow in it time and time again."
Gwen nodded "I think it's time he forgives himself, and it'll help if we forgive him too." Leon opened his mouth to object but Gwen stopped him "I know how you felt about Morgana, she meant a lot to the both of us, but she's not the same any more, we can't go back in time. Merlin is here, he could have gone the same way but he chose to love not to hate. We should do."
Leon sighed and nodded. Gwen was right. Morgana had made her choice and they had to make thiers. Leon had seen for himself Merlin was backed into a corner and Leon did not know what he had done had it been his choice. He'd saved Arthur and Camelot.
Merlin and Arthur returned walking together and Gwen smiled at that.
Leon approached first "Merlin, I wanted to apologize, you were in a tough spot and I can only thank you for trying your best to save us."
Merlin nodded "Thank you." He didn't think Sir Leon would ever apologize, He'd never forgive himself for what he'd done, but it was nice to know he had friends who would still stick by him.
AN: Next episode is the Last DragonLord. Please Review!