[01:21, CRUMBLING FORTRESS - DAY]
[Merlin lies limply against the fire pit. Lancelot tends to him as the knights look on in concern.]
"You're still alive!"
"Yes but he looks like one good blow might do him in."
"The others have died instantly how's it that Merlin is still alive?" Elyan asked
"It's my magic, it protected me," Merlin explained.
"But that doesn't mean he won't die if he doesn't get help," Gaius said worriedly.
"Did you know it wouldn't kill you when you jumped in front of it?" Arthur asked
"...yes." Merlin wouldn't mean his eyes and Arthur hit him over the head.
ARTHUR We have to get him back to Gaius.
SIR LEON And abandon the quest?
ARTHUR He saved my life, I won't let him die.
SIR LEON Sire, if we don't get to the Isle of the Blessed, hundreds more will perish.
"We can't just let him die!" Gwaine argued looking angrily at Leon.
"He's right." Merlin cut in. "but more importantly if I'm already going to die you just use me as a sacrifice."
"Come off it already I'm not using you to seal the rift." Arthur glared.
[Arthur looks back at Merlin.]
SIR LANCELOT Let me take him.
ARTHUR Carrying a wounded man alone, it will take you two or three days to reach Camelot.
SIR LANCELOT Not if I go through the Valley of the Fallen Kings. You cannot give up on the quest.
"It's alright Arthur." Merlin tried to reassure him.
"It's not." Arthur looked just as conflicted as he did in the future.
SIR LEON Sire, he's right.
[Arthur nods. Sir Percival carries the paralyzed Merlin to his horse. Arthur ties Merlin to the horse.]
Percy didn't realize how truly small Merlin was until he saw him in his arms. Even just watching he could see just how frail Merlin looked.
ARTHUR This is my fault and I'm sorry.
MERLIN Take me with you, please.
ARTHUR You would die, Merlin.
MERLIN But you don't understand. Please, Arthur.
ARTHUR Do you ever do as you're told?
MERLIN I have to come with you.
ARTHUR Merlin-
SIR LANCELOT We need to leave.
[Arthur squeezes Merlin's shoulder and sends him off with Lancelot.]
ARTHUR Go.
[Arthur looks after them worriedly as they leave. They ride through the woods and enter the Valley of the Fallen Kings.]
Merlin could only stare as he watched Arthur in the future with watering eyes… did he really care that much for him? Sure he knew they were friends, but he never really thought Arthur would be that affected.
[03:23, FOREST - EVENING]
[Arthur and the knights ride toward the Isle of the Blessed. They walk to make camp.]
SIR GWAINE Can you hear that?
SIR LEON Bees.
SIR GWAINE Food.
[Gwaine approaches the honey tree and takes off a glove.]
SIR LEON Trying to get us killed?
SIR GWAINE We're riding to our death anyway.
There is scattered laughter but seeing Merlin near death was still imprinted on all their minds.
[Gwaine puts his hand in the tree and Leon approaches a gloomy Arthur.]
SIR LEON It's good to give the horses a rest. You're quiet.
ARTHUR That's what happens after three days of listening to Gwaine.
[Leon smiles/chuckles.]
SIR LEON You did the right thing, you know. Merlin couldn't have continued with us.
ARTHUR I should've saved him.
"You can't save everyone."
"You can't protect yourself, your magic isn't working so I should have stepped in."
"Don't be stupid." Merlin shook his head
[Gwaine makes some grunting noises as he rushes away from the honey tree, swatting at the bees now attacking him. He runs off into the woods to escape the bees. Arthur rolls his eyes and Leon chuckles.]
SIR LEON If anyone can get Merlin back to Camelot, Lancelot can.
[04:19, VALLEY OF THE FALLEN KINGS - NIGHT]
[Lancelot carries Merlin to a stream in the woods; he lays him next to it and covers Merlin with his Camelot cloak. Lancelot takes off his gloves to gather water from the stream and notices something about the water. He's stares in shock as Merlin puts his hand to the water and something shimmers through Merlin's skin.]
VILIA Lancelot. Lancelot.
[Drops of water rise up from the stream.]
VILIA Lancelot.
[A woman's face appears in the drop of water.]
"What is that?" Arthur asked startled
"Incredible.." Gaius stares in awe.
VILIA We bear you no harm. We wish only to help.
SIR LANCELOT What are you?
VILIA We are Vilia, spirits of the brooks and streams. The tear in the veil has upset the balance of the world. Good spirits as well as bad roam freely. But this perilous state cannot continue for long.
SIR LANCELOT Prince Arthur is riding to the Isle of the Blessed. He intends to heal the veil.
VILIA He will need help. From both of you.
SIR LANCELOT My friend is sick. I need to get him to Camelot.
VILIA Merlin is stronger than you give him credit for. The young warlock has great power and a future that has been written since the dawn of time. Do not worry. Even now, my sisters begin to heal him.
[Lancelot looks at Merlin. Merlin's is glowing all over. Lancelot smiles.]
"You attract the oddest of creatures."
"Not all good." Merlin mused
"They are all so willing to help you." Arthur observed "Just who are you Merlin."
"I'm me."
VILIA You are tired. You must rest.
SIR LANCELOT I need to find shelter.
VILIA You are safe here.
SIR LANCELOT The Dorocha.
VILIA We will stay with you and protect you through the night.
[Lancelot smiles in awe as the water drops around him become tiny lights.]
"Lucky you." Gwaine stated but there was a smile on his lips.
[06:34, TUNNELS OF ANDOR - NIGHT]
[Arthur and the knights reach the tunnels and dismount.]
ARTHUR By dawn we'll be on the other side of the mountains.
SIR GWAINE You can't be serious. These tunnels are crawling with Wilddeoren.
ARTHUR These tunnels will take days off our journey.
SIR GWAINE If we make it out alive.
ARTHUR We'll cover ourselves in Gaia berries.
SIR GWAINE Ha. Sounds great.
ARTHUR It's your choice, Gwaine. Wilddeoren or Dorocha.
SIR ELYAN I know which I'd rather go for.
SIR LEON Me too.
[Just as they're about to enter the tunnels, Gwaine hears a Dorocha. It waits for him to turn his back and then launches at him. Percival tackles Gwaine out of the way.]
SIR GWAINE Never knew you cared.
Everyone laughed and Percival rolled his eyes.
[Percival makes an "Ugh, please" face. Arthur comes back out of the tunnels with a torch. The Dorocha comes back.]
ARTHUR Quick!
[They retreat into the tunnels. Because apparently Dorocha prefer the outdoors.]
[07:43, TUNNELS OF ANDOR - NIGHT]
SIR PERCIVAL Remind me again why we're wearing this disgusting paste.
[Arthur's response sounds bored, like he's repeating something he learned at school.]
ARTHUR Wilddeoren are completely blind, they rely totally on their sense of smell. Gaia berries will mask our scent.
"Yes he had me test it out for him"
"Oh don't be such a baby Merlin, it worked didn't it and I was with you too."
"Yes, but you didn't have the Wilddeoren in your face."
SIR GWAINE What are the chances of us getting through here without seeing a Wilddeoren?
ARTHUR None.
[Gwaine stumbles across a skull. He rushes from the back of the line to follow just behind Arthur. They hear a piggy squeal.]
ARTHUR Shh!
[Arthur and Leon toss their torches and stamp them out. They all hide behind a length of rock, then peak their heads over the ledge. Two Wilddeoren approach. They duck down when one gets close.]
ARTHUR Keep still. Don't even breathe.
[The Wilddeoren wanders off. Apparently Wilddeoren are totally deaf, too. Gwaine smiles in relief. His smile fades when the others watch him wide-eyed. A Wilddeoren sniffs him, pins him hard against the rock. Gwaine gets annoyed and kills it.]
"Idiot they hunt in packs!" Arthur shook his head "Even Merlin let one sniff his face without being a complete baby about it."
"I'm sorry, but I really just don't like Wilddeoren." Gwaine pouted
ARTHUR You fool.
SIR GWAINE It's dead.
ARTHUR That one is, yes. They hunt in packs.
[They hear other piggy squeals.]
SIR ELYAN Run.
[They bolt through the tunnels, chased by Wilddeoren.]
[09:57, CAMELOT, MAIN SQUARE - NIGHT]
[Peasants desperately try to push through the city gate as guards close it on them. Gwen watches from a castle window.]
"What are they doing, why are they closing the gates!" Arthur demanded to know. No one could answer him.
GAIUS (to a guard) We need more stretchers. And sheets, as many sheets as we can find.
GWEN Gaius. The guards were under orders to shut the city gates at dusk.
GAIUS Who's orders?
GWEN Lord Agravaine's.
Arthur cursed his uncle and then himself. He was so blind.
[10:15, COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT]
[Gaius opens the chamber doors and Gwen follows him in. Agravaine sits with the councilmen.]
AGRAVAINE Gaius. Have you come to join us?
GAIUS Why have you closed the city gates?
AGRAVAINE We have limited resources, Gaius. As much as I would like to, we simply cannot feed and water the entire kingdom.
GAIUS Surely the people have a right to be protected.
AGRAVAINE I would be putting Camelot in danger. Starvation, disease. You of all people must understand, Gaius. The gates will remain shut until we are free of the evil that plagues us.
[Seeing no alternative, Gaius turns to leave.]
AGRAVAINE Now, gentlemen, where were we? [?] reason to-
GWEN My lords.
[The councilmen stare at her.]
GWEN May I be granted permission to address the court?
AGRAVAINE Guinevere.
[Agravaine makes an inviting gesture and she steps up to the table.]
GWEN Prince Arthur taught me long ago that every citizen of Camelot is important. He would never stand by and let them suffer. He would help them if he could, and we must do the same.
AGRAVAINE I feel the pain as much as you, but we don't have a choice. If we keep letting people in, our food will run out within days.
GWEN You are wrong.
[The councilmen stare at Gwen.]
AGRAVAINE Perhaps you would enlighten me.
GWEN Those outside the gates are landowners, farmers. For days the refugees have been bartering their wares with the townsfolk in return for the safety of their hearths. They bring with them far more than they take.
AGRAVAINE But how long before these wares run out?
GWEN Three days ago, Prince Arthur embarked on a quest to rid us of these creatures. At worst, we have another three before he reaches his goal. Or do you think he will fail?
AGRAVAINE Of course not.
GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH Sire, she's right.
AGRAVAINE Very well. Reopen the gates.
Everyone erupts into cheers and Gwen blushes. "Brilliant Gwen" Merlin grins at her.
[Gwen curtsies and backs out. Agravaine smiles, then broods.]
[12:33, VALLEY OF THE FALLEN KINGS - MORNING]
[Lancelot wakes to find Merlin gone.]
SIR LANCELOT Merlin. Merlin?!
MERLIN Shh!
[Merlin's standing on a couple of rocks in the stream with a stick and a couple of fish on a string. Lancelot watches Merlin spearing the water with the stick. Merlin stops and holds up the fish.]
MERLIN Breakfast.
"Oh I'm so glad to see you looking better." Gwen sighed in relief.
SIR LANCELOT Merlin, what...? Why are you...?
MERLIN What?
SIR LANCELOT You're meant to be...dying.
MERLIN Sorry. Here.
[Merlin hands him the spearing stick.]
SIR LANCELOT What's that for?
MERLIN You look like you're going to fall over.
[Lancelot swings the stick at Merlin. Merlin ducks.]
MERLIN Yeah, not as quick as Arthur.
SIR LANCELOT Oh yeah?
MERLIN Come on. We need to catch up with the others.
[Merlin takes the stick and starts walking toward the horses.]
SIR LANCELOT No. You're going back to Camelot.
MERLIN You might be.
SIR LANCELOT Merlin.
MERLIN Say hello to Gaius for me!
SIR LANCELOT Merlin!
Lancelot shook his head "Now I understand how Arthur feels."
"I'm not that bad," Merlin argued
"You've got no sense of self-preservation."
"Neither does Arthur!"
"So you're both hopeless then," Gwaine concluded
[Merlin stops and turns around. Lancelot picks up his cloak and sword.]
MERLIN Arthur can't finish this without us.
SIR LANCELOT Arthur's right about you. You don't ever do as you're told.
MERLIN Nope.
Merlin grinned "I never will. And lucky for you I don't if I did you'd have died ages ago."
[13:31, STREAM IN THE WOODS - MORNING]
[Arthur and the knights wash off the Gaia berries in the stream.]
SIR LEON They need to rest, sire. Even Gwaine's gone quiet.
"Am I the butt of every joke?"
"Yes." All the other knights said in unison.
ARTHUR Sounds like a good reason to keep going.
[13:48, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY]
[Agravaine rides through the woods. Morgana broods in a chair by the fire.]
AGRAVAINE My lady?
[Agravaine enters.]
MORGANA What news of the mighty Camelot?
AGRAVAINE As we planned. The city's falling to rack and ruin.
MORGANA And Arthur?
AGRAVAINE Last we heard, he'd made it past Aelbeth.
MORGANA Will we never be rid of him?
AGRAVAINE Patience, my lady. Even if he makes it to the Isle, the outcome will still be the same.
MORGANA Then what brings you here so early?
[Morgana watches Agravaine.]
MORGANA Something's wrong.
AGRAVAINE A minor irritant. Guinevere. She takes it upon herself to speak out against me.
MORGANA She's dangerous.
AGRAVAINE Well, she's a servant. A spirited one, perhaps, but a servant nonetheless.
MORGANA No, you're wrong.
[Morgana stands up, provoked.]
MORGANA I have dreamt the future and, in it, that servant sits upon my throne. I would rather drown in my own blood than see that day.
None were surprised by that revelation. It was easy to see how Arthur felt and Guinevere would make a wonderful queen they were sure of it.
"I'd be more than happy to help her with drowning in her own blood," Percival said glaring at the woman before him. He had no sympathy for the woman, not after all the bodies he'd seen all the death she'd wrought.
AGRAVAINE Then we must make sure it never comes.
MORGANA I couldn't agree more. We must make sure she never sees another dawn.
Arthur looked shocked. Not only was Morgana going after Camelot but targeting Gwen just because they were in love. He felt a pain in his heart. No. No he couldn't do that to her, he couldn't put her in danger like that.
Merlin was watching him but Arthur shook his head firmly at his servant. It was not up for discussion. This was his choice.
Elyan was pissed. If he ever met Agravaine he was going to run him through.
[15:07, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gwen tends to Uther.]
UTHER Where's Arthur?
GWEN I am unsure.
UTHER Where is he?
GWEN The prince is on a hunting trip, sire.
UTHER When will he be back?
GWEN In a few days. Is there something you need?
[Uther shakes his head in his dreamy state. Gwen leaves him to find Agravaine leaning on Uther's table.]
AGRAVAINE Your devotion to the king is most impressive. There is something I would like to discuss. I wish to apologize. Yesterday I feel I let the prince down. I am grateful that you spoke out.
GWEN I did not mean to be discourteous, my lord.
AGRAVAINE Well, you weren't. Not in the least.
[Agravaine smiles.]
AGRAVAINE Gwen, if you would permit, I would be grateful to seek your advice.
[Gwen's jaw drops.]
AGRAVAINE You understand the people.
GWEN I am not sure I-
AGRAVAINE If nothing else, I know that you will be honest with me.
[Gwen smiles at the truth of that statement.]
AGRAVAINE It's not appropriate to talk now. Perhaps...this evening. You could come to my chambers.
[Gwen starts to protest.]
AGRAVAINE Please, Guinevere, these are dark times. I'm gonna need help if I'm to guide us through them.
GWEN Very well.
[Agravaine smiles.]
AGRAVAINE Thank you.
[Gwen smiles back as Gaius enters. Agravaine exits.]
GAIUS Is everything all right?
GWEN Yes. He wishes to speak with me later. I think he means to seek my council.
[Gaius nods. Gwen smiles as she exits. Gaius watches her leave with pensive concern.]
Elyan was beside his sister watching the scene with worry. "If he even so much as touches you…" Elyan trailed off and Gwen smiled at him.
"I can handle myself."
"Doesn't mean I still won't kill him."
[16:56, HUNTER'S LODGE - EVENING]
[Merlin and Lancelot ride up to a lodge in the woods. They enter to find animals hanging from the ceiling.]
SIR LANCELOT Hello?
[They find the hunter sitting dead at his own table. They lie him down and cover him with a blanket.]
MERLIN We can't stay here.
SIR LANCELOT There's nowhere else, Merlin. We'll make a fire. It will keep us safe and dry. And there's more than enough fuel to get us through the night.
MERLIN Yep. Bel onbryne.
[Merlin starts a fire in the grate.]
MERLIN I'm not entirely useless, you know.
"We don't think you're useless." Percival couldn't help but speak up.
"Yeah." Gwaine added "Even before we knew you had magic you were never useless."
Merlin felt himself blush and he ducked his head bashfully.
[CAMELOT- EVENING]
[Morgana magically opens a gate outside Camelot and carries a torch as she climbs the stairs into the city.]
GUARD 1 (distant) Get the other side.
GUARD 2 (distant) Yes, sir.
[Morgana continues down a dark corridor.]
GUARD 3 Halt.
[Morgana throws the guard to his death without speaking or turning around.]
Arthur looked at Merlin "Do you think you can put up some wards so that Morgana can't just waltz into Camelot whenever she pleases?"
"I'll need to do some research but I might be able to figure out something." Merlin had never smiled wider than he did then. Arthur had asked him to use his magic, it was like the yule had come early.
[18:52, AGRAVAINE'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gwen sits at the table as Agravaine pours her a glass of wine.]
AGRAVAINE But do the people feel safe?
[Gwen remains silent.]
AGRAVAINE You can speak honestly.
GWEN No, they do not.
AGRAVAINE Go on.
GWEN They're frightened. Night after night, they've seen their friends, their parents, their children all snatched cruelly from them and they don't know who will be next.
AGRAVAINE What can I do to reassure them?
GWEN Show courage. Shutting the gates last night told them you were as terrified as they were. It's like a horse and its rider. If the people sense your fear, they will not trust you.
"That's genuinely good advice, even if he is lying, you'll make a wonderful queen." Merlin smiled ignoring Arthur's hidden glare. He was not going to let Arthur be a protective prat when it will only hurt himself and Gwen more.
AGRAVAINE I am grateful for your advice.
[Agravaine stands behind her and places his hands on her chair back.]
AGRAVAINE You have a wise head on your shoulders, Guinevere.
[Agravaine leans forward and rests his arms on the back of her chair and Gwen starts getting creeped out. Agravaine reaches his fingers slightly forward as if to touch her (strangle her?), then thinks better of it and takes his arms off the chair back.]
"What a creep. No offense Arthur."
"Believe me, none taken. He is as much my family as Morgana is, which is to say not at all. I have no love in my heart for someone who would destroy innocent lives for power."
AGRAVAINE I've kept you long enough.
[Gwen stands eagerly.]
GWEN And I must see to the king.
AGRAVAINE Don't concern yourself with that. I will ensure he's well looked after.
[Agravaine precedes her to the door and opens it for her.]
AGRAVAINE It has been a long day. I'll have my guards walk you safely home.
[The guards appear outside the door.]
GWEN Thank you.
[Gwen curtsies and he steps aside to let her exit. He closes the door with a brooding look.]
[20:22, STREETS OF CAMELOT - NIGHT]
[The guards carry torches as they escort Gwen home. Morgana watches them from above.]
MORGANA Hleap on baec.
[Morgana raises her arm and throws Gwen and the guards backwards. Morgana smirks at her unconscious victims.]
"No, the Dorocha." Merlin looked at Gwen with worry. Elyan grabbed her hand. Arthur wished to hold her, but he abstained.
[20:47, WOODS - NIGHT]
[Arthur and the knights sit and stand guard around a campfire. Elyan approached Arthur on watch.]
SIR ELYAN Seen anything?
[Arthur shakes his head.]
SIR ELYAN Do you know what we're going to face on the Isle of the Blessed?
[Arthur nods.]
SIR ELYAN Do you want to tell me?
ARTHUR The burden's mine and mine to bear alone.
SIR ELYAN Look around, Arthur.
[Elyan motions for Arthur to look at the nights around the campfire.]
SIR ELYAN We would fight a thousand armies with our bare hands for you. We're never alone. We stand together. Come on, I'll take over.
Merlin and Gwen both smiled at Elyan glad for what he had said. Arthur too was grateful for the words though they only made him that much more certain of his choice to sacrifice himself.
[He reaches his hand out to take Arthur's torch.]
SIR ELYAN You need some rest.
[Arthur hands him the torch and puts a hand on Elyan's shoulder.]
ARTHUR Thank you.
[Arthur pats Elyan on the back as he walks toward the campfire. Then they all hear Dorocha and gather close the fire.]
[22:01, UTHER'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gaius enters to find Uther asleep on top of the bed sheets and no candles lit.]
GAIUS Gwen?
[22:14, STREETS OF CAMELOT - NIGHT]
[Gaius walks down the street carrying a torch.]
GAIUS Gwen?
[Gaius hears a Dorocha as he approaches Gwen's house and finds a frozen-faced guard. Then he sees Gwen lying near the guard. Gaius checks Gwen's face; she's still warm. A Dorocha charges Gaius from behind, but he fends it off with the torch.]
"Gaius you have impeccable timing, thank you." Gwen sighed in relief and Elyan squeezed her hand tightly within his.
"I'm just glad that you're alright."
[23:19, HUNTER'S LODGE - NIGHT]
MERLIN You don't have to continue on this journey with me, you know.
SIR LANCELOT (chuckles) Try and stop me.
[Lancelot leans forward and pours Merlin another drink.]
MERLIN Why? Because you're a knight, you feel honour bound?
"Becuase your my friend."
"That's not the only reason." Merlin mumbled looking at the knight sadly.
SIR LANCELOT You wouldn't understand. It doesn't make any sense to me either.
MERLIN Gwen?
SIR LANCELOT I made her a vow I would keep Arthur safe.
MERLIN You don't have to worry. I'll keep him safe.
SIR LANCELOT I made a vow, Merlin.
Gwen suddenly gasped She placed a hand over her mouth looking at Lancelot. She seemed to be the only one to catch on to his subtle words.
MERLIN Do you still think about her?
SIR LANCELOT No. Arthur's...a better man than me.
MERLIN I'm sorry.
SIR LANCELOT Why? He loves her and...she's happy.
Arthur was at a loss for words. He looked at Lancelot who skillfully avoided his gaze glaring at Merlin. His eyes moved to Gwen and her eyes were… glistening, she did not once glance his way. It irked him, but oddly he wasn't angry at them but at himself for not seeing it. Sure he'd thought maybe… this was far too confusing. He loved Gwen but did he really have her heart or was he just playing second fiddle? He didn't know how to ask and he was partly sure he wouldn't like the answer.
[24:30, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gaius tends to Gwen's head wound as she lies on a sickbed.]
GWEN I remember the guards walking me to my door. And then...nothing.
GAIUS Just a surface wound. You were very lucky.
GWEN Everyone talks about the coldness, but I don't feel cold at all.
GAIUS You weren't attacked by the Dorocha, Gwen.
GWEN Then what? Gaius?
GAIUS I fear someone wanted to do you harm.
GWEN Why?
GAIUS I don't know.
GWEN Well, surely if they did, they'd have done a better job.
GAIUS Maybe. But cold-blooded murder is suspicious. Better to leave you to the Dorocha.
"I'm going to kill Agravaine." Elyan mumbled under his breath.
[25:17, HUNTER'S LODGE - NIGHT]
[The candles and fire are all blown out as Merlin and Lancelot sleep. Merlin senses a Dorocha slip by and wakes up. The Dorocha charges.]
MERLIN Lancelot!
[Merlin throws the last of his alcohol into the dying grate fire and it bursts into flames in front of the Dorocha allowing Merlin and Lancelot to run outside into the pitch dark.]
MERLIN (dragon tongue) O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd 'hup' anankes!
[The Dorocha chases them through the dark woods until a fireball shoots out of the sky and gets rid of them. Lancelot draws his sword, stunned by the appearance of the dragon. Kilgharrah flames another Dorocha and lands in front of them in a clearing. Lancelot steps forward to strike the dragon, but Merlin holds out a hand to stop him.]
"At least this time around I won't be as shocked."
"Hopefully this time around this won't happen." Leon corrected and Lancelot nodded.
Merlin wondered if they really could avoid all of this. He knew what it was like to see the future. He had not been able to avoid it then, could they still avoid it now?
MERLIN It's alright. It's alright.
[Merlin looks up at Kilgharrah and gives him a little bow.]
MERLIN Thank you.
KILGHARRAH (angry) Who is your friend?
SIR LANCELOT I'm Lancelot.
KILGHARRAH Of course. Sir Lancelot, the bravest and most noble of them all.
The knights all whistled and yelled "Hear Hear!" Lancelot blushed and hit them off.
SIR LANCELOT I'm not sure that's true.
KILGHARRAH We shall see. For now, there are more pressing things at hand. The Dorocha cannot be allowed to remain in this world. The sundered veil must be restored.
SIR LANCELOT We're on our way to the Isle of the Blessed to help Arthur heal it.
KILGHARRAH Indeed. But at what price?
MERLIN I know that the spirit world demands a sacrifice.
KILGHARRAH It demands nothing. It is the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world who asks such a price.
MERLIN And there is no other way?
KILGHARRAH There is not.
MERLIN Arthur intends to sacrifice himself to heal the veil. It is my destiny to protect him; you taught me that.
KILGHARRAH Merlin, you must not do this.
MERLIN Then I have no choice. I must take his place.
KILGHARRAH From the moment I met you, I saw something that was invisible. Now it is there for all to see.
MERLIN A lot of what you see, old friend, is what you taught me.
"Even after all he's done?" Arthur asked
"Yeah. I mean I'll never truly forgive him for the lives he took, but you've no idea how many times he's saved my life and yours and Uther's, even though he did not wish too. He believes in Albion and he believes in me, even when I don't always believe in myself."
Arthur looked at Merlin and he could understand where he was coming from. It was sort of like how he felt for his father.
KILGHARRAH It will be an empty world without you, young warlock.
The knights all looked toward Merlin sadness in their eyes. The Dragon's words rang true in their hearts for they could not imagine their lives without Merlin. Arthur most of all.
[Kilgharrah gives Merlin an affectionate look and then flies off.]
[28:35, WOODS - MORNING]
SIR LANCELOT When we get to the Isle of the Blessed, do you really intend to sacrifice yourself?
MERLIN What do you want me to say?
SIR LANCELOT I look at you and I wonder about myself. Would I knowingly give up my life for something?
MERLIN You have to have a reason. Something you care about. Something that's more important than anything.
"You really care for Arthur that much?" Gwen asked
Merlin looked at said Prince and nodded "I really do. After all the effort I've put in to keep him alive, How can I just let him die." It was a weak jest meant to cover up his feelings for Arthur but the emotion in his voice was real.
Gwen found herself wondering the same thing as Lancelot. Could she knowingly give up her life for Arthur. She'd like to think she could. She knew in the heat of the moment definitely, but planning it, knowing in your heart you were walking to your death. That took more courage and love.
[Merlin nudges his horse into a gallop. Lancelot thinks for a moment before following. They stop at the top of a hill and find smoke rising from another abandoned fortress ahead.]
SIR LANCELOT Looks like someone beat us to it.
MERLIN Bandits?
[Lancelot tilts his head as a "Maybe."]
MERLIN Think we'll make it before nightfall?
SIR LANCELOT There's only one way to find out. Ya!
[They gallop towards the fortress.]
[29:43, FORTRESS - NIGHT]
[Arthur and the knights sit around a campfire. Gwaine takes off his boots and proceeds to take off his socks. Elyan and Leon gag at the smell.]
SIR EYLAN Has something died?
SIR GWAINE Why am I always the butt?
SIR LEON Can't think.
[Leon and Elyan get up and join Percival and Arthur on the other side of the campfire.]
SIR GWAINE Pick on Percival.
"Hey!" Percival looked over at Gwaine frowning. Gwaine just grinned back.
SIR PERCIVAL Why me?
SIR ELYAN He washes.
Everyone laughed except Gwaine.
SIR LEON And he doesn't set fire to his socks.
SIR GWAINE Ugh! No!
"I bet that made the smell so much better" Merlin teased
"Oh come on, even you Merlin." Gwaine pouted but he had to force the small quirk of his lips down.
[Gwaine snatches his socks from the fire and tries to put them out. The other knights grin.]
ARTHUR Quiet.
[They hear a gate open in the distance and draw their swords, including barefoot Gwaine. They hold their defensive stance until Lancelot steps into the light.]
ARTHUR Lancelot? How's Merlin?
SIR LANCELOT Bad news. He's still alive.
"Lancelot!" Gwen chastised the man.
"Couldn't help it, it was too easy."
[Lancelot grins and steps aside as Merlin enters. Arthur chuckles in relief.]
SIR ELYAN Merlin!
[Hugs all around. Arthur shakes hands with Lancelot and gives Merlin a shoulder squeeze.]
ARTHUR Good to see you, Merlin.
MERLIN Yeah. It's good to see you too.
"Honestly can't you two just hug like us normal men?" Gwaine shook his head at the two.
[31:03, Merlin and Arthur eat as they lounge by the fire while the others sleep.]
MERLIN It's going to be fine. Everything will be alright.
Leon wondered how he could have ever doubted Merlin. Merlin could talk to the Prince the way the rest of them couldn't. The boy had seen Arthur at his worst, at his most vulnerable and had never once left his side.
One thing was for sure. No matter what they saw from here on out, he could never again doubt Merlin. He had truly earned his place of trust inside Leon's heart.
ARTHUR I'm just tired.
MERLIN You don't have to sacrifice yourself.
ARTHUR To save my people.
MERLIN I will take your place.
ARTHUR (shakes head) Merlin.
MERLIN What is the life of a servant compared to that of a prince?
ARTHUR Well, a good servant's hard to come by.
MERLIN I'm not that good.
ARTHUR True.
ARTHUR One thing. Look after Guinevere, I want her to be happy in her life. She deserves that.
And Arthur did truly believe that. As he watched Guinevere look at Lance and Lance look at Gwen. Why did it have to be so hard?
MERLIN Don't worry. I'll make sure.
[32:12, SEAS OF MEREDOR - MORNING]
ARTHUR The Isle of the Blessed.
[They take the ferryman's boat to the isle and hear some screeching along the way.]
[32:47, ISLE OF THE BLESSED - DAY]
[They step onto the isle and the screeching gets louder.]
SIR LEON What is that?
[They all draw their swords.]
SIR GWAINE I really hope I'm wrong.
[A wyvern flies down at them.]
ARTHUR Wyvern!
[More wyverns attack. Percival falls to the ground as he gets slashed.]
SIR PERCIVAL You're right!
[Merlin crouches down to hide his face and whispers.]
MERLIN (dragon tongue) (whisper) s'enthend' apakhorein nun epello!
[Merlin stands up, his eyes glow, and the wyverns fly off.]
"You are going to be so handy to have around now that you don't have to hide your magic, can you do that with Wilddeoren?"
"Not exactly." Merlin laughed
SIR GWAINE See? That's how you deal with them.
ARTHUR We need to keep moving.
[They enter another passage and more wyverns fly overhead.]
SIR LEON Sire, you must go on! We'll fend them off!
[Leon, Percival, and Elyan remain outside to handle the wyverns.]
SIR GWAINE Good luck.
[33:55, ISLE OF THE BLESSED ALTAR - DAY]
[Arthur leads Merlin, Gwaine, and Lancelot toward the altar stone. Gwaine is the only one who doesn't understand what the others are all planning to do.]
CAILLEACH It is not often we have visitors.
ARTHUR Put an end to this. I demand you heal the tear between the two worlds.
CAILLEACH It was not I who created this horror. Why should it be I that stops it?
MERLIN Because innocent people are dying.
CAILLEACH Indeed.
[Cailleach laughs maniacally. Gwaine screams and charges at her with his sword raised. She throws him back with magic, knocking him out.]
"How can she just laugh at such suffering?"
"She's not human Guinevere," Gaius said, "She's the gatekeeper to the spirit world, to her death is not a tragedy it is an eventuality."
CAILLEACH Is this the best you can do?
ARTHUR I know what you want.
CAILLEACH Do you? And are you willing to let me have it?
ARTHUR I'm prepared to pay whatever price is necessary.
[Cailleach motions for Arthur to come to her. Arthur walks determinedly toward her.]
MERLIN (whisper) Forb fleoghe.
[Merlin's spell stops Arthur and throws him backwards, knocking him unconscious. Cailleach looks at Merlin and they both approach the altar stone.]
"MERLIN"
"I'm saving you!"
CAILLEACH So, Emrys, you choose to challenge me after all. Will you give yourself to the spirits to save your prince?
MERLIN It is my destiny.
CAILLEACH Perhaps. But your time among men is not yet over, Emrys, even if you want it to be.
[Merlin is confused. The Cailleach looks at the tear in the veil with a sad expression and Merlin follows her gaze. Lancelot is standing at the brink. He looks back at Merlin with a smile and then looks at the Veil and bravely smiles, he then walks into the shrieking veil and dissipates.]
Merlin looked horrified, and he wasn't the only one the rest of the knights were just staring at the screen like they couldn't believe what had happened.
Lancelot was not surprised. Hew knew from the moment Merlin made his decision that he could never let it happen. Not only for Merlin but for Gwen, always for Gwen. He felt sort of numb to it all. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to feel sad or depressed but he just felt steady. He had no regrets.
MERLIN No! No! No! No!
[The veil closes.]
MERLIN N-no.
[Merlin stands alone horror stricken with the unconscious Gwaine and Arthur.]
[37:11, COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MAIN COURTYARD - DAY]
[Arthur enters a full court. Arthur places a Camelot cape and sword on a pyre in the courtyard.]
ARTHUR (voice over) I want to pay tribute to Sir Lancelot. We owe him a great debt. It is not just his deed that we'll never forget. It's his courage. His compassion.
[Merlin brings Arthur a torch for the pyre.]
ARTHUR (voice over) His unselfish heart.
[The Knights of the round table look on devastated, Arthur tosses the torch on the pyre. Arthur continues to address the court in the council chambers.]
ARTHUR He was the most noble knight I'll ever know. He gave his life for all of us.
[Gwen cries as she watches the pyre burning. The sword begins to steam in the flames, Merlin and the Knights looks on heartbroken. Arthur takes Gwen's hand.]
GWEN He didn't sacrifice himself for Camelot. I asked him to look after you and he promised me with his life. He was true to his word.
[Arthur thinks over what she just said, then places a comforting hand on her shoulder and leaves her by the pyre. Gwen continues to weep by the pyre, alone in the courtyard.]
Lancelot felt his heart swell, to know how he'd be missed it touched him deeply. He had truly found a home.
Gwen was sobbing. Her tears increasing as it went on and she turned from the memory. "I'm sorry… I just…" She shook her head and vanished leaving them to finish the memory on their own.
Arthur listened to Gwen as she spoke and he made up his mind. He'd speak to her as soon as the memory ended.
[39:32, MORGANA'S HOVEL - DAY]
[Morgana screams and smashes some of her possessions.]
AGRAVAINE Arthur was lucky.
MORGANA And Guinevere?
AGRAVAINE It was only by chance that Gaius found her.
MORGANA No, you're wrong. We were not thwarted by luck, it was Emrys!
AGRAVAINE Emrys?
MORGANA The Cailleach warned me about him. She said he was my destiny and my doom. It was he that thwarted us, I'm sure of it.
AGRAVAINE So what's to be done?
MORGANA As long as he exists, I will never gain what is rightfully mine.
[Morgana turns to Agravaine.]
MORGANA You must help me find this Emrys. And destroy him.
[Morgana steps away and Agravaine takes in a breath.]
[40:21, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Merlin hears the physician's chamber door open as he sits in his room.]
AGRAVAINE Gaius.
GAIUS How can I be of assistance?
AGRAVAINE You're a man of great knowledge and wisdom.
GAIUS (scoffs) Knowledge, perhaps.
AGRAVAINE Have you ever come across a sorcerer called Emrys?
[Gaius pauses and Merlin listens at the door.]
GAIUS No. Doesn't sound familiar.
AGRAVAINE Hm. Well, if you do hear mention of the name.
[Agravaine turns to leave.]
GAIUS I'll be sure to tell you.
AGRAVAINE It will not go unrewarded.
[Agravaine chuckles on his way out. Merlin comes out of his bed chamber.]
GAIUS There's only one person who could've heard that name. Morgana. We know her powers are growing. She, too, must have seen the Cailleach.
MERLIN (shakes head) But Agravaine...
GAIUS I suspect he's not as virtuous as he seems. And, don't forget, he has every reason to despise Uther. We must beware, Merlin. Morgana can never know the truth. She must never know who you really are.
The memory drew to a close leaving only silence in it's wake. Arthur left them presumably to go find Gwen. Lancelot wanted to follow but he told himself that ti wasn't a good idea, hadn't he said already that he'd leave them be and just be happy for them… even so it hurt.
Merlin put a hand on his shoulder.
Arthur found Gwen sitting on a stone her tears were gone but their were streaks on her face left from them. To see her in such sorrow made his heart squeeze painfully. He took a seat beside her and they stayed there in silence.
"I'm sorry. I just needed a moment."
"It's alright Gwen. I understand."
"I don't think you do, even I don't."
"No I do." Arthur looked at her his face serious but gentle. "I know of your feelings for Lancelot-"
"Arthur" Gwen tried to interrupt but Arthur stopped her words.
"I'm not angry. I thought I would be but I'm not. How can I be, I know that what you feel for me is true but I also know that maybe what you feel for Lancelot is stronger. Gwen.. what I'm trying to say is I want yu to be happy if thats what you feel with Lancelot then I want to be with him."
"I love you"
"I know but you've never had the option of being with Lance. Now that you do is that what you truly want?"
"I don't know." Gwen sobbed
"I don't want o make you cry I just want you to be sure and if you are then I'll be happy for you. But I want you to be honest with me. I can't handle any more lies."
Gwen wanted to say with all honesty that she loved Arthur and wanted to be with him but then there was Lancelot. The man who had just died for her, who'd given his life so she could be happy with a man that wasn't him. Could she turly be happy with Arthur if Lancelot was still around? Could she? She just didn't know. It was that doubt that made her cry harder.
Arthur waited for her to dry her tears "Just think on it. And I will too."
Gwen nodded unable to speak as her breath came out in shuddered gasps and her shoulders continued to shake. Arthur put his hand on her arm for a moment before he left.
He joined the others, Gwen, slowly after that. They didn't speak of what had happened and no one asked.
AN: Ok guys I leave you wtih a choice. Do you want Arthur/Gwen or Merthur? I honestly love both ships so I'm ok with either choice. If it goes Merthur it'll be a slow burn Arthur will need time and Gwen and Lancelot won't get together right away either.
I prefer Merthur a bit more. If I don't get any answers that's what I'll go with.
What other ships do you guys have maybe I can slip those in too. I want to hear your opinions, please!