Third Person POV
Open on a figure, carrying a small backpack, clambering enthusiastically up a steep hillside. It's the last climb of a long journey ...
"No young man, no matter how great, can know their destiny. He cannot glimpse his part in the great story that is about to unfold..." We continue to follow the figures as they negotiate the final rocks that will lead them to the summit, as yet his faces are still unseen "… Like everyone, he must live and learn..." The figure near the brow. Ahead of him, slowly rising into view we see soaring spires and turrets…"And so, it will be for the young warlock arriving at the gates of Camelot. A boy that will in time be father a legend. His names: Merlin." Kilgarrah says.
As his name drifts away on the wind, we see his face. He's an instantly attractive, bright eyed young man with unaffected good looks. We take in his wonder and share his P.O.V as he set his eyes for the first time on the vast city of Camelot …
Camelot, Street A
Merlin hurries through the city gates. The road is jammed with carts and people pouring into the city. A sea of diverse multi-cultural faces much like any major city now.
Merlin can barely contain his excitement. He pushes his way through the traffic, keen to taste the noisy, colorful world within.
Camelot, Street B
The city of Camelot stretches out below as Merlin makes his way along the busy thoroughfare. High on the hill above stands the great citadel of Uther Pendragon.
Camelot, Main Square
The sound of whistles, drums etc. An eager and jubilant crowd is gathered in a large cobblestone square at the heart of Camelot.
A trumpet fanfare. Merlin hurries to join the back of the audience. The crowd falls silent; all that can be heard is the steady beat of a drum. People shift their heads trying to get a look at the spectacle that is about to take place. He sees a man, his head bowed, being ceremonially led across the square. The drum stops and we hear a voice …
A smiling Merlin looks up and sees Uther, the King. A strong, powerful warrior in his early forties standing on a balcony dominating the square.
"Let this serve as a lesson to you all …" King Uther says as he stares into the faces of the crowd. "This man, Thomas James Collins …" Uther start to finish.
Merlin cranes to find a better viewpoint...
"...is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic." Uther tells the people.
Merlin's expression of excitement pales...
"And pursuant to the Laws of Camelot, these practices are banned by my Royal Command." Uther says. A murmur amongst the crowd...
A figure watches the scene from a narrow window high above the Square. This is Morgana. She doesn't look happy about what she sees.
"I pride myself as a fair and just King, but for a crime this malevolent ... there is only one sentence I can pass. Take the prisoner forth..." Uther tells the guards.
A sudden drum roll, the crowd lean forward, straining to get sight of the condemned man.
Merlin clambers up onto a wooden scaffold supporting a grandstand of temporary tiered seating, affording him a better view …
Merlin POV
A brief glimpse of the condemned man and the executioner raising his axe, then glancing over at Uther ... Uther has his hand raised aloft; he lets it fall ...
The executioner takes his cue and swings his axe ... Suddenly, the crowd in front of me stood up with a roar, obscuring the terrible sight. The crowd registers my shock.
At the window Morgana flinches, then turns away. She can watch no longer. Immediately, we hear Uther's voice booming out again over the square and see him standing arms aloft …
"When I came to this land the Kingdom was in chaos - but we changed all that." Uther says as he smiles. "With your help the dragons were defeated, and magic driven from the realm. So, I declare this week a holiday to celebrate ten years of my reign - ten years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil practice of sorcery!" Uther says and he raises a goblet. "Let the celebrations begin!" he says.
But the cheers of approval are immediately interrupted by an old woman, Mary Collins. The crowd recoils at the sight of her grotesque and withered face as she pushes her way into the open square, shouting abuse at Uther...
"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic - it is you! Your hatred and your ignorance." Mary Collins yells at Uther.
Guards hurry from the crowd, circling the woman...
"You took my son and I warn you - before your celebrations are complete, you will share my tears!" Mary Collins warns Uther. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son!" she yells.
"Guards, seize her!" Uther shouts at the guards.
The guards descend on the woman, but she reaches for a pendant from around her neck, holds it aloft and quickly mumbles a spell...
A sudden wind whips the dust around her into a vortex; and then, a split second later, both the wind and Mary Collins are gone. Only a cloud of dust remains, floating gently across the courtyard in the breeze...
The crowd are aghast. I am very worried and shrink away from the scene...
King's Palace (Corridor 1)
I make my way through the King's Palace. I stare in wonder at the preparations for the anniversary celebration that are already in full swing, with servants scurrying hither and thither with food, wine etc.
I reach the end of the corridor and hesitate, slightly lost. I turn to a guard to ask directions ...
"Where would I find Gaius, the Court Physician?" I asked the guard.
The guard points. I walk up steps and knock on the open door to the physician's quarters and peek inside.
"Hello?" I ask.
Finally, I decided to push the door open and peer inside...
Gaius' Chambers
A large circular room with a vaulted ceiling. Every nook and cranny are crammed with books, jars, vials, bubbling potions etc. I peer through the murk and dust - there's no sign of life.
I step gingerly across the threshold. I make my way through the clutter: the shelves of books and jars seem to go on forever. I call out …
"Hello?" I ask tentatively. No reply. I round a corner...
Perched on a rickety ladder, high above my head, I can just make out a shock of silver hair - this is Gaius, rummaging in the rafters for a book or potion. He seems oblivious to my presence, so I self-consciously clear my throat - Gaius spins round in complete fright, topples from his ladder and plummets towards the flagstones below...
My eyes widen - I hear his heartbeat pounding … Gaius continues to fall, but his descent slows - we're now in slow motion: Merlin Time.
I glance across the room and spy... A pair of large corn sacks resting in the far corner. My eyes flare...
Gaius continues his terrifying descent. But just before he hits the flagstones one of the corn sacks flies - at breakneck speed - across the floor.
Gaius lands in a gigantic cloud of dust and corn husks.
A beat, Gaius takes a moment to recover. He sits cradled in the sack staring at me …
"How the ...!" he starts to ask. He looks toward the far corner and the other sack - there's no way I could've physically moved it.
"What did you just do?" Gaius asks me.
"Uh …" I start to say. I look alarmed, fearing I've given myself away. Gaius struggles to his feet - unable to contain his amazement.
"Tell me." Gaius says.
"I don't know what happened." I tell Gaius.
"If anyone had seen that ..." he tells me.
"It was nothing to do with me. It was …" I start to say.
"I know what it was. I want to know where you learnt to do it." he says sternly.
"Nowhere." I tell Gaius.
"Then how is it you two know magic?" he asks me.
I don't know what to say.
"Where did you two study?" Gaius asks.
I stare at him - fearing I'm in a lot of trouble.
"Well …" I start to say.
"Answer me." Gaius says, insistently.
"I've never studied magic or been taught ..." I tell him
"You're lying to me, boy; this is important." Gaius tells me.
"What am I meant to say?" I asked him.
"The truth." he tells me.
"I was born like this." I told him.
"That's impossible." Gaius tells me.
I look awkward.
Gaius stares at me.
"Who are you?" Gaius asks me.
"I have this letter." I tell Gaius as I search inside the bag.
I take out a parchment and hands it to Gaius. Gaius examines it …
"I don't have my glasses." he tells me.
"I'm Merlin." dad tells the physician.
"Hunith's son?" Gaius asks us.
"Yes." I speak. Then there's a beat.
"But you're not meant to be here 'till Wednesday." Gaius says.
"It is Wednesday." I tell him.
Gaius stares at me.
"Alright, then ... Well ... put your bags in there." he tells me as he indicates a door.
Dad looks grateful and heads toward the room with me.
"You won't say anything …" I start to ask.
"No." Mr. Gaius tells daddy. Gaius looks up at the ladder to where he'd been standing ...
"Although Merlin …" Gaius starts to say.
Dad stops at the door and looks back at Gaius.
"I should say 'thank you'." Gaius tells me.
Inside, Gaius' Chambers, Merlin's Room - Night 1
A garret room, I finishes unpacking my things and sits down on my tiny bed - wondering what I should do next... I glance up. Above the bed is a shutter, I open it to reveal a small window...I look out over Camelot at dusk, it's aglow with small flickering torches that twinkle like fairy lights.
I gaze down into the busy high street beneath his window - it's full of life, color and endless possibilities. I am excited and keen to become involved...
Gaius' Chambers
Gaius POV
I sat down to read the letter Merlin gave me. I can practically hear the voice of Hunith, Merlin's mother.
"My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and know not who to trust …" the letter starts.
Inside Merlin's House
A simple workman's cottage. Hunith, a comely woman in her 40's, sits at the foot of a bed. She looks down with tears in her eyes as she watches Merlin sleeping with his head resting against his backpack.
"... Merlin is my only adoptive child, to the eye his smiling face is like any other. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that if he were to remain, I fear what would become of him." Hunith writes down.
Gaius' Chambers
As I finish reading, the increasing concern etched on Gaius' face can be seen.
"In these times, he needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts. To this end, I hope and trust, my dear brother, that you will have it in your heart to be that person. I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe. And may God save you both." is the end of the letter.
I put the letter down and think long and hard. What am I to do?
Morgana POV
Morgana's Chamber/Courtyard
The empty courtyard, the executioner's block and axe glint in the moonlight. I am looking down over the scene through the open window, a knock at the door.
"Morgana?" Uther asks me.
I turn.
"Yes?" I ask Uther.
Uther enters. I look at him, then move from the window.
"Why aren't you joining in with the celebrations?" Uther asks me.
"I just don't think that chopping someone's head off is a fun way to start a party. That poor mother." I tell Uther.
"It is only justice for what he'd done." Uther says a sense of something personal in his voice.
"To whom?" I ask Uther.
"It is the law of the land." Uther tells me.
"Your law." I tell Uther lightly. "I'd be careful …" I speak.
Uther glances at me.
"The more brutal you are, the more enemies you'll create." I tell Uther.
"I don't fear them." Uther says to me.
"Maybe rest of us in danger." I tell Uther.
Uther takes this in as I turn away from the window.
Third Person POV
Forest, Tented Camp
A small group of tents stand silent in the moonlight, a couple of guards standing on watch.
Dame Helen POV
Inside, Dame Helen's Tent
Inside my tent, I sing as I plait my long hair, preparing myself for bed. My looks are as beautiful and striking as my voice. Suddenly, the candles lighting the tent flicker...
I stop my song, turn and look toward the entrance. There's a sound outside... a twig breaking under a footstep ...
"Hello?" I ask. There is no response. "Sergeant?" I ask.
A beat and a soldier enters. "Yes, Dame Helen?" he asks.
"Is all well?" I ask.
"Yes, Ma'am. With luck we should reach Camelot by tomorrow." the Sergeant says.
"That's good." I speak.
I remain uneasy.
"I'll be outside if you need me." the sergeant says. He leaves
Third Person POV
Forest, Tented Camp
The Sergeant steps out from the tent. He walks a couple of paces, then stops to listen. Again, he hears twigs breaking under foot... The Sergeant reaches for his weapon...
"Who's there?" the Sergeant asks.
Another guard walks round the side of the tent, going about his duties. The Sergeant nods at him and heads to his own tent, relieved.
Dame Helen POV
Inside, Dame Helen's Tent
I wash my face in some water... I stop... I've heard something. I turn to look... And come face to face with the hideous, gnarled visage of Mary Collins. Mary Collins is holding a rudimentary straw doll with a noose around its neck. Mary Collins snaps the noose tight … My eyes pop and I grab myself around the neck. I am being magically strangled, I'm unable to breathe, unable to scream...
Mary Collins smiles as she watches me slump to the ground ... A moment, then Mary Collins begins to change. Slowly but surely her face transforms into me. The new me stares down at the dead me, a broad smile crossing the now beautiful face. She tucks in her pendant, the only clue to her real identity.
Merlin POV
Inside, Gaius' Chambers, Merlin's Room
A new day. I'm asleep on the narrow uncomfortable bed, a slit of bright sunlight on my face. I open my eyes, suddenly remembering where I am …
Gaius' Chambers
I enter the room, still pulling on my clothes. I stop as I see Gaius standing by the kitchen table. Mum's letter is still sitting on the table, next to it is a plate of food and a pail of water.
"I got you some water, you didn't have a wash last night." Gaius tells me.
"Sorry." I tell Gaius.
"Help yourself to breakfast." Gaius tells me.
I really am hungry and see the food and quickly reach past Gaius across the table ... Behind my back, unknowingly to me, Gaius deliberately knocks the pail from the table ...
"Merlin!" Gaius fusses at me as if the spilt pail is Merlin's fault, which I thought it was.
I react, turn and see the pail falling. I reach out with his hands, but there's no way I'm going to catch it. Instinctively, without thought, I use my magic ... The bucket and the tumbling water stop their fall and hang suspended above the floor. I instantly realize what I've done and flash a look at Gaius. We lock our eyes. Gaius sees my panic ... The bucket suddenly crashes to the floor, spilling its contents everywhere. Gaius steps back to avoid the splash. I hurry to clear it up.
"It was my fault." I tell Gaius.
"How did you do that?" Gaius asks me.
I look at him.
"Tell me. I want to know. Did you incant a spell in your mind?" Gaius asks me.
"I don't..." I started to tell him.
"So, what..." Gaius starts to ask.
I shrug.
"There must be something." Gaius tells me.
"It just happens. I can't control it." I tell Gaius.
Gaius stares at me, totally bemused by his powers. I continue to clear up. Finally, I look at Gaius.
"What are you going to do?" I ask Gaius.
"It's not me you need to worry about." Gaius says with a sigh. "But for a start you can help me out till I find you some paid work …" Gaius tells me.
Gaius picks up a handful of remedies …
"Here. Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival; and this is for Sir Owain …" Gaius tells me, handing me a vial. "He's blind as a weevil. Tell him not to take all of it at once." Gaius tells me.
"Ok." I tell Gaius.
"Here …" Gaius says as he hands me sweetmeat as he gives me a fatherly smile.
"Off you go." Gaius tells me.
I smile and prepare to set off, a spring in his step, keen to get out into the city. Gaius watches me, his concern once again apparent. As I get to the door, Gaius stops me...
"And Merlin ..." Gaius tells me.
I look at him …
"I don't need to tell you, but the practicing of any form of enchantments will get you kill - D'you understand that?" Gaius asks me.
I nod.
King's Palace Corridor 2
Merlin POV
I hurry down a corridor and knocks on a small door. A man opens it. He squints at me.
"I brought you your medicine." I tell him, holding out the bottle.
The man tries to take it but can't see a thing. I place it in his hand.
"Gaius said don't take it all..." I start to say. I stop as I see the man down the medicine in one.
"I'm sure it's fine..." I say and I hurry away.
King's Palace, Courtyard
As I return home, feeling pleased with myself and in no hurry to get back. I cross a courtyard and sees a young lad chastising his manservant, Thomas, in front of a small group of mates who are preparing to practice their combat kill …
"Where's the target?" the lad asks his servant, a smile on his face.
"There, sir." he says slightly confused as he points at it.
"It's into the sun." the lad says.
The manservant looks up into the sky. "Well ... It's not that bright." the servant says.
"Bit like you, then." the lad says. His friends laugh. I smile, it all seems good natured.
"Well, you've got to be able to fight in all weathers, sir." the servant says, trying to tell the lad.
"And what would you know about fighting?" the lad asks his servant.
"I'll put the target down the other end, shall I, sir?" the servant asks. He quickly runs off to the target and picks it up ...
"This will teach him." the young lad says, spying the moving target – smiling.
The manservant is carrying the target. Suddenly, a dagger hits the bull with a thud. Thomas reacts … "Hey! Hang on!" Thomas says.
Laughter comes from the mates.
"Don't stop..." the lad says.
Thomas resumes walking and places the target in the shade.
"Here?" Thomas asks.
"I told you to keep moving." the lad says.
Thomas glances at him with an uncomprehending look and then quickly ducks as the target is hit by another dagger ... More laughter. my smile has gone, I look awkward. My disapproval is mirrored by Gwen, Lady Blancheflour, Lady Aoife, Lord Aurelius, and Lady Briona watching from the windows above the courtyard.
"Come on, we want some moving target practice." the young lad says, insistent.
Thomas picks up the target again and slowly, nervously starts to walk. He takes cover as it's hit by another dagger …
"Run!" the lad says.
Thomas starts to run. A series of daggers strike the target and, in his anxiety to escape, the poor man stumbles. The target goes cartwheeling across the courtyard and lands at my feet ...The gang laugh …
"Come on, pick it up again." the lad tells Thomas.
The gang re-arm ...Thomas nervously bends to retrieve the target, but I place a foot on it - preventing him from lifting it.
"Hurry up." the young lad tells his servant.
Thomas looks up at me.
"Hey ... Come on, that's enough." I tell the lad.
The young lad looks at me - clearly taking offence at my interference. "What?" he asks me. He swaggers toward me …
"It's alright." Thomas tells me, not wanting any trouble.
"No." I say, refusing to relinquish the target.
The young lad comes face to face with me. We're about the same age, but I am a few sizes smaller. I look a little nervous - but hold my ground. "You've had your fun, my friend." I speak.
"Do I know you?" the lad asks me.
"I'm Merlin." I tell him.
"So, I don't know you." he said.
"No." I tell him.
"But you called me "friend"." the lad says.
There's a beat. An awkward silence amongst the crowd. I can see everyone looking at me.
"That was my mistake." I say.
"I think so." the lad says.
"Yeah ... I'd never have a friend who could be such an arse." I tell him.
I smile and turns away. My audacity draws a few laughs from the back of the crowd. Gwen, Aoife, Briona, Aurelius, and Blanchefleur is clearly impressed by my intervention.
"Or I, one who could be so stupid." the lad says. He places his hand on the hilt of his sword. I see the crowd step back, except Aoife, Briona, and Blanchefleur. I turn and look at the young lad, suddenly sensing the danger I've got myself into.
"Tell me, Merlin, d'you know how to walk on your knees?" the lad asks me. There's laughter.
"No." I answer.
"Well, I suggest you learn." he tells me.
I hold a smile on my face - but display a look of contempt. There's no way I'm getting on my knees for this idiot.
"D'you want me to help you?" the lad asks with an arrogant smile.
My face hardens - "I wouldn't if I were you." I tell him.
"Why, what are you going to do to me?" the lad asks.
"You've no idea …" I tell the brat.
"Be my guest." he tells me.
He towers menacingly over me. I take a nervous step backward … "Come on, then..." he says.
I see the young prat and his mates bearing down on me. Suddenly, I am in Merlin Time... everything slows, I look at the gang, their ugly gloating faces grinning at me, my heart is pounding ... I turn my focus onto the young prat. My eyes narrow... I realize what I'm doing, suddenly I break the spell and step back...
"Be my guest! Come on! Come on! Come oooooon." the brat tells me.
I take a swing at the brat, and he twists my arm behind my back.
"Whoa." the knights say.
Guinevere cringes in surprise.
"I'll have you thrown in jail for that." the prat says.
"What, who do you think you are? The King?" I ask.
"No. I'm his son, Arthur." Arthur says.
Arthur takes me out at the knees.
King's Palace, Dungeons
Guards escorted me down the Wrought Iron Stairway to the dungeons and threw me in a cell.
King's Palace, Castle walls - Night
Third Person POV
Mary Collins, disguised as Lady Helen, rides across the drawbridge and into the Square with her escort. Her reflection in a puddle reveals Mary in her true appearance. Mary (Lady Helen) enters the Throne Room to meet Uther and a few court members.
King's Palace, Throne Room
King Uther POV
I wait for Dame Helen to arrive. Morgana stands nearby with Gwen, her maidservant. As Dame Helen enters, Morgana turns to Gwen.
"Have you ever heard Dame Helen sing?" Morgana whispers to her maidservant.
Gwen shakes her head. "They say it's like having your ears kissed by Cupid." the maid says.
Morgana smiles. "Sounds good ... Though I can't say I'm familiar with that experience." Morgana tells her maidservant.
"Oh, no. Nor I am." the servant says, embarrassed.
Dame Helen reaches the throne. I rise to greet her.
"Dame Helen. Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations." I tell Dame Helen.
"The pleasure is all mine." she tells me.
"How was your journey?" I ask.
"Oh, the time it took, sire." Dame Helen tells me.
"I know, but it's always worth the wait." I say as I kiss her hand.
She touches the pendant under her clothing. For a moment her eyes flash with anger as she stares at me, although I don't see it.
"I hope so." she says as she smiles.
Morgana rolls her eyes - not enjoying watching the crinklies flirt.
King's Palace, Dungeons
The Great Dragon's voice wakes me in my cell the next morning.
"Merlin... Merlin..." is heard. I heard it coming from the floor beneath me, so I got up and backed away.
"Merlin..." is heard again. I move towards the floor and inspect it.
"Merlin!" Gaius yells.
The cell door opens and Gaius steps in.
"You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot." Gaius tells me.
"I'm sorry." I told him.
"You're lucky. I managed to pull a few strings to get you released." Gaius tells me.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" I told him.
Gaius gives me a disapproving look for being so excited.
"I won't forget this." I tell Gaius.
"Well, there is a small price to pay." he tells me.
Lower Town
Lady Aoife Bowen (Pendragon) POV
Merlin is in the stocks, being pelted with rotten fruit and vegetables by children.
"Oh, no." Merlin says.
Gaius laughs.
"Thanks!" Merlin told him.
Children leave to get more rotten fruit and vegetables and Gwen and Lady Aoife approach.
"I'm Aoife, but most people call me a nuisance. I'm like a sister to the Lady Morgana's." I told him.
"I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid." Gwen tells him.
"Right. I'm Merlin." he tells us.
He reaches his hands further out of the stocks to shake ours.
"Although, most people just call me Idiot." he tells us.
"No, no, no. I saw what you did. It was so brave." Gwen says
"And something I would have done myself." I tell Merlin.
"It was stupid." he says.
"It was brave." I say.
"Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him." Guinevere says.
"Oh, I- I can beat him." Merlin says.
"You think? Because you don't look like one of these big, muscle-y kind of fellows." Gwen told him.
"Thanks." he told her.
"I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid." Gwen tells him.
"Right. I'm Merlin." he tells us.
"No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm... Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and... well..." Gwen rambles on.
"What?" he asks her.
"You don't look like that." Gwen says
He motions for her to move closer.
"I'm in disguise." he says.
"Well, it's great you stood up to him." I say.
"What? You think so?" Merlin asks me.
"Arthur's a bully, and everyone thought you were a real hero." I say.
"Oh, yeah?" Merlin asks me.
"Thanks." he told her.
"Mm-hmm." I tell him as I nod.
The children return with more rotten fruit.
"Oh, excuse me, Guinevere, Lady Aoife. My fans are waiting." Merlin tells us.
Guinevere and I leave as they start pelting him.
Gaius' Chambers
Merlin POV
I sit down to eat my meal after cleaning up from being pelted with rotten fruit.
"Do you want some vegetables with that?" Gaius asks me.
I snort. "I know you're still angry with me." I tell Gaius.
"Your mother asked me to look after you." Gaius tells me. Here we go.
"Yes." I say.
"What did your mother say to you about your gifts?" Gaius asks me.
"That I was special." I tell him.
"You are special. The likes of which I have never seen before." Gaius tells me.
"What do you mean?" I ask Gaius.
"Well, magic requires incantations, spells. It takes years to study. What I saw you do was... elemental, instinctive." Gaius tells me.
"What's the point if it can't be used?" I ask.
"That I do not know. You are a question that has never been posed before, Merlin." Gaius tells me.
"Did you ever study magic?" I ask him.
"Uther banned all such work twenty years ago." Gaius tells me.
"Why?" I ask Gaius.
"People used magic for the wrong end at that time. It threw the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to destroy everything from back then, even the dragons." Gaius tells me.
"What? All of them?" I ask.
"There was one dragon he chose not to kill, kept it as an example. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle where no one can free it. Now, eat up. When you've finished, I need you to take a preparation to Lady Helen. She needs it for her voice." Gaius tells me.
Lady Helen's Guest Chambers
I walk up a Spiral Stairway across the Balcony Corridor and enter Lady Helen's guest chamber. I put the potion bottle on the vanity table and noticed an effigy and a special book. Lady Helen walks across the Balcony Corridor. I hear her coming and put the book down, trying to cover up the evidence that I was snooping.
"What are you doing in here?" Lady Helen (aka Mary Collins) asks me.
"An... I- I was asked to deliver this." I tell Helen.
I pick up the potion bottle from the table, Mary's reflection is revealed in the half-covered mirror behind me. I handed her the bottle and I exited.
Lower Town
Lady Briona Bowen POV
Merlin walks across the Square and passes Arthur and his gang as he walks through the Lower Town.
"How's your knee-walking coming along?" Arthur asks the lad.
Merlin keeps walking.
"Aw, don't run away!" Arthur, the idiot says.
Merlin stops. "From you?" Merlin asks.
Arthur the Idiot sighs. "Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb." he says.
"Look, I've told you you're an ass." Merlin tells Arthur and turns to face him.
"I just didn't realize you were a royal one. Oh, what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?" Merlin said and when he did, I burst out laughing.
"I could take you apart with one blow." Arthur, the idiot says, laughing.
"I could take you apart with less than that." Merlin says.
"Are you sure?" Arthur the prat asks.
"Come on, then." knight 1 says.
"Fight." knight 2 tells them.
Merlin takes off his jacket and Arthur laughs.
"...toying with him, then!" a knight says.
"Here you go." Arthur the prat says.
One of Arthur's knights' hands him a mace, which he tosses at Merlin. Merlin doesn't catch it. He picks it up and Arthur starts swinging his mace with ease.
"That a way." a knight says.
"Come on, then. I warn you; I've been trained to kill since birth." Arthur tells Merlin.
"Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?" Merlin asks and startles a laugh out of Aoife and winks at her when he hears that.
"You can't address me like that." Arthur says snorting.
"I'm sorry. H-How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?" Merlin says and gives a little bow. Arthur smiles a perturbed grin and starts swinging at Merlin.
"Come on then, Merlin! Come on!" Arthur says.
Arthur backs Merlin into the market stalls and the crowd continues to gather. Gaius hears the commotion and looks out the Physician's Chambers' window to see Merlin in trouble again. Merlin falls.
"Haha. You're in trouble now." Arthur tells Merlin.
"Oh God." Merlin says.
Merlin looks for something to help him. He sees a couple of large hooks and magically entangles them with Arthur's mace. Arthur untangles it and attacks again. Merlin moves a box and Arthur steps into it, banging his shin.
"OW! Argh!" Arthur yells.
Arthur pursues him again, Merlin tightens a rope on the ground, tripping Arthur. Merlin picks up the mace and starts swinging it at Arthur.
"Do you want to give up?" Merlin asks Arthur.
"To you?" Arthur asks Merlin.
"Do you? Do you want to give up?" Merlin asks Arthur.
Arthur backs up, catching his foot in a bucket and falling over backwards. Merlin, thrilled by his victory, spots Gaius in the crowd and pauses. Arthur attacks him from behind with a broom, knocking him to the ground. Guards begin picking Merlin up.
"Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it." Arthur says to the knights as they grab Merlin.
Gaius' Chambers
Merlin POV
"How could you be so foolish?!" Gaius yells.
"He needed to be taught a lesson." I tell Gaius.
"Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good! Not for idiotic pranks!" Gaius yells.
"What is there to master? I could move objects like that before I could talk!" I yell at Gaius.
"Then, by now, you should know how to control yourself!" Gaius tells me.
"I don't want to! If I can't use magic, what have I got?! I'm just a nobody, and I always will be. If I can't use magic, I might as well die." I tell Gaius.
I go to my bedchamber. Gaius enters my chamber with a medical basket.
"Merlin? Sit up. Take your shirt off." Gaius tells me.
I removed my shirt, revealing bruises. "You don't know why I was born like this, do you?" I asked Gaius.
"No." Gaius tells me. Gaius tends to my wounds.
"I'm not a monster, am I?" I asked Gaius.
Gaius looks me in the eye.
"Don't ever think that." Gaius tells me.
"Then why am I like this? Please, I need to know why." I ask Gaius.
"Maybe there's someone with more knowledge than me." Gaius tells me.
"If you can't tell me, no one can." I tell Gaius.
"Merlin? Sit up. Take your shirt off." Gaius tells me.
Gaius pours potion into a tiny cup. "Take this. It will help with the pain." Gaius tells me.
Council Chamber - Night
King Uther POV
I dine with Lady Helen in the Council Chamber.
"Will you sing for me tonight?" I ask "Lady Helen"
"You will have to wait, Sire." Helen tells me.
"You will not deny me." I tell Helen.
"I am saving myself for my performance tomorrow. Will everyone be there?" Helen asks me.
"Who would dare to miss it?" I ask her.
"How about your sons?" Helen asks me.
"Son. Well..." I start to say.
"It seems a shame not to have met him. And I thought there was a second son? And three daughters?"
"That's Arthur. And the Bowen's were conceived under a love to a druid. I cannot have sorcery on the throne." I say. Okay so I never tested them for magic, but better safe than sorry.
"Poor children." Helen says.
"Hmm?" I ask.
"Poor children. It can't have been easy to- to grow up without a mother." Helen says.
"No." I say.
"Hmm. That bond between mother and child. It's so hard to replace." Helen says.
"Hasn't been easy." I say.
"I'm sure." Helen tells me.
She smiles at me, and I smile back.
"Perhaps if you found someone...If you remarried a third time." she says and laughs. "I'm sure you'd have the pick of any maiden in the kingdom." Helen says.
"Well, perhaps I'll find love again. But I'm afraid it's too late to replace Arthur's mother." I tell her.
"Yes. It's certainly too late for Arthur." she says.
Gaius' Chambers- Dragon Cave
Merlin POV
I lie awake in my bed.
'Merlin... Merlin...' a voice calls out mentally
I get out of bed and sneak out of Gaius' Chambers. I cross the Square.
'Merlin...' I hear again.
I descend the Wrought Iron Stairway and distract a pair of guards by rolling their dice away from them. I grab a torch, light it, and head down the Tunnel Stairway.
'Merlin... Merlin...' I hear again.
I enter the Dragon's Cave.
"Merlin." Kilgarrah says, laughing.
I look around for the owner of the voice.
"Where are you?" I asked the owner.
The Great Dragon flies to land in front of me. "I'm here! How small you are for such a great destiny." the dragon says to me.
"Why? What do you mean? What destiny?" I asked him.
"Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason." Kilgarrah tells me.
"So, there is a reason." I tell him.
"Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion." the dragon tells me.
"Right." I say, sarcastically.
"But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike." Kilgarrah tells me.
"I don't see what this has to do with me." I tell Kilgarrah.
"Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion." the dragon tells me.
"No. No, you've got this wrong." I tell the dragon.
"There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't." he tells me.
"But I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand." I tell Kilgarrah.
Kilgarrah laughs. "None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin, and none of us can escape it.' the dragon tells me.
"No. No way. No. No. There must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot." I tell him.
"Perhaps it's your destiny to change that." Kilgarrah tells me.
Kilgharrah flies off.
"Wait! Wait! Wait, stop! No, I- I need to know more!" I yell after him.
Gaius' Chambers
Gaius enters my messy chamber and picks up my clothes.
"Oi!" Gaius yells.
I wake.
"Have you seen the state of this room?!" Gaius asks me.
"It just happens." I tell Gaius.
"By magic?" Gaius asks me.
"Yeah." I tell him.
"Yes. Well, you can clear it up without magic. And then I want you to get me some herbs: henbane, wormwood, and sorrel. And deliver this to Morgana. Poor girl's suffering from nightmares." Gaius tells me.
Gaius tosses some more clothes at me.
"Mmm, I know the feeling." I tell Gaius.
King's Palace, Morgana's Chambers
I walk through Griffin Landing and up some curved steps to Morgana's Chambers. I enter the open door and stare at Morgana as she walks behind her changing screen.
"You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?" Morgana tells me, though she thinks I am Gwen, and I feel like we are related.
I pause uncertainly before fetching the dress. Morgana begins undressing.
"I mean, the man's a total jouster. And just because I'm the King's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?" she asks me.
I place the gown on the screen.
"Well, does it?" Morgana asks me.
"Mm-Mmm." I say in a high-pitched voice, shaking my head.
"If he wants me to go, then he should invite me, and he hasn't." Morgana tells me.
I try to figure a way out of my situation.
"So, do you know what that means?" I hear Morgana think she's asking Gwen.
"Mm-Mmm." I say, high pitched, and shaking my head.
"Where are you?" Morgana asks me, well she asks "Gwen".
Morgana looks over the screen and I hold up one of her cloaks to hide my face.
"Here." I say, high pitched.
I peek through the neck of the cloak.
"It means I'm going by myself." Morgana tells me.
I put the cloak down and started to leave.
"I need some help with this fastening." Morgana tells me. Crud... I'm done for!
I turn around and stop at a loss for what to do. Gwen enters behind me.
"Gwen?" Morgana asks.
"I'm here." Gwen tells Morgana causing me to spin around.
"What are you doing here?" Gwen mouth to me.
I sigh in relief and motion that Morgana needs help dressing.
"Oh." Gwen mouths, just as Aoife, Briona, and Fleur come in, seeing Aoife, her pale skin tone, that stays pale in the summer months, even if she was out in the sun and water all the time. She has long wavy black hair that keeps back length and does a fairly good job of up-keeping it and keeping it shiny and healthy looking and she keeps it up in either a braided updo or a halo crown. She has blue eyes and stands at about 5' 5", with those long legs of hers.
Briona has a tan skin tone, that stays tan in the summer months, as she grew up, she was out in the sun and water almost all the time. She has long wavy blonde hair that she keeps back length and she also keep it up in a Jumbo French Medieval Hair style as the main style and does a fairly good job at up-keeping it and keeping it shiny and healthy looking. She has dark green jade eyes and stands at about 5' 3", with those short legs of hers.
Blachefleur has a pale skin tone, that stays pale in the summer months, as she grew. She has long wavy black hair that she keeps back length and that she keeps up in a forehead four strand and does a fairly good job at up-keeping it and keeping it shiny and healthy looking. She has way light brown eyes and stands at about 5' 7", with those long legs of hers.
Aurelius has a pale skin tone, that stays pale in the summer months, he has short wavy blonde hair that he keeps neck length and does a fairly good job at up-keeping it and keeping it shiny and healthy looking. He has blue eyes and stands at about 5' 5", with those long legs of his.
Gwen nods. I mouth something to Gwen before I leave, and she helps Morgana. Morgana comes out behind the screen in a new dress, carrying another gown.
"So, it's whether I wear this little tease..." Morgana says. Morgana looks at her dress in the mirror and then holds up a maroon gown. "or give them a night they'll really remember." she finishes, as I peaked in to see Aoife.
Lady Helen's Guest Chambers – Night
Third Person POV
The serving girl, Bronwen, brings a bowl of fruit to Lady Helen's guest chambers and knocks. Mary (Lady Helen) opens the door.
"Lady Helen." Bronwen says and curtsies. "Compliments of the King." Bronwen tells her.
"Come in." Helen gestures to Bronwen. Helen sits at her vanity table and picks up an apple.
"So sweet. How will I ever repay him?" Helen asks.
"When he hears you sing. Well, that will be more than enough, won't it? I'm really looking forward to the performance." Bronwen tells Helen.
"So am I." Helen tells Bronwen.
"I love singing, you know. I sing all the time. My betrothed says I have the voice of a fallen angel." Bronwen tells Helen.
Bronwen removes the cloth over the mirror and sees Mary Collins's reflection. The girl tries to leave, but Mary grabs her arm and drains the life from her.
Banquet Hall - Night
Merlin POV
Court members gather in the Banquet Hall. Gaius and I enter. I see Arthur joking with his mates.
"Merlin..." I hear Arthur say and they laugh. "... so, I stood up and..." Arthur says and he feints a punch into one of his mate's stomachs. They laugh. Arthur turns and does a double take as Morgana, Blanchefleur, Briona, and Aoife walk into his line of sight with Aurelius guarding them. All the men stare at the women.
"God have mercy." Arthur and I say.
I stare at Aoife as she passes me.
"Merlin. Remember, you're here to work." Gaius warns me, assuming I am looking at Morgana.
"Oh, yeah." I tell him.
I continue to stare at Morgana in a brotherly way, and Aoife in a romantic way, as Arthur approaches to talk to them. Gwen sidles up next to me.
"Morgana, you look well..." Arthur tells Morga, ignoring Aoife, Aurelius, Briona, and Blanchefleur.
"They look great, don't they?" Gwen asks me.
"Yeah." I tell her, looking at Aoife.
"Some people are just born to be queens." Gwen tells me.
"No!" I say, in shock.
"I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be them. Who'd want to marry Arthur, or any of the other kings?" Gwen asks me.
"Oh," I say and chuckle. "Come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men." I tell her.
"No, I like much more ordinary men like you." she tells me.
"Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary." I tell her.
"No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you." she tells me.
"Thanks." I tell her.
We turn away from each other awkwardly.
Lady Helen's Guest Chambers
Mary's POV
I hum at my vanity table before leaving the room, walking past Bronwen's corpse.
Banquet Hall - Night
Aoife POV
Celebratory horns signal King Uther's entrance and everyone finds their place at the tables.
"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora." King Uther says.
There is applause. The music begins and Uther and the court take their seats. Helen sings. The court members begin nodding off to sleep. Merlin, Briona, Blanche, Aurelius, and I notice and press our hands over our ears. Cobwebs begin forming over the enchanted sleepers. Merlin and my siblings and I notice her staring at Arthur as she walks forward. She pulls a dagger from her sleeve. Merlin magically drops the chandelier on her as she raises her arm to throw the dagger. Court members wake and pull the cobwebs off, muttering. Uther and Arthur stand up to see Mary Collins lying on the floor. Mary raises herself up enough to throw the dagger at Arthur. Merlin slows down time to reach Arthur and pull him out of harm's way. The dagger slices into Arthur's chair as they fall to the floor. Mary dies. Uther and Arthur stare at Merlin.
"You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." Uther, the pain says to Merlin.
"Oh, well..." Merlin starts to say.
"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded." Uther says.
"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness." Merlin tells his Majesty.
"No, absolutely. This merits something quite special." Uther tells Merlin.
"Well..." Merlin starts to say.
"You shall be rewarded with a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant." Uther tells Merlin.
The Court applauds.
"Father!" Arthur shouts.
Gwen claps with a pitiful smile on her face. Arthur and Merlin look away from each other unhappily.
Gaius' Chambers - Night
Merlin POV
Gaius knocks on my chamber door and enters.
"Seems you're a hero." Gaius tells me.
"Hard to believe, isn't it?" I ask him.
"No. I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?" Gaius tells me.
"But...that was magic." I tell Gaius.
Gaius nods. "And now, it seems, we finally found a use for it." Gaius tells me.
"What do you mean?" I ask him.
"I saw how you saved Arthur's life." Gaius tells me.
"Oh, no." I say.
"Perhaps that's its purpose." Gaius tells me.
"My destiny." I say, sighing.
"Indeed. This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me." Gaius tells me.
Gaius hands me a book wrapped in a cloth. I unlatch it and look inside.
"But this is a book of magic." I tell Gaius, snorting.
"Which is why you must keep it hidden." Gaius tells me.
"I will study every word." I tell Gaius.
There's knocking on the door of the Physician's Chambers.
"Merlin, Prince Arthur wants you right away." the guard tells me.
"Your destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants." Gaius tells me.