[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT] [People run through the square screaming, surrounded by burning rubble. Arthur and his knights run past with crossbows.]
Merlin winced and the others looked startled by the suddenness of it all.
"Well I guess we're jumping right into it then." Gwaine grumbled.
ARTHUR I know you're tired, but make one last effort for me! Every shot must count!
[INT. KING'S PALACE, INFIRMARY – NIGHT]
GWEN I don't think people can suffer a third night of this.
GAIUS We must trust in Arthur.
GWEN I do. But even he has little chance.
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS – NIGHT]
[Merlin walks with Arthur.]
MERLIN I'm sorry you're having to do this.
ARTHUR Why? You're not to blame.
Merlin frowned "I am sorry."
"You don't have to apologize anymore Merlin, it's in the past now." Arthur told him "Besides without you, we wouldn't have been able to stop it, you saved us."
"I only wish we knew you were a dragonlord sooner" Leon commented
"How did you find that out, did Balinor tell you?" Arthur asked
"Something like that." Merlin had that sad look in his eyes.
[The dragon approaches.]
ARTHUR Flame up!
[The knights light their arrows and take aim.]
ARTHUR
Stay strong! For tonight is not your night to die, I will make sure of that! Hold firm! Hold! Hold! Now!
[The knights shoot arrows. dragon flames the battlements and they all duck.]
[INT. KING'S PALACE, INFIRMARY – NIGHT]
GWEN We've no clean water left.
GAIUS I know, but it's too dangerous to go out there.
[Gwen heads for the door anyway.]
GAIUS Gwen! Don't!
Elyan looked at his sister in concern as if making sure she was still there. "Gwen are you mad"
"We needed the water." She said assuredly.
"You're very brave Guinevere" Lancelot couldn't help himself he admired her courage greatly. Arthur rolled his eyes but he tried not to be too jealous. Lancelot was going to be his knight and he trusted Guinevere, he knew that she loved him.
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – NIGHT]
[Gwen takes a bucket to the well in the Square, stepping over the rubble while everyone else flees. dragon flies overhead. she begins to draw from the well. Arthur enters the Square, watching the dragon circle above.]
ARTHUR Clear the square!
[Arthur notices Gwen drawing from the well.]
ARTHUR Gwen?!
"I couldn't believe that you were out there, I was worried." Arthur whispered to her.
"I'm sorry, but I don't regret my actions."
He raised Gwen's hand to his lisps kissing it gently and making her blush. "You have such a kind and strong heart." she smiled at him.
[Arthur looks up at the dragon as it starts to turn for an attack.]
ARTHUR Guinevere!
"NO!" Elyan watched in horror. Gwen gave Arthur's hand a squeeze before moving away from him to go to her brother. It had taken time, but their relationship had slowly bloomed and she cared so much for her brother and he for her. She hugged him and he took comfort knowing she wasn't about to die.
[Gwen turns and sees her peril. She runs, Arthur runs to help her. Dragon swoops and catches Arthur, causing both of them to fall. Arthur grabs Gwen's hand and they run for cover. Merlin jogs out into the square.]
MERLIN *spell*
[Merlin throws a magical spear at the dragon. It glances off.]
"You're as crazy as Gwen going out there with no armor and doing magic so openly." Arthur shook his head at the two of them.
"I had to do something, it was my fault he was out there killing people." Merlin argued.
"How was dying going to accomplish anything"
"I had hoped he wouldn't kill me."
"Oh, you 'hoped', well that makes it all better than doesn't it." He hit merlin over his head "Dollophead."
"Ow. hey, that's my word"
KILGHARRAH Do not imagine that your petty magic can harm me!
[The dragon flies off.]
MERLIN Why are you doing this?! You're killing innocent people!
[INT. KING'S PALACE, INFIRMARY – NIGHT]
[Gwen treats Arthur's shoulder wound in the infirmary.]
GWEN You shouldn't've risked your life.
ARTHUR I wasn't going to let anything happen to you.
[Gwen reaches to put the towel down, but Arthur catches her hand and presses it against his shoulder/chest, covering it with his hand. She smiles. Gaius notices and smiles at the pair. Merlin approaches him.]
"I'm glad you're alright. Sorry, it's just everything seems so real. And I missed so much of your life." Elyan held his sister's hand in his
"You're here now, that's all that matters." Gwen told him.
GAIUS Are you hurt?
MERLIN There's nothing I can do. My magic is no good. It doesn't work.
GAIUS Dragons aren't monsters. They're creatures of wonder and magic. You must realise that they're immune to your powers.
"Seems like a monster to me."
"He's not!" Merlin winced when Gwaine spoke thinking how similar he was to Kilgharrah. "He's just really angry, but he has been quite helpful in saving Camelot."
[INT. KING'S PALACE, WAR ROOM – DAY]
[Arthur, Uther, knights, and advisors meet.]
ARTHUR The dead number 49 men, 27 women, a further 18 women and children are unaccounted for. Most of last night's fires are now out. The castle walls, in particular, the western section are near to collapse, I could go on.
UTHER Do we have any further idea on how the beast escaped?
SIR LEON I regret to say, Sire, we don't.
UTHER There must be some way to rid ourselves of this aberration. Gaius?
GAIUS We need a dragonlord, Sire.
UTHER You know very well that's not an option.
GAIUS Sire, what if...there was, indeed, one last dragonlord left.
UTHER That's not possible
GAIUS But if there was.
UTHER What are you saying?
GAIUS It may just be rumour.
UTHER Go on.
GAIUS I'm not exactly sure, but I think his name is Balinor.
Merlin flinched and Gaius put a hand on his shoulder.
UTHER Balinor?
ARTHUR Where does he live?
GAIUS He was last seen in Cenred's kingdom in the border town of [place name: Enged.], but that was many years ago.
ARTHUR If this man still exists, then it is our duty to find him.
UTHER Our treaty with Cenred no longer holds. We are at war. If they discovered you beyond our border, they would kill you.
ARTHUR I will go alone.
UTHER No.
ARTHUR That way I will not be detected.
UTHER No, Arthur. It is too dangerous.
ARTHUR More dangerous than staying here? I'll not stand by and watch my men die when I have the chance to save them.
UTHER I have given you my orders.
ARTHUR Do not make this a test of wills, Father.
"I was right to go, even if we couldn't bring back Balinor, it helped Merlin to figure out how to stop the dragon."
UTHER I'm not talking to you as a father, I'm talking to you as a king!
ARTHUR I will ride immediately.
UTHER My concern is for you.
ARTHUR Mine is for Camelot. I'll send word when I've found him. [to Merlin.] Prepare the horses.
"I think it's funny that you take Merlin with you on such journey's Most knights don't take servants with them." Leon couldn't help but comment.
"Merlin isn't a normal servant, he's my servant there's a difference."
"Thank you?" Merlin didn't know whether that was a compliment but he would take it as one anyway.
[Merlin bows to Uther and follows Arthur out.]
[INT. KING'S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS – DAY]
[Merlin packs for their journey.]
MERLIN Who were the dragonlords? Gaius?
[Merlin pulls Gaius out of his contemplative pacing.]
GAIUS There were once men who could talk to the dragons, tame them.
MERLIN What happened to them?
GAIUS Uther believed that the art of the dragonlord was too close to magic. So he had them all rounded up and slaughtered.
Arthur frowned he hated hearing about the things his father did in the past. He wanted only to believe in all the good his father had done, but if he wanted to be a better king he had to learn from his father's mistakes. Trusting Merlin was the first step.
MERLIN But one survived. How did you know?
GAIUS I helped him escape.
"Go Gaius!" Gwaine cheered
Gaius chuckled but sighed "I should have done more."
"You would have been executed with the rest if you had tried to." Merlin reminded him Gaius did not seem convinced.
MERLIN Gaius.
GAIUS Merlin, you've never heard the name Balinor?
MERLIN No.
GAIUS Your mother never mentioned him?
MERLIN My mother?
Arthur looked confused. Merlin hadn't mentioned anything like this.
GAIUS She took him in.
MERLIN She stood up against Uther?
GAIUS Yes.
MERLIN She was brave.
"I'd like to meet your mother" Lancelot smiled
"She'd like you" Merlin grinned.
GAIUS Yes. When Uther discovered where Balinor was, he sent knights to Ealdor to hunt him down. He was forced to flee.
MERLIN Why didn't my mother tell me any of this?
GAIUS Merlin, I promised her I would never speak of these things.
MERLIN Of what?
GAIUS I've always treated you as my son, but that is not what you are. The man you are going to look for is your father.
"What!" Arthur remembered what had happened and what he had said. "Merlin I-"
"No, it's alright, you didn't know."
"You could have told me."
"A dragonlord passes down his powers from father to son if I'd had told you and you had told Uther… well…" Merlin sighed.
Arthur flinched, the guilt weighed down heavily on him. His father. Merlin hadn't had a relationship with him because of Arthur's father. He hadn't felt anger toward Uther like this since Morgause had lied to him about his mother.
MERLIN My father?
GAIUS Yes.
MERLIN He was a dragonlord? Why did no one ever tell me?!
GAIUS I wanted to. Your mother feared it would be too dangerous.
MERLIN I had a right to know!
GAIUS She wanted to protect you.
MERLIN No. I had a right to know.
"I'm sorry Gaius. I just always assumed that my father was a horrible man for leaving my mother the way he had. I hated him and all along he was a good man." Merlin looked down in remorse.
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE – DAY]
[Gaius approaches Merlin in the Square as Merlin prepares his horse.]
GAIUS You got everything you need?
MERLIN (nods) I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...
GAIUS I know that.
ARTHUR Come on, Merlin.
MERLIN You're ready?
ARTHUR No thanks to you.
[Arthur cringes from his wound.]
MERLIN You okay?
ARTHUR It's just a scratch.
"A scratch that almost kills you." Merlin gives Arthur a pointed look. He shrugged.
"I lived."
[Arthur trots off.]
GAIUS Merlin, whatever happens, you must not let Arthur know who this man is. Uther would view the son of a dragonlord with the deepest suspicion.
Merlin gestured to the memory and then to Arthur as if to say 'see'
Arthur felt worse and worse by the minute
[EXT. FOREST – DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride through the woods and pause at the top of a hill overlooking a village.]
ARTHUR This is it. One more step and we're in Cenred's kingdom. This Balinor better be worth it.
"He is… was" Merlin smiled sadly
[INT. TAVERN INN – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin arrive in the village at night in the pouring rain. they enter a tavern and everyone stops to stare at them.]
ARTHUR Greetings!
Gwaine raised an eyebrow at Arthur. "You don't go to taverns outside Camelot very often do you?" Arthur shot him a dirty look.
[A man pulls a knife out of a table.]
"Lovely" Gwen looked at the tavern distastefully.
[INT. TAVERN INN – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin sit at a table and the innkeeper slops their drinks all over the table.]
ARTHUR We're looking for a man named Balinor. I'm willing to pay...
[Arthur slaps a bag of coins in front of the innkeeper.]
ARTHUR ...handsomely.
"You're going to get yourself robbed princess." Gwaine shakes his head
"Sorry I'm not as well crafted in tavern etiquette as you are." Arthur stated with extreme sarcasm.
"Hang out with me for a while and I'll show you the ropes." Gwaine laughed
"I'm sure, it's no wonder you and Merlin get along with as much time as he spends in the tavern."
"Do you really Merlin?" Gwaine smiled
"Actually no," Merlin looked at Gaius with a deadpan look. Gaius merely shrugged looking slightly sheepish.
"You're not saying all those times…"
Merlin nodded and Arthur looked like he might need to sit down. Merlin was going to be the death of him he was sure of it.
[The innkeeper nods and leans in.]
INNKEEPER Never heard of him.
[The innkeeper only takes the few coins Arthur already had on the end of the table.]
MERLIN You think one of these men is Balinor?
ARTHUR I hope not.
MERLIN So do I.
[INT. TAVERN INN, GUEST CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Arthur and Merlin getting ready for bed.]
ARTHUR What is wrong with you today?
MERLIN What?
ARTHUR It pains me to admit it, but I do enjoy your surly retorts. In fact, it's probably your only redeemable feature.
Gwen hid a smile.
Merlin beamed at Arthur
"Shut up"
"I haven't said anything"
"You didn't need to."
MERLIN Thanks.
ARTHUR There are loads of servants who can serve. So few are capable of making a complete prat of themselves. What is it?
MERLIN Nothing.
ARTHUR It's something. Tell me. Alright, I know I'm a prince, so we can't be friends. But if I wasn't a prince...
MERLIN What?
ARTHUR Well, then...I think we'd probably get on.
"You already do. Why are men so stubborn?"
"Hey." All the men looked at Gwen and she rolled her eyes
"I'm surrounded." She smirked.
"Nah not entirely." Arthur moved throwing an arm around Merlin "You've got Merlin here, he's practically a girl."
MERLIN So?
ARTHUR So at least can you tell me?
MERLIN Well, that's true. But you see, if you weren't a prince, I'd tell you to mind your own damn business.
"Ooo" Gwaine grinned, "You tell him, Merlin."
Merlin smiled at Gwaine but whispered to Arthur who still stood at his side "I know you were just trying to help, I just didn't want to hear it."
"It was a touchy subject"
"Still, thanks for always trying, even when I am being a…"
"Dollop-head?"
"Yeah."
"Well you do the same to me, you talk my ear off whether I want to hear it or not."
"Always will." Arthur tried to look exasperated but he was smiling.
ARTHUR Merlin. Are you missing Gaius?
MERLIN Something like that.
ARTHUR Well, what is it, then?
[Arthur throws a pillow at Merlin.]
MERLIN I'll tell you. I'm worried about everyone back in Camelot. I hope they're alright.
ARTHUR So do I.
[EXT. KING'S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
[Leon heads the knights against the dragon back in Camelot.]
SIR LEON Hold! Hold! Hold! Now!
[They shoot at the Great Dragon. The dragon blows fire. The knights hunch down and overlap their shields against the flames. Uther watches from his chambers.]
"I'm surprised you survived all of this Leon, it seems you really do have the luck of the devil." Percival was impressed by all the older knight had been through.
"Don't I know it."
[INT. TAVERN INN, GUEST CHAMBER – NIGHT]
[Someone sneaks into the room and reaches for Arthur's bag. Arthur grabs the man's hand and throws him onto Merlin's bed at knifepoint. Merlin wakes.]
MERLIN What's going on?
ARTHUR Do you know what the punishment is for theft?
ASGERD No, please. I've got children to feed.
ARTHUR Tell me where to find Balinor.
ASGERD Balinor?
ARTHUR What do you know of him?
ASGERD Nothing. I...
ARTHUR Do you value your life?
ASGERD It's been many years since I saw him!
ARTHUR You know where he lives?
ASGERD You must travel through the Forest of Merendra to the foot of Feorre Mountain. There you will find the cave where Balinor dwells.
"Living in a cave." Leon grimaced "That's not an easy life."
"It's not that bad." Percival spoke up. They looked at the big man who shrugged "When my family was killed I was taken in by the druids, they lived in hiding and we slept in many a cave, it wasn't as bad as you might imagine."
"The druids are magical though, that probably used their talents to make things more comfortable. "
"Maybe, or maybe I was just happy to have a place to go." Percival whispered the last part to himself but Merlin caught it and looked up at the big knight
"Now you have Camelot and all of us." He smiled but faltered slightly "I mean well I'm just a servant, but uh...:"
"You more than a servant, you're the prince's friend. And mine." Merlin reminded him of his younger siblings and one thing was for certain, he would not let the same fate befall him.
[Arthur releases Asgerd.]
ASGERD But don't get your hopes up.
MERLIN Why?
ASGERD He will not welcome you. Balinor hates everyone and everything. A cave's the best place for him.
"That's not true!"
"We know Merlin." Lancelot patted him on the back and Merlin blushed.
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur walking their horses through the woods, Arthur stumbling a bit. Merlin notices.]
ARTHUR It's all right.
MERLIN No, it's the wound. Let me have a look.
[A branch snaps as Merlin's looking at Arthur's wounded shoulder.]
MERLIN (whisper) Get down! Get down!
[Merlin pulls him down to hide behind a fallen tree. Cenred's men pass by.]
MERLIN (whisper) Arthur? (shakes him) Arthur?
[Arthur has passed out.]
Gwen put a hand to her chest. She hadn't known that this had happened.
[EXT/INT. BALINOR'S CAVE - DAY]
[Arthur is slung over his horse as Merlin guides them to Balinor's cave. Merlin leaves Arthur for a bit as he enters Balinor's cave.]
MERLIN Hello?!
[Balinor grabs him from behind.]
BALINOR What do you want here, boy?
[Balinor lets him go and Merlin stares at his father.]
MERLIN My friend, he's sick! He needs help!
BALINOR Show me, boy.
"An interesting way to meet your father."
"I was so scared, what if he hated me?"
"I don't think anyone could hate you Merlin" Gwaine smiled at his friend.
"You'd be surprised." Merlin had a long line of enemies who'd give nothing more than to run him through.
"No one good could hate you, should I say."
[Merlin keeps staring.]
BALINOR What are you waiting for? Fetch him!
[INT. BALINOR'S CAVE - NIGHT]
[Balinor treats Arthur's wound.]
BALINOR Ahlúttre þá séocnes. Þurh- hæle bræd. He needs rest.
MERLIN Will he be alright?
BALINOR By morning.
MERLIN Thank you.
"You came so close to dying" Gwen looked up at him afraid and Arthur moved to comfort her until Gwen hit him.
"Guinevere!"
"You nearly died because you were to proud to let Merlin look at it, you… you idiot!" She glared at him going over to stand by Elyan instead.
Arthur winced. Merlin snickered.
[INT. BALINOR'S CAVE - NIGHT]
[Merlin and Balinor eating dinner.]
MERLIN Looks good. How long have you lived here?
BALINOR A few winters.
MERLIN Must be hard.
BALINOR Why are you here?
MERLIN Just travelling. We're looking for someone. I was told, well...they said that he lived somewhere hereabouts. A man named Balinor. You never heard of him? He was a dragonlord.
BALINOR He's passed on.
MERLIN You knew him?
BALINOR Who are you?!
MERLIN I'm...Merlin.
"I don't know why I thought he might know my name" Merlin sighed.
BALINOR And him?
[Balinor points at Arthur.]
MERLIN He's my master.
BALINOR His name!
MERLIN His name is Lancelot. He's a knight. You know, a nice one.
Lancelot grinned "Thank you Merlin, I'm honored"
Arthur frowned slightly but then shrugged, Lancelot was one of the bravest men he knew. He didn't mind being mistaken for someone like that.
BALINOR His name is Arthur Pendragon. He is Uther's son.
MERLIN Yes.
BALINOR This is Cenred's kingdom. He's asking for trouble. What do you want from me?
MERLIN Are you Balinor? The Great Dragon is attacking Camelot.
BALINOR His name is Kilgharrah.
MERLIN Well, we can't stop him. Only you, a dragonlord, can.
BALINOR He doesn't act blindly. He kills for a reason. Vengeance. This is of Uther's making.
MERLIN But he's killing innocent people. Women and children.
BALINOR Uther pursued me! He hunted me like an animal!
"But that doesn't mean he should condemn the innocent!" Leon frowned.
Merlin opened his mouth to speak but Arthur beat him to it "He was frightened, I can not blame him. I can't be sure that my father would have let him leave, though I'd like to think he would have." Arthur hated speaking ill about Uther but he knew how blind his father was when it came to magic.
MERLIN I know.
BALINOR What do you know about anybody's life, boy?! Uther asked me to use my power to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wanted to make peace with it, but he did not! He lied to me! He betrayed me! You want me to protect this man?
Merlin sighed, he knew far too much about such things, more than his father could have ever known.
MERLIN I want you to protect Camelot.
BALINOR He killed every one of my kind! I alone escaped!
MERLIN Where did you go?
BALINOR There's a place called Ealdor.
MERLIN Yes.
BALINOR I had a life there. A woman. A good woman. Ealdor is beyond Uther's realm, but still he pursued me. Why would he not let me be? What was it that I had done that he wanted to destroy the life I built, abandon the woman I loved? He sent knights to kill me. I was forced to come here, to this! So, I understand how Kilgharrah feels. He's lost every one of his kind, every one of his kin. You want to know how that feels? Look around, boy. Let Uther die. Let Camelot fall.
Arthur closed his eyes. More enemies and more hate brought on by his father's brutality. Morgana used to say the same thing, Arthur had never given her words a thought but now it was a hard truth to face.
MERLIN You want everyone in Camelot to die?
BALINOR Why should I care?
MERLIN What if one of them was your son?
BALINOR I don't have a son.
MERLIN And if I told you...
ARTHUR Merlin. Merlin. (cough)
"Way to go Arthur ruining the moment."
[EXT. BALINOR'S CAVE - DAY]
[Merlin watches his father by the mouth of the cave. Arthur comes out of the cave.]
ARTHUR I feel great! What the hell did you give me?
MERLIN It was all down to Balinor.
ARTHUR So we found him, then? Thank heaven for that.
MERLIN That doesn't mean he's willing to help.
ARTHUR What?
MERLIN You won't persuade him.
ARTHUR Does he know what's at stake?
[Merlin nods.]
ARTHUR What kind of man is he?
MERLIN I don't know. I thought he'd be something more.
Gwaine put his hand on Merlin's shoulder they shared a look and Merlin nodded he didn't need words to understand what Gwaine wanted to say. He was the only one besides Gaius that Merlin had talked to about Balinor.
[EXT. LOWER TOWN/KING'S PALACE, BATTLEMENTS - DAY]
[People of Camelot carry buckets of water through the lower town to put out the fires from the night before. Gwen gazes across Camelot from the battlements with tear-stained cheeks. Gaius joins her.]
GAIUS You missing Morgana? She's stronger than people think. I believe that, wherever she is, she'll be alright.
GWEN And Arthur?
GAIUS You care a lot for him, don't you?
GWEN Everyone does.
GAIUS I think he cares the same way about you. It's alright, I won't tell anyone.
GWEN I know we can never be.
GAIUS Oh...the world's a strange place, Guinevere. Never underestimate the power of love. I've seen it change many things.
Gwen and Arthur looked at eachother and smiled.
Lancelot felt a pain in his heart, but he hid it well. He wondered if it would ever stop hurting.
[EXT. BALINOR'S CAVE - DAY]
[Arthur walks back to Merlin after talking to Balinor.]
MERLIN What did he say?
ARTHUR He'll change his mind.
MERLIN He said that?
ARTHUR Just...give him a moment.
BALINOR Farewell, then.
"Well you're useless Arthur."
"Gwaine! I think you've been hanging out with Merlin a bit too much."
Gwaine smirked but gave a little bow "Forgive me, sire."
"Nope." He hit Gwaine hard "There's only room for one back talking idiot and Merlin's already got that job."
"Damn, guess I'll just have to stick with being the good looking one then." He flipped his hair and winked at Gwen who only rolled her eyes.
ARTHUR That's your decision?
BALINOR I will not help Uther.
ARTHUR Then the people of Camelot are damned.
BALINOR So be it.
ARTHUR Have you no conscience?!
BALINOR You should ask that question of your father!
MERLIN And you are no better than him!
ARTHUR Don't waste your time, Merlin!
"You should let him speak, Merlin is surprisingly convincing." Gaius said
All that had been subjected to one of Merlin's speeches agreed. The boy's ears turned pink.
MERLIN Gaius spoke of the nobility of dragonlords! Clearly he was wrong!
BALINOR Gaius?
MERLIN Yes.
BALINOR A good man.
MERLIN Yeah. I was hoping you'd be like him.
Percival winced, Merlin was harsh.
ARTHUR Merlin!
MERLIN I wanted to...
ARTHUR Merlin!
MERLIN Well, there's no point.
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Arthur and Merlin ride off, then set up camp in the woods.]
ARTHUR I always thought that silence would be a blessing with you, but I find it just as irritating. You're a riddle, Merlin.
MERLIN A riddle?
ARTHUR Yes. But I've got to quite like you.
"Ah, so you finally admit it."
Arthur looked away pointedly and Merlin smiled. He'd been much to distracted to really listen to Arthur and appreciate his words, now things were different.
MERLIN Yeah?
ARTHUR Now I realise you're not as big a fool as you look.
MERLIN Yeah, I feel the same. Now that I realise you're not as arrogant as you sound.
ARTHUR You still think I'm arrogant?
MERLIN No. More...supercilious.
ARTHUR That's a big word, Merlin. You sure you know what it means?
MERLIN Condescending.
ARTHUR Very good.
MERLIN Patronising.
ARTHUR It doesn't quite mean that.
MERLIN No, these are other things you are.
Laughter filled the air and Arthur shoved Merlin.
ARTHUR Hang on!
MERLIN Overbearing.
[Arthur hears a twig snap and picks up his sword.]
ARTHUR Shh.
MERLIN Very overbearing.
"I am not!"
"Just a little bit." Merlin put his fingers together to show Arthur.
ARTHUR Merlin!
MERLIN But you wanted me to talk.
"Yes, but I didn't want your big mouth to get us both killed."
[Merlin hears another twig snap. Merlin picks up a sword and follows Arthur. They hear trees move behind them and turn around.]
BALINOR Careful, boy. I thought you might need some help. This is dangerous country.
A small cheer rose up from those gathered. They each knew this had already passed, but being within the memories made it seem so real.
ARTHUR And will you return to Camelot with us?
BALINOR You are right, Merlin. There are some in Camelot who risked their lives for me. I owe a debt that must be repaid.
ARTHUR If you succeed in killing the dragon, you will not go unrewarded.
BALINOR (scoff) I seek no reward.
ARTHUR Great! Let's eat.
"Sometimes you're so simple Arthur." Gwen backtracked "Not that there's anything wrong with that. I just meant it's sweet." Arthur drew her into a hug and rested his chin on her head. He'd told Gwen about his impossible famer dream, she knew that he had small and simple wishes in life and he was not ashamed of that.
[EXT. FOREST - DAY]
[Merlin and Balinor collect firewood.]
MERLIN This wood's too wet.
BALINOR Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it light.
"Magic" Merlin grinned
"That will be useful on hunts" Arthur commented and if it was possible Merlin's smile grew brighter.
MERLIN When you healed Arthur, I heard you mumble some words.
BALINOR An ancient prayer.
MERLIN I thought it might've been more than that.
BALINOR The Old Religion can teach us many things.
MERLIN The Old Religion. Is that something you were taught?
BALINOR It's not something you can learn. Either it's a part of you, or it isn't. My father knew that, and his father before him.
MERLIN Were they also dragonlords?
BALINOR We'll need some kindling.
MERLIN You mentioned...You spoke of Ealdor. You took refuge with a woman.
BALINOR That was a long time ago.
MERLIN I grew up there.
BALINOR Ealdor?
MERLIN Yes. I know the woman.
BALINOR Hunith? She's still alive?
"Thank goodness." Merlin whispered he didn't think he could bare it if his mother died.
MERLIN Yes. She's my mother.
BALINOR Then she married. That's good.
MERLIN She never married. I'm your son.
"What a way to drop that on him."
Merlin scratched the back of his head and gave a small shrug "There wasn't exactly a delicate way to put it."
BALINOR I don't know what it is to have a son.
MERLIN Or I a father.
[Merlin hears something snap and sees Arthur walking close by.]
MERLIN You must not tell Arthur.
[Balinor hands Merlin some firewood and they smile at one another.]
Everyone smiled. Arthur was glad Merlin's short time with his father had been happy.
[EXT. FOREST, CAMP - NIGHT]
[Arthur sleeps as Merlin and Balinor sit by the campfire. Balinor whittles some wood.]
MERLIN Why did you never return?
BALINOR I thought her life would be better without me.
MERLIN Why?
BALINOR Uther wanted me dead. If he'd found me, he'd have killed me, and your mother. I wanted her to be safe.
Gwen let out a small sad sound. She couldn't even imagine the pain Hunith must have went through. "You're mother is so strong." She whispered remembering the sweet and gentle woman. She'd been so nice to them when she had every right to despise them. It was from her that Merlin learned his capacity to love.
MERLIN We could've come with you.
BALINOR What kind of life would you have had here?
MERLIN We'd have been...happy. When we've finished in Camelot, I will take you to Ealdor.
BALINOR She won't recognise me. I see her in you.
MERLIN Yeah?
BALINOR You have her kindness.
MERLIN How did you become a dragonlord?
BALINOR You don't choose to become a dragonlord. It's not something you're taught. It's a sacred gift. For thousands of years it's been handed down from father to son. And that is what you must now become, Merlin.
MERLIN I would like that.
BALINOR And like all dragonlords, you won't know for sure that you have that power until you face your first dragon. You should get some sleep. We've a big day ahead of us. Goodnight, Son.
"So you didn't know for sure until you faced the dragon!?"
"I had to try even if it didn't work, but luckily it did."
"It's still suicide"
"A lot of things I do fall under that category. It's never stopped me before. "
MERLIN Sleep well, Father.
[EXT. FOREST, CAMP - DAY]
[Merlin wakes and sees mini-dragon that his father whittled for him. he smiles. Arthur grabs him from behind, covering his mouth.]
ARTHUR (whisper) Cenred's men.
Merlin's eyes grow sad as he watches knowing what's to come.
[Arthur draws his sword. Cenred's men attack. Merlin tosses his father a sword and takes on his own opponent. Merlin gets disarmed. Balinor rushes to his aid.]
BALINOR No!
[Balinor is run through. Merlin catches his father.]
MERLIN AHHHH!
Gwaine was there beside his friend taking his hand and holding it tightly in his own. Merlin squeezed it tightly tears stung his eyes.
[Merlin's eyes glow and he throws the guard who just stabbed his father. Merlin lowers his dad to the ground and holds him.]
BALINOR Ah, I see you have your father's talent. Merlin...
MERLIN Please, no. Please. I can save you.
BALINOR Listen to me. When you face the dragon, remember: be strong. A dragon's heart is on its right side, not its left.
MERLIN I can't do it alone.
BALINOR Listen to me! Oh, my son. I've seen enough in you to know that you will make me proud.
Merlin began to cry. He scrubbed at his face.
"It's alright to cry Merlin. The loss of a father isn't an easy thing, it's only natural." Gwaine whispered to him
Merlin nodded but he still felt a bit of embarrassment.
[Balinor dies.]
MERLIN No. Father. (cries) No.
[Arthur shows up, sees Balinor, and throws his sword down.]
ARTHUR NO!
[Merlin wipes his eyes and stands up to face Arthur.]
ARTHUR Camelot is doomed.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, WAR ROOM - DAY]
[Merlin and Arthur ride back to Camelot in the rain. lookouts spot them and rush to tell the King. the King and his advisors stand as Arthur and Merlin enter the War Room.]
ARTHUR I'm sorry, Father. I failed you. The last dragonlord is dead.
[Gaius looks at Merlin who tries not to cry. Gaius lowers his head.]
UTHER There are many years where I might've wished for that news.
Merlin could not help the spike of hatred that went through him at those words, but it was gone again; the king wasn't worth his hatred, he was not like Morgana.
ARTHUR All is not lost, Father. We have to fight the monster ourselves. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms: on open ground, on horseback, where we can manoeuvre better.
UTHER There is no point.
ARTHUR So what? We stand here, watch Camelot fall.
UTHER (nods) You have my blessing.
ARTHUR I need a dozen knights! Those who do not wish to fight can do so without stain on their character. For those brave enough to volunteer should know, the chances of returning are slim.
[Sir Leon's the first to step forward. twelve other knights step forward and form a circle around Arthur.]
Arthur patted Leon on the back with a nod to his oldest friend.
[INT. KING'S PALACE, MERLIN'S CHAMBER - DAY]
[Merlin sits on his bed and cries over the dragon figurine his father made for him. Gaius enters.]
GAIUS Merlin, what happened?
MERLIN I couldn't save him.
GAIUS Merlin.
MERLIN He said the dragonlord's gift is passed from father to son.
GAIUS That is true.
MERLIN When I faced the Great Dragon, my magic was useless.
GAIUS Your father wasn't dead. It's only then you can inherit his powers.
MERLIN Do you think I'm strong enough to stand up to him?
GAIUS Only time will tell.
[Arthur's Chambers. Merlin helps Arthur put on his armour.]
ARTHUR Well, look on the bright side, Merlin. Chances are you're not going to have to clean this again.
MERLIN You must be careful today. Do not force the battle.
ARTHUR Yes, Sire!
MERLIN I'm serious.
ARTHUR I can hear that.
MERLIN Let matters take their course.
ARTHUR Merlin, if I die, please...
MERLIN What?
ARTHUR The dragonlord today...I saw you. One thing I tell all my young knights: no man is worth your tears.
"I am sorry, I didn't know." Arthur frowned at himself in the memory. Merlin shook his head.
"It's fine, but Arthur..."
"Hmm?"
"You are more than worth my tears."
Arthur felt touched by his sentiment.
MERLIN Yeah. You're certainly not.
[Arthur picks up a sword and Merlin does too.]
ARTHUR What are you doing?
MERLIN I'm coming with you.
"Did you really think I wouldn't"
"You weren't a knight, you weren't even a proper warrior. You had no obligation to follow me and what sane man would go toward certain death?" Arthur commented "But then again you're the least sane person I know."
"I'm going to take that as a compliment." Merlin grinned.
ARTHUR Merlin, the chances are I'm going to die.
MERLIN Yeah. Yeah, you probably would if I wasn't there.
ARTHUR (scoff) Right.
MERLIN Do you know how many times I've had to save your royal backside?
ARTHUR Well at least you got your sense of humour back.
[Arthur swipes Merlin's sword out of the way and heads toward the door. Merlin follows. Arthur stops.]
ARTHUR Are you really going to face this dragon with me?
MERLIN I'm not going to sit here and watch. I know it's hard for you to understand how I feel, but...well, I care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not going to let you mess it up.
The knights laugh and Merlin shrugged. "I work really hard on that armour." He defended himself. "God it was awful after the dragon, all that soot and fire damage." He shook his head. The laughter increased at Merlin's complaining.
[They laugh. Arthur gives Merlin a friendly hit and they exit. Gaius watches from the battlements as the dragon slayer party rides out of Camelot.]
[EXT. FOREST CLEARING - NIGHT]
[The dragon slayer party waits for Kilgharrah. The dragon arrives..]
ARTHUR Hold firm.
[Kilgharrah swoops down.]
ARTHUR Hold! Hold! Hold! Now!
[The knights circle their horses in formation to surround Kilgharrah. Kilgharrah knocks Merlin, Arthur and some other knights off of their horses with his tail. Kilgharrah roasts some other knights.]
MERLIN No. Stop!
[Kilgharrah turns toward Merlin and Arthur. Arthur picks up a spear. Kilgharrah contemplates Arthur for a moment and then tries to flambé him. Arthur rolls out of the way and stabs Kilgharrah in the side. Kilgharrah roars and knocks Arthur out. Merlin gets up.]
BALINOR (voiceover) You're the last dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself, you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share, for your soul and his are brothers. When you speak to him as kin, he must obey your will.
MERLIN Dracan! Nán dyd ǽlc áciere miss! Eftsíðas eom ála cræt! Géate' stǽr ábære gárrǽs! Géate cyre. Mé tácen átende diegollice. Car grise áþes.
"Go Merlin!"
"Haha! You did it." Arthur ruffled Merlin's hair before shoving his head away in a friendly gesture.
"You knew this Arthur."
"It's different hearing about it and then actually seeing it." Gwen laughed she nudged Arthur softly
"You're really proud of him, I can tell."
Arthur shook his head but he did not deny her words.
[Kilgharrah settles back and bows to Merlin. Merlin picks up the spear.]
KILGHARRAH I am the last of my kind, Merlin. Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed.
[Merlin thrusts the spear into the air and Kilgharrah winces.]
MERLIN Go! Leave! If you ever attack Camelot again, I will kill you!
[Kilgharrah bows. Merlin drops the spear.]
MERLIN I have shown you mercy! Now you must do the same to others!
"I'm glad you didn't kill him." Gwen whispered softly.
"Me too, otherwise I'd probably dead or Arthur would be." Merlin nodded
KILGHARRAH Young warlock, what you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency. I'm sure our paths will cross again.
[Kilgharrah flies off. Arthur wakes.]
ARTHUR What happened?
MERLIN You dealt him a mortal blow.
ARTHUR He's gone?
MERLIN Yeah. You did it.
ARTHUR Ha! Ha! Ha! *insane laughter*
MERLIN (laughs) You did it.
[Arthur and Merlin head for the drawbridge. Uther sees them from his window, sighs in relief and leaves. Gwen and Gaius come to meet them. Gwen runs to Arthur and hugs him.]
"I can't believe you left Leon!"
"Forgive me Sir Leon."
"It was a surprise that I was still alive, I don't blame you for thinking otherwise, I stumbled my way back to Camelot somehow."
"Still I should have checked. If you had been dying and I had left you like that." Arthur shook his head "I will get better." Leon smiled at Arthur remembering before how immature and foolish he had been. Now it was like a new man stood in his place, and Leon had no doubt that Arthur was ready to be king.
GWEN (whisper) I thought I'd lost you.
[Gaius and Merlin hug.]
GAIUS My boy.
[Arthur and Gwen leave.]
MERLIN I felt him there with me, Gaius.
GAIUS He'll always be with you.
MERLIN I hope so.
GAIUS Merlin, I know I can never compare with your father, but for what it's worth, you've still got me.
"You always will." Gaius told him.
"Thank goodness for that, I don't know what I'd do without you."
MERLIN Well, I suppose I'll just have to make do.
GAIUS (laughs)
AN: Alright back to season 4! I'll be bouncing back and forth through episodes as they become relevant. :)